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

obligations to satisfy a select audience. For their patronage, they expect a higher level of entertainment than simple beasts brawling.”
    “By select you mean what exactly?” Nica asked.
    “Private competitions if you prove yourself worthy. That, Mr. Terry, is something you have to earn. Their interest in you will determine how far you rise and how much you gain by it.”
    “When do we start?”
    Lee smiled at Cale’s question. “Always so quick to jump in head first.”
    “That’s why he has me,” Silas interjected. “We’d need terms and concessions spelled out, and we need to know exactly who we’re dealing with. We want to meet your boss.”
    “You don’t believe that I’m in charge, Mr. Creed?”
    “No.”
    His curt reply had the icy blue eyes narrowing slightly. “But of course a shrewd man like you would realize that. He’ll be here tonight. I’ll introduce you. But you’ll talk to me about business.”
    “Then let’s talk.”
    “Fights are once, sometimes twice a week. You’ll be available whenever called. Mr. Terry will keep himself fit and ready. No more permanent body alterations.” He gestured to the ink on Cale’s forearm. “Some of our clients are a bit prudish. And you will keep yourself clean, chemically and sexually unless told otherwise. That’s one rule that cannot be broken.”
    “No problem,” Cale assured him.
    A thin smile. “So you’ve told me.”
    “Why is that so important if he’s just a fighter?”
    Lee looked to Nica with a patronizing air. “Oh, he’ll be so much more than just a fighter.”
     

CHAPTER SIX
    Cale stood at the fringe of the party mulling over what he’d learned. Not liking it. Liking it even less when Silas handed him a drink and asked, “Second thoughts?”
    “Are you asking because you’re afraid I’ll fold and run?”
    MacCreedy took his harsh words without a blink. “No. Because I’d have plenty if I were you.”
    Cale sniffed. “No, you wouldn’t.”
    The tall Shifter’s gaze followed his wife. She stepped into the elevator in search of the restrooms on the floor below, something that happened with increasing frequency these days. He smiled. “Yes, I would. Now, I would. Clan intrigues aren’t my only focus anymore.”
    Cale gulped the drink, never registering the burn in his throat because the sear of his conscience was unbearable. “I’m not tucking my tail until I track this back to Jamie. I trusted him when I knew better. I gave him a chance when he didn’t deserve one, and he stabbed me in the back. I gave you my word, and it’s up to me to decide if it should be broken.”
    Silas shrugged. “Okay. But if you get over your head—”
    “I won’t pull you in with me,” Cale concluded.
    “That’s not what I was going to—” He cut that sentiment short, catching sight of a tall, dark and distinguished man exiting the elevator. “I’ll be damned.”
    Cale followed his intent stare. “Who’s that?”
    “Police Commissioner Warren Brady.”
    The name was familiar. Alain Babineau had approached him after Charlotte Caissie’s marriage to Max Savoie with an offer too good to be true. His wife and step-son in exchange for help in bringing down one Warren Brady. Delivered right into his hands. In fact, coming right toward him.
    “Mr. Creed.” A forthright hand extended but his grip was considerate. “I hear you’ve gone independent.”
    “I wasn’t given much choice. Kind of you to remember me, Commissioner.”
    “I always remember talent. A shame Manny was so careless in wasting yours.”
    “I’ve recovered, thank you.”
    “Men like us always do.” Piercing eyes fixed on Cale. “So this is your fighter. Too bad he’s not taller.”
    “Something I’ve said myself every day of my life,” Cale drawled. “But I wasn’t given much choice, either.”
    Brady didn’t laugh. He put out his hand. When Cale reached to take it, Brady caught his wrist to do a little push-pull test of his strength. When he