The Wolf Who Loved Her by Kasey Moone Page B

their own accord, his eyes drifted back to the woman’s ass, giving him ample time to reconsider his thoughts. He thought about how she’d worried about his jaw, and grinned. Maybe he should’ve told her that he’d beaten the shit out of the other fella. Maybe that would have put her mind at ease. Shit , he thought, annoyed at his softness. Why concern himself? Human worries were of no importance to him.
    Suddenly the AC rattled, and a waft of her scent hit him like a drug. He took a steadying breath, tried to ignore her powerful aroma, but found it useless. His cock grew rock hard, his balls swelling to full capacity. My God, what was happening to him?
    Compared to his fellow lycans , he was the epitome of control. Calm, cool, and detached. Always the level-headed one in the clan. But the thrill of the recent fight and the scent of the human woman was screwing up his concentration.
    He glared at the bookshelves. How long did it take to find a book? Minutes later she approached the front register, his book in tow. Up close, he stared at the pink gloss on her lips. They were good, kissable lips. Sensing his intense appraisal, she looked up.
    “That’ll be twelve bucks.”
    He tossed her a fifty. “Keep the change.”
    “Excuse me?”
    He tilted his head and slowly repeated his words. “Keep the change.”
    Her eyes narrowed and the vein in her neck ticked. The woman was no push-over. Inside, he smiled in appreciation then stared, wondering what she was going to say next. Most women jumped when a McNeal said jump, even those who knew nothing of his lineage, but this little human had guts.
    “That isn’t necessary, you know.” She snatched the money from the counter. “This isn’t a bar.”
    She deposited the cash in the register and waved the change in his face. Ignoring the money, he leaned in close and bit back a smile when her eyes widened. Unnerving her did wonders to his ego. No matter how hard she played, she wasn’t as immune to his presence as she pretended to be. Her arousal told him as much. Sniffing the air, he grunted and leaned in closer, thrilled by her scent. His cock lengthened, straining against the rough fabric of his jeans.
    He knew his eyes were shining a deep green, revealing the wolf inside, but he couldn’t seem to control himself. The woman called to him—on a primal level.
    The decision was made.
    He’d have to have her. Not tonight, but soon, after she warmed up to him. He’d have to go slow with this little chatterbox. Humans could be a squeamish species. Glancing at the name displayed on her tag, he took the book.
    “Thank you, Joni. I’ll see you soon.”
    “Whatever,” she mumbled just before he reached the door.
    At the reply, he turned and faced her once more, an amused look curving his lips. “ Whatever isn’t the right word for what I imagine, sweetheart.” When her jaw dropped in shock, he opened the door and disappeared into the night.

 
    Chapter Two
     
     
    Joni awoke with a crick in her neck, thinking about the enigmatic stranger from last night. Flipping her bed covers aside, she growled loudly. That’s it. She had to get laid. Soon . Maybe Trichelle could fix her up on a blind date. Her long time friend loved playing matchmaker.
    She yanked her braids up into a ponytail and shuffled towards the kitchen. After chugging down two cups of milk, she dressed and dragged herself downstairs to open up the shop, silently praying for new customers. At the foot of the stairs, she unlocked the double bolt doors and stepped directly into the store.
    Her breathing stuttered as she gazed, horrified. The place was trashed; fallen bookshelves, cracked display cases, serenity posters ripped in two. It was a scene straight out of a disaster movie. Staggering back against the wall, Joni took a calming breath, trying to make sense of the incident.
    Who’d do such a thing? Who’d be so hateful? She didn’t have any enemies. She was a nice sweet girl. These things didn’t happen