Protected by Artemis (Gods and Beasts #3)

8. Cade

Chapter 8

Cade

C ade sat in his office, the familiar scent of pine and earth from the Alaskan wilderness drifting in through the open window. His usual routine had been disrupted ever since he’d returned from the conference. He was supposed to wake up early, take a walk around the territory, and check his emails before diving into meetings with his pack. But today, only one thing had been accomplished—getting to his office.

Because Artemis was with him.

The goddess had decided they needed to take a break, and somehow that break turned into her curling up on the couch in his office, pulling him down beside her. Now, instead of checking his emails and making decisions about the pack’s day-to-day matters, he found himself lying back with Artemis tucked against him, her head resting on his chest.

He looked down at her, her golden hair fanning out over his shirt as she absentmindedly traced shapes along his arm. She felt so small and delicate in his arms, yet he knew the strength she carried. It was hard to deny her anything, and when she’d mentioned needing a little break, he hadn’t fought it.

“You’re supposed to be working, moro mou ,” she teased lightly, her voice muffled against his chest, though she didn’t move away.

“Yeah, well,” he sighed, wrapping his arms around her, “I think the pack will survive a few more minutes without me.”

She looked up at him with a playful smile. “A few more minutes?”

“Maybe more,” he leaned down to kiss the top of her head.

“You’re terrible at sticking to a routine,” she said, her fingers still tracing patterns on his arm.

“Only when a goddess is around.”

She chuckled softly, and the sound made his chest tighten. There was something so comforting about this moment, so easy and natural. For a while, they just sat there, the world outside the office door seemingly far away.

They had returned to Anchorage the day before, and now, in the quiet moments before meeting with Xavier, he savored the closeness they shared. The cuddling they were doing.

He nuzzled her temple, breathing in her scent, a mix of wildflowers and something uniquely her. She turned, her lips finding his in a gentle kiss that made his heart race.

The goddess had gotten under his skin, unexpectedly making him feel whole. As he held her in his lap, he marveled at how quickly she had fit into his life. It was as if she had always been there, weaving herself into his every thought, grounding him in a way he had never experienced before.

He had always been the Alpha, the one who carried the weight of the pack on his shoulders. His life had been a constant battle to maintain control, to ensure the safety and well-being of those he cared about. But with her, it was different. She saw through the fa?ade and understood the man beneath the title. She didn’t expect him to be perfect; she just wanted him to be himself.

He tightened his hold on her. It was more than just physical attraction, though that was undeniably strong. It was the way she made him feel—seen, valued, and cherished. Over the years, a wall had grown around his heart, but Artemis had a way of breaking them down effortlessly, brick by brick.

“Ready for the meeting?” she asked.

“Yes.” They were supposed to discuss what they found out—or rather, what they didn’t find out. He was glad most of the alphas were cleared, but there was still the question of Mallory. They were waiting for the data from the app about Mallory and Daniel, but Artemis confirmed that she didn’t feel anything off about the almost-alpha. Yet he had a gut feeling there was something more, something they needed to look into further.

He sighed, resting his chin on her head. “I can’t shake the feeling that we’re missing something with Mallory.”

“Sometimes gut feelings are worth listening to. We should keep digging.”

Before he could respond, there was a knock on the door. Artemis flashed to the chair in front of his desk, and he stood up before saying, “Come in.”

Xavier entered, his expression as serious as ever. “Alpha, my lady,” he greeted them with a nod before turning his attention to Cade.

“Xavier, what did you find out?”

Xavier took the seat opposite Artemis, his gaze steady. “Not much, unfortunately. The other packs were clean. No suspicious activities, no odd behavior. It’s like trying to catch smoke.”

“So, we’re back to square one,” Cade frowned, sitting behind his desk.

“But I agree with you. There’s something about Mallory and Daniel.”

Cade’s brow furrowed. “What did you find?”

“Not much, which is suspicious in itself,” Xavier admitted. “They’ve been very careful, almost too careful. Their financials check out, their communications are clean, despite having that industrial-grade encryption on their devices”

“We need to find out what they’re hiding. We can’t let anything slip through the cracks.”

“Have you considered looking into their personal lives?” Artemis leaned forward, her eyes sharp. “Sometimes the smallest detail can unravel the biggest secrets.”

Xavier’s jaw tightened, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. “I’m thorough in my investigations, Goddess. I don’t leave stones unturned.”

Cade held his tongue, watching the exchange with interest. He knew Artemis could handle her own, and this was her way of pushing for a deeper look into their suspects.

“I’m sure you are, Xavier.” Artemis raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. “But it never hurts to have a fresh perspective, does it?”

Xavier’s eyes narrowed. “What exactly are you suggesting?”

“I’m suggesting we look into the people around Mallory and Daniel,” she said calmly. “Their families, their friends, their pasts.”

Xavier crossed his arms. “And you think I haven’t done that?”

Artemis shrugged, her smile widening. “I’m sure you have. But maybe you need to dig a little deeper. Trust me, I’ve dealt with enough tricksters and liars in my time to know that the truth is often hidden in plain sight.”

Cade watched as Xavier’s annoyance simmered, but he could see the logic in Artemis’s words starting to sink in. Xavier was stubborn, but he wasn’t foolish. He knew when to take good advice, even if it bruised his ego a bit.

“Fine,” Xavier said after a moment. “I’ll dig deeper. But don’t expect miracles. These guys are pros at covering their tracks.”

Artemis leaned back. “That’s all I’m asking. Just don’t underestimate them.”

“I’ll start digging into their network, see if anyone close to them raises any red flags,” Xavier nodded curtly, turning to leave the office.

Once the door closed behind Xavier, Cade turned to her, a smile tugging at his lips. “You have a way of getting under people’s skin.”

She snickered. “It’s a gift. And sometimes a curse. But in this case, it was necessary.”

He stood up and leaned against the desk in front of her. “You handled that perfectly. Xavier needed that push.”

“I knew he could take it,” she said, standing up. “And we need every edge we can get.”

He nodded. “We’ll find out what they’re hiding. We have to.”

He tugged her close. “Now, what do we do?” he said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. The investigation was progressing, but right now, he was more focused on the woman in his arms.

She looked at him, hooking her finger under his chin. “Well, you could kiss me,” she said. As their lips met, he held her tightly, his hands moving down her back until he finally had his hands on her perfect ass.

“From being a virgin to now making out in my office, what a difference,” he teased her.

“Wait, you have that backward. I started by making out in your office. For practice.” She laughed, a sound that made his heart swell. “Anyway, you love it.”

“You bet I do,” he said, his lips brushing against her ear before he bit it gently.

She gasped, and he could feel her shiver. Then her phone pinged, and he felt the vibration in the back pocket of her jeans. He fished it out and handed it to her.

She took the phone and glanced at the screen. “Hephaestus is done double-checking Mallory’s data. Should I ask him to come here to talk?”

“Sure,” he said, his lips trailing down her neck.

She sighed contentedly but managed to say, “You better stop that, or else Hephaestus will see more than he bargained for.”

He laughed, kissing her one last time. “Okay, I can stop. For now.”

She giggled and called Hephaestus. “ Ela re! Yeah, why don’t you come to Cade’s office so we can talk? Okay, see you!”

She held Cade’s cheeks and kissed him softly. Their eyes locked before she stepped back. Just then, Hephaestus materialized in the office. Artemis winked at him before turning to Hephaestus and hugging him. “Hi, H.”

“Hello, Artemoula, Cade. How did the app work?”

“It worked well for the most part, but at one point, we had to rely on my powers because one of the alphas had a flip phone,” she said.

“Not a smartphone,” Cade added.

Hephaestus shook his head. “I guess he really doesn’t want to be monitored at all.”

“Yeah, that’s one way to make sure it doesn’t happen,” Cade replied, smirking.

“So, what did you find on Mallory’s phone?” Artemis asked.

Hephaestus’s laptop appeared beside him in a flash. “There wasn’t anything specific to the Andersen pack,” he said, hitting a couple of keys. “But there have been a lot of emails about someone wanting to buy their land.”

Cade’s eyebrows shot up. “What? What’s the name of the person?”

Hephaestus scrolled through the file. “They mentioned Arcane.”

“Arcane Corp.,” Cade said.

“Yes,” Hephaestus confirmed.

Cade’s mind raced. Arcane Corp. was notorious for its aggressive business tactics and shady dealings. This revelation added a new layer of complexity to their investigation. He glanced at Artemis, who looked equally concerned. “Arcane Corp. was also asking about our land. I told them I wasn’t interested in selling. It’s been with the pack for generations, and everyone lives here.”

Artemis frowned. “Why would they be interested in this land and Mallory’s?”

“Most likely, they want to mine it,” Cade replied, a note of frustration in his voice. “We need to find out everything we can about Arcane Corp. and their interest in Mallory’s land.”

Hephaestus nodded. “I’ll get on it. This could be the lead we need.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that,” Artemis said.

“Yeah, I have a packmate that can do all that research,” added Cade.

“No worries at all,” Hephaestus reassured, closing his laptop. “It will give me a chance to test out a tool I’m developing.”

“Are you sure?” Artemis asked, a concerned look on her face.

“Yes, Artemoula. Let me geek out.”

Artemis laughed. “Okay, if you really want to.”

“If you have any questions, let me know,” said Cade. “Thanks, man.”

Hephaestus grinned. “No problem. It’s been fun working on the investigation.” He bid them goodbye and vanished.

“We need to find out exactly what they’re after and why. If they’re targeting your land and Mallory’s, there could be more at stake here than we realize,” Artemis said, reaching out to hold his hand.

Cade took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before speaking. “Arcane Corp. approached me a few months ago,” he began. “They were aggressive from the start, offering large sums of money and making all sorts of promises about how selling the land would benefit us. I didn’t trust them then, and I certainly don’t trust them now.”

She nodded, her eyes narrowing. “They sound relentless. If they want the land, they’ll do whatever they can to get it.”

“I didn’t think they would resort to hurting the pack. I figured it was just another company trying to expand. But now, knowing they’re also targeting Mallory’s land, it’s clear they’re up to something. I’ve been trying to keep an eye on them, but they’ve been careful,” he sighed, running a hand through his hair. “They haven’t made any obvious moves that we could use against them. But now that we know more, we can start looking into them.”

“Let’s see what Hephaestus finds out.” She squeezed his hand. “With his expertise, we might get some crucial information that can give us an edge.”

“I agree. The more we know, the better we can prepare. Depending on what Hephaestus discovers, I might need to talk to Mallory and Daniel. They deserve to know what’s going on, especially if Arcane Corp. is targeting them as well.”

Artemis tilted her head, concern evident in her eyes. “You think they’d be open to a conversation about this? If they’re also under pressure from Arcane, they might already be feeling cornered.”

“I hope so. But I also hope no more bad things happen to the pack. We’ve been through enough already. I don’t want our home and people to suffer because of some greedy corporation.”

They were silent for a moment before she asked, “What else do you have to do today?”

“I’m going to go on a run to check out the territory and make sure everything is good.”

Her eyes lit up. “Could I go with you?”

“I run pretty fast,” he said, raising an eyebrow.

She tsked. “I can keep up with you. And maybe I could do some hunting.”

“Right, I forgot about your powers,” he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “There’s caribou, sheep, and goat that you can hunt.”

“Good,” she said.

They walked outside, and he transformed into his wolf form, a sleek and powerful black wolf. She looked at him in admiration for a moment before they set out into the surrounding forest, moving swiftly and silently through the trees.

The Alaskan wilderness was a mix of towering evergreens and open meadows, the air crisp and fresh. He led the way, his senses heightened in his wolf form. She kept pace easily, and they ran together, a perfect harmony of strength and speed.

He made mental notes as they moved, checking the boundaries, and ensuring everything was in order. He paused occasionally, scenting the air, or listening for any signs of trouble. She followed his lead, her sharp eyes scanning the terrain.

After a while, he slowed and shifted back into his human form. “How do you like our territory?” he asked, glancing over at her as they moved through the forest.

“It’s beautiful,” she replied, her eyes scanning their surroundings. “Untamed, wild. Just how I like it.”

He nodded, appreciating her sentiment. The land had been his pack’s sanctuary for generations, and it felt good to know she respected it. He slowed to a stop. “This is a good spot,” he said, motioning to the open area. “You can hunt here. Caribou, sheep, goat—they all pass through this area.”

She conjured a pair of sweats and handed them to him. He quickly slipped them on and then focused, his senses attuned to the forest around them.

“There’s a caribou coming,” he said, his voice low.

She nodded, her expression shifting into one of focus. He recognized that look; it was intense concentration and determination. He called it her hunter’s face.

“Alright. Time to hunt.”

He watched as she moved into the clearing, her steps silent and calculated. She was a natural, her every movement purposeful. It was mesmerizing to see her in her element, and he found himself captivated by the sight.

“Good luck,” he said softly.

As Artemis began her hunt, he took a moment to appreciate the scene. She was powerful, confident, and in complete control. It was a side of her he hadn’t seen before, and it only deepened his admiration for her. The way she moved, the way she focused—it was a reminder of her strength and skill and how it was only a fraction of her power.

He settled back, keeping a watchful eye on her. This run was meant to ensure the pack’s safety, but it had become so much more. It was a moment of connection, and as he watched her in action, he felt a sense of contentment and belonging that he hadn’t felt in a long time.

Soon enough, a caribou moved through the underbrush. With practiced ease, she drew her bow, nocked an arrow, and took aim. In a swift, fluid motion, she released the arrow, which flew true, striking the caribou with a clean, precise shot. The animal fell with a thud.

They approached the downed caribou, and he admired the clean shot. “Impressive,” he said.

Artemis smiled, obviously proud of her marksmanship. She quickly did the field dressing and put the innards in a plastic bag to be thrown away. Once she was done, he lifted the carcass effortlessly, carrying it as they made their way back to the lodge. They dropped it off outside the kitchen so that it could be prepped for the pack’s meal.

“We’ll be eating well tonight,” he commented, smiling at her.

“Indeed. I’m going to watch the butchering,” she said before kissing his cheek. “It’s just something I like to see.”

“Okay, I’ll get cleaned up then,” he said and went to his room.

By the time Artemis got to his room, he was lounging on the couch and checking email on his phone.

“Hey,” she said and sat next to him, her eyes bright with a playful glint. Without warning, she pulled out her phone and started taking pictures of him.

“Hey,” he protested, turning away from the camera.

She giggled, capturing his reaction. “Come on, just a few. After living for millennia, some memories get fuzzy. I don’t want to forget this.”

He sighed but smiled at her earnestness. “Fine, a couple of pictures.”

She scooted closer, holding the phone out to take a selfie of the two of them. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. They smiled for the camera, the warmth and connection between them evident.

She snapped a few shots, then looked through them, a satisfied smile on her face. “These are great. Thank you.”

He glanced at the photos, seeing the genuine happiness in their expressions. “Yeah, not bad,” he admitted.

She leaned her head on his shoulder, looking up at him. “These moments…they mean a lot.”

He kissed the top of her head, feeling a deep sense of contentment. “They mean a lot to me too.”

“I’m a little hungry,” she said before conjuring up a plate of cakes, their golden sweetness glistening in the soft light. He looked at them with curiosity.

“What are these?” he asked, picking up one of the small cakes and examining it.

She smiled, taking a bite. “Honey cakes. They were one of the offerings ancient Greeks would make when praying to me. I still enjoy them, even though mortals don’t offer them to me anymore.”

He took a tentative bite, the rich sweetness surprising him. “They’re really good,” he admitted, finishing a piece. “How do you feel about not receiving offerings anymore?”

Her expression grew thoughtful as she considered his question. “It used to hurt,” she admitted. “In ancient times, the offerings and prayers were a reminder of my importance and connection to humanity. But over the centuries, as mortals’ beliefs and practices changed, I had to adapt. I’ve made my peace with my role in modern society.”

He reached out, taking her hand in his. “It’s hard to imagine the world changing so much around you.”

“It is, but it’s also a reminder of the resilience and adaptability we all have.” She squeezed his hand, her gaze steady. “Just like your pack has adapted to modern times while keeping your traditions alive.”

He nodded, feeling a deep respect for her strength and wisdom. “I guess we’re not so different after all.”

She laughed softly, the sound like a melody. “Not so different, indeed. Now, enough talk about the past. Let’s focus on the present.” She leaned in, kissing him softly, the taste of honey lingering on their lips.

As they lost themselves in each other, the troubles of the outside world faded away, leaving only the sweetness of the moment. “They are really good,” he murmured, his voice low as he nibbled on her lip.

“I’m glad you like them.” She laughed softly, running her fingers through his hair. “There’s plenty more where that came from.”

“Is that so?” he teased, pulling back slightly to look into her eyes. “Guess I’ll have to stick around then.”

“You better. I have a lot more to share with you.”

Their laughter filled the room, a comforting sound that wrapped around them like a warm blanket. He pulled her closer, their bodies fitting together perfectly. Eventually, they lay tangled together, the remnants of their snack forgotten. He brushed a strand of hair from her face, his thumb tracing her cheek. “You know,” he said softly, “I never thought I’d find someone who could understand me like you do.”

She smiled, her eyes shining with affection. “And I never thought I’d find someone who could make me feel so…normal.”

He chuckled, kissing her forehead. “Normal, huh? That’s quite the compliment coming from a goddess.”

She nudged him playfully. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

His phone buzzed with a text about pack matters. He glanced at the message and sighed, knowing duty called. Beside him, Artemis stretched and announced, “I have some council business to take care of in Olympus. And I’ll go bug Hephaestus to make him work faster.” She kissed him softly, a lingering touch that made it hard for him to let her go.

“Alright,” he murmured. “I’ll see you later.”

She gave him one last kiss before teleporting away. He took a deep breath, appreciating the fleeting scent of her perfume, then headed toward the lodge. As he walked, he noticed the kids playing in the field, their laughter echoing through the air. Nearby, people tended to the community garden, their hands working the earth with practiced care. Other pack members were busy with their day, some chatting, some working, all contributing to the life and spirit of the pack.

As he continued his walk toward the lodge, he noticed the barn being rebuilt. The massive wooden structure was a focal point of their community, and seeing it being restored filled him with a sense of pride and hope. The barn was more than just a building; it was a symbol of their pack’s resilience and heritage. Its restoration would not only provide a functional space but also uplift the spirits of everyone in the pack.

He paused for a moment, watching the progress. The workers were methodical, their movements a dance of coordinated effort. Beams were being hoisted into place, and the rhythmic sound of hammers echoed across the field. A couple of pack members noticed him watching and waved. He waved back, feeling a swell of gratitude for their hard work and dedication. The barn’s restoration was a community effort, and everyone had a role to play, whether big or small.

He continued his walk with renewed energy, the sight of the barn a reminder of what they were working toward. Stepping into the lodge, the hub of their community, he felt a wave of warmth and belonging. The large space was alive with activity. On one side, a class was in session, where members were learning and sharing skills. On the other, people worked together on various projects, the hum of conversation and the clatter of tools creating a symphony of productivity. Familiar faces greeted him as he moved through the space, and he exchanged a few words with those he passed.

He received a text message from Xavier. “Urgent: Need to discuss supply chain issues with the winter prep. Meet me at the conference room ASAP.”

Winter prep was a critical part of their pack’s survival in Anchorage. They had to ensure that their supplies were stocked and ready to withstand the harsh Alaskan winter. Any disruption in their supply chain could put the entire pack at risk.

He quickened his pace and spotted Xavier talking with a few pack members who looked equally concerned.

Xavier nodded in greeting, his expression serious. “We’ve hit a snag with our suppliers,” he began without preamble. “The usual routes are blocked, and the alternate ones are unreliable at best. If we don’t figure this out soon, we won’t have enough supplies to last through winter.”

He frowned, realizing the gravity of the situation. “We can’t afford to let this slide. Have you identified any potential new suppliers or routes?”

“A few possibilities, but we need to act fast. I’ve already asked some of our scouts to check the viability of these new routes, but we’ll need to negotiate quickly with the suppliers. Some of them are wary of dealing with shifters.”

He rubbed his brow thoughtfully. “We’ll need to reassure them and secure those supplies. Let’s gather the key members and strategize. We can’t let the pack down.”

Cade and Xavier stilled, their senses suddenly overwhelmed by the sharp scent of burning. The next moment, a massive fireball engulfed the hallway, sending a shockwave through the lodge. The blaze came from the kitchen down the hall.

They rushed toward the inferno, but the heat and flames were too intense to penetrate. Cade barked an order at Xavier, “Make sure the building is evacuated!”

Xavier nodded and sprinted down the hallway, shouting for everyone to get out. Cade circled to another entrance of the kitchen and managed to force his way in, immediately confronted by the sight of workstations engulfed in flames and several people unconscious on the floor.

Ignoring the searing heat, he lifted two people and carried them out through a back door that opened onto the field. He quickly went back in, each breath a struggle as the smoke thickened. It was nearly impossible to see, but he pushed forward, using his shifter senses to navigate the smoky inferno.

He swept the room, ensuring no one was left behind. Just as he was about to reach the door, a powerful explosion erupted behind him, and everything went dark.

When he regained consciousness, the world was a haze of smoke and pain. He tried to move, but his body was sluggish, weighed down by the debris. The sound of distant shouts and the crackle of flames filled his ears. Summoning his strength, he pushed himself up, determined to get out and ensure the safety of his pack.

His vision blurred, but he managed to stagger toward the door. Each step was a battle, but he knew he couldn’t afford to give up. His pack needed him. As he stumbled out into the open air, he saw Xavier rushing toward him, relief etched on his face.

“You’re alive!” Xavier exclaimed, helping him to his feet.

“Everyone out?” he rasped.

“Yeah, thanks to you.”

He nodded, his mind already racing. This wasn’t just an accident. Someone had targeted them, and he needed to find out who and why before more harm came to his pack.

He tried to focus, but his vision was growing darker. The adrenaline that had kept him moving through the fire was fading, leaving behind a crushing weight of exhaustion and pain. His legs buckled, and he began to fall.

Xavier caught him just in time, his arms wrapping around his shoulders. “Cade, stay with me!”

The last thing he saw was the worried faces of his pack. He tried to smile, to reassure them, but darkness overtook him before he could manage it.

As his consciousness slipped away, he felt a deep, primal resolve settle within him. Whoever had done this would pay. With that final thought, he let himself fall into the waiting darkness.