Jason snorted. “Uh, yeah. Anyone who hasn’t spent the last five years under a pile of textbooks knows who he is. He’s like a reclusive billionaire playboy. Every time the guy is seen in public, it’s a social media event.”
“Oh.” She sighed heavily.
“What’s wrong, La?” His use of his pet name for her coaxed the truth from her.
She took a deep breath and folded her arms over the towel on her chest. “My wolf seems to think he’s breeding material.”
Jason blinked at her for a moment, the corners of his mouth twitching. Eventually, he gave in to a deep, erratic laugh. “You. You, the feminist, princess werewolf…who refuses to marry and runs her own business like the queen of veterinary medicine…have a bitch boner for Kyle Kingsley?”
“You see the problem, then.”
He leaned his elbows on his knees, his laughter dwindling to something more like concern. “Have you even ever met him?”
She rolled her eyes and sent a spray of water in his direction. “Yes! Actually, he brought his dog into Four Paws before we left Carlton City.”
“Huh?”
“He was just passing through. The dog got sick. We were supposed to have a date, but I stood him up because of the ball. Then we ran into each other tonight.”
Jason stilled. “Wait, is your cover blown? Did he recognize you?”
Laina shook her head. “No. I was wearing a mask. But I recognized him, and my wolf practically stuck her ass in his face.”
The laugh that burst from Jason was so strong it almost knocked him off the toilet. “Damn! La has a crush. I did not expect that.”
“Youdidn’t expect it? How do you think I feel? The desire I felt for him, Jason, was so strong I almost… I might have done things if I’d had the chance.” She narrowed her eyes, remembering how she’d pulled his hips to hers and ground against him. “It was like my wolf wanted to mark him like we do when we mate.”
Drawing a deep breath, he leaned his elbows on his knees. “Shit, Laina. That’s not good.”
“What do you mean? Why?”
Jason’s eyes narrowed. “You say your wolf wants him. Your wolf specifically wantshim.”
She nodded. “She’s never wanted anyone like this before. Like it was almost outside my control.”
“And you’re sure she didn’t just want sex with anyone?”
“I’m sure. Although, honestly, I would have had sex withhimif given the chance. His voice…” She closed her eyes. “If he’d told me to do something, I’d have done it. My wolf pressed against my skin like Kyle was carrying the moon in his pants.”
Jason groaned. “Laina, what you’re describing isn’t just attraction. Kyle’s yourvice.”
“No!” She growled and bared her teeth in his direction.
“Yes. This is exactly what it’s like.” Jason’s voice grew raspy with emotion. “Your wolfwantshim. Maybe even as your mate.” He lowered his voice. “I should know.”
She leaned her head back and ground her teeth. The closest thing to a vice in the human world was an addiction; only, in werewolf world, the experience was metaphysical. The inner wolf attached to something unexpectedly, and denying it could become uncomfortable. A vice became stronger during the full moon. “What makes you think that my desire for Kyle is anything like your vice for sex?”
“I’m not talking about my vice for sex.” Jason’s voice held something so desperate, she turned her head to look at him. He was supporting himself on his knees with his elbows, his eyes closed as if in pain.
“Then what are you talking about?” she asked softly.
“Jessica Woods. Everything you’re feeling for Kyle, I felt for her.” He swallowed hard. “And she felt for me.”
A chill traveled through her despite the warm bath, and she hugged the wet towel tighter to her chest. “What? Why have you never talked about this before?”
He turned watery eyes on her. “Because it was new, and before we could act on it—”
“She was killed by Alex.” Jessica had gone to the theater with her parents the night Alex had struck. “Oh, Jason.”
