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

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

“He stepped into her line of sight and brushed the robe aside to press a tender kiss on her scarred breast. “They are part of you. I think you are beautiful with them.”“I’m not perfect like other shifters.”“I don’t want perfect because it doesn’t exist in any species.”

“His power reached out to her like physical touch of a lover, sending tingles over her skin. His sculptured body moved in a sensual, yet deadly manner. Her hands itched to touch him, to feel his warm skin under her palms. She closed her eyes to stop the urge to go to him, shivered, and cursed her body for responding to him.”