Shadow Touched: A Paranormal Vampire Romance (A Touch of Vampire Book 1) by Becky Moynihan (great reads TXT) 📕

“Despite what you’re experiencing, you’re not actually a werewolf,” he said. “You weren’t scratched or bitten, which means there is no werewolf DNA running through your veins. These symptoms are only temporary, and your body can’t handle the freezing water for long periods like theirs can.”

I frowned. “How do you know it can’t? I can barely feel the cold.”

“Because I knew someone like you who died from hypothermia. She didn’t feel the cold either.”

I pried my eyes open to find his gaze far away, probably focused on a memory. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, hoping he’d tell me more.

Instead, he blinked and wordlessly stirred into motion. I bit my lip, feeling the pain flare with every small movement. He walked slowly, but I still struggled for air by the time we reached land.

“Where . . . are we?” I panted, clutching at his drenched jacket.

“There’s a small cabin up the hill. Hopefully somewhere no one will find us. Or hear you scream.”

I stiffened. “What?”

“This isn’t over. The change takes several hours and can last multiple nights. With how intense your symptoms have been so far, I don’t expect them to go away anytime soon.”

“But . . . I-I can’t. I’m already exhausted and can’t stand much more of this. And what do you mean by multiple nights?”

“For a werewolf, the pull of a full moon usually lasts two, sometimes three days. They normally lose control of their human forms and wolf out when the moon is at its fullest.”

“What are you saying? That I’m going to—to turn into one?”

“I don’t know. Maybe. Your situation is unique and unpredictable. You absorbed werewolf toxin through physical touch. Since your blood wasn’t infected, you might not experience the full range of symptoms.” He glanced down at me. “Whatever happens though, I’ll help you through it, McKenna.”

Freaking fates, if I turned into a wolf, I was going to seriously flip out. To distract myself, I said, “Why are you even here? I broke our deal. You’ve been gone for over a week. Why did you even show up tonight?”

He was silent for a moment, then, “You ending the deal didn’t keep me away. There have been complications I’ve had to take care of. I almost didn’t come tonight because of them.”

“What kind of complications? Like a brother showing up you never told me about?”

He looked at me sharply. “Kade shouldn’t have told you that.”

“It’s not his fault. I pestered him for an answer. At least he actually answers some of my questions,” I said, laying the guilt on thick. “Why can’t we talk about him? Everett, I mean.” Like how he’s using August to threaten me, I knew I should add, but didn’t.

Lochlan fixed his gaze on the dark path ahead. “He left Rosewood this morning. No need to discuss him.”

Okay, then. Must be a sore point. I could relate, since I didn’t have the best relationship with my aunt. I opened my mouth to change the subject, but the heat chose that moment to return with a vengeance. I hissed, pressing my forehead to Lochlan’s chest. It lapped at my skin and I squirmed in his arms to be let down. His hold only tightened and my earlier crankiness returned. “Let me down.”

“No. I don’t want to be chasing you through the woods all night.”

“What?” I struggled some more. “I’m not going to—”

“Yes, you will,” he interrupted. “You’ve absorbed a wolf’s instincts. The pull to hunt and run will be irresistible. And if your temporary wolf scents an animal in these woods, or even a human, you won’t be able to control the urge to chase and kill.”

“That’s insane. Do you know how insane you sound?” I yelled. Okay, maybe I sounded a little bit insane too. Also, ouch. Yelling really hurt my ears.

Ignoring my outburst, he continued to stride up the path in silence. I almost asked what he’d do if I had the sudden urge to chase and kill him, but I doubted he’d tell me. If I went berserk on him, it would probably end with my head detached from my body faster than I could blink.

I couldn’t deny his words though. A primal need to scent the air and explore the world around me was building. And something else was too, a sharp burn low in my belly. Not white hot, but undeniably intense and distracting.

Lochlan’s stride faltered and I glanced up at him, a silent question in my gaze. He stared at me for the longest time, long enough that I panicked and snapped, “What? Is fur sprouting on my face or something?”

He looked away again. “Your eyes are glowing.”

“What, like a werewolf’s? Are they yellow like Peyton and Reid’s were?” Holy crap, Reid must be a werewolf too.

“No. They’re pale silver, like the full moon.”

“Oh. Cool, I guess.” I downplayed his words, because the comparison felt like a compliment, and that was doing weird things to my insides. Highly inappropriate things.

In the next breath, warmth rushed to the apex of my thighs. I sucked in a gasp, arching my back like a cat as pleasure zinged through me.

Lochlan completely froze, like he freaking knew.

Not possible, not possible, not possible.

When I peeked up at him though, his blazing eyes were on me.

No, freaking no!

“Let me down. Now,” I demanded, my voice suddenly hoarse.

And, just like that, he did.

Standing on unsteady legs, I tightly pulled my sodden cape around me to cover my nakedness. I gestured for him to lead the way, refusing to meet his gaze. Even when he turned and resumed walking, I kept my eyes firmly trained on the ground.

What the crap had just happened?

I’d experienced sexual urges before, but nothing like that. Nothing so powerful and fiercely carnal that I lost all control. And the feeling was still there, a simmering boil deep in my core.

I only managed to walk a few feet when the feeling erupted like an angry volcano, forcing me to