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my body aching and needy. I needed to get out of there or I would end up doing something I regretted.
    I had the words poised at my lips, but before I could say them Graham was right beside me, his mouth on mine. He tasted like wine, warm, moist and fruity. I was stunned and couldn’t move as his tongue stroked my lips and urged me to open for him. It took all my willpower to move away from him. I sucked in a lungful of air and set my glass down.
    “Is everything okay?”
    I tried to clear my mind. I reminded myself that Chase and Xavier weren’t my concern anymore, that I should enjoy myself and take what Graham was offering. It was no use, though, because even if I wanted Graham in that way, my arousal had been doused. Graham moved closer to me and I was frozen. I could smell his arousal for me, could see the massive bulge pressing against his pants.
    “I want you, Ophelia, so bad.”
    “It’s just the mating heat, Graham. I didn’t come here for this.” I closed my eyes and clenched my hands.
    “It isn’t, though. I’ve watched you, seen how lonely you are, just like me. We can make this work.”
    I looked at him with surprise. Was he really suggesting a mating when neither of us were mates? “And what would happen when you found your mate? Or when I found mine?” He averted his gaze and I heard him swallow. It was a logical question, one that went through each and every Luecross member’s mind constantly.
    “I’ve gone years without finding her. I have given up hope that I will. I want to start a life, have a family, and be with someone I can grow to love. We can make each other happy, and in time, we can learn to love each other.”
    “What then, Graham? What if we do all of this and your mate comes along? What if we have children, grow to love each other, and she comes along? Will you leave me and your young?” He shook his head and inched closer but I stopped him. “No, you would take care of your children, that I have no doubts about, but you would be helpless to not go to her. I can never compare to your mate, you know this. What you are suggesting would only set us both up for heartache.” I stood and smoothed a hand down my dress. I know my words struck something deep inside of him by the way he kept his eyes towards the ground. “I’ll see myself out. Thank you for a wonderful evening. And Graham?” He lifted his head, anguish set deep in his eyes. “I really hope we can be friends. I’d love to spend time with you.”
    He nodded and stood. “I’d like that. Thank you for tonight.” I embraced him because I knew he needed it and to be honest, I needed it too. He walked me to the door and when it shut behind me I stood and absorbed the sights, sounds, and smells around me.
    I could have taken Graham’s offer, but I knew that in the end, one of us would end up getting hurt.

Chapter Six
     
     
     
    I stepped off his porch and made my way back to my cabin. The sun had set and the night was in full bloom around me. My mind was elsewhere, so it wasn’t until the wind blew downhill that I sensed I wasn’t alone. I stopped and slowly looked around. Aside from the flora around me, I couldn’t see who was near. I inhaled, trying to catch what wolves were near me, but the wind suddenly changed direction and made it impossible to pick up on their scents.
    “Ophelia.”
    My name was whispered all around me and I couldn’t gauge where it had come from. I spun around, my heart beating frantically in my chest. I wasn’t frightened, but there was something inside me—something that felt wild, even tantalised me.
    “Hello?” Silence greeted me and I shivered. There was a chill in the air that spoke of fall just around the corner. I started moving again, hoping that if someone wanted to play games with me they would see that I wasn’t in the mood. I could see the lights of the camp and picked up my pace.
    “Ophelia.”
    I felt warm breath tease the shell of my ear as they whispered my name. I