Protected by Artemis (Gods and Beasts #3)

4. Cade

Chapter 4

Cade

T he sun shone brightly over the pristine beaches of South Cay in the Turks and Caicos. The private island was a hidden gem, a paradise of lush greenery and turquoise waters. The air was warm and fragrant, carrying the gentle sounds of the ocean waves and the distant calls of exotic birds.

This idyllic setting was the perfect backdrop for the annual West Coast Alphas Convention, where the alphas gathered to discuss pack matters and, for Cade and Artemis, conduct their covert investigation.

He glanced around, taking in the breathtaking scenery. The clear blue waters and swaying palm trees were a far cry from the rugged landscapes of Alaska. Beside him, Artemis adjusted her enormous sun hat, which covered her face.

“That hat is ridiculous,” he grumbled. “It’s bigger than some of the palm trees here.” Still, he couldn’t stop looking at her luscious mouth and thinking about that kiss from yesterday.

That soul-altering kiss that had his cock aching all night and had him jerking himself off at least twice just so he could get some sleep.

“It matches my outfit perfectly. Besides, it’s functional. You don’t want me to get sunburned, do you?”

“Do you even sunburn?” he asked, leaning close. “Aren’t you a god?”

She rolled her eyes. “Of course I burn, but I can heal myself. But why go through all that pain and trouble?”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Alright, you win. But if it blocks my view one more time, I might accidentally ‘lose’ it.”

“Welcome to our island,” a concierge greeted them warmly. “Mr. Andersen, here is your key. Your villa is number seven, with a beautiful view of the ocean. We hope you enjoy your stay.”

He thanked the staff, and they walked through the resort, a cluster of elegant villas, each designed to offer luxury and privacy, nestled amidst the island’s natural beauty.

“What a view,” Artemis said as they stepped into their villa. It was spacious, with large windows overlooking the ocean, a private pool, and a veranda perfect for late-night strategy sessions.

As they settled into the villa, he glanced at her. “Remember why we’re here. We need to figure out if any of the alphas might be behind the bombing.”

She nodded, her expression serious. “I know. We’ll have to tread carefully and gather as much information as we can without drawing too much attention.”

“First, we’ll mingle, get a sense of who’s here and what they’re up to. Then, we can start probing for any leads.”

She set her sun hat aside and turned to him, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Sure, but first, I want to go for a swim.” Without waiting for a response, she snapped her fingers, her dress replaced by a bikini, before diving into the pool.

He watched her swim gracefully, her form easily cutting through the water. She then floated on her back, looking thoroughly at peace. He decided to join her and bombed into the pool, sending a splash in all directions.

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 the shower. 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.

“Okay, of course,” she said, stepping closer to him.

He took a deep breath, his wolf instinctively recognizing the intimacy of what he was about to do. He took her hand and kissed her knuckles gently, then trailed his nose up her arm. He nuzzled her neck, his wolf instincts driving him closer, breathing in her scent and letting his own mingle with it.

Artemis’s scent was an intoxicating blend that lingered in the air, a mix of amaranth and cypress. The amaranth added a subtle sweetness, reminiscent of a wild meadow in full bloom, delicate yet enduring. The cypress brought a grounding, woody note, evoking the ancient forests, timeless and strong. Together, they created a refreshing and mysterious fragrance, perfectly embodying her essence—a combination of ethereal grace and unyielding strength.

He gave in to the moment, followed the plunging neckline of exposed skin, and knelt. He took another breath, pressed his forehead on her stomach, and ran his hands up her legs, feeling the smoothness of her skin.

He felt her thread her fingers through his hair, and he leaned into her touch, the sensation both grounding and electrifying. When he looked up at her, he saw her eyes clouded with lust, a reflection of his desire.

Holding her gaze, he took her hand from his hair and kissed her palm, then trailed his lips up her arm as he stood. The tension between them was palpable, charged with an intensity neither could deny. He nuzzled his face against her neck while Artemis stood still, and he could feel the warmth of her skin against his cheek.

“I think we can practice again,” she said, her voice husky as she looked at him. “Just in case we need to put on a show.”

“Yeah, good idea.”

Their lips met in a heated kiss, melding desire and need. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer as they lost themselves in each other. The mission, the alphas, and the impending investigation were all forgotten for a few precious moments.

It was overwhelming, the intensity of the moment threatening to consume him. Yet, it felt right. There was a primal connection between them, one that was getting harder to ignore. She stood there, her soft curves pressed against him, her lips moving perfectly with his. She seemed to enjoy it, but he couldn’t be entirely sure.

He pulled back slightly, searching her eyes for any sign of hesitation or discomfort.

She smiled at him, her eyes filled with amusement. “Do you think they’ll be able to smell you on me now?” she teased.

“Yeah, you definitely smell like me now,” he murmured, trying to keep his voice steady.

“Great. Let’s go make an impression,” she replied, holding his hand, and walking out of the room.

Together, they left the villa, stepping into the warm evening air. He tried to clear his head, but the way she had felt in his arms, the way her scent mixed with his—it stayed with him, haunting him in the best way possible. Even now, his skin still tingled from the memory of that kiss. There was an undeniable chemistry between them, and he couldn’t remember the last time he had felt such a strong connection with someone. He shook his head, trying to get his head in the game.

She looked at him as they approached the veranda set up for the welcome drinks and gave him a reassuring nod. “Ready?” she asked, her eyes steady and focused.

“Ready.”

He looked at the party unfolding in front of them. The bar was beside the beach, where the gentle waves provided a soothing backdrop. He saw a handful of alphas he was acquainted with, and they quickly approached them and exchanged greetings and introductions. He stood close to the alphas, discreetly scanning their phones while Artemis engaged them in small talk.

Once they had made their rounds, they headed to the bar for drinks. While waiting, he checked the app to make sure it was working. Since it was made with divine magic, it was supercharged and could scan for keywords quickly. But they would still have to double-check the data.

“I haven’t sensed anything with the alphas we’ve spoken to,” she said, leaning close to him.

“Yeah, it makes sense to me that they wouldn’t be involved,” he said. The alphas were from California, and he had little to no business with them.

He leaned against the counter while Artemis took a sip of her drink, scanning the crowd with an alert gaze. She turned to him, then added with a wry smile, “But some of the men weren’t shy about checking me out.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah, if I hadn’t scented you, they’d be figuring out ways to hit on you.”

She smirked. “Well, if it keeps those guys away, I wouldn’t mind being scented again.”

He laughed with her, but he thought to himself that he wouldn’t mind either. “Well, we’ll see if it comes to that,” he said, sipping his drink. “Should I be more handsy so these fools will stop staring at you?”

“Yes, I’d like that,” she said, stepping closer to him.

He wrapped his arm around her waist and whispered into her ear. “Happy to be of service.”

She turned toward him, her eyes soft but intense. He leaned down, closing the small space between them, and kissed her lightly. It was a tentative, almost teasing kiss at first, as though testing the waters, but neither of them pulled away. The kiss lingered, their lips brushing together just long enough for his heart to race.

When they finally broke apart, they stayed close, their foreheads nearly touching. She was smiling, a glint of something mischievous in her eyes, but there was also warmth, something unspoken between them. Artemis nudged him lightly with her elbow. “Let’s get back to work. We’ve got more alphas to charm and scan.”

“Right behind you,” he said, placing a hand on her back.

They continued to mingle, repeating their strategy with each new group. Artemis’s charm and his steady presence made them an effective team. They moved smoothly from one group to the next, she effortlessly engaging in conversation while he quietly scanned the devices. There was a rhythm in their actions, a seamless partnership that seemed almost natural. He felt a growing respect for her ability to navigate the social landscape easily, and he appreciated how her presence made their task a little less daunting.

By the time the stars started to come out, he suggested they get some dinner since the hors d’oeuvres being passed around hadn’t been enough for him. He looked at the crowd and noticed Asher had just joined the group. Nudging Artemis, he pointed him out.

“Oh, I want to see what he looks like,” she said, peering at Asher. She smirked. “Oh, he’s okay, but my brother is way better-looking than he is. I need to text Geri.” She pulled out that ridiculous bejeweled phone of hers, and he shook his head at her, sipping his drink while she texted.

“Okay, done,” she announced, reaching for his hand. “Shall we see if Asher should be on the suspect board?”

They approached Asher, whose eyes narrowed upon seeing him. Asher was tall, with brown eyes and brown hair and could almost be described as handsome, but there was a coldness to him that marred his features.

“Andersen. Not surprising to see you here,” Asher scowled.

Cade gave a curt nod. “Asher. It’s been a while.”

Asher’s gaze flickered briefly to Artemis, who stood close to Cade, then back to Cade with a dismissive smirk. “I heard about the bombing at your place. Hope everyone’s okay.”

“Yes, no one was hurt,” Cade replied, keeping his voice steady despite the irritation simmering beneath the surface.

Asher’s smirk widened. “Well, I guess things just blow up sometimes, huh.”

Cade clenched his jaw. “Sometimes. But it’s not something I’d wish on anyone.”

Asher shrugged. “Well, accidents happen. Just part of life, right?”

“So, Asher, why are you here alone?” Cade snapped. “Couldn’t find anyone to accompany you?”

Asher’s smirk faltered for a split second before he recovered. “I prefer to travel solo. Less baggage that way.”

Cade’s expression remained neutral, but the satisfaction of seeing Asher momentarily unsettled was enough. “Interesting,” he said, glaring back at Asher.

Artemis’s hand on his arm caught his attention, and he glanced at her. She smiled and nodded, signaling that she had gathered enough information. “Well, this is Artemis. Artemis, this is Asher.”

“Hi. Nice to meet you,” Artemis stepped forward slightly, drawing Asher’s attention.

“Likewise.” Asher barely acknowledged her.

“We’re going to get some dinner,” Cade declared, not wanting to waste another moment with Asher. “Enjoy your evening, Asher.”

“You too, Andersen,” Asher’s smirk never wavered. “Try not to let anything else blow up.”

As they walked toward the clubhouse, Cade felt the tension in his shoulders ease. “Thanks for the save back there,” he said, glancing at her.

“No problem. I could tell you were about to lose your cool,” she chuckled.

“So, what’s the verdict on Asher?”

“He’s got an attitude, but I didn’t sense anything particularly off about him. He’s just as arrogant as you said he’d be.”

“Let’s see what the app says,” he said. He glanced at the screen and then back at her. “Yup, it says Asher is an asshole.”

She laughed, a bright, melodic sound that made Cade smile despite himself. “It doesn’t really say that, right? I can’t imagine Hephaestus making something that would do that.” She continued to giggle, leaning over to look at his phone.

He showed her the screen. “No, it doesn’t. But it should.”

Her laughter bubbled up again, and she playfully nudged his shoulder. “You almost had me there. For a second, I thought Hephaestus had developed a sense of humor.”

He chuckled. “Yeah, well, maybe he should add that feature in the next update.”

She grinned, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “I’ll suggest it to him next time I see him.”

“Let’s grab that dinner now.”

She nodded, still smiling. “Lead the way, Alpha.”