Page 12 of Nyctophilia

“I’ve definitely heard some howling. But I’m pretty sure the full moon thing is an old wives’ tale.”

“Why do you know so much about all of this?”

Jasper’s expression became closed off, for once looking like what I had originally expected. “Some of my closest friends happen to be wolves. That makes me a concerned bystander. But it’s also my job to investigate what I’m hired to do.”

It was a lot to comprehend. But I had promised my trust. He was watching me cautiously, probably expecting me to run out the door. I closed my eyes to stop the noise. Werewolves.Werewolves.Really, was it that much of a stretch? I believed in spirits and Ouija boards. Why not werewolves and evil creatures? And I hadfeltthings. Things I couldn’t explain. “Okay.”

Jasper looked surprised at my response. “Okay?”

“Okay. You told me to trust you, and for some insane reason I can’t possibly explain, I do. But I have other questions.”

He smiled, looking instantly more relaxed. “Of course. Anything. Within reason.”

“So what is this big bad monster that’s hurting werewolves? Why doesn’t everyone know monsters exist? And why aren’t werewolves the bad guys?”

Jasper started ticking off my responses on his fingers. “I’m not entirely certain what’s doing the hunting. The characteristics of the attacks don’t add up, but I’m getting closer. And it’s a pack thing. Most werewolves are sworn to secrecy. And werewolves are really… misunderstood creatures.”

I still felt like there was more he wasn’t telling me but also…werewolves? What alternate universe had I woken up in this morning? I sat, quietly processing all the new information.

We were interrupted by the waiter bringing our meals. After an awkward silence while we waited for him to leave, Jasper turned to me with heat in his eyes.

He brought his hand to my bare thigh under the table, sending waves of electric through me. “This is a lot to take in. And you’re right, you barely know me. Are you sure you’re okay?”

Oddly enough, I felt fine. I should have been more afraid, but maybe I was in shock. Or maybe I had known my entire life that things like this existed and just hadn’t wanted to acknowledge it. Regardless, the one thing I was sure about was that with Jasper, I felt safe.

I met his gaze and placed my hands gently on top of his. “Really. I’m okay. I know I should be more shaken up by this, but for right now, I’m fine.”

He grabbed my hands with a ferocity that took my breath away. “God, do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”

I looked down, uncomfortable. None of my boyfriends had spoken to me this way before, let alone on a first date.

“Ava. Look at me.”

I looked into his eyes when he spoke my first name and could have melted with the heat in there alone. “I’m serious. You were already one of the most stunning women I’ve met. But you took some seriously crazy information and absorbed it like it was nothing. That is badass.”

I pulled my hands away and tried to deflect the compliment. “Our food is getting cold.” I picked up my fork and started absentmindedly toying with my meal.

Unfortunately, pulling my hands away left his palms flush against my skin. His fingers gently inched their way up to the hem of my dress. I knew I should stop him, push him away. But I was frozen by how good it felt to be desired by Jasper. All I could think about was how his kiss made me feel, and how much better his hands would be.

He brushed his fingers over the lace trim of my short dress. I could hear a growl in the back of his throat as he played his fingers across my legs. “I don’t give a damn about the food.”

Shocked, I dropped my fork onto my plate with a clatter. “Jasper… people are watching.” I cast a furtive glance over my shoulders at the other patrons.

This time Jasper rolled his eyes. “For one night, stop worrying about what everyone in the town thinks. They’re going to talk regardless.”

I opened my mouth to speak and closed it again.

Jasper’s shoulders were tense again, like he was afraid I was going to turn him down. I couldn’t believe he was looking at me the way he was. His gaze poured over me and he slowly pushed my dress up. I felt like someone who did this all the time, someone who let guys feel them up under the table at a fancy restaurant. Someone worth desiring.

“Green.”

Shit, forget dinner.His hand was now fully under my dress. Any higher and they’d be toying with the edges of my underwear. I didn’t know how far I wanted to take this. I stilled Jasper’s hand with my own. “Jasper. What if someone sees?”

He started to gently stroke the skin on my inner thigh. “If you don’t like this, say the word and I’ll stop. I swear. But from your lack of response to my question, I’m going to guess what you want is… me?”

God yes. I did. He was cocky and annoying and I wanted him more than I had wanted anything in a long time. I merely nodded, unable to lie.

His voice was pure sex as he continued his gentle touch on my skin. “No one can see us, baby. No one has to know how good I’m making you feel. And believe me, no one has made you feel as good as I can. So tell me, do you want me as badly as I want you?”

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