Third Time Lucky

but she didn’t believe Harris could create a mate bond with her since he was a different species. Because he’d been content with their arrangement, he hadn’t corrected her. The first time she’d come to him, two years ago, he’d resolved to just enjoy what part of her she was willing to share. He didn’t push. He didn’t make demands. He didn’t come close to taking her the way he wanted to. Why? Because wolves did not mate with wizards.

But then things started to change. First Redhawke’s paladin—their third in command—Liza, the only person on the planet Harris knew of who was half wolf and half witch, had mated with her alpha and beta. It was a year ago now, and even though Liza had always been a part of Redhawke, was seen as more wolf than witch by her pack members, it had made Harris start to think. If that mating could be accepted, why not others? When he’d casually mentioned that to Gabby, she’d stayed away five months. On her return, he’d smelled what remained of a potion he knew werewolf females sometimes used to delay heat. He didn’t bring it up again, but it made him angry and resentful, and he felt ridiculous about it. Who complained about casual, nostrings-attached sex with a hot woman?

“Earth to Harris?”

He realized he was staring at the wall over her head while memories washed through him, and he shifted his gaze to study her face while he went on thinking. Liza had been the first, and her circumstances were special. But then came Harper, a witch looking for sanctuary. It hadn’t taken long before one of Redhawke’s soldiers and its healer had made her theirs. Why couldn’t two witches mated into Redhawke become two witches and a wizard? Harris had stopped thinking about it weeks ago. He knew what he wanted.

“Harris?”

A look crossed her face—something between unease and fear—that made his heart accelerate with anticipation. Let the games begin.

“This isn’t working for me anymore.”

At his words, her expression turned to one of annoyance. “Fine,” she said, straightening.

“I’ll leave.”

“I didn’t say you could leave, darlin’.”

He was as good at spells and potions as the next wizard, but that wasn’t what set him apart.

He used his mind to slam the still-open front door shut and turn the locks. The surprised look on her face was so comical he almost laughed. He did grin, and she gave him a dirty look.

“I had no idea you could do that.”

“Oh, I can do all kinds of things.” Read as much innuendo into that as you like, darlin’.

Small white teeth bit down on her bottom lip. He just managed not to groan, remembering what they felt like on his skin.

“How?”

“Telekinesis.” He took a step forward, and she matched it with one in retreat. “It’s a rare talent, and mine is stronger than most.” Probably the strongest in the world, but she didn’t need to know that yet.

“Can you read minds?” she asked curiously.

“No.”

“And what can you do other than shut and lock doors?” Ah, his curious little wolf. He had her. With a slow shake of his head and fighting a smile, he said, “Let me show you.”

But she didn’t take the hand he held out. “I thought you said this wasn’t working for you anymore.”

She frowned, but her eyes were feverish, and her gaze kept returning to the erection his towel did nothing to hide. The heat was taking over. He used a finger under her chin to lift her face so he could see into those cloudy eyes. Deep and whiskey-colored, they only spoke of lust and need.

He grinned. “Don’t you think we should wait and talk about this later?”

“Oh yes.” She nodded, lust thickening her voice. “Definitely later.” She reached for him, but he stopped her and turned her around. He kept his hands on her shoulders and moved up close behind her, his cock pressed against her ass, as he whispered in her ear, “Wait in the bedroom. You know where it is.”

“Aren’t you coming?”

He slid his hands down her arms to her elbows, moved them to her hips, and held her still while he pushed his pelvis forward. She gasped and tried to get closer. It took all his restraint not to let her.

“Harris.” It was a panted plea, and he let her desire wash over him, a hot, seductive wave.

He knew what she wanted. A casual, undemanding, very vanilla joining. But he was certain that wasn’t what she needed. It might satisfy her body, but it wouldn’t give her the fulfillment she craved in her heart and soul. He wasn’t a telepath—he hadn’t lied about that—but he felt her emotions and most deeply hidden secrets on a psychic level. Secrets she probably didn’t even acknowledge to herself. The only other person Harris could read so well was Ethan, and Harris knew that was because both wolves were his. Ethan accepted that, but not his skittish little she-wolf. She required persuasion, and Harris was ready to use the most sensual kind.

Releasing her, he stepped back and slapped her ass. “Go. I want you waiting naked for me.” He looked down her stocking-clad legs. It was time to make some demands of his own.

“You can keep the shoes on.”

With one last uncertain glance over her shoulder, she moved down the hall and disappeared into his bedroom. He could sense a low-level tension under her confusion. As a high-ranking soldier in Redhawke, her instinct to resist his order was only quelled by the desire flooding her body. He heard a key in the lock behind him and turned as Ethan sauntered in.

Grinning, Ethan looked him over.

“I figured dinner and a movie first, but if you want to skip straight to dessert, I’m game.” Harris rolled his eyes, but it was only a feeble effort to hide his excitement. “Not now.” Ethan shut the door and leaned back against it