Lycan Packs 1: Lycan Instinct Read Online Free
Author: Brandi Broughton
thighs. The move hid her gun, but unveiled an alluring bit of cleavage. Annoyed that he’d noticed, Rafe kept his eyes fixed on her watchful blue gaze.
“I’m investigating an apparent homicide. Last night, a man’s body was found in a filthy alley on the Southside.”
“And you wished to speak to me about this unfortunate individual because...?”
“He was dumped there after being a tofu snack for an animal, the four-legged variety.”
Rafe knew his face showed no sign of the sudden anger and surprise he felt. The anger he could deal with, but the surprise was an unusual sensation. Few people ever caught him off guard. But this curious detective seemed to have an uncanny ability for doing just that.
Could a rogue Lycan be hunting his territory without his knowledge? He’d have to call his brother immediately.
“I’m afraid I still don’t understand what that has to do with me. Would I know the man? Do you have his name?”
“I understand you founded the Lykos Institute.”
He noticed how she avoided answering his questions and wondered where she was heading with this interrogation, so he chose his words with caution. “My brother actually oversees the daily operations, but yes, I started L.I. and have an active interest in it.”
“And this organization specializes in knowing anything and everything there is to know about dogs?”
“Ah, I see. Yes, you could say that. Lykos is a nonprofit educational institute that promotes the humane treatment of canines, both wild and domestic.”
“What about the kind that can kill a man?”
“I assume we’re talking about domestic breeds only? Like many of the larger domestic breeds, wolf packs are certainly capable of harming humans, although such attacks are rare. More so, here in Illinois...and in Chicago.” He let his skepticism show in both voice and look.
“Rare or not, at least one animal—maybe more—used a man for a chew toy last night. What about training a dog to kill?”
“That’s possible. There have been unscrupulous men who trained dogs for such brutal ventures as dog fights. Some animals have even been known to turn on their handlers, often with deadly consequences. The goal of most dog training programs, however, is far different.”
She leaned back in her seat again and crossed her arms. “Obedience training?”
Rafe nodded. “Among other things. For instance, we sponsor programs that teach dogs how to attack...to protect...for purposes such as those used by your K-9 officers. They’re taught how to track and subdue, not kill.” He paused, watching for any shift in her expression. “Were you able to collect any physical evidence that could be linked to an animal?”
The change was subtle, but he saw it. The slight narrowing of her eyes, the tiny tilt of her head, the alert tenseness of her body. “Why do you ask?”
He shrugged as if the matter was of minor import. “Like humans, animals have unique DNA. That or hair samples could be used to make a connection between a suspected animal and your victim. L.I. has an extensive database, and our staff has years of experience in tracking and identifying various breeds of canines. If you’d like a professional consult concerning any evidence in the case, I’m quite certain we could assist.” He would make sure of it.
“That’s very generous.”
“Why don’t I have my brother contact you?”
The limousine slowed to a stop.
Mackenzie pulled out a business card. “His name is?”
“Gabriel.” Rafe took the card from her and resisted the urge to touch her hand. Was her skin as soft as it appeared ?
“I look forward to speaking with him.”
Yes, he must contact his brother very soon. If another Lycan was around, he doubted a cover-up would easily fool this detective. The door opened, and he reached for his briefcase.
“Mr. Stone, how many properties do you own in the city of Chicago that use guard dogs for security purposes?”
He paused, peering at her. She was
“I’m investigating an apparent homicide. Last night, a man’s body was found in a filthy alley on the Southside.”
“And you wished to speak to me about this unfortunate individual because...?”
“He was dumped there after being a tofu snack for an animal, the four-legged variety.”
Rafe knew his face showed no sign of the sudden anger and surprise he felt. The anger he could deal with, but the surprise was an unusual sensation. Few people ever caught him off guard. But this curious detective seemed to have an uncanny ability for doing just that.
Could a rogue Lycan be hunting his territory without his knowledge? He’d have to call his brother immediately.
“I’m afraid I still don’t understand what that has to do with me. Would I know the man? Do you have his name?”
“I understand you founded the Lykos Institute.”
He noticed how she avoided answering his questions and wondered where she was heading with this interrogation, so he chose his words with caution. “My brother actually oversees the daily operations, but yes, I started L.I. and have an active interest in it.”
“And this organization specializes in knowing anything and everything there is to know about dogs?”
“Ah, I see. Yes, you could say that. Lykos is a nonprofit educational institute that promotes the humane treatment of canines, both wild and domestic.”
“What about the kind that can kill a man?”
“I assume we’re talking about domestic breeds only? Like many of the larger domestic breeds, wolf packs are certainly capable of harming humans, although such attacks are rare. More so, here in Illinois...and in Chicago.” He let his skepticism show in both voice and look.
“Rare or not, at least one animal—maybe more—used a man for a chew toy last night. What about training a dog to kill?”
“That’s possible. There have been unscrupulous men who trained dogs for such brutal ventures as dog fights. Some animals have even been known to turn on their handlers, often with deadly consequences. The goal of most dog training programs, however, is far different.”
She leaned back in her seat again and crossed her arms. “Obedience training?”
Rafe nodded. “Among other things. For instance, we sponsor programs that teach dogs how to attack...to protect...for purposes such as those used by your K-9 officers. They’re taught how to track and subdue, not kill.” He paused, watching for any shift in her expression. “Were you able to collect any physical evidence that could be linked to an animal?”
The change was subtle, but he saw it. The slight narrowing of her eyes, the tiny tilt of her head, the alert tenseness of her body. “Why do you ask?”
He shrugged as if the matter was of minor import. “Like humans, animals have unique DNA. That or hair samples could be used to make a connection between a suspected animal and your victim. L.I. has an extensive database, and our staff has years of experience in tracking and identifying various breeds of canines. If you’d like a professional consult concerning any evidence in the case, I’m quite certain we could assist.” He would make sure of it.
“That’s very generous.”
“Why don’t I have my brother contact you?”
The limousine slowed to a stop.
Mackenzie pulled out a business card. “His name is?”
“Gabriel.” Rafe took the card from her and resisted the urge to touch her hand. Was her skin as soft as it appeared ?
“I look forward to speaking with him.”
Yes, he must contact his brother very soon. If another Lycan was around, he doubted a cover-up would easily fool this detective. The door opened, and he reached for his briefcase.
“Mr. Stone, how many properties do you own in the city of Chicago that use guard dogs for security purposes?”
He paused, peering at her. She was
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