Chapter 7
Pine Peak was prettier than I’d initially given it credit for—charming storefronts decorated for Christmas, smiling locals who nodded as I passed, a general atmosphere of contentment that was foreign to my city sensibilities.
I found myself wondering what it would be like to live somewhere like this.
Am I actually considering this? I thought incredulously. Giving up Chicago for a small town with werewolves?
But as I wandered the streets, I had to admit there was an appeal to the pace of life here. And then there was Klaus—magnetic, mysterious Klaus, who looked at me like I was something precious.
I was so lost in thought that I almost collided with Theo, Klaus’s brother, coming out of the hardware store.
“City boy!” he exclaimed cheerfully, steadying me with hands that shared Klaus’s unnatural warmth. “Thought you’d be holed up with my brother after the storm.”
I flushed at his knowing tone. “I had work to catch up on.”
Theo’s grin widened, and he leaned closer to sniff at me. “Mmm-hmm. Work.” He straightened. “Klaus told us you know now. About us.”
“Yeah,” I confirmed. “Still processing it, to be honest.”
“Fair enough.” He adjusted the bag of supplies he was carrying. “Coming to the run tomorrow?”
I nodded. “Klaus invited me.”
Something like approval flashed in Theo’s eyes—so similar to his brother’s. “Good. That’s… significant.” He clapped me on the shoulder with his free hand. “See you then, city boy. Try not to overthink it.”
With that cryptic advice, he continued down the street, whistling a Christmas carol.
By seven o’clock, I was showered, dressed in my own clothes again, and waiting anxiously in the inn’s lobby. Klaus arrived precisely on time, looking devastatingly handsome in dark jeans and a charcoal sweater that emphasized the breadth of his shoulders.
“Hi,” I said, suddenly shy despite everything we’d shared.
His smile was warm. “Hi yourself.” He gestured to the door. “Ready?”
Dinner was at a small Italian restaurant on the edge of town—intimate without being overly romantic, quiet enough for conversation. Klaus ordered a steak so rare it was practically mooing, while I opted for pasta.
“So,” I said after our food arrived, “tell me more about tomorrow night. What should I expect?”
Klaus took a sip of his wine. “We gather as a pack at our property. There’s a clearing in the woods where we shift together as the moon rises. Then we run—hunting, playing, strengthening pack bonds.”
“And what will I be doing during this… run?”
“Watching, initially,” he said. “From the safety of a raised platform we built for human guests. Later, if you’re comfortable, you could join us at the bonfire after we shift back.”
I twirled pasta around my fork. “Will you… recognize me? When you’re shifted?”
“Of course,” he said, looking surprised at the question. “We retain our human consciousness, Jordan. Our memories, our feelings. We’re just… more instinct-driven in wolf form.”
“And these instincts…” I hesitated, unsure how to phrase my concern.
Klaus reached across the table to take my hand. “Are not dangerous to you,” he finished firmly. “Especially not my instincts toward you. If anything, I’ll be more protective, more attuned to your safety and comfort.”
I nodded, somewhat reassured. “And the… claiming bite you mentioned. That can only happen during the full moon?”
His eyes darkened, pupils dilating slightly. “The permanent one, yes. The transformation enhances the connection.” His thumb stroked across my knuckles. “But that’s not on the table yet, Jordan. That would be months away, after you’ve had time to fully understand what you’d be committing to.”
The thought should have terrified me. Instead, I found myself oddly comforted by his patience, his willingness to give me time.
“Thank you,” I said simply. “For not rushing me.”
His smile was tender. “You’re worth waiting for.”
The rest of dinner passed pleasantly, our conversation drifting to lighter topics—my life in Chicago, his childhood in Pine Peak, favorite books and films. By dessert, I’d almost forgotten the supernatural element entirely.
Klaus was just a man—an extraordinary, compelling man who happened to turn into a wolf once a month.
After dinner, he drove me back to the inn and walked me to my door. Unlike a typical date, there was no awkward moment of decision—we both knew where this was heading. As soon as my door closed behind us, Klaus had me pressed against it, his mouth hot and demanding on mine.
“Missed you today,” he murmured between kisses. “Could still smell me on you.”
I groaned as his teeth grazed my neck, right over the mark he’d left the night before. “Is that weird? That I kind of like the idea of smelling like you?”
He growled approvingly, hands sliding under my sweater. “Not weird. Perfect.”
We made it to the bed eventually, leaving a trail of discarded clothing in our wake. This time was different from the first—less frantic, more exploratory. Klaus took his time, mapping my body with hands and mouth, learning what made me gasp and arch against him.
When he finally entered me, it was with agonizing slowness, his eyes—still human but burning with intensity—locked on mine the entire time. He moved with deliberate control, adjusting his angle until I was a writhing mess beneath him.
“Klaus,” I panted, close to the edge. “Please.”
He understood, increasing his pace and reaching between us to stroke me in rhythm with his thrusts. “Come for me, Jordan,” he commanded softly. “Let me see you.”
I came with his name on my lips, clutching at his broad shoulders as pleasure overwhelmed me. He followed moments later, burying his face in my neck as he shuddered above me.
Afterward, we lay tangled together, his weight a comforting pressure. He nuzzled against my neck, inhaling deeply, and I realized he was scent-marking me again—a wolf behavior that should have seemed strange but somehow felt right.
“Stay the night?” I asked, trailing my fingers along his spine.
“Try to make me leave,” he rumbled, sounding half-asleep already.
I chuckled and pulled the blankets over us both, settling into his warmth. As I drifted toward sleep, a thought occurred to me.
“Klaus?”
“Mm?”
“Does this mean I’m dating a werewolf?”
His laugh vibrated against my chest. “If that’s what you want to call it.”
I smiled into the darkness. “Just checking.”