by Eva Gordon
The king laughed. “Here here!” They all clanked glasses.
Gaby glanced at her texts. She’d finished shadowing Cricket for the day. It had been five days since she had seen Steele and missed him. His only text had been this morning. He told her Rylee would talk to her today, but didn’t specify the topic. Only that it involved her safety. He finished by saying take care, not I love you or miss you. He asked her not to text him back.
Hmm. Something fishy. Had the king found out about her special gift? She glanced at the clock, seven p.m. She’d finished dinner and cleaned up the kitchen. Cricket mentioned Steele probably spent the majority of his time in wolf form while visiting his brother the king. Wolves didn’t check their messages, how could they?
Gaby sank onto the sofa and sighed. She picked up the remote and turned on the news. Nothing to do but wait for Rylee’s call. She felt as alone as she had at the animal facility. Cricket and Slade left for their home outside the LIA. They earned some time off to be alone and most likely do all the things she wanted to do with Steele. Goofing off with games, watching 80s movies, enjoying a meal and then making hot wild love. What if Steele no longer wanted to be with her? Her marriage status was null and void, anyway. She’d agreed to be his pet, but only as a formality. Once behind closed doors, they could have a normal relationship. Although, after learning all the rules and proper etiquette, she feared even those stolen moments wouldn’t be possible. At least she was safe from Tomlin. No doubt after what happened to his soldiers, he’d decided she wasn’t worth the risk. Or with the Keep’s help, perhaps, Project Sabertooth would grow stronger than ever?
A knock on the door startled her. Was it Steele? She rushed to open it.
“Good evening, Gaby,” said Rylee. Alone.
Gaby bowed her head, hoping she didn’t show her disappointment on not seeing Steele. “Please, come in, ma’am.” She had expected a call first and then an escort. Not a private visit.
Rylee stepped in and closed the door. “Cricket says you are a natural at learning our culture.”
She wanted to say learning animal cues came easy to her, but felt odd calling lycans animals. “Cricket is a good mentor.”
Rylee smiled. “So I hear.” She gestured to the sofa. “Please sit, we have much to discuss.”
Gaby sat and Rylee joined her. “Is it about Steele?”
“Yes. Your relationship is getting a bit complicated.”
Gaby stared at her hands. “I understand we’re technically not married. I mean, we didn’t use legitimate identities when we married in Las Vegas.”
“Yes, well, human marriages are not accepted as you know. And although Steele claims you as his human pet, the king may override that decision.”
“Cricket explained Steele will need to choose a proper mate, but like Slade, he may go against the rules.”
“The problem is after the king’s son and daughter, Steele is next in line as our king.”
A spare, yet, what were the odds of something happening to the king’s son and daughter? “But the odds are against him ever being king.”
“As of late, the king’s son, Maxwell suffers from morphogenesis.”
Gaby had read about the lycan condition. A minor form of morphopsychosis, which caused the sufferer to remain in wolf, or even hybrid wolf form. “Cricket mentioned he never got over killing most of his siblings.”
Rylee sighed. “An accident any alpha must face when initiating the change.”
“I heard his sister is being prepared to be queen.”
“That is our hope.” Rylee met her eyes. “I just need to warn you that Steele may not have a choice but to select a proper mate.”
Her heart stilled. “Has he?”
“He is under pressure to take Princess Kiara as his mate. Before he left to go on his last mission, he promised his brother he would date her.”
Cold jealousy coursed through her. “I see.” That must be why he’d failed to text her. His amnesia gone, he had a hard choice. Or had he already decided against her, a human? Not suitable for a potential lycan king.
“Trust me. Although he agreed to date her, he never liked her. She is petty and a social alpha snob.”
“Not the type to want her mate to have a mistress or rather pet.”
“Most of us would not stand for sharing our mates. Kiara, especially, is not a fan of humans.”
Hope remained he wouldn’t choose her. However, after Kiara, there must be a long line of available she-wolves looking for the perfect werewolf mate. “What do you recommend?”
“For one, Kiara must not learn of your relationship to Steele or your nature.”
“You don’t think Steele will mention our brief marriage, do you?”
“Of course not. He will do whatever it takes to protect you.”
“Cricket said only LIA members come here so likely she will never learn of my existence.”
“Unfortunately, Kiara is the new council elected overseer and she will pay us a visit soon.”
Gaby cringed. “What is an overseer?”
“An alpha of royal or high council status who monitors packs outside the king’s influence, such as mine. Many lycans believe the LIA focuses too much on human issues where we should only pay attention to pack matters.”
“Which means she might find out you are harboring not just Steele’s pet, but a wolf-segen.”
“Precisely.”
“I can leave.”
“Not necessary. Cricket offered her home when the princess makes her first visit.”
She nodded. “Lay low. I’ll stay inside.”
“You will leave in the morning before she arrives.”
“How dangerous is she?”
“Princess Kiara has her powerful father’s fierce army of werewolves at her beck and call. Three werewolf guards accompany her everywhere.”
Just like Steele’s dream about the alpha she-wolf commanding her pack to attack. “And when will Steele return?”
“He plans to spend some time with the king. They have family issues to sort out. During his stay, Steele will make a decision about returning to Team Greywolf or staying with the king to captain his guards.”
“And find an appropriate mate.” Gaby hadn’t meant to say it, but it slipped out.
“Knowing Steele, he will take a mate if it means protecting you.”
“Not the type of protection I need.”
“You must understand if anything happens to the king and Princess Margo, Prince Steele must take the throne.”
Gaby wasn’t about to argue with the top alpha female in charge of the pack. Only Steele could make the decision to abdicate for her. Not something he would do, even if he wasn’t allowed to keep a human pet. Time to change the subject. “Cricket thinks I would make an excellent agent.” If you can’t beat them join them. If she couldn’t have Steele, she would focus on settling the score by stopping Tomlin and Project Sabertooth.
Rylee’s smile broadened. “I agree. First, you need to confirm all intelligence about Project Sabertooth with our tech guy, Manny. Even information not found in your files.”
Gaby bit her lip. “Is it your intention to eliminate Project Sabertooth or get to the Keep?”
“There was a time we didn’t believe the Keep still existed. Now that we know, it’s one of our goals to destroy them. Unfortunately, they’ve gone dark again. Project Sabertooth, however, needs to be destroyed.”
“I can draw them out.”
“Actually, whether you want to take the risk or not, it’s still is up to Steele, since you are, for lack of a better term, his human.”
“Even if he decides to take a mate?”
“I’m afraid so. Lycan law.”
Rylee stood. “Cricket will get you in the morning. Be ready.”
I will not be controlled by other people’s whims. For now, I’ll follow orders, but without Steele in my life, not for long. “Yes, ma’am.”
Chapter 19
Steele ached to see Gaby again and
eased his pain by remaining in wolf form for a day. As a wolf, his mind cleared. He’d completely readjusted to all the common scents, fellow lycans and the full knowledge of his true identity. Though he feared Kiara snooping around the LIA, he trusted Rylee would keep Gaby safe. After he met with his brother, he’d call Rylee and ask how she was doing.
He trotted back to the castle, determined to give his brother his decision. He’d stay with Team Greywolf. Damn it. He’d keep Gaby and not take a proper mate. Slade gave up his title to be with his true love, he’d do the same. Shameful, but nothing as bad as his father’s betrayal to lycan society. To give up his true love was the shameful thing to do. There were enough Wildwood lycans to carry on the royal name. Dominic and Slade fought for their soul mates, so would he.
In the mudroom, he shifted, dressed and proceeded to meet the king. Determined and ready to give up his title, territory and his dignity. He’d even endure banishment.
Steele stepped into his brother’s conference room. Conan sat surrounded by his court betas.
Sinclair looked up. “Sir, Prince Steele is here.”
King Conan turned to his men. “Leave us.”
Steele approached and bowed while the betas left. Alone at last, he met his brother’s eyes. “You wish to know my decision.”
“You have chosen Team Greywolf,” said the king with an air of certainty.
“How do you know?”
“Do you think I’m a fool?”
“No, of course not. I told you working for our special forces brings honor to our family name.”
“Or does it have to do with the human girl you escaped with?”
Steele flinched. “What do you mean?”
Conan sniffed and snorted. “So it’s true?”
No point in lying. “Gaby, an innocent human, was held prisoner by the same people who captured me. She took the lycan vow and markings. Gaby is my human. You can’t harm her.” He paced and raked his hair back. “Who told you?” Would Rylee tell? No. It must have been Lunara.
The king sighed as if he hadn’t expected Steele’s confession. “No. Apparently, Kiara inspected your den and found a wedding ring and a picture of your farce of a marriage.”
Fuck! He’d kept the picture and ring hidden in a drawer beneath his undergarments. His face reddened as rage heated his core. She had no right! “She entered my den and went through my things?”
“Apparently, she demanded to visit your den. Kiara told her guide you are her intended mate.”
His nostrils flared. “The hell I am!”
“Do you realize the uproar if word gets out that a member of the royal family married a human?’ Conan snarled. “Disgrace!”
“I’m allowed a pet.” As far as he and Gaby were concerned, they were man and wife.
He laughed. “Brother, since when did you even want to bed a human let alone keep one as mistress? Kiara, your intended, has rights.”
Fur lined his arms. Ready to protect. “Kiara will kill her!” Not that they had a mating bond, but she did have the right to challenge a rival for his affection. Although, normally the fight was between two werewolves, not a werewolf against a human. Rylee would not allow it.
“Lucky for your human, Rylee will keep her away from Kiara’s claws.”
Steele's fangs emerged. “My human wife’s life is all that matters.”
Fur darkened his features, and he growled. “I won’t allow the sham of a marriage.”
The king had the right to banish Gaby far from any pack. Steele sighed and lowered his head. “Don’t worry, it’s not legal.” At least not by law, but in his heart she was more than a human pet, a wife…hell, a mate.
The king softened his tone. “I understand you lost your memory. Of course, you are not at fault. She helped you. Just tell me you don’t harbor feelings for this woman.”
“I’m fond of her.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Now that you have your full identity, I command you to release her.”
“Why should I? I don’t have a mate.”
“You are to mate Princess Kiara.”
“Why the rush to mate her, or anyone else for that matter?”
“You’re in line to the throne, damn it!”
Third or fourth in line if I’m not mistaken. “You talk as if Maxwell will not snap out of his depression.”
He slowly shook his head and then sighed. “My son has remained a wolf for the last three months.”
“What?” If he continued, he’d never acclimate to his human side. “You too felt depressed and guilt-ridden after you initiated the change, resulting in the death of three siblings.”
“You might not know that one of the pack members, a distant cousin, was a female Max loved. His fated mate. She died almost immediately.”
It had been the prince’s duty to bite not only his siblings, but the wolves from the beta packs. To shoulder responsibility for a mate’s death was the worst blow an alpha could experience. “Is there no treatment?”
“Max refuses to take anything or listen to anyone. He says he doesn’t deserve to be king and will not be forced.”
“And what of Margo?”
“Margo is young and inexperienced. She will need you to rule by proxy as Prince Regent, until she is ready to rule.” Tears welled in his eyes. “Brother, you are the only one that can follow me and keep the royal reign under the Wildwood name.”
Rare as it was for an alpha not to rule, Margo would not be the first beta to take the throne. Most treated the princess as an alpha anyway. “You will live for at least sixty years or more. Margo will be ready. By then, you might have another litter or even a grandchild who can rule.” Shit. He regretted mentioning another litter, a sore subject.
The king sighed, his voice laced with utter sadness. “Tell me you are not choosing a lowly human over your brother? Your duty.”
What the king needed was his mate. “And what of the queen?”
“She wishes to stay on Wildwood Island.”
“She can’t blame Max.”
“Myra has forgiven him as our law dictates. However, she is sterile.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“I am telling you this because I can’t rule a kingdom without her.”
“Have you told her?”
“Yes.” He took in a breath and slowly exhaled. “She wants me to take a second mate.”
“Myra can’t. She loves you too much to share you.”
“I told her I’d never take another. At least she’s agreed to see a fertility specialist.”
“Our research lab.”
“No. The lab in Norway. I’ll take my private jet and accompany her.” He narrowed his eyes. “No one and I mean no one speaks of this private matter.”
“Does Rylee know?”
“No. As far as she knows, Myra remains on our island. Margo, working with her tutors, will answer any calls and keep the façade up about her mother being in wolf form.”
That, and in case the plane crashed, Margo and he would rule. Was his brother hoping an experimental fertility drug or in vitro would work? Conan could be the world’s biggest dick, but one thing was certain, he loved Myra more than life. Why the fuck can’t he understand my heart belongs to Gaby?
“I will be there for Margo, but for now, I will stay with Team Greywolf. Furthermore, if and when I take a mate, it will not be Kiara.”
“Kiara’s heritage is a direct line to the pentad blood.”
“I don’t give a shit.”
“You are a fool!”
Steele took in a long breath and bowed. “Give my best to Myra.” He left before the argument escalated to a werewolf brawl.
Gaby and Cricket rode on horseback up the ridge in wolf country. Slade had gone on a mission with Lev, but would return today. For the last two days, she and Cricket had gotten to know one another. Gaby wished she had more time with her new wolfish BFF. She admired the werewolf runt, who seemed practically human. Cricket was the quintessential Cinderella fairy tal
e, complete with evil abusive sisters and Prince Charming who won her hand in marriage. Not that Slade got to keep his title, but more importantly found something greater. True love.
Gaby sighed. Unfortunately, even if Steele gave up his title, marriage was not part of the picture. Being his mistress was the best she could do. And would she want him to give up his crown for her?
Cricket twisted in the saddle. “What was that long breath all about?”
“Sorry, I was just thinking about Steele.”
She chuckled. “I don’t blame you. After Slade, he has to be the hottest team member. Wait, or is it Lev or…our enforcer Dominic, Mia’s mate? You will love Mia, but to be honest Dominic is a bit domineering. And I mean BDSM domineering.”
Gaby snorted. “Pretty much all of your higher ranks are that way.”
“You think?”
“Anyway, do you think Princess Kiara is still here?”
“Hope not. Rylee just flew to the council this morning to tell them an overseer interferes with security and hampers intelligence gathering.”
“Sucks that she stayed in Steele’s den.” Rylee had warned her Kiara found their wedding picture and his ring. At least Slade and Cricket’s place was far from headquarters. Plus, she probably assumed Rylee had taken her to a safe house.
“That bitch reminds me of my mean sisters. She’ll learn soon enough Steele is not into her.”
“Are you so sure?”
“Trust me, Steele told her she is as mean as she is beautiful.”
“You don’t think she will figure out I’m staying with you and Slade?”
“Nah. No record of it. Manny our tech guy made sure she has zero access. Even with her two goon body guards giving him the evil eye.”
“How is she going to oversee if she has no clearance?”
“Like it or not, she doesn’t have top secret status, so all she can do is watch our practice sessions.”
“Maybe you can call and see if she left?”
“I’ll call tonight. To be honest, I have a feeling she’s not letting go of her bone until she finds out who stole it.”
