Ada's Protective Mate

by Jo Palmer

  “Bring them in.” The voice sounded mildly indifferent and a little exasperated.

  There was a small clicking noise indicating yet more security, then she and Remi were shown into a large conference room where about eight or nine creatures were either seated or standing about.

  “Ada? Remi!”

  “Nev.” Ada’s attention snapped to a brownie of medium height. “Nana Mae?”

  “You bet.” Nev, her much older cousin, scooped up a briefcase and grabbed his coat.

  “What are you doing?” She asked suspiciously and took a step back toward the door.

  If he were planning to leave because she was now here to take up the position of lawyer for the brownie clan, he’d have to beat her to the door. She bumped into something very hard, big, and warm and hastily took a step forward again. The werewolf she bumped into sniffed her. She glanced over her shoulder and saw a different werewolf from the security guard who had shown her and Remi to the meeting room. This creature was tall with shaggy dark hair, vibrant green eyes, and looked rather scruffy. In that moment, Nev moved quickly.

  “The both of us aren’t needed, and as you’re the lawyer, I’ll leave this in your ruthless hands.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek and got growled at by the werewolf behind her. Nev looked at the creature quizzically a moment. “OK… Brunch Sunday, Ada?”

  “You’re not needed here. Go.” The werewolf’s voice was deep; the hand sliding down Ada’s back, warm and firm.

  Damned werewolves. They needed to learn to keep their paws to themselves. And if this one thought she could be intimidated—or dominated, as werewolves were very much into dominating others—he was in for an attitude adjustment. She did not submit to anyone and was never intimidated.

  At least not by grouchy, rude werewolves. She hoped that being dragged into a land dispute would tick the creature off. She had no doubt the werewolf clan had managed to sneak a bit of land away from the imps and brownies. Wolves were just as sneaky as the rest of them.

  “Happy to oblige, wolf. See you Sunday, Ada,” Nev said.

  “Oh, you’ll see me.” Ada watched Nev hurry out of the room.

  She was so going to buy that imp potion now! An itching one for Nana’s non-existent corns that she’d complained about to make Ada feel guilty. Outwardly she showed no signs of annoyance, nodding at Nev as he left then placed her bag on the table while surveying the creatures in the room. Directly across the table was one of the many imp princesses and the distinguished looking gentleman beside her was Chairman Travis. Ada may not spend any time in Galdorcwide, nor mingle with other creatures besides Remi, but she did know Chairman Travis as he had authorized her to leave Galdorcwide and reside in the human world years ago. Her study of who else she may know in the meeting room was interrupted by Remi.

  “Princess Missy! How wonderful to see you!” Remi gushed over the imp princess. “And Chairman Travis, always a pleasure.”

  “Shall we begin?” A tall, elegant vampire was seated at the head of the table, his regal features calm.

  Nico Romano, vampire prince, arrogant like the rest of his kind, was said to be the most charming and seductive of all creatures. He was definitely impressive, Ada noted, taking in the air of confidence and regal boredom surrounding him. The vampire was stunning and had the most startling turquoise eyes. She recalled seeing a painting of him hanging in the Galdorcwide museum when she was young.

  At the time, ever skeptical and a little cynical even at the age of ten, she didn’t believe his eyes could truly be that unique, gorgeous color. Later, when she’d seen a photograph of him, she’d thought he used some kind of magical enhancement. But now she saw they were natural, as was his ice-blond hair and the toned muscular physique beneath the expensive suit he wore.

  None of this explained why, of all people, Prince Nico was the moderator. The few times Ada interacted with vampires years ago, she found them to be a touch self-centered, and they weren’t particularly patient and interested in others’ opinions. Though they were charming and polite, which would be of benefit in a meeting, and they could mesmerize whoever got out of line.

  She ignored the werewolf who had growled at Nev to leave and who was now pulling the chair out for her. She wouldn’t acknowledge aggressive behavior or encourage the werewolf’s attention.

  Very meticulously, she set up the laptop and documents across the desk in front of Remi and her, wondering how to get this over with quickly. There was no real way to resolve the matter. If the werewolves had stolen land, which she definitely believed they would have, given the opportunity, they would not just give it back, no matter what tactics the brownies and imps used. Probably not even with an order from the High Council. This entire meeting was pointless.

  Ada just hoped it would be over soon before the scruffily dressed werewolf bored a hole into her with his eyes. She lifted her chin and prepared to give him the ice-princess freeze-out that she was famous for.

  “Allow me to make the introductions.” Prince Nico Romano glanced around the long conference room table, waving an elegant, manicured hand to his left. “We have Princess Missy representing the imp clan and Chairman Travis Hughes as their counsel.” He waited briefly for everyone to nod in greeting.

  “She’s slimmed down,” Remi whispered behind the computer.

  “Oh?” Though this may not be relevant to the land case, any information about opposing parties was valuable. And Ada enjoyed gossip as much as the next brownie. “Imps are immortal, they don’t have weight problems.”

  “Two imp princesses have a branch of human in their family tree. Missy Moo is one.”

  Ada’s brows rose, and she flicked a quick glance over the attractive, slender blonde imp princess. As creatures looked pretty much like humans, with only one or two features that might set them apart, it was impossible for her to tell if there was human biology in the woman.

  “Missy Moo?”

  Remi smirked and quickly covered it. “A less than affectionate nickname from a few of her cousins. Moo as in cow. Big fat heifer.” Remi burst into laughter and just as quickly stopped, shaking her head and biting her bottom lip. “Imps can be so cruel.”

  Aside from the possible a weight issue, the princess had intelligence in her eyes and a graceful manner. Ada actually doubted Princess Missy had ever put on more than a few small pounds. She probably got the nickname because she was smart and threw her “weight” as a princess around.

  “As support are Bronwyn Williams and Josie Wence for the imps, and Stefano and Marcie Peterson for the brownies. Next is myself as moderator of the meeting, Nico Romano of the vampires.” Every creature but a few fawned a greeting. “For the werewolves, their lawyer Aidan Charmers.” The werewolf flashed his teeth in a snarling smile. “And of course, Prince Nathaniel Le Garde.”

  Ada had been nodding at each creature who was introduced, and now she frowned as her eyes met, and were held, by a set of fierce, bright green ones. The ones who had been boring holes into her since she sat down.

  Prince Nathaniel? As in the Crown Prince of the Werewolf Clan? This was the rude dog that growled at Nev and dared try to intimidate her? Fates damnation, what exactly had Nana Mae pulled Ada into? Why would the werewolf crown prince be sitting in a Galdorcwide land dispute meeting? And why was an imp princess, for that matter? It made complete sense now why Prince Nico was here; he and Prince Nathaniel were as close as brothers, it was said. He would be assisting the werewolf prince against the imps and brownies.

  Obviously this was a great deal more serious than anyone would have thought. Which meant a lot of work for her. That was extremely annoying. Nana Mae would not be receiving a nice birthday present this year.

  The crown prince’s eyes were fixed on her, and he wasn’t smiling or nodding a polite hello. In fact, he looked royally pissed. And very gorgeous. Ada gave him the briefest look to show she wasn’t concerned by his presence, his glower, or his reputation.

  Or his looks.

  The werewolf was a pr
ime male specimen even if he did dress badly and have appalling manners like the rest of his kind. She guessed him to be at least six foot five with the body of a well-toned and taut athlete, every inch of him muscular and tanned. Wily came to mind. With his wavy dark hair slicked flicked back, the two days growth of stubble, and defined, sharp features and bright green eyes, he was mouth-wateringly gorgeous. If you were interested in werewolves, which she wasn’t. Ada ignored the lust pooling in her lap.

  “We are so in for it,” Remi whispered. “Werewolves despise these types of things, and they don’t respond to charm or flattery.”

  “Try sitting on his lap.”

  The creatures may not respond to charm and flattery, but they did have a large appetite for sex and loved to play with their prey. Remi laughed, grinning cheekily at the two werewolves.

  The prince was making her uncomfortable with his staring, and more irritable as she disliked knowing anyone had the ability to make her feel this way. Raising her eyes back to his, Ada met the hard glare head on and felt a thrill at the challenge she saw there. Suddenly this land dispute was as important to her as the rest of the brownies, if only to beat this werewolf.

  “Ladies, we have not been introduced. You are?” Prince Nico asked with bored politeness, his voice slightly accented.

  “Your Highness, I am Ada Gerritsen, lawyer for the brownie clan, and this is Remika Alberts.” Ada indicated Remi, her tone cool and professional despite both princes’ scrutiny. “Remi is an intern who will assist the brownies and the wondrous imps”—gag—“in their rightful claim against the werewolves, whose thievery has deprived both clans of…”

  She glanced down at the land measurements provided in Nana’s documents. She felt her eyes bulge, and she blew out a disgusted, silent, breath. “Six inches of their Galdorcwide land.”

  She’d never been so embarrassed by her own kind! Six inches! Six frigging inches? Why was she even surprised or appalled? Sweet destiny, every damn brownie needed a reality check.

  “A very significant six inches.” Brownie Stefano Petersen nodded solemnly. “Which is rightfully ours, and which those thieving, ravishing dogs stole.”

  “That’s rich coming from a conniving, stealing brownie.” The werewolves’ lawyer, Aidan Charmers, muttered.

  She needed to get away from these creatures fast.

  “It is, of course, the principle. A mere six inches now could very well turn into six acres in the future. We cannot allow the wolves to go unchecked,” Chairman Travis Hughes for the imps said reasonably.

  That was a good point. Ada jotted it down on her notepad to use when necessary.

  “We can’t let them go uncollared,” Princess Missy added snidely.

  “There will be no comments such as those during this meeting.” Vampire Nico flicked an imaginary fleck off his tailored suit jacket. “Would anyone care for refreshments?”

  Without waiting for a response, the elegant vampire pressed a button on the panel beside him. Yes, the bloodsucker had style, but Ada especially liked his cool, unaffected attitude.

  “The brownies have a claim against the dogs and imps.” Chairman Hughes had a nice, reasonable voice which obviously belied his true nature, if the mischievous glint in his eyes was anything to go by. “It is a conflict of interest to have Remi Alberts representing both. She must withdraw from the brownie defense or step away completely.”

  “Please refrain from the use of the term dogs, Mr. Hughes,” Aidan Charmers added.

  Ada ignored him. “There is no conflict of interest, Chairman.” Ada put on the brownies’ trademark false smile, but her tone was chilly. “Our argument is first and foremost with the dogs who could easily have resolved this problem before it became a dispute by simply allowing the brownie and imp clans to commission an updated survey of their lands.” She softened her tone ever so slightly to become conspiratorial. “The imps are the brownies’ allies in this cause of securing what is rightfully theirs. Any other issues can be seen to once the dogs are shown justice.”

  Every time she said dogs, there were growls from the werewolves which gave her a satisfied thrill. It was always rewarding to score a hit, however minor.

  The vampire prince watched her with interest. “Perhaps Senorita Gerritsen, we can refrain from calling the werewolves dogs to avoid inciting them further.”

  “Oh, did I call them dogs?” She gave a simpering smile. “What a lovely tie. Silk, yes?”

  Prince Nico chuckled and nodded. “Si, the best Italian silk. Ah, wonderful, our refreshments.”

  A large hand slammed down on the table. “Get on with business, Nico.”

  The prince’s blond brows rose. “Business and pleasure should always be mingled, werewolf.”

  Chairman Hughes began the imp defense, Remi showing her loyalty to the imps by interjecting valuable points here and there while Ada made notes. Refreshments were served on an old-fashioned tea trolley and were a selection of finger sandwiches, pastries, and tea and coffee. At the meetings Ada usually attended there were biscuits and strong coffee, perhaps bagels if it went through lunch. Ada chose a tea and two finger sandwiches. She’d had enough coffee today and missed lunch.

  Vampires were generous, something Ada had not known.

  When it was her turn, she outlined the original agreement between the paranormal groups in Galdorcwide that assigned the split of land and spoke with concern about the werewolves for their lack of cooperation. She hinted they were not only insulting the brownies and imps by refusing to acknowledge the claim but all creatures and the structure of Galdorcwide.

  By the time she was winding down, the royals were sunk back in their seats looking bored and unhappy, which made her feel so much better as she hadn’t wanted to be here settling their pathetic six-inch land dispute. She dragged on just that little bit longer, not at all uncomfortable with the werewolf staring at her in such an intense, rude way anymore. Pissing him off was cheering her up immensely.

  “In summation, this simple but very important dispute over land”—she refrained from touching her nose to see if it grew an inch—“can be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction if the werewolves graciously permit an official land survey to be performed.” She looked directly at the werewolf prince. “Both the brownies and imps have commissioned independent surveys which confirmed that where their land borders the werewolves, there is a six-inch reduction to each. There is no dispute with any other clan. We know the rules; permission has to be granted. Do you give permission for the survey, Prince Nathaniel?”

  “No.” Prince Nathaniel’s eyes dropped first to the curve where her neck met shoulder, then to her breasts. “There may be room for negotiation.”

  Everyone but Ada and Prince Nico leaned forward in surprise. She didn’t because she was well trained not to as it could be used against her in court. But she was, and for a moment she thought she’d misheard him.

  Werewolves did not negotiate. To do so went completely against their take-no-prisoners, dominate-everyone nature.

  Ada just thought they were horny pricks. The creatures were constantly hunting down someone to screw and marking their territory with growls and aggression. The way this particular werewolf was eying her up showed his thoughts were not on the dispute. It proved her point about his kind. She had never understood werewolves and preferred to spend as little time with them as possible.

  “Negotiation?” Aidan Charmers practically squeaked. “Nate, they have nothing—!”

  “The brownies want to be heard, Aidan.” The aggression was gone, but the heat in his eyes as Prince Nathaniel’s gaze passed over her was something she was far more wary of. “Here. Tonight. We will…” His smile was all wolf, eyes drifting over her face, her body. “Talk.”

  Ada shut the folder with a flick of her hand. She smiled. Finally. The werewolf had provided a valid excuse for her to leave, yet still maintain a good position in these discussions. “As Prince Nathaniel shows no signs of wanting resolution, or at least offering a reasonable ne
gotiation, any further discussion today is pointless. I will draw up a proposal of how we are to proceed and forward to Chairman Hughes and Mr. Charmers.” She stood.

  Remi scrambled to her feet with the computer and law book in hand.

  “Good day Your Highnesses, imps, brownies,” Ada did not include the werewolves. She turned to Prince Nico. “Do we require an escort out of the building?”

  Smiling in amusement, the prince pressed a buzzer. “A delight to meet you, Senorita Gerritsen, and you, Senorita Alberts.”

  “I offered negotiation, brownie.” The werewolf prince drawled. “Afraid of a challenge, are you?”

  Not rising to the bait, Ada cast him a narrowed look, her gaze sweeping over him dismissively.

  “A challenge? There does not appear to be one, Your Highness.”

  A vampire held the conference room door open for them, and Ada swept out, followed by Remi. As she’d expected, the meeting had been a complete waste of time.

  Stepping into the elevator, Ada had an uneasy feeling. She glanced up just before the doors shut and was pinned by glistening bright green eyes. The wolfish look that followed had her shivering. Perhaps the meeting was too interesting. She may need to find a lawyer to replace her.

  Ada suddenly felt like prey. Not physically, but in a much deeper and primal way. Yes, it may be dangerous to spend any more time around the werewolf.

  She wasn’t looking to be the latest chew toy of Prince Nathaniel Le Garde, renowned player, no matter how well he filled out those scruffy old jeans. Fates damnation, she didn’t even like scruffy jeans, let alone werewolves!

  CHAPTER TWO

  The look on the brownie lawyer’s face gave Nate grim satisfaction. So it was like that, was it?

  He didn’t want to be here, hated these law matters with a passion. But he was also tired of finding filthy sneaky brownies crawling around the werewolf compound with measuring tapes and pockets full of stolen goodies. His wolves had taken to tossing the creatures from the compound fence.