Ice Wolf

Chapter 1

Lily

Who knew I’d suddenly meet the greatest mistake of my life tonight? Not this girl.

I was the cautious one, a woman who never took any chances. I rarely tempted fate and preferred living my life simply, without complications.

Unfortunately, fate had targeted me for a lesson in chaos.

The reason?

Saint ‘The Savage’ Masters.

AKA—a big, bad, beautiful alpha male.

“I should get home,” I said to my bestie as I pulled out my debit card.

“It’s not that late,” Vicky told me, pouting as she always did when I was about to break up the party. Yep, that was me, the girl least likely to allow herself to have fun.

“I have an early meeting with my boss in the morning.”

“The wicked witch of the west.”

“The very one.” I shuddered for dramatic effect.

Vicky made a vile face and held her hand out like a claw. “Better to eat you with, my pretty.”

“Um, that was the big, bad wolf in Little Red Riding Hood.” I slipped my card into the tableside credit card terminal, laughing as I did. “But not a bad impersonation.”

“Party pooper.”

“Just call me a boring librarian.” I flicked my braid on purpose, adjusting the glasses on my nose. It was only March and the pollen was wreaking havoc on my eyes. My contacts were taking a rest.

“You’re definitely not boring, but you do need to get out more.”

I pulled the receipt, shoving it into my purse, and gave her a hard look. “The better to eat you with.”

“Fine. The big, bad wolf. Maybe that’s what you need. Not that limp dick you’re dating.”

“He’s not a limp dick. He’s just cautious.”

Vicky rolled her eyes. “I said what I said.”

Maybe she was right. I could definitely use some spark in my life. “We’ll talk in a couple days.” I headed toward the door, checking my watch as I did. Loud male voices caught my attention, deep and husky and very… happy.

I was suddenly pushed back by the group’s grand entrance. Wait. Had several girls squealed the moment they walked in?

“Woo hoo! Drinks are on the captain!”

“Like hell they are. Make the savage boy pay. He shot the winning goal.”

Four huge men were hustling their way into the bar. I tried to shift to the side, but was caught up in squeals from six or seven women as they rushed toward them. My God. Were the girls drooling? Really? Okay, so all four were hot, but why embarrass yourself in front of strangers?

One of the four guys did a little dance, twirling in a circle before throwing his head back and howling. “I am the savage. A god.” As if for an encore, he beat on his chest like some crazed gorilla. Why were all men full of arrogance and testosterone?

I pushed my way through the women, forced to try to pass through the guys just to get to the door.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed my arm, forcefully driving me against the wall.

“Where are you going, little flower? The night is young.” His voice was far too sensual to be real.

Deep and throaty, the tone sent a shower of tingles all the way to my toes.

The scent of his aftershave reminded me of the woods after a summer rain; woodsy, musky and highly intoxicating.

Momentarily caught off guard, I couldn’t react fast enough before he leaned in, rubbing his groin across my stomach. Good God, he was tall, a giant.

“You are one beautiful woman.” He lowered his head, hot breath cascading across my face.

A strange bolt of electricity cut through me, creating a vacuum all around us.

My heart thumped irregular beats and I tilted my head, trying to find the right words for the moment.

I couldn’t. I was a wordsmith, a writer at least by hobby.

I should be able to figure out the right thing to say at a time like this.

“Absolutely stunning.” His dusky voice captivated me, smooth velvet sliding across my naked skin.

He didn’t give me the time, capturing my mouth before I could say anything.

There were some kisses that while comforting did little more than fill a void. I knew those too well. Then there were those described in romance novels, bold and fearless, a magical moment created in the stars; unbridled hunger keeping roaring fires burning, skin tingling, and hearts racing.

This was lucky number two, the man reeking of passion, the kiss rough and unbridled. I had a feeling just like the man. I found myself wrapping both hands around his shirt, arching my back shamelessly as he dominated my mouth. And lips. And tongue.

He tasted of whiskey and cinnamon, the combination irresistible.

The world around us was spinning, the feel of his hard cock pressed into my stomach a reminder that intense, unabashed passion did exist.

When he finally pulled his lips away, our attempts to breathe were labored.

“Wow,” he muttered. “Just wow.”

The unknown sex god seemed as confused about our intense chemistry as I was.

“Until we meet again, little flower, and I have a feeling karma will make certain we do, sweetheart.”

Sweetheart? Whoa. Wait a minute. Did the arrogant ass of a man just call me sweetheart?

For about a million reasons I was annoyed. Who the hell did he think he was? I threw back my shoulders, getting in his face. I even managed to wrap my hand around his shirt, standing as tall as possible. “Look, buster. I don’t know what planet you’re from, but—”

“Hey, Savage,” another voice interrupted. “What the hell are you doing? We’ve got a table.”

I blinked as a combination of fury and something like raging desire swept through me, uncurling my fingers as I tried to piece together another comment.

The unknown kisser took a step back, placing his hand on his heart as he winked. He threw his friends a look and offered a wide smile, showing off his dimples.

Then he disappeared into the crowd.