Taken: True Mates Book 2 (BBW Wolf Shifter Romance) (A Craggstone Paranormal Romance) Read Free Page A

and what do you want?” a low voice demanded, from somewhere…above. I glanced up, clamping down on any visible reaction — only years of training stopped me from jumping a mile. Where? My eyes narrowed, scanning the tree. There! Camouflaged by tree branches, a man crouched, his sun-licked skin coated with a sheen of sweat, a cloth looped loosely around his waist.
    How the hell?
    “Now, where the hell did you pop up from?” I replied, keeping my tone even, betraying nothing. “I’m just out for a nice walk, taking in the beautiful scenery, minding my own business—”
    “Like hell you are, canine,” the man growled, baring his teeth.
    Canine. Well that answered one question. But, who was he — and why couldn’t I smell him?
    “Why don’t you come down here and we’ll talk, like civilized people?”
    The man stared at me, his face still hidden by foliage with only his eyes burning bright. Almond shaped eyes, the color of stained oak…
    “Lisa,” I whispered, shock jolting through me as recognition struck. I had found her pride, now I only had to find her kin.
    “What did you just say?” The man swung himself easily down from the tree, landing silently on his feet. He was of average height, packed with a sleek kind of muscle that you didn’t notice at first — until he moved, and then you could see power rippling beneath his skin. His face was angular, from his sharp nose down to a square jaw, one that was gritted in annoyance. His eyes though — they were all Lisa. And his mouth…and his skin…
    “I said — what did you just say?” the man barked out, stalking toward me.
    I shook off my surprise, pulling myself together. “You look just like her, y’know,” I drawled, baiting the man. I could easily take him, and my beast rumbled in agreement.
    He stopped sharply, hands twitching by his sides. “Watch it canine, you’re trespassing. Now, who do I supposedly look like?”
    “Do you know a woman by the name of Lisa?” I asked casually, pretending to brush a speck of dust from my jeans. Direct the conversation — first rule.
    “Lisa? No, I thought you said something else…” he muttered, confusion flitting through his eyes. “Now, leave — you’re not welcome here. Not without an invitation.” Confidently turning his back, he sauntered away through the long grass toward the sloping walls of the ravine.
    I had to admire his balls. I was nearly twice his size and at least a foot taller, yet he dismissed me like I was a human!
    “How do you hide your scent?”
    “None of your business, wolf ,” he threw the words over his shoulder.
    “Oh, I think you might find that it is. Especially if you’re harboring kidnappers in your pride…” I growled, letting my beast’s power carry the warning.
    He stopped again, his back betraying his sudden tension. “Kidnappers? Who’s been kidnapped? This ‘Lisa’ you’re talking about?”
    “If you know where she is…”
    He spun around. “What does she look like?”
    “Why the fuck should that matter? Either you have her, or you don’t!” I took a step toward him. If he had her…
    “We don’t— It’s just— Shit…” he muttered. “My sister— I think she might be missing. She hasn’t answered my calls — and she always does. And now you show up…something’s wrong. What does this ‘Lisa’ look like?” He repeated the question urgently, worry clear on his face.
    Wheels finally started to turn in my brain.
    “Your sister’s name?” I asked.
    “Luisa.”
    Right. No wonder they looked so alike. I conjured up an image of Lisa, which was not difficult since she seemed lodged in my mind.
    “She’s tiny, about 5’3” — unless she’s wearing those skyscraper heels she seems to love. Brown, almond-shaped eyes, heart shaped face with cute little dimples, wide smile,” — luscious lips — “mad, crazy hair, her skin’s lightly tanned, lighter than mine — more gold like yours.” Looks like satin, with curves that just