Nature of the Beasts Read Online Free PDF

to one day teach.”
    Inside, Sarah cringed. This lying and coming up with crap off-the-cuff was getting way too easy.
    “Oh, that would be cool. I always wanted to go to college, but it just never happened.” Maggie’s attention returned to Sarah’s nails.
    “It’s never too late,” Sarah offered.
    “For some of us it is,” Maggie murmured.
    Sarah felt bad for her and tried to think of a way to lighten the mood. “Are you dating anyone?” Sarah asked.
    Maggie shook her head. “Nah, which is why I envy you so much. Around here there’s not too many good ones to choose from.”
    “The sheriff’s not bad,” Sarah suggested.
    And truthfully, he wasn’t. He appeared to be in his midthirties, dark hair, dark eyes, and from the looks of his muscular physique, he obviously took care of himself. Dmitry would freak out if he knew she’d noticed.
    “Yeah, Mike’s cute, but he’s too straitlaced for me.”
    Sarah giggled. “I would’ve never pegged that about you.”
    Maggie laughed as well, and Sarah was glad to see her smile again. She liked Maggie and enjoyed her weekly visits to the salon.
    Something just past Sarah’s shoulder caught Maggie’s attention. “Well, well,” Maggie purred. “Someone’s looking for you.”
    Sarah didn’t have to turn around to know who it was. Her sixth sense told her it was Dastan, but she spun to face him anyway.
    “God,” she said with a groan. “Do the two of you have me LoJacked or something?”
    Maggie giggled but tried to drop her head briefly to hide it.
    “Not yet, but I might if you don’t stop running off without letting me know,” Dastan replied.
    Maggie raised an eyebrow.
    “It’s Monday,” Sarah said. “Where do I always go on Monday?”
    “Found you, didn’t I?” he replied, then gave her a tight-lipped grin.
    Sarah rolled her eyes in frustration. She noticed Maggie’s fingers tighten around hers, and Sarah glanced at their hands. Why were her fingers shaking all of a sudden? Maggie had obviously noticed. Maggie gave her a knowing smile, then turned her attention to Dastan.
    “Dastan,” Maggie said. “Unusual name. Where did it come from?”
    He grinned that wickedly devilish smile. “My mother.”
    Sarah rolled her eyes. “Dastan’s mother was a Persian history buff. She loved the name,” Sarah offered, since obviously Dastan wasn’t going to.
    “It’s interesting…different,” Maggie said as she studied Dastan.
    “Did you want something?” Sarah asked as she peered up at Dastan.
    “Yes. Meet Dmitry and me for lunch at the diner next door when you’re done. The lumber I ordered should be ready to go by the time we finish. Then we can head back to the ranch. I’ve got a lot of work to do.”
    “Please?”
    Dastan’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “Please.”
    She sighed. “I suppose.”
    He snorted and turned to leave.
    “You could’ve used the phone, you know,” she called after him.
    “And miss seeing that annoyed face?” he called back as he pushed the door open and walked out.
    “Girl,” Maggie murmured.
    Sarah turned to look at her.
    “That protective thing you think he’s got going on for you?” Maggie tilted her head. “He wants you.” Maggie pointed her nail file at her. “And don’t think I didn’t see the desire you have for him either.”
    Sarah shook her head.
    “Don’t shake your head. Why are you denying it?”
    “Because I don’t want it. If I keep denying it long enough, it will go away.”
    Maggie laughed. “Dream on.”
     
    STANDING ON THE other side of the two-lane road that ran through downtown, he watched in shock as Dastan left the salon. What was he doing here? He moved back into the shadows, keeping his eyes on the shifter. He’d heard that Dastan no longer worked as guardian for the council, but he never expected to see him here in the mortal world.
    He continued to watch and wasn’t at all surprised to see who Dastan met up with. Of course, Dmitry would be here. One of them