Wolf Charmer (Team Greywolf 2)
Page 107
Chapter 19
Steele ached to see Gaby again and
eased his pain by remaining in wolf form for a day. As a wolf, his mind cleared. He’d completely readjusted to all the common scents, fellow lycans and the full knowledge of his true identity. Though he feared Kiara snooping around the LIA, he trusted Rylee would keep Gaby safe. After he met with his brother, he’d call Rylee and ask how she was doing.
He trotted back to the castle, determined to give his brother his decision. He’d stay with Team Greywolf. Damn it. He’d keep Gaby and not take a proper mate. Slade gave up his title to be with his true love, he’d do the same. Shameful, but nothing as bad as his father’s betrayal to lycan society. To give up his true love was the shameful thing to do. There were enough Wildwood lycans to carry on the royal name. Dominic and Slade fought for their soul mates, so would he.
In the mudroom, he shifted, dressed and proceeded to meet the king. Determined and ready to give up his title, territory and his dignity. He’d even endure banishment.
Steele stepped into his brother’s conference room. Conan sat surrounded by his court betas.
Sinclair looked up. “Sir, Prince Steele is here.”
King Conan turned to his men. “Leave us.”
Steele approached and bowed while the betas left. Alone at last, he met his brother’s eyes. “You wish to know my decision.”
“You have chosen Team Greywolf,” said the king with an air of certainty.
“How do you know?”
“Do you think I’m a fool?”
“No, of course not. I told you working for our special forces brings honor to our family name.”
“Or does it have to do with the human girl you escaped with?”
Steele flinched. “What do you mean?”
Conan sniffed and snorted. “So it’s true?”
No point in lying. “Gaby, an innocent human, was held prisoner by the same people who captured me. She took the lycan vow and markings. Gaby is my human. You can’t harm her.” He paced and raked his hair back. “Who told you?” Would Rylee tell? No. It must have been Lunara.
The king sighed as if he hadn’t expected Steele’s confession. “No. Apparently, Kiara inspected your den and found a wedding ring and a picture of your farce of a marriage.”
Fuck! He’d kept the picture and ring hidden in a drawer beneath his undergarments. His face reddened as rage heated his core. She had no right! “She entered my den and went through my things?”
“Apparently, she demanded to visit your den. Kiara told her guide you are her intended mate.”
His nostrils flared. “The hell I am!”
“Do you realize the uproar if word gets out that a member of the royal family married a human?’ Conan snarled. “Disgrace!”
“I’m allowed a pet.” As far as he and Gaby were concerned, they were man and wife.
He laughed. “Brother, since when did you even want to bed a human let alone keep one as mistress? Kiara, your intended, has rights.”
Fur lined his arms. Ready to protect. “Kiara will kill her!” Not that they had a mating bond, but she did have the right to challenge a rival for his affection. Although, normally the fight was between two werewolves, not a werewolf against a human. Rylee would not allow it.
“Lucky for your human, Rylee will keep her away from Kiara’s claws.”
Steele's fangs emerged. “My human wife’s life is all that matters.”
Fur darkened his features, and he growled. “I won’t allow the sham of a marriage.”
The king had the right to banish Gaby far from any pack. Steele sighed and lowered his head. “Don’t worry, it’s not legal.” At least not by law, but in his heart she was more than a human pet, a wife…hell, a mate.
The king softened his tone. “I understand you lost your memory. Of course, you are not at fault. She helped you. Just tell me you don’t harbor feelings for this woman.”