Wolf Charmer (Team Greywolf 2)

Tomlin laughed. “You’ve wised up since leaving Giles’ unyielding thumb.”

Gaby pointed to a table. “Place the briefcase on the table and open it.”

He did as told and lifted his arms. “I promise the money is there.”

She lowered her tone. “Show me.”

“Very well.” He obeyed as if she had a gun to his head and took out wads of money. Who knew if there was a venomous snake, an airborne toxin or some other deadly trick inside? She glanced at the bundled money. He smiled. “Shall we leave?”

The plan was she would go inside the cabin and meet Steele in the backyard. Eventually, Tomlin would enter to find out what took her so long. She closed the briefcase and tucked it under her arm. “I’ll get my carry-on.”

Tomlin pulled out a gun. “No time.”

Plans never seem to go my way. “I can’t go wearing shorts and a t-shirt.”

“You’ll get appropriate clothes on arrival.”

From the corner of her eye, she noticed the shadow of the wolf ready to leap out of the brush. Not yet, Steele. Ten alligators edged out onto the bank. His guards stared at them. “The alligators and I request your patience.”

Tomlin laughed. “Three minutes.” He radioed the pilot. “Ready for a fast exit.”

Gaby dashed inside and locked the door. No way in hell I’ll board that helicopter. She closed her eyes, sending a command to the alligators. Attack!

Shots rang out. Gaby peered out the window. Four alligators locked their jaws on the helicopter’s landing skids. The huge reptiles dragged the helicopter into the water. The craft tipped and the pilot fell in. The reptiles must have divided and pulled him under before he had a chance to swim or scream.

Tomlin shouted to his men. “Forget him. Get the girl!”

She slammed the back door behind her and followed Steele’s instruction as she ran into the Everglades they had mapped out.

The sound of gunfire and men screaming amongst the fierce snarling of a wolf made her turn to look.

Silence.

Gaby stepped toward the cabin. Her heart pounded with each step. Had Steele killed them all? Or worse was he mortally wounded? Werewolves healed, but how many bullets could he take before succumbing?

Steele in a half-man-half-wolf hybrid form opened the back door. He shifted to human form. Blood speckled his body.

“Oh my god!” She ran to him. “Did you get shot?”

“Not my blood. Come in.”

Gaby entered and gasped. She cupped her mouth, about ready to lose her breakfast. The two guards appeared gutted.

Tomlin sat on a chair tied up with a rope around his arms and legs. His eyes wide with fear. Seeing her, he flared his nostrils. “You lying bitch!”

Steele snarled at him and displayed his fangs.

Gaby lifted a hand to Steele. “I’ve got this.” She pulled a chair and faced him. “Did you really think I would return and murder for you?”

Tomlin sneered. “Why should you when you have an attack trained werewolf to do your bidding?” He quickly lowered his gaze.

He just didn’t get it. She didn’t want this. She didn’t want death. For now, his fear served her purpose. Gaby snorted. “Good point.”

“Take the money. I promise to never bother you again.”

“Not that I believe you, but how about we get some answers first?”

“Like what?”