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

spoke, it was to Silas.
    “Casper’s been singing his praises, and it’s not like him to be so enthusiastic. He thought I should take a personal look.”  Again the clinical once over, the way he’d assess a used car or measure a living room couch. “I prefer a bit more substance, but there are those who’ll be impressed with speed and agility. Has Casper gone over the particulars with you?”
    “Mostly. But I have a question for you, sir, if you don’t mind.” When Brady gestured for Silas to continue, he asked, “Why would a man of your standing involve himself with Blu and Lee?”
    A laugh this time. “I’m a man of entrepreneurial spirit. I think we both share that certain spark. I see opportunity and fill needs certain individuals wouldn’t approach men like Manny and Casper to have satisfied. I’m thinking long term, Mr. Creed. I’m not going to be commissioner forever, and I have no intention of surrendering the perks status provides.”
    “You’re in it for the money.”
    “A crude summation, but yes. I have expensive tastes and use those with unusual needs to see them fed.”
    “And I’m the main course.”
    Brady frowned at Cale’s wry conclusion. “No. Just an appetizer to whet a hunger for better things.” He looked to Silas, expression firm, voice like a straight razor. “Keep your dog on a tight leash, Creed. And muzzled. His value isn’t in his opinions.”
    “Understood.”
    “Casper will let you know when we have a venue.”
    “Thank you for the opportunity, sir.”
    After Brady moved away, Cale released a low growl of displeasure. “Surprised he didn’t ask if I was paper trained.”
    Silas ignored his grumbling, thoughts leaping ahead. “I think we’ve stumbled into something bigger than we expected.”
    “Like his ego. Yeah, I feel like I’ve stepped into something, too. And it stinks.”
    “Go home.” He pointed poolside where Rico and Colin had stripped off their suits to jump into the water in just their briefs to the squealing appreciation of their bikinied babes. “And take them with you.”
    “To Nevada?”
    “If that’s what you want.”
    Cale’s narrowed glare followed Brady to Casper Lee. The two shook hands and Lee glanced across the pool to meet his gaze, nodding in smug appreciation. “Not yet. Not until I take a big bite out of that pompous ass.”
    “If you’re not careful, he may take one out of yours.”
    Cale turned without comment and strode to where Kip was just beginning to strip out of his shirt. His attention fixed on a fist-sized tattoo on his youngest brother’s chest just above his heart. A howling wolf within a crescent moon. The mark Kendra wore in his honor. The same ink Rico and Colin sported. It took him a moment to speak.
    “I’m leaving. Stay or go. Just keep your guard and your pants up.”
    Kip laughed, his youthful features already flushed with too many drinks and too much temptation. “We’ll follow you. Rico invited some friends back to your room. Hope you don’t mind.”
    His brow arched. “What’s wrong with taking them to yours?”
    “It doesn’t have the same . . . atmosphere.”
    Cale sighed. “Whatever.”
    The boy grabbed him up in a sudden man hug, startling Cale by gushing, “You’re the best.”
    “Yeah, right.”
    He started for the exit, knowing the evening was going to get out of control but not caring. The benefit of having his family around him outweighed the dangers of, well, having his family around him. He took out his phone and made a quick connection.
    “Hey, mama. I’m just leaving.”
    “Sounds like the party’s just getting started.”
    The fact that there was no hint of recrimination in her tone anchored him the way little else could. And he couldn’t get back to her fast enough. “It can carry on without me. I’m more interested in a party of two. Are you back at the room? Wanted to give you the heads up that company’s coming, ready or not.”
    “Actually, I’ll be down in the