Read Online The Shadow Wolf by Bonnie Vanak - Free Book Online

of his hot kiss. If Gabriel were cruel, she’d sense it. He’d shown nothing but kindness and consideration since their capture.
    Megan scented pine and rain and glanced up.
    Gabriel stood in the doorway. A key dangled from his fingers.
    â€œThe shed is in the back.”
    Confused, she scrambled to her feet. “You’re an Enforcer and you’re letting me go? How can I trust you?”
    â€œYou have little choice. And I’m not letting you go.” He went to her, opened her palm, dropped the key inside. “This is yours for safekeeping, to show you I mean no harm. I’m here to help you, Megan.”
    â€œYou can’t be my destined mate.” She gave a brittle laugh like cracked glass. “You stand for everything I hate about Draicon. You capture my people and enforce laws that bind us.”
    â€œThat’s what you’ve been told.” He clasped his hands around her closed palm. “The stories precede me. Is any one of us who he appears to be?”
    â€œWho are you?”
    He tensed, and she felt a surge of his power. “Someone who will get you to safety. And not just because you’re mine.”
    â€œI’m not yours,” she protested, pocketing the key.
    Gabriel leaned closer, pinning her against the refrigerator. He cupped her face in his hands. “Yes, you are.”
    This time his kiss was warm and authoritative, his mouth possessing her. Megan sighed as he coaxed her to open to him.
    If she wasn’t careful, this dangerous Draicon could creep into her heart. She had longed for love and acceptance, but how could she share a life with a man who detested her race?
    â€œYou’re still innocent,” he murmured, breaking the kiss. “Good. I don’t think I’d deal kindly with any man who came before me.”
    â€œHow can you tell?”
    He gave her a sensual look that made the space between her legs throb wildly. “Your scent. It’s delicious, layered with traces of wildflowers and honey. I can’t smell another male.”
    Now her cheeks began to burn. “I saved myself for someone I loved. Not a destined mate.” Someone who can love me for who I am.
    Gabriel ran a thumb across her flushed cheek. “You can’t fight instinct. When the time comes, I’ll treat you right.”
    â€œYou’re talking as you’ll be my first.”
    â€œI will be,” he said softly. “But now isn’t the time. We have to get you and the girls out of here. Right before dawn, when it’s still dark, we’ll leave.”
    â€œI can’t risk it,” she protested. “This is all too much, too confusing. I have to protect the girls, I made a promise and nothing will stop me from keeping it. What will you do, beg for clemency from the council just because I’m your destined mate? Or will you turn me over anyway?”
    Silence dripped between them.
    â€œI can’t trust you, Gabriel, just because suddenly, oh, we’redestined mates and everything will be fine. You say you’re going to keep us safe. How? If you expect me to follow your orders, then you have to be honest with me.”
    Emotions warred in his eyes. Gabriel shoved a hand through his thick, ragged hair. “Okay, Megan. In the morning, I’ll tell you the truth.”
    â€œWhy not now?”
    He passed a hand over her face and she felt her eyes closing. “Time for you to sleep.”
    She felt warm in his arms as he carried her to bed. Gabriel settled her between the covers. He hated giving her a mental push, but she needed rest and in her pent-up state, she’d never sleep.
    Loathe to leave her, he stretched out on the bed, making sure to keep his distance.
    Â 
    When he awoke, wolf senses warned dawn was not far off. Gabriel stood and stretched his long arms, then paced over to the shuttered window. The rain had stopped. He snapped on a light.
    Megan awoke to a gentle whisper in her ear. He