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

heightened emotions.
    Once the most dangerous Ferals were called Trans-Ferals. Long ago, they’d been hunted to extinction.
    Megan felt a tug of empathy for Feral Draicon. As a Shadow, she wanted equality among all their species.
    A savage beauty reflected in the wolf’s running with the wind. Her heart thundered again, echoing the cadence of distant crashing thunder. Her pulse raced with excitement.
    How she longed to run wild, heedless of watchful Draicon ready to punish her for shifting into a wolf. Megan took one step forward, her body thrumming with anticipation.
    The wolf skidded, his big paws digging into the wet sand. He pivoted, his huge head swerving in her direction, focused on her with a predatory look.
    Wild amber eyes met hers.
    The wolf was king. If he wanted, the wolf could track her scent, have her on the ground before she could escape.
    Though her heart pounded hard, Megan held her position. She returned the wolf’s dominating look. She blinked, and the wolf was gone, replaced by a man wearing a white shirt and khaki shorts.
    Gabriel.
    Sea mist dampened his dark hair. His muscled body was hard with sexual aggression. He stalked toward her with determined purpose. Afraid of his power, she stood her ground. Megan refused to lower her gaze as other Draicon would do facing a predator.
    â€œI can smell your fear. I told you before, I won’t hurt you,” he said softly. “How long have you been watching?”
    â€œI just got here,” she admitted. “It was fascinating watching you as a wolf. I can’t remember how long it’s been since I saw a Draicon shift and we’re prohibited from shifting into wolves on Shadow Island.”
    â€œWhy can’t you shift?”
    â€œI guess they’re afraid we’ll become more powerful as invisible wolves than invisible in our human form.”
    Raw sexuality radiated from him. Megan swallowed hard. “I didn’t come to spy on you. I came looking for you to tell you something.”
    He stopped close enough for her to smell his delicious maleness mingling with evergreen and rain. Passion filled his heated gaze. His nostrils flared as if he’d caught her scent. A pulse hammered at the base of his throat.
    â€œTell me what, chère? ”
    Though she was still untouched, Megan sensed his desire. He wanted her, badly. And animal instinct fought for control of the man. Something inside her clawed to the surface, wanting him just as badly.
    Gabriel unclenched his fists. He caught her hand in his and turned it over. The gentleness of the gesture contrasted sharply to his earlier display of brute strength. He ran a thumb over her cut.
    â€œIt’s starting to heal already. Good.” He dropped her hand and traced a line along her jaw. His touch was gentle, but she instinctively recognized the possessiveness.
    A wolf marking his territory.
    â€œTell you…” She halted, shuddering with pleasure as he stroked a line down the sensitive curve of her neck.
    He dropped his hands. “Go back to the cottage. The storm’s getting closer and the twins will be scared.”
    â€œWhy are you so concerned when all you’ll do is turn them over to the authorities? For all the stories I’ve heard about you…”
    He swore softly, his expression growing cold and dangerous. “I’m not what you think, Megan. Don’t underestimate me.”
    As he started to push past her, she blurted out, “I know who blew up the bridge. I think it was the same man from the restaurant, a man with silver hair.”
    â€œWhy are you telling me now? Why not before?”
    â€œWe’re stuck here together and I need your help getting off this island. If this man is determined to trap us, can we leave? You said you had other boats. Are they nearby?”
    â€œWhat were you and the girls doing on the dock?”
    Softness laced the steely words. When she didn’t answer, he stepped behind her