Read Online Hidden Moon (Hot Moon Rising #4) by Afton Locke - Free Book Online Page A

nature will emerge eventually,” Curtis argued. “Once an alcoholic, always an
    alcoholic. Once violent, always violent.”
    “Curtis is right to be concerned,” Derek agreed. “We all are.”
    “I told him to stay away from you, Shelley,” Curtis added. “Obviously, he didn’t
    listen.”
    Shelley’s heart thudded in her throat as she pictured the prom fight. She would never
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    forgive herself if something like it happened again because of her.
    “I forbid you to get into another fight with him.” Derek gripped his arm. “The
    attraction between two mates is often too powerful to resist. You’ll understand when you
    find yours.”
    “The pack is in danger, but not from Alan. I can feel it.” She clenched her order pad.
    “I don’t know how yet, but we’ll need him. Soon.”
    Derek looked her in the eye. “Your intuition has always been spot-on. In the future,
    though, discuss your concerns with me or at a pack meeting. Given our history, we can’t
    afford to be complacent.”
    “Will do.” She smiled, her shoulders ten pounds lighter. “I’ll go put in your orders.”
    She couldn’t wait to escape to the kitchen and relive Alan’s hot, wet tongue burrowing
    into her navel and teasing her clit. Her panties, barely dry from earlier, grew damp and
    slick again.
    When the bell above the front door jingled, her hackles rose and she dropped her pad
    and pen. The nameless danger she’d been feeling for days concentrated on the stranger
    in the suit. No one wore suits around here, and he had the creepiest, deadest eyes she’d
    ever seen.
    The rest of the pack also took notice. Conversations stopped, and several stares
    drifted toward the man. She picked up what she’d dropped and observed, too.
    “The dining room can seat fifty people.” Alan set down the crate of tomatoes from her
    truck and pointed to the ceiling. “The roof was redone only two months ago.”
    Shelley’s pulse dropped to zero. Oh, Alan. No! When he’d told her he planned to sell
    Moonlight Diner, she figured she’d have some time to change his mind. At the least, a
    member of the pack should have it. None of them even had a chance to review finances
    and put together an offer.
    “Excellent.” The stranger gave the room a quick glance. “Show me the kitchen.”
    Derek stood and glared at the man. “This diner is not for sale.”
    “The owner’s son here tells me it is,” the stranger replied, his eyes glittering with
    warning.
    “This is Graham Linden with Lobos Enterprises,” Alan said, wiping his sweaty brow.
    “This is Derek Sawyer, our Al— Our town leader.”
    “There’s been a misunderstanding,” Derek said, glaring at Alan next. “If you want
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    some breakfast, we’ll get you a menu.”
    Shelley hoped not. The mere sight of him made her skin crawl.
    “No, thank you.” Graham straightened his silk tie. “I’m afraid my boss isn’t fond of
    misunderstandings.”
    “Is that a threat?” Derek asked.
    “We intend to have this diner, one way or another. We prefer to handle the
    transaction with a civilized sale, but the choice is up to you.” He reached inside his
    jacket and pulled out a card, which he handed Alan. “I’ll be in touch.”
    After he left, pandemonium erupted in the dining room. Derek rose and made
    calming motions with his hands.
    “Who is he?” someone asked.
    “By the smell of him, he belongs to the Starwood pack,” Derek said. “They’re a
    national outfit, and they like to take over regional packs like ours. They want to rule over
    all the wolf shifters in the country.”
    “Oh, no,” she whispered, her fingers drifting to her throat.
    “Shelley, I’m afraid your intuition was right on the money as usual,” the Alpha said.
    “We’re in real danger here.”
    Alan raised his hands. “If his money is green, what difference does it make? It’s just a
    diner.”
    “It’s not just a diner.” Rand, sitting at the end of the breakfast bar, narrowed his silver
    eyes.