STORY EXCERPT

At their brief contact, her shiver raced through Craig like lightning. The surprise in her wide eyes along with her reaction confirmed what he already recognized. He’d known the moment he caught her sweet scent. Miss Beauclere was his mate. The woman he never expected to meet. So many nights as he waited for the next day’s battle, he believed he would die without ever having met her or kissed her.

His blood boiled with the need to hold her. Taste her. Bury his face in the fragrant tendrils of her silky hair. Make her his. He could not touch her now.

At least he could protect her from the men. No one would dare make an advance toward his mate. Not even their leader, his old friend Captain Neal Keller. Keller understood the laws of the pack. Growing up in Laredo, they shared their Were knowledge and respected those laws since they shifted the first time in their puberty.

When the southern states seceded from the Union, the entire pack from Laredo joined in the Confederate cause.

Except for Craig.

He fought for the Northern ideals, which included a united union of states. Keller didn’t know Craig joined the army of the North. They parted company beforehand.

Now few remained of their pack, and Keller led this band of lawless renegades. There’d be hell to pay if he discovered Craig fought for the North. Hopefully, he’d never come to blows with Keller. Only one of them would survive.

He shifted the bundle to one arm. “I’ll take these outside while you gather more, Miss Beauclere.”

“We don’t have much more.” Anger sparked from her defiant gaze.

“Miss, the men outside are dangerous.” He must keep her from riling Keller. He sliced the air with his gun hand. “Don’t try to fool their leader. I’ll protect you, but don’t put yourself in jeopardy.”

“How can I trust you?” Cold derision mixed with her anger. “You’re one of them.”

He best defuse her temper right now. He softened his tone. “You can trust me. Don’t question anyone. Just do as you’re asked, within reason, and stay out of sight otherwise.”

She threw a pillow at him. When he caught it, her eyes, the color of blue forget-me-nots, glowed like the hottest flame. The scent of her perfume rose from the feather pillow and encircled him.

The smile that twitched the corners of his mouth disappeared. A sudden onslaught of feral passion increased his hunger for her. Tendrils of her hair, the color of ripe fields of wheat, curled in the summer heat, and a fine sheen of dampness covered her face. He wanted to lick that moisture where it formed fine beads. It took all his strength to control the need to take her in his arms and devour her.

At the stubborn, angry expression on her face, Craig said, “Mind what I’ve said. I’ll be right back.”

He took the bundle outside, handed it to the waiting men, turned, and retraced his steps upstairs. He admired her stubbornness, but it could cause her trouble. He needed to make it clear to the men, including Keller, that she belonged to him. She’d protest, but he must show them she was his alone, for her sake.

When would there be an end to this fighting and lawlessness? He was sick of it. Home and herding cattle on the ranch never appealed more. When his assignment ended, he planned to leave soldiering behind and take up ranching.

He found Miss Beauclere in the first bedroom near the stairs. Her sweet scent filled this room as well. It must be her bedroom. Spotless, white curtains covered the windows. On either side stood a dresser and washstand. The clean lines of the furniture and the bed matched Miss Beauclere’s demeanor.

She’d pulled all the bed clothes into a pile and now gathered quilts from a chest at the foot of the four poster bed.

“There’s only one more bedroom where my aunt sleeps when she visits. After I collect her sheets and blankets, I have no more to offer.”

Oh, she had more to offer. Too much for her own good. She promised to be a handful. He hoped she didn’t push Keller too far. Craig would put a stop to any trouble before it started.

“I’m sorry to cause you this inconvenience. We should be gone at first light.”

She piled the quilts in his arms without touching him and moved to fold the linens. The soft outlines of her long, slender legs drew his attention. Almost overpowered by the animal in him, he leaned against the door while he regained his strength over the inner demon. How could he protect her when her effect on him brought forth his worst side?

When she turned toward the door, she stopped and stared at him. He blocked her way.

He inhaled deeply and fought for his humanity. “Miss, I know you’re upset, but no matter what happens, don’t do anything to upset Keller. Just stay out of sight inside your home.”

She shook her head, clearly exasperated. “I have no thoughts of doing anything that would draw your leader’s attention.”

“Good.” He turned, headed through the doorway and back down the stairs. Her soft footfalls padded behind him.

When they reached the veranda, he handed the blankets to one of the men standing nearby. Finding Miss Beauclere so close worked with his plan. He took the bundle from her in one arm, slipped his other arm around her waist, and pulled her against him. The bulging evidence of his lust nestled low against her belly. She fit him perfectly.

As she gasped in surprise, he covered her lips with his. Holding her tight, he tossed the linens to one of the men who gawked and covered one firm breast with his hand.