Read Online Wild Nights with a Lone Wolf by Elisabeth Staab - Free Book Online

wasn’t aimed at her. “Are you hearing this fucker? We had an agreement that you would stay out of my business, and I’d stay out of yours. This asshole is grabbing women at my restaurant. Using my land to do his dirty work. I’m a fucking murder suspect!”
    Ramon nodded. “Once we finish the trade, he’ll be handled.”
    Ash stood. “You can’t— No. You gotta call it off, Pop.”
    “I’m afraid that isn’t an option. We’re dealing with a powerful man with whom we can’t afford to tangle. The pack needs the grease with law enforcement connections. We also need the money.”
    Not an option? Law enforcement connections?
    Sherri looked back and forth, from Ash who was about to foam at the mouth, to his father who appeared to be coolly commenting on a golf game. So she was supposed to be some kind of gang bargaining chip? “Oh hell no. No damn way. I’m not your fucking pawn.” She shoved against Ash’s shoulder.
    His father turned a sharp set of eyes her way. “Asher, control your female.”
    Control his female? These guys were too much. “Excuse me—”
    Ash’s arm went across her front. “Pop. She’s not going. Even for you, trading humans is a despicable business. This is Jojo’s mess. He needs to clean it up.”
    His father stalked forward. Ignoring Ash’s growls, he took hold of Sherri’s right hand and then the left, studying each one carefully. He then tugged her hair aside to expose her neck, checking each side and eliciting an irritated “ow” from Sherri. “She doesn’t wear your mark,” Daddy Lobo growled. “No bite, no ink.”
    “Pop.” Asher thrust out his arms. “When did I last set foot on this property? A decade ago? I’ll get around to covering the pack ink someday.” He snaked a hand around her waist, pulling her close. “The markings don’t matter. Sherri belongs to me, and I only need to know it in my heart.”
    For a line of bullshit, damned if it didn’t sound pretty fabulous. Some reflex reaction to his arm around hers and the fierce declaration of emotion made Sherri squeeze back. Hell, maybe she just needed someone to grab onto. Lord knew she hadn’t had anybody like that in her life. This was a stressful moment. She wouldn’t pass up having someone to squeeze.
    If a dubiously trustworthy werewolf with whom you had two hot, sexy nights is now the guy you’re latching onto, you’re wandering into desperate territory, Sherri.
    Well, she was out in the desert, after all.
    “No human symbol either. Neither of you wear rings. No proof she’s your mate.”
    This time Ash seemed to hesitate, so Sherri spoke up. “You know, that was my request. I was engaged before, and it ended badly. I felt gun-shy, and I wanted to wait.” She hugged her arm tighter around Ash’s body. “But Ash is special to me. I’ve never known anyone like him. What we have is meaningful.” Well that was all true in a certain kind of way.
    Ash’s hand smoothed over her arm. She couldn’t know for sure, but it seemed he meant to offer assurance. She wished she knew he actually had any to give.
    After a minute of silence, Ash’s father “hmph’ed.” “You two will go with Jojo to the handoff. Ash, find a way to negotiate an alternate deal. If everything goes through successfully, you’ll be allowed to leave unharmed, and there will be no more interference with your mate, your employees, or your land.”
    Ash patted Sherri’s hand. “Thanks, Pop.”
    Jojo pushed forward. “What about the deal I already promised?”
    Ash’s charismatic grin turned sinister. “That’s not really my problem, is it?”
    Ramon turned to go. “You two will stay until sundown. Non-negotiable.” He stopped at the door. “And since you and your mate haven’t had time, we will do the ceremony here this afternoon. I’ll leave you to rest first.”
    Negotiate? Ceremony? Oh. Shit. None of that sounded good.

Chapter 7
    S herri waited until all extra visitors had cleared the room. She took a deep