Seduced by the Wolf by Bonnie Vanak Read Free Book Online Page A

his head, one arm hooked possessively around her waist, he looked relaxed. Off guard. Gone were the lines of tension, the tight control he’d always held.
    Last night that control had nearly shattered. He’d made love to her with a wildness that echoed his wolf. Ariel rolled over, brushed a lock of blond hair off his brow. His mouth was parted slightly as he breathed.
    How long had it been since he’d been able to relax like this? She touched the firmness of his lips, remembering them caressing her skin, intent on making her feel pleasure.
    His eyes flew open. He turned, capturing her in his arms. Ariel gave a small squeak as he rolled over, his heavy weight pinning her to the mattress, his erection snug against her sex.
    â€œLook what my fairy godmother delivered to my bed. A pretty Fae shifter.”
    Rough with sleep, his voice was husky and sexy. Ariel laced her fingers through his.
    â€œYou were incredible last night.” Jarrett gave a slow smile. “Care for a repeat performance?”
    The breathy excitement of last night faded in the growing sunlight. Ariel searched his face. She saw earthly passion, raw sexuality and male need.
    But no emotion. No tenderness. As if she were a stranger and had spent the night in his bed.
    â€œMaking love with you was so intense.”
    Jarrett squeezed her fingers. “Best sex I’ve had in a long time.”
    Sex. Not love. He’d told her he had nothing to give. Nothing but his body and pleasure.
    Strength filled her limbs. In a sudden burst of energy, she twisted, throwing him off her. Jarrett’s eyes widened. Ariel ignored him, slid to the bed’s edge and went to the lace curtains.
    They were dusty and yellowed from age. She brought a panel to her nose and inhaled, detecting a faint scent of female.
    â€œInteresting curtains. You know, window decor has changed in the past thirty years. You might consider a decorator.” Ariel turned to him, hands on hips. “Unless you’re so mired in the past you can’t bear to change them.”
    Tension whitened his mouth. “I’ve always hated those curtains. Too fussy. Chloe made them….”
    His voice drifted off. Pain radiated from him like a pulsing beacon.
    â€œAnd she’s dead. So you still live with curtains you don’t like? Great leadership, Jarrett. Really a good way to show your people how to move on. I’m sure you’re not the only one who’s suffered a loss.”
    She hated the words coming from her mouth, but knew she had to push him hard. Jarrett bounded out of bed, stalked over to the curtains. With a mighty yank, he tore down one panel. It tumbled to the floor in a dusty cloud.
    Breathing heavily, he ripped off the others. Misery shadowed his face, then vanished. Ariel’s heart ached for him.
    â€œJarrett, she’s gone. I know you loved her, and that love will never die. You’re a strong leader who would die for your people. You want a mate to give them hope and life. Yet you’re dead inside, until you move on and embrace your own life and your own future.” She framed his face with her hands, moisture filling her eyes.
    He nodded, closing his eyes. When he opened them, they were empty of emotion. “You’re right. But I warned you, Ariel. I have no more feelings left to give. I’m not capable of giving you what you want most.”
    â€œThat doesn’t mean I should stop hoping. Call me a dreamer.”
    He brushed a finger down her cheek. Sadness swam in the depths of his dark eyes. “Keep dreaming, Ariel. I need your dreams.”
    He let her go.
    In the shower, water beaded on her skin, mingling with the salty tears cascading down her cheeks.
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    â€œI’m going home. I have to see if everyone’s okay.”
    Tension tightened his muscles at her words. Jarrett leapt off the porch railing and followed Ariel down the steps. His men watched. He didn’t give a damn.
    She mattered