Steal the Day (Thieves #2)(117)

Though Hunter’s own Pack was dark, gritty, and slightly demented, he still preferred it to hell.

Balin gave him an odd look then shook his head again. “We haven’t seen you in a while. Did you get things taken care of?”

Hunter thought back to the looks of pity and fear within his Pack. “Not fully, but I’ve been away long enough.”

“You’re not going to tell me what you needed to do, are you?”

“I can’t.” It was true. Though Balin had helped save Hunter’s life, he wasn’t Pack. Some secrets needed to remain within the confines of their own species—something the demon should understand.

“You’re here for Becca, aren’t you?” Balin crossed his large arms over his chest and glared.

Not that Hunter knew exactly why the demon happened to be glaring, but it didn’t sit easy with him. Hunter’s hackles rose, but he toned them down. It was good that Becca had people to take care of her—even if the warnings were misplaced.

“Yes. She’s mine,” he answered simply.

Balin narrowed his eyes. “Remember that these women are not like those you know.” The demon looked around at the humans who were oblivious to the rising tension. “Let’s go inside. We can talk a little more freely there.”

“You’d stand in the way of a bond?”

Balin shook his head and led them to the front door. “No, but I will stand before her to ensure it’s what she wants. You left her high and dry and confused as hell a month ago. Don’t think you can just prowl in and think everything will be okay.”

Hunter frowned. “I know I will have to court her. I plan to ask you and your mates for help.”

Balin blinked, his hand on the door. “You’re going to ask for help? I thought you were an Alpha wolf.”

“I’m the Beta of my Pack, but I’m a dominant. That doesn’t mean I don’t know how to ask for help when it’s necessary. Becca isn’t of my Pack, and I want her to remain safe. Bringing her into my Pack right now would be dangerous without all the facts, and I don’t plan on forcing her to be with me.”

Balin snorted then opened the door, leading them into the bar. “You’re saying all the right things, but I have a feeling you’ll act all wolf and think she should bend for you.”

Hunter clenched his fists. “I’m not as enlightened as some. Fate made her for me, and the course has been set. I will not break from that.”

The sweet scent of mate and woman filled his nose, and he turned to see the goddess of his dreams. She’d put her curly red hair in a tangle on the top of her head so little ringlets fell down her neck. Those pieces seemed to beg for his touch, and he had to remember not to reach out to her just yet. Her long neck would be perfect for his tongue, as would her ample breasts. There were more than a handful, and he wanted to know the color of her nipples.

Would they be a dusky rose or a dark red when he licked and sucked them so they became pointed peaks? Her waist was a tiny thing that flared out to hips that would be perfect for his hands as he gripped her, pummeling into her heat from behind. Her ass was perfect, not those small ones that women seemed to love, but with enough meat on her to make his mouth water. He couldn’t wait to see her naked and wondered if those freckles that dotted her nose were anywhere else. He had a feeling he’d love licking each and every one, learning her curves and her taste.

Those jade green eyes bored holes into him as they lit fire. She tapped her foot, then raised her chin. It seemed his mate wasn’t happy to see him. He’d known this would be the case, though the wolf within him seemed disappointed she didn’t immediately rush into his arms and declare her undying love and need.

No worries. That would come.

He ignored the other patrons as he strolled toward her. He knew he moved more like an animal than man, but he didn’t care. Becca would have to learn he was a wolf, not the man she might have dreamed of.

Fate wouldn’t give him a mate who couldn’t accept the animal within him.

It had already been cruel enough.

He stood in front of her, their bodies a whisper apart. Her scent enraptured him, holding him close.

She tilted her head and blinked at him. “You’re back.”