Page 4 of Drive me Wild (South Island Shifters)

He nods. “I’m sorry they caused trouble. It won’t happen again. I assure you.”

“See it doesn’t. I did watch as Danny got his ass kicked by a woman, though.”

He chuckles. “That would’ve been a sight to see, considering he’s a strong fighter. Want the usual? It’s on the house.”

“Please.” I move away from the end of the counter and make my way down to the takeaway waiting area. The barista, Scarlett, is behind the counter. She smiles at me flirtatiously, but I don’t return her gesture. She looks disappointed but now that I seem to have found my mate out there somewhere, I can’t think of another woman romantically at all. However, my head isn’t convinced a human is fated to be mine.

Suddenly, my senses awaken as my blood pressure rises and my heart pounds within my chest. The soft, sweet scent of vanilla and lilies swirls around me. It’s the same scent from last night.

Mate!

For a moment, I don’t believe what I’m seeing as the very woman from last night walks into the café. Her hair is mussed from what appears to be a busy night of work; her eyes are still vibrant, though a little tired, and her lips are as purple as the matching coloured coat she tucks around herself. It’s freezing outside, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we get some snow tonight.

She turns to look at me, and her eyes widen as recognition hits her. I affect her too, it seems, and now, come hell or high water, by the time we leave here today, I’ll know her name and number.

She strolls over to me. “Good morning, I’m sorry to be a bother, but I was wondering if you’d let me buy you a coffee or whatever you’re drinking this morning to say thank you for last night.”

I smile, and I swear she melts just a little as I do. “Actually, it’s me who should thank you. I didn’t beat him up. You did. In fact, I think you’ve made him think twice before trying what he did again.”

She laughs. “Told ya, I’m a self-rescuing princess. So, will you?”

“I already have a coffee coming, but thank you for the offer.”

“Oh.” She bites her lip, looking disappointed. “Something to eat, perhaps?”

You?I keep this to myself as I nod. “I suppose I could do with a cheese scone.” She beams, and I motion for her to move towards the ordering counter ahead of me as I follow.

“What will you have, Winter?” The guy behind the counter gives her a grin, and I don’t like it. I throw him a glare which he catches and stops. He’s another wolf shifter and knows I’m the Alpha of my clan, but can he sense this woman is my mate too? Surely not. “Uh, I think we know what the season is,” I remark.

The woman beside me laughs. “You’re funny, but Winter is my name.”

Way to look like a dick.“Oh. It’s pretty.”

She flushes pink across her cheeks and chest. It’s beautiful on her and nice to see some colour on her face since it’s so cold outside. She looks at the server. “Can I have a cappuccino, no sugar, and a cheese scone to go, please?”

The guy nods, and we walk down to the waiting area for our orders. I notice the change in the look on Scarlett’s face. She’s no longer smiling as she hands me over the beverage. I turn and give it to Winter.

She looks at me sceptically. “What’s this?”

“Cappuccino, one sugar, just what you ordered.”

“But how is it made so quickly?”

“Coincidentally, a cappuccino, one sugar is my favourite drink for future reference. And you look like you need the coffee more than I do right now.”

She takes a sip of the drink and closes her eyes, moaning softly. I’d give anything to know what she’s feeling and thinking right now. That little sound coming from her, even as she isn’t aware of it, has my cock thickening, and I’m in desperate need to taste the coffee on her lips.

“Oh, that’s so good. I needed that hit.”

I grin. “Told you so.”

Her eyes snap open, and once again, she flushes with embarrassment when she realises I’ve been watching her, daydreaming about what she would look like, all flushed red under my touch and spell.

My drink and scone are delivered, and we exit the café. I have to keep her talking a little longer, or else I’m going to lose her before I get the chance to get her number.

“So, Winter, can I have your number? You know, to text you and arrange drinks or dinner sometime?” I ask.

“I hate to shut you down as you seem like a nice guy, but I’m not interested in dating.”

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