by Bethany Shaw
“Take them to the cellar around back,” Gene instructed hands tucked behind his back.
“What are you going to do with them?” Lark asked as the guy’s drug their hostages from the trunks and shoved them toward the back of the house.
“Get as much information from them as we can,” Gene responded. He put a reassuring hand on her shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze. “Why don’t you go inside and get some rest, Lark? You too, Dev. I’ll have you accompany Lark to the bakery tomorrow, since you two seem to get along well enough,” Gene said a sly grin forming on his lips.
“I can help,” Devon offered.
“It’s okay, Dev. I got this. It’s too personal for you. I’ll get everything I can and pass the info along,” Gene said staring at Devon, his brown eyes almost pleading.
Devon let out a long sigh and ran a hand through his already ruffled hair. Lark held her breath; he looked like he was going to fight Gene on this.
“Fine, let me know what you find out. Wake me if you have to,” Devon replied reluctantly.
“I will,” Gene promised.
Devon and Lark stood watching as the two men were drug off.
“I’m sure he’ll find out everything he can,” Lark offered.
“I hope so,” Devon growled. “We should get inside early morning tomorrow.”
Lark wanted to say more to him, but he was being an ass again. With a sigh, she shook her head and walked to the house. Devon’s footsteps crunched on the gravel as he followed behind her.
“I, um, usually get to the shop around six in the morning. That way everything is baked and stocked by seven. We should leave here around five-forty-five or so.” Lark chewed on her lip, waiting for his reply.
“Yeah, that sounds fantastic,” he said sarcastically.
“You like the blueberry muffins, right? I’ll make extra of those.” Lark offered wanting to thank him in his own way, even if he wasn’t keen on the idea to begin with.
“Sounds great,” Devon clipped.
“Maybe tomorrow night we can practice those self defense moves?” She questioned feeling a nervous flutter in her belly. The thought of Devon’s hands on her in any regard sent tingles through her. Maybe this isn’t such a good idea after all.
“Sure.” Devon opened the screen door for her.
“Okay, so I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Bright and early,” he clipped.
“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Lark,” his voice softened slightly.
Lark stared at him a moment longer before turning on her heel and heading up the stairs. She had no idea what was going on between her and Devon, but it was complicated. There was an attraction that was undeniable, but she wondered if it would ever be anything more?
***
Devon gripped the counter as Grant leaned into Lark, his lips brushing against her cheek. She gave him a sweet smile before bidding him farewell. He should forget about her. Let Grant woo her, but something wouldn’t let him.
The hour she had been gone had been excruciating. He wanted Lark. It was more than a physical attraction, he liked her. Her personality was intoxicating. His inner wolf wanted to claim her to make her his.
He growled, causing his throat to vibrate as Grant’s hand ran up and down Lark’s arm. She pulled away, her melodic laugh filling the air as the shop door opened.
“I’ll see you later,” she smiled.
“Bye, Lark,” Grant called.
Lark turned and walked back into the shop. She pulled a hair tie from her purse and quickly swept her blonde locks up into a ponytail. She stopped in front of the glass case, pulling some strands over the laceration on her forehead until the injury was completely concealed. She gave her hair one final fluff before moving away. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla wafted off her filling his nostrils as she walked past.
“Anything happen while I was out?” Lark questioned as she joined Devon, Sarah, and Preston behind the counter.
“Preston and I got here about fifteen minutes ago. I had to stay late and make up a test from yesterday,” Sarah mumbled.
“How was school?” Lark asked.
“Fine, I’m ready for graduation. By the way, Ms. Willis wants to talk to you. She thinks Preston and I were playing hooky yesterday since we both didn’t show up.” Sarah looked down at her fingernails.
Devon leaned back against the wall and rolled his eyes. He wasn’t particularly interested in what happened in school today.
“Hmmm, I’ll have to think of what excuse I want to tell her tomorrow morning. Obviously the truth is out of the question,” Lark sighed wrapping an arm around Sarah. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m okay,” Sarah said.
“Well, you know we’re here for you, if you want to talk,” Lark offered. She kissed Sarah’s head and gave her a worried look.
“How was your date?” Sarah asked turning to her sister.
Devon’s ears perked up though he averted his gaze to the floor pretending he didn’t care.
“It was good, we caught up and talked about old times,” Lark smiled, her blue eyes shining brightly.
“Is there a second date?” Sarah questioned.
Lark grabbed her apron and tied it around herself, dusting some stray flour off the front.
“I don’t know, I kind of left it open.”
“But you had fun?” Sarah persisted.
Devon watched Lark intently. She looked up the smile still on her face slipping into a grin.
“I did, but we’ve already been there. I don’t know. Things have changed the past few years. We can’t just pick up where we left off. I don’t know that-”
“Stop making excuses, Lark,” Sarah cut her off, arms crossed over her chest.
Lark opened her mouth and closed it before turning back to the case. Rolling her eyes, she grabbed a clipboard and began to write inventory down, her face intent on her work. It was obvious by her demeanor the conversation was over.
Devon stayed in his spot against the wall watching Lark move about her business. Every once in a while her eyes flitted to his, to which she quickly glanced away.
“We’re doing a ceremony for my dad tonight at sunset,” Preston said his voice hollow. “Gene let me know this morning. You two had already gone for the day; I thought you’d like to know.”
“Thanks,” Lark whispered giving Preston a sympathetic look. “I know it’s tough right now, and there isn’t anything anyone can say to make it better, but Sarah and I are here if you need us.” Her eyes drifted from Preston’s downward gaze to meet Devon’s.
Devon knew her comment extended to him too and again couldn’t believe the kindness she extended toward him. He gave her a small nod, acknowledging her gesture.
***
After an hour of tossing and turning, Lark made her way downstairs. She was exhausted, but sleep eluded her. The ceremony for Rick had been emotional and draining, yet her mind wasn’t ready to shut down for the night. She could still hear the yowls of sorrow echoing in her mind. All the wolves had transitioned to pay homage to their fallen leader.
She walked to the kitchen for a glass of water, cinching her robe a little tighter. She stopped in the doorway, the room already occupied.
“Can’t sleep?” She asked walking to the cupboard to get a cup.
“No, you?” Devon asked turning to her.
“Nope.” Her eyes took in his half naked state. He was perfectly sculpted, not too bulky and not too lean. Perfect.
“Early morning again tomorrow.” Devon leaned against the counter, his muscles rippling with his movement.
“I appreciate your help. I know it’s early.” Lark filled her glass up with water.
“Just following orders, no need to thank me,” Devon murmured.
Lark frowned and let out a long breath. Were they back to this now?
“I thought it was more than that. We never talked about the other morning,” she blabbed. It wasn’t like they could ignore the fact that
they’d kissed twice now.
“There isn’t much to talk about, Lark. I don’t do relationships. You do.”
“Have you ever tried?” Lark asked. She’d had fun with Grant earlier, but there wasn’t a spark; no butterflies, nothing. Devon set every nerve in her body on fire. She didn’t think she could do a relationship just on sex though. But she could guess it would be mind blowing, based on their chemistry alone.
“No.”
“Why?”
“You’re nosy.”
“Well, you’re annoying.”
Devon chuckled. “I’ve been told.”
“Don’t kiss me again,” Lark warned. She didn’t like this game. She deserved someone who would give her a real relationship, not someone who wanted a booty call, and would leave her after a few fun nights.
“I could say the same to you.”
“Fine,” Lark snapped slamming her cup on the counter, water sloshed out onto her hand. Flustered, she wiped her hand on her robe and yanked a paper towel from the holder cleaning up her mess. “Besides, I’m dating Grant,” she stated hoping to get a reaction.
“Your enthusiasm this afternoon was overwhelming,” Devon smirked.
Heat crept across her face, anger churned in her. “Why do you care?”
“I don’t.”
“Good,” she yelled.
“Good.”
“Goodnight.” Lark turned on her heel and stomped away, her footsteps thundering beneath her all the way to her room.
No way would she be able to sleep tonight. What the hell had happened in there anyway? Things with Devon only got more complicated. She would talk to Gene about switching him with someone else in the morning. She couldn’t be around him. He was infuriating, intoxicating, and confusing. At the same time, she didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of requesting someone else.
She slammed the door shut to her bedroom and sucked in large gulps of air. Her head lolled back against the door, and she forced her mind to calm down. She needed to get sleep in order to function tomorrow.
Chapter 16
Ducking under the mat, Lark slammed her fist into the red pad in Devon’s hand. Her knuckles ached and were raw from the force she was using, but she continued the brutal assault on the red hand held punching mats.
The past two-and-a-half weeks had only fueled her frustration towards him. They had a hot and cold relationship. One minute they were friendly, the next they were shooting snide comments at each other. The pent up tension between them was reaching a boiling point. It seemed she was constantly fighting the urge to pummel or straddle him. It was infuriating the way he made her feel.
These training sessions were a great way to unload her irritation. She grabbed the back of Devon’s hand and drove her knee up into the pad. His other hand lifted and she swung a right hook connecting with it. It was a grueling pattern of punches, kicks, followed by bobbing and weaving. It was also a great workout. Her breathing was erratic. Lark’s pulse spiked and her muscles burned. Surprisingly, she felt good.
“Harder,” Devon said, clapping the two pads together.
Lark lunged, thrusting her fist harder into the cushioned material. After establishing she used proper technique, they now were working on speed and impact.
“One more time,” Devon pushed her on.
Crouching down under his swinging arm, she jumped up into an uppercut. Her fist connected with the tip of the pad and the corner of his jaw. Pain exploded in her hand and ricocheted up her arm, she cried out in surprise.
“Oh my god, I’m sorry,” Lark exhaled, flexing her hand. She hadn’t meant to actually hit him. She reached out to touch him, but he stepped away.
Devon gave her a perturbed glare. His hand jutted out, grabbing her around the waist. He spun her around, pushing her into the wood wall of the barn. Her back thudded against the wood planks as she gasped for breath.
“Don’t apologize and never let your guard down,” he scolded, leaning into her. “You want to catch them by surprise, not the other way around.”
Lark shivered, as tingles shot through her from his close proximity. Her body overheated, warmth crept across her skin. His arm slick against hers, chests pressed firmly together. Arousal rolled through her at his scorching touch.
“I think we’re done here for tonight,” Devon stated his hazel eyes churned as their gazes locked.
“Okay,” Lark whispered. She gulped unable to tear away from his piercing glare.
Devon pulled back after another long moment, letting out a long puff of air.
“You did well tonight. You’re getting faster.”
Lark chewed on her lower lip and leaned her head back on the wall. “Thanks.”
“Vincent’s going to go with you tomorrow, maybe Marcus too. I have something I have to do,” Devon ran a hand through his sweaty blonde hair.
“Oh, okay. What’re you doing?” She asked curiously. “Does it have something to do with Emily?”
“No, not directly anyway.”
“Have you heard anything yet? It’s been a few weeks.” Lark worried for Emily. She’d known her for a short period of time but the thought of what was going to happen to the other girl, made Lark sick.
“Vincent talked to Daniel this afternoon. They plan to move Emily a week from Thursday,” Devon ground out. He looked away, his red cheeks darkening further.
“Daniel’s still going to help, right?” Lark hoped he wouldn’t chicken out at the last moment.
“If he doesn’t, it will hurt our plans but we’re working on putting a second plan into motion,” Devon said grabbing his water from atop the crate and took a long guzzle before dripping some over his face and hair.
Lark watched in fascination as the rivulets of water dripped down his handsome face. His jaw was relaxed, eyes closed. With a long exhale Devon scrubbed a hand over his face, his swirling bluish-green eyes settling on her.
Lark looked away, forcing her mind to focus.
“I thought things were going good with that other pack that Daniel suggested?” There had been talks, and even a visit was going on now. But she didn’t know what was going on with the negotiations. There had been a lot of hustle in the house the past week. She had tried to stay out of the way and not be nosy.
“They are, but it isn’t that simple,” Devon stated, wiping the back of his hand across his forehead.
“I suppose politics are everywhere.” Lark rolled her eyes. She picked up her water bottle and took a long swig.
Devon chuckled and took another gulp of water. “Well, at least you don’t have to sit in on them.”
“Is that what you’re doing tomorrow?”
“Yes,” Devon sighed.
“Lucky you,” Lark teased.
“Part of being an alpha,” Devon shrugged and walked toward the barn door.
“What does that mean?” Lark raced to catch up with him. It was better to talk to him when he was in one of his good moods, if you could call it that.
“It’s nothing,” Devon said hand on the sliding door of the barn.
“I thought Gene was the alpha here?”
Devon opened the door and started walking, Lark thought it was the end of the conversation but his movements slowed.
“He is, but with the two of us here, it’s not going to work out. The men don’t know who to follow and when. We can live close together, but not under the same roof. There is too much conflict between my opinions and his.” Devon let out a breath.
“Oh,” Lark whispered confused. Is he leaving? That thought made her heart ache.
“We’re both too strong-willed. The six men who came just before the first attack are all loyal to me and consider me their alpha. I will be starting my own pack. There is a house about fifteen miles from here, just up the road actually,” Devon explained, she could hear the fear, but also determination in his voice.
“Oh, the vacant farm house?” It wasn’t far either, ten-fifteen minutes at most. She would still be able to see him, but wond
ered how often?
“Yeah, I own the home and property.” Devon ran a hand through his hair. “It was my dad’s and he left it to me.”
“That house is yours? It’s beautiful!” Lark exclaimed.
Devon quirked a brow at her outburst, though he appeared amused.
“I spent most my time there when I stayed with Rick over the summers.”
“I suppose that’s why we only met that one fateful day.” Lark shook her head entranced. To think, they could have met years ago.
He shrugged, continuing up the path to the main house. “I like to keep to myself.”
“I’ve noticed,” Lark replied under her breath.
The night breeze cooled her heated skin as they both fell silent. Gravel crushing beneath their sneakers filled the empty air.
“Does that mean you will be moving?” Lark wondered aloud.
“Not yet. I have to get things in order, but once we get Emily back, yes.”
Lark’s heart dropped. Even though Devon infuriated every fiber of her being, there was something between them. And that ignited a fire inside her. Does he feel it too?
“So, Emily will live there too? You’re not worried about an attack?” Lark gauged Devon’s reaction.
“There is always a chance of an attack. If all goes according to plan, Emmett will be severely crippled when he fails to produce Emily to the Gulf Packs. They will more than likely obliterate the remnants of Emmett’s pack. Besides, as wolves we can run extremely fast. Fifteen miles on four paws can be covered in a matter of two-to-three minutes,” Devon explained.
“Isn’t your mother there, at Emmett’s ranch?” Lark asked horrified. She didn’t know much about his past, but she was his mother.
Devon nodded a tick in his jaw. “That’s the part where it gets complicated.”
“Daniel’s bringing her here, isn’t he?” They couldn’t just leave her there.
“If we can,” Devon said. “A lot will depend on her.”
“We?” Lark questioned. “Are you going there too?”
“We haven’t finalized all the details yet, that’s what we’re doing tomorrow.”
“I just hope it can all get resolved safely.”