Moon Shifter 02 - Primal Possession

don’t have to stay long,” she murmured before one of the valet guys opened her door. He’d been quiet on the ride over and she couldn’t tell what kind of mood he was in.
    As she took the parking ticket, he rounded the vehicle to her side. Something told her that under normal circumstances he would have insisted on driving, but it was almost as if he’d sensed her need to stay in control and had decided not to push.
    “We’ll stay as long as you want.” His voice was low and sensual and even though she tried to fight it, her cheeks heated up as warmth curled through her and settled low in her belly.
    Liam wrapped his arm around December’s shoulders as they headed into the main lobby of the lodge, almost like he was staking a claim on her. Part of December wanted to pull away from his hold, but she didn’t. She loved the feel of his strong arm around her even though it was making her feel off-kilter. As they strode through the lobby, she motioned to their left, since she knew where they were going. Kat had called her earlier and told them to just meet her at the martini bar on the west side of the hotel.
    Some guy Kat worked with was having a birthday. December thought she’d met him once or twice. In fact, if she remembered correctly, Kat had tried to set her up with him, but with their conflicting schedules it had never worked out. She hadn’t told Liam that, though. He was oddly possessive about stuff. Not creepy or anything, but she was coming to understand that his human and animal sides constantly battled each other.
    She’d seen it in his eyes earlier when she’d insisted on driving to the party. He hadn’t wanted to let her. Truthfully, she was surprised he’d given in. The small act had allowed her to relax a little. He’d been a big help at the store today, but he’d also been an even bigger distraction.
    It was impossible to focus on customers when he wasthere. Everything about him was pure male. He practically reeked of testosterone. Normally men like that annoyed her, but with Liam it was hard to keep her hands off him. And after seeing him without a shirt this morning, she kept envisioning what it would be like to run her hands up his muscular chest and down his equally muscular back. Everything else would be just as tight and firm. She absolutely knew it.
    When they entered the bar, she was impressed by the changes. A new owner had taken over a year ago and it showed. No more moose heads and garish track lighting adorning the place.
    The purple and pink lights created a soft glow around the darkened room and the plush bar stools were definitely an upgrade. It was still early and the place wasn’t crowded yet. She immediately spotted Kat sitting on one of the leather couches in one of the corners of the expansive bar. Naturally she was surrounded by four men.
    When Kat spotted them, however, she made a beeline in their direction. “Oh my God, I’m so glad you guys are here.” She grabbed December’s arm, pulling her away from Liam, and dragged them to the bar. “I need a drink.”
    Kat pulled up a stool and December did the same. She glanced at Liam. “Don’t you want to sit?”
    “No.” He didn’t even glance at them. Just took on this warrior-type stance as he surveyed the room. No doubt looking for possible danger.
    After everything that had happened the past few weeks, she was actually thankful for his overprotectiveness. Though she wouldn’t tell him that. It would be as good as giving him the go-ahead to act like that all the time. And that so wasn’t happening.
    “You’ll never guess who called me today. Twice,” Kat said as she motioned for the bartender.
    “Your ex?” December asked, even though she was pretty sure she already knew the answer.
    Kat looked surprised. “How’d you know?”
    “Because you get this crazy pissed-off look every time you mention him.” December grinned at her friend. Kat was pretty quiet about why they’d broken up, but a few times when she’d been drunk, she’d opened up to her about how he’d broken her heart and what an asshole he was. “So what did he say?”
    “I don’t know. I didn’t answer the phone.”
    “Why not?”
    Kat shrugged and her scowl deepened. “Because screw him, that’s why.” She grabbed the mixed drink placed in front of her and downed half of it in one gulp.
    “Uh, Kat?” December raised her eyebrows.
    “I know, I know. I just need something to take the edge off. He hasn’t called in