Page 35 of Protected By Artemis

“I have a plan, but you can’t be here.”

Cade’s voice rose. “And what exactly is your plan? And why can’t I be here?”

“Because then it won’t work!” She planted her hands on her hips.

“Tell me what this plan is.”

“It’s simple, really,” she said in a casual tone. “Around halfway through the tour, I’ll make my ATV malfunction. We’ll be too far ahead to turn back. Then, Daniel will have to let me ride on the back of his ATV, and our phones will be in range. If you’re around, it won’t make sense for me to ride with him.”

“But that also means you’ll be next to him.”

“Yes, that’s generally how being within range works”

“He’ll be touching you.”

“And why—” She paused, seeing how his jaw tensed and his green eyes blazed.

Ine ziliaris?The thought that he was jealous sent a thrill through her.

“Why don’t you just stand beside him? Or drive up really close?”

“I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to do that. Based on the tour itinerary, we won’t be staying at any of the sites long enough.”

“Try.” His tone, however, made it sound like an order. “Do anything else you have to.”

“I…I guess I could try. But Cade, this is our last chance to do this.” He looked ready to explode, so she attempted to divert his attention. “And by the way, why didn’t you tell me that Mallory Philipps has a strong motive for bombing your pack?”

“That old rumor?” He blew out a breath. “Ancient history. We’re on good terms with the Yukon pack. Have been since my grandfather’s time.”

“But still, it’s suspicious that she and her son have that industrial-strength encryption on their phones. We need to know what they’re hiding.”

Cade hesitated. “Fine. Get close to the phone and get the data.”

“I will—” His mouth smashing down on hers caught her by surprise, but she eagerly returned his kiss. By the time he let go of her, her knees were like wet noodles. “Cade…”

“Stay safe. And remember what I said,” he growled against her mouth before giving it a nip. “I’ll see you at the end.”

“I will.” She watched him walk away, still trying to grasp what happened. His possessiveness and jealousy made her stomach flutter, but when she tried to make sense of it, her brain just wouldn’t work. Other parts of her, however…

She shook her head. She had a job to do and a promise to keep.

Heading back to where the others were already getting ready to ride the ATVs, she positioned herself closer to Daniel, pulling her tank top off so she was only wearing her sports bra and yoga pants. Putting on her brightest smile, she approached him.

“Oh hey,” she greeted the almost-Alpha. “Daniel, right?”

“Artemis!” To his credit, his eyes only strayed down to her cleavage for half a second.

He really is sweet.That sincerity she had sensed in him was real, and she knew he would play knight in shining armor to any woman in trouble. She was almost sorry if it turned out he did know something about the bombing.

“Where’s Cade?”

“Oh, he had to go back to the villa. Pack business, you know.”

“Yeah, I understand.” The corners of his eyes crinkled as he grinned. “Mother’s the same. Didn’t even want to do any of the fun stuff while we were here. Actually, she didn’t want me to do it either, but I said I was gonna take advantage of the sunshineand beach while we’re here before we had to go back. So, just you, huh?”

“Yeah, just me.” She wrinkled her nose at the ATV. “I hope I can handle this thing. It’s sooooo big and scary.”

“Oh, it’s really easy,” he said. “We have a few of these on our territory. Tons of fun to ride.”

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