The Wolf Princess: The Wolf PrincessOne Eye Open (The Pack)

by Karen Whiddon

  “Sorry.” Ruben sounded anything but.

  Shaking his head, Braden held out his arm. An instant later, Alisa took it, gripping him tightly.

  “Shall we go?” he asked, pitching his own tone to sound as formal as hers.

  “Definitely.” She squeezed his arm hard. “Since you disappeared for so long, we don’t have time to mingle. We must be seated when father rings the bell for dinner to begin. We cannot be late.”

  “She’s right. I’ll see you two up there in a minute,” Ruben added. He didn’t appear to be in as big a hurry as his sister, but he probably got a lot more leeway since he was the only male child and the heir to the throne. If he was late, the king probably waited for him.

  Braden sighed. Sorting through all this royal protocol gave him a headache. With Alisa leading him, they moved off, her arm firmly in his.

  Getting through the crowd of people was a bit nerve-racking. Though he guessed they tended to move apart for Alisa, sort of like the Red Sea parting, the noise level in the packed room made him tense.

  Plus he couldn’t help but worry that the attacker might have managed to infiltrate this dinner in order to make another attempt on either his or Alisa’s life.

  A crash from his left made him jump, and he half turned by reflex in case he had to fight.

  “It’s all right,” Alisa murmured. “One of the wait staff dropped something.”

  He nodded. Feeling slightly paranoid after Ruben’s talk, and progressively more uncomfortable as always in the ever-moving crush of people, he mumbled apologies as he tried to avoid stepping on feet.

  “I’m like a bull in a china shop,” he said. “I wish now that I’d brought my cane.”

  “Sorry.” She squeezed his arm again, pressing in close to his side. “We’re almost there,” she told him, as if she sensed his growing unease. “There are three steps leading to the dais. I’ll tell you when to step up.”

  At her words, he stopped, pulling her to a halt with him. “Dais? Surely you don’t expect me to sit up on a platform so everyone can stare at me.”

  “My family sits there and that’s where I have to take my meal. Of course my escort will be seated next to me.”

  Of course. Except her normal escorts were a bunch of rich, spoiled aristocrats vying for her attention. Enough was enough. “Maybe you should choose one of the others,” he said. “I’m not up for this. Not now.”

  She stopped, still gripping his arm, and turned to face him. “What on earth did my brother say to you back there?”

  “Nothing to do with this, I promise you.”

  “Then why are you acting so strange? You promised to be my escort. Believe me, I appreciate your help.”

  Resigned, he nodded. She was right. He’d given his word.

  “Never mind,” he told her, coming to an instant decision. “I’m sorry. Of course I’ll sit on your dais with you.” He even managed a pained smile. “Lead the way.”

  For once, he was glad he couldn’t see the people who were no doubt staring at him, talking behind their hands about the blind man who didn’t own a tuxedo.

  Since he didn’t speak the Teslinkian language, which was the predominant language in the room, he had no idea what anyone was saying. Nor, he told himself, did he care. None of that was important. What worried him was how he could protect Alisa if he couldn’t even see the threat coming.

  A bell rang and the noise in the room grew to a crescendo.

  “That’s the signal for everyone to take their seats,” Alisa told him. “In a few minutes, there will be another bell and the staff will begin serving our meal.”

  Exactly as she’d said, another, louder bell rang barely two minutes later. Plates clanked, silverware and crystal tinkling as the service commenced. Though he couldn’t view it with his own eyes, Braden could picture a small army of servers, balancing trays with covered plates, going around the packed room.

  Finally, the meal was served. An expectant hush fell over the room.

  “Next my father will stand and make his speech and give the traditional blessing.”

  Listening as the king spoke, the musical cadence of his native tongue lyrical and exotic, Braden inhaled the odd aroma of the food. It smelled like mashed potatoes and gravy, with a side of roast beef. Though he had no idea what they were serving, his mouth watered.

  Finally relaxing, he thoroughly enjoyed the room’s relative quiet while the king gave his speech.

  As King Leo finished, another bell pealed.

  Immediately, as though someone had flicked a switch, the noise swelled up from the floor.

  “Now we may eat,” Alisa murmured in his ear, sending a shiver of heat through him.

  Groping for his fork and knife, Braden cut into his food and raised a piece to his mouth. Even after a taste, he still had no idea what it was, though he guessed it was some kind of beef dish. He continued to eat, chewing the food methodically, trying to force it down despite his lack of hunger and the strange, unfamiliar taste.

  “You don’t like your dinner?” The laughter in Alisa’s husky voice warmed him to his toes. His body stirred.

  “It’s, er, interesting,” he murmured back, pushing it around on his plate with his fork. “What exactly is it?”

  “In English, you call it liver.”

  Unable to suppress a shudder, he gripped his fork and nodded. No wonder he couldn’t stomach it. He smiled and forced himself to take another bite, trying not to gag.

  The next three courses were better, and he began to relax. Finally dessert arrived, some kind of pudding that he actually enjoyed, though he really didn’t want to know what it was. He ate this with gusto, keeping a pleasant expression for the onlookers.

  Finally, the plates were cleared away. “Let’s go,” he said.

  “Already?” Was she feigning her disappointment, or was she serious? “The entertainment has not yet started. My father likes to play the piano and my mother enjoys singing.”

  He resisted the urge to grimace. “Then we’re leaving just in time. Come on.”

  Because she, too, had promised, she got to her feet and took his arm. They descended the dais arm in arm, sweeping through the now milling crowd. This time, since most everyone remained seated, they made it to the door without incident.

  Only when they were outside the banquet room and well down the hall did he slow his pace and take a huge breath of relief.

  “Thank you for doing that for me. You were a wonderful escort.” She leaned in close, bringing him the heady scent of her perfume. “I still want to know what Ruben said to you.”

  Now that the dinner was over, he saw no reason to lie. “He told me about the danger facing you and how you won’t listen.”

  She pulled her arm free. “There is no danger. My brother exaggerates.”

  “Really? Did he exaggerate the shot, too?”

  “That was not related,” she sniffed. “You said so yourself. The shooter was after you, you said so yourself.”

  “I said that before I knew about these extremists who want to kill you.”

  “There is no proof that these people even exist. I think they are a figment of Ruben’s imagination.”

  He snorted. “Listen to yourself. Funny, but you don’t seem the type to avoid reality.”

  From her sharp intake of breath, he saw his barb had hit home. “I’m not avoiding anything. What my brother tells me doesn’t make sense. Why would anyone not want to have the ability to remain human longer?”

  “So, because your idea of reality doesn’t mesh with theirs, you’re saying theirs does not exist?”

  “If it does, you must understand one thing. Ruben counts himself among those who would rather be wolf than human. If I believe what he tells me, then I have to consider my own brother a threat!”

  * * *

  As soon as she said the words, tears welled up in Alisa’s eyes. She couldn’t believe she’d just spoken out loud her most private fear. Accusing her baby brother of something so sordid felt a
kin to being heretical. She knew he loved her and would never hurt her. She wished she’d kept her mouth closed.

  “You can’t be serious.” Braden’s stunned response only made her feel worse. “Your brother wouldn’t do anything to hurt you, would he?”

  “Of course not,” she hastened to reassure him as well as herself. “That isn’t what I meant. Ruben would never be a threat to me. I know he would protect me with his life. And honestly, my brother is extremely loyal to our family and our Pack. I just meant that not all shifters who’d rather be wolf are crazy.”

  Frowning, Braden didn’t appear convinced. “I’ve never met anyone who’d even admit to such a thing. Your brother appears to be a nice guy. How certain are you that he feels that way?”

  She huffed. “I’m positive. Believe me, if he were offered a choice, Ruben would prefer to remain wolf, only changing into human when necessary.”

  And in anyone else…

  Braden’s frown told her he’d arrived at the same conclusion. “I wonder why he didn’t mention that tidbit to me when we were talking earlier.”

  “He probably didn’t feel his personal views were relevant,” she told him. “As members of the royal family, we’re taught at an early age to keep quiet about how we feel on most major issues.”

  “That stinks.” While this might be true, he wasn’t sure he bought into it.

  “Maybe, but I don’t mind. We are allowed to have differing views, but must not express them publicly.”

  “Why not?”

  “My father believes we must all show support for his policies for the sake of peace. This is probably why Ruben didn’t say anything to you.”

  “Possibly.” Still, his frown darkened. “But talking to me is not the same thing as making a public declaration.”

  “Maybe not to you. But you are American, after all. And well-known in the scientific community. If you were to mention that Prince Ruben of Teslinko preferred his wolf state to his human, the international repercussions among the Pack would be enormous.”

  “I would never—”

  “But Ruben doesn’t know that,” she interrupted.

  Slowly, Braden shook his shaggy head. “One minute you’re practically accusing him of siding with the enemy and the next you’re defending him.”

  Alisa opened her mouth to respond, and then closed it. He was right. “I love my brother,” she finally said. “And just because he identifies more with his wolf side doesn’t mean he’s a bad person.”

  “I agree.” Braden smiled, surprising her. “I didn’t say he was.”

  The way his smile transformed his craggy face into something else fascinated her. He looked beautiful, in a purely masculine way. Watching him, she found herself aching to reach up and remove his dark glasses so she could see his striking, albeit sightless, eyes.

  If she reached her hand toward his face, she’d be lost and she knew it. Plus the man had said he was only interested in her for research. She felt a sudden perverse urge to see if she could change his mind.

  “Come on,” she urged instead, tugging on his arm. “Let’s keep moving, especially if we’re going to talk about something so sensitive.”

  After a moment’s hesitation, he did as she asked, though he walked so slowly she felt as if she was dragging him down the hall. This made her wonder—should she try to do this? Was it wise? And then she smiled, aware she’d never been one to take the easiest course of action.

  When they reached the elevator, she pressed the button to take them to his floor. “Do you want to go to your lab or to your room?” she asked.

  “What time is it?” he countered, sounding weary.

  “Nearly ten.” Again she studied him, letting her gaze roam lovingly over his rugged features, then down his broad shoulders to his flat stomach and narrow hips. She flushed as she wondered what he’d do if she actually touched him, trailing her fingers down his chest to the place where his shirt met his slacks.

  His breathing changed, becoming rough and labored, as though he knew. Not possible, she told herself. After all, he’d been very plain in his denial there was anything between them. Of course it was possible he’d lied. She supposed she’d find out the truth in a moment.

  “Your room or the lab?” she repeated.

  “My room, please.” His voice sounded strained.

  When the elevator doors opened again, she took his arm. Side by side, her hip bumping his, they walked down the long hall toward his room.

  Once she’d guided his hand to the door knob, she hesitated. Normally she wouldn’t go inside unless he invited her, and if he did…well, that’d be asking for trouble. She hadn’t been able to stop thinking about the feel of his mouth on her, his lean and hard body pressed up against her.

  Foolish, but she couldn’t change the way she felt. She wouldn’t be responsible for her actions if Braden asked her inside. His kiss had only left her wanting more. Much more. And Alisa had never been shy about taking what she wanted.

  As he opened the door, he turned to face her. She held her breath, waiting, hoping against hope, though she wasn’t sure whether she truly wanted to go inside with him or play it safe and head back to her own room.

  “Despite the dais and the strange food, I mostly enjoyed this evening,” he said gruffly.

  She couldn’t help but smile. “I did, too.” She leaned in and squeezed his arm. “Thank you again for accompanying me.”

  An expression akin to pain crossed his face. Dipping his chin in a curt nod, he stepped inside. “Good night, Alisa,” he said, then quietly closed the door in her face.

  Well. Stunned, relieved and, oddly enough, amused, Alisa shook her head. That settled that. Though the night was still young and dancing would be starting at the dinner party downstairs, she trudged along to her own room. A hot bath and a good book might help her forget what her body wanted. And if not, she could always send for a bottle of wine.

  * * *

  After he’d shut Alisa out of his room for the night, Braden headed directly to the bathroom, shedding clothes as he went. A cold shower would do much to dampen the constant state of arousal he found himself in whenever he spent time with the princess.

  He wanted her. More than that—he craved her with a fierceness that shocked him with its intensity. And this was one hunger he would have to ignore. After all, it wouldn’t do much for diplomatic relations if he were to make love with the king’s youngest daughter, even if she was an adult. He had the doctor-patient relationship taboo to consider as well, though technically he wasn’t her doctor.

  After his shower, he thought about listening to an audio book, but he could barely stay awake. Finally, he just gave up, turned out the light and went to sleep.

  Something startled him awake from a wildly erotic dream about Alisa. Listening for half a second, he realized someone was in his room. Since to him, darkness was constant whether day or night, his clue wasn’t actually another sound, because the intruder had taken pains to be silent, but the barely discernable odor of cigarette smoke that clung to the stranger’s skin. The scent tickled the edge of his nose, sending him from sleep to wakefulness instantly.

  Though he couldn’t judge the time, he guessed it was somewhere around two or three in the morning. He took a split second to decide not to speak and alert the intruder that he’d come awake. Hopefully, the other clue—the change in his breathing—would be overlooked.

  Instead, he pushed himself up and hurled his body in the general direction of the smoke smell. He lucked out—he connected. The intruder went down with a muffled oomph.

  Braden was able to process a few quick details. Male, slender, wiry build. Easy to subdue, since he was taken by surprise. Braden twisted his arms up behind his back.

  “Why are you here? What do you want?”

  The man/boy muttered something in the Teslinkian tongue. Though Braden wasn’t one hundred percent certain, it sounded like a curse.

  Pushing down harder, Braden increased the pressure on the guy’s
arm. “Answer me.”

  Though Braden’s grip was nowhere near his neck, the man started making choking sounds, low in his throat as though gasping for air. Braden eased up a little, and bam—the guy broke free.

  Shoving Braden back against the wall, he took off, slamming the door open, running away down the long hall.

  Stunned, Braden climbed to his feet. The ruse had been an effective one. Fumbling along the edge of the bed, he located the bedside table and the phone. Snatching up the receiver, he pressed the zero, hoping the palace had some kind of night operator or something.

  “Yes?” The feminine voice sounded exceedingly cheerful and awake, especially given that it was the middle of the night. Tersely, Braden relayed his need for security to come to his room, right away. She promised to send immediate help.

  Heart still pumping from adrenaline, he hung up and waited. He couldn’t help but wish he could pace the room like everyone else did when they got nervous, but since he’d end up stumbling along in the darkness, he knew better than to try.

  Instead, he got up and closed the door, locking it just in case the intruder decided to come back and finish off the job.

  After what felt entirely too long but had to be only a few minutes later, someone knocked: three sharp raps. Security? Or… Since they didn’t announce themselves, he had to find out. “Who is it?” he asked, wishing like hell he could look through the peephole like a normal person.

  “Security. There are two of us.”

  Aware he had no way of verifying their identity, he took a chance.

  Opening the door, he waved them into his room. One of the men fumbled on the wall and apparently switched on the lights, then cursed under his breath. They both smelled like stale cigarette smoke.

  “I’m Thomas. What happened here?” One man wanted to know. “The room is trashed. It looks like you had a fight.”

  Quickly, he filled them in on what he knew, which was precious little. “Do either of you have a cigarette?” he asked casually, waiting to see which man was the smoker. It was a long shot—lots of people smoked, but still…

  “Sorry,” Thomas answered. “I’m all out. What about you, Igor?”