Hayley screamed as Jace scrambled to regain his balance. Barely making it, he ended up sitting down hard on the roof.

"Are you all right?" she yelled, clearly concerned.

Jace rolled his eyes, thoroughly disgusted with himself. "I'm fine, just fine," he ground out through gritted teeth.

"That's good. I really thought you were going to fall. You shouldn't fool around like that, you know."

"That's fine advice, I'll be sure to follow that from now on."

"Now don't get snippy. It's not my fault you're a klutz."

"I amnot a klutz!"

"Whatever. I'm going to get some sun, if you don't mind."

"Why should I mind?"

"No reason. Since your work has sort of been interrupted already, would you mind coming down and putting some of this lotion on my back?"

Jace gave her a long, silent stare. "Don't tempt me, Hayley. That can be a dangerous game to play."

"What do you mean?"

"If I come down there and put my hands on you, I'm not going to stop at spreading lotion on your back. That skimpy little top you'realmost wearing will be the first thing to go," he informed her as embers began to smolder in his eyes. "Then those little shorts are gone and if you're wearing panties, you won't be for long," he promised. "ThenI'll start with the lotion. The first place my hands go will be on that sweet a.s.s of yours, then up your back and around to the front."

Hayley stood in shocked silence, her body electrified by every word Jace uttered.

"I can't wait to hold your b.r.e.a.s.t.s in my hands. They're beautiful, Hayley-a real treasure-and I'll show

you just how much I appreciate them. I'm going to make you feel so good when I lick and suck your nipples."

Said nipples reacted as an involuntary shiver rippled over her skin. They tightened and pushed impudently against the fabric that hid them. Jace growled-there was no other word to describe the sound that rumbled from his chest. "That's right, sweetheart, just think about how good it's going to feel when I taste you."

"Jace, stop," she murmured halfheartedly. Her breathing had turned into a ragged pant.

"While I'm suckling you, my hands will be free and they're going to head straight for your hot, wet little p.u.s.s.y-and youwill be wet, Hayley. You're wet right now, aren't you?"

"That's enough!" she yelled as a wave of dizziness swept over her.

"Between the lotion and your sweet, hot juices, I'll be able to slide a couple of fingers right in."

"Stop already! You win. Okay? You win! I'm going in the house, you smart-mouthed, ultra-compet.i.tive b.a.s.t.a.r.d." Hayley stomped away in a snit.

Jace smiled and murmured to himself, "Never tempt a wolf, darlin'."

He stood, grimaced at his sore thumb and rubbed his abused posterior, deciding that, all things considered, the look on Hayley's face had been worth the pain. With a jaunty whistle he went back to work.

In the house, Hayley marched to her bedroom, fell back on the bed and lay there giggling. "Oh yeah, he wants me." Chapter Four A couple of days later, Hayley was sitting at her computer when the phone rang. She picked it up but

before she could say anything a voice said, "Ready to have some fun?" She smiled at the sound of her sister's voice. "Now, Bryn, you know I'm not into threesomes," she teased.

"You should be so lucky, sister mine," Bryn replied with a snort. "Logan's invited us out. If you're interested, we're going to meet at Morgan's. It's a local tavern, nice place, really. The owner doesn't allow any rowdy stuff. What do you think?"

"Sounds like fun. I could use a night out."

"That's what I figured. You've been pretty hard at it, haven't you?"

"I've got to get myself established, Bryn. I really want to make a success of this."

"You know, it's good to see you so intense about something. I've always had the impression that you

were never really happy with any job you've held."

"You got that right. Most times, the only reason I hung on to a job was because that's where the money

was coming from. It's not a very satisfying reason to work. But writing? It's fun, Bryn. It's fulfilling something inside me that I didn't even know I needed." "I'm really happy for you, Hayley. Now, all seriousness aside, I'll pick you up at six forty-five. Logan's supposed to meet us there at seven." "I'll be ready. What's the dress code?" "Strictly casual. Jeans are par for the course." "That's easy. See you in a little while." "Bye."

Hayley hung up the phone and went to her bedroom to dig out her favorite pair of jeans, which she paired with a red cotton tank top. After taking a quick shower and blow-drying her hair, she slipped into a lacy red bra and panties set. She applied her makeup with a light hand, a little foundation and a wisp of mascara. Once dressed, she tucked her driver's license, some cash, a comb, house key and lip gloss into her pockets.

She slipped her feet into a pair of sandals and was just reaching for a deep red suede shirt, in case it should turn cooler, when she heard the sound of Bryn's horn in the driveway.

"Right on time," she commented with a smile and headed for the front door. Stepping out, she made sure it locked tight and joined her sister in the car.

The ride was short and they arrived ten minutes later. Morgan's was located at the edge of town. It was flanked on one side by a twenty-four-hour convenience store-gas station and a bowling alley on the other. Early as it was, the parking lot was fairly full. Morgan's was a popular place, especially-unbeknownst to Hayley-with the two local werewolf packs. David Morgan, the owner, was a member of Iron Tower pack and ran his place very diplomatically. There was no trouble allowed, anyone breaking the rules was summarily ejected and never allowed to return. Not wanting to lose their privileges, most of the patrons went out of their way to keep the peace.

The two sisters drew many an admiring gaze when they walked in the door. The locals were familiar with Bryn and knew that she was Logan Sutherland's mate and part-owner of the Whispering Springs Bookstore. And small-town gossip had already ensured that word got around of her sister Hayley's arrival.

David caught sight of them from behind the bar and walked around to greet them with a welcoming smile. "Bryn, it's good to see you. Logan coming?"

"Yes, he should be here any minute now. David, I'd like you to meet my sister, Hayley. Hayley, this is David Morgan. He owns this fine establishment."

David grinned. "Pleased to meet you, Hayley."

"Same here," she answered with a smile.

"You ladies follow me. I've got an empty booth waiting for you."

David led the way to a large booth and after they were seated, took their drink orders.

"Just cola for me," Bryn told him while Hayley ordered a light beer.

Hayley admired the place, her foot tapping in time to the music that filled the room in a modified blare. It was s.p.a.cious, the booths and tables large and well-s.p.a.ced so as not to crowd the patrons. There was even a small dance floor in front of the jukebox for those inclined toward a little exercise. The whole place was reminiscent of a large rustic cabin. At the back, there was a quarter loft that was reached by stairs on either side of the room. It was set with tables for those who wanted a bird's-eye view of the ground floor or just a bit more privacy.

In her mind's eye, Hayley could picture this as a scene set in Alaska during the gold rush. The place would be filled with saloon girls and crusty miners out spending their gold while looking for a good time. She smiled and sipped her beer.

"You like it?" Bryn asked.

"Very nice," she answered. "I was just thinking it would make a great background for a scene in a book."

"I could see it," Bryn agreed.

They continued to chat and sip their drinks as the minutes ticked by. Bryn looked at her watch. "He's late, I hope everything's all right."

"I'm sure it is. Don't fuss, sis, he'll be here."

A few moments later a shadow fell across the table. They both looked up, expecting to see Logan, but instead found a stranger standing there. The man was tall and heavily built, his features coa.r.s.e under a raspy growth of beard. Hayley was sure he probably thought it was s.e.xy. There was an expectant arrogance in his eyes she took immediate umbrage to. That, and the fact that his clothes were unkempt and his odor indicated a lack of personal hygiene.

He directed his gaze to Bryn. "Hey there, little lady, how about a dance?"

"No, thank you," Bryn answered frostily. "I'm waiting for my fiance."

"Oooh, your fiance-well, la-dee-da. I'm sure he won't mind if you dance while you're waiting. Come on, I'll show you what it's like to be with areal man."

He reached out, intent on grabbing Bryn's arm. Hayley lashed out with lightning speed, grabbing his wrist as she rose from the booth and forced him back a step. "Don't touch my sister," she ordered. Her voice was deceptively calm, her gaze hard and direct. She released him and surrept.i.tiously wiped her hand on the side of her thigh. "She told you she's waiting for someone. Why don't you go back to your table?"

"Well now, there's no need to be jealous. I got plenty for the two of you," he leered and grabbed his crotch, rubbing it obscenely. "How about I give you the first taste?"

Again he reached out, this time his hand zoning in on Hayley's breast. Without hesitation she grabbed his arm, stepped to the side and in a totally unexpected and graceful move, swept the offender's feet from under him and sent him crashing to the floor. On the way down, there was a loud rip as his hand caught in the armhole of her shirt and ripped the shoulder seam loose.

Hayley stood over the man. Even with her hair mussed, face flushed and half her bra visible through her ripped shirt, she was the very picture of an avenging Amazon. What she didn't know was that at the very moment she took the man down, the front door opened and Logan, accompanied by Jace, arrived just in time to see her in action.

For a split second, the entire room froze. The only sound was the continued wailing of the jukebox. As quickly as the room froze, it suddenly thawed and a buzz of conversation swept through the crowd. David Morgan arrived just as Logan and Jace pushed their way through the crowd.

"What the h.e.l.l's going on here?" Jace demanded.

"This jacka.s.s made a pa.s.s at Bryn. When I politely asked him to leave, he tried to grab me," Hayley explained.

David glanced from Logan to Jace and saw twin storms brewing. "I'll take care of this," he told them as he saw the angry protests that were heading his way. He didn't give them a chance to object. "Out there, your word is law and I respect that. But this is my place, my rules, no exceptions. This a.s.shole's not worth the trouble a private lesson in manners might bring. Sit. Take care of your ladies. All your drinks this evening are on the house."

He signaled two of his bartenders. They grabbed the man and frog-marched him out the door. Two other men rose from their table and followed their unfortunate friend out. Moments later, the sound of three motorcycles peeling away was heard from the parking lot.

"Bryn, Hayley, I'm sorry for the trouble-believe me, this is not the norm around here. Those three obviously didn't know the rules," David apologized.

"It's okay, David, it wasn't your fault. It all happened so fast. Fortunately my sister is some kind of ninja master," Bryn announced with a grin.

"Bull." Hayley blushed. She slid into the booth and sat back with a sigh then tensed slightly as Jace slid in beside her. Logan and Bryn took places across from them.

"You're bleeding," Jace commented quietly, his voice vibrating with suppressed anger and frustration.

Craning her neck, Hayley tried to see what he was talking about. "I can't see it," she complained.

"Here, lean this way."

Jace took up a napkin and dipped it in one of the gla.s.ses of water that had been delivered to their table along with fresh drinks for Bryn and Hayley and beers for himself and Logan. His hand cupped Hayley's shoulder and he lightly swabbed the angry scratch that marred the creamy flesh of her throat.

Hayley hissed at the contact and he gentled his touch, cleaning the scratch and patting it dry. He gently tucked the loose edge of her shirt under her bra strap, a move that caused her to shiver. "There, it's not bleeding anymore, but you'd better put some antibacterial salve on it when you get home. If you don't have some, I'll get some from the store next door-in fact, maybe I should do that now," he offered and made to rise.

"Jace, sit down. You're not going out to look for that guy," Logan ordered.

Jace kept quiet, his blue-green eyes stormy with protest as he struggled to get himself under control. "He touched her. He hurt her." Jace's words were staccato and thick with emotion.

"I know, but she's okay. Hayley, tell Jace you're okay," Logan's voice was pitched to soothe, the command softly spoken.

Hayley frowned and looked from Jace to Logan and back again. There was something going on, but she hadn't a clue what it was. Logan's gaze was filled with concern that she knew was directed at Jace. His expression clearly stated that she had to do something about it.

She turned her confused gaze to Bryn who nodded in encouragement. Shrugging, she turned in her seat to face him. "Jace, I'm okay. Really I am." A small gasp escaped Hayley's lips as he returned her regard. Jace's eyes were glowing, there was no mistaking it. No sunlight or candlelight or lamplight could cause that inner fire. Fascinated, she leaned forward, her hand going up to cup his cheek. He immediately took her hand in his and turned it palm up to his nose, drawing deeply of her scent. Eyes closing in what looked like contented bliss, his tongue flicked out to slide sensuously over her palm. Hayley shivered, her breath beginning to race. When Jace opened his eyes, the glow was gone. "You sure you're all right, baby?" he questioned softly, his voice caressing, enfolding her with warmth.

Dumbfounded, she could only nod, stunned by the intensity of Jace's concern for her.

Coiled tension drained from him. She could see his body take on a more relaxed stance. "Good."

He released her hand, picked up one of the beers and took several healthy swallows. "Now how about

you tell me where you learned that little trick you used on that guy."

She blinked. Suddenly everything was back to normal. It was almost as though she'd taken a mini trip into another dimension and was suddenly returned to reality. No one commented on Jace's behavior or the unbelievable fact that his eyes had been glowing like Chinese lanterns. Logan and Bryn were looking

on with complaisant approval, not in the least disconcerted by anything that had pa.s.sed in the last few moments.

"I will if you tell me why your eyes were glowing a moment ago."

"Oh that," Jace smiled. "That's just something that happens when I get very emotional about something.

It's a...well...it's a condition I have. I'll explain it in more detail someday, but not now, okay?"

Moved by the unexpected plea in his voice, she nodded her agreement.

"Your turn."

"Um, I took some cla.s.ses in self-defense. Thought it might come in handy, you know?"