Page 18 of Primal Bonds

His brow lifted—and then he smiled. A quick but real smile that lit an answering warmth inside her. “You don’t have to,” he said, “but thanks.” And with that, he curled up on his right side, closed his eyes and fell back asleep.

She finished her popsicle, and then set a pitcher of ice water on the coffee table within easy reach of her patient before curling up on the chair again.

She was too wide awake now to sleep, so she took out her phone and checked her messages, and then downloaded a book to read, but her gaze kept flicking to Jace. He was a beautiful man: big shoulders, six-pack abs and long, strong legs. And inked—besides the cat’s paw, an intricately rendered tat of a snarling black jungle cat stretched across his upper back.

Kyler came downstairs in a pair of gym shorts and she jerked her gaze back to her phone.

“You sure you’re all right?” he asked.

“I’m fine.”

He yawned and scratched his stomach. “Okay, but holler if you need me. I’m all grown up—you need me, you call for me.”

He frowned down on her, and for a second, she was reminded of his father, even though Aaron had been shorter and square-faced, while Kyler had a narrow, sharp-boned face. But those dark eyes and the frown were all Aaron, who had been just the same when it came to protecting his family.

“I will.” She crossed her heart. “Promise.”

“G’night, then.” Kyler gave another huge yawn and went back upstairs to bed.

Evie shut off the light and snuggled up on the chair again.

Kyler had made her proud tonight. All spring, he’d argued with her about every little decision. Some nights he slammed out of the house and didn’t come home until after midnight. She didn’t know what she was going to do with him when school let out next week. He’d tried to find a job, but so far, no luck.

But tonight, he’d really come through. His dad would’ve been pleased.

She smiled. She’d have to remember to tell Kyler that in the morning.

She glanced at her sleeping guest one last time. His face had gone slack, his lashes dark crescents against his cheeks. Curled up on the couch like that, it was hard to believe he was as dangerous as people said.

Her eyes drifted closed and she fell asleep.

Two hours later she jerked awake to find Jace thrashing in his sleep.

“No,” he muttered. “Mary—” He bolted upright.

She fumbled for the switch on the lamp next to the chair. It came on and he hissed, an angry cat-sound.

She blinked against the sudden light, trying to see him. “You all right, dude?”

He ignored her to chug water from the pitcher she’d left on the table, then fumbled with the zipper of his pants.

She rose to her feet. “Jace? What are you doing?”

His gaze swung to her and she took an involuntary step back. His eyes were that strange bright green again. His growl raised fine hairs all over her body.

“Okay.” She raised her palms. “Take it easy.”

He snarled and dragged off the pants. Bright bits of color danced over his skin—and then a huge black panther was crouched on her couch.

Chapter 6

Jace was hot. So fucking hot.

He groaned and thrashed on the couch. His belly was burning. But the heat seemed to have spread everywhere.

He turned onto his side and then onto his back again.

“No…Merry—”

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