One Eye Open

One Eye Open
Karen Whiddon

The nature of the beast…That was all DEA agent Carson Turner had thought of since his partner had murdered his family. Then, just as the trail of evidence went cold, his enemy's beautiful sister, Brenna Lupe, appeared, offering him the chance for more than revenge. She gave him a chance for justice. Brenna felt as if a silver bullet had been launched at her heart.Until now, she'd always been aware of her brother's whereabouts. With that gone, she had to make a deal with his sexy former partner. But being around Carson–touching him–brought her untamed side to the surface. With the full moon finally shedding light on their investigation and her brother in their sights, would Carson forgive the deception of a real she-wolf?

One Eye Open

Karen Whiddon

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

To my best friend and critique partner Anna Adams,

for all your valuable insight and immeasurable support—

thanks from the bottom of my heart.

And to Lucienne Diver, my agent.

Your unflagging belief and enthusiasm have

meant more than I can ever express. I appreciate you dearly.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 1

“I never pay for sex.”

It took a minute for the tall man’s words to register. When they did, Brenna suppressed a smile. “That’s good, because I’m not selling it.” She couldn’t blame him for thinking she worked the seedy bar. Apart from two waitresses, she was the only female in the place. And the snug fit of her worn jeans with the black leather vest didn’t help, either. Maybe that explained why she felt as if she was being watched.

“I want to talk to you.”

The corners of his mouth twisted. “Sure you do.”

She took a deep breath. “I heard you’re looking for The Wolf.”

Icy contempt flashed dark in his eyes. “Maybe.”

“I have information,” she lied. “I know him well.”

From his skeptical expression, she could tell he didn’t believe her.

“We need to talk.” Though insistent, she kept her voice low, showing none of her rising impatience.

“Outside. That is—” his gaze slid over her, dismissing her too-suggestive apparel with a frown “—if you can stand the cold.”

She’d worn the biker clothing to fit in. Gritting her teeth, she nodded once. Her heavy parka lay on the bar stool next to her. She picked it up and slid her arms into the sleeves without answering.

Outside, the full moon shone bright and silver through the threadbare tangle of trees that fringed the small parking lot. If she’d been a Hollywood-style werewolf, this man would be dead, his throat ripped out in seconds.

“Look, before we start—”

“I seldom pay for information, either,” the man drawled. “And then only from known sources.”

His words barely registered. There was something else…She sensed a threat in the frozen night breeze. Carefully she let her gaze drift past him to the dark and shadowy underbrush that surrounded them. Though she couldn’t put her finger on it, there was wrongness to the night.

Someone was watching them.

Every nerve on edge, she forced her attention back to the stranger. “I don’t want money. I want an even exchange. My info for yours.”

His dark brows lifted. “What makes The Wolf your business?”

She would tell him her name, in case he knew of her. “I’m Brenna.”

“So?” He made a dismissive motion with one gloved hand.

So he didn’t know. Time, then, to play her trump card. “The Wolf is my brother.”

Nothing on his rugged face indicated she’d shocked him. Instead, his insolent gaze again raked over her, making her shiver despite the warmth of her parka and relative anonymity of her hood.