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187. Doing Business
~ CASIMIR ~
“I believe so… but I can’t be certain,” Rake said reluctantly. “They’re being careful with me, which is why I have to let this play out as if I didn’t have permission to be there with them.”
Then he turned to me. I took a bite of my meal to give myself something to focus on as I worked to shove down that heated envy.
“Cazz, I’m pretty sure they believe that I’m working on getting Jesse to them—that she’s here reluctantly. They know she was taken against her will—obviously—but they seem to accept that she could be convinced to use her power against you.”
“Use her power as Queen? For what?”
“They&rsq
Kaugnay na kabanata
Slave to the Wolf King 188. No More Talk
~ CASIMIR ~Jesse’s head snapped towards me, her eyes wide. “Cazz…” She licked her lips like she was nervous. “I don’t want to leave you or the Palace, but I do want to help. And Rake’s right—if they see me… I know how to play that, so they believe me. I know what drives them. They wouldn’t hurt me—not like that. They’ll want to leverage my access to you and the wolves, so they’ll be on their best behavior. They still think I’ll be driven by money the way they are.”Rake cleared his throat. “They also believe you could bring them female wolves, which they covet. Apparently, the men in your world see them as legendary. Sexually. They’re expecting me to report back with an update on what promises you’ll make and what you can bring them—and what terms you req
Slave to the Wolf King 189. Change
~ CASIMIR ~Jesse stood, resting a hand on my shoulder which made my skin prickle. I almost grabbed her and pulled her into my lap, but instead clenched my hands to fists as she smiled at Rake and leaned across the table to squeeze his arm.“I’m so glad you’re safe and here and… I’m just glad, Rake. Let’s go for a walk or something when you have time, okay? I want to do like Cazz said and have you show me how my brothers are acting with you, and how they’re saying these things, in case there’s anything you’ve missed or I can help interpret.”Rake got to his feet because he was old-fashioned like that. Maya loved it and always muttered criticism at me when he did it and I didn’t.But I was distracted from t
Slave to the Wolf King 190. Win Together
~ CASIMIR ~I snorted. “What has happened is that I am learning who I can trust. And I trust you, Rake. I also trust my mate. Both of you are the only ones who know about this entire picture. Now, don’t distract me and get off the subject,” I said hurriedly. “I’m telling you, you have a male on your team who is well intended, but has concerns about you. Be careful what you let him see. If he misinterprets it and comes running with claims of your betrayal… I shudder to think what could happen.”Rake flapped his hand. “He’ll be fine. I’ll talk to him, let him ask his questions, explain what he’s seeing so he knows how to watch for my heart in it. Leave it to me.”“I will. I just wanted you to be aware.”
Slave to the Wolf King 191. Last Chance
~ JESSE ~I found Reeca in one of the side tunnels we often passed on the way to the Den. She was surprised to hear from me, but beckoned me into her cave when I reached her.It was small and simple, and I loved it, because the furnishings and the way she decorated seemed much softer than I would have picked as her taste.“Are you busy?” I asked her quickly when she invited me in.“No. I have a meeting this afternoon with the healers, but I’m free until then. What’s going on?” she asked me, somewhat warily, tucking that white stripe of hair behind her ear.“I just wanted to prepare you—and give you a last chance to bow out. I’ve just left a conversation with Rake and Ca
Slave to the Wolf King 192. Listen
~ JESSE ~I wasn’t going to fight that, and laughed a little as he growled and shoved the door closed behind me, then lifted me up and started carrying me towards the bed.For a moment I was just going to go with it—I wanted him too. And it was still thrilling and reassuring every time we reunited and he wanted me. But I also knew we had to leave for dinner soon, and he was probably going to be talking to the Council tonight. So I needed to convince him now.He dropped me on the bed, then straightened, his eyes raking down my body as he began to strip off his shirt. “I don’t have much time,” he muttered. “Get your clothes off.”I laughed and pushed up onto my knees, reaching for his shirt and smiling. “I want you to
Slave to the Wolf King 193. Enough
~ JESSE ~I went still and Cazz dusted one more kiss on my neck, then straightened, one hand still under my chin to meet my eyes, his expression grim.I stared at him, trying to understand how his tone and touch could be so at odds with his words.“Cazz—”His thumb tightened on my chin and his eyes flashed. “Hear me, Jesse. I said no. And I’m not discussing it further,” he said, the words clipped.All the hope and excitement I’d felt about how we were connecting and how he was listening just crumbled. My stomach sank as I held his gaze, examined him in the bond, and realized there was absolutely
Slave to the Wolf King 194. Men
~ JESSE ~I got my shit together and made myself go to dinner. The wolves were already perceiving and scenting everything that happened between us, I didn’t want to have to face questions about why the Queen was absent—and pouting. So a few minutes after Cazz left I put my big girl pants on and made myself follow him to the dining room. But I wasn’t happy about it.Cazz was already seated, and many of the others were already there scattered at seats around the long dining table that could sit twenty, but would only have about a dozen tonight. The food hadn’t come yet, so some of them hadn’t taken seats and were standing near the table, talking.When I walked in, Cazz was sitting at the head of the table, one elbow on the arm of his chair, his temple resting on his fist. The moment I stepped
Slave to the Wolf King 195. Different Battle
~ JESSE ~By Tuesday morning with Maya, I was waging internal war. She was so focused on my mental defenses and preparing me to “manifest” this power she said was hibernating inside me, she refused to even hear me talk about questioning Cazz’s decision about my help.And then when I was walking back to the Palace and considering whether to just go find Cazz and push my point, Rake nudged again.‘It’s a no, Jess. He’s determined that it’s too risky. I’m sorry. But you and I will have a conversation tomorrow. I’ve told him that I really want your input and advice. After the Selection tonight things will calm down a little for me, so we’ll get together after you see Maya tomorrow, okay?’I blinked.
Pinakabagong kabanata
- Slave to the Wolf King 224. See You Later
- Slave to the Wolf King 223. Cold Heart – Part 2
- Slave to the Wolf King 222. Cold Heart – Part 1
- Slave to the Wolf King 221. Gifted – Part 2
- Slave to the Wolf King 220. Gifted – Part 1
- Slave to the Wolf King 219. Old Bat
- Slave to the Wolf King 218. Perspective
- Slave to the Wolf King 217. Give
- Slave to the Wolf King 216. The World in My Eyes
