The Shadow Wolf. Bonnie Vanak

me,” she whispered.

      Gabriel’s guts clenched. “You’re only twenty-six. So much pain I see inside your eyes. Who hurt you, chère? Who hurt you this badly?”

      Her lower lip wobbled. Her thoughts flashed bright as a sun flare. I can’t trust anyone. No one gives a damn about me.

      A fierce scowl tightened her face. “Stop doing that. You know, reading my mind.”

      “Can’t help it. Your thoughts are like a tiger prowling in the bayou. They stand out.”

      Immediately he got an image of a brick wall. Megan turned ashen as Gabriel silently cursed. He had to win her trust. He sent her a reassuring image of a waterfall surrounded by children laughing and frolicking. For an instant, the bricks slowly toppled downward, as if hit by a heavy sledgehammer. He seized his chance and locked her mind to his, forcing his thoughts upon her.

      Don’t be afraid.

      Go away. The thought was shrill inside his head.

      You know these won’t hold me. I can snap out of them before you make it to the kitchen door. C’mon chère, work with me. I promise you, I’ll keep you safe.

      I’m a fool if I believe you.

      Do you really think I’d let you risk your life in this storm? I’d cut my own throat with that knife before I allowed that to happen, because I vowed to always take care of my own.

      That thought startled the hell out of him. Gabriel went still, shocked by the fierce declaration. A nagging suspicion flared. Megan was an assignment. A Shadow needing help. Yet he’d never felt such intensity. Not even with the woman who’d run from him screaming a full century before.

      “Take these cuffs off,” he urged.

      “No.” She backed away, the knife lowered. She was feeling the shock, as well.

      Gabriel tried for humor. “I could rip off the doors to free myself, but chère