Chapter 022

[Apple]

"No," Rufus, his wolf, replies. "It has to be you. It must be you."

"Why?" I ask his wolf directly. "Why does it have to be me? What makes me so special?"

"Because you are you, and you smell like home." He takes a step closer and I find myself mesmerized as he stalks me, his movements more graceful and dancelike, edged in promised passion. "You taste like trust, and you look at me with eyes that are full of respect and honor."

"Your words are very pretty," I blush. My body reacts strongly to Sylvester's charms and his wolf, with his confidence and passion, is even more irresistible. "But I need more than pretty words to keep me safe."

The way his body makes me hum when he looks at me with his shining eyes frightens me. I know he is hunting me, even now as he is speaking to me calmly. I am prey to him. Something to use or consume.

"I will keep you safe. You are mine and nobody touches what is mine," he growls. "Sylvester is too stubborn to admit it, but you are the one we nee