Page 17 of His to Defend

But for what?

He didn’t have a mate. Hell, he’d never felt the pull to pair up and mate with anyone.

Except one.

“No.” Nina wasn’t mating material and it definitely wasn’t that type of pull that he’d felt. It was a sexual thing, that was it. Pure and simple sex.

Or was it?

“Get a hold of yourself, man.”

He once again lifted the camera, determined to lose himself in the simple act of taking photos to distract himself from the growing sense of confusion within him. But no sooner had he done so than his head started to spin, his senses filling with the heady scent of honey and apples.

Nina.

His bear growled and at once his senses sharpened, listening for her, scenting her. A moment later, he was rewarded with the sweet sight of her sensuous curves, wrapped in another of those tight T-shirts. She was wearing hiking shorts that were probably a little shorter than was practical, but he didn’t mind because her strong, long legs were showcased perfectly for him to drink in.

She was alone. A small pack on her back, she looked to be lost in thought as she walked along the ridge, gazing out over the valley below.

She shouldn’t be alone. It was dangerous.

He’d kill his cousins for letting her venture out into the woods on her own. It wasn’t safe. They should be protecting her.

From what? Him?

He shook his head, and lifted the camera and snapped a picture. She was gorgeous.

So lost in thought, her defenses down, there was a sensitive and vulnerable side to her he hadn’t seen yet. Well, except when she’d come completely undone for him, lost in a shattering orgasm. Watching Nina come had been one of the single most erotic things he’d ever seen. But even that wasn’t the same as what he was witnessing now.

An innocence. A vulnerability. A—

“Ryker?”

She turned and the moment she saw him, a smile crossed her face. Just as beautiful. Maybe more so.

Why was it that every look this woman had was sexier than the next? Why was it that every time she looked at him with those deep blue eyes, he had to fight the urge to grab her face and kiss her until she melted into his arms?

He snapped one more photo, this one of her sexy smile, and dropped the camera to his side. He took a step toward her. “What are you doing out here?”

“Probably the same thing you are.” She stuck a hand on her hip and challenged him. “Looking for a little solitude.”

“It’s dangerous out here.” He didn’t bother telling her that the real danger came from him. Because the tangle of feelings racing through his body were definitely dangerous and if he wasn’t careful, they were both going to be in trouble.

“You know what?” Nina walked toward him.

He couldn’t take his eyes off the sway in her hips. Ryker wanted to grab those hips and hold tight while he drove deeply into her, filling her, claiming her—shit. He needed to stop thinking that way.

“Everyone is always saying how dangerous it is out here,” she continued as she got closer. “But I don’t see any danger. In fact, I haven’t seen even one animal. Nothing bigger than a squirrel anyway.”

“Is that right?” One more step and she was only an arm’s reach away. Close enough to touch. To kiss. “And were you hoping to spot a wild animal?”

“Honestly?”

“Of course.” His voice was low, the growl of desire only barely contained. The need he had for this woman was almost painful.

“I think I’ve already spotted one.” She reached out and ran one finger down his chest.

The touch of her was too much. In a flash, his hand gripped her wrist and he yanked her roughly toward him.