My Mate - Part 1

NAME PRONOUNCIATION:  Skhal is pronounced SKAL

***** 

~ JAYAH ~

Jayah was stunned senseless. Her chest tightened, thrumming with a fizzing that unfurled like a fern right at the center of her heart.

Then the male shifted, his human form crouched, hands on the ground, knees bent under him, all refined and marbled muscle. He was broad through the shoulders, but there wasn't an ounce of fat on him—every tendon and ridge of muscle appearing as if carved from his skin. He was dark haired and dark eyed, a trimmed beard framing his face and mouth that feathered into the first peppers of a silver that matched his wolf's coat at his temples.

He stared at her, open-mouthed, but every line of his body poised—for flight, or fight, she wasn't sure. Yet, another whine broke in his throat.

He swallowed, his Adam's apple bobbing, but never took his eyes from her. "What's your name?"