Page 5 of Drew

“You think she’s a half-breed?”

“I don’t know. But I do know one thing.”

Callum’s gray-eyed gaze turned toward him. “What’s that?”

“Things are about to get complicated because half-breed, human, or full shifter, none of that matters.” He backed the truck out of the parking spot and headed for the highway before sending a worried glance toward his faithful beta. “She’s my mate.”

Chapter Two

The previous day…

“Uh, I think that’s mine,” Alyssa spoke firmly to the man whose big hand wrapped around her paper cup. She’d been sneaking peeks at him since she got in line behind him at the coffee shop.

After walking into the building, a scent much nicer and more robust than coffee beans and donuts cocooned her. The second it had filled her nostrils, her mouth had watered, and lower, her vaginal muscles had damn near convulsed. The smell was sharp like pine, yet reminded her of a campfire, with just a touch of leather tossed in. It was masculine, rich, and inviting, and she realized it was coming from the man less than a foot in front of her.

She’d stared at the back of his head where the wispy brown hair met his coat collar, silently willing him to turn around so she could get a look at his face.

He’d turned and smiled at her. His blue eyes were as warm as his scent, his smile was kind, and his features were perfect. Dark facial hair framed his face, running from his hair down his jawline and chin. The same well-trimmed hair outlined his plush lips. His lashes were long, and his nose was strong and lean.

Catching herself leaning toward him, she’d given herself a mental shake and smiled back. It broke their silent exchange when the cashier called for the next customer, and he stepped up to the counter.

She’d continued to steal glances in his direction as she placed her order and moved to the designated waiting area. Each time she peeked at him, he blatantly stared back at her. She attempted to be coy, but he seemed unconcerned that he was staring. His eyes had narrowed, and he’d cocked his head to the side as he studied her, as if he was trying to place her.

He wouldn’t recognize her. She was new in town, a loner with no friends, and constantly needed to keep moving on. She rarely stayed in one place for long and never long enough to attract attention.

And she knew from looking at him that the attention she’d attract from him would be all kinds of wrong. It was the dirty, sweaty kind that came with a shared intimacy she was never good at, nor would she allow.

Blushing, Alyssa had cast her gaze downward. Caught up in her thoughts and her attempt to ignore the sexy stranger, she wasn’t paying attention when they called her name and placed her cup on the counter. Before she could reach for it, he’d wrapped his long fingers around it, forcing her to break her silence and speak to the handsome hunk of a man. “Uh, I think that’s mine.”

“Oh, is it?” His grin was back. He lifted his hand away but didn’t step back.

“Yep.” She twisted the cup, so her name was visible. “See. Alyssa.”

He tsked and shook his head. “My mistake.”

Pursing her lips to hold back a burst of flirtatious laughter, she reached for a lid and secured it over the top of her mocha. “That’s also why they called out Alyssa.” She tilted her head. “I can’t imagine you answer to that.”

As though he’d been waiting for the chance, he thrust his hand forward. “Drew.”

Alyssa knew it was dangerous, that he was dangerous, the kind of danger that threatened her don’t-get-attached-don’t-stay-too-long lifestyle. Drew was someone she could definitely get attached to. Repeatedly. Reaching toward him, she blamed proper etiquette for her eagerness to shake his hand rather than her extraordinary need to feel his skin against hers.

Warm fingers encased hers. His palm was solid against her flesh. The caress sent sparks skating along her nerves, and a razor-sharp awareness stole her breath, filling her lungs with a deep icy blast before warmth rushed along her skin. The intense sensation reminded her a little of the first time she’d shifted.

Her body shivered.

What the hell was that?

She felt alive in a new way. She was needy. Needy for more of his scent, his touch—him.

Shaking off the uninvited feelings, she jerked her hand from his hold. Glancing up with confusion and awe, she wondered if he’d felt the same rush she had.

His stare was as intense as it had been prior to their touch. Nothing appeared to be different.

It was only her. She was the freak. Always the freak. It served as a great reminder of why she needed to remain alone and as far away from Drew as possible.

Disappointment crushed her. There was no way, after all these years, that she should feel disappointment. She was alone for a reason. An oddity in the universe, she had no soul mate, no destiny except the one she carved out for herself.

Snagging the cup from the counter, she rushed around him with a quickly mumbled, “See ya.”

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