Linda Johnston - Protector Wolf

What Happens Under a Full Moon...

When naturalist Maya Everton travels to Washington State, she is nearly attacked by a pack of wolves—until another wolf arrives to drive them off. Later, she discovers Lieutenant Ryan Blaiddinger shifting and realizes he is her mysterious protector. Ryan is a member of the elite unit of shapeshifters known as Alpha Force, whose mission is at cross-purposes with hers...

But as news of the attacks spreads in the small community, the scientist and soldier unite to protect area wolves from locals who will stop at nothing to decimate the perceived threat. And close together in the moonlit woods, they may not be able to resist their own natural instincts...

“So when are you going to explain everything to me?”

Ryan said nothing for a long minute, although he did take her arm to help balance her. A real gentleman.

A wolf in man’s clothing—casual, ordinary-looking clothing, right down to his own athletic shoes.

A wolf…

“There’s not much to explain,” he said. “You saw me. I’m a shapeshifter who changes into a wolf sometimes.”

“Then it was real, not some kind of hypnosis or mind control?” Although even if it had been, she’d have no idea why he’d have done it to her.

“No, it was real.”

She slipped a little on some leaves beneath her feet, possibly because of the distraction and unease his words caused within her. He caught her, and she was very aware of his touch.

A human’s touch.

But still…

LINDA O. JOHNSTONloves to write. While honing her writing skills, she worked in advertising and public relations, then became a lawyer…and enjoyed writing contracts. Linda’s first published fiction appeared in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and won a Robert L. Fish Memorial Award for Best First Mystery Short Story of the Year. Linda now spends most of her time creating memorable tales of paranormal romance, romantic suspense and mystery. Visit her on the web at www.lindaojohnston.com.

Protector Wolf

Linda O. Johnston

www.millsandboon.co.uk

Protector Wolf is dedicated to wolves of all kinds, as well as people who love and protect wildlife. And like my other Alpha Force Nocturnes, Protector Wolf is also dedicated to shapeshifters and the readers who love them.

Plus, despite this being repetitious, again my special thanks to my wonderful agent, Paige Wheeler of Creative Media Agency, and to my delightful Harlequin editor, Allison Lyons. They’re so great in helping to keep the stories of Alpha Force an ongoing miniseries. Protector Wolf is number eight!

And, as always, thanks to my amazing husband, Fred, whom I acknowledge in each of my books because he inspires me. My hero!

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text What Happens Under a Full Moon... When naturalist Maya Everton travels to Washington State, she is nearly attacked by a pack of wolves—until another wolf arrives to drive them off. Later, she discovers Lieutenant Ryan Blaiddinger shifting and realizes he is her mysterious protector. Ryan is a member of the elite unit of shapeshifters known as Alpha Force, whose mission is at cross-purposes with hers... But as news of the attacks spreads in the small community, the scientist and soldier unite to protect area wolves from locals who will stop at nothing to decimate the perceived threat. And close together in the moonlit woods, they may not be able to resist their own natural instincts...

Introduction “So when are you going to explain everything to me?” Ryan said nothing for a long minute, although he did take her arm to help balance her. A real gentleman. A wolf in man’s clothing—casual, ordinary-looking clothing, right down to his own athletic shoes. A wolf… “There’s not much to explain,” he said. “You saw me. I’m a shapeshifter who changes into a wolf sometimes.” “Then it was real, not some kind of hypnosis or mind control?” Although even if it had been, she’d have no idea why he’d have done it to her. “No, it was real.” She slipped a little on some leaves beneath her feet, possibly because of the distraction and unease his words caused within her. He caught her, and she was very aware of his touch. A human’s touch. But still…

About the Author LINDA O. JOHNSTON loves to write. While honing her writing skills, she worked in advertising and public relations, then became a lawyer…and enjoyed writing contracts. Linda’s first published fiction appeared in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine and won a Robert L. Fish Memorial Award for Best First Mystery Short Story of the Year. Linda now spends most of her time creating memorable tales of paranormal romance, romantic suspense and mystery. Visit her on the web at www.lindaojohnston.com .

Title Page Protector Wolf Linda O. Johnston www.millsandboon.co.uk

Dedication Protector Wolf is dedicated to wolves of all kinds, as well as people who love and protect wildlife. And like my other Alpha Force Nocturnes, Protector Wolf is also dedicated to shapeshifters and the readers who love them. Plus, despite this being repetitious, again my special thanks to my wonderful agent, Paige Wheeler of Creative Media Agency, and to my delightful Harlequin editor, Allison Lyons. They’re so great in helping to keep the stories of Alpha Force an ongoing miniseries. Protector Wolf is number eight! And, as always, thanks to my amazing husband, Fred, whom I acknowledge in each of my books because he inspires me. My hero!

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 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Extract

Copyright

Chapter 1

Lieutenant Ryan Blaiddinger strode quickly down the sidewalk.

Beside him were his dog, Rocky, and his aide, Staff Sergeant Piers Janus. The two soldiers were dressed in civilian clothing—nice slacks and button-down shirts. They were here in Fritts Corner, Washington, undercover.

According to the map on Piers’s phone, the park they sought was only a block away. Ryan scoped out the whole street—fairly narrow, considering it was the quaint town’s main avenue. Some of the buildings appeared to have been constructed more than a century ago, with spires, decorative windows and wide porches that led into restaurants and other retail establishments.

“We’re almost there,” Piers said, staring at the phone in his hand. Piers was short and a bit stocky, and despite his being in his early twenties his blondish hair had begun to thin. But he was a damned good helper—in many respects.

Piers held Rocky’s leash, and the dog bounded along with him.

The dog with thick brown-and-black fur who resembled a wolf.

A wolf who looked a lot like Ryan...when he was in shifted form.

The air was brisk but dry on this Thursday afternoon in September. Cars drove by in both directions, with no hint of any traffic jam in this small town. People passed by as well, and a few headed in the same direction they did.

Interesting that on the day of their arrival a public meeting was scheduled about the very topic they’d come to check out.