Out of the Shadows

by Bethany Shaw

  “Well, while you were off getting a cake for our lovely sister, I had to go dress shopping. She wants it to be a surprise for Marcus.” Vincent said as he popped a chip into his mouth. “How was the lovely Lark?”

  “Fine,” Devon grumbled, pushing his brother’s legs off the couch so he had a spot to sit. It would be easier to have this chat now. Vincent was not above following and pestering him until he had procured all the information he wanted.

  “Really, because you seem irritated?” Vincent said. He scooted into a sitting position. “You have a thing for her don’t you?”

  “No,” he ground out. Vincent chuckled, eyebrow raised, and Devon knew there was no use lying. “Does no one care about the severity of our situation? We could go to war! By socializing with humans we put them in danger and Emily is my first priority.”

  “True, but from what I understand they aren’t exactly looking at the situation with blinders on. They know about us, they accept us, and Rick isn’t going to let anything happen to them. As for Em, we have the whole pack behind us. Dad will lose all interest in her when he finds out about the mating,” Vincent assured him.

  “Do you really think Emmett is just going to let all this go? He’s been focused on this alliance for the better part of a year. It’s important to him,” Devon reminded Vincent. He knew this wasn’t close to over Rick realized this too. Everyone else seemed to be looking at this with a blind eye.

  “You worry too much, Dev. Now tell me about the hottie you spent the afternoon with?” he asked, a devilish smirk on his lips.

  Typical Vincent response. He loved his brother but he seldom took anything seriously. It was a flaw, but it would be nice to be carefree every once in a while. He envied that about his brother.

  “Did Emily find a dress?” he asked. Devon didn’t feel like discussing the irritating and arousing argument he’d had with Lark.

  “She did, and we had lunch. It was a productive day. Em wants to invite Lark to the ceremony. They really hit it off the other night,” Vincent smiled smugly.

  “Of course she does,” he sighed, leaning back into the couch. He scrubbed a hand over his jaw. “She does realize that Lark and her sister won’t understand the actual ceremony, right?”

  Vincent shrugged, a Cheshire cat grin spread wide across his face. His brother was having entirely too much fun teasing him.

  “Does it matter? It may be different from what they’re used to, but none of us have ever been to one either. Hell, Marcus and Em are only learning the Latin they have to. I doubt they will understand half of what they’re saying. Besides weddings are great places to hook up.”

  Devon scoffed and ran his hand through his hair. “We could go to war and you’re worried about me hooking up?”

  “You must really like her, Dev,” Vincent continued. “Not only have I seen the way you look at her, but the fact that you are running from her instead of chasing her says it all.”

  “She’s a beautiful woman, who happens to be like a daughter to Rick. I’m not going to pursue her. You know I don’t do relationships. That wouldn’t be right,” Devon stated. He stood up prepared to go to his room. This wasn’t something he cared to talk about.

  “Oh, calm down, Dev, I’m only teasing. You should know I only flirt with her to get a rise out of you. Thank God you finally admitted it. I don’t know how many more longing looks I can take,” Vincent said, quickly standing up to block his way. “You know you can talk to me if you need to, right?”

  “Don’t hold your breath, brother,” Devon replied with a glare. He shook his head knowing full well Vincent could sense his agitation. With a low throaty grunt, Devon headed to his room. The faster he figured out the cause for his attraction to Lark - the faster he could get rid of it. She was beautiful, but it was much more than that.

  Chapter 6

  Devon walked up from the horse stables. He’d taken on some of Marcus’s duties so he and Emily could prepare for the ceremony. It was well past dusk and he was exhausted and starving.

  The blinding beam of headlights rounding down the driveway caused him to shield his eyes. The green SUV stopped in front of the main house. A familiar head of blonde locks popped out. Her long golden curls were swept haphazardly into a ponytail, stray strands around her face. Her red tank top and light jeans fit her snugly. He groaned at how breathtaking she looked.

  He walked faster, a war raged in him. Should he talk to her, or flat out ignore her? The wind blew, and Lark’s delicious cinnamon-vanilla scent invaded his nostrils. Reaching for the car, he saw the assortment of boxes in the back of her trunk and knew helping her was the only option.

  “Slow day?” He questioned, stopping beside her.

  Lark gasped, and jumped backward, and nearly dropping the boxes in her hand. He lurched forward, his hand gripped the boxes as well as her soft fingers.

  “God,” she hissed. Her chest heaved and her eyes flickered to his. Her cheeks flushed red matching her shirt. “You scared me. Where did you come from?”

  “Sorry.” Devon adjusted the boxes and took them from her. Their hands grazed across each other when he pulled away. Heat scorched him from the innocent touch, and he fought the urge to feel more of her silky skin.

  Devon cleared his throat, “I finished up in the stables and was on my way back to the house when you pulled up. I thought you might need some help.”

  Her blue eyes watched him through tiny slits before lowering to the boxes. “Oh, um, thank you.” Lark bit her lip and shuffled back and forth on her feet before picking up the rest of the boxes.

  “So, slow day?” Devon asked again. He shouldn’t be making conversation, but his brain and mouth didn’t coordinate.

  “Yeah, Fridays are either slow or super busy. There’s no happy medium, so I never know how to plan. I don’t think anybody here will be complaining though.” Her eyes met his again, a small smile on her lips. She abruptly turned back to the trunk and slammed it shut with her free hand.

  “It smells delicious.”

  Lark took a step back from the car, she opened and closed her mouth seemingly confused. Without a word, she turned and marched toward the house. Devon sighed. He’d done a wonderful job of pushing Lark away thus far. Of course she wouldn’t take a compliment in stride.

  “I’ll have the cake ready by five tomorrow or I can just bring it here. Whatever works for you,” Lark called over her shoulder.

  Devon swallowed, allowing his eyes to linger on the sway of her body for a moment before catching up to her. “I’ll pick it up. Expect me before closing. Might as well save you the trip out here.”

  Lark abruptly stopped, and he halted his movements to keep from running into her. She turned and fixed a haughty glare on him. “I thought I made my stance clear. You’re apparently not letting it go, are you?”

  “I was actually just trying to be nice, but now that you bring it up…” And now I’m being an ass again. It was for the best. He did not do relationships.

  Lark scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Maybe I don’t look like much to you, but I assure you, I am tougher than I look.” She spun on her heel and stomped to the front door.

  “I don’t doubt it,” he mumbled. Devon couldn’t help but admire her body as she marched away from him. Each interaction they had only added fuel to his desire. He imagined it was the opposite for her, as she seemed further enraged.

  ***

  Lark exhaled slowly, before she opened the screen door. How could one man she barely knew have such an effect on her? It didn’t help that she was getting mixed signals. His words were condescending and rash, while his eyes said something different. Granted, it had been a while since she’d dated. She got the impression that he was interested, or maybe she was losing her mind.

  “Lark,” Gene greeted.

  Lark gave him a grateful smile as he took the boxes and she walked in the house. “Thanks, it smells great in here.” The aroma of peppers and seasoned meat assaulted her senses.

  “Emily made stuf
fed peppers for dinner. It’s as amazing as it smells,” Gene laughed, walking toward the kitchen. “Do you want some? Sarah and Preston aren’t back from their horseback ride.”

  “Sure, thanks,” Lark smiled, the food did smell delicious and she hadn’t eaten dinner yet. She followed Gene into the large kitchen, her taste buds salivating.

  Gene set the boxes on the counter and opened the fridge, pulling out a few containers and handed her a paper plate. “Here grab something to eat.”

  “Thanks.” Lark popped the top off the container.

  Devon strolled into the kitchen as she began spooning mashed potatoes onto her plate. A sigh escaped his lips when he saw her. He set the boxes on the counter and then grabbed his own plate.

  Lark bit her lip, she didn’t want to let him get to her. Her emotions and hormones were still on overdrive from their confrontation in the driveway. She couldn’t decide if she wanted to kick or kiss him. Maybe both? It would be great to deny any feelings for him, but she couldn’t ignore the electricity their interactions caused.

  Their gazes locked as they both reached for the same container. Eyes boring into one another.

  “You guys want a drink?” Gene broke the tense silence. He ran a hand through his dirty blonde colored hair before opening the fridge.

  “A beer,” Devon exhaled. He took the container of potatoes from the counter and spooned some on his plate.

  “Just a water, please,” Lark added.

  “You both look like you’ve had a rough day,” Gene said. He slid the bottled water across the counter to her and set Devon’s beer in front of him. Then he twisted the top off his beer and took a drink.

  Lark bit her lip deciding on whether she wanted to be bold with Devon or not. “I had three interviews today. I swear, I don’t think I’m going to find anyone to fill the two positions at the bakery.”

  Gene chuckled and Devon cleared his throat.

  “I keep waiting for the right candidate to come along, but so far everyone has been a letdown,” Lark continued. She glared at Devon as she sipped her water.

  “Maybe you’re just being too picky,” Devon shrugged, as he took a bite of his pepper. His eyes still on her.

  “Well, it is my business so I think I have a right to be.”

  Gene leaned on the counter next to her. “So, I heard Grant is back. He isn’t pestering you, is he?”

  “No, he’s fine,” Lark smiled, thankful he intervened before things got out of hand with Devon.

  “Well, let me know. You know I never liked him,” Gene teased, while he playfully bumped her elbow.

  Lark laughed, some of her unease fluttered away, an idea formed in her mind. It couldn’t hurt to see if Devon might be interested. Why she still cared baffled her.

  “So is now a bad time to tell you Grant and I are going out Saturday night?” Joy overwhelmed her at her ability to keep a straight face.

  Gene’s eyes widened as he shook his head. “If you’re still interested. Don’t stop on my account. I’ll tolerate him for you.”

  Lark shrugged watching Devon from the corner of her eye.

  Devon stiffened and took a long swig of his beer. His jaw was set and he looked irritated. She’d been hoping for a reaction and had gotten one. Now she needed to figure out how that made her feel.

  “Are you coming to the ceremony on Sunday?” Gene asked, his eyes flicked between Lark and Devon, clearly sensing the tension. He lifted his bottle, and took a drink of his beer.

  “Uh, sure, yeah, it sounds fun,” Lark stumbled over her words.

  Lark felt Devon’s angry hazel eyes on her. She clamped her jaw and glared back. How could he go from jealous to piss off so fast? His mood swings infuriated her.

  In an attempt to ignore his brooding mood, she asked, “So if it’s not a wedding, what exactly is it?”

  Gene shifted his eyes to Devon then back to her. “Our culture has been modernized over the years, but back in the day instead of a traditional wedding, we had mating ceremonies,” Gene answered.

  Lark quirked her eyebrow, that sounded a little kinky.

  Gene laughed at her, “It’s not what you think,” he continued. “Basically it’s a series of vows and rituals performed. The male and the female promise themselves to each other. They prick a spot on their palms and combine hands and blood whilst saying a sacred vow. The ceremony is completed upon them both getting a tattoo, or mark, on their left shoulder. The mark signifies that they have sworn their life, love, and loyalty to one other person. They will never love, or lay with anyone, but their mate.”

  “Sounds interesting,” Lark said.

  “Come and see for yourself,” Gene offered. “I promise you’ll enjoy it.”

  “I don’t want to impose,” Lark hesitated. Gene’s cappuccino eyes flicked from her to Devon.

  “Lark, you’re family. You wouldn’t impose. I’m certain I’ve heard Emily mention your name several times in passing. She is very excited about having another woman around,” Gene smiled reassuringly.

  Well, at least she’d made an impression with one of them. “Okay,” Lark said.

  “The more the merrier,” Devon said sarcastically.

  “I couldn’t agree more,” Lark replied, deliberately misunderstanding him.

  Devon lifted his bottle and chugged the contents. Tossed his fork in the sink and threw the empty bottle and plate away. With one final glare fixed on her, he growled under his breath then stormed out of the room.

  Lark shivered and set her plate down. What is his problem?

  “He’s like that with everyone, don’t take it personally,” Gene said quietly.

  “And here I thought it was just me,” Lark attempted at humor.

  Gene laughed and shook his head. “Devon’s a complicated guy, don’t hate him yet. There’s a lot you don’t know about him.”

  Lark sighed and nodded. Complicated, that was one way to describe Devon. Though she could think of a few more colorful words to use.

  ***

  Devon thundered up the stairs. He didn’t know why he was so enraged. Well he did, but he hated that he was. How could one single woman get under his skin so bad? It seemed as if she purposefully mocked him.

  “Hey thanks for covering for me this afternoon.” Marcus stepped out of the room he shared with Emily.

  “Yeah, no problem,” Devon murmured. He just wanted to get to his room and blow off some steam.

  “What’s wrong, Dev?” Emily asked, her head popped out of the bedroom.

  “A certain blonde beauty is downstairs, and got him all riled up,” Vincent mumbled, his focus intent on the video game he played.

  Devon swiveled his head to his younger brother questioningly. How did Vincent even know Lark was here? Devon forced a smile, unclenching his hands. “Nothing’s wrong.”

  Emily frowned studying him. “Okay,” she drawled.

  “It’s been a long day, I just want to get some rest,” Devon explained. Relief filled him when Emily relaxed against the door frame.

  Emily smiled and looked to the stairs. “Lark is here?” Devon nodded and her smile widened. “Good, I was hoping she’d come on Sunday. It would be nice to have another girl here. Excuse me.”

  Devon rolled his eyes as Emily bounded towards the stairs and quickly disappeared.

  “She’s been talking about Lark non-stop since yesterday afternoon,” Marcus said, eyes on the empty stairwell. “She hasn’t really ever had the chance to socialize or even make friends. This is a new experience for her. If I haven’t thanked you already, Dev, thanks.”

  Devon nodded, he couldn’t dispute that Emily was happier. “You're welcome, did you get everything squared away?”

  “We did, I think for the most part we’re ready to go.” Marcus sat down next to Vincent, picking up the extra controller.

  “Good.” Devon closed his eyes and turned back to the stairs. He’d never found out what time Lark closed tomorrow. While he could ask Gene or Rick, part of him wanted to see her again.


  ***

  Lark sat on the porch swing, enjoying the gentle breeze, as she rocked back and forth. Gene had excused himself to use the bathroom, and she enjoyed the quietness of the manor. It still amazed her how so many people could live here, but yet it remained peacefully quiet.

  She looked up as the screen door creaked open, and Emily stepped out. Her long brown hair fell softly around her smiling face.

  “Hi,” Emily said, lacing her fingers together.

  “Do you want to sit?” Lark planted her feet on the porch, bringing the swing to a stop.

  “Thanks,” Emily said, as she took a seat. “Devon said you’re making a cake for me. He said that you had something amazing planned. I’m so excited.”

  Lark couldn’t help but smile, Emily’s happiness vibrated off in waves. “I think you’ll really like it.”

  “I’m sure I will. Devon said the sample photos of the cakes you had looked phenomenal.”

  Lark nodded, not wanting to burst the younger woman’s bubble. That was not the conversation she remembered. “So, what made you decide to get…” she paused not sure what the correct word to use was.

  Emily jumped in, her soft voice taking on a high pitch as she gushed the details. “It was Rick’s idea actually. Marcus and I have been engaged for almost a year now.” She held up her hand with the small diamond ring on it for Lark to see.

  Lark didn’t know what to say. She nodded in understanding. It was obvious Emily was excited about the pending nuptials.

  “I have a favor to ask. I know I’m asking a lot, and we don’t really know each other, but-” Emily looked at her with shining green eyes. “There are no other women on the estate and I was hoping, if you don’t mind,” she twiddled with the edge of her hair twirling it nervously. “Helping me get ready?”

  “I would love to,” Lark said happily.

  “Thanks,” Emily sighed relieved.

  The screen door squeaked open again and banged closed. Lark looked up expecting Gene, but instead saw Devon.

  “Hey, Dev, Lark’s going to help me get ready Sunday.” Emily beamed.