Page 10 of Feuding with My Shifter Werewolf

I'm sexually deprived, I reason, trying to chalk up this rush of desire to pure physical need.

It's been months since I was laid and even longer since a man's curled my toes. Josh knew how to get the job done, but it always felt like checking a task off the list.

I've never had the kind of life-altering sex depicted in movies and books. But something tells me Mr. Sexy Mountain Man is no slouch in that department.

Too bad I'll never know because that's not why I'm here.

I need a fire, not a man.

The faint scent of pine and musk clouds my senses, reminding me of the soap from Eli's.

Now, I know I'm insane. The man has me thinking about sex and soap at the same time.

I catch myself holding my breath, hyper-aware of every move he makes that brings his powerful aura into my space.

Our eyes lock, and something deeper stirs within me—an instinctual awareness I can't explain. It resides next to that feeling that lets me know I'm at the right place and the right time.

But for what?

Hell, if I know. But I have the next two weeks to figure it out.

"Can I help you?" His deep voice snaps me out of my gauging stupor. The rough edge of his tone sends a shiver down my spine.

But there's a coldness there, too, a guardedness that tells me to proceed with caution.

Crazy stalker man alert.

I clear my throat, trying to find my voice. "Good evening, I'm Kristen. I'm camping nearby, and I was hoping you could help me with my fire. I'm having some trouble getting it started."

His jaw tightens, his gaze hardening. "You're trespassing."

"Well, aren't you the head of Thornbrook's welcoming committee."

I swear I see the ghost of a smile before he barks, "This is my mountain. You need to leave."

His words hit me like a physical blow, stirring a flare of indignation in my chest. Who does this guy think he is? I straighten my spine, meeting his frigid stare with a steely one of my own.

"Yourmountain? I don't see your name on it."

The words come out more combative than I intend, but I refuse to back down. I'm not some helpless damsel, and I won't be intimidated by this brooding mountain man, no matter how gorgeous he may be.

His eyes narrow, a flicker of something happens again—surprise, perhaps, or grudging respect. But it's gone as quickly as it appears, replaced by an icy resolve.

"The whole mountain belongs to me. So pack up your things and find somewhere else to camp tonight,city slicker."

I blink, taken aback by his unexpected nickname for me.City slicker?

Name calling. That's what we're doing while I freeze my ass off.

But I glance down at my outfit—a pair of comfortable jeans and a casual top. Sure, it's not exactly screaming "mountain hiker," but it's not like I'm wearing heels and a cocktail dress.

I had plans to change into the flannel and boots I bought at Eli's store, but I need the fire first.

There's no way I'm stripping down in this cold. And now, with this brooding stranger staring me down, I'm definitely not changing anytime soon.

Eli's words echo in my mind the warning about Zakir Nalon's land. It seems I'm staring at the Greek god himself.

But despite the flicker of unease in my gut, I can't back down. Not when he's looking at me with such disdain, and I'm the one in need of help.

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