Rachel stepped out of the SUV and stared. “This looks like a working ranch.” Her pulse relaxed, no doubt happy to see a normal country scene.
The herd of cattle and buffalo and the horse stables would fool anyone, although it really was a working ranch, only one run by lycans. “It is.”
“I expected a castle with a huge steel gate. Guards everywhere.”
“You are describing our king’s castle.”
She raised a questioning brow. “Yeah, I suppose. Then again you mentioned state of the art research facility which I assume is located elsewhere.”
“The LIA is underground. Our research facility is on the surface and a mile away, at least part of it. To satellite maps, it looks like a veterinary clinic. Most of the research your father conducts is underground.”
“How soon before I see Howard?”
“First, we’ll be debriefed by Rylee and Cricket. You must also complete signing the contract. Then you can see your father.” If he wished, he could have her address him properly. Dr. Becker was her father and not some casual friend. Putting her over his knees and spanking her round ass would teach her proper manners.
“Joy. I’ll sign my life away first.”
“I promise, once you prove your loyalty and we stop the rogue werewolves you can return to practicing medicine. Perhaps with your father.” But you won’t leave my sight.
Rachel stopped and narrowed her eyes at the stylish two-story ranch house and furrowed her brow. “Okay, let’s do this.”
As if you have a choice, my Goldilocks. “Until further notice, keep your gaze lowered.”
She shook her head and sat on a log bench along the long pathway to the ranch, as if having second thoughts. “Or what, I’ll get bitten?”
Lev mustered every ounce of patience in him and sat next to her. “Something like that.” My type of discipline will be more of a sexual nature.
Her pulse quickened. “Can you just wipe my mind and return me back to the real world?”
“I don’t think the other werewolves hunting you will be so accommodating.” If Svetlana joined the rogue pack, she’d likely take revenge against him by abducting Rachel, especially knowing
he’d claimed her. However, if Svetlana who must have successfully gone off the grid was taken without her consent, then the rogue group must have the resources to abduct all the Stallo women. Svetlana was too old to bear any more hybrid children. So why take her?
“I’m screwed either way.”
Guilt softened his heart. “Trust me. If a werewolf dares try anything, I’ll put them in their place.” Soon enough they would learn she was his human. His pet. Any action would come from him. No one else.
“Never mind. It’s not like I can’t behave appropriately for a different culture. I’ll do my best.”
“Good. I trust you will.” Claiming her as his without letting her know was bad enough. If he acted like a fool, all would suspect he was addicted to her blood. He couldn’t be. Not from a few bites. He swallowed. Even now, his wolf raged to protect her from anyone who treated her as inferior. “If I prevent them from disciplining you, things will not go well for me.”
“What would they do?”
“Send me to the enforcer for punishment.”
“I don’t want that. Not on account of me.”
“Nice to know you have my back, as I have yours.”
“Yep, even when you act like a jerk.”
“A jerk? Me? ” Lev pressed a hand over his heart in feigned hurt. He had acted like a domineering ass and knew it.
“Don’t act all innocent.” She wrinkled her brow. “Anyway, what would the enforcer do to you?”
“Besides whips and chains? There is banishment. But the worst would be what we call a werewolf lobotomy.”
“What is that?”