AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The greedy bitch had never expressed interest in anything other than being a royal princess. Because of the remote possibility Steele would end up king and she queen, Kiara no doubt accepted being overseer to trap him. He stood and turned to Conan. “Find another.”
His brother stiffened and narrowed his eyes. “I will not. You and Rylee need to get it through your heads that I’m king.”
“But you answer to the council.” Steele’s fangs protruded.
Conan pounded his fist on the table. A few glasses crashed to the floor, shattering into shards. “Don’t think I can’t command you to remain here and take a proper mate.”
Steele glared at him, but backed down. “I understand.”
A servant rushed in and cleaned up the mess.
The king relaxed. He laughed, stood and approached Steele. “Brother, I wish to welcome you, not antagonize you.” He hugged him, with the bear-like grip.
Steele reciprocated with an equally powerful squeeze. “Apologies for my short temper, I’ve had a grueling few months.”
Conan broke the embrace. “We’ll talk privately later.”
“Yes, I would like that.”
Two betas brought in dinner. Trays of meat, both grilled and raw.
Conversation turned to less controversial matters concerning the various packs. When asked about his imprisonment and escape, Steele declined discussing the topic. Rylee’s cleanup team made sure there were no repercussions to Steele’s whereabouts and most importantly Gaby’s. Kiara overseeing Team Greywolf meant danger to Gaby. In no time, Kiara would learn of Gaby’s relationship with him. He smiled at Kiara. “May I ask how often you would attend to Team Greywolf business?”
She sliced grilled steak. “In the beginning, once a week, and then once a month or every few months, depends on our communication.”
How much scrutiny would this require? Rylee was good at keeping top secret information from the council and the king. Gaby might be safe. She could hide away from the pack during Kiara’s visits. “How soon?”
“That depends on Rylee, but the sooner the better. I thought in a day or two.” She sipped wine and regarded him. “I woul
d love it if you accompanied me.”
Steele imagined Gaby’s reaction if he walked in with a woman who intended to have him as her mate. The very she-wolf who tried to murder him in his dream. “I’m not…”
Conan shook his head. “I don’t wish to cut my reunion short with my brother. We need time to have a long visit.”
One call and he knew Rylee could find a safe place for Gaby. If he encouraged Kiara to be with him for several days, it would give Rylee time to hide her. “Yes, time to catch up.” He turned to Kiara. “I would like it very much if you joined us in a hunt, tomorrow or the day after. That is unless you need to leave immediately.”
“Of course, she doesn’t need to meet with Rylee right away,” said Conan.
“I would love to hunt with you,” said Kiara with much too much enthusiasm. Had she interpreted this as a commitment?
“Excellent,” said Conan.
They returned to their meal. One of the council members, Hector questioned Steele. “Did Dr. Marks determine the cause of your amnesia?”
“I’m well, and as far we know it was only temporary.” Best not to hint about the real cause without blatantly lying.
“We are most fortunate then not to have lost another prince to Rylee’s pack,” said Hector.
The king sighed. “Yes, it’s a shame about Slade. Imagine, relinquishing your title for an inferior mate.”
At one time, Steele would have agreed with his brother’s assessment of Cricket’s runt status. Yet, he’d grown to admire her as a fellow team member. She’d proven herself heroic and Team Greywolf made her an honorary beta. “Slade and Cricket are very much in love. You can feel it when they enter a room. After he lost his pack, Cricket saved Slade’s soul.”
Kiara shook her head. “To think he could have married Princess Wilhelmina.”
Steele wanted to defend Slade by saying he’d made the right decision, but instead shrugged. “What’s done is done.”
“I suppose.” She smiled and raised her glass. “To prince of the realm, Steele Wildwood.”
