Prowl the Night Read Online Free Page A

blue eyes was more amused than offended and he moved to give her a wide berth. Stepping to the cement curb, he opened the door to a large Jeep. “Can I offer you a ride home?”
    A flush of embarrassment heated her cheeks at his courtesy. It contrasted starkly with her own rudeness. Thrusting her arm toward him, she offered him a hand that trembled. “Thank you for your help.”
    Surprise reflected in his gaze and he stared down at her hand for a moment as if he were uncertain what to do with it. Then he reached out, squeezed her fingers for a split second, and withdrew. He cleared his throat and motioned for her to get in the vehicle. “Shall we?”
    â€œYes, please.” Anything to get away from here. Hiking up her pencil skirt as best she could, she managed a graceless hop up into the passenger seat. Pulling on her seatbelt, she settled against the leather upholstery and laid her purse neatly on her lap. She fumbled for something to say to this non-shifter, something that had nothing to do with her stalker or the scent of terror that saturated her clothing in sweat. “This is Ricardo and Diego’s Jeep, isn’t it?”
    â€œYeah. Ric said I could borrow it.” Ben wheeled the Jeep away from the curb and wended his way into traffic. “The twins are in meetings all night.”
    Like most cats, Panthers were nocturnal, their days beginning just before dusk. Ciri had been up early to get to the shop before it closed. The last of the sunshine disappeared, and streetlights began to wink on. The farther they went from Union Square, the more her shoulders relaxed. The feeling of being watched faded and she sighed in relief. “Meetings. I’m sure they’ll love that.”
    Ben chuckled. “The twins don’t like much that cages them, but their work is important.”
    â€œOf course.” Ciri drew in a shaky breath and let it ease out. Her heart stopped pounding, and she finally got the shaking in her limbs under control. Exhaustion slammed into her as the adrenaline rush crashed. She sagged against the seat, wanting nothing more than to be back in Japan, in her own bed, and curled up in sleep. But that wasn’t to be. She was stuck here in this strange country and this strange Pride, with a mate who became more a stranger every day. She stuffed away the sad thought, trying to accept her fate. It was an ongoing struggle, but it was for the best. Even her parents agreed when she called to talk to them every week. Acceptance, harmony, peace—that was paramount.
    â€œMay I ask why you were running?” The question was quiet and undemanding, which seemed to be characteristic of the man himself. Then again, a non-shifter would have learned young to keep his head down and try to blend in.
    She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye to gauge his reaction. “Someone was following me.”
    Instead of brushing her off, he nodded. “I didn’t sense anyone, but you seemed scared. I imagine my appearance changed their mind about your viability as a target.”
    â€œI suppose so.” A sigh escaped her. He hadn’t sensed anything. She had no idea how sharp a non-shifter’s senses would be. As good as a full shifter’s or not? Would anyone else believe her if no one could back up what she said? She hadn’t managed to make friends with many Panthers here. There was no way the leaders would trust her word. Worry gnawed at her, and she just wanted to escape all of it and be somewhere safe. Somewhere thousands of miles from here.
    â€œDid you see what they looked like?”
    She shook her head. “He was tall with dark hair. Other than that, I just sensed him. He was . . . angry.”
    â€œThen I’m glad I happened along.” Ben favored her with a kind smile. “Once we’re home, Isabel will give you some of her famous pastries. Some food will settle you. It always helps me.” One hand left the steering