CHAPTER ONE

H enry sat down on the expansive porch of the Ranch house with a glass of water in hand. He planned to wait for Officer Terry Moore to arrive and that, according to his partner Officer Jamie McCormick, would be very soon. Henry hoped to have the opportunity to speak with him or, at the very least, be introduced. They had exchanged several heated glances, and unless Henry was completely wrong, it appeared that Terry may be interested in getting to know him. Henry was definitely interested.

Henry recalled with a smile the look in Terry's eyes when he first saw him; it looked like recognition. It appeared as if Terry thought he knew Henry, and then his recognition turned into interest. Henry was familiar with shifter culture and the reality of shifter mates, so he didn't have any arrogant ideas of a happily ever after for them.

A shifter would only bond with their true mate. If you were unlucky enough to be in a relationship with a shifter when he found his mate, you would be quickly kicked to the curb. Mates were everything. They were what a shifter lived for, so to get involved with a shifter meant a short-term, no hearts attached encounter. Henry understood that and was willing to accept the limiting factors of a relationship with Officer Terry Moore in return for a few hot and sweaty nights.

It had been a while since Henry felt attracted to anyone. After a very painful breakup two years ago, Henry had decided that he would not allow himself to ever get so caught up in a man that his own needs and self-respect became unimportant. A short-term sexual fling was exactly what he needed right now. A brief, hot relationship with the gorgeous wolf would suit him just fine.

He'd felt an instant attraction to Terry while standing in that gas station parking area and thought he saw the reciprocating emotion flash in Terry's eyes. His mind continued to wander to the tall sexy man that was invading all of his thoughts. Terry was the most stunningly handsome man Henry had ever seen. The thought of getting intimate with him sent such a thrill through Henry that every nerve was tingling with hopeful anticipation.

…

It felt like a sudden shot of adrenaline spiking through his system when he caught sight of the police cruiser pulling into the driveway and stopping just short of the lawn. Henry watched with bated breath as Terry unfolded his firm muscled form from behind the wheel.

The smile was the first thing that hit him and lit him up. Terry had a huge and genuine smile with luscious full lips and beautiful white teeth. Henry wanted to jump from the porch right into Terry's arms, but instead, he waited, standing by his chair and hoping that Terry would see him and come his way. Terry raised his hand and gave him a quick wave indicating that he'd seen him and acknowledged him. The smile remained as he approached.

"Hey, Henry," Terry called to him as he sped up his pace.

"Hi, Terry," Henry responded politely. He wanted to walk toward him but decided to stay rooted and see if Terry came to him.

"You know my name." Henry teased.

"And you know mine." Terry countered with a grin.

"Of course, I know your name; you helped save our lives this afternoon," Henry explained as casually as he could, considering that his heart was threatening to beat out of his chest.

…

"It was Alpha Lance that saved lives, the men and I just did clean up." Terry shrugged. Terry stepped closer, allowing himself to get into the heady sweet scent of Henry. The man smelled like warm caramel apples.

Terry had been absolutely floored when he discovered his mate, his human mate standing in the middle of that gas station car park. He recognized him as Henry Grange from the description he'd been given when the entire Pack was on the lookout for him and Molly James.

Before he had a chance to begin processing the meaning and ramifications of having a mate, he was suddenly gripped with panic. Fear sliced through him when he realized the danger surrounding Henry and nearly came unglued when he saw Henry trying to help Ronan escape from that mad man Jordan Randall.

The Alpha's intervention was most appreciated. Alpha Lance had brought down Jordan and freed his mate Ronan from the man who had been intent on either abducting him or killing him, whichever he thought appropriate at the time.

Afterward, when all were safe, and the threat of Jordan Randall had been eliminated, he noticed Henry sneaking glances at him. He hoped Henry was pleased with what he saw. He seemed interested, and Terry planned to pursue the young man with all he possessed. Wow, who would have guessed that the cousin of Molly and Ronan James, the Alpha and Beta mates, would be his predestined mate?

He was a confirmed bachelor and definitely not out regarding his sexuality. Was he going to be brought to his knees by this human? Would he be willing to give up everything, including his reputation, to be with Henry? These were thoughts best left till later. For the moment, he was content to take in the nearness and acceptance of his beautiful mate.

Terry walked up close to Henry, who, to his delight, did not step back and peered down into his delicately featured upturned face. He so wanted to cup Henry's face and take a long sip from those plump pink lips. A more beautiful man did not exist. Henry had raven hair that swept just below his ears and the whitest skin. His eyes were a dark brown, almost mocha color. Everything about this human called to Terry and enticed him to come closer and taste.

Terry finally found his tongue and asked, "I have to report to the Alpha now, but I was wondering if you would have dinner with me this evening?" Jamie had called and told him that Henry knew all about shifters, so he didn't need to explain the Alpha comment. He also wouldn't need to explain the mate comment once he decided what he was going to do about it. Henry, being human, would not feel the mate pull the same as a wolf, but he would feel the need. Just as Ronan and Molly had been drawn to their mates, Henry would be drawn to him in time.

Henry considered the request for all of about two seconds before responding with a smile and, "I'd love to."

"Great, I'll pick you up at seven if that's okay?" Terry could resist no longer and reached out and gently cupped the side of Henry's face and ran his thumb back and forth over his cheekbone. The touch sent a shock from the pad of his thumb right through his body and struck his groin with the most delicious sensation of want.

"Seven is good. Looking forward to it." Henry knew he was being a little forward, but something about the man just made him do it. Henry sensed by the look in Terry's eyes and the fact that he had not let him go that Terry wanted to say more. Suddenly, an insistent Alvin interrupted them, who hurriedly began ushering Terry inside.

"Come on, man, Lance is waiting," Alvin muttered gruffly.

"I'll see you at seven." Terry shot back over his shoulder with a wink as he disappeared inside.

...

Henry remained outside on the porch for a while before heading inside. It was still a couple of hours before his dinner date, so he decided to go to his room and rest. On his way to his room, Henry ran into Dean, one of the Pack enforcers, as he was coming out of his bedroom.

"What has you looking so happy?" Dean commented lightly with a grin.

"Terry asked me out to dinner tonight. I haven't been on a date in ages." He answered, his excitement evident.

"Terry?" Dean looked perplexed. "Terry Moore, tall blond police officer?" He pressed for clarity.

Henry nodded but didn't comment. They stared at each other for a long moment before Dean reached out and patted him sympathetically on the shoulder.

"Don't be surprised if it turns out he was just kidding with you about a date. It's very likely he will not show up."

"What do you mean?" Henry looked around them nervously, suddenly feeling ridiculous. Did Terry lie to him? Was this all just a bad joke?

"Terry has a reputation for being a real asshole, and sometimes what he believes are jokes aren't very funny." Dean tried to gently explain.

"You're saying that Terry was lying to me when he asked me out to dinner?" Henry was really thrown by this turn of events. Terry seemed sincere and truly interested in him.

Dean studied his face for several moments before adding. "Even if he wasn't lying, I would advise you not to go with him."

"Why?" He whispered. Henry didn't want to know, but he needed to know.

"For starters, he isn't gay. I've never known him to date men, and he's barely tolerant of those who do." Dean decided he wasn't getting through, so he had to be frank and totally honest. "He also despises humans, considers them weak and useless. Ask Ronan and Molly about how he nearly ran them off due to his dislike of humans. With that said, do you still believe his offer was genuine?" Dean stared at Henry as he stared back with his mouth slightly gaping.

"He isn't gay, and he hates humans?" Henry reached for understanding.

Dean nodded in the affirmative.

"That's a lot to consider," Henry spoke slowly, and his eyes never left Dean's.

Again, Dean nodded and added, "Be careful." He patted him on the shoulder and then headed out, leaving Henry questioning.