Howl for Me Read Online Free PDF Page A

face. But what struck Devin the most were the beast’s eyes. They were so pale that they reminded him of the sky at dawn. They were grey, almost shimmering; peaceful, but with a storm brewing in the background.
    “What is it you—”
    Devin’s question was interrupted by a fist closing around his hair, and yanking his head backwards, fiercely.
    “I could rip your throat out right now,” the wolf said.
    “You... Who are you?”
    Devin twisted his head, trying to get a glimpse, but failing.
    “Why am I here?”
    “You’ve never heard of me. Most of your kind, you probably never have. My name was buried, my face removed from the histories of our people.”
    “Our?” Devin said.
    A chuckle escaped the monster’s lips. His breath was cold, prickling Devin’s skin, as it slid around his neck, and down his naked back.
    “So, I know I’ve got the right one. From one came two, and now they’re sundered, never to be reunited. Unless...”
    “I don’t have any idea,” Devin paused to suck a breath. “No clue what you’re talking about.”
    “Oh? That’s... disappointing.”
    Another blow, this one a brutal open-handed slap, sent Devin’s head reeling, and then snapping back, painfully, before it just drooped.
    “I was sure I’d caught the right one. Your brother is reputed to be quite a boy scout. At least that’s what I’m told. You, though? Seem to be a little looser with your morality.”
    “My brother?” Devin asked. “What about... What are you...”
    “Do I need to strike you again?” The aggressor chuckled as Devin’s entire body slumped forward in defeat. “Or are you going to stop playing ignorant?”
    Warm fluid ran down the side of Devin’s mouth, and he felt swollen and sore from the last blow that busted his lip.
    “I’m not playing,” Devin grunted. “I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about. Do you really think I’d keep my mouth shut to protect my brother? After what he did to me?”
    Rage bubbled inside Devin, and from the tension in his voice, it was apparent.
    “Good,” the huge wolf said, and took a step back. “Very good. I was hoping you’d come to see things my way.”
    When he approached again, the moon had shifted in the sky just enough that Devin was able to catch a glimpse of his captor’s ancient face. The monster was scarred, ragged, and obviously older than anyone he’d ever seen.
    “I... I still don’t know why I’m here,” he finally said in a low-turned whisper.
    “Because I need help.”
    “You do?” Devin was incredulous. “Hard to believe you’d need help from someone you had tied up, and just beat the shit out of. I—”
    “I’ll do it again, if you keep speaking. And the next one will be worse.”
    “I’m not trying to—”
    A backhanded blow crashed into Devin’s mouth, and once again, he spat blood. This time, it felt like his jaw was broken, but a quick shake of his head popped it back in place. Hurt like hell, but at least he could move his mouth.
    “I wasn’t lying, pup,” the old wolf growled.
    His sour, cold breath caught Devin by surprise, and turned his stomach a little.
    “You’ll do what I say, or I’ll murder you where you stand. You’re nothing but a pawn to me. Understand?”
    To punctuate what he said, the old beast bared his teeth. Now that the moonlight made Devin’s cell slightly more lit, he could see silver glistening from the fangs. The mouth around them was singed and burned.
    “You have silver teeth?”
    “Ancient rite, pup,” was the answer. “You wouldn’t understand. Your kind is soft. Weak. You’re interested more in mating more than you are in war. But that time is over. I’ve awakened to reclaim the packs; to reunite all of us under one banner. Mine.”
    Devin fought to keep himself from saying anything else.
    “And you’re going to help me.”
    “But how?” Devin asked. “I’m not allowed in Fort Branch, and I can’t find the rest of the Carak. I didn’t believe my brother