A Wolf's Curse (On Hold)

Chapter 14

"Kane - wait," Kay shuffled toward him. He hovered over the hood of his black truck, hands balled in fists. "Are you OK?" His body shook, eyes squeezed shut as he tried to contain himself.

"Don't come close," he bit out. "I should've left as soon as you got in safe."

"Kane," her soft hand slid over his trembling forearm. "It's me. You're going to be OK. Just breathe."

"You're not a good liar, you know," he chuckled darkly. Her heartbeat quickened at the accusation as she whacked his tricep. He opened his eyes, turning to meet her glare. "Rude."

Releasing a long breath, his eyes softened at the concern in her eyes. "I'm sorry, I don't know what happened. I really screwed up the moment. I shouldn't of yelled at you."

"No, it was my fault," her face fell, " I shouldn't have pushed you too hard." He curled his fingers under her chin, tilting her gaze to his.

"Trust me, there was nothing wrong with you. I enjoyed every bit of it, it's just...I need to get out of here before I lose control."

"You wouldn't hurt me," she grabbed his hand, grazing his knuckles with her lips. He glanced away for a moment, then leaned in and pressed his lips to hers as his hands coiled around her waist. Inhaling the scent of his body wash lingering on her skin, he clung to the softness of her lips a second longer before prying away and getting into his truck.

She leaned against the driver side window as he turned his key into the ignition and brought the engine to life.

"Will I see you again?" she peered at him beneath her lashes. He cupped her cheek against his palm, trailing his thumb across her lower lip.

"I hope so," he smiled as a blush crept to her cheeks.

"I'm sure a man with your abilities will find a way."

His gaze traveled to her chest, remembering the taste of her skin on his tongue. How his fingertips traced over the little birds and butterflies tattooed over her ribcage, under her breast. The memory of her body caused his pants to swell with desire. He tore his gaze away, swallowing as he put his truck in reverse and drove off.

It was dark when Kane pulled over along side of the road near his home. He trudged the lengthy path toward the cabin, kicking himself for blowing things between him and Kay. Leaving her was for her own good, and his.

The sound of footsteps pulled him from his thoughts. He halted as they padded through the tall bushes. Kane quietly cut a detour off the main road, crouching through the weeds and foliage. Steadying his breaths, he followed the source of the sound as the scent of fallen rain drifted to him.

At the clearing, his cabin waited for him in darkness, draped in the cries of nocturnal creatures. The pale moon hid behind darkened clouds and the lake so still, it reflected the dull sky.

He waited a beat until the coast was clear, stepping out from behind the bushes. The hairs on the back of his neck jolted as he spun.

A large figure zoomed toward him, pouncing on him and knocking him to the ground. Two paws dug into Kane's chest as yellow dots glared down at him. He clutched tufts of fur in his fists, driving his knees into the animal's ribs and hoisting it off beside him.

It rolled, landing with a rough yelp. Both sprung to their feet, crouching to a low stance—daring the other to make their next move. The animal emitted a low growl, its teeth gleaming in the pale light.

"Rain?" He recognized the wolf's scent, breathing a sigh of relief. The wolf sniffed Kane for a moment and stood as the hackles on her spine settled. "All of these decades together and you're still bad at sneaking around."