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!”