Cloaked by T.F. Walsh Read Free Book Online Page A

didn’t waste time and rushed to the black Audi parked behind the building. The air shifted around me, rustling through my hair, cooling the heat that scaled up my neck.
    Inside the car, Connell’s spicy cologne teased my nostrils, unlike Anton’s stifling aftershave. I buckled up, and we were soon driving down the track away from the institute.
    “Thanks for agreeing to help.” Connell didn’t glance my way. His sight remained fixed on the road, his hands squeezing the steering wheel.
    Someone was tense today. Gone was the flirty expression in his eyes, the softness of his voice.
    Shards of sunlight pierced the greenery and woods as we passed. My recent transformation poured through my thoughts. Fresh breezes through my fur, the adrenaline of chasing rabbits and wild boar, and the rawness of being in wolf form. No need to please anyone, watch my words, or worry about humans seeing me during the full moon. The opposite of living in the city. Yet, the attraction to Braşov weighed heavy on my mind, stinging each time I contemplated leaving it behind forever. So, in the long run, Connell pulling away was a blessing in disguise. But a part of me still yearned to get closer, bathe in his kiss. Geez, I longed to have a bit of fun, but what if I couldn’t walk away after?
    We bounced in our seats as Connell drove over the curb at the end of the woods. Back on the smooth asphalt, we sped into the city. After a long, silent ride, Connell entered the back gates of the zoo and followed the narrow path that ran along numerous white sheds. He swung into a parking place with the number four printed on a signpost. Another police car was parked a few spots away. The entrance to the place had police tape crisscrossing it as if it were a crime scene in a movie.
    “Hope you don’t mind me giving you some advice.” Connell’s words cut our silence. “Be careful around Anton.”
    While I had no intention of bonding with Anton in any way, I was curious to discover why the guy upset Connell so much. “Why’s that?”
    “It’s not my place to spread stories, but be cautious around him. That’s all. He’s not the person you think he is.”
    I slouched and brushed away a green leaf that had attached itself to my pants from Anton’s roses. “Thanks for the heads-up, but I can already tell what sort of person he is.”
    A tiny lift at the corners of Connell’s mouth had me admiring him so much more than I should have. “So, you’re not interested in him?”
    “Why do you want to know?” I shifted to face him. My attempt at sounding sultry came out barely a whisper. Connell stared at me, and his chocolate eyes made me melt into my seat.
    He shrugged and climbed out. “Just curious.”
    Oh, he was sly, acting all nonchalant. I got out of the car and rounded the hood, approaching him. A barnyard type of stench hit me instantly.
    “You know that old saying about curiosity killing the cat?” I asked.
    He laughed, deep and throaty, and my body responded with tingles. “I thought you were more of a wolf person?” he asked.
    His words froze me for a split second until I realized he was referring to our wolf discussion in the tanning store. “I stand for all animals equally. Someone has to.”
    His quick nod said so much. I followed Connell into a narrow footpath between two of the buildings, the silence punctuated by the click of my heels. He accepted me for my animal love, admiration, and respect, and probably for seeing through Anton. Or so I thought. But I couldn’t understand why the two inspectors disliked each other, besides because they were opposites. Maybe it wasn’t any of my business. Neither was admiring every move Connell made.
    Then, as if my mind and mouth had a will of their own, the next words flew out. “Are you dating anyone?”
    Heat rushed up my neck, and the blush on my face was instant. What was wrong with me?
    He stopped near the corner of the building and turned to me, wearing the most mischievous grin.