Page 1 of Relentless Touch

Chapter One

A stranger with gorgeous cheekbone structure leaned close enough that Kevin caught the scent of expensive cologne and something wild underneath. The guy wasn’t human. The recognition prickled through his impala’s awareness.

The stranger was a wolf.

“You looked bored,” the stranger said, mouth close to Kevin’s ear to be heard over the bass thumping through the floor. It wasn’t necessary since they both possessed heightened senses. “I’m Izan.”

“Kevin.” He leaned even closer.

Izan bought him a water. Shifters couldn’t get drunk off of human alcohol, so why waste money on expensive club drinks?

They talked about nothing for half an hour. Music. Cars. The usual flirting between two men who were circling each other. The club interior was dark, strobe lights painting their skin in purple and blue.

When Izan suggested they leave, Kevin didn’t hesitate. Dude was hot, the night was young, and Kevin’s apartment was a depressing shoebox he didn’t want to see until tomorrow.

The parking lot hit different. Cooler air, quieter, the muffled thump of bass bleeding through the club’s walls. Kevin fished his keys from the front pocket of his tight jeans as they walked. His beat-up Honda Civic with a dent in the passenger door was two spots away.

Izan’s hand found the small of Kevin’s back. Possessive. The guy was guiding, claiming space that made Kevin’s gut tighten.

This felt…off.

“My place isn’t that far,” Izan said, already steering Kevin past his Civic. “We can take my car.”

Not a chance.

“I’ll follow you in mine.” Kevin stopped walking, keys jangling in his hand. “I don’t leave my car places.”

“It’ll be fine here. I’m more interested in peeling off your clothes.”

Izan’s needs were all that mattered to him, probably in bed too.

“Hard pass.” Kevin pulled away from the hand on his back, turning to face Izan fully. Something had changed in his expression. The easy charm from the club had been replaced by something that made Kevin’s instincts scream for him to ditch the jerk. “Actually, I think I’m gonna call it a night. I have an early morning tomorrow.” Lie.

Izan’s brow creased. “You’re kidding.”

“Nope.” Kevin’s lips popped the P. “Changed my mind. Happens all the time with club scenes. Thanks for the water.”

Turning toward his car, Kevin took a step, but Izan caught his arm, his fingers bruising.

“It’s bad manners to string a guy along,” Izan said, making every red flag in Kevin’s head wave. The asshole was staring at Kevin like he was expecting complete submission.

If Kevin hadn’t rolled over for his ex, a stranger could kick rocks. His entire life predators had tried to bend him to their will but failed.

“Bad manners?” A high-pitched laugh escaped, loud enough to make a passing couple glance over. “Honey, I promised you nothing, yet you’re acting as if I signed a blood oath. Get your damn paw off me.”

The grip tightened. “Lower. Your. Voice.”

“Or what?” Kevin’s volume climbed. He looked directly at the couple, who had slowed their pace. “He thinks buying me a Dasani means I owe him more than a thanks. Four dollars and now he’s got receipts.”

“You’re embarrassing yourself,” Izan growled, eyes darting toward the strangers. They hurried away as a group of guys emerged from the club, laughing and shoving each other.

“I’m embarrassing you,” Kevin corrected, yanking his arm free. “There’s a difference, creep. And honestly? You should be embarrassed. This whole can’t-take-no-for-an-answer is restraining-order energy, bub.”

One of the guys from the group let out a low whistle. Someone else muttered something about getting security.

“Think this is cute?” Izan’s words came out low and clipped, barely human.

Izan backhanded him, cracking Kevin across face with enough force to snap his head sideways and send his keys airborne. Pain exploded from cheekbone to jaw as Kevin cried out.