Uncaged Read Online Free PDF

perception. A natural instinct for any owl shiftie.
                  “Now, now dear. We don’t need to talk about it. Unless you need to, love. Do you need money? Food? You must be starved.”
                  “No, I’ve eaten. Actually I fared pretty well on the ship. I saw the key. Dumb blokes left it in plain sight. I shifted, managed to angle a broom just so and freed myself.”
                  Amelia slapped her knee. “Humans can be unbelievably careless.”
                  “I blended in rather well. Stole some clothes and started work as a shipmate. Over half the crew fell ill with scurvy and that vile coughing disease. Even the captain. I took over.”
                  “That a boy! I’m not surprised at all. Not in the least.”
                  “I need a safe place to keep this bag of money I scuttled away from the captain. ” Bruce held the bag out. Amelia doubled over in laughter.
                  “You thief!”
                  “I found a little something else that he had under lock and key, too.”
                  Amelia gasped and leaned closer, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Pray tell!”
                  “His daughter, a lovely creature.”
                  Amelia frowned. “Bruce! You’re bedding a pure bred human?”
                  A wide grin covered his face. His crooked tooth c aught on his full lip. “I am. I’d forgotten the love of a good woman.”              
                  “Probably because you’ve never experienced it. They’re all beasts!”
                  Bruce laughed. “She’s nothing of the sort. Funny, that’s what she called me when she refers to the lion that got away.”
                  “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll cut her loose.”
                  Bruce grunted. “Not a chance. I’ll bring her by. I’ll warrant you’ll be as smitten as I. She’s delightful in every way.”
                  Amelia sighed. “Ah, that’s why you’re stumped now. You don’t want to go back to Africa and leave her here.”
                  “You’d be right. I’m in love. I think I may even get used to being a man.”
                  “Have you had a fresh kill?”
                  “Of course not! Who was I to kill? A sailor? I was stuck on the bloody ocean.”
                  “You’ll need to feast soon. You’ll drain yourself.”
                  “I feel fine.”
                  “I can connect you to the right people and get you back on a ship headed home in a fortnight.”
                  Bruce shook his head. “Don’t bother. If I need to kill, I’ll go into the forest.”
                  “And live off bunnies? There aren’t many deer left in the outskirts. The clan has pretty much extinguished them in these parts.”
                  “Then I’ll go beyond London . I have the money to travel if need be. I do have another favor to ask of you.”
                  “Name it.”
                  “Do you have any connections to Parliament?”
                  “Aye. One, but a small one at that. Why?”
                  “I need a job.”
                  “In The House of Lords?”
                  “Aye. I told Wren I’m a solicitor.”
                  “Wren?”
                  “The captain’s daughter.”
                  “Tell me you’re bloody lying, Bruce!”
    ~*~
                  It had been two days since Bruce had seen Wren. The mere sight of her grand home looming beyond the swirling dust was enough to tighten his breeches. He kicked the stallion in the side, urging him forward.