Page 68 of Alpha Claimed

"Why? Is having to wait to scarf down all your sweets making you cranky."

She shoved him.

"We are going to that old barn."

"Do we have cows to milk?"

"Not exactly." A sly smirk spread across his face.

"What are you up to?"

"We'll be there in a minute."

She sighed.

"Trust me. I am sure you'll like this surprise." He raised her hand and kissed her knuckles.

The brush of his lips on her skin made her flush with warmth, and her heartbeat quicken.

He paused and looked at her. There was no use trying to hide her reaction. He was more than capable of reading her… everything.

He smiled and continued to lead her across the lawn.

"So, I'm surprised I haven't even thought to ask this before, but what is the difference between Lycans and shifters? You are stronger, faster, larger, quicker to lose your temper."

"I prefer to think of us as more hot-blooded instead of just angrier."

She smiled. "But what else? I mean, can you smell stronger or see farther?"

"Probably."

"How do you know?"

He pulled her to a stop. "Because when I do this." He kissed her hand again. "I notice the slight sweetness that comes into your scent. And when I do this." He wrapped an arm around her waist and brought her body into full contact with his. He leaned into her ear. "Your heart beats ten times faster. And when I do this." He squeezed her rear. "Your skin heats by at least a degree."

She pushed him away. "I don't think those are things I couldn't tell about you."

He cocked an eyebrow at her. "Really? Let's try."

"Without even having to do those things," she finished. "See, your scent is always prevalent. Smoky and woodsy. And I don't even need to touch you to make your heart beat faster.

"You think so, do you?"

She nodded. "I know so."

"You're pretty full of yourself."

River grinned and bent her knees until she knelt on the ground before him.

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing."

She inched closer to him until her breath hit the crotch of his jeans.

She didn't need to be a shifter to feel the tension in his body ratchet up.

"River." He looked around. "People could be watching."