Esher: Winter Valley Wolves #7 Read Online Free PDF Page B

brought dessert.” He takes the box from me and grabs my hand. As expected, his touch sends warmth all the way to the pit of my belly. The faint scent of a woodsy soap wraps around me. Esher says, “You look beautiful.”
    “Thanks.” I give him the once-over and take in the way his button-down shirt is rolled up to the elbows to expose his powerful forearms and how his slacks accentuate slim hips. “Dress clothes suit you.”
    “Yeah?” He flashes his sexy smile, and I melt a little more. He says, “I just got home and didn’t have a chance to change.” We walk through an entryway to the kitchen. The cabinets and walls are white, while the countertops are blue. Beyond the breakfast bar is the living room, and it too is bright and cheery.
    “What a beautiful home. Is there anything I can help you do?”
    “Not a thing.” A stool scrapes across the floor as he pulls it out for me. “Sit here and keep me company while I make dinner. I hope you’re hungry.”
    “I need to tell you something.” Esher holds the knife he picked up in midair, and I say, “Mia already knows what I’m about to say and has passed along the information to your alpha.” He lowers his hand as I continue, “Dr. Sand is aware that I’m sick, and she’s managed private funding for a mission to capture wolves in hopes they’re werewolves and their blood will cure me.”
    He frowns. “She’s trying to save you?”
    “Not exactly. She thinks she’s found the perfect test subject for her plan.”
    The knife clatters on the counter when he sets it down. “You can’t go back there, Andi.”
    “So people keep telling me. But don’t you see? I can do what I do best—mess things up.”
    “No. It’s too dangerous.” Esher comes around to where I’m sitting. He sits on the stool beside me as I turn to face him.
    “But—”
    He grips my shoulders lightly. “Please. I’ve finally got you back in my life, and I don’t want to lose you again.”
    I gaze into the face of the man that captured my heart years ago. I place my hand on his chest and say, “I feel so helpless.”
    He says, “Let me help you for a change.”
    I pull my hand back. It shouldn’t be so hard to accept the help I need. Without Esher’s blood, I don’t stand a chance and my days with him will be few. But if I do take it? Then I may get a lifetime to make things up to him. To win back his love.
    I look into the eyes that drew me in from day one. “Okay.”
    “Great. Let’s get my blood in you before dinner. I want plenty of time to make sure you’re not going to reject it.”
    I nod when he stands and says, “I’ll be right back.”
    He walks over to a bag by the door. The contents rattle as he searches for the blood draw kit. When he finds it, Esher says, “Come sit on the couch where we’ll be more comfortable.”
    I lower myself onto a plush cushion that hugs my bottom, and I imagine it’s a great sofa for napping. Esher sets out the equipment on the coffee table, and I pick up the tourniquet. “Should I do this for you?” The vinyl strip shakes with my trembling as I lift it.
    He sits next to me and takes my face in his hands. “I’m not going to let you die, Andi.”
    I nod, and he kisses me roughly before he begins to unbutton his shirt. I guess it’s so he won’t stain it, but I’m more interested in what it reveals. When he’s done, I loop the tourniquet around his upper arm and yank it tight. Esher sticks himself with ease. I watch deep-burgundy liquid fill a test tube. The fluid that may save my life.
    When it’s my turn to receive his blood I kiss him and say, “I don’t deserve you, but I’m so glad you don’t care.”
    His gaze is intense as he says, “You’re wrong, Andi. I care deeply.”
    The needle pricks my skin, and when liquid life enters my vein it spreads the familiar warmth of my savior up my arm and straight to my heart. I love you, Esher.
    Esher smiles at me, and I imagine he says “I love you too” before he