Draven's Crossing: Tempestuous Crossings Read Online Free PDF Page A

of the equation.
    “Rose, so good to see you here. Uh, hello? I was told you were here. I’m Draven, mayor of the town. I haven’t had the pleasure of welcoming you.” He strode forward with his hand held out, while sidling up to Rose and making sure a foot or so separated them.
    The voice was a deep, grumbled rasp. “Branson Torstan.” The werewolf took Draven’s hand. Branson had a firm grip, not too tight, but not too loose. Up close, the man had an ink black Mohawk with red streaks, the sides cleanly shaven to reveal a wolf tattoo on one side and a full moon over the tops of the evergreens on the other. When he smiled, he showed off white, straight teeth. His bottom lip was pierced in the center with a silver hoop.
    Draven winced, wondering how much that hurt. The myths weren’t lying when they said that werewolves had a silver allergy. Most couldn’t even look at silver without getting hives or becoming physically sick. The rest of Branson’s attire was a black leather jacket, button up shirt and jeans with dusty motorcycle boots. The most notable thing was a large, black medallion with a picture of a massive gray wolf, its mouth hanging open as if it was howling.
    “Sorry to come to your private residence. I know I should have introduced myself earlier, but the last alpha left such a shit pile that I’m just now sorting things out. ‘Scuse my language.” He nodded toward Rose, who shook her head.
    “It’s okay. I’ve heard worse.” For a moment, Draven was entranced by the sight of her. Rose wore another figure hugging outfit, this time a one-shoulder, dark green dress with an asymmetrical cut skirt. Golden braid work formed the strap holding the dress up. On her feet were gold strappy sandals. She looked stunning with simple, understated make-up. Her lips showed with color, a nude pink shimmery gloss that made her mouth look even more enticing than the red gloss from earlier. Draven stood there unable to move, much less breathe.
    “You looking stunning,” he murmured to her.
    She gave a small smile. “Thank you.”
    Branson cleared his throat, drawing Draven’s attention back to him. “Again, sorry to interrupt a date. I was just telling Rose here that David has been taken care of. The old alpha was his cousin, which is why the little rat bastard had managed to steal money from the pack. The advertising firm is owned partly by the pack. Eli is royally pissed, as expected. I’ll have a report for you by tomorrow morning. May I request a meeting about pack business and this charity ball you’re trying to organize? I’d like to formally back you on it, even do a donation on behalf of the pack.”
    Draven nodded with a grin. “Trying to curry favor are you? How’s nine tomorrow? That work for you? I’d like to discuss the state of the werewolves’ packs. I’m concerned.”
    “As am I. I’d be happy to, and nine is fine. I get up earlier than most wolfies.” Branson smiled. “I’ll be leaving now. Thank you, and nice meeting you.” He nodded toward Rose and left the room.
    Rose’s tone was short and clipped. “You’re invading my personal space.”
    His muscles tensed in warning as an alarm went off in his head. He tried to act as if he didn’t understand what she was talking about. “Hmm? What?” Draven made a show of looking down. Sometime during the talk, he’d moved even closer to her.
    She took a large step away to her left. It felt as if a wall had slammed down between them, and he wasn’t sure what’d he done to deserve it.
    “This is a business dinner only.” She raised a glass to her lips and took a sip of white wine. He watched her mouth on the glass as she pursed her lips on its rim. Draven bit back a groan. The tip of her pink tongue came out to lick strays drops up. He closed his eyes and shoved his desire down.
    “Of course, dinner, business, yes.”
    She rolled her eyes. “Yes. Business .”
    Draven tried to ignore the emphasis on that particular word. She has