Lunar Mates 1: Under Cover of the Moon by Under the Cover of the Moon (Cobblestone) Read Free Book Online Page A

easily. Letting his intention show on his face, he stalked her through the open room as she backpedaled, trying to find a safe place to make a stand.
    Finally backed into a corner, she met his gaze as he took her chin in one hand and forced her to look at him.
    “We will not get this out of our systems ,” he said, enunciating each word with care. “You are my mate. I will never let another man touch you. I will never let you go.” Even the thought filled him with rage.
    Her eyes widened.
    “Wow. You're serious about this, huh?"
    “Deadly."
    “I need a chance to adjust,” she said weakly. “Some space to think would be nice."
    “You're not getting much,” he said roughly, every instinct in him clamoring to tie her to him physically, if necessary. He released her and walked to the sliding glass doors, taking off his shirt as he went.
    “What are you doing?"
    “You need space,” he said sarcastically, unbuttoning his jeans. “And I need to run off my temper."
    He felt her eyes on his back as he removed his shoes and peeled off his jeans. Breathing deeply, he took the scent of the forest into his lungs before turning back to see frank admiration in her eyes.
    “Don't look at me like that,” he warned.
    “No, of course not,” she said, her gaze still drinking him in. He felt it like a touch on his skin.
    He shook his head, trying to remember her need for space. He'd give her space all right. Space in bed next to him.
    “Keep the doors locked. Let me have a key so I can get back in."
    “There's one under the box of chlorine out there, by the hot tub."
    “Ok,” he nodded. “Lock this door, and don't let anyone else in. I won't be long."
    She leaned against the doorframe and he realized she wanted to see him shift. She wasn't the least bit afraid of him. With a surge of joy, he stepped back and reached for the wolf.
    In amazement, she watched the impossible—a grown man transforming himself into a wolf. First his legs contorted and changed. Then his torso, his arms, and his head. Finally, although she knew it had taken only seconds, he stood before her as a lone gray wolf. She felt a moment of rightness. My wolf.
    On light feet, the wolf approached and butted her hand. As if they had a mind of their own, her hands buried themselves in the soft thick fur behind his ears, and she found herself on her knees looking into its eyes. His eyes, she reminded herself. Darius’ eyes.
    “Darius,” she said, not hiding the wonder in her voice. The wolf grinned and nipped at her, licking her face playfully while she laughed. He was like an overgrown puppy. After a few minutes, he nudged her toward the door a bit more forcefully than necessary.
    “Okay, okay,” she grumbled. “I get it."
    Under the watchful gaze of the wolf, she pulled the glass shut, and then flipped the lever to the locked position. He seemed to nod goodbye before taking three long steps and bounding off the deck to disappear into the night.
    Oh, it's going to hurt when he leaves .
    Busying herself straightening the living room and cleaning the kitchen didn't take much time. After wiping the bar down for the third time, she decided to call it a night.
    Upstairs, she found her favorite old ratty sleep shirt, discarding the thought of finding something even a little bit sexy. This was who she was. He'd have to either accept her, or move on. She sighed, digging around in her dresser drawers. He would be leaving soon enough, so maybe she shouldn't push her luck. She stepped under the bright overhead light, comparing the items in her hands. One comfy old shirt—check. One not so comfy, red satin nightgown—check. One woman losing her mind—check. Rolling her eyes at her baffling behavior, she tossed the T-shirt back in the drawer and pulled the satin over her head.
    Not bad. She turned from side to side and studied herself in the mirror. The gown was long and clung to her curves, with thin spaghetti straps. It slid over her skin like a cool caress,