Canyon Shadows by Harper Vonna

said, he’s picking up on my tension.”
    “I’m sorry. Damn it, I’m sorry.”
    “You didn’t know that was going to happen.”
    “No, I didn’t.” Shaking his head, he lightly stroked the top of Bruce’s head. “That was an awesome display. One look at those fangs and those blowhards had had enough.”
    “It wasn’t just a display. Both dogs back up their looks with action.”
    “I believe it.”
    For the second time today she touched his shoulder. Unlike before, she put strength behind her grip, born of the emotions swirling through her. Maco had no idea her past was getting in the way. He must believe the men had so unnerved her she’d felt compelled to call on the dogs to protect her. She couldn’t think how to explain she’d been a lot more afraid in the past without risking giving away too much, so she simply ran her fingertips over his shoulder bone.
    After a few seconds, he laid his hand over hers. She wasn’t going to look up at him, she wasn’t! Then why was she staring into his deep eyes while electricity eased through her?
    “I mean it.” His voice was low and rough. “I’d do anything to spare you from going through what just happened. This isn’t your concern.”
    “Don’t. I can take it.”
    He didn’t have to continue to cradle her hand any more than she could justify sliding her fingers over him. But he was and she was and nothing, not even the dogs’ agitated movements, mattered.
    Not even the half-formed thought that had surfaced the moment she’d seen the rifles.
    This man was getting under her skin and reaching places that had gone untouched for too long. Maco belonged surrounded by wild land, powerful equipment, and an ancient river. The same things spoke to her.
    “I don’t know what I’m thinking,” he muttered. His words trailed off, leaving behind the sounds of distant machinery and whining dogs and her beating heart.
    “Neither do I.”
    Countless thoughts bombarded her, but she couldn’t make sense of them. The only thing she knew for sure was that sexual need had come between her and sanity. It rested between her legs, played with her breasts, reached deep inside her.
    “What do you think is happening?” he asked and slid closer.
    Her nerves absorbed the male animal in him and turned her into an animal herself. Just like that, no warning and no logic, she wanted to fuck. Maybe she’d jump his bones. While he stood there shocked, she’d throw herself at him, wrap her arms and legs around his body, and force him to his knees. They’d tumble backwards together. Their clothing would disappear. There’d be no need for protection, just his cock powering into her wet, hot hole.
    Climaxing as one.
    A few days ago she hadn’t known this man existed. Now he dominated her world.
    She didn’t want it any other way. At the same time, feeling as if she’d fallen into a whirlpool terrified her.
    Tucker barked. An instant later Bruce did the same. Tearing her attention off Maco and her swirling emotions, she saw that the dogs were standing on their toes staring at them. Grabbing her upper arms, Maco pushed her back so they could look at each other without their features blurring.
    “What is that about?” Despite the question, his eyes said he wasn’t about to deny what had taken place between them.
    “Shh. It’s all right, guys. It’s all right. I don’t know. Sometimes they sense things I don’t.”
    “Like what? The truck’s gone.”
    “I know.”
    “Damn, are you saying their, whatever it is, might have nothing to do with Roe and his friends? Maybe something closer?”
    Closer. More danger? “That’s possible.”
    “Crap.” Still holding her, he looked around. Perhaps unconsciously, he started rubbing her arms. “Wait. Could they be feeding off you and me?”
    The dogs had lowered their haunches to the ground but were still looking up, their attention fixed on Maco’s hands. “Yes, that’s possible.”
    “They’re protective of you.”
    That was