Read Claimed by the Mate, Volume 1 for Free Online Page A

beautiful.” She stroked her hand over his head and down his shoulders. The wolf rested his chin on her knee, but Brad leaned close and kissed her, pulling her to her feet with his strong arms wrapped around her, his lips moving over hers.
    He tasted of chocolate and wine.
    After a moment, he broke off the kiss and rested his chin on top of her head. Her heart was pounding in her chest, her breasts felt as if they might burst from the bra she wore, and she knew the taut points of her nipples were obvious even through the fabric.
    â€œI think you’re right,” he said. “I’m tired, too. I just hate to think of you leaving.”
    She laughed. “I’m only going about fifty yards, and I’ll see you in the morning. Does my escort have a name?”
    â€œThis guy?” Brad scratched behind his ears; the wolf leaned against his thigh and moaned. “He may not act like it, but he’s a wild wolf. We don’t name them. We’ve all learned to recognize the ones who like to hang around the lodge, but it doesn’t seem right to give them names. I’m sure they have their own.”
    â€œI like that.” She stared at Brad for a moment, losing herself in his dark brown eyes, thinking of what he’d just said. He was telling her they had enough respect for the wolves not to treat them like pets.
    She had a horrible feeling she was falling for a guy she’d only known for a few hours.
    But then she thought of Cain and realized she felt almost as drawn to him after merely a few minutes in his company. She wanted to laugh at the surfeit of male riches suddenly thrust into her life. She couldn’t wait to tell Christa and Steph what they’d missed by leaving early. “Go help Cain, Brad. This guy will get me back to my cabin. Thank you for the port.” She glanced away. “And the chocolate. That was amazing.”
    â€œI’m glad.” He rested his hands on her shoulders. She had no idea what he was thinking, but she was almost certain it had something to do with kissing. The fact that he seemed to enjoy kissing her so much sent a small jolt right through her midsection.
    When he kissed her again, when those talented lips molded hers and his tongue made a swift foray across her lower lip, she didn’t even try to suppress her needy moan. He nipped gently at her lower lip and ended the kiss.
    Tonight had been like a fairy tale, but she had absolutely no idea what to say. Brad and Cain were unbelievable, and— The wolf caught the hem of her dress in his teeth and tugged. “It looks like my chaperone wants me to go to bed.” She smiled at Brad and wished she could just invite him to join her in that big bed.
    â€œGood night, Cherry. Sleep well.”
    The wolf tugged. “I’m coming.” Laughing, she glanced once more at Brad and then followed the wolf down the steps. When they reached the edge of the forest, she looked back, hoping to see Brad once more.
    The deck was empty.
    Sighing, she followed the wolf along the path lit by sparkling fairy lights.
    They were almost to the cabin when a second wolf joined them. He was big and dark, his coat streaked with russet and gold, and he planted himself in the middle of the trail, blocking their way. Cherry let out a startled squeak and buried her fingers in her companion’s thick ruff of fur. “I really hope you’re friendly.”
    Her wolf wagged his tail and yipped, and the new wolf went down on his front paws as if he wanted to play. “That looks promising. C’mon, boys. Take me to my cabin, and then the night is yours.”
    The porch light was on, but the cabin was dark. She opened the door and the russet-colored wolf walked in first, almost as if he was checking to make sure she’d be safe. Cherry followed him, flipped on the light by the door, and followed him.
    She left the door open in case the wolves wanted out, grabbed her nightgown. and took it into