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  “You’re a wolf, Lena, and a damned brave one. Don’t turn coward now. Tell me. Why couldn’t you watch me be defeated?”

  She knew she’d be humiliated by her admission. Why couldn’t she just watch him go like all the others? But she knew why. This was Hunter and she loved him.

  But saying so was harder than the battle, because she could bear the physical pain of that. But his rejection, oh, now that was an anguish that might kill her. She drew a heavy breath and fixed her eyes upon him, letting him see the fierce possession there.

  “No matter how hard I tried to fit in, I never felt like I belonged before and now I understand why. I couldn’t belong anywhere, because I lost my place in this world when I lost you. I should have come with you, Hunter. But I was just too scared. I’m not afraid anymore. I’ll follow you wherever you go. Because I love you and because you’re mine.” She held a hand to her mouth, aghast at her own audacity.

  He smiled his approval, a baring of white teeth. “A pair-bond then. Is that what you want?”

  She nodded.

  “I’ve never been asked and never thought to be asked to join with an alpha female. You honor me.”

  “Does that mean yes?”

  He drew her to him. “Yes, Lena. Oh, yes, because I love you, too.”

  Hunter pulled her into his strong arms and rocked her tenderly. Lena held him, resting her head upon his chest, listening to the strong, reassuring stroke of his heartbeat.

  “I thought I had lost you,” she whispered.

  “Never again, Lena. We belong together-—now and always.”

  She knew that, but there were still so many uncertainties. She pulled back staring up at him as roiling questions kept her from savoring the sweetness of this moment.

  “But what will happen now? What about my school and you? I don’t even know where you’ve been or..or anything.”

  His smile reassured her before he even spoke. “I work as a P.I., specializing in finding missing persons. Our tracking ability makes us naturals. I can teach you. You’ll be excellent at recovery, too. I do very well, more business than I can handle, and I can set up anywhere, so you can stay in school if you like, go full-time or join me as a tracker. Either way, we’ll be together.” He took hold of her shoulders and gave her a little squeeze. “Do you understand what I’m saying, Lena? We can finally build a home of our own.”

  “A home?” she whispered, breathing the word that was as sacred to her as holy ground.

  A home, with Hunter, together. Their home. The dream she’d feared would never become reality was now within her reach.

  Tears filled her eyes.

  “Lena? Say something.”

  She threw herself into his arms, hugging him fiercely. “Oh, Hunter. Is it true?”

  He enfolded her in his strong arms. “Yes, Lena. We’ll make a home together.”

  He cradled her head against him, holding her, protecting her, and she knew in her heart that he always would.

  Don’t miss the other spooky and sensual NOCTURNE BITES, available at www.ebooks.eharlequin.com and wherever ebooks are sold. Titles include:

  Heart of the Hunter by Vivi Anna

  Night Born by Linda Thomas-Sundstrom

  Time Raiders: The Greek Lover by Jocelyn Kelley

  Angel Voice by Connie Hall

  Time Raiders: The Healer’s Passion by Parker Blue

  Demon Love by Georgia Tribell

  Time Raiders: The Warrior’s Touch by Delilah Devlin

  Color Weaver by Connie Hall

  Time Raiders: The Whisper by Elle James

  A Vampire’s Salvation by Alexis Morgan

  One Night with the Wolf by Anna Hackett

  Looking for more paranormal romance? The sizzling and spine-chilling books of Harlequin Nocturne are available at www.Harlequin.com or your local bookstore.

  ISBN: 978-1-4592-0746-2

  First Heat

  Copyright © 2011 by Jeanette H. Monaco

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