“Humans still risk their hearts during break ups and divorce. Worst case scenario, once you vow to keep our society a secret, you can leave if things don’t work out.”
“I suppose.” But where? And could she hide from Tomlin?
“Do you really want to forget you love Steele?”
Maybe she should give him the benefit of the doubt. Just because he recalled his identity didn’t mean he forgot his new memories with her. No matter how small the odds of being together were, she’d risk her heart. Tears welled. “No. I would hate to forget him.” She wiped away a tear. “I’ll take the vow.”
Rachel hugged her. “Come.”
They returned and Rylee gestured her to sit next to her. “I understand Cricket reviewed this contract with you earlier?”
“Yes. Trust me. I don’t have family or friends to blab about your society. I kept the facility I worked for a secret so I’m well aware of the consequences of being a whistleblower.”
“Good, let’s begin.” Rylee handed her a pen. “Initial all the spots with the post-its and we will sign when you finish.”
Gaby went through the massive contract, page by page. Immediate execution after each breach of contract statement sent chills up her spine. She flicked her wrist to take out the kinks. “Boy nothing is left out.”
Rylee smiled. “We leave nothing to chance.”
Finally, the last page, which required her full signature and those of the witnesses. As she signed it, someone pounded on the door.
Rylee stood and opened it. “Prince Steele.”
“I wish to act as Gaby’s witness and her blood protector.”
Gaby gaped. What the heck was a blood protector? As long as it’s him, who cared?
Rylee chuckled. “Thought you might show up.” She turned to Trevor. “You may go.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Trevor left.
Steele didn’t make eye contact with Gaby. He kept his head bowed toward Rylee. His demeanor had changed. He no longer had the twinkling eyes and amused look on his face. Or was he doing his best to follow strict status protocol?
Gaby braved a smile. “I’m happy you came.”
He narrowed his eyes at her. “Have you signed the contract?”
“I just have one more signature.”
“Good. Proceed.”
She did as instructed and then passed the contract around for the witnesses to sign. Rylee gave it to Steele. He leafed through it, making sure everything was in order and then added his signature. Rylee picked up the binder and addressed Gaby. “Are you ready to be marked, forever bound to our sacred lycan society?”
Gaby swallowed. “Yes.”
Rylee turned to Rachel. “Prep her for marking.”
Rachel smiled at Gaby. “Come. I’ll sanitize your arm.”
She followed the doctor to the bar of the kitchen and allowed her to clean her arm with some sort of light yellow solution.
“Gaby is ready.”
They surrounded her. Her pulse quickened. She’d fallen deep into the rabbit hole. Not that she’d led a normal life prior to Steele, but now a sense of being trapped engulfed her soul.
“Humans have a choice on their personal pack leader. You may belong to me or to Prince Steele. Who do you choose?”
I’m not going to be anybody’s pet, but better I choose correctly until they figure things out. She cocked her head toward her husband. “Prince Steele, but only if he wishes to keep me.”