The big house was quiet, and she saw no one else around as she walked into the dining room. Immediately the atmosphere changed around her. It was noticeably tense. Charged. She stopped in the doorway and instantly locked with Kane’s hard stare. She almost forgot to breathe. He was stretched out in a lounging chair against the wall, his long legs out in front of him and his arms folded at his chest. He appeared relaxed but she acutely felt the odd tension radiating off him from across the room. He reminded her of a predator just waiting to spring. The thought struck her hard: He’s every bit the wolf he shifts into. She couldn’t explain to herself why that thought thrilled her, excited her to hot, sensual awareness of him. She was distinctively aware of every breath he took as he stared at her. For just a moment it felt as though they breathed in unison. It was an erotic feeling she’d never experienced before. She caught her breath in a small gasp and broke the pattern. His thorough gaze traveled from the top of her head to her toes, lingering in certain spots on her body. Invisible heat flowed over her. She felt scorched –and caressed at the same time. Bethany took another deep breath and released it slowly. “Hello, Kane.” He smiled, his lips curving in a tight slash before he answered. “Bethany.” Was that all he was going to say? It was obvious he wasn’t going to make this situation any easier for her because she could see it in his eyes. It was as though he was waiting for her to make the move that would set this scene in motion. She just wished she knew what he expected. She knew he wasn’t happy with the engagement; he’d already made that perfectly clear. And she’d heard him arguing with Ethan after she had moved in earlier this afternoon. He didn’t want her here. Not for anything would she let him know how his resistance bothered her. Not yet, anyway. The strained silence lingered as she stood there in the dining room doorway and they continued to stare at each other. She tried to think of something to say to break the tension between them. Nice weather we’re having, huh? Yeah, Bethany, she mentally chastised, that should make him look at you with less disdain. Kane suddenly stood and advanced on her. He walked slowly toward her, holding her gaze captive. His glide was smooth and calculated. She got the distinct impression he would look like that when he was stalking prey. She shivered. She realized she was holding her breath and gasped in a quick intake of air. Maybe I’m that prey.