NocC 024 - Katie Reus - A Jaguar's Kiss - Harlequin 2012-10 Read Free Page A

matter because she wasn’t. She could feel the heat and muscles of his body through the shirt and pants she was pretty sure he’d stolen from one of the closets.
    When she swung out at him, he easily caught her wrist and pinned it against the door above her. Angry at his strength, she let out a growl. Faking a blow with her other hand, she slammed her knee into his groin when he went to grab her other wrist. She wasn’t afraid he’d physically or sexually assault her but she wasn’t going to let him hold her hostage. And she’d fight him to escape.
    He let out a pained groan but didn’t lessen his hold and managed to grab her free wrist in the process.
    She’d never felt so exposed or vulnerable in her life. In her clandestine profession she was used to being the one in control. Being able to get out of any situation. Of course that was because of her agility and her ability to sneak into places undetected. Not because of super strength. Right now she wished she was physically stronger. “What’s wrong? Nothing down there to hurt?” she taunted. It was definitely not true. She could feel him, but when his eyes darkened, she took perverse pleasure at pissing him off.
    His eyes watered slightly and she realized he was containing his pain. “Why the hell did you throw those cuffs at my head?” he rasped out.
    A burst of sharp laughter escaped despite her fear at being held captive. “Seriously?”
    “When my brother called and told me what he’d done I rushed in from the woods. Taking you was stupid. An impetuous decision.” There was an edge to his voice and she realized it wasn’t directed at her.
    “Impetuous? That little psycho kidnapped me at gunpoint .” Gabriela subtly tried to wiggle out from his grasp, but it was useless. With the cool air of the unheated cabin rushing over her body and the sharp adrenaline surge she’d just experienced, she was horrified that her nipples were hard. Okay, she was horrified to be completely naked in front of Owen.
    Her only saving grace was the fact that he didn’t seem to notice. He hadn’t looked down at her once. She wondered if she should feel insulted or relieved.
    “His gun wasn’t loaded—not that I’m excusing his behavior. The attacks around here have been escalating and he thought our pack could use you.” His voice was grim.
    “ What attacks?” When she’d questioned Ethan he’d clammed up.
    Owen’s eyes darkened and she saw his inner wolf staring back at her for an instant. He sniffed, not subtly, as he tried to see if she was lying. Apparently satisfied she was innocent, he continued. “Humans in the area have been killed—massacred—by a large feline. Law enforcement thinks it’s a cougar but there aren’t any around here. Not with two other apex predators in the area. Not enough hunting grounds and…the humans have been targeted too close to town. One in his backyard. There’s no way this is a normal animal. The last victim was definitely hunted down.”
    Gabriela frowned as Owen’s words sank in. Her parents hadn’t said a word to her about this. Of course she hadn’t been home in four long years so she didn’t really blame them. “Wait a minute. You think my family has something to do with this?” He shrugged and it infuriated her. There had never been any bad blood between her family and his pack. They weren’t friends, but they respected each other as shifters. “You’re insane.” When he didn’t respond she continued, “So your psychotic little brother decided kidnapping me was a genius plan?”
    Now Owen sighed. He looked tired and much older than his twenty-seven years. “Ethan thought we could hold you hostage and try to bargain with your family. Convince them to turn over the perpetrator for you. He figured if it’s one of your brothers they’d give themselves up if they thought you were in danger.”
    Her body was rigid with outrage. “And your father was okay with this?” Disbelief laced her voice. Gabriela