We ate in silence for the first few minutes and then I decided to broach the idea I’d been considering in my head. “I’m thinking I may want to reach out to the neighboring packs.” Before I could even finish sharing my thoughts, Quinn slammed his hand on the table.

“No.” His eyes flashed with fury.

I took a bite of my Crab Rangoon and chewed it lazily while I stared back at him. Then I turned to my aunt and rolled my eyes. “As I was saying, I think maybe we should have a council, rules, agreements, that kind of thing.”

“You know, that’s a smart idea, Savvy.” Aunt Jo nodded but clearly Quinn had her attention.

When I glanced at him, he was actually shaking, his face contorted as he struggled to maintain his composure. “Care to explain why you’re so opposed to the idea, crazy man? I’ll hear you out, but so far, all you’ve given me is ‘no.’ I’m not sure what kind of woman you’re used to, but this one doesn’t get bossed around, especially by the mate who refused her.” My brow arched in challenge.

Next to me, Aunt Jo gasped. I whipped around in time to see her hand fly up to cover her mouth. “Sorry, Savvy. I can’t help but think I’m partially to blame for this.” She shook her head sadly. “After all, I denied his father, but I can’t imagine any shifter ever denying you.” She glared at Quinn briefly.

Quinn stared at me, a pleading look in his eyes. “I need you to stay safe, Savvy.”

“Now, if you were my mate, you could ensure that, but you have chosen to be an outsider, an observer, and I’m left to fend for myself.” I grinned at my aunt. “Luckily, my father trained me for such an eventuality. He warned me my path wouldn’t be an easy one. I never imagined he could be so right.” I sighed and pushed my seat back from the table. “I’m sorry. I’m not hungry anymore. I need to stretch my legs.” I picked up my plate and walked into the kitchen where I scraped the food off into the garbage can and then deposited the plate and fork in the dishwasher. Then I turned to the French doors to the deck and let myself out.

I closed my eyes and inhaled until my lungs were as full as I could manage. Slowly, I stripped down. Once I’d folded my clothes, I laid them on the bench and peeked at the door. Sure enough, Quinn stood there watching me. Did he want to join me? If so, he hadn’t made a move toward the door. The other night, I’d refused to let him see me in the buff after he’d rejected me. That tactic had gotten me nowhere. Tonight, I let him see me completely naked in an effort to remind him of what he was missing. Clearly, this wasn’t improving my chances of securing my mate.

With a sigh, I shifted and trotted down the steps. The dew on the grass felt nice on my paws. Truth be told, I’d been hot all over. Racing through the forest with the wind rushing through my fur made me happy enough, but I felt incomplete. At the rate things were going, I’d feel this hole in my soul forever. Still, hard as I tried, I couldn’t hate him for hurting me. Clearly, Quinn was struggling too. Not knowing how to help him pained me greatly.

Soon, I realized I wasn’t alone, and I slowed my pace enough for him to catch up, but he’d have to speak first. I wasn’t strong enough to initiate a conversation right now. Instead, I stopped where we’d sat together a couple of nights ago. Had it only been a few days? I felt as though he’d been in my life forever and already I couldn’t imagine his absence. If he didn’t concede, I’d know exactly how it felt to be without him.

He whined and rested his head on top of mine. Don’t fall for me, Savvy. I’m too damaged to be your mate. I’m trying to protect you. You deserve better.

A hollow laugh echoed in my head. I don’t get to choose. My wolf does. You know this. Does your wolf want mine? I stared up at him and then I rubbed my head against his chest. Okay, maybe I was playing a little dirty, but I was running out of time. Desperate times, desperate measures and all that crap.

At first, he stiffened and then he melted into me as I imagined he might. You’re killing me. His eyes closed. My wolf wants you now and always will, but you know this. He’s not likely to change his mind. And neither am I.

Then you’re going to be in a terrible state, forever cursed by the moon. Every cycle will bring more pain. Do you enjoy the pain?

Looking out over the mountains, he shook his head. Of course not.

Then why? Help me understand. All I know right now is you’re a selfish asshole. He whipped around, and I heard a low growl in his throat. I’d hit a nerve and it improved my mood greatly. I didn’t care what he said. I refused to give up.

I’m an asshole for protecting you?

No, you’re an asshole for turning your back on me. I stood, ready to run if he irritated me enough. Every time he chased me, I imagined his resolve weakened.

Savvy. The way he spoke my name made it sound like a breath, like I was part of him. Don’t you know what I am?

Duh. You’re a wolf shifter. What of it? He started to respond, but I cut him off. That’s not the most important part of you; your wolf is simply what drew us together. I moved closer and sat in front of him so we were nose to nose. What’s between us would’ve happened no matter what. You were made for me, Quinn. I was created for you. Together, there’s nothing we can’t handle. Apart, we’re like houses built on sand where the ocean laps at the shore.

He sighed. I’m part dog, Savvy.

I nuzzled into his neck. I know. You get those amazing eyes from your mother. Remind me to thank her one day. Inside my wolf whined, the sound of agony, of being so close to her forever and yet so far away.

Do you understand what it means? Quinn sat back, determined to see my face while he spoke.

Um, you have a gentler temperament. I chuckled. Never mind, that’s not it. Smaller penis? I have nothing to compare it to, but based on the other night, I doubt that. Maybe you chase your own tail? I don’t know. I’ve got nothing. Why don’t you enlighten me?

Do you really not have a prejudiced bone in your body? His brows rose, and I could read the shock even on his furry face.

Well, there’s one thing I simply turn my nose over. I took a deep breath for dramatic effect. I don’t like white chocolate. It’s not even chocolate. Chocolate should be brown. So, yeah. That. Then I sighed in frustration.

Quinn laughed and then shifted. I followed his lead. Soon we were naked on the boulder plateau together. “You might be right. And I don’t say this lightly.”

“Oh, what’s that?” I wrapped my arms around him and began to snuggle against him. The cool night air had goosebumps breaking out over my skin. He noticed and began rubbing my arms.

“We may truly have been made for each other.” Quinn brushed my hair back from my face.

“Is this why you shifted? To tell me something I already knew?” I snorted and shook my head. “I’m freezing for this?”

“No, Savvy.” His eyes sparkled as he stared down at me with an intensity which could actually make my skin burn. “You shifted for this.” He took my face in his hands and slowly closed the distance between us.

My breath came in tiny puffs. My heart pounded in anticipation. Inside, my wolf not only stirred, she howled. Claim me, claim me, claim me. Her need drowned out everything else until there was only me and Quinn and our dueling wolves.

His lips molded to mine as he began the kiss. His tongue darted out, teasing my mouth to grant him access. Once I did, his tongue caressed mine in a familiar dance, all tango. I pressed my body against his, hoping to inspire him to give me more. Instead, I felt him pulling away, holding back. I broke off the kiss. and unable to hide the hurt on my human face, I shifted. Once he did the same, I shared my excuse. It’s getting late. I need to get back to the homestead. I’ll see you tomorrow or something.

Nice try, Savvy. You’ll see me tonight. I’m not leaving your side until we find your parents’ killers. He seemed adamant.

Look, it’s not like you can stay with me…

No, but Howl can. Quinn chuckled. Come on.

I could’ve argued, but I didn’t want to. More than anything I wanted to have him with me. As far as I was concerned, tonight was one step closer to forever.