“As you commanded, my liege.” No affection in his tone, just blind obedience.
“We are brothers; let us have peace between us.”
“Peace will come knowing you’ve drawn up a royal writ, that Gaby is not to be harmed no matter who learns of her gift.”
“I’ll have Sinclair draw one up and sign it on my return.”
“I want the council to have a copy before their next session.”
“Very well, I’ll sign it electronically and return it by tomorrow. However, if she turns on our society by fingering our kind, I will rescind the order.”
“Trust me. She will never betray us.” Not the way I betrayed her.
“I personally have a hard time trusting a jealous woman.”
“Do you mean Gaby or Kiara?”
“Does it matter? One was jilted and the other must live with the knowledge you love another.”
Shame filled his heart. He and Gaby shared dreams. Was that not a true sign they were mates? “Imagine if I had blackmailed you to mate Myra.”
“No comparison. Damn it, Steele. Not only did you fall in love with a human but a wolf charmer.”
He snorted. “I despise Kiara, but I agreed to save the love of my life. The woman you forbid me to ever see again.”
“I will not allow you to bring shame to the Wildwood royal linage. Our father and Maccon almost cost us our kingdom. I’m not above having you banished or ordering a wolf lobotomy to save our dignity.”
Steele smirked. “If not for keeping Gaby safe, I’d gladly welcome even death.”
“Forget her, brother. If Kiara picks up on your thoughts about her, the bargain is broken. Don’t think she won’t go to the council and make her case. Of all the available females, Kiara is one of the most powerful.”
“If you don’t mind, I need to call Rylee and resign.”
“Steele, it’s for your own good.”
Having Gaby would have been for his own good. “Give my best to Myra.”
“I will. Don’t worry, brother. I’ll call Sinclair immediately.”
“Thank you.”
Steele hung up and paced his living room. He couldn’t help but notice the entire castle reeked of Kiara’s scent. How the hell would he initiate a mating with the woman who ruined his life? He sighed and called Rylee. “Ma’am. I have bad news.”
Rylee sighed. “Cricket just told me.”
“If you want to allocate my LIA estate to a worthy member, I’d be more than happy to donate it.”
“May I remind you an alpha cannot be coerced into taking a mate not of his liking?”
“I did it to keep Gaby safe.”
“I told you, I’m working on ridding the wolf-segen edict.”
“I convinced Conan to draw up a royal writ against harming her. Although, I doubt the council will approve keeping a woman who can identify our kind.”
“Unlike the Middle Ages, our wolf charmer has taken the vow of secrecy.”
“You sound hopeful.”