“Because of the bears and Michael. You said--” She held up her hand, cutting him off. “I don’t want to talk about Mike. Okay? I feel bad enough about the situation. I’ve never stood anyone up before.” Arctos looked like he had no idea what she was talking about, but nodded in acceptance anyway. “What would you like to discuss?” he asked.

  “You,” she said. “I mean you saved my life, but I don’t know anything about you.” Caitlin played with the edge of the material covering the table to give her hands something to do.

  “Does it matter?” he asked, his expression serious.

  Surprised by his question, she paused. His gaze didn’t waver. If anything it grew even more intense.

  “Yes,” she said. “It does to me.”

  He sat back and crossed his leg until his foot rested on his knee. “Very wel , ask away. I wil do my best to answer your questions if that is what you truly desire.” She dished up more chili-mac onto his plate, then scooted back, mirroring his actions. “How did you get me away from the polar bear?”

  “I chal enged it,” he said matter-of-factly. “The bear wasn’t about to give you up without a fight…and neither was I.”

  Caitlin’s stomach fluttered at his unexpected confession. She pushed the odd sensation aside, not wanting to get sidetracked from the most important point.

  “What do you mean you chal enged it?”

  He picked up his fork and took a bite. The tension stretched between them. Caitlin thought for a moment that Arctos wasn’t going to answer, but he surprised her again.

  “I fought it in order to protect you,” he said quietly.

  Caitlin’s heart sped in her chest. He couldn’t be serious. She’d never had anyone fight for her. Not even on the playground. She wasn’t the type of woman that men fought over, much less took on a bear for.

  Sure, she cleaned up wel , but Caitlin knew deep down that she’d never be anything but blissful y average. She’d learned that long ago and made peace with it. “Thanks,” she said, knowing it sounded lame and rather unsubstantial under the circumstances.

  “Don’t thank me,” he snapped. “I failed.” Startled by the veracity of his claim, Caitlin slowly looked down at her body and said, “Doesn’t look like you failed to me.”

  “You were injured. Horribly,” he croaked, as if it hurt to say the words.

  Caitlin didn’t understand where his pain was coming from. They’d survived the ordeal. He should be happy or at the very least grateful. “Without your help, I’d be dead,” she said. “So I’m going to cal it a win.”

  They fel silent once more. Caitlin took the opportunity to mul over what she’d learned thus far. Not much, she decided, since it was obvious that there was more going on here than she realized.

  Arctos cleared his plate. “The meal was delicious.”

  “No, it wasn’t, but thanks for saying so.” Caitlin picked up their plates and deposited them in the sink. She just couldn’t let it go. She had to know. “I don’t understand how you managed to fight off a polar bear and only get a scratch.”

  “Is it important?” His dark eyes held so many secrets, so many promises. Secrets she was dying to know, but didn’t think she was ready to hear.

  “No.” Caitlin shook her head, then added, “It’s just that I’ve never had anyone do something like that for me.”

  “I’m sure Michael would’ve done the same in those circumstances,” Arctos said. There was an edge to his voice that hadn’t been there before.

  “Doubtful,” Caitlin replied without thinking, then glanced at his side. She hadn’t managed to get him patched up yet.

  She should’ve done that before he went out hunting. The last thing they needed was for the predators to fol ow the blood trail back to the cabin.

  She might have gotten a scratch, but he’d been injured during the encounter with the bear. Injured defending her.

  Fighting for her. It was probably why she had so much blood on her jacket. Even though it went against everything that she believed in, Caitlin felt a smal thril from Arctos’

  heroics. “Take your shirt off,” she said, reaching for the First Aid kit.

  * * * * *

  Arctos stil ed at her uttered command. In his current condition, he didn’t think undressing was a good idea.

  “Why?” he asked, wondering what she was up to.

  “I need to bandage your wound and put some salve on it. We don’t want it to get infected.” She rummaged around in the smal metal box.

  “It won’t,” he said.

  Caitlin stopped what she was doing and looked at him.

  Her brow rose as she stared. “Don’t tel me that you’re afraid of a little ointment and a bandage. You can take on a bear, but not some medicine that might sting.” She laughed, then went back to gathering materials.

  Arctos’ body tensed. He wasn’t afraid of anything—or at least he hadn’t been until he’d met her. He rose slowly out of his seat, then grasped the corners of his flight suit and pul ed it apart, baring himself to the waist.

  “That’s bett…” The word died on her lips as her gaze locked onto his chest. Her throat worked convulsively as she struggled to speak.

  Had he known this would be the effect, Arctos would’ve removed his clothing long ago. It took al of his training as a Phantom Warrior to keep him rooted in place as Caitlin drank her fil .

  The last time a woman had looked at him like that she’d ended up on her back with her legs spread wide and his face buried between her thighs. If Caitlin kept this up, she’d find herself in a similar position. The thought was beyond tempting.

  He gripped the material to keep from reaching for her.

  “You asked me to remove my shirt. I have done so,” he said, feeling the hot lick of her hungry gaze caress his overheated skin.

  Caitlin cleared her throat. “S-so I did,” she said, breathlessly.

  “If you like, I can remove more.” His gaze pinned her in place, daring her to ask for what she so obviously desired.

  Her eyes widened and her hands shot out in a halting motion. “No! I mean, no, that’s quite enough. I should be able to take care of everything this way.” She indicated to his side, but her traitorous gaze kept returning to his chest.

  Chapter Four

  Caitlin couldn’t tear her eyes away from Arctos. He was a work of art in flesh form. Other than the scratch marks on his side, there wasn’t a blemish marring his pale skin. She’d never seen a chest so plated with muscle. The heavy folds of his eight-pack rippled at his waist, forming a deep ‘V’ that disappeared into the bottom of his snowsuit.

  He was flawless. Impossibly so. And by far the most beautiful man that she’d ever laid eyes on.

  Until this moment, Caitlin had never understood how Al ie could fal for a guy at first sight. Her friend had cal ed it

  ‘lust at first sight’. According to Al ie, love quickly fol owed.

  Caitlin had always considered the notion fanciful and beyond shal ow. Something that would never—could never happen to her. And for twenty-six years it hadn’t…until now.

  “Caitlin?” he asked.

  Moisture drained from her mouth, leaving it drier than a daisy in the Sahara. She blinked when he repeated her name. A fresh wave of embarrassment hit as she realized what she’d been doing. OMG! She, Caitlin Kel y had been gawking like an unschooled teen.

  “Sorry.” She forced herself to look away. “Almost ready,” she croaked.

  She turned back to the First Aid kit and rifled through it, even though she’d already gathered everything she needed. Caitlin used the moment to get her pounding heart and scattered wits under control. Somehow she’d wandered into foreign territory and was now clearly out of her depth. Where was Al ie when she needed her?

  Caitlin seriously considered running to the bathroom, so she could cal her friend for advice. The idea was quickly dismissed when she realized there was no way she could get to the phone without Arctos seeing her. Besides, she had pretty good idea what Al ie would say already. Caitlin took a deep breath. You can do this, she thought. Just think about cleaning toilets, scrubbing dirty pots, or waiting tables.

  “Ready.” She turned back to him.

  Arctos’ lips twitched in amusement. “Where do you want me?”

  She groaned inwardly as a smal voice inside her head screamed ‘the bed’. “The chair is fine.” She pointed to the one closest to the fire. “Have a seat over there in the light. I want to see how bad it is.”

  “It’s fine,” he said. “Soon it wil be completely healed.”

  “So you keep saying.”

  The light from the flames danced over his skin as Caitlin bent over to take a closer look at his injury. She tried to hold her breath, but al that accomplished was to make her dizzy. She inhaled, focusing on the nearly healed wound. Arctos smel ed of woods and man. Caitlin closed her eyes and counted to five. As she did, his scent seemed to change, growing richer, muskier, almost sensual in nature. Caitlin stood abruptly and swayed.

  Arctos reached out to steady her. “Are you okay?” He peered up at her, his lids resting at half-mast, effectively veiling his eyes.

  “Fine.” She stepped away abruptly, shaken by the sensations buzzing through her body. “Just had a bit of a head rush. Probably didn’t eat enough. I’m going to get the salve.” Caitlin hiked her thumb over her shoulder.

  * * * * *

  Arctos watched her reach for the smal jar and unscrew the top. He could smel the changes happening in his body.

  There was only one reason his aphrodisiac-like pheromones would flood his system—to ensnare his mate.

  Could that mean Caitlin real y was his true-mate or was it a sign that the first bond had taken hold? Hope balanced on a fine blade of fear. Arctos wanted—no needed more than a forced connection between them.

  Caitlin returned with her fingers covered in goo. “This might sting,” she said, then rubbed the thick substance onto the scratches.

  Arctos flinched as she ran her hand over his bare flesh.

  “Sorry.” She gently blew on his side.

  Goosebumps rose on his arms, hardening his flat nipples. Blood rushed from his head straight to his shaft, fil ing it in record time. He gripped the arms of the chair until his knuckles turned white.

  “It should stop hurting in a minute.” Her gaze skittered away from his blatant erection.

  Arctos clenched his jaw until his teeth ached. “The pain I feel isn’t due to the treatment.”

  Caitlin swal owed audibly, then picked up the bandage. She placed it over the wound and taped it to his uninjured skin. “Al done.” She started to walk away, but Arctos stopped her.

  “Thank you.” Their eyes met and held. Need, fear, hunger, and uncertainty flashed between them in an instant.

  It was the latter that was his downfal . He slowly pul ed her onto his lap. Arctos gave Caitlin plenty of time to get away.

  She didn’t try. When their lips met, it was only long enough to exchange a breath, then he released her.

  Caitlin’s smal breasts rose and fel like she’d just run a marathon. Her pupils were dilated and she practical y trembled with need. Arctos couldn’t look away. He was afraid he’d miss something vital if he did. She licked her bottom lip, seeking out his taste, but otherwise didn’t move.

  “You are temptation in Goddess form,” Arctos ground out, holding onto the chair for dear life. “I want to touch you so bad that I ache for it.”

  Caitlin started to speak.

  “Wait! Please hear me out,” he said. “I know that your heart belongs to another and that given a choice you would not have picked me.”

  Caitlin’s mouth dropped open a second before she laughed. She stared at him, then laughed again. “I can’t believe that you’re serious. You actual y think…” She shook her head, then pinned him to the chair with a look. “Let’s clear up a few things. I think you’re gorgeous. I’ve never seen a man so beautiful, so perfect in my life. You could tempt the Devil himself with that body, but I’m not the type of girl to fal for a handsome face or dive into bed with a stranger.”

  “You find me attractive?” he asked.

  “Oh please.” She rol ed her eyes.

  “But your heart belongs to another,” he said, as some of his newfound hope diminished.

  Caitlin hesitated, then said, “My heart belongs to me and only me.”

  Their gazes locked. “So there is a chance…”

  “A chance for what?” she asked.

  Arctos hesitated, then said, “A chance that someday you’l put your heart in my hands for safe-keeping.”

  * * * * *

  Something melted in Caitlin’s chest. Guys like Arctos just didn’t exist in the real world. She had loads of firsthand experience to prove it. Yet something inside of her wanted desperately to believe that he was different. That he’d somehow prove her wrong. His hand slid down her arm until he grasped her fingers. The tug was so slight that she almost didn’t feel it. Caitlin found herself being drawn into his arms.

  Their faces were mere inches apart. The warmth of his breath caressed her cheeks, while the musky aroma that seemed to emanate from his skin grew sweeter. He ran his free hand up her arm and over her shoulder, massaging along the way. His palm came to rest at the back of her neck. Arctos cupped it gently and closed the distance between them.

  Caitlin knew she should tel him to stop. This wasn’t like her. She didn’t do things like this. Maybe staying with Al ie had somehow rubbed off on her. Or maybe, just maybe, she wanted this as much as he did. Whatever the reason, she al owed him to continue.

  Arctos stopped, as their lips were about to touch.

  Caitlin’s heart was hammering so hard in her chest that she couldn’t hear anything but its steady thud. His breath mingled with hers, tempting her to finish what he’d started.

  What was he was waiting for? The tension rose between them, coiling tight. Caitlin could practical y taste it on her tongue, feel it crackling over her skin. He wanted her. Of that there was no doubt. His entire body felt like iron beneath her.

  She had told him that she didn’t fal into bed with men.

  Was that why he’d stopped? Did he want her to make the final decision on whether this went any further? Caitlin stared into his fathomless eyes. They were so dark now that they appeared ringed in red. Arctos didn’t say a word.

  Did nothing to influence her decision in any way. In the end, that’s what tipped her over the edge.

  Caitlin’s mouth found his. Arctos groaned and his grip on her neck tightened as he joined her in the embrace.

  She’d been kissed before. Lots of times. The kisses had varied between chaste to slobbery. Caitlin considered herself a pretty good kisser, but she didn’t have anything on Arctos.

  He ran his tongue along her bottom lip, then dipped inside as she gasped for air. Their tongues touched, then tangled, a control ed dance that ratcheted up her need.

  Arctos deepened the kiss, his strokes, flicks, and nibbles seemed aimed at building desire. Fueled by lust, Caitlin slipped her arms around his neck and al owed her body to free-fal . His taste fil ed her mouth, spicy and bitter from the coffee and chili-mac, yet utterly addictive. She clung to him, trying to get closer, wanting more.

  Arctos growled, the sound rumbled out of his chest. He pul ed back, his lungs heaving. “I need you,” he said, taking a shaky breath. The confession came from the depths of his soul. His forehead dropped forward until it rested against hers. “I know you do not give yourself to men easily.

  For that I am truly grateful. But if you could do so this one time, I swear that I would consider it a gift beyond measure.”

  Caitlin brushed a stray hair away from his face. “You are too good to be true,” she murmured more to herself than to him.

  “I’m not,” he said, emphatical y. “I am selfish.” Red slashed his cheeks and pain flashed in his eyes.

  Arctos may be many things, but selfish wasn’t one of them. Caitlin kissed him again in order to banish the thought from his mind. His taste and his smel continued to overwhelm her. Even now, she found herself craving more.

  She thought about her friend, Al ie. She knew what she’d do in this situation. Al ie wore her heart on her sleeve for everyone to see…and crush, but it never stopped her from trying to find love. If Caitlin were being perfectly honest, she’d admit that she envied Al ie’s ability to pick herself up, dust herself off, and start over. Unfortunately, she’d lost her rose-colored glasses long ago.

  She looked at Arctos. His lips were slightly swol en from their kisses and his brown eyes were glazed with passion. Caitlin had no doubt that she looked the same.

  Could she let go of her rigid self-control for one night of passion? Their gazes met once more. His heated to inferno as she watched.

  Allie would be proud, she thought as she hopped off his lap and grabbed him by the hand.

  Caitlin led Arctos back to the bedroom. His eyes widened when he saw the bed, then dropped to slumberous once more. She backed into the room until her shoulders hit the half wal that separated the bedroom from the bathroom. Caitlin watched as Arctos slipped off his boots, then slowly grasped the edges of his snowsuit and pul ed it down.

  Holy mother of Adonis.

  Her breath caught in her throat, as he stood naked before her. For a moment, al she could do was stare. He was impressive in every way imaginable. She was almost afraid to remove her own clothes, since there was no way she could live up to that body.

  Arctos took the decision out of her hands by pul ing her into his arms and kissing her senseless. He’d obviously been holding back earlier. Caitlin’s toes curled and skin grew taut. His chest brushed her nipples and she gasped as they went rigid. Arctos didn’t stop kissing her. His hands slipped down to her sides and under her long underwear.

  The second his fingers touched her bare flesh, heat flooded her.

  He bunched the material in his fists and yanked it over her head, dropping it down beside them. His dark eyes drank in the lacy cups of her padded bra. “Remove it,” he said, his voice a rough rasp.

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10