“You are a Stallo woman and like Mia, you can make our gene pool stronger. Fewer werewolves survive the change, so we need hybrids to help continue the line or we may eventually die as a species.”
“So what are you saying? That I should choose another alpha, one without mutations?”
“No. Not me. In my book, love comes first. The lycan council and the king, however, might think otherwise.”
“If I lived in your society permanently, I would only choose Lev.” Rachel instantly regretted blurting that out to Cricket. She’d only known her for a few days and she’d probably blab her intentions to the entire pack or packs. Certainly to the all mighty Rylee.
“That’s my girl.” Cricket smirked.
“Can the king or council stop me from choosing Lev? I mean for the good of lycan kind?” Not to mention preventing him from becoming addicted to her blood and making her his blood mistress.
“We can’t force you to be a broodmare, but they can stop your union.”
They must fear Lev’s children might be born mindless monsters. Shifting from bear to lion or maybe even a two headed-wolf. “How would they stop us?”
“Lev might be the most powerful werewolf, but against the king’s henchmen, he wouldn’t stand a chance.”
“They would kill him and think I’d take another mate?”
“Don’t worry. Rylee would protest, but even she bows down to the council and the king.”
Rachel pressed her forehead and winced as a massive headache crippled her thoughts.
Cricket took her arm and helped her sit onto the sofa. “Crap. Rachel, what’s wrong?”
Rachel shut her eyes from the blinding light. “A migraine,” she rasped.
Cricket touched her forehead. “You are burning up. Lie down.”
Rachel did as told and her back spasmed as if someone had stabbed her with a dagger. She grunted. Not able to speak. Fortunately, the back pain only lasted a few seconds.
“I’ll get you something for the pain and fever.”
As suddenly as it came, the headache dissipated. The gooseflesh that had spread over her arms went away just as quickly. What happened? Was she getting the flu? Meningitis? No, the symptoms would get worse not instantly better. Maybe the stress of what might happen to Lev undid her. Yet, she’d never had stress related headaches and never suffered from backaches. Must be an illness. She pressed her palm above her brow. Warm, but not insanely hot. Cricket must have exaggerated.
She returned with pain meds and water. “Here, take two.”
“Thanks, Doc,” Rachel quipped.
“We should have Darius check you.”
“No. The headache passed. I feel better.” No point mentioning the back spasm.
Cricket touched her head. “Your temperature is back to normal, but man it was hot only moments ago.”
“That was weird, but I really do feel better.” No lingering pain. As though, she’d not suffered at all.
“Maybe it’s related to the Ebola virus that nearly killed you?” asked Cricket.
“No. It’s not a latent virus. If anything, I would be immune to Ebola.”
“Do you get migraines?”
“No. Never.”
“Wouldn’t hurt to go to the hospital. You don’t have to see your father. You can see Darius.”
“Really. I’m fine.” She braved a smile. “Didn’t you promise to take me to the gym during the alpha workout?”