“A hooker is someone that has sex for money.” She looked guilty. Her eyes dropped to her lap. “Not that hookers are bad or anything. It’s just, it’s bad manners to offer food and shelter in return for… sex.”

“I am offering food and shelter while you are on fire territory. You will get these things regardless of whether or not we rut.” The female didn’t look like she believed him. He reached over and offered the browned hare to her, stick side. “It’s hot but it should be really good.”

Although she shook her head, he could see how she eyed the meat greedily. She licked her lips.

“Take it. You are hungry and you need the sustenance.” He pushed the stick further forward.

“Maybe just a small taste.”

She accepted the morsel and Coal felt a warmth blossom inside of him. He watched as she took a small nibble and then another and another. The warmth spread.

“It’s good.” She gave him the ghost of a smile.

Coal smiled back. They were sharing a moment. This felt important. It felt like the start of something. The female was interesting to him and her scent appealed. Maybe there was something there. Chances were small… tiny even, but at least it was something.

Chapter 9

Julie took another bite of the succulent roast. She refused to think of the food as a rabbit. A sweet, innocent, little bunny. Thumper. Argh… no! It was a roast and it was delicious. If it weren’t so damned hot she’d wolf the thing down.

Wait a minute, he had gone to the trouble to catch the thing and to prepare it for her, the least she could do was offer him a taste, but only one mind you. He was still a savage but it seemed like there might be a nice side to him. Although Julie wasn’t so sure that nice was the right word. No, nice wasn’t the right word.

“Do you want a piece?” She glanced at him. Oh God, he was scary looking. Big and all muscle. His eyes looked darker in the flickering firelight. His chest was riveting. Aside from being wide and heavily muscled, it sported a golden tattoo. Golden. It was utterly beautiful. She pretended to gaze into the fire when in fact she was looking at it. It was across his entire chest and in swirls and twirls reminding her of a tribal pattern.

He shook his head, running a hand over his close shaven scalp. “I will be fine until we return. You eat.”