Page 20 of Clashing With The Grumpy Wolf

Julia's eyes narrow. "There's something you're not telling me."

Damn, she's perceptive. I sigh, running a hand through my hair.

"Werewolves have certain expectations when it comes to relationships. Scent is important to us. To be convincing, you'd need to, well, to carry my scent. And I'd need to carry yours."

Her cheeks flush slightly. "Meaning?"

"Meaning we'd need to spend enough time in close proximity that our scents mingle. Share a living space." I keep my voice matter of fact despite the way my heart rate picks up at the thought. "New bonded mates spend lots of time together and as the future alpha's mate, it would be expected that you’d come live with me. "

"You want me to move in with you?" Her voice rises an octave.

"Just temporarily," I add quickly. "I have a guest room."

Julia stands abruptly, pacing the small confines of my office. She stops, fixing me with a penetrating stare.

"This is insane. Absolutely insane."

"Maybe," I concede. "But it solves both our problems."

Julia resumes her pacing, her curls bouncing with each determined step. I watch her, trying not to focus on the way her jeans hug her curves or how the soft material of her sweater slides across her skin as she moves.

And I fail, by the way my wolf yearns for control, scratching inside my skin like it wants to break free.

Finally, she stops, hands on her hips.

"If—and that's a big if—I agree to this madness, then there will be no touching. Nothing physical."

"Of course," I say promptly. "Well, nothing above what is strictly necessary. If I don’t scent mark you, the whole thing falls apart."

She chews her lower lip, considering.

"And as soon as the wedding is over, we go our separate ways?"

"You have my word." I meet her gaze steadily. "No mess, no fuss."

"Your word as sheriff or your word as a werewolf?"

"Both," I say firmly. "They're one and the same to me."

Julia sighs, sinking back into the chair.

"I must be out of my mind." She rubs her temples, then looks up at me with a resigned expression. "Fine. I'll do it."

Relief, and something warmer, floods through me. My wolf practically preens with satisfaction.

"Perfect." I extend my hand across the desk. "Partners, then?"

She hesitates for just a moment before placing her smaller hand in mine. "Partners."

The touch sends an electric current up my arm, and I have to force myself to let go after an appropriate handshake duration. Julia seems to feel it too, a slight flush rising to hercheeks as she withdraws her hand.

"So," she says, clearly trying to maintain professionalism, "when do we start this… scent-mingling process?"

"Tonight would be best," I reply, gathering the case files into a neat stack. "The sooner we establish the scent marking, the more convincing it will be. My cabin's not far from here."

"Tonight?" Her eyes widen. "But I don't have any of my things."

"We can stop by the manor so you can pack a bag." I stand, shrugging into my jacket. "Minimal disruption to your schedule, I promise."