Wolf Charmer, Team Greywolf, Book 3

by Eva Gordon

  “The king was happy to hear he lived.” Cricket tapped her lower lip. “I’m pretty sure he’ll order him to leave our team.”

  Her heart twisted. “Is there another, besides his brother, who might sway his decision?” A beautiful she-wolf princess, perhaps? A sudden wave of jealously swept over her like a tsunami.

  “You mean a mate?”

  Her face heated. “Yes.”

  “As far as I know, the king wants him to take Princess Kiara as a mate. She is the daughter of a powerful lycan, alpha Prince Milton.”

  “Now that he is whole again, he will return to her.”

  “Between you and me, Kiara is a haughty bitch.”

  “But a sexy one.” Not to mention the same species, the same rank and his family's endorsement. She had nothing.

  “She is, but what makes you think she is more attractive than you?”

  “I dreamt about her. Dark-haired, tall, curvaceous. A big bad wolf’s wet dream.”

  “That’s Kiara all right.” Cricket cocked her head. “How could you have dreamt about her…unless you shared Steele’s dream?”

  “Yes, we had the same dream.”

  Cricket’s voice rose in pitch. “No way. Only bonded mates share dreams.”

  Or possibly part of my wolf-segen talents. “Unless, it was a complete coincidence.”

  Cricket shook her head. “It must be. Humans and werewolves, with the exception of Stallo women, can never share a true mating bond. I’ll see what I can dig up about exceptions.”

  “Actually, I would love to help you research it.”

  Cricket’s phone buzzed. “Rylee.” She read her text. “She wants you to come to her debriefing room and identify some men.”

  “Happy to.”

  “Hurry up and dress. Rylee hates waiting.”

  Gaby washed up, added light makeup and dressed in casual blue jeans and plaid shirt. Cricket had filled her closet with clothes. In no time, they made their way to Rylee’s.

  Cricket opened the door.

  Rylee smiled. “Come in. Cricket, you can stay.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Since you are Gaby’s handler, you must swear to keep what I’m about to tell you to yourself.”

  “Yes, ma’am. You know I’m good on my word.”

  “Not even Slade can know, understood?”

  “Of course.”

  “Word of her secret could mean her death.”

  Cricket looked at Gaby as if trying to find the word “target” on her forehead. “Promise.”

  “Sit, both of you.”

  Gaby obeyed, trusting Rylee’s decision.

  Rylee winked at Gaby and then turned to Cricket. “Gaby is a wolf-segen, also known as a wolf charmer.”

  “Wait, what?” Cricket furrowed her brow. “I thought wolf-segens were hunted to extinction?”

  Gaby muttered. “Apparently, they missed a few.”

  She pointed a finger at her. “You can out us to humans?”

  “Yes, I can see wolf auras, but I’ve vowed not to do so.” She pushed her sleeve up to display her marks.

  “You can really command animals to do your bidding?” Cricket asked.

  Gaby nodded. “With the exception of werewolves.” Unfortunately.

  “No shit.” Cricket cocked her head. “You do have a calming effect, but I thought it was because you’re a nice person.”

  Nice people didn’t command animals to kill. “Thanks.” Gaby squirmed while Cricket stared at her with the amazement of someone discovering a living fossil.

  Rylee spoke. “Which is why she was taken as a child and forced to work for covert group.”

  Cricket nodded. “I understand why we can’t tell anyone else.”

  “Precisely. Besides you, only Lev and Lunara know.” Rylee turned on a large flat screen.

  Gaby gaped. “Dr. Tomlin.”

  “The new head of Project Sabertooth.”

  “Do you know where he is?” asked Gaby. In the event of being discovered, they had alternative hidden facilities, however, she wasn’t privy to the locations.

  “No, but our intel confirms the project resumed running at their new base.”

  “Presumably with the Keep in their underground chimera lab.”

  “No. The Keep distanced themselves from Project Sabertooth. They are in deep undercover mode since a whistleblower exposed the Keep’s chimera lab.”

  Gaby blinked. The whistleblower she warned promised to reveal the chimera lab’s dogmen creatures. “Phil Renshaw.”

  “Yes, the man Project Sabertooth was commissioned to murder.” She tilted her head. “You knew about the hit?”

  “I was supposed to have him assassinated by charming a mountain lion to attack him while he went on his morning run.”

  “But you let him go?”

  “When I was reassigned to Kane…I mean Steele…they sent Ken who handles venomous snakes to make the hit. I texted Phil Renshaw and warned him to contact the FBI and hide with his two boys. I’m relieved he did.”

  Cricket grinned. “Nice.”

  “Yes, apparently the FBI put him in the witness protection program and raided the compound. Unfortunately, by the time they reached the site, it was empty. They did find the labs and cages. Thanks to you, the Keep will lay low for a while,” said Rylee.

  Relief that one innocent man and his family were safe gladdened her. So, that’s what Tomlin’s men meant when they said she’d caused a bigger mess. “Is it on the news?”

  “No. The FBI and the CIA are keeping it out of the media.”

  “And how did you learn of all this?”

  “We have someone on the inside. Unfortunately, he too was unaware of Project Sabertooth and the Keep’s chimera labs. Otherwise, Steele would have been rescued long ago.”

  Gaby lowered her head. “I’m ashamed to have been a part of Project Sabertooth.”

  “Don’t beat yourself up over it. You were an orphan taken by Giles and exploited. You were Project Sabertooth’s greatest asset and we are certain Director Tomlin wants you back to carry on his work.”

  Cricket furrowed her brow. “You would think the Keep would search for her since she can identify which human is a werewolf.”

  “Not an easy task. You are all pretty scarce.” Gaby sighed. “But, I’m pretty sure Tomlin wouldn’t mind loaning me out.”

  “The Keep understands we stay to ourselves. One wolf charmer won’t make much of a dent in outing us.”

  Gaby shook her head. “I just can’t believe Tomlin found us.”

  “Take a look,” said Rylee. She switched to another slide. “Recognize Becky Kelsh?”

  “The truck driver we hitched a ride with.” She gasped. The next slide showed “Becks” on the side of the road. Her throat slashed.

  “They pumped her with truth serum and then when she told them where you were last seen, they murdered her.”

  Bile rose up her throat. “No.”

  “I’m sorry,” said Rylee.

  “But Kane, I mean Steele compelled her not to remember us.”

  “Somehow, they must have known she gave you a ride. We can compel, but it won’t last if they use truth serum.”

  “I don’t understand how they pinpointed her of all the truckers.”

  Cricket frowned. “It’s as if they scented either you or Steele’s werewolf scent.”

  “Even if Tomlin used scent hounds, what are the odds?” Gaby asked.

  “Precisely,” said Rylee.

  Chapter 18

  Inside his castle chamber, Steele adjusted the lapels of his royal regalia uniform. Fit like a glove. He glanced around his opulent den. Nothing had changed. Except it no longer felt like home. Ironically, being on the road with Gaby and staying in random spots during their escape made him feel like he was home. Without her at his side, his soul was a desert and not the vibrant forest, like her green eyes his soul craved. Why had he promised his brother to stay another two weeks? The thought of sitting at a banquet with lycan royals a
nd sycophants twisted his gut. He hated pomp and circumstance before his amnesia and still did. Perhaps, only family would come. He’d be happy to see his brother’s mate, Myra. Recently, she’d become a recluse. Myra had gone deep into depression after losing seven out of nine pups during the change and had not reconceived. The task to bite his pack to initiate the change fell to Steele’s alpha nephew. Only his sister survived the change, leaving their parents devastated. The young prince, Maxwell, shouldered the guilt of killing his siblings and refused to become king. The council backed his decision on account of his depression. After his nephew and niece, Margo, Steele was next in line to take the throne. Margo would make an excellent queen, and Conan was in good health. Why would it matter if he chose Gaby and walked away from his duty?

  Would he give up his prince title? Not too long ago, Slade chose Cricket, a runt over his title. King Conan had threatened Slade with banishment, but Rylee championed him and in the end, though no longer a prince, Slade chose his soul mate, Cricket. The king even allowed him to keep his Yukon territory. For Slade, it was much easier; he was not the king’s brother, crown Prince Steele of North America and third in line to the throne. Fourth, if Maxwell changed his mind and stopped grieving, he would be the proper royal heir.

  Confusion clouded Steele’s mind. He’d been Kane for a short period. He once believed in minimizing relationships with humans, keeping the lycan commandments, obeying his lord and master, the king. No one changed overnight. Yet, he’d taken a human as a pet, when he always thought keeping a human was a mark of weakness.

  Duty or love? He paced his palatial den. I don’t want Gaby as a pet. I want her for more. No one else. He blew out a long breath. His brother Maccon had Griswold’s taint, and his father betrayed the packs. Conan returned pride to his pack’s name, his kingdom, while he defended the innocent by joining Team Greywolf. How can I fuck it all up? Prince Steele, the brother of the king, in love with a wolf charmer.

  Sinclair entered his quarters. “Prince Steele, I’m to escort you to the banquet.”

  Did Conan think he needed a babysitter? “Very well.” Probably thought I’d go blank again. Permanently. I wish I had.

  Steele followed the beta down the long halls and bowing lycans. Some in human form, others in wolf form. A familiar scent accosted his nose. What was she doing here?

  Sinclair opened the banquet doors. “After you, sir.”

  Steele stepped in. King Conan sat at the head of the table. Four members of the council and haughty Kiara sat on either side of the king. Plates and wine glasses graced the tabletop, but the food hadn’t arrived.

  Kiara’s red lipstick painted a seductive smile. “Prince Steele. I’m so thankful you’re alive.”

  Steele bowed in polite pretense. “Princess Kiara, what an unexpected surprise.” Certainly not a pleasure.

  Conan chuckled. “I thought the princess would add to your welcome home.”

  His face heated. Not without Gaby. “I see our lovely Queen Myra is not with us.” His niece, Margo should be here as well, but maybe, she continued to study abroad.

  Conan narrowed his eyes and a vein in his neck pulsed. Mention of his mate pissed him off. The others lowered their chins as if in chagrin. Conan’s demeanor turned back to jovial. “Myra is taking some time alone on Wildwood Island. Margo is visiting and learning human etiquette. Myra and Margo are relieved you are alive. They send their regrets for not being here.”

  The island off the coast of Washington had been passed down for generations. Safe and secluded, he and his brothers spent time there learning to live as humans while having the privacy to go wolf. Two humans lived on the island as caretakers and tutors of human sociology. Three royal guards provided additional security. Myra must still be depressed. Conan had called it a slight bout of melancholy, but he knew better. Now was not the time to ask about her or his disturbed nephew. “I understand, but hopefully, I’ll see her soon.”

  “Most certainly.” Conan introduced the four council members on the overseer committee. They politely bowed.

  Steele sniffed. Two alphas and two betas. He’d never met them before, but he rarely attended council functions. Their presence had to be significant. “A pleasure to meet you.”

  Conan smiled. “By the way, Princess Margo just had a phone conference with Rylee.”

  So, he planned to appoint his daughter as a spy. How ironic. When Steele first joined Team Greywolf, he thought he would be the king’s eyes on the LIA and team. Then as he grew to admire the team, his loyalty switched. He tempered his anger. “What experience does my niece have working with the LIA?”

  “Margo has only been human a little over two years so I want her to get her used to diplomacy.”

  “I’m surprised Rylee agreed to Margo’s appointment as overseer.”

  Kiara laughed. “Shall I tell him, my liege?”

  Steele furrowed his brow and turned to his brother. “Tell me what?”

  Conan grew cheerful. “We have the good fortune that the council chose Kiara to oversee Team Greywolf.”

  Steele bristled. “Why?”

  Kiara raised her brow. “I’ve been trained in lycan law and furthermore, my darling, if you wish to serve more time with Team Greywolf, we can get to know one another better.”

  He snorted. “Conflict of interest. A team member can’t date a spy.” Besides, he couldn’t date because legal or not, he was a married man. Heart and soul.

  “I have no plans to disband Rylee’s team. In fact, I can help smooth diplomacy between our king and the LIA.” She smiled. “If we decide to form the mate bond, I can always step down, especially if you remain at court in charge of the royal army.”

  She planned to manipulate him into a mating bond. “You can’t,” said Steele.

  “Too late, my darling. I’ve accepted the assignment.”

  The greedy bitch had never expressed interest in anything other than being a royal princess. Because of the remote possibility Steele would end up king and she queen, Kiara no doubt accepted being overseer to trap him. He stood and turned to Conan. “Find another.”

  His brother stiffened and narrowed his eyes. “I will not. You and Rylee need to get it through your heads that I’m king.”

  “But you answer to the council.” Steele’s fangs protruded.

  Conan pounded his fist on the table. A few glasses crashed to the floor, shattering into shards. “Don’t think I can’t command you to remain here and take a proper mate.”

  Steele glared at him, but backed down. “I understand.”

  A servant rushed in and cleaned up the mess.

  The king relaxed. He laughed, stood and approached Steele. “Brother, I wish to welcome you, not antagonize you.” He hugged him, with the bear-like grip.

  Steele reciprocated with an equally powerful squeeze. “Apologies for my short temper, I’ve had a grueling few months.”

  Conan broke the embrace. “We’ll talk privately later.”

  “Yes, I would like that.”

  Two betas brought in dinner. Trays of meat, both grilled and raw.

  Conversation turned to less controversial matters concerning the various packs. When asked about his imprisonment and escape, Steele declined discussing the topic. Rylee’s cleanup team made sure there were no repercussions to Steele’s whereabouts and most importantly Gaby’s. Kiara overseeing Team Greywolf meant danger to Gaby. In no time, Kiara would learn of Gaby’s relationship with him. He smiled at Kiara. “May I ask how often you would attend to Team Greywolf business?”

  She sliced grilled steak. “In the beginning, once a week, and then once a month or every few months, depends on our communication.”

  How much scrutiny would this require? Rylee was good at keeping top secret information from the council and the king. Gaby might be safe. She could hide away from the pack during Kiara’s visits. “How soon?”

  “That depends on Rylee, but the sooner the better. I thought in a day or two.” She sipped wine and regarded him. “I woul
d love it if you accompanied me.”

  Steele imagined Gaby’s reaction if he walked in with a woman who intended to have him as her mate. The very she-wolf who tried to murder him in his dream. “I’m not…”

  Conan shook his head. “I don’t wish to cut my reunion short with my brother. We need time to have a long visit.”

  One call and he knew Rylee could find a safe place for Gaby. If he encouraged Kiara to be with him for several days, it would give Rylee time to hide her. “Yes, time to catch up.” He turned to Kiara. “I would like it very much if you joined us in a hunt, tomorrow or the day after. That is unless you need to leave immediately.”

  “Of course, she doesn’t need to meet with Rylee right away,” said Conan.

  “I would love to hunt with you,” said Kiara with much too much enthusiasm. Had she interpreted this as a commitment?

  “Excellent,” said Conan.

  They returned to their meal. One of the council members, Hector questioned Steele. “Did Dr. Marks determine the cause of your amnesia?”

  “I’m well, and as far we know it was only temporary.” Best not to hint about the real cause without blatantly lying.

  “We are most fortunate then not to have lost another prince to Rylee’s pack,” said Hector.

  The king sighed. “Yes, it’s a shame about Slade. Imagine, relinquishing your title for an inferior mate.”

  At one time, Steele would have agreed with his brother’s assessment of Cricket’s runt status. Yet, he’d grown to admire her as a fellow team member. She’d proven herself heroic and Team Greywolf made her an honorary beta. “Slade and Cricket are very much in love. You can feel it when they enter a room. After he lost his pack, Cricket saved Slade’s soul.”

  Kiara shook her head. “To think he could have married Princess Wilhelmina.”

  Steele wanted to defend Slade by saying he’d made the right decision, but instead shrugged. “What’s done is done.”

  “I suppose.” She smiled and raised her glass. “To prince of the realm, Steele Wildwood.”