Red's Wolf

"Watch yourself!" A strong hand grabbed her upper arm, roughly pulling her against a rock-hard surface, steadying her. Actually, the hard surface was a very muscular chest, under a soft flannel shirt.

The hood of her jacket framed the view of her rescuer’s chest and she abruptly wondered if the rest of him was as appealing. A wave of dizziness hit her, and she clutched at the soft fabric beneath her hands. Her blood sugar was bottoming out after the long train ride.

"I'm so sorry." Carri unclenched her fingers, speaking carefully through the moment of weakness. "I'm really clumsy, and I guess I tried to do too many things at once. I'm fine now, really."

A deep chuckle rumbled around her, and she peeked out from under her hood. From the strong, stubble-covered chin to his wide smile full of straight, white teeth and eyes a startling steel grey rimmed in stark black, he embodied the rugged wilderness she’d come to visit. And he still held her up close and personal.

Heat rushed into her face as she stepped to one side, mentally congratulating herself for not stepping backward and wasting his timely save with a second fall off the platform.

"No apologies needed." His dark voice rolled over her in a slow wave, sending shivers through her despite the layers of clothing she wore. He paused for a heartbeat, his gaze roving over her face. "I will take a 'thank you' though."

Before she could say just that, he leaned in lightning quick, capturing her lips. Heat seared through her as his mouth sealed over hers, and a strong hand caught her jaw, tilting her head up to meet him. His tongue teased her, smothering any protest then darted into her mouth to taste her. A low moan worked its way up her throat, nothing like the protest she'd intended.

Releasing her, the stranger flashed a feral grin and hopped off the platform before she could take a swing at him. Sputtering, Carri watched him land the dozen feet below with ease, her heart pounding in her chest. Every part of her skin tingled as he turned back to look up at her.

"Let Ben know Jason decided to take the long way into Glacier Valley pack territory.” He grinned up at her. "See you around, Red."