I truly needed to find a way to break the mystical “charm” I had unintentionally left on her, or she might be stuck like this forever. Holy husky puppies, then I would be stuck with her forever. Well, not forever. Humans lived short lives, right? At most, she’d lived to be a hundred, and considering I was pretty much immortal as long as I continued to shift into my wolf form, I could outlive her easily, so—.
Zelin’s hand connected with the back of my head in that moment, the smack breaking my mental guy-rant. She rolled her eyes at me, shaking her head as she walked past me, and jogged the steps of Sarah’s brownstone home.
My hand clasped Sarah’s the moment I opened the car door for her, and I helped her out of the SUV while Zelin knocked on the door. We joined her to see a tall and slender man open the door. He had salt and pepper hair, and wore black slacks with a lavender dress shirt, and a gray pullover sweater vest.
He also sported rectangular, black rimmed glasses, the whole outfit making him look like the intellectual he was. Yet, the furious gleam in his coffee brown eyes made me cringe internally.
“Dad!” Sarah left my side, hugging him fiercely, and a wave of relief visibly rolled over him as he kissed her temple, returning the hug. “This is my dad, Brandon,” Sarah introduced. “Dad, these are my new friends from college that I told you about.” She faced Zelin with a brilliant smile. “This is my friend, Zelin, and this is my boyfriend, Gustav.”
Goddess gracious, why had I ever thought it would be a good idea to date a human?
Brandon’s gaze turned murderous when it set on me. I offered him a small smile, but somehow it seemed to piss him off even more.
“And these are my other friends, their cousins—Emory, Geron, Olis, Ivo, Rey, Len, Rod, Dale, Alois, Egon, Fonzo, and Barnie.
Her father’s eyes roamed each of our faces cautiously, as though he was dissecting us with his inquiring gaze. “Inside,” he ordered curtly, and we all exchanged a loaded glance, following him silently.
The house was spacious but cozy, with cool gray, blue, and purple tones in the décor, and my attention went to the door he motioned us to—his home office. The first thing that caught my eye when we entered, was a wall to wall wooden cabinet with glass doors that sat behind his desk. It was massive, and it was filled with books, framed articles, and all the awards he had won during his career as a journalist.
I had the biggest secret in the world to keep, and what did I do? I managed to love-notize the daughter of one of the most inquisitive minds in the world, reveal my race to her, and then waltz into his home with my wolf shifter parade.
Yeah, I doubted my sanity right about now.
“Now, tell me young man,” his eyes settled on me. “Do you think it’s honorable for you to start dating my daughter, and convince her to sleep in your house for a week, without even having the decency to meet me face to face?”
“Dad, it’s not what you think,” Sarah defended instantly, receiving a reproaching glance from him.
“She’s right, sir,” Zelin added, standing before him. “I’m truly sorry. I know how this looks, but Sarah’s sleepover was with me, not with my brother,” she explained politely, giving him an honest smile. “She’s the only friend I’ve made since we arrived from Germany, and as you can see, I need all the girl time I can get.”
She motioned behind her to our cousins, her gaze swiftly falling over me as she turned back to the man.
“I thought that having Ms. Elizabeth call you to let you know Sarah would be staying with us was enough. I’m used to being around the guys, so I didn’t think anything of inviting her to stay with me. I’m sorry. I should have known how her staying in a house with so many guys would look. If it’s any consolation, we don’t live alone. Ms. Elizabeth and Mr. Audrick are our temporary parents while we are here. You can speak to them anytime you like.”
Brandon’s suspicious gaze wandered over us once more, before settling back on Zelin. He mulled over her explanation for a moment, but finally nodded, letting out a heavy sigh. He seemed to accept Zelin’s reasoning.
“I’m okay with it, because my daughter called me every day, and was not in any danger. But I’d like to be notified beforehand next time.”
“Of course, sir,” I answered, bringing his attention back to me.
“You are all cousins?” The tone in his question said he we weren’t fooling anyone.
“Yes, we have a big family back in Germany,” I explained, and his keen eyes swept over me again—from head to toe. He wasn’t buying it, but he let it go.
“Thanks for bringing her home, Gustav. Since you are German royalty, I expect you’ll be nothing but a gentleman while dating my daughter.” His statement was more of a warning than anything else.
“I can assure you Sarah is safe with me, Sir. I was raised to respect women, and protect them. I would never do anything to hurt her in any way. You can count on that.”
I straightened before him, not cowering under his penetrating gaze, and let my Alpha power reach him, just to add a little punch behind my words. Humans could still feel our dominance, although not in the same way a shifter would. They usually just attributed the sensation to their instincts about a person, or the impression someone left on them.
A gleam of approval entered his eyes as he watched me, but he remained silent.
“Plus, he’s a mama’s boy,” Sarah reasoned, breaking the tension in the room. “Everyone knows mama’s boys treat women well.
Everyone chuckled while her dad’s keen eyes remained on me, though his lips did quirk in amusement.
“My dad is a mama’s boy too, so you are in good company,” Sarah added nonchalantly and we all laughed. Even he.
“Very well, that’s enough emasculating for today, sweetie,” Brandon answered, chuckling while he kissed his daughter’s temple. “It’s nice to meet you all. Thanks for opening your home to my daughter, and bringing her back safe.”
“She’s awesome. We love having her around,” Rod added with a large grin, still thrilled from the belly rub Sarah had given his wolf during breakfast.
I grinned when Brandon fixed his glasses, his inquisitive gaze roaming over Rod. “Has anyone told you look like Wolverine?”
We all grunted while Rod puffed his chest.
Not again.
After spending most of the day in Sarah’s house, answering Brandon’s subtle questions as we had lunch, and spent time in her family room. I was a little ticked that her father knew I was royalty, though Sarah hadn’t told him anything other than the name of the guy she was “dating.”
Then again, that was nothing to worry, if he googled Von Reinheit, the human history of the ReinheitWölfe royals popped up right away. After all, they owned the city of Garmisch, in Germany and the mountains were the castles were located.
It was his casual interrogation throughout the afternoon that made me uncomfortable. You could tell this was not his first rodeo.
It was possible he was so used to doing it in his profession, that he didn’t even realize he was doing it during regular conversation, but I highly doubted it. Especially when he asked me the same thing in three different ways, just to see if I would slip. Unfortunately for him, having to hide our true nature kind of made us experts in the art of lying.
Not that I was proud of that.
We stopped at the door, when Sarah and her father walked us out to say goodbye after dinner. Sarah’s mom had insisted we stay for dinner too. Brandon extended his hand to me, and I shook it firmly, appreciating the gesture. He finally seemed comfortable enough with us.
“You seem like a decent young man. I’m at peace with you dating my daughter, Gustav. Though, I’ll still keep my eye on you.” The words were playful, as he smiled, but I didn’t doubt it for a moment.
“Dad. Don’t be so annoying.”
He chuckled, kissing her temple, and hugged her to his side. “You are my daughter, being protective is in the job description.”
She grinned as he squeezed her.
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“You have nothing to worry about, sir,” Zelin assured, adding to my disbelief. She had been quite talkative today, conversing with Sarah’s mom, Lauren, on and off throughout dinner. “I never leave Gustav’s side, so you can count on me to keep an eye on them. I always keep him in line.”
I laughed, wasn’t that the truth. Zelin looked over her shoulder at me with a mischievous gleam in her eyes, and something stirred inside me. Her lips twitched, but she didn’t let the smile take over them.
“I approve of the chaperone,” Lauren added confidently, appearing at the door with two plastic containers. She handed them to Olis and Egon. “More cupcakes for the guys. I’m glad you liked my red velvet recipe.”
My chest warmed at her gesture; Sarah was lucky to have them in her life. They were honest, good people. I couldn’t really complain about the day we had spent with them. Even with the extra secret interrogation, it had felt very homey, and I hadn’t realized until now how much I missed that. Even though I had Zelin and the guys, I missed my family back in Germany.
Maybe I would give them another call tonight.
“I’m glad you approve of my friends,” Sarah added, coming to my side, and placing a kiss on my cheek.
“I do,” Brandon answered reluctantly, eyes settling on me. “I like him much better than the other one you wanted to date. I don’t care how important his family is; there is something about Logan… I felt it since the moment I saw him.”
“Okay, Dad. No need for the reminder,” Sarah grunted, but she was more uncomfortable with the mention of his name, than embarrassed.
“I can understand that, sir. And I agree with you, but I can promise you that as long as Sarah is with me, she’ll be safe,” I assured. “I give you my word.”
“We will all protect her,” Zelin, added, giving him her Iron Knight vow.
He had no idea what had just happened, but he had just received the highest oath. The knights straightened around us in response, and Brandon acknowledged her promise. “Thank you.”
“He’s always protected me,” Sarah added, as a silent reminder of what I had stopped.
She had finally heeded my advice today, finding the courage to tell her dad about what happened with Logan, while Zelin and sat I beside her. He had been supportive, though they didn’t tell her mom. Brandon chose not to go to the police with it, though I wasn’t sure of the reason behind it. Something told me he wanted to go after Logan himself.
Join the club.
Sarah came closer, snuggling into my chest. “Can I move in with you?”
“No!” Brandon, Lauren, Zelin and I all shouted at the same time.
I blinked, startled, wondering if a bump on the head might take away her infatuation with me. “Um. Sorry. I just don’t think that would be appropriate,” I answered, nervously looking at her dad, and of course, his eyes were narrowed on me.
Holy freaking husky puppies. That was exactly what Sarah was behaving like, a pup—loving, needy, and eager to please.
“Fine. You all don’t have to shout at me,” she frowned. “Goodnight kiss before you leave?”
Brandon’s gaze became ominous as I leaned closer to Sarah, and I found myself awkwardly kissing her cheek, without taking my eyes from her dad. He wasn’t a wolf shifter, but still, an Alpha never dropped his eyes from another male’s challenging gaze.
Lauren chuckled. “Leave the poor boy alone. They are good guys.” She smacked her husband’s chest playfully, entering the house.
Humor entered Brandon’s eyes. “Fine. I’m tired anyway!” he called after her, nodding us goodbye, and motioned for his daughter to join him.
Zelin’s head whipped around suddenly, looking across the street. I knew her well enough to know that meant danger.
“Someone is watching us,” she sent into all our minds and the knights turned in unison.
“Is it the white BMW?” I asked, my arm tightening around Sarah protectively, while Brandon’s observation didn’t miss a beat.
He followed my eyes to the white car parked several yards away with its lights on still. It was far enough that no human could recognize us from there… but something told me the driver wasn’t human.
“Yes,” Ivo was the one who answered, and I had no doubt his eyes were glowing, he was using his enhance archer vision to zero in on the car. I was glad he was giving Brandon his back. “I can see the driver. It’s Logan. His friends are with him.”
I leaned into Sarah’s ear. “It’s Logan,” I whispered, and pushed her towards her dad. “Take her inside,” I ordered him.
Taking a step forwards, I prepared to shove them both inside, if that was what it took to keep them safe. I had a feeling Brandon would demand to know what the hell was going on, instead of following my orders. We had no time for that. Yet, when his eyes became alert, I knew the warning in my voice had been clear. Holding Sarah’s arm, he pulled her inside and bolted the door.
Rage awoke inside me as I spun on my heel and stalked towards the white BMW. Logan had some nerve showing up to Sarah’s house. Zelin marched beside me while the knights flanked us and we crossed the street, but before we could reach the car, he pulled out of the spot and drove up the street like a mad man, getting away.
Fucking asshole. I never thought I was capable of true hate until I met him. He awoke the darkness in me every time I saw him.
Changing direction, I walked towards our SUVs while the others followed.
“Let’s go to the park. I need a run.”
* * *
“Logan is following us,” Emory announced, looking at the rearview mirror as he drove.
With the announcement the fierce Iron Knight returned. Zelin pulled her hand from mine—where it had been nestled during the whole ride—and she turned back, her eyes focusing on the white BMW.
“It’s two cars behind Len’s SUV.” Zelin confirmed.
Ivo’s eyes glowed once again when he zeroed in on the car. “They are grinning. Freaking idiots.”
You have got to be kidding me. “Can you lose them?” I asked Emory. “I’m really not in the mood to deal with them right now.”
“I’ll try, but something tells me he won’t give up.”
It seemed like forever but we finally arrived at the park. There was no sight of Logan’s car in the review mirror, but I wasn’t as foolish as to think he had just left us be. He was looking for a fight, especially after his father had him suspended from the crime force unit.
This was going to end badly.
Driving the cars over the grass, we reached the clustered trees where we usually parked, and got out of the SUVs. A light shone from behind us, and we turned to see the white car moving towards us slowly. Logan had taken the way around, probably guessing we would come here after being absent for a week.
Before his car slowed to a stop, the twelve knights had unloaded their weapons from under their respective seats, squaring off behind Zelin. Egon’s throwing daggers danced around his fingers as he spun them, while the large iron bow was firmly held in Ivo’s grasp, he held two metallic, silver-head arrows in his other hand.
Rod was already in his wolf form, and Olis stood close to him half shifted, his broad torso and arms had doubled in size, reminding me of the Hulk. Zelin stood beside me, as always, her silver sword hung from her hip in warning, gleaming as the blade caught the moonlight.
“Thanks for the welcome committee,” Logan mocked, slamming the door closed, and walking towards us.
Samuel, Nathan, and Kyle flanked him, holstering semi-automatic guns at the sides of their uniforms, while Logan pulled a pair of thick leather gloves from his jacket. It had large metal spikes on the knuckles.
A smug smile stretched his lips while he took off the jacket, throwing it on the grass, and began to tug the gloves onto his hands snuggly. “What, you think you are the only one who can play with silver, Iron Knight?”
He spat the title as though it were shit in his mouth, and Zelin’s form violently tensed beside me.
“Our guns are loaded with one-of-a-kind silver bullets,” Kyle added, pulling out his weapon, and training it on me. “If I were you, I would seriously consider not making any sudden movements… I have itchy fingers.” He smirked and a red laser point suddenly landed over my heart.
A roar of menacing growls erupted from behind me, half the knights bursting out of the skin and turning into wolves at the threat.
Before the smirk had fully formed on Kyle’s lips Zelin appeared before him in a blur. She smacked his right hand and the weapon flew out of his grasp, then thrust both fists into his chest, sending him flying back, until he crashed against the ground with a hard thud.
But that wasn’t enough for her.
Zelin lunged for him again, pulling her sword mid-air, and landing crouched on top of him. The flat side of her silver sword pressed against the front of his neck, choking him with the pressure. A gargled scream left him from the burning pain, while Zelin’s other hand pushed on his chest, pinning him to the ground.
Finally coming out of the shock from her unexpected attack, Samuel and Nathan hurriedly pulled their weapons, but before they had pointed at us, two arrows pierced their wrists at the same time, blowing their hands back, and forcing them to their knees as the weapons fell to the ground.
They cried out in pain, holding their injured hands with the arrows still stuck in them, silver spearheads in their skins, scorching them from the inside.
“Let this be the last time you point a weapon against the Moon Prince,” Zelin spoke calmly but menacingly into Kyle’s face, silver claws poised over his heart.
One wrong move and he would die.
Kyle attempted to buck under her hold to no avail; my Iron Knight might as well have been a thousand-pound boulder on top of him.
My fists trembled at my sides, muscles rippling while I fought the shift. The contempt coursing through me was mirrored in Logan’s eyes. “Are you really this stupid?” I snapped at him.
Wolf Prince Page 16
