Chapter 3

Ryan hadn't even wiped the mud off his combat boots. He'd clearly floored it straight from the training grounds.

The huge Alpha strode toward me, trailing the cold scent of gunpowder. He pressed his rough fingertips to the pulse at my throat, then bent his head and breathed in at the curve of my neck.

"Heart rate normal. Scent stable." He pulled his hand back and looked down at me. "If you're not sick, why did you suddenly cut off all your spending?"

"I just thought I'd save us a little money." I forced out a dry laugh.

"There's no need." His brows drew together, his voice stern. "I have enough to keep you in luxury for several lifetimes. I didn't marry you to watch you pinch pennies."

I was still trying to figure out how to talk my way out of that when he tugged open the dark silver clasp at his collar with one hand. In a single step he had me backed against the arm of the couch, and then he swept me up into his arms.

"Weren't you always begging to rip my uniform off?" His voice had gone low and rough, heavy with menace. "Today, you get your wish."

"No, no, no!"

Every hair on my body stood up. I wriggled out of his arms like an eel and backed away. "You just got back from the front, you must be exhausted! I'd never exploit a pillar of the Empire like that! Sit down and rest, I'll go make you something to eat!"

I shot into the kitchen. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Ryan frozen in place, completely baffled.

Not long after, Ryan appeared in the kitchen doorway, his expression grim.

"There's an emergency at the defense line. I have to go back to the command center right away."

"Of course, work comes first. Go, go!" I couldn't wait for him to leave.

"I'll be back as soon as it's handled."

"No, don't... I mean, take your time."

Ryan gave me a long look. "Since you're cooking for me yourself, I'm eating this meal no matter what."

An idea struck me. "Then I'll pack it up and bring it to Headquarters for you. That way you don't have to run back and forth."

"Fine."

He actually agreed! Since I had no psychic power, he'd always hated the idea of me going anywhere near a base crawling with volatile Alphas.

The moment he was out the door, I called the butler to take over the kitchen.

I waited until the chef had prepared a beautiful, healthy meal, then took my sweet time catching a cab to Imperial Military Headquarters.

Standing at the heavily guarded checkpoint, I called his internal line. "I'm downstairs. Have your aide come down and get it."

"Take the private elevator up." Ryan's voice carried an authority that left no room for argument. "I've already given the central AI your clearance."

"Isn't that against the rules? This is a top-secret zone..."

"I'd like to see anyone try to stop you."

Maybe I imagined it, but he sounded a little softer than usual today.

I had no choice but to steel myself and walk in. I made my way all the way to the Supreme Commander's office under the shocked, contemptuous stares of high-ranking shifters.

The door was ajar. A sweet, flirtatious female voice drifted out.

"Ryan, you promised to spend my birthday with me today. Why are you standing me up again?"