“Footfalls edged closer, putting her tiger on full alert. She ran faster. Several yards ahead, a man stepped into her path. She skidded to a halt and realized he wasn’t a man, but a mutant—half-wolf, half-man—and abomination.”

“Before he could answer, the front door flew open and a little girl ran out, skidding to a halt inches from them. “Daddy?” The concern in the tiny child’s eyes melted Shay’s heart.“Josie,” Shay whispered.Josie propped her fists on her hips, and she cocked her head to the side. “How do you know my name?”“Joselynn, be nice and go get your nana.”Her lower lip trembled, but she turned and ran back inside.”

“She tried to break from his hold, and he tightened his grip. “You’re safe. I killed the rogues.”The woman stilled and searched his face, the wildness still heavy in her blue eyes. “You’re a wolf.”He smiled and nodded. “And you’re a tiger.”“A white tiger.”To match her white-blond hair. “And a beautiful one.”

“He raised his hand to brush a stray hair from her face. Instead of dropping his hand, he slid it behind her neck and drew her closer. His earthy pine scent enveloped her. When his lips touched hers, she lost any hope of control.”

“She sagged against the wall, finding it hard to breathe. It wasn’t from fear. Gods, she hadn’t been that turned on in years. If that was her punishment, she was going to be lippy a little more often”

“She was the one person he’d hoped to avoid as much as possible when he’d taken his place as Sheriff of Maxville. It wasn’t that he disliked her, that was the problem. Despite his better judgment and a glutton for punishment, he still cared too damn much for the woman.”

“You like playing with fire?”“Yes. It is my favorite element.” She extracted her arm from his grip and stepped inside the elevator”