Free The Shadow Wolf by Bonnie Vanak Page A

turned into large paws. Gray fur rippled along her arms, but the rest of her body refused to cooperate.
    Voices sounded outside.
    Alarm surged through her. In midshift, she stopped, furiously trying to change back into her human form. If anyone saw her like this…
    Finally, her hands regained their human form. Megan glanced at the mirror. She was normal again.
    She yanked open the door and tore into the parking lot. Near a kiosk with brochures and a map of Florida tacked to a bulletin board, a stranger talked with the girls. He wore the gas station logo on his white shirt and he had a spike used for picking up trash. Just an attendant. But his scent was powerful and she knew he was Draicon, not human. He smiled as she approached.
    â€œNice to see some of us around. Too many mortals around these parts. Y’all visiting or live around these parts?”
    â€œVisiting,” she said, glancing at the van.
    â€œThe mate and I can show you the good places to hunt, and best places for hanging with our types. Free of pesky mortals.”
    The twins stared at him with open curiosity. They’d never encountered a friendly Draicon. Her heart thudded hard. Gabriel was replacing the gas nozzle when Jenny tapped on the map.
    â€œIs that where Or-lando is and this Mickey Mouse you told us about? We’ve never been to Disney’s world.”
    â€œI don’t like mice,” Jillian said with a worried look.
    â€œMickey isn’t a real mouse. He’s just a play mouse, a cartoon character. Your daddy probably knows all about them,” the attendant assured them, pointing to Gabriel.
    â€œOh, he’s not our daddy. But Gabriel is nice. He wouldn’t turn us in ’cause he only pretends to be bad, like Mickey isn’t a real mouse.” Jenny beamed.
    Panic flowered bright red inside Megan. She smiled at the attendant, who began to back away. “Lily,” she said, using the fake name they’d agreed upon, “you know you’re not supposed to repeat those silly stories your big sister likes to tell you.”
    The attendant glanced at Gabriel. “That’s the legendary Gabriel Robichaux. I’ve heard of him before. My kind of man, he brings in Shadows after giving ’em a good dose of justice. I heard he slaughtered ten Shadows last year. Beat ’em to death.”
    Jenny frowned. “Gabriel would never hurt Shadows. He told us that he likes us, and he even fed us hamburgers. He’s going to get us to safety.”
    Astonished shock flared on the man’s face right before he whipped out his cell phone, punched in a number. Megan’s heart plummeted to her stomach. Gabriel’s cover was blown.
    Dodging, she barely missed the blow with the stick aimed directly at her. Megan resisted the impulse to fight back. Instead, she herded the girls toward the car, knowing they had little time before real Draicon Enforcers showed up.
    They were running again. Always on the run, always from those who hated them and would never let them alone. When would it ever stop?
    The Draicon pursued, swinging the stick like a baseball bat. “Get out, get off my property, you freaks!”
    Gabriel whirled. His eyes glowed amber, then flashed red. He growled and lunged for the attendant.
    Gabriel tossed him into the air and the man slammed against the wall. Fists clenched, her mate stalked forward.
    â€œYou try hurting her, I’ll tear you to pieces,” Gabriel snarled.
    â€œLet’s go. He already called the Enforcers.” Megan pulled at his arm.
    As she and the twins climbed into the van, Gabriel waved a hand before the attendant, eradicated his memories.
    But the call had already been made.
    Too late.
    Â 
    Speeding north on Interstate 75, Gabriel opened up all his senses to perceive danger. He stole glances at Megan.
    â€œIt’s nothing. He didn’t hurt me. I’ll be fine.”
    â€œLook at me, Megan,” Gabriel ordered.
    Moisture swam in