ShadowsofNight Read Free

the unquenchable fire that seethed just below the surface.
    Emma liked the military but hated the fact that women
weren’t treated as equal players. It sucked. After eight years, she’d become
disillusioned and had decided not to reenlist when her time was up. That was
when the Network approached her and offered a position with its tactical
undercover unit. It was like a dream come true. She couldn’t pass it up.
    Her team was composed of highly trained ex-ghost operatives
sent on missions the federal government didn’t exactly want the rest of the
world to know about. So they contracted the jobs to private mercenary groups
like the Network.
    Emma had become one of its best undercover agents.
    The Shadows of Night task force was formed when the
government learned that the stuff of myths was real after all. Vampires, skin
walkers and lycanthropes were just some of the many monsters discovered to
exist beyond the realm of possibility, posing in human form to lure their prey.
The world held many dark secrets most humans were completely oblivious to,
unless their lives were touched by something of an unnatural existence.
    Emma hoped to put a stop to the terror for good, and this
was a start. She slipped a thin wooden stake beneath the garter under her skirt
and quickly glanced at her watch once more. She was concerned about being late
on account of Cain. This wasn’t like him.
    Just then, she heard the security system beep and approached
apanel on her wall. She punched in the code and pressed the intercom.
    “Yeah, who is it?” She knew who it was but asked anyway,
ever cautious.
    “It’s me, Cain.”
    She pressed the auto-lock. “It’s open.”
    A few minutes later, Cain walked in wearing his custom black
cargo pants and a turtleneck that stretched across the planes of his
well-developed chest. His dark hair, graying at the temples, was still full. He
had a handsome but unremarkable face. She noticed more age lines around his
mouth and eyes. It didn’t matter. He was still a powerful man, standing at
least six-three.
    It was no secret to Emma that Commander Cain had feelings
for her. They’d slept together a few times, but only after a night of heavy
drinking on her part. He was a good buddy but nothing more. She just wasn’t
into him for more than a hook-up. She didn’t want a relationship, especially
with her boss. That was a no-go. She should’ve known better than to have slept
with him in the first place. Not the brightest career move on her part, and she
wasn’t planning on making that mistake again. Now she kept it professional
between them and hoped he’d never press the issue.
    Her romantic connections had always consisted of one-night
stands. She preferred it that way. Life was less complicated when she didn’t
allow emotions into the mix. Isn’t that what most men did? They have the
right idea if you ask me.
    “You ready for this?” Cain asked.
    “I was born ready.” She’d wanted answers ever since the
night she watched her mother and stepfather die, and now she was a step closer.
    “I’ve never understood your eagerness to walk in their world.
Must I remind you of the risk this assignment represents, Agent Hayes?” He raised
an eyebrow.
    “No need, Commander.” She noticed he subtly schooled his
face to hide his displeasure.
    “Very well. No unnecessary risks, do you hear me? That’s an
order.”
    “Yes, Sir.” She gave a sharp nod. He was right, the mission
was dangerous.
    “They’re not human, never forget that. I want you to be
careful. You’re one of my best operatives but this situation could be extremely
dangerous, and you’re going in alone without your team to back you up.”
    “I know the drill. Gather intel, no engagement.” He had
grown too attached; his warnings were a bit much. She wanted to say something to
him but held her tongue. Going in with a level head was important. These
creatures were smart and would quickly sniff out a rat if she wasn’t