she flattened her hands to his chest , hard , stopping just shy of that slap he 'd hoped for . he wanted to cover his ears , but could not . her cheeks were rosy and her eyes bright . anger tightened her mouth , making him want to kiss it away . buck did n't stop talking as i cooked dinner on the camp stove and it was all about wolves . remember the way it smelled and tasted ? he steps back to his table , and i pass the note to gates . them we bring to the other side . 