The Wilderness Deception
He knelt beside me, his strong arms pulling me into his searing embrace, his long fingers stroking the back of my neck in that familiar, intimate way.
In my presence, he seamlessly switched back to the sweet-talking, devoted "mate" who would do anything for me.
"Elara, why did you wander off? I'd go mad without you."
"I was praying to the Moon Goddess," I lied, pointing toward the moon, which was shrouded by clouds.
Ryker swept me up into his arms and strode back to our cave, then bent down to kiss me deeply. His breath smelled of pine, his tongue parting my lips with possessive force.