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

and placed his palms on her shoulders. His touch was gentle, but she sensed his determination. He would have answers.
    â€œI told you, you’re safe here. I won’t hurt you.” His fingers began to knead her muscles, sending delicious heat spiraling through her body. Earlier tension evaporated, replaced by sensual need. Her head tilted back like a sunflower seeking warmth.
    Gabriel wrapped his arms around her waist. Power was in those strong limbs. He bent his head, warm breath feathering over her cheek.
    â€œTell me, Megan.”
    â€œThe boats were useless, anyway.” She trembled with sudden need.
    â€œI know. I disabled them to keep you here.” She quivered with anticipation as his mouth nuzzled her neck.
    Struggling to keep her thoughts straight, Megan stiffened. “Hope you didn’t disable the inflatables, too. Where are they?”
    â€œIn a safe place, chère. ”
    â€œAre you sure? Maybe I can help you secure them before the storm.” A low moan escaped her as his fingers stroked over the sides of her neck.
    â€œNo.”
    His hands anchored her to him. His hard male body was filled with enormous power. Yet the hands now splayed over her belly were gentle and his lips tracing a line down to her collarbone were soft and warm.
    A different hardness pressed into her backside. A whimper of erotic pleasure tore from her throat as his hands drifted lower, palming her lower belly, pressing her against his erection.
    A vision arose in her mind. She was naked on all fours as Gabriel knelt behind her, his large hands on her hips, his face etched with ruthless intent as he took her in the traditional position of a wolf claiming its mate….
    Megan slammed a door on the image. Never.
    Trying to regain her lost composure, she jerked out of his embrace. How could she feel this way about her jailer?
    â€œStop doing this to me,” she whispered.
    Amber burned in his dark eyes. “Doing what, chère? ”
    â€œMaking me want you. The vision you put in my mind, me, you, naked together.”
    A muscle clenched in his taut jaw. “That wasn’t me.”
    Stunned, she stared. “How can I know you’re not manipulating me? You’re not forcing me to feel like this?”
    â€œI wouldn’t,” he said quietly. “I may be many things, but I’d never force you mentally or any other way. Megan, you have nothing to fear from me. Soon, you will come to trust in that.”
    â€œI’ve had others tell me the same. Why should I believe you won’t hurt me, Enforcer?”
    â€œBecause when I find the one who left those bruises, and I will find him, I’ll do this to him or anyone else who dares to touch you.”
    He plucked out a heavy paving stone from the pathway. A chill raced down her spine as he crushed it in one hand. Caught by the increasing wind, the powder blew away.
    â€œI don’t make promises I can’t keep, not anymore. But I will promise you this. That sonofabitch will pay for your pain.”
    Gabriel dusted off his hands and jogged away.
    Numb with shock, she stared at the missing paver. Gabriel was no ordinary Draicon. He was more than a dangerous adversary. He was lethal to anyone opposing him.
    Who was Gabriel Robichaux and what secrets did he hide?

Chapter 5
    A s night fell, the hurricane began battering the tiny island. Wind whistled through the trees and thunder crackled and boomed.
    Megan let out a small gasp as a thick branch hit the roof. The news magazine she’d been reading fell to the couch beside her.
    Lying on the floor, Gabriel looked up from the board game he played with Jillian and Jennifer. He felt her anxiety as if she’d telegraphed it, just as he’d felt it on the beach when she’d seen him run as wolf. Stupid of him to release his beast, but fortunately Megan had little contact with Draicon.
    She could never guess his secret.
    â€œDon’t worry, chère. This cottage,