Page 19 of Protected By Artemis

She laughed, the sound echoing across the pool. They floated for a while, enjoying the cool water and the warm sun. As they drifted, they began discussing their game plan for the welcome drinks.

“I can sense wolves once I talk to them,” she said. “I can do it pretty quickly; enough time for introductions and some small talk. I can give you a sign when I’m done. How about if I link my arm with yours or hold your hand?

“Okay. That should also be enough time for Hephaestus’s scanning app to work, too.”

“We can get through a lot of the alphas during happy hour,” she said and smiled. “Are you on speaking terms with at least half of them?”

He smirked. “Yeah, only a couple might need more effort.” Most of the wolves of the West Coast packs were pretty easygoing, though some posturing was always part of any interaction between alphas.

“Okay, we got this,” she said, splashing him.

He looked at her, noticing how relaxed and even more beautiful she looked just floating in the water. Her usual intensity softened by the sun’s glow and the tranquility of the pool. He appreciated the moment of calm before the storm of their investigation. “Let’s make sure we get this right. We need to find out who’s behind the bombing and ensure the pack’s safety.”

She met his gaze. “We will, Cade. We’ll do whatever it takes.”

They floated in silence for a few more moments, gathering their thoughts and preparing for the task ahead. The peacefulness of the pool offered a brief respite, but they both knew the actual work was just beginning.

She turned to him with a teasing smile. “Okay, I have to get ready. Have to look the part of your bedmate, after all.” She winked, causing him to shift uncomfortably.

“You can just use your magic, right?” he replied, trying to keep his tone casual. He still wasn’t comfortable with her posing as his bedmate. And yesterday’s kiss didn’t help at all.

Because, for some fucking reason, he wanted her.

He couldn’t go down that path again, the one he walked with Eleni.

“Where’s the fun in that?” she responded with a laugh. “Part of it is using your talents to look amazing. Besides, there’s still time.”

With that, she stepped out of the pool, and water cascaded down her toned, athletic body, glistening in the sunlight. Her wet hair clung to her shoulders, framing her face with loose waves. She moved with fluidity, each step deliberate and confident. She glanced back at him as she reached for a towel, catching his stare. “I’ll see you inside.”

Cade, momentarily caught off guard, quickly averted his gaze, feeling a pang of guilt. He reminded himself she was his sister-in-law and focused on the sky. “Yeah, I’ll be there in a bit.”

But he couldn’t help but steal a glance as she walked toward the villa with effortless confidence, the sunlight highlighting every curve and line of her perfect form. Taking a deep breath, he reminded himself that he was here for the conference and not to get mixed up with a woman. Especially not an immortal goddess.

But surely having a little bit of fun wouldn’t be too bad, a small voice inside him asked.

Or maybe that was the little head in his pants talking.

Oh no, it definitely would be very bad. But they were already here, and there was no turning back, not without making any of the other alphas suspicious. He’d already made his bed, and he had to lie in it.

After a few moments, he climbed out of the pool and found the villa empty, except for the faint sounds of Artemis in theshower. He went to the bar, which boasted a good selection of spirits, and poured himself a bourbon. The amber liquid burned pleasantly as he downed it, helping him focus his mind on their mission.

The first person he wanted to check out was Asher. Ever since the match with Geri didn’t work out, Asher had been hostile, taking it personally. He knew Asher’s grudge might make him a suspect and needed to approach him carefully.

When he finally heard her moving around in the bedroom, he walked over and found her in a robe, drying her hair. The scene was strangely domestic, making him feel awkward again. He wondered why she had this effect on him, why her presence seemed to unsettle him in a way he couldn’t quite understand. Shaking off the feeling, he headed to the bathroom to shower and get ready.

By the time he emerged, dressed and composed, she had also finished getting ready. She was putting on a pair of heels and stood up from the bed. Her dress was a stunning deep green halter dress that highlighted her every curve. The deep V-shaped neckline plunged almost to her belly button, and the short, tight skirt showcased her long, toned legs.

He tore his eyes from her legs and looked in the mirror, taking a final look at himself and straightening his polo shirt. She stood next to him, checking her makeup. “That’s a nice shirt. I didn’t peg you to like prints,” she said, eyeing the shirt covered in palm trees.

“I’m not. But I thought it would be nice to mix it up.”

“Well, do I look the part?” she asked and smoothed her dress down her body, the fabric clinging to her curves in a way that made him hold his breath. She looked effortlessly stunning.

“Speaking of, remember when I told you about coming as my bedmate? Well, part of that is having my scent on you,” he said, looking at her through the mirror.

“Oh, right. So do we have to practice again?” she said nonchalantly, tucking her hair behind her ear.

“We don’t have to practice, but I do have to scent you,” he said, amazed at how unfazed she was by the situation.

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