“Is shifting spontaneous or can you control it?”
“I can control it, but I had to learn how. We develop our shifting ability during puberty, and at first it’s very spontaneous, which means we have a rougher adolescence than human kids.”
“No kidding!”
“Each of us reacted differently, of course. For some the stress of a big test would bring on a shift. For me it was females, especially the beautiful ones.” He winked at her. “I outgrew it. Just FYI so you’re not insulted because I didn’t spontaneously shift once I got you naked.”
“That would have terrified me.”
“Understandably so. But I’m not dangerous to you. I hope you believe that.”
She nodded, although if he changed into a wolf right in front of her, she might still scream. “Did you go to a special school so no one would notice when you suddenly sprouted hair?”
“The pack usually homeschools young Weres for a couple of years until we get the hang of how to manage our shifts.”
She became conscious of staring at him the way she might stare at an alien who’d stepped out of a spaceship. That was rude, and she glanced away. “Do you ever wish . . .” She paused, thinking even her question was rude. “Never mind.”
“That I wasn’t a werewolf?”
She met his gaze. “Do you?”
“Never.”
“Why not? Wouldn’t life be easier if you weren’t?”
“Maybe in some ways, but it wouldn’t be a good trade-off. You already know about our built-in birth control. Our immune system is far superior to a human’s, and my sensory perception is wolflike, even in human form. I don’t know if a guy with normal twenty-twenty eyesight would have seen that bear from across the lake. I used binoculars to make a positive ID, but I didn’t really need them.”
“Okay, what else?”
“Stamina.”
“You mean like for running and stuff?” Sexual excitement curled low in her belly.
“Yeah. Running and . . . stuff.” His eyes lit with amusement.
“You’re flirting again.”
“Just answering your question.”
“And implying something about your staying power, I might add.”
“You can interpret it any way you like.” He leaned forward and pinned her with a look. “The truth is, I’m big and I’m strong, which isn’t bragging on my part, because most Were males are. So the answer is no, I wouldn’t trade places with a human male and give up the advantages I’ve inherited. I’m grateful to be Were.”
Once again, she hesitated to ask something he might consider too personal.
“Rachel, I can see the questions in your eyes. I said you could ask me anything, and you can. I won’t be offended.”
“What’s it like to shift?”
Leaning his forearms on his knees, he let his big hands dangle between them as he stared at the floor.
“See, I have offended you.”
“Not at all.” When he lifted his head, his eyes glowed. “I was trying to think how to explain it in a way that wouldn’t sound too sappy. But it’s like being reborn. My human body stretches and transforms into a powerful animal with more grace and presence than I will ever have looking like this.”
Personally she had trouble imagining how anything could improve him. His broad shoulders stretched the cotton seams of his green shirt in a most impressive way, and his worn jeans lovingly hugged his taut thighs. He had the narrow hips of a well-conditioned athlete and the strong neck and square jaw of Superman. His black hair was so glossy it seemed almost blue in the light from the midnight sun coming through the window.
“So you like shifting, then?”
“Love it. What a rush. And then, if I can go for a run afterward and give those muscles a workout, there’s nothing like it.” He glanced at her with another half smile. “Almost nothing.”
He sure did have the ability to make her juices flow. One look, one tiny smile, one suggestive remark, and her motor revved. But all this discussion of his prowess put her somewhat in awe of him.
She wanted him more than ever, but he was used to having sex with Weres. They’d possess all the characteristics he did and would probably be a better match. They’d be able to keep up, whereas she hadn’t even done well in gym class.
Facing him, she cleared her throat. “Maybe I should tell you a little bit about me.”
“I’d love that.”
“In school I had a reputation for being nerdy and quiet. I wasn’t into sports because, frankly, I’m not that coordinated. I spent most of my time either reading or roaming around outside looking for interesting animals to draw. Once I was old enough to learn carving from Grandpa Ike, I’d lose myself in that.”
Jake nodded. “It’s your gift.”
“All that is to say that I’m not a great physical specimen. I’m probably not up to your—”
“Hold it right there. Apparently you weren’t listening when I said that ever since I saw you in Ted’s store, I’ve wanted you with the heat of a thousand suns.”
“Yes, but—”
“But nothing.” He stood, all six foot and several inches of him. “In the three years I’ve been dreaming about you, I’ve tried my damnedest to get interested in Were females. I even took one of them to bed. She was magnificent—athletic, coordinated, tireless.”
“That’s what I’m saying! I’m none of those things!”
He came around the coffee table and walked toward her. “Maybe not, but you’re Rachel, the most talented, beautiful creature I’ve ever met. Knowing we have no future tears me up inside. But that doesn’t stop me from wanting you in every way I can think of having you.”
Her heart beat so fast she thought she might pass out.
He stood inches away but didn’t touch her. “I want my mouth on every inch of your skin. I want my tongue dipping into all your secret nooks and crannies.”
She gulped for air.
“I want my cock in your mouth and sliding between your breasts, but mostly I want to sink it deep inside that hot, juicy channel that leads to your womb. And then I want to stroke you until you’re wild with pleasure and begging for release. Then I’ll watch the fire in your eyes as you come.”
She gazed up at him, mute and trembling, her pulse hammering like bongos.
“So you see, Rachel . . .” He reached out and traced a finger across her quivering lower lip. “You don’t have to be anything more than you already are to be everything I’ve always wanted.” He took a deep breath. “Now, will you please come into the bedroom?”
With a supreme effort, she forced her vocal cords to deliver the only response any sane woman could possibly have to an invitation like that. “Hell, yes.”
Chapter 13
Jake had never waited so long or worked so hard to seduce a female. But to be fair, he’d spent three years focused on
Because he didn’t expect to have another night like this, he decided he’d be wise to weave in all the fantasies that had swirled through his fevered brain for three years. That meant beginning differently from the way he’d approached her in the kitchen. Then he’d been so overwhelmed by the prospect of having her, so intoxicated by the scent and feel of her, that he’d rushed it.
“I have a favor to ask.” His voice, rasping in the stillness of the bedroom, revealed his burning lust and just
