Page 6 of Drive me Wild (South Island Shifters)

“Those guys who were harassing us, one of them was outside when I dropped my keys. He tried to coerce me into drinking with him and put his hands on me. The joke was on him, though, because he wasn’t expecting my black belt techniques.”

She bursts into laughter. “So, how does the hot bartender fit into all this?”

“Well, he came over just after I got the guy on the ground and offered to help me further and ring the police. He seemed like a decent guy, so when I saw him this morning, I offered him a coffee as a thank you,” I reply, dumping my handbag and jacket on the couch, then I go toss my coffee cup in the bin.

“Did you get his number?” she asks.

I shake my head. “Nope, but I did get his name. Declan.”

“Why didn’t you get his number? You could’ve been riding that man’s dick tonight,” Autumn says, throwing her hands up in the air in dramatic exasperation.

“Who says I want to ride his dick?”

“You might not want to, but you definitelyneedto.”

I roll my eyes. “This conversation is over, and I’m going to shower, then head to bed.” I make my way into my bedroom and close the door behind me.

I turn on the shower, letting it heat up.

Slipping out of my scrubs, I climb beneath the water and let it relax me. Closing my eyes, all I can envision is Declan’s face. His large bright blue eyes stare at me; his red, kissable lips that I crave, press against mine to just see how they feel. My body begins shaking with desire as the vision of him moves behind me, his large hands sliding all over my body, his voice whispering in my ear.

Feeling my body’s response to him, I snap my eyes open and attempt to shake it all away. No man in six years has made me feel like this. Looking into his eyes, there was something genuine about the way he looked at me like I’m made for him and him alone. I want to kiss him and feel his response. Will his lips feel soft against mine? Will he kiss me like he needs me to breathe? Or taste me and tempt me into his bed where he’d use those lips all over my body?

Biting my bottom lip over those delicious thoughts, I grab the loofah and wash, trying hard not to think of Declan. It’s easier said than done.

I haven’t wanted a man this way in a long time, nor has a vision of a man sparked this kind of desire within me. Declan is all man and muscle. I think he could give me a great time between the sheets, and that absolutely won’t happen as long as I have a say in it. There’s no reason he can’t be a fantasy should I need help. Yes, fantasies are the safest option. That way, I can’t get hurt again.

* * *

DECLAN

Sitting at my desk, I’m just finishing up my day when I hear a car pull up outside the office.Great, I hope this won’t be a last-minute meeting. I’d really like to go home.Two voices arguing quickly follow suit. It’s Liliana White, my cousin Christian’s girlfriend, a local veterinarian and resident white tiger here at the winery, along with Brendan Toffee, a leopard shifter and a friend of mine for over twenty years.

Both burst into my office, still arguing, however, not alone, as Tammy is trailing behind them, along with Graham, my in-house policeman.

I bet he figured he should be here in case things get out of hand.

“Lily, we are wasting time. This is pack business, and we handle it ourselves. Why can’t we just call Zane to come and help? He’s a medical doctor after all,” Brendan fumes as he stares at Liliana.

“Oh, yes, because Zanereallywants to see his sister’s vagina,” Lily bites back. At this point, I’m with Lily. Zane, my younger brother and Ravin’s older brother, definitely doesn’t want to see our sister’s vagina, let alone watch her give birth. He’s already told her not to call him when she goes into labour, and she’s got three weeks to go.

“Somebody mind telling me what’s going on?” I ask.

“Ravin is in labour,” Liliana announces.

“And Lily here thinks it’s a good idea to invite her human midwife friend here to examine Ravin,” Brendan snarls.

I look to Liliana for more information. “Declan, Ravin has been in labour for four hours now. I’m worried the baby is stuck or that there is something wrong. We’ve been calling the midwives here at the housing estate for hours. There’s either no answer, or we’re being told everything is fine and she’s just in early stages, that they don’t need to rush over.” She bites her bottom lip. She’s worried about Ravin. I can see it on her face. They are very close as friends, which is great.

“You can’t do this, Declan. What if a wolf shifts around this human?” Brendan asks.

Usually, I don’t allow humans onto our land, but this case may be the exception.

“You said she’s been in labour four hours? Is Ravin okay?” I ask.

Liliana shakes her head. “No, Declan, she’s not. She just wants some reassurance that everything is okay and the home birth can go ahead as planned. Look, I know you don’t like problems without solutions, but I believe my friend will be able to help Ravin. She’s been a qualified midwife for six years now and works at a birthing centre in Clyde. She lives not far from here either. Yes, she’s human, but I wouldn’t come to you with this suggestion if I didn’t think it was a good idea.”

I pick up my phone and dial Martha, the head midwife’s number—she doesn’t answer. Pursing my lips, I look at Liliana. “Human, you say? But qualified.”

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