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!