Chapter 17

 

 

Steele gazed at Gaby as she slept. Nearly the crack of dawn and he didn’t have the heart to wake her. He smiled. So beautiful. Her tousled hair fanned over her pillow tempted him to rejoin her in bed and hold her in his arms as he had all night. His wife. A member of Rylee’s pack. But how could he keep her? During the last few days, he remembered everything about his life prior to meeting her. His duty to Team Greywolf, his family’s legacy as a royal prince, his commitment to take an alpha mate and one, who without a doubt would never allow him to keep Gaby. How could he think of Gaby as just a whirlwind romance? She was his wife, but felt like a mate. Not possible. He’d been brought up to believe a human could never be a suitable mate. Certainly not for the second highest-ranking royal alpha. Yet, could he leave her for good? He had to think of his future.

Steele stared at his watch. In five minutes, the helicopter would fly him to his brother’s castle. When he last spoke with Conan, he ordered Steele to resign from Team Greywolf. The king insisted he take his place at his side and help run the lycan kingdom. Their last visit ended entirely on bad terms. Steele argued about quitting the team to take up royal duties. That and settle down with an alpha mate. Especially not Princess Kiara, daughter of power-hungry Prince Milton. Despite her high status and his brother’s belief she’d make the best mate, his nightmare about the princess turning on him was most revealing. How could he ever trust her?

Steele gently leaned in and kissed Gaby on her rich brown hair. Savoring her sweet aroma. The bite on her neck would keep her asleep into the late morning. He’d see her soon. Perhaps then, he would have things sorted out. Quietly, he left and headed to the helipad.

Rylee met him at the exit. “Steele, I need a word.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Will you resign from the team?”

Rylee was ever so direct. Steele raked his hair back. “I’m not ready to, but Conan is stubborn as hell.”

“I just had a conference call with him. He said that if you don’t resign, he will insist the council decommission Team Greywolf from the LIA.”

“What? He can’t do that.”

“Enough council members believe we are too involved in human affairs, and yes, he can influence the undecided members to follow his command.”

His hackles rose. “That’s his plan then. Either I leave or he’ll pressure the council to disband Team Greywolf.” After working for the team, he’d come to realize what happened to humans trickled down to their lives. They would always have a connection to humans. Without them, Stallo would never have existed to create the lycan kind.

“King Conan didn’t exactly spell it out in those terms, but yes, it’s bloody blackmail.”

Steele pressed his lips together. He would do whatever it took to keep the team together. Even sacrifice his love of duty. His idea of keeping Gaby as his human, while working for Rylee had been nothing more than a fantasy. Why would Gaby want to stay and be his mistress or rather pet? And how would she put up with his long absences while on a mission? Not to mention his duty to mate and father pups with a proper alpha she-wolf. Gaby would never agree. Nor would his future mate.

A soldier approached. “The pilot is ready, sir.”

He shot Rylee a worried look. “About…Gaby?”

“Don’t worry. She’s a member of my pack. We’ll let her know you’re visiting your brother, the king.”

“Tell her...” No, I can’t say tell her I love her. Not even to Rylee. “Tell her I’ll call her soon.”

“I’ll let her know.”

Reassured Rylee would protect Gaby in his absence, Steele boarded the helicopter. He glanced out the window, longing for Gaby to wake up and stop him from leaving. His gut twisted. Would he see her again? How could he? Humans were inferior and he’d been groomed to help his older brother continue the Wildwood royal legacy. At least that was his old self. In the short amount of time he’d known Gaby, she forever changed his view on humans. He respected humans, but never believed they should be intimately involved with a werewolf. Never as a pet, or as a wife for that matter.

Missing Gaby, Steele endured the short flight to his brother’s hidden castle. Upon landing near the entrance, he disembarked. He carried nothing more than Gaby’s lingering scent as a reminder of the woman he loved. An escort of three alpha guards bowed to him. He followed them inside, where he met the king’s beta, Sinclair. A lycan who had been loyal to their pack when his father ruled.

The beta bowed. “The king awaits you, my liege.”

“Lead the way, Sinclair.” Steele glanced around at the opulent castle. Familiar. The place he lived in after he’d undergone the change. Good memories didn’t mask the bad ones of his father’s betrayal to the packs. The shame of his younger brother who suffered from Griswold’s taint. Despite all the chaos, his older brother, King Conan set out to prove he could be trusted to rule over the packs. To prove his worth and keep his distance from his father’s downfall, Steele joined Team Greywolf.

Steele’s mind clouded as he approached the king’s chambers. What would he tell his brother? I am happy to take my place as royal viceroy or I wish to continue serving Team Greywolf? Oh, yeah, I am married to a human who just happens to be a supposedly extinct wolf charmer. Then again, since they had used fake names, the marriage held no binding legality.

Sinclair led him to his brother’s office den, a large chamber with an elaborate personal library and massive oak desk. Little to no technology. A Victorian era appearance. His brother had left it the way their father and grandfather kept it. The beta bowed to the king. “My liege, Prince Steele.”

Conan stood and sniffed twice. He inhaled deeply and smiled. “Brother. I was so worried you’d been killed.” In two steps, he reached Steele and squeezed him with a bear hug.

He and his brother shared conservative lycan values and had always been close. Until Steele left his royal duties to join Rylee’s pack. Only then had their relationship suffered. Mention of Gaby would certainly harm a fragile family reunion. They broke their embrace. “Nice to see you too, brother.” How soon before he said I told you so?

“I never believed you were dead.” He snorted. “Despite my council’s advice, I refused to hold a funeral. I credit Rylee and Lunara for finding you.”

“I’ll spare you the details of what happened, except that I forgot my identity.”

“Your head injury must have been grave.”

“I’m completely healed.” He smiled. “Lev and Lunara were successful in returning my memories.” No way he’d tell him he took the mind wipe drug, which failed, to stay wolf long enough to escape from captors. Because of him, their kind was exposed. Humans outside the Keep now knew werewolves existed. Humans who worked for Project Sabertooth. The facility was destroyed, but Dr. Tomlin survived. Would he continue on his own or work in the Keep’s underground chimera labs? Knowing Rylee, she must be gathering intelligence on their new base of operations. He should lead the mission not live the life of an entitled prince who flaked on his responsibilities.

Conan gestured for him to sit and Steele sat across from him. He sighed. “Needless to say, Rylee has been less than forthcoming about your mission.”

“I’m sorry, even the king is not privy to lycan intelligence.” The lycan council had long ago agreed the LIA would keep the king and members of the council on a need to know basis. However, before Steele left, he recalled three conservative council members had taken over vacated seats. The council of thirty alpha lycans could keep the LIA for surveillance purposes, but disband Team Greywolf.

“It became my business when I almost lost my brother.”

“I understand.”

Conan leaned back and rubbed his brow as if to ward off a headache. “Was the mission a success?”

They stopped a terrorist cell from delivering a nuke and killing millions. “Yes.” No point mentioning his capture by a nefarious group with a connection to the Keep. Or Gaby.

Conan forced a smile. A façade he learned his brother held when faking his approval. “Job well done. You can leave Team Greywolf in good conscience.”

“I believe my skills are better served in the LIA rather than as a bored viceroy.”

“Which is why I’ll appoint you captain of the royal wolf guards with occasional duties as standing royal viceroy.”

The royal wolf guards served as the security team around the king and other royals. An excellent army of lycan soldiers, but they rarely saw battle. Not that he fed on the adrenaline rush, but he had a strong need to protect all packs and humans from harm. Within the royal grounds, he’d only see the occasional human. None were allowed to live on the castle grounds. Conan barely tolerated humans with the exception of Stallo women who could bare lycan hybrids. These offspring were born human without the pain of undergoing the change. Each year, fewer werewolves survived the change. “I need time to think about it.”

Conan narrowed his eyes. “I met with the council concerning Team Greywolf yesterday.”

Before or after the king met with Rylee? Steele stiffened. “Care to enlighten me?”

“Fair enough. We agreed the purpose of the LIA was to keep us informed of human issues that affect us. Though it sounds cold hearted, this means not being a human rescue team. They have their own military and authorities to handle their stupid wars and disasters without us nosing in.”

“Unfortunately, we share the same planet. What happens to them affects us.”

“If you mean global warming and pollution, humans have enough champions to carry on noble environmental causes.”

If only he could tell him how they stopped a nuke. Lycans suffered the same damaging effects from nuclear fallout. Lev being the exception, despite the fact the Chernobyl meltdown killed his pack. Yet, he was right about their humanitarian or rather lycanian efforts. Rylee sent them on missions to save humans after earthquakes and other disasters. Why not protect humans? “I don’t see anything wrong with saving innocent humans.”

“I see Rylee brainwashed you.”

“No. I realized my past prejudices about humans were unfounded. After all our ancestor was a human was he not?”

“Point taken, but Stallo transcended into a superior being.”

“I didn’t come here to argue politics, but I must admit I’m leaning toward staying with Team Greywolf.”

“This is not what we agreed on before you left for your near fatal mission.”

“I know, but after almost losing my life, I realized if it had been another agent, he or she might have been killed.”

“Good news for Rylee. The council will permit Rylee to continue Team Greywolf, however, a special liaison has been appointed to oversee her pack.”

“Your spy?”

“Someone who will make sure our society is kept secret.”

“No interference is needed. The LIA has an excellent cleanup committee.”

“While you flew in, I called Rylee and discussed my offer. She agreed, but only for a month visit.”

“My alpha is always willing to compromise,” said Steele.

Conan narrowed his eyes. Referring to Rylee as his alpha probably wasn’t the most diplomatic thing to say. “As long as you know even your alpha answers to me.”

“Of course, brother.”

Conan’s tone softened. “How about we go on a hunt, just you and I? Like old times.”

Stalking prey appealed to his wolf. Steele smiled. “Yes, that will do me good.”

Conan cocked his head. “So no memory lapses?”

“Don’t worry. No permanent damage.” Except for the fact he’d fallen in love and married a human. Gaby. How the hell would he explain that to his human-hating brother? How far would Conan go to stop him from keeping her as a pet? Would she even want to be his human until he took a proper mate?

“Good. We’ll spend the day in wolf form. When we return, you can shower and dress for a proper welcome banquet.”

Steele hated pomp and circumstance, but why not let his brother celebrate his return? A reunion that could turn explosive if he breathed a word about Gaby.

 

Alone, Gaby ate breakfast. After being marked during the ritual, Steele gently bit her, healing her wounds. She remembered floating in his arms in blissful sleep. Yet, he’d left. Did he even bother sleeping with her or did he leave after putting her to bed? Why hadn’t he checked on her? She sipped the coffee and glanced at her gashes, now silvery scars. Thanks to his healing alpha saliva. Imagine the pharmaceutical uses their salivary juices could provide. No wonder lycans kept their kind secret. Revelation of their existence would put them under the scope and knife of research scientists. The Keep on the other hand wanted them dead. A species that could compel humans to their will were certainly a threat. The fact they were super soldiers didn’t help alleviate the Keep’s fears of them taking over human society.

A knock followed by the door opening gladdened her. He’s back. “Oh, it’s you.”

Cricket smirked. “Expecting Steele?”

“Yeah. I was. Where is my husband?”

“About the marriage thing, our kind won’t recognize it as binding. You better get used to it before someone bites your head off, literally.”

Gaby shrugged. “I know. Werewolves are not allowed to marry humans-thing.”

Cricket rubbed her chin. “I can’t imagine a prince of the realm keeping a wolf charmer as a pet.”

“Not that I’m a big fan of being owned, but what if he chooses to keep me as his human pet?” In public, she could keep the pretense, but in the privacy of their home, they’d be husband and wife. Like he’d promised not so long ago in the little chapel in Las Vegas. Yet, though she loved him, the return of his memories would put distance between them. When he waltzed in last night during the non-disclosure ritual, a change had come over him. Steele couldn’t shower her with affection around his commander, but Gaby nonetheless detected his wolf aura appeared aloof. Not once acknowledging her.

“Being the king’s brother even being his pet may not be possible.” Cricket took out a mug from the cupboard and poured herself coffee.

Gaby stared at her hands. “I see. Now that his identity has returned, he understands we can no longer be together.”

“I’m not saying give up. He is over the moon in love with you. At least that’s what I sensed.”

“What was the old Steele like?”

“Honestly, not a big fan of human and werewolf relationships. Although, he felt protective of humans. Steele always volunteered to help save humans during disasters and stopping the bad guys from harming them. I’m not at liberty to give specifics, but on his missions he often saved millions of human lives.”

“So to Steele, humans are like livestock to guard, not love.”

“I wouldn’t go that far. It’s just that his brother the king prefers to cut all human ties. Meaning no more missions to save humans and or allowing them to live amongst our kind.”

“And now that he remembers his true feelings, he wants to forget me?”

“I think he has split into two men; one his old snooty self and the other his new open-minded self.”

“Like Jekyll and Hide. Only in his case, Kane and Steele.”

“Good analogy. The question is who will win?”

“He wasn’t Kane for very long so the answer is obvious. I lose.”

“Not necessarily.”

“You would think he’d at least come and check on me.”

Cricket turned to her bedroom and sniffed. “Actually, he stayed with you the entire night.”

“He did?”

“Before he left, I overheard him tell Rylee, to keep you safe.”

“Where did he go?”

“He went to visit his brother, King Conan.”

“Oh, of course. Family.” She’d never really had a family, but she understood the concept and was often envious of those who had siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles and on and on. His brother would have all the time and resources to influence him about whom he could or should love.

“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.