The Scent of Seduction by Trina Lane Read Free Book Online Page B

summer, so he suspected that the tiny embellishments graced her skin year round. They gave character to the milky, porcelain skin tone, and he wanted to find each and every freckle on her body. Preferably with his tongue.
    Jaryn quietly released a long breath. “You know, we have a pretty good school system here for a small town. Mostly because kids from several surrounding areas travel here for their education.” Nicole stiffened and tried to pull her hand away. “Please don't back away. I know you aren't sold on the idea yet, but every cell in my body is screaming to me that you are my mate. My wolf wants to claim you then sing to moon in celebration. I'm telling you this because I want to be honest with you, but you also need to know that I will never force you to complete our mating bond. I would never take away your right to make the choice for yourself. If you were to walk away from all that we could be, my life would never be complete and that is something I would have to deal with. However, if you agree to become my mate, I would not only make sure that you never again feel alone or scared, I would love you more than the deepest fathoms of the ocean or highest peaks reaching into the sky. Whatever the future holds, we would face it together."
    "Tell me something?"
    "Anything."
    "Do they give all you shifters lessons in charm as pups? Why is it that every one of you I've ever encountered always knows exactly the right thing to say? I even fell for Adam's lines without a second thought...before he kidnapped me. Is there a class you take that teaches you how to be suave, romantic and seduce women, or is it something woven into your genetic code?"
    Jaryn tilted his head back and laughed so loud that he was sure the entire restaurant looked in their direction. When he glanced over at Nicole, her arms were crossed and she had the most adorable look of consternation on her face.
    "And what, may I ask, is so damn funny?"
    Jaryn nodded for Susan to go ahead and take his plate. He frowned slightly when Nicole gestured for the same, given that she'd only eaten half her meal. But he wasn't about to cross swords with her on that topic at this moment.
    "I wasn't laughing at you. I was thinking about my Beta, Shaun. He's perpetually unlucky with women. Every ex of his I've met always says the same thing. He's a good guy and means well, but he has a tendency to speak first and think second. That, and you'd have better luck getting him to wear a man thong than you would getting him to open up about anything personal."
    Nicole lips threatened to inch out a smile. “If he's so difficult, why is he your Beta?"
    Jaryn leant forwards over the table and stared into Nicole's eyes. “Shaun's mouth may run away from him on occasion, but he's the most loyal person I know. He'll do anything for the pack and its members, even if it means a personal sacrifice. And he may have a hard time expressing personal emotions, but never doubt that he feels them. In fact, his emotionality gives him the drive to fight tooth and nail for what he believes in."
    "And you? Were you born with your charm?"
    "I am the Alpha for my pack, as my father was before me. Diplomacy and a certain amount of charm are skills I've had to learn by necessity. But when I say those words to you, I'm not speaking as Alpha of Phantom River Pack, I'm speaking to you as Jaryn Chaunterel. I'm a man, just as any other, and I've found the woman who's destined to share my life. I'm willing to do everything within my power to make that possibility a reality."
    "So you're willing to say whatever it takes, regardless of how you feel? What's a lie, if it gets you what you want?"
    "No, Nicole. I don't lie, not to you. And when we complete the mating bond you'll know me better than any other person alive because not only will we share our lives, but our thoughts and emotions. I'll be an open book to you."
    Nicole turned to look out the window beside them. Jaryn sensed that she was fighting