Rather than let me calm down and get myself under control, the asshat leaned in and whispered hungrily in my ear, "The things I'm shortcake. His expression changed. He positively radiated sexual intent as he slowly brought his mouth down.Was he going to kiss me?! Here? Now?My already racing heart took off like a rocket, thumping in my chest. I sat frozen, unable to move as he slowly eliminated the space between us. However, rather than finding his lips against mine, I felt his tongue sweep out and lick the corner of my mouth- apparently a bit of cream was left over there.Regardless of the benign reason for the touch, seeing his I'm-going-to-taste-you-e verywhere-soon expression and feeling his tongue lick the edge of my lips caused arousal to positively burst out of me. It was like a ripcord had been pulled and stunning heat shot through my belly making my pelvis clench and my toes curl. I had to wrap my hands into fists...to keep myself from jumping on him and riding him hard like

Chapter 22: Running With The WolvesLeanderI kept Lucky close by during the ceremony. Not just for the reason I gave Hycinth...because Lucky didn't seem to give a shit before he said whatever the hell he wanted...I liked his boldness and the opportunity he might spout other useful tidbits of information about my little mouse. However, the other reason was much, more simple I wanted him to see how she reacted to me, I wanted him to see us together. Regardless of his parentage and his history, he was a full adult male Wolf. I could sense it pained him not to have his own mate...and he understood how nature was driving me to possess mine.I also wanted his blessing. I would never tell him that, but I recognized how invaluable it would be. All I had to do was be transparent enough, and let him see the truth for himself...how I felt about his sister. Maybe it wouldn't change anything, maybe it wouldn't help...but maybe it would. It couldn't hurt to try. And I was willing to try anything a

HYCINTH My Wolf was in heaven. The wind whipped through her fur as we flew by tall trees rising out of the earth to kiss the sky. Her nostrils flared with the scents of moss, bark and wild mushrooms. The spongy surface beneath our paws gave away easily, still damp from the recent rain showers. Acorns, pine cones, and fallen leaves were strewn about the well-worn path like spilled trinkets.And her mate by her side.There was nothing better for her. No other place she would rather be than right where she was. Leander's Wolf was magnificent. Powerful and sure, sleek and dominant-a potent elixir to our senses. Primal.Addictive.We were running at the front of the pack. He was pushing her endurance and testing her ability. His big paws powered ahead, silently gliding over the uneven ground, pitted with rocks and roots, easily leaping to clear dead logs, and maneuvering around encroaching thick brambles -a virile display of his strength and agility. My Wolf had to put forth considerable

I raised an eyebrow. "Out of all of them, alcohol is the one you fixated on? Should I be worried?"There was a sparkle in her eye, a hint of mischievous I'd never seen before. "Certainly not. I enjoy dancing and music just as much.""Uh huh," I replied, not at all convinced by her innocent act. It seemed I was definitely going to have to keep an even closer eye on her during the evening.When we reached the living room, Ever and Gwen were waiting for us, as well as Asher and Willow. Gwen wrapped Hycinth in a bear hug. "You look gorgeous!"I was surprised to see Hycinth blush. But she recovered quickly. "Thanks so much for letting me borrow it!""Ready?" Asher grinned.I gave a hard nod. "More than ready."We decided to use drivers rather than drive ourselves. Knowing myself, Ever and Asher, none of us would be in the best shape to drive later. When Hycinth and I climbed into the back of the Cadillac, she settled comfortably into the plush, oversized leather seat next to me. The driver

"Oh yeah, we got it," Ever replied. His lips were curled into a smug expression as he also watched Hycinth's responses. His confidence was high. Clearly looking forward to the game.Hycinth noticed his stare as well, but rather than reflect irritation as she had earlier, her lips curled back, flashing him a brilliant smile with fang.And fucking winked at him!Fuck, she was bold. Her confidence not only met but exceeded his. I was dying to know if she could back it up. Either way, her ballsy response threw him off. His expression froze. He blinked. But then he recovered, licking his lips, looking even more eager.Brian continued explaining the rules, "If a ball hits the ground, it is retired, and a fresh ball is put into play." He pointed toward a small bucket of gleaming white ping-pong balls on a countertop behind him."For the shot to count, keep your elbows behind the edge of the table."Hycinth listened attentively."No fingering or blowing."At this, she squeezed Gwen's hand and