Primal Instincts Read Online Free PDF Page A

here to take you to safety.”
    Francesca began to regret having turned down the offer to take up residence in the well-guarded clinic. She knew being imperious or totally nasty wouldn’t get her anywhere with the Dark Angel commander.
    “I’m not going back to Idaho,” she said, wondering how many times she’d have to repeat this while he slung her over his shoulder and carried her onto an airplane. Not that the idea of being slung over his broad shoulder was in and of itself repulsive—far from it.
    Strahan held up a hand. “I’ve already discussed this with your mother. She wants you to remain in Los Angeles.”
    Francesca was immediately suspicious. “Really?”
    “I’ve agreed to personally see to your security during the crisis. You’re coming home with me, Flare.”
    “Home?”
    “To the Dark Angels’ base of operations.”
    Hang out with the Dark Angels? She fought off the temptation to jump up and down with delight. “You’ve agreed to personally look after me. You’re a busy Prime. What did she offer you?”
    “Her support for the Dark Angels,” he answered immediately.
    She gave an evil laugh. “You’re willing to put up with me for a little money?”
    “For a lot of money.”
    She was willing to accept this answer for now, though he was bound to have other reasons. Her mother certainly did. But she’d work around, through, or over whatever schemes came at her and be in the middle of the action instead of safely locked in a tower for once.
    “You’re going to earn your fee, Strahan.”
    He ducked his head and scratched his jaw, then looked back at her with a smile that tried to melt her bones. “I’m sure I will.”
    You are made of asbestos
, she told herself. “What are we waiting for, Strahan? Let’s get to this headquarters of yours.”
    He paced around the small apartment, nervous, annoyed by the sound of waves crashing on the nearby beach. Of course the damn selkie had to live near the ocean. He’d hated moving in to keep a constant eye on her, but he did what was necessary.
    Someone was playing Christmas music in a nearby apartment. It was almost as irritating as the repetitious pounding of the surf. Peace on Earth? Not likely. Not as long as monsters roamed it and tried to rule it.
    She was late. Why? Had the monsters decided it was best for all of them to hide inside the clinic? Had she somehow managed to break free of the mentalconditioning that bound her to him? She hadn’t shown any sign of rebellion but the creatures were clever . . .
    He rushed from the kitchen into the living room the instant the door opened. “Where have you been?” he demanded.
    The creature flinched at his harshness. She looked like a small, frightened woman, but he knew what she really was. He wouldn’t let himself have any dangerous, soft emotions about her no matter how vulnerable she pretended to be.
    “Where have you been?” he asked again.
    “Christmas shopping,” she answered. “My friend Kea asked me to go. A Dark Angel came along. He and Kea talked a lot when they weren’t flirting.”
    Christmas shopping? Flirting? He was constantly disgusted at these monsters’ parodying of real people. In the deep past they’d stayed hidden in their dark lairs instead of mingling with their victims. Part of the reason for this operation was to drive them back into the dark where they belonged. Where their influence on humans would once again be minimal.
    If he and the other hunters had their way, they’d destroy the night creatures altogether. But they had their uses, so leaving a minimum number of the monsters alive was part of the devil’s bargain they’d made.
    “What did your
friend
and the vampire talk about? Itbetter be important.”
    She’d been obedient about bringing him information ever since the vampire had brainwashed her. He still reinforced the fear constantly to make sure the creature continued to be of service.
    Her shoulders slumped and she wouldn’t look at him when she