Chapter 2

Tucker didn't ask any more questions. He just lifted me into his arms and carried me to the car. Once the door closed, we were sealed off from the outside world.

His masculine scent blended seamlessly with the crisp aroma of cedar, enveloping me in a warm, intoxicating embrace. But instead of easing the chaos inside, it only fanned the fire of my desire, nearly erasing all rational thought.

Without thinking, I tore at my collar as soft, pitiful whimpers escaped my lips.

Tucker's eyes stayed on me. He asked, "Does it hurt?"

I nodded, tears streaming uncontrollably down my face. "Tucker, my whole body aches… Please, help me…"

My voice slipped out as a whisper, trembling under the weight of my sobs. Yet beneath it all, desire burned in every breath I took.

After a moment, Tucker shifted closer, closing the space between us.

"And how exactly do you want me to help?" he murmured.

With trembling hands, I reached for his tie, my tears flowing freely down my cheeks. "Kiss me… Or… let me kiss you."

Tucker's eyes darkened, his calm facade slipping away. He said nothing in response. But before I could react, he leaned in close. Holding the back of my neck, he pressed his lips firmly to mine. There was nothing gentle about his kiss. Instead, it brimmed with a sense of ownership and power.

Without hesitation, he pried my jaws apart. His tongue explored boldly, leaving no corner of my mouth untouched.

The force of the kiss swept me off my feet, leaving my body weak and trembling. Still, there was no denying it was effective. The burning heat inside me eased considerably beneath his fierce passion.

Like a drowning person clutching a lifeline, I refused to let go of Tucker. Instinctively, my hands found his shoulders. I held on awkwardly, desperate to keep up with him. I eventually lost all sense of time.

As the kiss broke, I collapsed against him, struggling to catch my breath. My misty eyes and flushed cheeks lent me an unexpected allure.

Tucker's hand remained firmly at the nape of my neck. Without warning, his fingers slid upward, mischievously pinching the werewolf ears that had appeared in my flustered state.

My whole body froze. I'd just been caught.

He leaned close, his breath warm against my ear. "For a werewolf's first heat, this won't do at all."

How did he know? Was he not human either? Could he really be another werewolf? A chill ran through me as I stared at him in disbelief.

Seeing the terror in my eyes, Tucker curled his lips into a knowing smile.

Panic took over me, every fiber of my being screaming to push him away and run. But my body refused to cooperate. The fire inside me had barely dimmed, leaving my body limp and unresponsive.

I grabbed his tie, my attention drawn to the flush creeping over his ears.

"Can you take me home?" I asked.

Reading my unspoken request, Tucker quietly began to remove my clothes.

"Tucker… No…"

As my reason returned, the truth hit me like a punch. I finally realized who he was and what we were on the brink of doing.

"I… I'm fine. Let's stop for today. Tucker, you… You should go first."

Tucker's gaze remained fixed on mine, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Giving up halfway isn't a good habit, but I'll let you pass today. Think it through tonight. Tomorrow, I'll come back for you."

This wasn't a request; it was a heads-up.

Beneath the weight of his gaze, I found myself nodding in surrender.