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nd sycophants twisted his gut. He hated pomp and circumstance before his amnesia and still did. Perhaps, only family would come. He’d be happy to see his brother’s mate, Myra. Recently, she’d become a recluse. Myra had gone deep into depression after losing seven out of nine pups during the change and had not reconceived. The task to bite his pack to initiate the change fell to Steele’s alpha nephew. Only his sister survived the change, leaving their parents devastated. The young prince, Maxwell, shouldered the guilt of killing his siblings and refused to become king. The council backed his decision on account of his depression. After his nephew and niece, Margo, Steele was next in line to take the throne. Margo would make an excellent queen, and Conan was in good health. Why would it matter if he chose Gaby and walked away from his duty?
Would he give up his prince title? Not too long ago, Slade chose Cricket, a runt over his title. King Conan had threatened Slade with banishment, but Rylee championed him and in the end, though no longer a prince, Slade chose his soul mate, Cricket. The king even allowed him to keep his Yukon territory. For Slade, it was much easier; he was not the king’s brother, crown Prince Steele of North America and third in line to the throne. Fourth, if Maxwell changed his mind and stopped grieving, he would be the proper royal heir.
Confusion clouded Steele’s mind. He’d been Kane for a short period. He once believed in minimizing relationships with humans, keeping the lycan commandments, obeying his lord and master, the king. No one changed overnight. Yet, he’d taken a human as a pet, when he always thought keeping a human was a mark of weakness.
Duty or love? He paced his palatial den. I don’t want Gaby as a pet. I want her for more. No one else. He blew out a long breath. His brother Maccon had Griswold’s taint, and his father betrayed the packs. Conan returned pride to his pack’s name, his kingdom, while he defended the innocent by joining Team Greywolf. How can I fuck it all up? Prince Steele, the brother of the king, in love with a wolf charmer.
Sinclair entered his quarters. “Prince Steele, I’m to escort you to the banquet.”
Did Conan think he needed a babysitter? “Very well.” Probably thought I’d go blank again. Permanently. I wish I had.
Steele followed the beta down the long halls and bowing lycans. Some in human form, others in wolf form. A familiar scent accosted his nose. What was she doing here?
Sinclair opened the banquet doors. “After you, sir.”
Steele stepped in. King Conan sat at the head of the table. Four members of the council and haughty Kiara sat on either side of the king. Plates and wine glasses graced the tabletop, but the food hadn’t arrived.
Kiara’s red lipstick painted a seductive smile. “Prince Steele. I’m so thankful you’re alive.”
Steele bowed in polite pretense. “Princess Kiara, what an unexpected surprise.” Certainly not a pleasure.
Conan chuckled. “I thought the princess would add to your welcome home.”
His face heated. Not without Gaby. “I see our lovely Queen Myra is not with us.” His niece, Margo should be here as well, but maybe, she continued to study abroad.
Conan narrowed his eyes and a vein in his neck pulsed. Mention of his mate pissed him off. The others lowered their chins as if in chagrin. Conan’s demeanor turned back to jovial. “Myra is taking some time alone on Wildwood Island. Margo is visiting and learning human etiquette. Myra and Margo are relieved you are alive. They send their regrets for not being here.”
The island off the coast of Washington had been passed down for generations. Safe and secluded, he and his brothers spent time there learning to live as humans while having the privacy to go wolf. Two humans lived on the island as caretakers and tutors of human sociology. Three royal guards provided additional security. Myra must still be depressed. Conan had called it a slight bout of melancholy, but he knew better. Now was not the time to ask about her or his disturbed nephew. “I understand, but hopefully, I’ll see her soon.”
“Most certainly.” Conan introduced the four council members on the overseer committee. They politely bowed.
Steele sniffed. Two alphas and two betas. He’d never met them before, but he rarely attended council functions. Their presence had to be significant. “A pleasure to meet you.”
Conan smiled. “By the way, Princess Margo just had a phone conference with Rylee.”
So, he planned to appoint his daughter as a spy. How ironic. When Steele first joined Team Greywolf, he thought he would be the king’s eyes on the LIA and team. Then as he grew to admire the team, his loyalty switched. He tempered his anger. “What experience does my niece have working with the LIA?”
“Margo has only been human a little over two years so I want her to get her used to diplomacy.”
“I’m surprised Rylee agreed to Margo’s appointment as overseer.”
Kiara laughed. “Shall I tell him, my liege?”
Steele furrowed his brow and turned to his brother. “Tell me what?”
Conan grew cheerful. “We have the good fortune that the council chose Kiara to oversee Team Greywolf.”
Steele bristled. “Why?”
Kiara raised her brow. “I’ve been trained in lycan law and furthermore, my darling, if you wish to serve more time with Team Greywolf, we can get to know one another better.”
He snorted. “Conflict of interest. A team member can’t date a spy.” Besides, he couldn’t date because legal or not, he was a married man. Heart and soul.
“I have no plans to disband Rylee’s team. In fact, I can help smooth diplomacy between our king and the LIA.” She smiled. “If we decide to form the mate bond, I can always step down, especially if you remain at court in charge of the royal army.”
She planned to manipulate him into a mating bond. “You can’t,” said Steele.
“Too late, my darling. I’ve accepted the assignment.”
