Once Rejected Then Desired

li

nst the wall, spraying g

linch. I

bottle, I'm banning

is teeth at me, amber eyes flashing

do that,"

nter, leaning forward until

our territory, it's mine. And

rowdy fae in the corner pau

k with an apologetic grimace. "

e door swinging shut behind them. The tension evaporates,

urmurs Ellie, my human bartender, sl

. "Smar

rave or dumb enough to linger. No pack commands. No blood feuds. No mate bo

ed to keep

in his human form while pouring tequila like a pro. I let her handle the front for a minute

awed my way out of the underground, but it's mine now. I built it brick b

lly not

like I always do. I've managed to avoid a bond this long,

ou've got a guy eyeing you lik

ing the usual overl

ing at the far end o

he sleeves casually rolled up. His hair is tousled in that way that seems too pe

like a hunter who knows he doesn'

looking

ing strai

. I usually do. Men don't faze me. Flirting barely registe

l...

iet intensity as he watches me wi

nd head his way, ke

say. "What ca

most a smile. "What

vo

o

esonance that makes your spine hum. My wolf stirs again, not wi

tal menu. "Whiskey. Neat. You look lik

l watching me

very movement. It's not the sleazy kind of attention I'm used to. It's different. He lo

in front of him, our

t sparks

en sharply

jaw tightens. But he doesn't react otherwise. J

behind the bar?"

meone's gonna keep the peace

s in a slow salute

ng about him is too calm. Too quiet. The kin

gister, Ellie

y?" she

ine,"

ke it's been etched behind my ribs. My wolf p

e hell

rhythm of the bar resumes. Still, I glance

looks awa

ying a pint glass when th

r pack wolf or

new figure steps in

.. feels

d hoodie and jeans like he doesn't want attention. But I

lifts

curiosity

cogni

on't kn

on the glass. Th

ear is my heartbeat and t

the booths, scannin

sto

traight

ses his face. A mirror of t

passes b

fi

ligh

ping around my ribs,

steps

is

ve. Neithe

action. It's

mething

don't have a

the first man, the one in gre

s eyes