A Very Mystic Christmas (The Mystic Wolves) by Belinda Boring Read Free Book Online Page B

when she squeaked and stumbled backward.
    “Daniel, please,” she begged, stretching out her hand to ward me off.
    “Not listening. You tortured me without mercy with that damn elf, and I’m going to enjoy this.” I stepped closer. Not because I was really going to do anything, but just by the way her eyes widened in anticipation made my taunting all the more sweeter.
    Jasmine gulped, her gaze darting back and forth as she searched for a way to escape. “Um, Daniel? Look.” She pointed up and smiled.
    Cocking an eyebrow, I shrugged. “So? It’s just another Christmas decoration. It’s not going to save you from me.”
    “It’s mistletoe ; and we’re standing under it.” She blushed and I realized her meaning.
    “Think you can distract me with a kiss? I don’t know. It would have to be a pretty amazing one for me to forgive you.” I was totally messing with her. As much as I’d wondered what kissing her would be like, there was too much at stake if I ever screwed it up.
    Her bravery had returned and fire sparked in her eyes. “I have it on good authority that I’m pretty good at it.” She tilted her head as if challenging me to prove her wrong. It had the opposite effect. Instead of stoking my curiosity, it fired up my mile long protective streak.
    “Who have you been kissing?” I ordered.
    “None of your business.”
    “You ’d better believe it’s my business.”
    It was her turn to raise her eyebrows at me. “Maybe I’ll share that secret with you in exchange for a pranking pardon.”
    “No, you’ll tell me.” I stared hard at her.
    “You’re as big a pig as my brother. A girl doesn’t kiss and tell.”
    “He mustn’t have been any good then.” I smirked. My comment caused her skin to flush with indignation. I’d struck a nerve. “Maybe it’s a good thing we’re standing underneath mistletoe. Maybe you need to know what it’s like to really be kissed.”
    “You wouldn’t!” she stammered, nervous ly
    “You’re the one who offered. I’m just looking to collect.” I closed the distance between us, encircling her waist with my arm. Tugging her against my body, she squeaked again and I tried not to laugh. This was too easy.
    “Daniel.”
    “Sssh, don’t worry, honey. I’ve got you. I’ll be gentle.” Cupping her face, she closed her eyes, moistening her lips.
    I faced a decision—one that warred inside me. Here was the perfect opportunity to put my questions to rest. I could kiss her and blame it on the mistletoe, as well as being caught up in the moment. There were only a few years difference between us and we’d grown up together, so wouldn’t it almost be expected? Or, I could maintain my resolve, and respect for my Alpha, and keep her at arm’s length.
    Truth was, I liked having her in my arms a little too much. Her body trembled against mine and there was no mistaking it, she was responsive. One small kiss. My mouth began watering at the thought.
    A million thoughts raced through my mind and I made a choice. Brushing my lips across her forehead, I tried to ignore the disappointed exhale she released. She wasn’t the only one wondering what it would’ve been like had I chosen otherwise. A voice screamed in my ear that it wasn’t too late to change my mind, to lower my mouth and claim hers.
    Unfortunately, we never found out what might have been. Seconds later, Mason entered the room, looking for his sister.
    “Hey, what’s going on?” he asked suspiciously. I dropped my arms from around Jasmine and stood back.
    “Nothing,” she answered for both of us. “Nothing; but Daniel got his just desserts.” She pointed down at the discarded elf, smiling as though the last few minutes hadn’t happened.
    “That was you?” Mason asked incredulously.
    “Uh huh.”
    “Ohhh, she got you good!” He high fived his sister before pulling her into a hug. I squashed the fleeting thought that she should’ve been in my arms. There was no point playing the ‘what if’