Page 38 of Mortal Curse (Shadow Shifter)

“I guess you see a lot with a lifespan that long.”

His eyes glimmered. “Yes, but until I met you, I hadn’t lived.”

He leaned toward her slowly before his lips touched hers.

Fiery heat pooled deep in her lower abdomen. Her heart rate accelerated as she inhaled his masculine scent. While she avoided male encounters, Raine fascinated her. He captivated her with his unassuming strength and his piercing blue eyes.

His hand slipped through her hair, caressing her back before he cupped her ass and pulled her closer against his body. He was firm and tender, a wicked combination that she could become addicted to.

Her survival had always been based on having a means of escape. A slippery exit from any situation. Here, there was no backup plan. No escape from the shadow shifters or Raine.

Raine paused when she stiffened. “Tell me what I must do to ease your fears.”

Her eyes were glued to his. Sparkles glittered within the glowing blue globes, his purpose, his devotion, laid bare for her to see.

“I’m not used to being with someone. I don’t have friends, only acquaintances. I’m not sure what I’m doing.” The admission was stark and raw. It was also the truth.

His eyes softened. “There’s nothing I won’t do for you. I will give you time, to convince you I’m worthy of your trust. Anything you ask is yours.”

She saw the truth in his eyes, felt it in her soul. She kissed him, tasting the words on his lips.

His mouth was hot and addictive. His body stirred as his fingers tightened on her waist. She could feel him pressed against her. His thick erection ground into her pelvis.

Even his scent called to her. Wild and aggressive, like a wolf calling to its mate. Dannika had never felt such unmitigated desire toward a man. The intensity of her attraction was thrilling and scary. The desperation, the clawing need, and the rising hunger had her pulling back. Warning bells blared in her mind.

She jumped back off the couch with reflexes no human could possess. “We have to stop. I can’t do this.”

CHAPTER23

Dannika held out her hand as if she could physically push away the surge of hunger. It was so powerful she wrapped her arms around herself to stay the beast rising within her. This was more than physical attraction. She was desperate for him.

“This has to stop,” she said.

Raine stood, moving like the predator he was. He didn’t walk across the ground; he glided. “Stop tormenting yourself and me. Accept what you are. What we are.”

He wrapped his arms around her.

His mouth descended on hers. The featherlight touch of his lips became dominating and hungry, consuming her breath as his tongue explored the velvet interior of her mouth. She moaned as she clutched his shirt.

She took a stuttered breath, breaking the kiss. “What is this? It’s more than sexual attraction.”

His eyes were blue fireflies in the night. “Tell me what you feel, Dannika.”

She glanced at the ceiling, trying to explain something she couldn’t understand herself. “I feel like there’s another part of me that reaches for you. It’s hungry and possessive, but I feel it’s more than sex. It’s separate from the shadow form. When those mix, I feel your emotions. The other part is more primal.”

“It sounds like you’re suggesting your shadow warrior and your wolf are two separate beings. They started that way, but once merged together, they form one soul. However, your transition is new. It takes time to purge your human blood. During this time, you feel no hunger, but you are essentially merging your human consciences with your shadow warrior and your wolf.”

She cleared her throat. “I wouldn’t say I don’t feel hunger.”

Raine smiled. “I meant the need for sustenance, not sex.”

“Yeah, the transition takes it out of you. I haven’t had a chili cheeseburger in three days, and I love food. Margo constantly asks me if I have a hollow leg.”

Raine’s face twitched. “The transition is hard on your body. During this phase, you feel sated. It won’t last, and we will have to discuss your new eating habits.”

She shook her head. “Unless you’re about to tell me you drink human blood, then we’ll deal with that later.”

He kissed her forehead. “We protect humanity. We do not feed on humans. When I say we must live a clean life, this is what I mean.”

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