High Voltage

"I don't want to leave,” she said in a small voice. Her eyelids dipped and her gaze lowered to his mouth. “I like it here. It's so beautiful and peaceful, and...” She shook her head, as though trying to reconcile her thoughts and feelings. “And besides,” she said, lifting her eyes to meet his. “You're here."

Garrett's heart swelled. He let out the breath he hadn't even realized he'd been holding. “I chose you because I felt a connection to you the first time I saw you—a connection I've only felt once in my lifetime. I knew you were the one for me, Serena. But you have to know it, too, in order for this to work."

She smiled. “Oh, I know it. Do you really think I would have let you kiss me or touch me or make love to me if I didn't know it? Deep in my heart?"

He pulled her close to him again, holding her tight. Relief washed over him, but the sensation could not compare to the intense emotions that welled inside him. Or the desire that was sparked, yet again...

"Serena,” he whispered in her ear.

"Yes,” she replied. “Again..."

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High Voltage: Chapter 9

Serena woke to the soothing sounds of chirping birds and waves lapping against the dock and shore, not more than forty yards from her doorstep. A warm, spring breeze drifted through the open windows, filling her cottage and bringing with it the scent of wildflowers.

She smiled in her groggy state, not fully awake, but slowly assimilating and becoming more and more aware of her surroundings. With a long yawn, she stretched her weary limbs and let out a giggle, rather than a groan, at the soreness that coursed through just about every inch of her. Talk about being thoroughly loved! For Christ's sake, it'd be a miracle if she managed to get out of bed.

Cracking open her eyes, she surveyed the small cottage. It was exactly the same as she'd left it yesterday afternoon, when she'd traveled into town for her wine and other provisions. Yet, it was all different.

The scent of last night's fire had been chased away by the soft floral aroma that permeated the air. Sunshine streamed through the windows, penetrating the white sheers that covered them and billowed in the breeze.

Even Serena's bed felt different this morning. Not as huge as it had previously. She no longer needed to pack the four pillows she slept with around her. It felt cozy and warm and intimate without the artificial “filler.” She felt Garrett's presence all around her, though the bed she lay in was empty.

Rolling onto her side, she found a vibrant yellow daffodil wrapped in royal blue elf delphinium. Gently grasping the stems, she lifted the flowers to her nose and inhaled deeply. Her eyelids closed as she savored the smell of spring. This was why she'd moved to Silver. The flowers had called to her.

No.

Her eyes drifted open.

Garrett had called to her.

Or Fate. Take your pick. Either way, she finally knew what had brought her half-way across the country to this remote community.

Garrett Slater.

She smiled at the thought of him. So gorgeous and sweet and sexy. In her wildest dreams, she'd never imagined meeting a man who touched her in such beautiful, intriguing ways. Everything about him made her smile.

Even his alter-ego.

Okay, so he was a wolf. No one was perfect. And besides, he was a good wolf. He'd rescued her, hadn't he? And she knew, deep in her bones, that he would never hurt her. And...

He was gorgeous.

She smiled again.

Pushing the covers off with her free hand, she disentangled herself from the rumpled sheets and traipsed naked across the hardwood floor to the kitchen. She found a short juice glass to put her flowers in, set them on the granite counter that overlooked the living room, then ducked into the bathroom for a quick shower. When she emerged twenty minutes later, with a bit of makeup and her hair spilling in long waves all around her bare shoulders, she crossed to the bureau by the bed and selected a turquoise top with thin spaghetti straps and a pair of faded jeans.

She intended to hike the hill behind her house and pick some more flowers. The urge to fill the house with them was overwhelming. But as she passed by the kitchen again, the phone rang. Snatching the receiver from its wall mount, she said in a cheery voice, “Good morning! This is Serena."

"Oh. My. God."

Serena laughed. The voice on the other end of the line was dry and deadpan. She recognized it immediately. “Hey, Shay! How's New York on this beautiful spring morning?"

"You're fucking kidding me, right?"

Serena grinned. “No, I'm not kidding. It's beautiful here in Wyoming. You should hop a plane this weekend and come visit me.” Shay, after all, was no virgin. Serena doubted the wolves looking for a pure mate would come within fifty yards of this wild woman.