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anything, but he couldn’t let it get out of hand. Things would get way too complicated. Karin was a keeper, not a one night stand, and he didn’t do relationships, not with a human woman.
    His sister married a human, and her mistake destroyed their Lycan community. Generations of his people had made their home in the Pine Barrens, more than a million rural acres in New Jersey. When human settlers arrived, the Lycans kept their distance.
    Everything changed when his sister decided their home schools weren’t good enough for her. She begged and pleaded until their parents allowed her to attend school in the city. When she eloped with a boyfriend, they should have disowned her, but instead they welcomed the newlyweds back and gave them a home. His sister had taken her husband into her confidence, and the elders felt it best to keep him close.
    But his sworn brother’s fragile ego was easily bruised, and soon the young couple were arguing constantly. When he left her, the family trusted him not to reveal their secrets.
    A week later, Malcolm woke in the middle of the night to smoke and flames. He and his mate shifted and ran. If they hadn’t been separated in the smoke and chaos, if he hadn’t been caught in a leghold trap…
    By the time he shifted back to his human form and freed himself it was too late to save anyone. If any Lycans survived, he’d never found them.
    The fire burned for six days and consumed thousands of acres. Forest fires were common in the Pine Barrens. Officials blamed extremely dry conditions and high winds, while locals blamed the Jersey Devil. Traps lining the perimeter and the bullet-ridden bodies of wolves told the story. The only demon responsible was his brother-in-law.
    Eventually he got his revenge, but it hadn’t meant a damn thing. Killing his sworn-brother didn’t bring back his family.
    “Earth to Malcolm,” Karin snapped. “What are you doing here anyway?”
    “Ah, sorry.” He buried the memories and forced a smile. “You were a lot friendlier yesterday when you asked me to come back.”
    “Not to the enclosure.”
    “They don’t seem to mind.”
    “Okay, you got me there.” She returned his smile with one of her own. “Let’s go back to the refuge. I’ll take a look at your nose and make you some coffee.”
    “Mind if I visit your other patient? I’d like to take a look at the terrifying beast everyone is so afraid of.”
    “I guess it would be okay.” She frowned.
    “What’s the problem?”
    “She’s testy, doesn’t want me near her.”
    “I’ll be careful,” he assured her.
    Karin unlocked the front door and led him through the reception area. The large treatment room contained cages along the back wall for recovering animals. The black wolf occupied the biggest one, but it was no substitute for the freedom of the outdoors. His wolf howled in silent sympathy.
    “She’s a beauty.” He walked toward the cage slowly so as not to scare her.
    “Just don’t get too close,” Karin cautioned
    “She looks gentle as a pup.”
    “Looks can be deceiving, and we’re still not sure about rabies.”
    “I’m a carnivore, but if this wolf is sick, I’ll give up meat.” He put a hand on the cage and let her get familiar with his scent.
    “I don’t believe she’s a threat either, but it’s a safe bet for me because I’m already a vegetarian.”
    “I should have known.” He laughed.
    “I guess she’s calmed down some.” Karin joined him at the side of the cage. The wolf turned its amber eyes on her and growled. Karin gasped and drew back.
    “She’s just scared.” He spoke to Karin, but his eyes fixed on the extraordinary creature in front of him. “She probably associates you with the cage.”
    “I’m sure you’re right,” Karin said in a shaky voice. “Let’s give her some space.”
    “We’ll get you out of that cage yet, girl,” he said soothingly. When he turned away, the wolf whimpered, and he stopped in his tracks. He turned back and