Scent of a Mate (Sassy Mates, #1)

“So what happened?” Mason started the truck.

Guessing by the time of day it was, she figured they must have been at the bar when she contacted him. The Wolfe family owned different businesses in the area. Aric had his own bar, Wolfe’s Den. At this time of the afternoon, he was usually taking care of business and she’d called him away.

“Sorry to have interrupted your work.” She ran a hand through her hair. “But I came here to look around for a project I’m doing for Ellie.” She wasn’t sure if she should give the full details so she kept things vague.

Mason glanced at her and smiled. “Right, the book thing.”

“Yes. So when I got here, these two white wolves—”

Aric frowned. “White?”

“Yes. One was bigger than the other, but they both seemed pretty pissed.” She cocked her head and watched him. “Why do you ask?”

“We don’t have pure whites in our pack.” Mason explained, his large hands gripping the wheel.

They drove down the hill until they reached the main road.

“I forgot my car!”

“I would too if I were as busy as you two were.” Mason chuckled.

Aric slapped his brother behind his head. “Now is not the time.”

“Well, we have to go back for my car,” she huffed.

“Don’t worry sweetheart, we’ll have one of the guys drop it off at your house.” He twined his fingers with hers and pulled her closer.

It was weird to be near him and have him show this much affection. She didn’t know what to make of it. For years she’d been somewhat subdued at his little taunts and innuendos. He’d flirted with her a multitude of times, but she’d never openly flirted back. She knew he’d be able to tell she was turned-on, so she’d tried to rein in her hormones. There had been some close calls. A time or two they’d danced together at a family function and she’d become so aroused she was sure he knew, but this was way past flirting.

After a few moments of being entranced by his finger drawing circles on her palm, she realized they were not headed to her house.

“Where are we going?”

His sinful lips split into a wicked grin.

Oh god, if he continued to smile at her with so much concern, she was going to rip off her clothes and rape him. Yep. She’d tear off his T-shirt and reveal the sexy tattooed upper body. The same body she’d been brain fucking and mind licking for the past fifteen minutes and would then rape him in the back of his truck. All that while his brother drove.

“To my parents’ place. It’s probably best to speak to them about what white wolves might be the ones you saw. I didn’t recognize their scent.” He hugged her to his side. The heat of his body wrapped around her like a comforting blanket. She’d swear there was some kind of connection growing between them. Her body urged her closer to him.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” The last thing she wanted was to involve his family in whatever that white wolf had against her.

“Stop the truck,” Aric ordered.

Mason pulled over and left the truck.

She turned to him with surprise. “Where did he go?”

“He’ll be back shortly. He’s giving us a few minutes.”

“Why?”

“I need to explain some things to you.”

She licked her lips. He lifted a hand to her face, sliding a finger down her cheek. “You’re important to me. Very important.”

She gasped. “I am?”

“You are.” His tone brooked no argument.

“Since when? And if you say last night, I’m going to hurt you. Good sex does not make us a couple.” While it had been really amazing sex, the kind that left her breathless and panting, that wasn’t enough to create something lasting between them.

“First of all, it wasn’t just good sex, it was the best sex of your life, and don’t bother denying it. Second of all, it’s not about sex. You and I have a connection. You know it, and I know it.”

Sure, things between them had always been extra hot and with enough sizzle to start a forest fire, but that was chemistry. “We’re not the first couple to be in lust.”

“This isn’t about lust. This is about us. You. Me. The future.”

“Are you crazy? There is no us. There is no future. There was sex. I’ll admit it was fan-freaking-tastic sex, but sex nonetheless. You don’t even know me.”

He cupped her face, giving her with a deep penetrating gaze. “I know all I need to know about you, love.”

This was crazy. “In order to even consider a relationship with you, I’d need to be able to trust that you understand I am an individual. I’m not some little woman to stay barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen while the big sexy man takes care of business.”

He grinned. “You think I’m sexy?”

“Argh!” Frustration flourished at light speed. She curled her nails into her palms and counted to ten. She didn’t want to fight with him, not when she was still brain fucking him. “See what I mean? You’re not listening to me.”