Slade, Book 1 in Team Greywolf Series Page 5

  She laughed. “Not yet. Although, I have to admit human men are not so bad.”

  Why the hell had her flippant remark punched him in the gut? He had to know. His tone deepened, part man, part wolf, “You’ve slept with human men?”

  She flinched. “Not that it’s any of your business, but I lost my virginity to one.”

  His hackles rose, his voice deepened, “What about pack law?”

  “Chill. I never seriously dated any. Can’t get too close without revealing my true nature.”

  Slut. He narrowed his eyes. “Perhaps I should discuss this with your alpha, Rylee.”

  “Be my guest, she knows. In fact, who do you think seduces men during investigations?”

  “You?”

  “Yep. After all, I’m the most human in appearance and personality.”

  His beast raged to drag her into his den and shake her until she agreed never to leave wolf territory. “Rylee has you sleep with men on missions?”

  “Seduce, not sex.”

  His heart thumped. “I won’t have it.” The thought of her flirting with strange men seared his soul.

  Cricket’s eye widened, but then dropped her gaze. “Look, you might be my alpha, but remember it’s only temporary.”

  Slade clenched his jaw. He never gave a damn who pack members fucked, no matter what their rank. Yet, the thought of her with any man enraged him. His beast had never been possessive of any female. Never. Hell, he and his brothers had even dated the same she-wolves. “Precisely, while you’re in my temporary pack, you will obey my rules. And not go around wiggling that perky ass of yours.”

  Cricket giggled. “My ass is perky?”

  Slade should have threatened to spank her for her disrespect, but holy fuck, he loved her carefree giggles. Hell, he loved her voice, and the scent of her arousal drove him mad with lust. He couldn’t feel this way for a runt, no matter how beautiful, how smooth her porcelain skin, how lovely her soft curls, how perfect her honey scent and how incredibly confident and brave. “Damn it, Cricket, you know you are fucking attractive.”

  She smiled. “So I’ve been told. Thanks for the compliment, especially coming from an alpha who has she-wolves lining up around the block to be his mate.”

  He snorted. “Not sure a werewolf suffering from morphopsychosis is a great catch.”

  “I sense you’re on the road to recovery. Anyway, hot werewolves might overlook your psych issues, knowing you are the handsomest prince.” She blushed and glanced at her watch. “We better go.”

  Before she turned to open the front door, he grabbed her arm. “How about you, will you overlook my psych issues?” The heat of her soft skin felt so warm and comforting. Fuck, she melted his heart.

  Cricket’s jeweled amber eyes met his. Her mouth formed an “O,” perhaps in shock or better yet, in needy lust. How tempting to devour her mouth, taste her sweet tongue and nibble on her delectable throat. Forbidden fruit proved an aphrodisiac rather than a convincing prohibition. Control the wolf. Or was it the other way around? He fingered a loose curl from her forehead.

  She swallowed and blinked up at him, making him focus on her long lashes. “Of course I understand, but…”

  He moved in to ravish her mouth.

  Her phone buzzed, and he let go. Shit, saved by the bell.

  Cricket answered and gave him a wavering smile. “Yes, he’s fine. We are on our way now.” She put her phone away in her small purse.

  What was he doing? The last alpha of his pack couldn’t get involved with a runt. No matter how beautiful, brave, quirky and so available. She was with him to help. Nothing more. He needed to control his condition. Tame his wolf. “Cricket, I didn’t mean to come on to you.”

  She waved a hand dismissively. “Don’t worry. I know you didn’t mean anything by it. I’m just happy you didn’t go rage wolf and destroy my furniture.” Her enlarged pupils and heated pulse said otherwise.

  Cricket had to know how his wolf really felt. Slade narrowed his eyes. Not sure if he was relieved, she thought he was crazy, or relieved, he didn’t mean to come on to her.

  Chapter 5

  Cricket and Slade walked silently to the LIA administrative dining area meant for top officials and royal ranks like the prince. The sexy hot prince, who almost had his way with her. Her heart hammered. If the damn phone had not interrupted, would he have kissed her? At first, she thought about being kicked off prince duty by seducing him. Not anymore. One kiss and she’d lose herself to him. The need to claim Slade overpowered her common sense. A runt could never hope for an alpha to claim her. The prince would find his princess, mate her, and live wolfly ever after. His plan, the packs’ plan and the right plan. Shit. Before that ever happened, she’d ask Rylee to station her elsewhere, maybe go deep undercover for a year. Until she got over him.

  Why had she dressed so provocatively? Used her I-want-hot-sex lipstick? Especially in his weakened condition. Yet, he didn’t act like he lost control as he strolled ahead, a look of mischief in his eyes and a slight bulge in his pants. Did the well-known player want to add “runt” to his long list of sexcapades?

  Jesper, the older werewolf once an omega, greeted them at the entrance. Like her, Jesper and other lower ranked wolves weren’t normally allowed in the exclusive dining room. Maybe I’ll just wait out here.

  Jesper bowed to Slade. “My liege, may we enter?”

  “Follow me.” He narrowed his eyes at Cricket. “Both of you.”

  She performed an exaggerated bow. “Yes, of course, my liege.”

  Slade growled, but didn’t reprimand her mockery. Lucky her.

  Jesper shot her a glance of disapproval. He was such a sycophant, even though Rylee had given him beta status. Not that he did anything heroic like go on kick-ass missions or undercover operations. Jesper was the agency’s accountant and historian, or glorified record keeper. He researched all day at the agency’s library, both on the computer and as caretaker of ancient documents. Everyone called it the “moldy den” because of its location on the lowest level of the underground headquarters. No wonder his pale skin matched his white wolf color. Slade was a white wolf, but his skin was tan as if he’d grown up along the beaches of Southern California.

  Ugh. She hated that Slade turned her on like no other werewolf. Her wanton thoughts drifted to the backseat once her nose caught the aromatic scent of the main course, steak. She salivated in anticipation. Her nose entered the zone. Yum. Grilled. Although, most werewolves ate their meat raw, the higher ranked wolves preferred their meals cooked for special events. Fine bottles of expensive wines and fine china indicated dinner was for a royal guest.

  “Prince Slade, how are you feeling?” Rylee approached with Dr. Warner.

  “Better. I must apologize to both of you about losing control earlier.”

  The shrink shook his head. “No worries. I believe you had a breakthrough.” He gestured to the head of the table. “Please sit, Prince Slade.”

  Cricket knew the drill. She’d have to wait until told where to sit. More than likely at the far end of the long table. Like a good low ranked wolf. In the little black dress she chose to wear that would suck. She should have just worn blue jeans and a flannel shirt.

  Cricket glowered at Jesper who kept his head bowed low. Nonetheless, she followed his lead. Being in the presence of three alphas meant, stay on best behavior.

  Slade lifted a brow at Cricket and pulled out a seat next to him. “Come.”

  Not that she liked doggy commands, but she immediately obeyed. This was big. Never had she sat near the head of the table. Even submissive Jesper looked up. So much for protocol.

  Once she took her seat, Slade sat. He turned back to Warner. “I don’t call going all-wolf on you, a breakthrough.”

  Dr. Warner smiled. “It was indeed. You left to protect your little pack member.”

  Cricket lifted her head to protest, but Rylee, who sat across her, narrowed a scolding glance at her.

  Slade smiled at Cricket. “Actu
ally, she made the kill. Quite impressive.”

  Cricket’s heart soared. She did her best not to smirk at Dr. Warner.

  Dr. Warner laughed. “Indeed.”

  Rylee waved Jesper over. “You may sit next to me.”

  Jesper hesitated for a second, his eyes wide. “Yes, mistress.”

  Cricket rolled her eyes. He’s such an obedience trained wuss. She hoped they all knew for her to act that way was only for show. I swear my human side too often overpowers my wolf side.

  Rylee frowned at her. Something bothered her boss, and Cricket worried she’d soon receive the brunt of it. Killing Old Miner might have been the last straw. Today might very well be her last day. If she got thrown out of the LIA, she could join another pack, lose her beta status and be dumped upon as a runt. Better to live as a lone wolf. Not likely.

  The shrink sneered at Rylee. “I’m sure you reprimanded your subordinate for placing herself in unnecessary danger.”

  Who the hell did this outsider think he was to come in and tell Rylee how to run her betas? Cricket broke protocol. “Old Miner needed to be put down.”

  Rylee growled at her.

  Cricket balled her fists. “Sorry, ma’am.”

  Slade projected his voice as if a director on a film crew. “I reprimanded her. She’ll stay in her place under my watch.”

  Hey, what happened to being impressed with my hunting skills and bravery? The memory of his not so nice nip brought her back to reality. Desire or not, he would always think of her as the lowest of the low.

  Rylee gave her another one of her better-keep-your mouth-shut looks. “Actually, as much as Cricket enjoys helping Prince Slade get well and possibly convincing him to join my ranks, she’ll soon be needed for an important mission.”

  Cricket smiled. Yes!

  Slade scowled, and his tone deepened. “What kind of mission?”

  “Until you agree to be a member of my team—that is—once you are better, I don’t care to discuss it,” said Rylee.

  “No worries, Prince Slade, I’ve been told Jesper would be more suitable as a pack companion,” offered Dr. Warner.

  “I don’t give a shit about Jesper.” Slade stared accusingly at Dr. Warner and then at Rylee. “You both know Cricket calms me.”

  I do? Considering he reprimanded her for bad behavior, she thought she irritated him.

  Rylee met his gaze. “Yes, Prince Slade, but I thought perhaps Jesper would be more amendable to your status.”

  Impractical as her desire was, Cricket was a little turned on—no—make that totally turned on. Slade preferred her company. Then again, what was she thinking? Rylee needed her on a mission. Not to mention being around a sexy hot alpha who would only break her heart in the end, was emotional suicide.

  Slade took a breath and slowly released it, before addressing Rylee. “I am still considering whether to join your team or not.”

  Two servers brought in their dinner while another poured them a glass of wine. Nothing for her and Jesper.

  Cricket loved red wine and from its label, this one was from Enforcer Dominic’s private winery in Washington. Fermented for the wolf palate.

  As if reading her mind, Slade addressed the server. “Pour Cricket and Jesper a glass.”

  The server glanced at Rylee, and she nodded. Not that she had say over Prince Slade, but in LIA territory, she was the pack leader and no server would go against her wishes.

  Acting as demure as possible, Cricket lowered her head. “Thank you, sir.”

  “One glass only,” said Rylee.

  Slade stiffened as if he wanted to override Rylee. Fortunately, he restrained himself from using his royal card.

  No doubt, Rylee reminded her of the consequences of over indulging. Cricket glanced under the table at Rylee’s boots. A new pair. Had she thrown away the ones Cricket puked on? No way to get rid of the residual stench.

  The three alphas took a sip of their wine and then gave her and Jesper permission. It took all her patience to wait for each alpha to take that first bite. The aroma of steak went straight to her wolf brain. Her gums tickled as her fangs pushed to emerge. Slade bit into his and so did Rylee, but not the shrink.

  Dr. Warner, as if tormenting her, sipped his wine. “If I might add, Prince Slade? At my clinic, you’ll have at least five omegas to keep you calm. Not to mention a beta who will search the world for your perfect mate.”

  Slade growled and pounded a fist onto the old oak table. “Cricket keeps me calm. If not for running across her, I would have remained out of control.”

  Cricket’s eyes widened. Slade’s fangs extended and fur coated his face and throat. Shit. There would be no changing his mind. Was it the keeping him calm part that bothered him or the beta searching for the perfect mate part? I’m screwed. Wait, if only he would screw me.

  Rylee stood, baring her long fangs. “As much as I believe you would be an excellent Team Greywolf soldier, I won’t be coerced by you. I’m in charge, no matter your royal status.”

  His fur thickened as if he’d shift and lose control at any moment. “We agreed. The little she-wolf was assigned to me.”

  Cricket cringed. Euphemism for runt. I get it. I’m just the lamb he guards, nothing more.

  Rylee remained calm. “Cricket abandoned her station. She went horseback riding while you were in therapy.”

  Oops. So, that’s why she wanted me off his care. “But, Trevor ordered me to leave.”

  Rylee glared at her. “Yes, and he’s been punished for that.”

  “No offence, ma’am, but I couldn’t go against Trevor’s command.”

  “He ordered you to your quarters, not to go on a trail ride, far from your charge.”

  “I’m sorry, ma’am, I just thought…”

  Rylee growled at her. “Silence!”

  Her cheeks heated, and she lowered her gaze.

  Rylee snapped, “Despite his age and injuries, the grizzly could have mauled you to death.”

  Cricket flinched at her tone. Low ranked or not, being humiliated in front of others was a human flaw she suffered from.

  Rylee continued her tirade against her. “What do you think would have happened to Prince Slade if he’d found you dead and mangled by the bear?”

  Cricket wanted to argue she would not have allowed Old Miner to maul her, but snap, Rylee had a point. Had Slade found his companion dead, his morphopsychosis might have sent him over the edge. She gulped. “Sorry.”

  Dr. Warner nodded and turned to Slade. “Which is why, Prince Slade, we recommend Jesper. Despite his upgraded status, he understands his place in the pack.”

  Slade shook his head. “She survived and this time,” as if it was let’s-bully-Cricket-day, he glowered at her. “I will make sure she obeys.”

  Cricket glanced at Jesper, but he kept his head down like a perfect submissive. No help from him, even though, like her he probably preferred doing his work instead of tending to a royal prick.

  Warner shook his head. “It might be best if you break this bond now and stay elsewhere. Perhaps with the king. Allow his betas to find you a mate and re-establish your territory.”

  “I might have mineral holdings and land, but Yukon is no longer my territory. Not without my pack.”

  Warner said, “Then help establish a new territory on your future mate’s home and keep Yukon for your future offspring.”

  As much as it bothered Cricket how angry they were with her for abandoning her station, the reminder of his future mate, bothered her even more. It felt as though Old Miner had raked out her heart.

  Slade’s nostrils flared at Warner. “Yukon is holy ground. A place for the dead. Not for my get.”

  “Yes, of course, my liege.” Warner lowered his chin.

  Slade took in a long breath and slowly blew it out. His fur and fangs receding, he turned to Rylee. “I wish to serve on your team.”

  She narrowed her eyes at him. “For a second, I thought you were going to lose yourself to the wolf.” Rylee smiled. “I would
be honored if you served with Team Greywolf.”

  “No. It will be my honor. I was to serve as my pack’s royal commander and guard, never as my territory’s king.” He sank back onto his chair, and his voice lost its fierceness. “To honor my pack, I only wish to safeguard our society. Perhaps as penance for not saving my pack.”

  Cricket’s eyes moistened, her heart breaking for him. Had he been cured, or was it really her presence that kept him from losing his humanity?

  Rylee sighed. “Very well then, but on two conditions.”

  “Yes?”

  “I will not allow you on missions until Dr. Warner returns to evaluate your mental health, and determines you are cured, in say, a month.”

  “Agreed. And the other?”

  “Cricket can still provide calming companionship; however, she won’t be there for you 24/7. Jesper will act in her stead when she is not available.”

  His mood darkened again. “Why would she not be available at all times?”

  “She is a member of my team and will be needed.” Rylee met his eyes. “Take it or leave it.”

  Slade rubbed an eyebrow as if warding off a headache and then met Rylee’s gaze. “I accept.”

  “Good.” Rylee turned to Jesper. “Tomorrow, you can move a few of your things to his guest house, in the event you are needed.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Slade didn’t seem very pleased, but at least had not lost it. He shrugged. “Very well, then.” He glanced at Jesper as if just noticing him and smirked. “Is he not needed for missions?”

  Rylee nodded to the omega.

  Jesper turned to Slade. “I mostly work on accounts and research on my computer. During Cricket’s absence, I’ll set up a work station while you recover, my liege.” He smiled. “I have access to all available alpha females. I’ll find you the perfect mate once you’re ready.”

  Cricket wanted to go bitch-alpha on Jesper by biting his nose for daring to suggest a mate for the prince.

  Slade looked at Cricket and smiled. “Sounds like a plan.”