Read NocC 013 - Katie Reus - Protector's Mate - Harlequin 2012-04 for Free Online Page A

wondering what it meant to him.
    Now that her mind was clearer, panic started to set in. She wasn’t afraid he’d punish her anymore, but she was afraid of what would happen if— when, he’d said—they took the next step. There had been no hesitation in his voice about them sleeping together. He’d been so sure about it and she hadn’t said anything to contradict him. Why would she? She wanted him as much as he seemed to want her and a few hours ago she’d been ready to strip bare and let him inside her.
    Her chest constricted as she thought about going to bed with him. She could only imagine how much experience he had with women. The way he’d played her body so expertly was all the proof she needed. Taking a deep breath, she fought the onslaught of dread coming on with the thought about how inadequate she must be in comparison to the woman he’d been with. Feelings she thought she’d buried two years ago when she’d moved away from her pack bubbled to the surface.
    What if Alaric saw what everyone else in her old pack saw in her? A weak mongrel whose parents hadn’t cared enough about her to stick around. They’d abandoned her at such a young age she didn’t even remember them.
    Alaric might view her as fine to warm his bed but in her heart she knew it would be a temporary arrangement. And she couldn’t stand by only to be pushed to the side once he found someone better. She knew that was what would ultimately happen. It would be torture to live in the same pack and watch him mate with someone else, knowing he hadn’t viewed her as good enough. Absently she rubbed the middle of her chest, hating the familiar ache of loneliness that began to spread.
    Over the last couple years she’d made a decent amount of money so at least she could take care of herself. Living as a lone wolf with no pack protection would be hard but that’s basically what she’d been doing her whole life anyway. Even if she joined this new pack, being around Alaric would cloud her judgment. Clearly. She’d been ready to let him take her on the kitchen counter barely hours before. Not exactly smart thinking. She needed to get away from him.
    Fast.
    Easing off the thick comforter , she cringed when the hardwood floor creaked beneath her feet. The next step she took was silent. So were the next and the next. The weight pressing on her chest lifted as she neared the door to her bedroom. Leaving with literally only the clothes on her back sucked, but she’d be able to go shopping soon enough. She just needed to find her wallet and passport and get out of there.
    With a clammy hand, she turned the handle. She exhaled in relief when it opened soundlessly. Easing out of the room, she silently pulled it shut.
    “Going somewhere?”
    She stifled a scream at the deep voice behind her.
    Swiveling around, she found Alaric sitting against the wall in the dimly lit hallway. His long legs were stretched out casually, but his gaze was sharp and knowing. She pressed a hand to her chest. Her heart pounded erratically. “Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”
    “I asked you a question.” In a swift, fluid movement, he stood and towered over her.
    The man could move fast. Her throat seized for a moment. “I was thirsty.”
    “Don’t lie to me, she-wolf.” There was an edge to his voice that sent a shiver of alarm curling through her. His eyes smoldered in the muted light, reminding her that he was one hundred percent a predator.
    She opened her mouth to lie again but he quickly silenced her with a finger over her lips. “For whatever reason you’re feeling insecure right now, but that doesn’t mean I’ll let you lie to my face.”
    Felicia hated that he could sense her unease. Especially since she was trying so hard to hide what she was feeling. “I’m not afraid of you,” she said against his finger. Nervously and out of instinct, she moistened her lips. When she did, her tongue flicked over him. His dark eyes flared with unbridled