Dacia studied Cricket as if scrutinizing her for some imperfection.
Cricket met her sister’s glare and hastily stuck her tongue out at her. Immature, but for fuck’s sake, deliciously appropriate toward her equally immature half-sister. Slade laughed.
Dacia huffed, turned and smiled at Slade. “Naturally, you are defensive about a fellow team member.”
“As should you be for kin,” he snarked.
Oriana chuckled. “Cricket tends to suffer from little dog syndrome.”
Better than 24/7 bitch syndrome. “She saved my life.”
“I bet she used a gun to shoot the bad guys on the mission.”
Cricket gave him a quick glance, and he noted her moistened eyes. Don’t worry, Abella, I’m stuck with them but I’d rather date a goat than go out with either one. “I didn’t mean the mission, I meant after I suffered from the grief of losing my entire pack.”
“Oh, yes, I heard about your loss,” said Dacia. “I’m sorry.”
Mia’s concert ended and everyone applauded. Dominic drew her in and gave her a long passionate kiss. Lucky bastard. After Dominic released her, he announced the location of the donation envelopes and that the king just sent a check for a million dollars to their non-profit. Applause followed.
Dominic smiled. “Yes, quite generous. We have another surprise. For the highest donation by a single man…” He lifted a pair of keys. “You get a cabin getaway for you and your companion on my private island. Naturally, you’ll have all the privacy you desire since it stands a mile from my cabin. And for the highest donation by a single female, she’ll get the first dance with the bachelor of her choice and the cabin option as well. The rest of the lucky mated couples can donate after we let our unattached go first. ” He bowed. “Ladies, you may begin.”
Rylee stood, winked at beta Carson and made her way to the donation table shadowed by dozens of wealthy women. Oriana and Dacia elbowed each other to get there first.
Nik looked on as the other men took out their wallets. “I’m probably the poorest alpha, so I’ll take my chances with a modest donation.”
Dacia returned and sat. “Not fair. A live auction would have been better.”
Nik laughed. “Only if you can outbid everyone else, but lovely lady, I’d be happy to have the first dance.”
Dacia lifted her chin. “No offense, but I’ll wait until I see if my bid is high enough.”
Nik chuckled. “None taken.”
Slade wanted to warn Nik about them, but better he figured them out for himself. Odd, Nik had not had wine. “Nik, would you prefer vodka?”
“No, thank you. I’m good.”
“Gentlemen, it’s your turn,” announced Dominic.
Slade found Jesper before heading for the table. He’d hired him as his personal accountant. “I have some questions about my mineral rights.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Outside.”
Cricket struggled to ignore Slade who sat surrounded by a bevy of gorgeous available alphas, including her half-sisters. She should have told him about how they had mistreated her, but the humiliation of being the victim due to her runt status had kept her from spilling the beans. If he fell for one of them, she’d tell him how they tormented her. Not for revenge, but because they would not make very good mothers, especially to lower ranked weres.
Slade left with Jesper. Her curiosity piqued. What was that all about? She watched the exit until he returned a few minutes later. He threw her a wink before heading for the donation table.
Mia whispered in her ear, “Looks like he’s not taking your Dear John text seriously.”
“Nah. I bet he realized we had a brief fling and since we’re part of the team we’re cool.”
Mia smirked. “The way he checked you out means you are pretty much his.” She faked a growl with her tiny canines and lowered her voice. “Mine.”
“Yeah right.”
Platters were brought to each table and the feast began. In between bites, she stole a glance at Slade. He seemed engaged in conversation with Princess Wilhelmina, the king’s niece. Willa, as she preferred to be called, was filthy rich, royal and stunning with long golden blonde hair that reminded her of an old Hollywood glamour movie star. The worst part was Willa was kind and wanted the perfect father for her future pups. Pretty sure Slade would give up the LIA to keep her company. The only compensation for her misery was watching her sisters’ scowl in bitter disappointment. That’s right bitches, he’s not into you, not one iota.