Captivated By The She-Wolf. Kristal Hollis

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СКАЧАТЬ growl rumbled in her throat. Stealing a wolfan’s food could be a deadly mistake.

      “Hey!” She marched over to her seat. “What do you think you’re doing?”

      The Native American man wearing the green slacks and gray button-down of a Georgia state ranger uniform didn’t startle. He merely finished chewing and slowly turned in her direction.

      Straight black hair fell to his shoulders and the shadow of a beard shaded his jaw and mouth. Leisurely, his gaze rose from her midsection to her face. Recognition flared in those whiskey-colored depths, though she’d never met the man.

      She had, however, heard talk about Bodie Gryffon, the town’s newest bachelor. Tall, handsome, mysterious.

      In a place as small as Maico, the rumor mill never ceased, especially when a single man was involved. There had been speculation as to why he’d declined interest from all the ladies who’d put themselves in his path.

      Ronni could tell by the way his eyes dilated and his nostrils flared when assessing her that at least one of the rumors was dead wrong.

      He was nice-looking, with high cheekbones balancing a well-proportioned nose that turned down slightly at the tip. And his naturally bronzed skin was simply flawless. Still, Ronni wouldn’t agree that he was as handsome as the gossip mill reported until she saw his chest. Broad and taut with muscles sculpted by hard work, yet warm and comforting when she needed to be held—that’s what made a man desirable in her eyes.

      It was difficult to really ascertain much about Bodie’s chest from the way he filled out his shirt because he wore a bulletproof vest beneath it.

      “I’m eating lunch.” His broad and toothy smile held no apology for pilfering her food, but it did speed up her heart. “Care to join me?”

      “I might’ve considered it, if you weren’t already eating my lunch.” Wahyas took food very seriously.

      Her inner wolf didn’t care and urged her to take a seat.

      “This is mine. I called in a to-go order.”

      Ronni flattened her hand on the counter and leaned close. “Does that look like takeout?” she said, catching a whiff of his clean, masculine scent. Hormones that had been dormant for quite some time took notice. Awareness spread through her body while bewilderment distracted her brain.

      Bodie wasn’t wolfan. Wahyas had a special sense that helped them recognize their own kind. But something about him was setting off her intuition.

      He stared down at the platter of food and drink. “You ordered a fried fish sandwich minus the tartar sauce, pickled okra, cheesy tater tots and an orange soda, too?”

      Ronni nodded.

      The double doors to the kitchen swung open and Mabel sauntered out carrying a takeout bag. “Here ya go, hon.” Her gaze slid from Bodie to Ronni.

      Eyes wide and apologetic, Bodie hopped off the stool. “My mistake.”

      “We can swap.” Smiling, because he was a gentleman after all, Ronni took the seat next to him.

      “Actually, I have a meeting and was going to eat on the way.” He tugged his wallet from his back pocket. “I ate a couple of your tater tots, so I’ll give you mine and pay for your lunch.”

      “Don’t worry about it. I won’t miss a few tots.”

      He handed Mabel his money and shoved his wallet back into his pocket. “By the way, I’m Bodie Gryffon.”

      “I know. Small town.” She shrugged. “I’m Ronni Lyles. I own The Stitchery down the street.”

      “Lyles?” Bodie studied her. “Do you have a son named Alex?”

      Ronni’s hackles rose along her spine. “I do, why?”

      “My daughter, Willow, is very shy. Alex and his friends have been very kind to her at school.”

      Ronni relaxed. “I would be disappointed to hear otherwise.”

      “The Stitchery? Is that a dress shop?”

      “Fabric store and sewing supplies, mostly. But I also do custom orders and alterations.”

      “Willow needs some things for a school sewing project.” He fished his cell phone from his pocket. “Do you have any of this?”

      Ronni read the list: two or more cute pieces of fabric, matching felt, piping, color-matched thread, straight pins, a sturdy needle, fabric glue.

      “I do. What is she making?”

      “Beats me.” He started to put the phone away and hesitated. “What’s your number?” The golden flecks in his curious eyes glittered.

      “Why do you want my number?”

      “To text you the list.” On any other man, the smugness in his smile would have immediately turned her off. Somehow on him, it worked. Maybe it was the tease in his eyes which she found more playful than arrogant.

      She took the phone from him, ignoring the static charge that nipped them both, and put in her name and number before returning the device to him.

      “Great. I’ll ask my mom to bring Willow by your store tomorrow.” Bodie glanced at his watch. “I have to go.”

      He picked up the takeout bag and his drink. Going out the door, he flashed a sexy grin. “See ya later.”

      “You might be the first woman in town he’s asked for a phone number.” Mabel sidled over to Ronni.

      “It’s for business.” Her phone pinged with a text.

      Hey, beautiful. You’re a lifesaver and made my day. :)

      His daughter’s list followed.

      “I don’t think he got your number just for business.” Mabel chuckled. “He can’t take his eyes off you.”

      Ronni turned to look out the window and met Bodie’s gaze. She couldn’t explain it, but something about him seemed very familiar.

      * * *

      The morning might’ve been a bust, but starting the afternoon meeting his she-wolf in person had overshadowed the disappointment.

      Ronni Lyles.

      Now Bodie had a name to go with the beautiful face that haunted his dreams. And an excuse to see her again. Once Willow picked up her supplies, he planned to stop by Ronni’s store and take her to lunch to thank her. He couldn’t wait to see what developed from there.

      Walking inside the rustic-themed lobby of the Walker’s Run Resort, he noticed a huge wolf totem with a large black bird at the top in one of the far corners. The irony wasn’t lost on him, but maybe it was on the wolfans.

      Legends often associated wolves and ravens. He wondered if and when the two shifter species had been allies and what had come between СКАЧАТЬ