Chapter 23

 

 

Gaby looked back at the distant murder of crows. She’d commanded them to block Hallie, but not peck or harm her. The crows obeyed and singled Hallie out from all the other pedestrians. Hallie retreated inside the café, and probably called Rylee for backup. Would they feel betrayed, or worse, think she really was part of the plot after all? Who knew if Rylee was on her side? She might be using her to lure Project Sabertooth out. Then do as the king ordered, kill her. The only person who can make sure I live is me, myself and I.

Gaby hurried along. A dozen crows flew above her, keeping an eye out for Hallie. As long as she didn’t follow her, the crows would not block Hallie. The warden might return home, or if she got in her car, may try to follow her, which would complicate matters more. After several miles, Gaby ordered the crows to keep an eye on what direction Hallie drove her car. She walked until she arrived at a light rail station. Good thing she had her new wallet with a credit card and plenty of cash. It didn’t matter where she went as long as Hallie was out of danger. Once she found a place safe from werewolves, she would call Tomlin and make a deal. Would he trust her?

Gaby boarded the train toward the airport. From there, she would buy a ticket away from wolf territory. If she used the credit card, they could trace her. No matter. She’d still be hours if not days ahead of them. At least from Team Greywolf. As far as she knew, Kiara didn’t have any information about her.

No time to waste, once at the airport she headed to the ticket booth. Hmm. Florida. Why not? Opposite side of the U.S. Definitely not wolf country. Naples. Close to the Everglades. That will work.

The woman at the ticket booth gazed up. “How can I help you?”

“Any available seats left to Naples, Florida?”

“Looks like three left in first class.”

“How much?”

“We’ll take two,” said Steele.

Gaby turned. Her heart stilled. Time stopped. Wasn’t he supposed to be preparing for his upcoming marriage? “W-w-w…what are you doing here?”

Steele shook his head and chuckled. “My wife thinks she’s so funny.”

Wife? Her pulse quickened. Am I dreaming? If anything, shouldn’t he haul her back to stand trial? Rylee said she would protect her, but why send her ex engaged to the powerful princess hell bent on having her killed?

The woman at the ticket counter gave him a quizzical look.

Steele met her gaze. “Here’s my card.”

The woman nodded as if under a spell. Hell, Gaby too was under his spell. “Luggage to check in?”

“We are traveling light.”

Talk about an understatement. Steele only had his wallet. He wore blue jeans and a tailored black shirt with the sleeves rolled up, revealing toned and hot as hell muscular arms.

Steele took the boarding passes. “Thank you.” He gentled an arm over hers. “Come on, honey. Let’s grab a coffee before our flight.”

They went through security without a hitch. She was at a loss as to what to say. She had a million questions, but hurried along. Was he leaving his pack to run with her? Gaby managed a whisper, “What are you doing?”

“Saving your pretty little ass.”

“What about Kiara? Won’t she be pissed at you for helping a fugitive?”

“Technically, we are both fugitives.”

Her voice hitched. “What do you mean?”

Steele glanced at his watch. “We have thirty minutes. Come. I’ll explain everything.” They entered a café and ordered two cups.

Gaby poured creamer in her coffee and gazed at him. “I don’t want you to get in trouble on account of me.” At least that’s what her brain said. Her heart danced for joy because he wanted her.

Steele chuckled. “When my brother learns I’ve given everything up for you, my little wolf charmer, I’ll be wanted dead or alive.”

“Does he know?”

“Not yet. Rylee and Hallie do, but when I don’t return, the entire lycan community will suspect I’m with my human wife.”

“To be honest, I don’t think our marriage was legit.”

“My wolf says it is.”

They were in grave danger. A future of being on the run at every turn. Probably dead in months if not weeks. Yet, she had never felt happier. Love for a short period was better than life without him. “Are you sure? I mean, won’t you miss the pack, and not to mention your royal status?”

Steele took her hand in his larger one. “Gaby, I would give it up a thousand times just to be with you even for one day. Hell, even for one minute.”

His mobile buzzed and he frowned. “It’s Rylee.”

Gaby nodded. What now?

“Yes, she’s with me. Is Hallie back?”

So, she had sent Steele after her niece failed. Gaby bit her lip. Shit. Was the warden in big trouble?

Steele’s tone changed from respectful to rude. “Damn it! Tell her I left on an emergency special ops mission. Anything to buy us time, ma’am.”

He nodded and listened for a few more minutes. Gaby clutched her mug, hoping its warmth would ease the chill that ran through her body like an ice storm.

“Thank you, ma’am.” Steele tucked away his mobile and sighed.

“What’s going on?”

“Besides all hell breaking loose? Rylee is meeting with Lunara and the council tonight about the wolf charmer who attempted to murder the king’s queen and daughter.”

“You know I didn’t.”

“I know. And better yet, Rylee believes you had nothing to do with the assassination attempt. My brother, unfortunately, wants a reward for your head. Kiara is leading the hunt with her army of werewolves.”

“Does your brother know you are betraying him?”

“Not yet. He and the queen are in Norway seeking a cure for her infertility. I told him I would help Rylee investigate who hired the assassin. I hope he trusts I’ll get to the bottom of it.”

“Yet, how can you, if you are not bringing in his number one suspect, me?”

“True, but once we clear your name he’ll have to accept it.”

“Doubtful he’ll accept a human who happens to be a wolf-segen as your mate.”

“Let’s solve one problem at a time.”

“What about Kiara, won’t she expect you at her side while stalking me?”

“Rylee will tell her I’m following a new lead, but going undercover.”

Gaby lifted a brow. “Kiara must think you are making nice with me to bring me in, right?”

“She knows damn well I’m not going to bring you in. Let’s hope she buys Rylee’s story.”

“Kiara must be trying to reach you.”

“She can’t on my secured phone.”

“How good is her army?”

“Not trained in espionage, but well trained for battle. They are part of the royal army. Kiara’s family is known to have the fiercest warriors. Her father Prince Milton was my late father’s devoted friend and not a fan of humans.”

“That’s definitely not good news.”

He sighed. “Especially since I’m on my own. Team Greywolf can’t come to the rescue of a fugitive.”

Gaby sighed. “Please, go. I don’t want to be part of your downfall.”

Steele smiled. “Too late.” He retrieved a small velvet bag from his pocket.

She gawked as two wedding rings sat on top of the black velvet. “You brought them.”

He took her hand and put her ring on, then took his and put it on his finger. “If this doesn’t convince you I’m with you for life, not sure what will.” He smiled. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

He kissed her hand and winked. “Time to go.”

 

Steele slowed the motorboat and parked in front of the cottage they’d rented isolated in the Florida Everglades. He got out, secured the boat on the slip and scanned the area. Water surrounded the vacation home. The only access was by motor boat, included in the overpriced rent. His wolf senses remained on full alert.

Gaby stepped off the boat and smiled. “A perfect hiding place.”

“Or a deathtrap if we’re surrounded.”

“For them not us.” She winked.

“Depending on how many of Tomlin’s assassins he sends. Or worse, Kiara’s killer werewolves.”

“Take a look at my security.” She pointed to the water.

The eyes of numerous alligators popped up from nearly every direction. Although, a seasoned lycan warrior, the presence of the ancient reptiles caused the hairs on the back of his neck to rise. He’d known there were gators in the water, but up close and personal like trained guard dogs, they blew his mind. “Much better than cameras.”

“We’ll just need your wolf ears in case they come by helicopter.”

He drew her in and gazed at her alluring green eyes. “We are a perfect team.”

“As good as Team Greywolf?”

“Better, since our team comes with benefits.” Steele lifted her chin and captured her lips with his. His fervor bittersweet. On seeing her at the airport, he’d wanted to kiss the hell out of her, but making a scene might have drawn front page social media attention. Desire ripped through him. He’d found his mate, but at a high cost. Gaby moaned in pleasure, reassuring he’d made the right decision. He released her. “Shall I carry you over the threshold again?”

She laughed. “Do I have a choice?”

“None.”

“Thought so, alpha wolf.”

Steele lifted her and carried her up the steps to the quaint cottage. He felt her squirm in his hold. The scent of her desire fueled his. Still, he needed to tame his wolf to focus on their plan of action. He unlocked the door, entered and gently put her down. The cottage had a small living room, dinette, and kitchen. Very cozy. “Nice.”

Gaby walked to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator “We’ll have to call a food delivery service.”

She bent down to reach for a complimentary bottle of water. His fangs emerged as he glanced at her shapely ass. “Got that right.”

She stood and turned. “Looks like you are hungry.”

Plan of action can wait. He growled. “Not for food.”

Gaby sauntered to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “How about for a wolf charmer?”

“You must be telepathic.”

Her hand drifted to his aching bulge and she smiled. “No need for ESP.”

Steele groaned. “Why don’t we make sure the bedroom meets our needs?”

“Let’s.”

He lifted her over his shoulder, fireman style and slapped her ass.

Gaby yelped and then laughed. “Put me down.”

 

Steele entered the bedroom. She smiled. A king-sized bed canopied with mosquito netting, adding to the mood of mystery and love. “Wow.” Reunion sex was going to rock.

He tenderly sat Gaby on the bed, knelt and removed her right shoe. Her instinct was to undress as quickly as possible, but he seemed to enjoy the slower pace. He massaged her right foot with the expertise of a masseuse. No lotion, just his hands. His thick thumbs pressed into her sole, working pressure points she never knew existed. She leaned back and mewed. “My god, don’t stop.”

“That’s my intention.”

Steele eased her pleasured foot down and moved on to her left foot, who, like her needy nipples, desired attention. He kissed her foot and bit her big toe, sending her into a mini-orgasm. “Oh…yes!”

Steele chuckled. “You are so easy to please.” He released her foot, stood and removed his shirt.

His broad muscular chest, rock hard abs and wolf tattoo on his bicep practically made her drool with need. His hands moved to the zipper of his jeans. Oh, boy. I’m in for a hot night.

He grinned, baring his glistening fangs. His voice low. Sexy as hell. “Enjoying the show?”

“You have no idea.” Can’t wait. She removed her top. All she wanted was his body pressed against hers.

Steele blew a wolf whistle and smiled. “So sexy.”

“Fond of my physical charms I see.”

He ran his thumb over her knee. “All of your charms.” His gaze fell to her bra as she unclipped it letting her breasts and eager to be touched nipples tumble out. Steele said, “Stand.”

She obeyed. He smiled. “Out of your pants before I rip them off.”

Gaby quickly unzipped her jeans and pulled them off. She slowly started to ease out of her red lacy panties. Too late, he held one end of her garment and tore them off. Her underpants gathered at her feet like debris from a sexual storm.

Steele lifted her and she wrapped her legs around his waist. His hardness pressed below her bottom as he twirled around with her, making her dizzy with lust. He gently bit her neck and his hot breath sent chills through her. “I can’t believe I thought I could live without you,” he rasped.

Gaby tilted her head back. “I should never have agreed to let you go.”

Steele met her eyes. “I thought I was protecting you, but instead, I practically sacrificed you.” He gently laid her back on the bed. “Time to make amends.”

He leaned in and his mouth captured a nipple. Sucking, ever so gently, yet, the feel of his sharp fangs alerted her to the hungry wolf. Her wolf. She gasped from the sweet assault. He switched to her other needy nipple and she gripped his thick hair for support. Wetness pooled between her thighs, eager to feel his hardness inside her, but he hadn’t finished feasting. Her wolf slowly bit and licked below her swollen breast. To her tummy. And…oh…between her legs. Gaby’s hand clutched the sheets. Her moisture and his naughty mouth combined as Team Gaby and Steele to send her to heights of unstoppable ecstasy. She didn’t recognize her voice as she screamed, “Steele.”

He pleasured her until her body turned into a virtual pleasure chamber. Boneless. Floating in ecstasy.

 

Steele growled. Gaby calling his name while enjoying her pleasure took him to the edge. He released her and gazed at her silky skin while her body writhed in pleasure. “You taste so damn good.” He stood and caressed one thigh and then the other.

Gaby widened her legs for him. “Please, I need you.”

Steele joined her on the bed and slid into Gaby’s sweet moist center. She arched, taking every bit of him. Accepting his thrusts. Made for him and only him. “Mine.”

Her breasts glistened and her nipples peaked as if begging to be suckled. Bitten. His fierce wolf glanced at her beautifully shaped mouth. He kissed her and her tongue danced with his.

Gaby’s hands held his face. Her long legs wrapped around his ass. Possessing him. Pressing against him.

She cried out with abandon and he groaned in blissful release as he joined her in pure ecstasy. They climaxed as one entity. Soul mates.

As they descended from bliss, the smell of an ancient coniferous forest caught his attention. Far from the Everglades rental. To a land where mates joined in a virtual dream. Stallo’s forest of lore. Naked, their bodies intertwined on the ground as soft snowflakes cooled their roaring fire. But how? He was lycan and she human. Yet, they had entered each other’s dream before. Perhaps, it had something to do with her wolf charm.

The next moment, they returned to reality. Spent. Her soft breaths music to his ears. Had he imagined they were true mates in the lycan sense? Steele pulled her into his arms. He smoothed a hair from her brow. He still caught the scent of the pine needles on her hair. “Were you there with me?”

“In the forest?”

“Yes. In my dream. Stallo’s forest where true mates meet.”

“Cricket told me only wolf mates dreamscape to your ancestral land, yet again, so did we.”

Steele leaned on his elbow and gazed at Gaby. “Despite our differences, we are soul mates.”

Her fingers stroked his taut jawline. “Is it possible, long ago, werewolves and wolf charmers were allowed to mate?”

Steele lifted a brow. “To be honest, I know very little about wolf charmers, except for the Edict of Segner 1590. For centuries, there have been no recorded cases of wolf charmers.”

“My gene must have skipped untold generations.”

“Which makes you an asset, not a liability.”

“I’m tired of being thought of as an asset. How about someone who can help decipher our past?”

“Agreed. Rylee intends to task our historians with searching our archive for any buried manuscripts about wolf-segens. All I know is because of the wolf charmer’s betrayals the mass werewolf killings of the Middle Ages nearly caused the extinction of our kind.”

“I see why you blamed us.”

“Yes, but to kill your kind was wrong. The council and all the royals must now realize that.”

“Sounds like you want lycans to give me a welcome mat.”

“First, we clear your name and then re-write the damn law.”

She sighed. “For that, I need to meet with Tomlin.”

Steele kissed her hair. “Let’s enjoy a day or two without vicious assassins, and one pissed off she-wolf.”

“Works for me.” Her hand lowered to his groin.

He groaned in wolfish appreciation. How many times could they visit bliss in one day?