Free Un.Bridled (Claimed Series #2) by Reese Morgan Page B

ones they’ve turned. The rogues wouldn’t be as uncontrollable if they have common Sires giving them mutual orders.”
    Shane grunted. “Do you think Tracer is one of the appointed Sires?” Without waiting for her response, he continued. “ Just think, you would be a part of a mindless army.” His fascination abruptly quelled at her sour look. He was quick to reassure. “But luckily, you’ve resisted his control before. You can do it again.”
    A dark feeling settled in her stomach.
    The human gazed at her in appreciation. “You’re ingenious.” He took a huge bite from his burger, oblivious to her ominous thoughts. “Dealing with uncontrollable rogues is one thing. Dealing with intelligent and controlled rogues is another. You should share that with Cole. I’m sure he would be interested to know, if he doesn’t already suspect something of the sort.”
    Hayden tried to keep her face neutral at the mention of Cole, but Shane was observant enough to notice her disinclination.
    “You’re not on good terms with him? Again?” Shane smiled lopsidedly. He then squinted at her in contemplation. “I like your hair.” He said it slyly, almost as if he thought Hayden had chopped it off to charm Cole.
    Running a hand through the chin-length locks, Hayden gave an appreciative nod and a careless shrug. The shorter length was unfamiliar to her. Considering she’d got it cut a few hours ago, she assumed it would be a few days before she grew comfortable with it.
    “How are you doing?” She changed the subject swiftly. “I can see you haven’t been fed properly.”
    The human stared at the assortment of discarded fast food wrappers. He flushed deeply. “Usually it’s my grandfather that cooks,” Shane explained hastily. “With him injured , and all the men staying with us, the best we can do is protein bars and canned food. Thanks for stopping by and bringing food.”
    “ Ah , I was wondering why they were pressed up against the windows like that.” Amber eyes riveted toward the lingering Hunters as they peered out at them, her in particular. “Now I know they’re just ravished and delirious with hunger. Best finish all this up before going back inside.”
    Shane smiled widely. He finished his hamburger before crumbling up the wrapper and tossing it back into the bag. Before he had a chance to respond, a familiar car roared past and unsettled the wrappers on the driveway.
    With a distressed grunt, Shane jumped up and raced after a tumbling wrapper. He was far more upset with the prospect of littering than looking like an idiot as the packaging got the best of him.
    Hayden remained perched at the end of Shane’s driveway, barely flinching as her hair flew in her face as a result of Cole’s passing speed. The Alpha hardly slowed down, which meant he hadn’t seen her. Narrowing her eyes on the car, Hayden realized how late it was.
    Standing, she brushed off the back of her jeans. “You never mentioned how your grandfather was doing.” There was no hurry to get back, but she’d been absent since early that morning.
    Having just tackled the stray ball of garbage, Shane nodded. “He’s… doing alright. I guess I just need to be patient. He sleeps a lot more than I thought he would, but the doctors tell us he’s past the dangers of getting an infection.”
    “Knowing how persistent he is, I’m sure he’ll be back to his old self in no time.”
    Shane offered a fleeting smile. “Thanks, Hayden. For everything.”
    She waved her welcome and retreated off his property.
    The approaching twilight darkened the already cloudy skies, giving off the impression of an impending storm. The swollen clouds had wanted to snow all day, but not a single flake fell from their ominous hold. The November full moon was approaching, but there was no sign of the silvery orb through the heavy cloudscape.
    With her mind heavy with concern for Red Donovan, and uncertainty over Nicolas’ schemes, Hayden jogged up the steep