Rescue in the Smokies (Durham Wolves) by Becca Jameson Read Free Book Online Page A

complete darkness.
    “Where are we?” She grabbed his arm with her free hand, trying to ebb the fear seeping into her. A chill shook her body even though she hadn’t gotten wet yet.
    “Cave. Stay right here a minute, okay?”
    She shook her head but knew he couldn’t see it. No way was he leaving her alone in a cave. She squeezed his arm.
    “It’ll be fine.” He turned her around to face the entrance and only then did she realize she could see out just fine.
    The sky had grown quite dark, but enough light peeked through the branches to ease her nerves. She could stare out into the rain and see the branches blowing in the wind, the leaves turning upside down, an indication the storm would be quite fierce in a minute. Water dripped off the greenery and created a small stream on the ground in front of her.
    “Where are you going?”
    “Just want to make sure we’re alone. The bats in this area are off limits. I’m sure you’ve heard.”
    “Right. White-nose syndrome. Humans are banned from the caves and mines until they migrate. Do you think this is a good idea?”
    “The danger is really to the bats, not the humans. We can’t catch what they have, unless they also have rabies. Hang on and stay close to the entrance.” He let go of her and moved deeper into the cave.
    How can he see where he’s going?
    Juliana wrapped her arms around her middle and hugged herself. She was chilled now, when a few minutes ago she’d been hot. Had it only been a few minutes since the heat of the day and then the kiss had singed her skin?
    Moments passed and she forced herself to watch the rain as it picked up speed and pelted the forest with increasing intensity. Where is he?
    She gasped and let out a small, high-pitched shriek when two arms circled around her and drew her close. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.” His lips landed on her still-bare shoulder and nibbled a path to her ear, reminding her she had her perfectly warm jacket wrapped around her waist. “Coast is clear. No unwanted guests here.”
    Why did it sound as though he had been looking around for more than just bats? She didn’t even want to know what else he might have stumbled upon. Hiking was her passion; spelunking was not. Even without the bat warning, she’d never had any desire to enter the dark caverns and explore.
    She’d stay right here by the entrance where she could see the waning light of day. “How could you see anything in that darkness?”
    “Didn’t need to see. I could hear fine.” He released his hold and ran his warm hands up and down her folded arms. “You’re shivering,” he mumbled into her ear.
    “Of course I am.” Her voice was hoarse, barely a whisper, almost unrecognizable to her own ears. “Even if it were a hundred degrees I’d be trembling with your tongue in my ear like that.” Her smile spread from ear to ear, and she felt him do the same against her neck as he moved down to her shoulder.
    “Come here.” Sergius turned her so her chest rested against his front. His huge frame surrounded her and warmed her instantly. She grew still and stayed in his embrace, absorbing his incredible body heat.
    “Are you always this hot?” His core temperature seemed higher than anyone’s.
    “No, I’m not nearly as sexy when I wake up in the morning.” He chuckled at his pun, a deep sound she was growing quite fond of. It rumbled between them and drew her closer to him, if that was possible.
    God, she wanted this man. She squeezed her legs together, attempting to quell the need burning in her core. “Ha ha. And I doubt that’s true. You probably look like you stepped off the cover of GQ first thing in the morning, with your hair all rumpled and hanging across your eyes.” She sucked in a breath. Her mouth was running like nobody’s business.
    He laughed, shaking his entire frame and hers too by default. “Only one way to find out.”
    Oh my. This banter between them was loaded with innuendo. And so sexy.
    “Come