Unleashed by Shadows (By Moonlight Book 10) by Nancy Gideon Read Free Book Online Page A

from head to toe before he proclaimed with bored indifference, “Pretty, nicely muscled, sweaty men are a cash crop here in New Orleans, Mr. Terry. There’s nothing special about you.”
    Cale allowed a faint smile. “Now who’s not being honest?”
    Lee’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll admit to finding you vaguely entertaining and,” another quick once over, “distracting, but I don’t care to have my authority challenged.”
    Cale’s smile widened, showing teeth. “Yes, you do. Very little challenges you. That’s why you like me.”
    Lee turned back to his wine glass. “You flatter yourself.”
    “Not without cause, and we both know it.”
    “That may have been true at first, but titillating bad behavior and foolish rebellion in full view of my constituents are not the same thing. I don’t do high maintenance. Go away, Mr. Terry. You have nothing I want.”
    “That’s not true.” He took a risk and grabbed Lee’s forearm just as he was lifting the glass to his lips. “Let me prove it to you.”
    A frigid stare focused on that hand until Cale removed it. Casper leisurely sipped, savored his mouthful in an almost sexual manner then swallowed before meeting Cale’s steady gaze. “How do you plan to do that?”
    “By showing you what I can really do for you.”
    Lee studied him for a long moment before asking, “How?”
    Cale took a seat to begin his persuasive argument. He couldn’t mistake the way Casper’s nostrils flared as he leaned in close. Or the insinuating tip of his tongue sweeping the moist vintage from his lower lip. “Let me be what you know I can become. We’re wasting our time in the penny ante league. Put me in the big show.”
    “Have you been bored, Mr. Terry?” The smooth drawl gave nothing away. “Is that the problem? Not enough to keep you amused?”
    “Not enough to keep me fed,” he burst out. “I can’t afford to risk everything and bring in nothing.”
    “Expensive habits?” His narrowed gaze jumped to the tall Shifter standing on the sidewalk, his indifference slipping. “Is Creed one of them?” When Cale didn’t answer, Casper frowned, continuing in a testy tone. “Why would I choose to give you my attention when there are many more deserving? Who will do what I ask without question and in a much more obliging manner?”
    “You need me.”
    Lee said nothing.
    “I need you!” he burst out with a raw sincerity. “I owe him.” His head jerked toward MacCreedy. “Until I can clear my debts, I’ll never be free. I’ll never be my own man. I need what you can give me.”
    “And what’s that?”
    “My life back.” Words choked up on the degree of truth they held. All the bluster and bravado fell away. “I need this job. I need this chance. I’ll do anything you say. What can I do? How can I make it right? Tell me. Please.”
    Voice whisper soft, Casper mused, “Honesty at last. A good start.”
    *
    Cale blew by Silas on the sidewalk without a glance or a word. He’d gotten the length of the block before a restraining hand caught his elbow.
    “Hey? Hey!”
    Cale allowed himself to be wrestled to a stop, but he refused to acknowledge MacCreedy with a glance.
    “What happened?”
    “We’re in.”
    “Just like that?”
    “Just like that.” He pulled free and began to walk briskly, ignoring Silas when he fell in step.
    “What did you have to promise him?”
    “What difference does it make?”
    “I don’t know. Depends on what it is.”
    “Nothing you’re on the hook for. I blew it. I took care of it.”
    “Cale—”
    He turned to MacCreedy, eyes hard, voice rough. “You got your shot. He wants to discuss the particulars tomorrow night. It’s a party. Formal. He wants Nica there, too. He’s going to text me the address. Let’s get this done so I can get the hell back to my own life and out of yours.”
    Silas studied him carefully, seeing only what Cale allowed—his anger, his frustration, his relief. But not his misgivings.
    “You’re not