Page 14 of Wanderlust With Wolves

His golden eyes burn like embers in the firelight.

“I’ll be here.”

And something about the way he says it makes my whole body hum.

Chapter Seven

THE ACHE OF WAITING

Ronan

I am stillnotlurking.

I am ensuring her safety.

It just so happens that the best place to do that is in the woods, shadowing the perimeter of her cabin, keeping an ear tuned for anything that might threaten her.

Including myself.

Belvedere pads silently through the tall grass, his tail flicking as he meanders without a care in the world. I reach down, scooping the little traitor into my arms. He lets out a soft, halfhearted protest before curling against my chest, warm and trusting.

“You shouldn’t be out here,” I whisper, stroking the fur between his ears. “It’s not safe.”

Not for him.

And not forher.

Because when Maya steps out onto the mini porch, calling for him in that soft, lilting voice, I feel my entire bodylock up.

She is a vision.

The moonlight hugs her skin, catching in the wild waves of her dark hair, making it ripple like silk. She’s wrapped in something soft and oversized, an old sweatshirt that hangs off one shoulder, baring the delicate line of her collarbone.

My throat goes dry.

The horrors of my past—the blood, the battles, the scars—will never touch her.

I will never let them.

And yet?—

I am already shaking with the need to claim her.

Tomark her, hold her close, let my scent sink into her skin so every male in this town knows exactly who she belongs to.

She has no idea.

No idea that every fiber of my being is already straining toward her. That my body is tight with a hunger no amount of self-control can ease.

She stands on the porch, hands on her hips, her mouth pursed as she scolds the empty air, tossing out vague threats I know she’ll never follow through with.

“If you don’t come back right now, mister, I swear—no more gourmet treats! And youlovethose!”

I huff a quiet laugh, lowering my voice so only the cat can hear.

“You hear that, Belvedere? Your human needs you.” I scratch under his chin, voice turning gruff. “Keep her safe for me. Keep her inside and cozy. Make sure she stayswarm.”

The cat blinks once. Then, without hesitation, he hops over the tall grass and bounds toward her, slipping seamlessly into her line of sight.

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