“Except Tomlin is still searching for you.”
“Maybe knowing his men were killed knocked some sense into him.”
“There isn’t much of a Project Sabertooth without their one and only wolf charmer.”
“You would be surprised. They have animal handlers and trainers that prepare animals to kill on command. No charm needed.”
“I don’t know. You can be far more specific on who to kill without having your animal buddies accidently get the wrong person.”
Gaby stiffened. “I only assassinated really bad guys.” She sighed. “I still have nightmares about it. I only want to be an artist, not an assassin.”
“No worries. We’ve all had to kill.”
“That doesn’t help.”
Cricket winced. “Sorry, I know you were forced.”
Gaby confessed her sordid personal history about being a foster child hustled from one abusive home to the next until fostered by the head of an evil black ops man, Giles. Not for love, but to exploit her gift. “Which is why I probably won’t help Rylee as I planned.”
“I doubt Rylee will risk you being in the field.”
“Actually, helping her stop Project Sabertooth might be the medicine I need to start again.” She didn’t think she’d ever forgive herself for being responsible for the death of another, even a bad person. At least she’d be able to live without being used as a dangerous weapon.
“I think Steele is the cure you need.”
“Yeah, but am I still his?”
“He and his brother, our all mighty king, have always been cold and standoffish. No humor button. You changed Steele profoundly, and in a good way. He laughs and there is something light about his wolf spirit.”
“I bet he’ll revert back to his old self.”
“Geez, I hope not.”
“I thought he accepted you and Slade being together.”
“He has and even gave Lev an approving nod about Rachel. Still, he was never a fan of human werewolf relationships. Until now.” Cricket’s horse snorted. She sniffed. “What the fuck?”
Gaby looked around. “What’s wrong?”
“Three lycans approaching.”
“Team members?”
“Nope. Kiara and her beta guards. In wolf form.”
“Shit. We should leave.”
“Ride my horse and head back to our place. Slade should be home by now.”
“Why not you?”
“I have to distract them.”
“We’ll both ride.”
“You’ve seen Steele run. They can catch a racehorse. If I bite one of her beta’s ass for being in my territory, it will give you enough time to get back and call Rylee.” She pulled out her mobile and handed it to her.
“They’ll kill you.”