Wolf Creek Sheriff (Texas Pack 4) (Prequel) (Wolf Creek Shapeshifters) by Jo Ellen Page B

his arms around her and flipped them, placing him on the bottom, still hard enough that he didn’t slip out.
    Stephanie lay sprawled on his chest, breathing heavily.
    “Sit up baby, you need to see this,” Colin said as he pushed on her shoulders.
    “Don’t wanna,” she muttered against his skin.
    He took her shoulders and pushed until she was up, slowing opening her eyes.
    “Oh my God! What is that?” She exclaimed in awe.
    Colin lay back with his arms crossed under his head. “It’s us. Our souls tying together and joining us as one.”
    “It’s so pretty. It reminds me of the embers that fly around a camp fire,” she said as she watched the firelight show.
    Colin knew the stories about what happened when you mated, but a story was nothing compared to the actual thing.
    The lights danced around their bodies before slowing down and circling, almost as if tying them together before landing against their skin and vanishing.
    “Cool.” She had no more words.
    Her body jiggled when he laughed, although it quickly turned in to a moan of appreciation when she leaned forward to kiss him.
    “Hi mate.” She smiled.
    “Mine,” he growled.

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    S itting at the big piece of oak he called a kitchen table, they devoured their sandwiches. He’d pulled his jeans on while she used his T-shirt as a short dress.
    She cleared her throat. “So the bite marks me as your mate, but doesn’t change me physically.”
    After taking a sip, he answered. “Well, it does change you somewhat. Any other shifter will recognize you as mine now. But when you’re ready, we can go down to the pond.”
    Looking out the kitchen window, she couldn’t see much except that it was really dark. “What time is it?”
    His phone lay on the table and he tapped the side button. “Almost 3 a.m. Why?”
    She nibbled on her nail before blurting, “I want to go now.”
    He stared at her intently. “Are you sure baby? This is what you want?”
    Nodding adamantly. “Yes, it is. We’re mates, this is my life now.” Her eyes widened. “Oh God, I’m gonna be a shifter and I can’t tell my best friend.” She sniffed a little.
    Colin scooted his chair closer and wrapped an arm around her. “I’m sorry, baby. Look at it this way, you’ve gotten married and moved away just like a normal human. We all make life changes and if she is a good a friend as you say, she’ll understand.”
    Stephanie gave a small laugh. “The problem there is that you and I have known each other such a short time, but at least I know I’ll be convincing when I tell her I’ve found my soul mate.” She reached up to cup his cheek. “I love you Colin, and that trumps everything.”
    He sucked in a surprised breath and covered the hand holding his cheek. “I love you too, baby. Don’t worry about your friend, she can still come and visit you. We do know how to behave around humans.” His dimples deepened with a smile.
    Standing, he pulled her up with him. “Come on, it’s a short walk through the woods to the pond and I can’t wait to see your wolf.”
    There was only a crescent moon, which didn’t provide much light but with Colin holding her hand and leading the way, she wasn’t worried about any beasties in the forest.
    She was worried about the actual change though. “Does it hurt?”
    He stopped to reassure her. “Not at all. You use magic to change and magic is natural. The most you’ll feel is a little tingling.”
    She nodded and they moved along the trail until it opened up and she could see the water. The little bit of moon reflected on the surface showed a place of calm reflection as they stood staring at the pond.
    “Strip.” Colin was almost out of his clothes already.
    She looked around and only saw dark woods and the castle on the other side so she assumed her little bit of exhibitionism would go unnoticed.
    Colin guided her into the water with a hand on her lower back before his hand slipped down and squeezed one butt cheek.
    She squeaked