Changeling Moon by Dani Harper Read Free Book Online Page A

“No one ever mentioned a word of it at the newspaper. I had no idea—wait, wait just a minute.” She held up a finger as several puzzle pieces clicked into place.
    â€œOh. My. God. I’ll bet that’s why the publisher asked me during the job interview if I’d ever reported a UFO story or interviewed a dead celebrity! I thought he just had a bizarre sense of humor.” She laughed as she said it, but she’d been terrified during the interview, fearful that Ted Biegel had heard rumors, had somehow discovered the truth behind her reputation for breaking stories or worse, had discovered her real last name. What a relief to know that the man’s odd questions hadn’t had a thing to do with her, her psychic ability, or her unusual family.
    Connor chuckled. “I imagine old Ted feared a repeat of history. He was on vacation when the werewolf stories came out. When he came back, the editor responsible not only resigned but left town.”
    â€œI imagine that’s resigned as in fired .”
    â€œThat’s what everyone figured.”
    â€œI’m really glad you told me this before I wrote about the attack.” She wanted nothing to do with any supernatural stories. No werewolves, no woo-woo, nothing that might direct any attention her way. Sure, she’d changed her name years ago, but one whiff of the paranormal around her and another reporter would have little trouble uncovering who she really was. “I could have destroyed my credibility as a journalist without even knowing it. No wonder the deputy mayor was so rude.”
    She’d have to shelve all the research she’d done on wolves, along with the draft of her article. Maybe she could rework it and sell it to a magazine—in another part of the country. And the “dog attack” story for the newspaper? She would have to choose her words carefully so as not to remind local residents—or her publisher—about those werewolf tales. Or anything else of that nature. . . . Zoey put a pair of frothy cups on the table and tried to lighten things up. “God, can you imagine the headlines if a bigger paper picked up the story? Werewolf Attacks Editor, Town Under Siege by Wolfman. That would be great for my career—not!”
    Connor awarded two thumbs up to the mocha, then asked, “So, can I drive you over to the clinic now and get that wound looked at?”
    She shook her head. “Thanks, but I haven’t even checked to see if they’re open on a Saturday. I really should have done it yesterday.”
    He smiled and pulled out a cell phone, waggled it in his hand, then went out onto her balcony. A few moments later, he returned and pocketed the phone. “Lowen says to bring you in. He’ll open the place in twenty minutes.”
    â€œI—what? Who’s Lowen?”
    â€œLowen Miller, husband of Bev Miller. They’re the doctors here. And my friends.”
    â€œThat’s a wonderful offer but—”
    â€œIt’s not an offer, it’s an order from Lowen. He’s threatening to come down here if you don’t show up. Says a bite like that is nothing to fool around with, and I happen to agree with him.”
    Zoey stared for a long moment, slightly stunned. The amiable and charming Connor Macleod had just neatly transformed into a brick wall. The expression on his face was still pleasant yet something in his eyes had hardened. Her lips were forming a protest—hopefully something more mature than you’re not the boss of me— when a familiar tingly sensation settled over her. And expanded. Her gift, usually so tiny, flared brightly as she looked at the man standing in her kitchen, giving her a sudden clarity of perception.
    He wasn’t threatening her, she could feel that. There was only good intent. But no mistake, Connor Macleod was fully prepared to do whatever was necessary to get her to the clinic. If she argued, she would not win.