chapter 37

She was forced to push her back a little so she could get a clear sense of what he was trying to tell her. “And I would do this why?” Did he want her to refuse him? Her throat was dry as dust. She, human and wolf both, craved him like a junkie just as she craved all the things he seemed to promise: safety, love, hope a place to belong. She rubbed nervous hands on her thighs as if that would soothe her tension away. He whispered, “I hope you don’t. But you need to be told of your options.” His hands were fisted on his thighs. She smelled something sharp in his scent that she hadn’t before. Dadmn Leo that he’d left her crippled by ignorance. She’d give her right hand to know what Toby was feeling, to know when he was telling the truth—and when he was just trying not to hurt her. He was waiting for her answer, but she didn’t know what to say. “Options.” She tried for neutrality. What did he want of her? Evidently not neutrality. His fists opened and closed twice. Nostrils flared wide, he