Seth immediately felt Cora tense beneath him. His cock was still deep inside her, her velvet walls hugging him. He was still pumping his cock. “Are you okay?” God, the woman had just rocked his world.

She avoided looking at him. “Yes, I’m fine.”

“Are you sure?” He tilted her chin, forcing her to look at him.

“I said yes.”

But her tone made him flinch.

He tried to review what he’d done to make her upset. He frowned. “Are you upset that I said you were mine?”

Her eyes widened and she tilted her chin. “I belong to no man.”

Crap, he’d moved too fast. “You’re right. You don’t.” He nuzzled her neck, and then pinched her nipple. She moaned and panted harder. She had so much passion, so much beauty.

You belong to me.

But he was smart enough to keep his thought to himself. He needed to prove to her that she wanted to belong to him, then he would claim her.

He kissed her hard, but her response was different, hesitant, scared. He reluctantly pulled out of her. His tiger screamed in protest, but he would never force Cora to do anything she didn’t want to do. Mates were treated with respect and reverence.

She sighed and turned her back to him. His heart sank. He draped his arm across her shuddering body and snuggled next to her. He held his breath, afraid she’d edge away, but she didn’t. She didn’t move, didn’t spoon against him. Something was wrong, and he couldn’t muster the courage to ask her.

Tonight wasn’t the time to pursue this, but tomorrow he’d find out why she was already pulling away. His heart stopped. Was she regretting sleeping with him? Did he fall short compared to Miles? His tiger snarled.

Seth sucked down deep breaths, trying to calm his beast. His body trembled and he gritted his teeth, determined to be in control of his tiger.

He pulled Cora closer, inhaling her sexy scent. Her smell calmed his beast and his rapid heartbeat slowed. Her soft snores lured him to sleep and his tiger slept.

Seth woke to a warm bed. He reached for Cora, but his hand slid over rumpled sheets. His gut twisted into a snarl. She was gone. He jerked up and looked around the room. The bathroom was empty.

Her bra, shirt, and pants had been tossed onto the floor, but they were gone except for her shredded lacy underwear.

He sniffed and couldn’t catch her sexy scent.

Crapcrapcrapcrapcrap.

His heart banged against his ribs. He jumped out of bed and snagged his discarded jeans. He yanked them on and hurried out of the bedroom.

“Cora?”

No answer.

Cora’s purse was gone, but there was a dreaded note on the coffee table. He raked his hand through his hair. How could he have not noticed her slipping out of bed?

He snatched the note and sat on the couch.

Dear Seth,

This moved too fast for me. I wasn’t ready to climb into bed with you. I guess I had too much to drink last night, and I wasn’t thinking straight. Not that the sex wasn’t great, but I only wanted to have a date for the dance. Thank you for a lovely time. I’ll see you at the reunion.

Cora

He crumpled the note and threw it across the room. He leaned his head against the back of his couch. She didn’t even leave him her number. Obviously, she didn’t have the same feelings for him as he did her.

How could this be? He’d always known she was his mate. Why couldn’t she see that they were supposed to be together?

Back in high school, he would have retreated into a depression and licked his wounds.

But this wasn’t high school. He wasn’t the same tiger.

The reunion was three weeks away.

He had no intention of waiting to see her until then. No, he was ready for the fight.

He grabbed his phone and called Gerri Wilder.

“Hello, Seth.”

“Gerri, I need your help.”

“What’s wrong?” Panic flared in her voice.

“Cora spent the night at my place and then left, leaving me a dear John letter.”

“I see. Did you have a fight?”

“No. I need her number.”

“What do you plan on doing?”

“She’s my mate, Gerri. I plan on winning her back.” He growled. “Will you help me or not?”

“Keep your stripes on! Of course I will. But if you go all dominant on her, you’ll never get her.”

His patience shriveled up. “Her number, Gerri.”

“Don’t blow it, Tiger.”

But luckily, Gerri gave him Cora’s number. He hung up and immediately called her. He held his breath. If she refused to take his calls, he’d just show up at her house. If Gerri had her number, then she probably had her address too. She was his, and he wasn’t going to sit idly by, waiting for her to come to her senses. All these years he’d waited for her and he wasn’t about to let her slip away again.

“Hello?”

“Cora?”

“Oh, Seth. I… uh… didn’t you see my note?” She sighed heavily, as if he were a telemarketer.

He gritted his teeth. “Yeah, I got it. What’s up?”

“I can’t talk right now.” Her sharp tone snapped his pride in half, but he refused to give up.

“Are you at work?”

“Well, no.”

“Then you can talk?”

“You can’t tell me whether or not I can talk.” Her crispy voice turned icier.

“Cora, meet me for lunch.”

“I can’t.”

“Why?”

She didn’t answer right away. “I just can’t.”

“I won’t take no for an answer. After lunch if you don’t want to see me, I’ll leave you alone.”

“Lunch. Nothing else.”

“Fine. I’ll pick you up.”

“No, I’ll meet you. Where?”

“Homegrown Tap and Dough at noon. Deal?”

“I can give you an hour, then I have to go. See you then.”

She hung up before he could answer.

“See you then,” he mumbled.

He sighed heavily. Desperation wasn’t his thing. He’d never been desperate for any woman… until Cora. She made him crazy.

A few hours later, Seth sat at a table near the door. Couples, a group of women, and two men waltzed through the door. The hostess busily sat them at different tables. Twenty minutes later and no sign of Cora. Ignoring the tightness in his chest, his twirled his beer around and had his game face on. He refused to show that he was upset.

He took a long draught of his beer, draining it in one gulp. Shit, she’d lied to him. Just told him what he’d wanted to hear.

The waitress came over. “Would you like another beer, sir?”

He almost said no when Cora walked in, wearing a jean skirt that hugged those hips, and a low-cut black tee-shirt with high black boots. She looked delectable, but who followed her made him narrow his eyes – her sister and enemy number one.

Seth nodded. “Yeah, I need another.”

“Sure thing.” She winked and walked away.

He stood and motioned toward them.

“Hey.” Miles swaggered over. “When Cora said she was having lunch with you, I insisted that Caterina and I join both of you.” He stretched out his hand. “Don’t look, Ethel.”

Not wanting to cause a scene, Seth reluctantly gripped his hand like he had in high school. “Miles.” Seth braced his shoulders back. He didn’t know why he hadn’t realized it before, but he was at least six inches taller than Miles. That didn’t matter to Miles. He had the same strut, the same arrogance, and the same ego.

“How’s the loan payment coming?”

“I said I’d have it.” Seth clenched his fists tight, forcing himself not to punch him in the mouth.

“No hard feelings, buddy.” Miles slapped him on the back. “After all, business is business.”

Seth glared. How could he even think things were all hunky-dory when Miles had threatened to steal his business? But this wasn’t the time or the place.

“Hello, Seth.” Caterina stretched out her hand. “It’s been a while.”

She was still a beauty and thin. Her straight dark hair hung down to her waist, and her china doll eyes were just as beautiful, but instead of innocence, he noted a hardness that had never been there before. He shook her delicate hand, but his eyes were all for her sister who stood behind her with her eyes cast down.

Cora lifted her head. “I was on my way over here when I ran into them.”

“No problem.” Seth smiled, but a pain throbbed in his jaw. “I just ordered another beer.”

“Nervous, were you?” Miles laughed as he slid into a chair -the one where Seth had been sitting.

What an asshole.

Seth pulled a chair out for Cora who blinked her eyes. “Thank you,” she murmured.

Caterina bit her lip and looked down. She slid into her own chair while Miles picked up a menu and ignored her.

The waitress came back with Seth’s beer and stopped mid-stride when she saw Miles. Women still gawked over him with his blond hair and build. He commanded a presence. As long as Miles stayed away from Cora, Seth couldn’t care less about what he did.

Caterina broke the tension building at the table and cleared her throat. “Seth, are you going to the reunion?”

“Yeah, I’m going.” He glanced at Cora who kept her averting her gaze. God, was his love-making that bad last night? Because she’d taken him higher than he’d ever been.

“So are we.” Miles put down the menu. “Will be just like prom.”

Cora’s eyes watered, and she gripped the menu tight.

Caterina clasped her wrist. “Are you okay, Cora?”

“Oh, I’m fine.” She blinked and rubbed underneath her eyes. “I just got something in my eyes.”

“You don’t have to worry this time,” Miles winked. “I won’t be leaving you on the dance floor.”

“Miles!” Caterina jerked her head. “That’s not very nice.”

He shrugged. “It was a long time ago. Right, Cora?”

She nodded, but studied the menu.

Seth frowned. “Miles, you’re an ass.”

Miles raised his eyebrow. “I didn’t see you doing anything that night, Seth. Or have you conveniently forgotten?”

“Would you excuse me?” Cora stood. Her chair scraped across the wooden floor. “I have to go to the restroom.”

She didn’t wait for anyone to answer and darted in between people.

Seth glared. “What the hell is your problem?”

Miles tipped back in his chair. “She’s not your mate, Seth. If she were, you’d have done something about it back in high school.”

Seth gritted his teeth. “I was doing something about it, but you made a move on her. You knew I wanted her.”

Miles shrugged. “Then you should have challenged me. Besides, does Cora know you’ve been a junkie for the past six years?”

Seth growled. “I wasn’t a junkie.”

“Oh, sorry. You were a drunk.”

“I got past that.” God, he’d hoped Miles wouldn’t blurt out his secret to Cora. How could he face her?

He leaned closer. “I doubt it. We both know you don’t have the guts to do it.”

Seth didn’t flinch. He narrowed his eyes and snarled. “That was then. This is now.” Every muscle in him tensed and the hairs on the back of his neck stood straight up. If Miles wanted a challenge, he’d have no problem taking him down here and now.

Miles’s smile slowly faded, and he edged back into his chair. Shaking his head, he picked up the menu again and mumbled, “I’d like to see that.”

Seth grabbed Miles’s wrist and tilted his head. “Do you want to take this outside?”

Miles jerked his hand away, but for the first time, hesitation and fear flashed in his eyes. Obviously, he wasn’t used to someone openly challenging him. He’d been on top too long and was soft.

He glared. “Like your brother, you’re still living like a street fighter.”

“Will you two stop!” Caterina slapped her hand on the table. “We’re not in high school. Quit acting like it.”

“Once a Streak always Streak,” Miles muttered.

She rolled her eyes. “Cora’s coming back. Now behave. Both of you.”

Cora slowly headed toward them. She glanced at the door as if she were contemplating ditching them. Could he blame her? Miles had just rubbed her nose in her worst memory of high school.

But one thing Miles was right about: Seth hadn’t done anything that night. He’d stood there like a jackass, watching his mate crumple on the dance floor. He’d spend the rest of his days making up for his mistake.

He stood and pulled out her chair for her. Her eyes were wet and mascara had clumped underneath one eye. Damn Miles.

She scooted over to the chair, and he put his hand on her lower back. He whispered in her ear. “Don’t let him get to you. He’s an ass.” Her sexy scent spiked his desire, and he wanted to kiss her, branding her as his, but that’s not what she wanted.

She nodded, but didn’t answer.

He slid back into his chair.

The waitress came over. “Can I take your drink orders while you decide?”

“Yes, I’ll have a coke,” Caterina said.

“Make hers a diet,” Miles jumped in. “I’ll have a Coors.”

Caterina bit her lip and looked down. Her cheeks turned bright red.

“Don’t you mean light, bro?” Seth grinned. “You want to look good at the reunion, don’t you?”

Caterina’s eyes widened.

The tenseness in Cora’s face lessened. She actually smiled.

Miles opened his mouth and then shut it.

The waitress turned to Cora. “And you, Miss?”

“I’ll have a glass of cabernet and a glass of water.”

“And you, sir?”

Seth lifted up his beer. “I’m good, thanks.” He needed his wits about him, not just with Miles, but Cora. She always seemed to be one step away for him – the eternal quest.

“Sure enough. I’ll be back with your drinks.”

Miles turned his head and watched the waitress leave. “She’s got a nice ass.”

Caterina slammed her palm on the table.

“What?” Miles drummed his fingers on the table. “I can’t keep my eyes closed.”

Cora frowned.

“If you’ll excuse me…” Caterina immediately left the table. Hurt resonated from her voice.

Obviously, this wasn’t the first time Miles had shamed her in public.

Seth sipped his beer. “How can you treat your mate that way?”

“Caterina’s my wife. I never said she was my mate. I’m still looking for one.” He flashed his gaze over Cora who blushed ten shades of red.

Flashes flared in Seth’s vision, and a sensation of strength flooded through him. He curled his lower lip.

“Hey, simmer down Seth.” Miles put up his hands.

Luckily, the waitress came back with the drinks. “Here you go.”

Cora took a sip from her drink.

The waitress pulled out her tablet. “Are you ready to order?”

Cora frowned. “No, we’re not. Caterina’s not here.”

“Yes, we are,” Miles said. “I’ll have the jalapeño burger with onion rings, and my wife will have a grilled chicken salad.”

“And what dressing would she like?”

“Dressing’s fattening. She doesn’t need it.”

“Nobody likes a dry salad, Miles.” Cora lifted her chin. “Caterina likes olive oil and vinegar.”

Miles laughed. “All right. Olive oil and vinegar.”

“And you, miss?” the waitress asked.

“I’ll have the steak and blue cheese salad with the dressing on the side.”

Smugness in his eyes, Miles leaned forward. “You know–”

“Shut up, Miles.” Seth clenched his fists.

Miles put up his hands, but kept his mouth shut.

Seth handed the waitress the menus. “I’ll have a cheese burger and fries.”

Caterina returned to the table. She sniffed.

“Took you long enough,” Miles mumbled. “You’re getting a chicken salad with olive oil and vinegar.” He emphasized the dressing.

“Oh thanks,” she said. “What did you order?”

“Burger and rings.”

He didn’t say anything more derogatory. Seth didn’t think he could take his criticisms anymore. He’d forgotten what a Critical Cathy he was. How had he gotten people to follow him? Football wasn’t everything.

Lunch edged by, but it was finally over.

The waitress brought over the bill. Cora reached for her purse.

“I’ve got it.” Seth snatched up the bill and handed the waitress his credit card.

Miles looked at Caterina. “Are you ready?”

Caterina ignored him. “Thank you, Seth. You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know, but I wanted to.”

She’d only eaten half her salad, and Seth couldn’t help but wonder if she’d only eaten half because of Miles. Not that Miles was arguing. No, the bastard expected Seth to pay – just like high school. Some things never changed.

Cora scooted away from the table and grabbed her purse. “Well, I better get back to Lara’s.”

“We’ll give you a ride,” Caterina said.

“No, I will.” Seth met Cora’s eyes.

She stared at him. Seth held his breath, afraid she’d say no. He wanted to get her away from Miles and needed to talk with her about last night.

“He’s just got his motorcycle,” Miles said. “You’d better come with us.”

Cora tensed. “No, I’ll go with Seth.”

Seth quickly signed the bill. “Let’s go.” He wanted to get Cora out of there before she changed her mind.

“Suit yourself.” Miles stood. “Come on, Caterina. Let’s go.”

He walked away, obviously expecting Caterina to follow him.

“I’d better go,” she said as she hurried after him.

“I used to really envy her.” Sadness swelled in Cora’s voice. “But I realize now that the best day of my life was when he left me on the dance floor.”

A thought suddenly hit Seth. “Do you think that’s the way shifters treat their mates?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know.”

He motioned with his arm. “Let’s get out of here.” He put his hand on her lower back and escorted her out of the crowded tavern. Outside he could detect her sexy scent without the smoldering smell of hamburgers and French fries.

She stopped. “So where’s your bike?”

He pointed. “A few streets down.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

“Wait.”

She whirled around. “What?”

“I want to talk about mates.”

She put her hand on his chest. “I am not your mate.”

He clasped her hand, then slowly kissed her palm. “Yes, you are.”

“No, I’m not. I’m not going to be like Caterina and be changed into a tiger, only to be treated like shit.” Her voice quivered with anger.

“I get it. I’m not Miles. Do you think Connor and Theron treat Tally like Miles does Caterina?”

“No, but they’re wolves. You’re tigers.”

“So you think all tigers are like Miles?”

Confusion flickered in her eyes. “Well… yes.”

“I’m a tiger. The women in my family are worshipped. Miles is a jerk. If it takes the rest of my life, I’ll prove it to you. The first thing I would do is make up for what happened to you at prom. I should have challenged Miles. I’ll never give up trying to show you that I’m worthy of your love.”

She pulled on her trembling hand. “Release my hand.”

“I would never hurt you. Never would insult you.” He gently pulled her toward him. “You would be my queen, and I would be your knight.”

“You wouldn’t want to be my king?”

He kissed her briefly on the lips. “No, I wouldn’t want to lead you. I’d want to serve you, worship you.”

She scowled, but the crease in her brow softened. Confusion flittered in her eyes. Maybe, just maybe, he was getting through to her, and the frost surrounding her heart was melting.