Untamed (Wolf Lake) by Jennifer Kohout

been brought in from town. They would still hunt for fresh meat but the pickings were likely to get slim.
    "I'll see if Maddie wants to go," Sam said. "I'm feeling restless."
    "You haven't had much chance to shift," Nafarius said, running his hand down Sam's back and feeling her wolf brushing up against the mate bond. "Just stay close."
    Sam turned to her mate, rising up on her toes she took the time to brush a soft kiss across his lips.  
    "I'll catch you later," she said, her smile nearly changing his mind.
    "I look forward to it," Nafarius said, knowing that the brief contact wouldn't hold him for long.
    ****
    Natasha let herself be pulled through the pack, many of them watching her with open curiosity, their eyes darting back and forth between her and Roland. None appeared hostile, their gaze more inquisitive than disapproving.
    Roland was oblivious to everything but Natasha, her small hand warm and rough in his much larger one. She held his hand lightly, not trying to take back her fingers even after they entered the trees.
    The path leading from the den was wide and well-worn, the brush kept back by constant use. Afternoon sunlight filtered through the trees, playing a game of light and shadow as they made their way east, quickly moving deeper into Nafarius' territory.  
    Walking ahead of Natasha, Roland kept up a steady pace, his long legs eating up the distance. She had to admit that she was enjoying the view. The man had a seriously spectacular ass. Natasha wondered what it would be like to unwrap that denim-encased package. She would want to take it slow, she decided, peeling back the wrapping to expose the surprise inside.
    Distracted, Natasha failed to notice the path growing narrow and tripped over an exposed root. She reached out to stop her fall, her hand landing on the small of Roland's back.
    Roland tensed at the touch, the heat of her hand branding him through his shirt.  
    "Are you alright?" he asked, glancing over his shoulder without stopping.
    "Yep," Natasha answered quickly, her face flushing as she snatched her hand back. "Just a little sore."
    Roland swore. "Sorry, I didn't stop and think." The path led them east with a subtle vertical gain, one that a healthy werewolf would barely notice. But Natasha was healing, her body straining to repair damage that would have laid a human up for months.
    "I'm okay," Natasha said, and she was. The walk was doing her good. The last thing she wanted was to be cooped up inside somewhere, left alone with her thoughts.  
    Roland looked back over his shoulder. Natasha had withdrawn her hand and stood watching him. Her face was flushed an attractive pink from exertion but she didn't appear to be struggling with the climb.
    Satisfied with what he saw, Roland nodded and turned back to the path. "We're almost there."
    Natasha followed Roland for another few minutes in comfortable silence. He didn't seem inclined to talk or ask questions, which she appreciated. But she liked the sound of his voice, the slight lilt at the end hinting at his origins.  
    "Where are you from?" Natasha asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
    Roland pulled up so fast Natasha slammed into his back, bouncing off and scrambling to keep her feet.
    "Why do you want to know?" Roland didn't reach to steady her, his fists clenched at his sides as he scowled down at her.
    Natasha stared up at Roland and wanted to take back her words. His voice had gone hard, and any evidence of his earlier concern was gone.
    "I...you..." Natasha stuttered. "You have an accent, it made me wonder."
    Roland was quiet for so long Natasha feared he would call an end to their outing, turning them around and taking her back to the pack's den.
    "My original pack settled on the East Coast," Roland said softly, breaking the awkward silence and starting forward once more. Damn, but he didn't want to think about that lot. There wasn't one memory among the many he cared to recall.
    "How did you end up here?" The question came