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

longed to touch her, but didn’t dare, knowing how fiercely the animal inside him wanted to mount her.
    Her mouth was parted and sexy. That mouth could drive a man crazy with lust.
    â€œPlease don’t do that again,” she rumbled in a sexy, sleep-laden voice.
    â€œDo what?”
    â€œPut me to sleep.” She sat up, rubbing her head. “It leaves me feeling out of sorts, like a sleeping pill hangover. I’m sensitive to those things.”
    He waited while she showered and changed. When she emerged into the bedroom, the knife present in his heart since Amelia’s death twisted a little.
    Pacing back and forth, he jammed his hands into his jeans pockets. Telling her risked everything. But he knew Megan needed the truth to follow him.
    She’d told him as much.
    â€œI’m not what I seem.” He flinched at her wary look. “I’m an Enforcer, hired by the council to bring in Shadows. That’s my cover. I use it while escorting the Shadows to safe houses and arranging for the next escort until they can reach my brother in New Orleans. Alex then gives them new identities and lives.”
    The truth felt good. “I’m in charge of an elaborate underground railroad. I use the Enforcer role to assist Shadows. I don’t hurt them. I help Shadows escape.”
    Megan’s lovely mouth opened and closed. She glanced at the doorway and her eyes widened. “Little pitchers.”
    A jerk of her thumb. His blood pressure plummeted.
    Merde.
    The twins came out of Shadow. “I knew it,” Jenny crowed. “I knew you weren’t a bad man, even before Jilly told me.”
    â€œI knew it first,” Jillian protested.
    Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. “How long have you been eavesdropping?”
    Jillian’s lower lip trembled. Jennifer fidgeted with her hands and stared at the floor.
    â€œWe were just playing hide-and-seek and saw you and Megan were awake, so we wanted to come in,” Jennifer finally admitted.
    â€œBut you didn’t. You kept yourself in Shadow,” Megan pointed out.
    â€œNever do that again. There are some things adults talk about that aren’t meant for children,” Gabriel admonished.
    â€œI’m sorry,” both girls echoed.
    Megan frowned. “You know this means punishment. No bedtime stories for two nights.”
    The twins looked crestfallen and began to plead for their favorite entertainment. Gabriel silenced them with a look.
    He went to them, hunkered down to their level. “Listen to me, Jilly, Jenny. What you overheard, you must keep secret. Understand? It’s very important.”
    â€œOkay,” they both said.
    â€œGo clean up and get ready for breakfast.”
    They trudged away.
    Megan scooted off the bed as he closed the door. She lowered her voice. “I don’t understand. How can you keep up such a complicated cover? What about the stories about you torturing Shadows? What about the council? Don’t they demand to see proof the Shadows are back on the island?”
    His gaze went flat. “Not when I bring them proof of their demise. They don’t care if the Shadows are alive or dead, so dead is just as good to them. When Alex gives them new identities, I take their clothing, spill their blood on it and present it to the council. I collect the bounty on their heads and use the money to fund more escapes and the safe houses.”
    â€œThe stories…” As awareness dawned on her face. “You plant the stories as a cover, too.”
    â€œAfter they’re safe, I give them a mental push. They don’t remember anything except I’m the bad guy.”
    Large blue eyes met his. “I sense you’re telling the truth. It feels right. But I also sense you don’t feel comfortable with this.”
    â€œThe truth can be a weapon in the wrong hands. It was a gamble telling you, and now that the girls know…damn. We have to make sure all this is kept