Claws Read Online Free PDF Page A

of touching his nose to hers. His arms circled her, gripping the tub edge. “For some reason you’re under the impression that I am some backwater hick who doesn’t know his ass from a hole in the wall. Allow me to clarify a few things for you. I’m the Sherriff of Betaille. I have a master’s degree in criminal justice, and I served our country as a Navy SEAL on three tours of duty.” He didn’t blink.
    “Okay, I didn’t know you were the law around here.”
    He snorted and brushed his lips to hers before pulling back. “ Sha, there is very little happening anywhere in the shifter communities that I don’t have some intel on. So believe me when I tell you I’m well aware of what goes on in your specific corner of the universe.”
    “No way.”
    He shook his head. “What? “You thought your bosses were the only ones who could obtain secure information and make black-market contacts? It’s best you understand this now, Sha , so there won’t be any confusion later. My friends and I keep Betaille under the radar because we choose to and anything we decide to do, we think long and hard about.” He skimmed his fingers up the inside of her thighs. “One more thing, Sasha, I plan to claim you so I suggest you get used to the idea of county living once again.”
    “Don’t get it twisted, gator. A mating goes both ways.”
    She watched Etienne rise, a wicked smirk on his face. He turned and picked up a washcloth and towel, laying them on the toilet seat he’d vacated. Etienne backed out the room to stand in the doorway. “Baby, I have no doubt of my abilities.” He turned and stalked from the small room.
    “Where the hell are you going?” She stood up and watched his backside as he crossed the main part of the house, yanking up a pair of jeans from the hefty rope that attached the hammock to the wall.
    “To catch us some food. I have to keep you fed. Goddess knows I don’t want you cranky and I read in your jacket you get mean when you don’t eat.” He pushed a muscular leg into the pants then the other, dragging the material up over lean hips. “My suggestion, take a warm bath and relax. Get the scent of the bayou off you.”
    “Are you saying I stink?” Her words ended in a strangled screech.
    “There you go again turning my words into negative statements. Although the smell of the bayou is not for everyone, I happen to like the scent.” He ducked over the threshold.
    Sasha leaned back on the door and smiled, touching her cheeks to confirm the huge grin on her face. She cleared her throat and glanced around to make sure he hadn’t doubled back. She moved toward the tub and started to giggle. That man might be epically conceited but damn if he didn’t make her laugh. If only she could find a way for them to have a fling without strings. Goddess, she must be going into heat. It was the only explanation for her blatant desire.

Chapter Four
     
    Flames from the bonfire shot up into the air. Paper-light embers floated above the blaze when Etienne stoked the logs at the pits edges with a hefty branch. He tossed the limb on top of the rest of the pile. Swirls of smoke weaved together to form a plume that climbed up into the twilight sky. He looked over at the inlet and leaned back against the log he’d dragged into camp to create some seating by the fire. Rich red and deep gold washed the marsh in color as the sun sank below the treetops.
    He’d gutted the fish at the edge of the shoreline, tossing the innards and scales to his pet gators that swam in closer to snatch up the unexpected treats. Cleaned, he’d skewered the trout with solid boughs he’d cut and sharpened. Hung just above the fire, they slowly roasted. The scent of cooking fish permeated the area. Etienne glanced at the house. He hadn’t seen Sasha since he’d left in search of food. Something wasn’t right; she was too quiet. He rose from his seat and faced the shack, staring at it, looking for some sign of movement. Cocking his