The wolf stood at the edge of the lagoon, looked back at her, and then shifted. He stretched his brawny arms. His muscular back reminded her of an ancient statue of a powerful naked warrior.
A few feet from where he stood, an alligator’s snout surfaced, big bulbous eyes opened. Steele growled.
“He won’t harm you,” she said.
Steele walked toward the balcony, big, naked, hers. He raised a brow. “Because you are the new queen of the Everglades?”
“Only within a small radius.”
“Yet, you still escaped Hallie’s pursuit.”
“That’s all the distance I needed. I had thirty crows fly with me, in case she fought through the murder and followed.” Her guilt shadowed her victory at escaping the warden. “I hope I didn’t get Hallie in trouble.”
“Hallie is inexperienced, but I have no doubt even an alpha wolf couldn’t have kept you from escaping.”
“So you don’t think she’ll be demoted?”
“Nah. However, Rylee is disappointed you couldn’t trust her.”
“I just don’t trust anyone. Never have.” She sighed and smiled as she gazed at him. “Except you, of course.”
Steele chuckled. “Good to know. I’d hate to have your alligator buddies challenge me to water wrestling.”
“I bet you could take down quite a few.”
He reached for his trunks on the rail and donned them. “Maybe two or three, but not more.” He pointed to the forest behind the cottage. “I smelled at least ten pythons. Are those your friends?”
“No. They don’t belong in the Everglades. Although, I could have them surround the cabin at night.”
Steele sat on the bench next to her and draped an arm over her shoulders. “Time to contact Tomlin.”
Paradise couldn’t last forever. Gaby sighed and leaned against him. “I just wish we had more time.”
Steele kissed her head. “The thought of staying here with you forever has crossed my mind, but it’s only a matter of time before the packs find us.”
She straightened and lifted a brow. “How?”
“Kiara’s father Milton is powerful, and though he is not in line to be king, his influence runs deep. Rylee thinks a mole could have been planted at the LIA.”
“Right under her nose?”
“The LIA vets its staff with a fine-tooth comb. Yet, it’s possible one of our own could have ties or might have come from Kiara’s pack.”
“So a member from any pack can join the LIA?”
“The application process is rigorous and each werewolf must have a skill that benefits the agency. For example, Cricket is adept at pretending to be human. Lev is powerful enough to take on a small army and Jesper is brilliant as an accountant and archivist.”
“And you?”
“Like Slade and Lev, special operations and warrior class.”
Without a doubt, hot warrior category. “I met Manny the main techie.”
“Manny heads the cyber community. If there is a mole, he should have gotten wind of him or her, but he is only human.”
“Or rather just werewolf,” she chided.
“Yeah, didn’t mean to imply being human is a weakness, but compared to our senses, we usually don’t get tricked.” He sighed. “Although, it wouldn’t be the first time we’ve had a mole.”