Before the Moon Rises Read Online Free PDF Page B

didn't have a choice. Gorman knows I have her. This is
    the only place to keep her safe."
    "Does she know about him?"
    Max told Richard about the vandalism on her house and
    the messages on her machine.
    "Why trash her place? It doesn't sound like him."
    "I think it was his way of goading me."
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    Before the Moon Rises
    by Catherine Bybee
    Richard sent him a questioning look. He had something to
    ask but he kept it to himself. Good thing, because Max wasn't
    up to answering anything personal.
    "Does she know about you?"
    Max tipped the remainder of bourbon down his throat. He
    savored the burn. "I just met her, Richard. What do you
    think? I go around telling everyone I turn into a wolf three
    nights a month?"
    "She's going to figure it out pretty damn fast once the sun
    sets."
    "Don't you think I know that?" He slammed his glass on
    the desk. He seldom cursed his affliction. But today he wished
    he was anything but a werewolf.
    "You should get some rest. It's been a long night. We
    wouldn't want Gorman to catch you sleeping."
    "He wouldn't dare try and invade here."
    "His pack is growing, Max. Ever since we took out their last
    leader, Gorman is sporting for the top position. I wouldn't put
    anything past him."
    Max flopped onto the couch next to his brother, his head
    tilted back. "It would help if you took the change."
    Richard put a hand in the air. "We've gone over this.
    Someone needs to cover your ass every month."
    "I can't let him get to her."
    Richard nodded toward the door. "Sexy little thing, I
    imagine he wants her for a mate."
    "Over my dead body," Max's voice was deadpan, his
    expression firm.
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    Before the Moon Rises
    by Catherine Bybee
    "Whoa, wait up. Since when do you take assignments so
    literally? We try to keep him from turning people. Never do
    you risk your life for them."
    "She's different."
    Richard rolled his eyes. "If you say so."
    "I mean it, Richard. She's mine, he can't have her!"
    "Slow down, you just met her, remember?"
    Max leaned forward, debated with how much to tell his
    brother. "She's mine."
    Richard stood. "If you say so."
    "I say so."
    Richard had the good sense to change the subject. "How
    did you end up in the hospital anyway?"
    "I'm not all that sure. During last night's fight I managed a
    couple of good bites. I remember feeling lightheaded."
    "Do you think the other werewolf was on drugs?"
    "Must have been. But, whatever he took filtered out of my
    system before the hospital managed to draw my blood.
    According to Janet my tox screen was negative." Max covered
    a yawn.
    Richard took the hint and started to leave the room. "Get
    some sleep. I'll wake you in a few hours."
    "Two, don't let me sleep more than two."
    Richard waved him off. "Whatever."
    Gentle strokes across her forehead woke her from restless
    dreams. Max stared down at her. His face freshly shaven his
    clothes changed. He smelled of musk and soap. Clean.
    Janet smiled and rolled on her back. "Hey."
    "You were out."
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    Before the Moon Rises
    by Catherine Bybee
    "What time is it?" She stretched her arms to the side. The
    blankets fell to her waist exposing a simple sleeveless
    nightgown that revealed more than it covered. She caught
    him staring at her chest.
    "Six, like you asked." He forced his eyes to hers.
    "Did you sleep?" To her disappointment, he stood from the
    bed to put distance between them.
    "A little. I have to work in a couple hours."
    The thought of him leaving her alone in his home unsettled
    her.
    As if sensing her concern he added, "I've asked my brother
    to stay with you. And James is always here. You have nothing
    to fear."
    "What do you do?"
    He turned away. "I own a security management firm,
    tonight I have to run surveillance for a client."
    Knowing nothing about what he spoke of, Janet didn't
    question him. "When are you leaving?"
    He checked his watch. "In about an hour."
    Janet tossed the blankets back, when she stood her
    nightgown went to her knees. "I'll get dressed, make us