Tangled in Moonlight: Unshifted novel Chapter 361

Two seconds after I make it through the door, a dark figure pounces on me.

For a split second, panic jacks up my heart rate. Then campfire smoke and amber fill the space around me, and I realize it’s Lucas.

A squeal escapes my lips as he shoves me against the door, his mouth crashing onto mine. The cold from outside vanishes in an instant, replaced by a searing heat that threatens to consume me whole. His lips move with a desperate urgency, stealing my breath and scattering my thoughts.

For a moment, I lose myself in the passion of our reunion. My fingers tangle in his hair, pulling him closer as if I could meld us into one being. But reality intrudes as I feel the snow melting between us, dampening his skin.

"Lucas," I mutter against his lips, trying to push him away. "I’m covered in snow."

He doesn’t budge an inch. "Don’t care," he growls, capturing my mouth again.

His hands cup my face, thumbs stroking my cheeks as he deepens the kiss. The heat radiating from his palms feels like a furnace against my chilled skin. It’s almost too much, too intense. I wonder briefly if I’m that cold from being outside, or if he’s running hotter than usual.

With a herculean effort, I manage to slip out of his grasp. My breath comes in short pants as I move to take off my jacket and boots. Lucas prowls behind me, his presence almost palpable. There’s something different about him, an edge of agitation that isn’t normal. His movements are more predatory, reminding me of a wolf at hunt.

Concern creeps into my voice as I turn to face him. "Are you okay?"

His golden eyes bore into mine, pupils dilated. The intensity of his gaze sends a shiver down my spine that has nothing to do with the lingering cold. He doesn’t answer immediately, just continues to watch me with that predatory focus.

"Lucas?" I prompt again, really worried now.

He takes a step closer, and I instinctively back up until I hit the wall. His scent envelops me, stronger and more potent than usual. It’s intoxicating, making my head spin.

"I missed you," he finally says, his voice a low rumble that I feel more than hear.

Relief floods through me, but it’s short-lived as I notice the slight tremor in his hands. Something isn’t right. "I missed you too, but you’re acting strange. What’s going on?"

Lucas leans in, burying his face in the crook of my neck. His breath is hot against my skin as he inhales deeply. "You smell so good," he murmurs, nuzzling the spot where my neck meets my shoulder.

A gasp escapes me as his teeth graze my skin. Heat pools in my belly, desire warring with concern. "Talk to me. What’s wrong?"