Read Online Awaiting Fate by J. L. Sheppard - Free Book Online Page B

and shoes. She assumed he’d spent at least three thousand dollars. The man had expensive taste and it showed.
    “Do you want to grab a drink somewhere?”
    “Sure.”
    He shifted the bags in his hands and grabbed her hand, pulling her away from the locals and tourists. She shivered from the warmth of the simple touch. Her hand in his felt right. As soon as the thought reared its head, she shoved it away reminding herself again they were only friends.
    With that beautiful grin on his face, he joked, “Did I sting you?”
    Not sting , she thought, shaking her head and smiling.
    Not a moment later, he pulled her into him, pressing her body against his and wrapping his arms around her.
    The length of her body against his, his warmth consuming her, she fought how good it felt and stilled, unsure.
    He pulled away from her slightly, his eyes seeking and finding hers, confusion in his expression. “I think we should drop this stuff off first,” he explained.
    That made sense to her, so she asked, “Where?”
    He grinned widely. “Your house…You don’t mind if I crash at your place, right?”
    With her? Shit. That was a bad, bad idea. Being so close to him, seeing him constantly, she wouldn’t be able to get away. Still, she couldn’t say no, so she lied. “Of course not.”
    “Good.” He smiled then pulled her head toward his chest. “Close your eyes.”
    She did. A moment later, her lids drifted open. Her gaze scanning her surroundings, noticing they stood outside her home. She pulled away from him quickly because she didn’t want to think about how good it felt in his embrace, but she instantly regretted it, missing his warmth.
    Leading him inside, she showed him to a spare room where he placed his bags. He then materialized inches from her face and wrapped his arms around her again. This time, he leaned down, and buried his face in the crook of her neck, each of his breaths burning her skin. She shuddered as goose flesh erupted.
    He pulled away from her slightly, his lower body still pressed against hers. “Are you cold? We can go back.”
    “Back?” she asked, disoriented. Scanning the area, she realized they were once again in Fira near the shops, bars and restaurants. “Oh,” she mumbled. “N-no, I’m fine.”
    Still too close to her, he placed his hand on her forehead. His brows drew together. “You’re hot, actually.”
    Flushing, she admitted, “Yes.” And it’s your fault!
    “Are you getting sick? Can werewolves get sick?” he asked quickly.
    She hated that he sounded so concerned. It would be so much easier if he could care less. Flustered, she answered truthfully. “No, we can’t get sick. I’m warm because…” No! She couldn’t admit that.
    There were three reasons a werewolf’s temperature spiked, a need to shift, anger or craving. She was scorching with need.
    After a long pause, she said, “It’s a weird wolf thing.”
    “Do you need to shift? We can go back—”
    “I’m fine.” She interrupted him harshly, then instantly regretted her tone.
    He nodded, but she didn’t miss his clenched jaw. “Where to?”
    She took a step away from him, avoiding his gaze. “There’s a bar overlooking the ocean. It’s down this way,” she said then turned and led the way.
    He caught up to her, walking close to her side. Just then she felt it—tension, lots of it, making the air nearly unbreathable. Confounded by it, she spared a glance in his direction. Her jaw dropped when she realized his eyes had begun to glow in public. Not good.
    “Cain, your eyes,” she whispered.
    “Fuck,” he hissed, sounding as angry as he looked.
    He grabbed her hand and led her away from the crowds and into a narrow alleyway. Not a moment later, his body enclosed hers. Without touching her, he closed in until her back was pressed against the wall. His arms went to each side of her head, trapping her in a touchless embrace as his eyes swarmed a deeper crimson.
    Shit! She was in trouble, and she knew