Wolfe's Mate by Caryn Moya Block Page A

watched it on television. They always make it look easy. The cancer came along about the time my parents were willing to allow me to go to a school dance. Being sick, I never had the opportunity.”
    “You are a natural, ma petit . Just let me lead you.”
     
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    Jared concentrated on the mating bond, following the link back to Esme’s mind. He joined their thoughts, pulling Esme into the connection. He sent her reassurance through the bond and began to dance, leading Esme around the room.
    Through the heartmate bond, they became two pieces of a whole. Jared let the music take them. Esme responded in kind, her steps following his. She looked up at him, her face glowing with happiness, as he twirled her around the room.
    He smiled in return, feeling her joy through their link. When the song ended, they were both breathless and happy. Several onlookers clapped for the two couples on the floor. Jared pulled Esme close to hug her. Being with her gave him such a sense of freedom—freedom to have fun and be Jared the man, instead of Jared the Alpha.
    The next song started, a slow love song. Jared continued to hold Esme close. She put her arms around his neck and played with his hair. He moved her with the music, feeling each word in his heart. How lucky he was to have Esme as his mate. He sent his feelings through the mating bond, swamping Esme with love.
    She gasped and stared into his eyes, her lip qui vered. She pulled his head down and kissed him. This kiss was anything but tentative. Jared responded in kind, his wolf rising to the surface, hungry for its mate.
    He licked her lips , demanding entrance. She responded immediately, her tongue dueling with his. Jared pulled her closer, needing to feel her pressed against him, needing her to feel how his body craved hers.
    Someone tapped him on the shoulder. Jared growled low in his throat. “Here you are … I hate to interrupt, but the car is here, and if you don’t stop devouring each other, you might get yourselves kicked out.”
    Reluctantly, Jared broke their kiss. Esme looked up at him, her eyes glassy with desire and her lips moist from his kisses. He glanced at Granger. “Do you know how lousy your timing is?”
    “Well, that depends. If you want to be arrested for indecent displays of affection … This is England after all.” Granger smirked.
    “Very funny . We weren’t doing anything wrong, and you know it.” Jared glared at Granger.
    “Maybe, maybe not. But you were headed in that direction. Come on . The car is waiting out front. Time to get back on the road.”
    Jared looked down at Esme. She gazed up at him, her eyes clear. He hated to let her go. Leaning down, he kissed her on the nose. “Our chariot await s …”
    Esme nodded , and Jared let his arms fall to his sides. She stepped back out of his embrace, then grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze. “Thank you, Jared. That was the best dance I ever had.”
    “It was the only dance, ma petit louve . I’ll make sure, it isn’t your last.” Jared leaned close to whisper in her ear. “I liked having you in my arms.”
    Esme shivered and licked her lips. “I liked it too.”
    “Come on, you t wo. I’m feeling very left out here, you know. You two could burn the house down with one look.” Granger waved them ahead.
    As Jared walked by Granger, he couldn’t resist teasing his friend. “Get a mate, Granger. Then, you won’t feel left out.”
    Esme giggled . Her gaze went back and forth between the two men.
    “Easy for you to say . The heartmate bond snapped into place for you two. I’m still waiting for mine.”
    Jared wasn’t fooled by Granger’s teasing tone. He looked sad. “It will happen for you, Granger. I’m sure of it.”
     
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    Esme slipped into the front passenger seat, while Granger and Jared put the bags in the trunk. The suitcases had arrived from London, which was a relief. If Esme heard Granger complain again about not having clean clothes, she would scream.
    The