Wild Hearts by Rhea Regale Read Free Book Online Page A

against his dark hair, and followed her with his gaze until she settled on the edge of the bed. Despite having tended his wounds most of the day, she still found her mouth dry when her eyes landed on his immaculate body.
    This time proved no different. She scoured over the hard cuts and deep lines of his chest and abs. The prominent veins bulging over his thick, corded biceps and forearms intrigued her. She imagined a nice body beneath all his black attire, but never something so sumptuous and decadent.
    She peeled her gaze away and wrung out a clean cloth.
    Coal caught her wrist as she began to dab at his vicious wound. Blood welled over the torn ridges of skin from his forceful movement.
    “Put your arm down and relax. Every time you move, you prevent the blood from clotting and the wound from beginning to heal,” she scolded quietly.
    “I’m healing. You just don’t see it. Within the next couple hours, things might be in good shape.”
    Coal brought her fingers to his mouth and brushed his lips over her damp knuckles. Shyla held back a shiver of pleasure. The last thing she should be concerned about was bedding the man already bedridden. Hot moisture seeped from her core. She crossed her legs and squeezed, willing her arousal to cease and dry.
    “After everything you saw a little while ago, do you believe us?” he asked.
    Shyla sighed, easing her hand out of his grip. She dropped the cloth into the basin and wiped her hand on her jeans.
    “I don’t have any other option. There’s nothing that can logically explain what happened to you and that guy. You changed right before my eyes.” She scratched her hair and shrugged. “Shouldn’t I be in hysterics right now? Screaming for animal control or begging someone to take me to the closest psych ward?” She lifted her gaze to his. “Why am I upset because you’re hurt and I somehow feel responsible for your injuries, putting the unnatural occurrences aside?”
    “This is natural, Shyla. This is part of who you are. And don’t you dare feel responsible for what happened at the diner. Never be sorry for who you are and what you are. Otherwise, Jacy and I wouldn’t be here.”
    “To protect me,” she said.
    “Sweetheart, we’re here to do more than protect you.” Coal’s voice dropped in timbre, and a flicker of mischief touched his eyes beneath the surfacing pain. “White wolves have always been appointed two mates for a couple reasons. Well, perceived reasons. You see, the white wolf gene is so rare that, when it comes to the surface, those who still follow traditional beliefs think it’s a sign from the spirits of good things to come. White wolves are revered and honored. Each white is spiritually appointed her mates for the purpose of protection and strengthening pack bonds and liaisons. Jacy and I are practically brothers, but we were both born into separate packs.”
    Shyla mulled over his complex explanation. She reached up to his hair and combed her fingers through the silky length of it, keeping it back from his face. His eyes closed. He turned his head in to her palm and kissed her tender flesh. The wetness in her crotch intensified as the deafening thumping of her heart increased in rhythm.
    “You’re practically a stranger to me. Why would you risk your life for me when you aren’t sure I’m what you think I am?”
    “You are. There’s a certain scent that differs in a white. A sweeter, more reassuring smell. You calm the beasts around you without batting an eye or speaking a word. It’s your presence, your spirit, that speaks to the wolves.” While nuzzling against her palm, he lifted his hand to her head. She allowed him to lead her down to him. She held her breath when he turned his dark gaze to her, so close and hypnotic. “My life is nothing without you. If you died because I failed to protect you, I would cease to live.”
    “But Jacy—”
    “Can’t challenge a creature like Rian. That wolf is my equal. He would’ve torn