Chernobyl Werewolf (Team Greywolf 3)

“Historically, Stallo women have normal nine-month gestation period, with a normal range of baby weights. Svetlana had one hybrid son with a criminal alpha who had a normal werewolf son from his first mate.”

Her heart drummed. “Lev said she was evil.”

“That’s an understatement. Svetlana and her lycan mate, Anton were head of the Chess Piece Russian Mob. They murdered, ran guns, drugs and operated a prostitution slave ring. They were experts at hiding from the lycan council.”

Rachel nodded. “Anton murdered Lev’s father.”

“Yes. Years ago. Lev helped destroy the gang. The thugs almost killed him. Your dad saved his life and for that, Lev owes him a life debt.”

Lev had told her not to mention their bond to her father. As if Howard had any right to not approve of Lev as her mate. Did he fear his mutations might cause birth defects of any future children? If she even wanted children. Then again, did she really have anything in common with Lev, besides great sex? Was her longing for him infatuation rather than love? Couldn’t Lev just erase Howard’s memory of such a promise? Or maybe this was his out. Did he tell all his lovers he had claimed them? Jealousy clouded her happiness on seeing her father.

Darius’ phone buzzed and he read the text. “Selene says you can visit your father.”

Rachel nodded. “Good.” She followed Darius to the hospital wing where a sign said, “Patient Recovery Dens.”

Darius gently knocked on her father’s den door.

Selene opened the door. “Your father is awake and ready to see you.” She let her in and left them alone.

At last. Rachel entered and smiled. “Hey, Dad.” She leaned in and kissed his unshaved cheek. She noted the sharp indent of fangs on his neck.

He smiled from propped up pillows. “Happy you didn’t call me Howard.” His voice sounded strong, as if he just woke up from a good nap rather than intensive care.

Rachel pulled up a chair. “Yeah, it’s been a while, but I think I’m okay with calling you ‘Dad.’ ” He almost died. Now was not the time to remind him her stepfather had raised her. Nor would she batter him with question after question about what was he thinking when he joined a pack of werewolves. Selene was drop dead gorgeous, but Rachel doubted she was the reason he joined. He wouldn’t leave his family, his practice, and human society for love, or would he? Would she?

“I’m sorry you had to find out about all this without warning.”

“I don’t think a warning would have helped much. My entire worldview is off kilter. I mean did werewolves participate in our history? Invent things?” Go on killing sprees during the Middle Ages?

“No. They don’t interfere in human affairs and have always remained in the shadows.” He looked defeated. “I’m so sorry. I never wanted you to be forced to sign the contract.”

“It’s okay. I understand. The rogue werewolf group hunting me down gave you no choice.”

“You understand the importance of keeping their kind a secret?”

“Yep. Rylee warned me about the dire consequences of telling anyone…” She leaned in and whispered, “that werewolves are real.”

Howard stared away from her as if in deep regret. “If it weren’t for this information about your genetic marker leaking out…”

“Thanks for sending Lev to save my life.”

“I knew he would find you.”

“Lev is grateful you saved his life so I suppose you two are even.”

“I take it Lev was a perfect gentleman?”

Rachel stiffened. “Yes, he was.” A wolf in gentlemen’s clothing. She wanted to tell him everything about Lev. How his bite had saved her from death. Lev’s desire to make her his, but Lev told her not to. Besides, the last thing she wanted was to stress her father. He still looked pale and the rest of his hair had turned gray since she last saw him.

He changed the subject. “Once Team Greywolf finds the culprits, you can go back to a somewhat normal life outside the pack.”

“Yes, Rylee told me.”

“Let me elaborate. You will be trusted, but watched. A warden will keep tabs on your every contact. Any hint of telling anyone about lycans and you will be eliminated.”

The idea of a wolf hiding in the bushes, stalking her and listening to every conversation, did not sit well with her. The NSA with fangs and claws. “The knowledge werewolves exist would make headline news, but I don’t plan on dying.” Been there, done that. Technically, her heart had stopped beating. If Lev had not given her the healing bite, she wouldn’t be here.

“Good.”