Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? (The Big Bad Wolf Trilogy Book 1)

by Janie Marie

  She choked on her spit. “What?”

  He let out a light laugh. “Ryder and Logan have a unique way of dealing with each other. They hate each other but taunt each other about Janie behind her back—sort of a game, if you will. Ryder’s not going to pass up the chance to turn it around. He reminded Logan that everyone looks at him—that you have too.”

  “I’ve never looked at him like that,” she whispered.

  He rolled his eyes. “Love, even straight men check him out. Then we have to go ravage a woman to remind ourselves we’re not gay.”

  She laughed quietly, covering her mouth. “Okay, I don’t feel so bad for looking then.”

  He winked at her. “Just try to boost Logan’s ego when you’re with him. It still stings quite a bit for him to see Ryder and Janie fit so well together.”

  Well, so much for someone not praising Janie and Ryder’s relationship and pointing out how much it hurt Logan.

  “Don’t make that face.” He chuckled, rubbing his hands together. “I meant to be purely informative. Logan’s with you, but he’s coping with a lot about their relationship, and seeking quite a bit of redemption with her.”

  “What does he have to redeem himself for? She broke his heart.”

  He smiled sadly. “I don’t think he’s been very honest about his past, especially regarding her.”

  “I kinda told him I don’t want to hear about her, or be around her.” She gave him a serious look. “No offense. I get she’s your sister, and she’s nice in her own way, but I can’t really like her how he wants me to.”

  His eyes flashed with amusement. “She’s not big on girl friends—I highly doubt she expects to be your friend. But even acquaintances can be friendly. Enough about her though. Tell me about you.”

  She startled as fight or flight instincts surged forward. “There’s nothing to tell.”

  He frowned, his gaze falling down her figure but not in a creepy way. “Everyone has a story, love.”

  “Mine isn’t one I want told. It’s no one’s business but mine.” She crossed her arms, looking forward again. She refused to find Logan still giving her the cold shoulder, and she didn’t want to look at any of the other shirtless guys, so she settled on Janie and Ryder again.

  Janie still had her arms wrapped around Ryder’s waist as he kept her from running off, but now she was puckering her lips and making ‘Mmm’ sounds. Ryder was talking to the other Knight brother and Mark, but he’d pause to lean down and kiss her, then resume his conversation.

  Kylie rubbed under her eyes to stop the stinging in them. She felt so damn emotional, and she hated it. All she wanted was for that to be her and Logan, and it would be if exes and bad boys hadn’t come into the picture.

  It would be better if Janie was actually mean too. But she wasn’t.

  “She’s like a villain everyone loves,” she whispered, only realizing she’d said it aloud when Gawain replied.

  “I suppose she is the villain to some,” Gawain said, his easy smile fading a bit. “I’m sure many will say she’s a Mary Sue.”

  “A Mary Sue has to do with an author and their book.”

  He grinned as if he knew something she didn’t. “Don’t you know about our families? The fairy tales found in this town were written by the Godsons’ ancestors. Blackwoods is home to the Godson Fairy Tales, Canada is home to the Knight Fairy Tales, Colorado is home to the Prince Fairy Tales, and Texas is home to the Grimm’s. The American Grimms, that is. They actually have no direct bloodline to the European Grimms.”

  Kylie gaped at him and had to force herself to speak. “Are you messing with me?”

  “No.” He chuckled, pointing at Ryder. “He has the largest collection—some aren’t even permitted to be viewed by the public. There’s a bit of a legend that the Godson collection was written by four gods. Three males and the moon, a woman. Actually, I think everyone in our family believes those three men and the moon created everything.”

  “Oh my goodness. The Little Moon.” She darted her eyes to Ryder. “No wonder he was so protective of the story in class the other day.”

  Gawain nodded. “They’re more than stories. For our families, at least.”

  “Oh, wow. That kinda makes everyone seem—I don’t know—important or something.” She stared at Ryder, still not ready to look at Logan. “So the Knight, Godson, and Grimm families are acquainted in the past?”

  “Yes.”

  “Wow. I actually hated learning about those fairy tales.” Her cheeks heated. That probably wasn’t the best thing to say to one of the Knights.

  He shrugged. “They’re not for everyone.”

  “So, since you guys are all adopted, you’re not really related to those families?”

  He smiled, but not in that charming way he had before. “If you believe only blood bonds make you family, then yes, we are not directly connected. We choose to be more open-minded and believe some souls are always meant to be tied together. Our father picked each of us, including Janie. We’re destined to be together.”

  Wow, he’s nuts. “Well, I don’t believe in fairy tales,” she told him.

  He chuckled but gave her a pitying smile. “Few do, but the stories exist for a reason. They are dark and cruel lessons hidden in magic.”

  She grew tired of talking about fairy tales and searched for Logan. He had moved to the octagon with Mark, and just as she feared, he was still ignoring her.

  When she and Janie had come out of the locker room, he’d barely glanced at her. All he had done was shake his head and turn away.

  “It’ll be okay,” Janie had told her. “And you’ll still show him he shouldn’t have walked away. Girly balls, Kylie. Hold onto yours.”

  How could she hold onto her balls? Logan had left her. She’d experienced her first panic attack. It had been scary—dark and painful. Normally, darkness was comforting for her. Nothing touched her there; nothing could find her.

  But as she’d listened to Janie’s instructions, felt Janie’s hand pressing against the pain as if to push away that darkness, the fight weakened. The claws she’d felt ripping her heart open seemed to come free, and it was her new enemy holding her hand when the darkness receded.

  “Do you know why they’re close?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

  He sighed, lowering his gaze to the floor. “They’re trying to heal and grow up. They want to see each other happy. They both want the other to see they’re not a monster.”

  Did Logan see himself that way? It didn’t seem like either one saw themselves so negatively. Logan was cocky and no one messed with him. Janie was flirty, and she had a boyfriend girls dreamed of having—and she had Logan. “But who heals with the person who hurt them? She broke his heart and is dating the guy she betrayed him with—why would he stick around?”

  A tight smile graced his face. “I suggest you talk to Logan. There’s quite a bit you need to learn about him.”

  Kylie didn’t comment further. She knew when someone was done talking, and this man wasn’t going to spill any beans on his sister.

  “Well, it looks like they’re going to fight, after all,” Gawain said. “They were discussing strategies on a possible fight that Logan wants,” he added, oblivious to her inner torment.

  Kylie looked over to see Logan finally staring at her as Mark talked to him. She swallowed, trying not to cave under his dark eyes, and that was hard to do. Looking at him now was like looking at the sex god she first laid eyes on eight days ago. Beautifully dangerous. A lie.

  “What do you mean a possible fight?” she asked, not breaking eye contact with Logan.

  “There’s an undefeated fighter from Canada who’s been destroying everyone—the stuff of legends. He’s a bit closer to Ryder’s build, so that’s why Mark is dying to get Ryder to come here again. The guy is huge, out of Logan’s weight class. He’ll have to bulk up and talk the fighter into dropping weight, but it would benefit Logan to get used to fighting someone bigger. Ryder could give Logan an
advantage, because the rumor is this fighter’s teammates are afraid to face him.”

  Kylie’s stomach clenched at the thought of Logan fighting such a dangerous opponent. As much as she disliked Ryder, she wanted Logan to be prepared for whatever fight was coming his way.

  She kept her eyes on her man-boy. His expression was difficult to bear. There was emptiness, but for a moment, guilt and anger all fought for dominance.

  A sharp pain pierced her head, and she rubbed her temples. Logan’s fierce look wavered, and he scanned her as Gawain patted her back.

  “You okay, love?”

  “It’s just a headache.” She kept watching Logan, waiting for him to come take care of her—to say he was sorry. But he didn’t.

  “Oh, I’m sure they have medication around here.” He rubbed her back. “I’ll go ask Evander. Sit tight. Or better yet, go wish Logan good luck. It’s probably bruising his ego his girl hasn’t even greeted him.”

  “He’s the one who’s ignoring me.” She tried her best not to break the stare down Logan was having with her. No way was she apologizing when he walked away, then ignored her.

  Gawain cracked a smile as he gestured for his brother to come over. “Boys aren’t always brave enough to admit their faults. Some need a strong woman to show us she’s still going to be there when we screw up. Go offer a truce before he gets the shit beat out of him because he can’t stop thinking about you.”

  Ryder entered the octagon, and Logan turned away from her first. It felt like she’d won a small victory between them. That was probably all the balls she could muster right now—a crappy stare down.

  The younger-looking Knight brother jogged over. He was about Logan’s size and probably the same age as him too. “Hello.” He grinned, holding out his hand. “You must be Kylie. I’m Gareth, Janie’s most handsome brother.”

  Kylie shook his hand, smiling when Gawain shoved him and got up. “Keep her company while I search for Evander.”

  Gareth plopped down beside her as they watched Gawain head off. “So you’re staying over?”

  She grimaced but nodded. “Yes, thank you for letting me stay. It’ll just be the one night.”

  He smiled. “He’s a fool to push you two together. Try not to get too stressed—I promise you’ll be in good hands. And she’ll probably have Ryder around anyway.”

  Relief spread through her, and she sagged on the chair. “Thank you.” She peeked at him. “For understanding.”

  “No problem.” He sighed, pulling his phone from his pocket. Kylie noticed the contact before he declined the call: L. Godson. “Well, I’ve got something to take care of. I suppose I’ll see you later, Kylie.”

  “Yes, I think so.” She smiled, watching him rush off as a yell sounded from the octagon.

  “Stop,” Janie yelled, giggling as Ryder tossed her over his shoulder and carried her to the far side of the octagon.

  Kylie jerked her gaze away when they started making out against the chain link. “Don’t they have any decency?”

  “Oh, for fuck’s sake,” came Gawain’s voice as he marched toward the fence, “can you not wait until you’re somewhere private?”

  Ryder lifted his head, smirking over his shoulder. “Nope. Close your eyes. I’m getting unnecessary good luck kisses.”

  Logan shook his head at them and kept warming up with Mark.

  “Here you are, Kylie.”

  She lifted her eyes and smiled at Evander as he held out two tablets. “Oh, thank you.”

  He nodded. “Of course. How are you feeling?”

  “Good.” She took the medication, smiling at him again. “I hardly feel anything.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” he said, subtly checking her over. “I’m here if you do require any help, okay?”

  “Thank you,” she said, happy that she finally didn’t feel so smothered about Janie.

  “I think he’s waiting for you to go give him his good luck kiss.” Evander chuckled and took a step toward the octagon before adding, “He’ll need it against Ryder.”

  Her face warmed, and she nodded that she’d go see Logan. It hurt that he still hadn’t come to her, but maybe these guys knew more about how boyfriends worked than she did.

  So, standing and wincing when she felt sluggish, she made her way to the gate of the octagon.

  “Logan,” said Kylie, gaining his attention. “Can I talk to you before you start?”

  He nodded and helped her climb into the ring. “Are you in pain?”

  She almost smacked him right away but settled for giving him the attitude he deserved. “Is that all you have to say?”

  He continued checking her over. “I’m sorry for yelling and walking out. I didn’t want to say something worse than I already had. Did something happen with her?”

  “Do you even care?” She couldn’t believe he was ignoring the fact he’d left her thinking he’d broken up with her. Gawain had said Logan tried to stop Janie, and that’s why Ryder held him down. It wasn’t that they stopped him from going back to her.

  He sighed, his eyes flickering over her shoulder. “I care. I care so much.”

  In an instant, her fury vanished, but she didn’t want to let him off easily. “Listen,” she said, trying to remember everything she’d absorbed since they fought. Her girly balls would have to settle for being brave enough to confront him. “I didn’t mean to doubt you. Or to say such bad things about you and her.”

  Logan’s gaze drifted over her face, but he stayed quiet.

  “I’m sorry I let myself think the way I was,” she went on. “But please understand, I’m not going to be okay with everything. You have no idea how hard it is not to compare myself to her when you’re always praising her.

  “She’s not my friend just because she’s yours; I’m probably never going to be her friend. She’s your ex, you know? I can’t deal with you comparing us or making it seem like you want me to be like her.”

  “I know,” he said, his voice deep but soothing as he slid his hand into hers. “I didn’t mean to make you think I wanted you to be like her. That’s not what I was trying to do. She’s just the best support I can offer you. Really, Hood. You have no idea how much she can help.”

  She nodded, so relieved to just hear him speak, especially since he was making it clear it was all for her. “I thought you broke up with me.” Her heart raced because she hadn’t meant to blurt out such a confession. She was supposed to be teaching him a lesson, but she couldn’t help it. “You said you were done and walked out. If she hadn’t told me you would’ve thrown me out if that was true, I would have left as soon as I could.”

  “I’m sorry, baby.” He squeezed her hand as his other came up to pull her to him by her waist. “I feel like such a dick. I just didn’t want to push you anymore. I’m not a good boyfriend, but I’m trying.”

  She sighed, melting when he kissed her forehead. It was so hard to hold him responsible for making her sad.

  “Please give me another chance,” he said softly.

  “Yes,” she said, then remembered they weren’t alone. “Um, we can talk about all this later.”

  “That’s probably wise.” He smiled, scanning her attire. “You changed. Did you want to do some exercises after I’m done?”

  “No.” She scooted closer to him, wanting to melt into him. “I just wanted to show her I appreciate what she did.”

  He looked genuinely happy. “That’s nice of you.”

  It felt like he was running over her heart every time he seemed happy about pleasing Janie. “Yeah. So are you ready to spar? Ryder seems calmer.”

  Logan smirked. “I have even more reason to beat his ass now that you’re here.”

  “Don’t try to butter me up. I’m still mad.”

  “I know you are.” He cupped her cheeks. “You’re hot when you’re angry, though.”

  “You’re such a pervert.” She loved when he said stuff like that.

  “You like my dirty talk.” He chuckled, smoothing her hair back.
“Are we good?”

  “No.”

  “We’ll talk after I’m done.” He placed several kisses to her cheeks. “I really am sorry, Hood. I just want you to want me around. I want to support you.”

  “I do want you around and your support.”

  He grinned. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ll ever see. I just wish you believed that.”

  She almost swooned. “Well, I don’t know about being the most beautiful. Don’t expect me to always feel confident. I am with you when we’re alone, but that’s ’cause—well, I don’t know.”

  “You’ll get there. I’ll help you.” He kissed her forehead. “You’re doing so well, especially considering you’ve been forced to wear your hood up for years. I barely recognize you.”

  “Is that bad?” Her breathing became ragged. What was he saying? Was he saying what Ryder was—that she wasn’t forced? Did he think she was lying?

  “It’s a good thing.” He didn’t seem to notice her distress. “I’m just saying you’ve made so much progress in such a short time. We only met a little over a week ago. It’s really impressive that you can just come out, and you’re talking to some of the most dangerous people you’ll ever meet without any trouble.”

  “Yeah,” she said, realizing how fast everything was happening, and that he was right. She was doing some things with ease.

  “It seems like longer,” he said, reaching up to hold the side of her face before sliding his hand into her hair. “I’m proud of you.”

  “Thanks.”

  He pulled her head to his chest. “You look exhausted.”

  “I am.”

  He hugged her, somewhat relieving the strain on her weak legs. “What happened? Is it your ribs or something?”

  She shook her head, returning his hug as she decided not to bring up her panic attack. “I’ll tell you about it after.”

  “You two didn’t get into some secret catfight, did you?”

  She laughed and smacked his back. “You would have liked that.”

  “Hell yeah, I would,” he cheered. “Invite my ass next time.”

  “We didn’t fight,” she said, lifting her head to look up at him.