“No, thank you.”
Slade mumbled, “Suit yourself.” Had Rylee ordered him to remain sober, while supervising the crazy prince? “Sit, at least, so we can talk.”
“Yes, of course, Slade.” The omega slowly sat, showing the ultimate respect.
“I have some questions about Cricket.”
He gave him a questioning look. “What would you like to know?”
Besides her favorite positions during sex and if she enjoyed giving men head? “What is her pack’s family name and is Cricket her real name?”
“Pack’s name is Ruelle. A small pack from Wyoming. Cricket is her nickname, but even I with all my cyber skills don’t know her real name.” His smiled wavered. “Actually, I never gave learning her given name a second thought.”
Slade narrowed his eyes. How could anyone not give her a second thought?
Perceptive, Jesper backtracked. “I mean, we all love her as Cricket. Just fits her personality.”
“Interesting, she left her pack.” Most lower-rank wolves such as omegas never ventured from their pack. Cricket and Jesper were the exception. “Do you know why?”
Jesper swallowed. “She was kicked out.”
Slade tensed. “Why?”
“Not sure about the details, except Rylee had met with Cade, the alpha, about a wolf hunter, who fell to his death from a cliff. It was ruled an accident. Anyway, Cade insisted Rylee find Cricket a home. Intrigued with meeting the first known runt to survive the change, she brought her here and discovered she had more than your average human spirit and acquired memory.”
Slade cocked his head. “Odd, no alpha would kick out a vulnerable wolf.” Especially a runt.
“Well, sir, only Rylee knows exactly why, but she keeps our stories under lock and key.”
“Does she now?” Better not make him suspicious. “What’s your story?”
“Not too earth shattering. I was a weak hunter, but good with math, tech stuff and research. Rylee heard of my skills and made the offer. I hated leaving my pack, but I have to say, I’m glad I did.”
“I too think I can help our society by joining LIA.”
“Don’t worry, there should be no problem finding you a mate who would make an excellent team member.”
“To be honest, I’m not ready.” Or worthy.
“I understand.”
“Let’s go have a talk with Rylee.”
Jesper raised a brow. “About?”
“I know, I’m not supposed to work until Warner gives me the okay, but he said I can start learning the ropes.”
“I’ll call her.”
Truth was, he was anxious to see if Cricket had returned. And if Cricket should be there? All the better.
Chapter 7
After going through the tightest security ever, Cricket entered the warden’s royal office in King Conan’s castle. Cody, the packs’ warden, stood and threw her a broad smile. Since the East Coast warden retired, all lone wolves were under his jurisdiction. The fifty-something beta, dressed in every day khaki pants and black shirt kept his grey streaked red hair in a long ponytail. Vintage 70’s. “Pleasure to meet you, sir.”
“So you are Cricket Ruelle? I’ve heard all about you.”
It had been a while since she heard her pack surname, Ruelle. Not since Cade, Daddy, kicked her out. “Good things, I hope.”