Read Freedom in the Smokies for Free Online

and tucked them against her chest. She couldn’t become more of a ball if she tried. His response was unexpected. Why the hell not? Was she not good enough for him? Hurt planted an ache in her chest.
    “Don’t get me wrong. You’re gorgeous and sexy. I couldn’t ask for fate to have arranged anyone better. Except the timing.”
    Timing ? Timing was the least of her concerns. No time was ever going to be right. And what did timing have to do with anything? And then the answer came to her. “What? You have another woman you’ve been seeing, and my arrival inconveniences you?” She stopped abruptly, realizing she sounded jealous. Way to send mixed messages .
    Micah chuckled. “Hardly. It’s just not the right time for me to take a mate.”
    Interesting. Two people destined to be together and neither of us wants this . “Good. So you agree this won’t work.” Why did that idea not sit well with her either?
    “I didn’t say that. I said the timing was bad.” He leaned closer as he spoke, his voice dropping in pitch and volume. The deep sound resonated through her. Only inches separated them. “What makes you think this won’t work?”
    “I’ve seen too many failed relationships in my life. Every generation it seems. I don’t want that,” she replied.
    “Wolves don’t fail in their relationships.” He narrowed his gaze. “I don’t think you have to worry.”
    Now he was sending mixed messages. It almost sounded as if he wanted to mate with her. What was hisproblem?
    “I’ll worry about what I want. You never answered my question…what’s wrong with the timing?”
    “It’s not safe here. I hate telling you this, but it’s a fact. I was pissed when I found out they’d hired you even before we met. My family knows better. And you being my mate makes it even worse.”
    “’Kay, I’m gonna point out that whatever you just said made no sense. What the hell are you talking about?”
    “There is a…predator…on the loose. And he’s not above murder. I don’t want anyone in harm’s way. And certainly not my mate. If you had any sense at all, you’d leave here and never look back.”
    “Are you crazy? What kind of predator? Do you know how perfect this job is for me?” She shook her head. Plus, a part of her deep down knew she couldn’t leave now if she wanted to. She could resist all she wanted, but she knew how matings worked and Micah’s pheromones had already done a number on her. Besides the way she reacted to him sexually, she knew a lot about wolf mates. She’d seen several claimings in the last decade. Mated wolves adored each other. She’d give anything to have someone love her the way she knew wolf mates did. Nope. It wasn’t just the sexual draw. Kaitlyn knew this man would take care of her for life.
    “Not the human kind.”
    She tried to concentrate on the conversation. “Another wolf?”
    “God, how I wish you didn’t have to hear this. But no. There are…others.”
    “Other what?”
    “Other supernatural beings. Can we leave it at that?”
    “Fuck no. We can’t leave it at that.” Did he really think she’d agree to drop the subject?
    Micah stared at the floor. He inhaled deeply several times. Suddenly he grabbed her thigh.
    Kaitlyn jerked as the heat of his touch shot through her. Warmth spread into the space between her thighs. She couldn’t avoid his touch and if truth be told, she really didn’t want to. She was well and truly trapped by fate.
    “God. Son of a…” He released her and stared at his palm as though she’d burned him.
    When his gaze returned to hers, she held her breath. Talk about predators. Micah Durham was stalking her with his eyes. He looked as if he wanted to devour her, and unfortunately, she suspected she would like it.
    “Our connection is strong. You smell so goddamn good.” He paused before he said, “Please tell me to get out. Tell me you’ll pack up and leave right this minute and never look back. I can’t stand the idea of