Rachael laughed. Opportunist, indeed.
Dinner ended up tasting great. For being so small Nathan was a good cook. Which was fortunate for everyone but him. Once he grudgingly set to washing the dishes, Aaron casually added that he would be responsible for breakfast and lunch until he learned how to clean as he worked.
“What about dinner?” asked Rachael as Nathan turned on the faucet over a pile of stained pans.
Aaron’s mouth curved on one side. “You think his punishment is too light?”
“No,” she snapped, fighting down her embarrassment. Why couldn’t she just say what she meant in her head? And why couldn’t he just ask her to clarify like a normal person? “I mean, should I cook dinner? Since you’re all putting me up, I guess I owe you, don’t I?”
Shrugging one shoulder, Aaron replied, “If that is your wish.”
She sighed and dropped the subject.
For how odd the entire situation was, Rachael slipped into her new life with relative ease. Going into and leaving her soundproofed room was always a weird experience, but she had to admit she had never slept better. She also never woke up fast as when this alarm went off. It was loud, jolting, and obscenely obnoxious. Apparently it had to be to make up for her surroundings.
Even school seemed to go smoother now that she knew she would return to a safe space. Each night as she lay down, Rachael felt the guilty pang of missing her father. Would it really have been so bad just to care for him a little longer?
Perhaps, or perhaps not. But he did call every evening, just like he promised. Though he didn’t sound much better he at least was talking. Henry wouldn’t say much; just that he was well taken care of and once he left he would never have a roommate. Rachael had to wonder if that meant he never planned to remarry.
She wasn’t sure how that idea made her feel.
Graduation was now just one week away, and Rachael’s mind couldn’t have been any further from it. Both Aaron and Nathan continued to spar with her; Nathan teaching her grabbing weapons and evasion and Aaron still instructing her to fight dirty. Both left her aching and bruised.
On the bright side, her training began to make her feel a little more confident. And she hardly ever walked away so hurt she needed medical attention.
Until Saturday night when she sat on the couch, an ice pack covering her shoulder in hopes it would lessen the swelling. Aaron had been particularly rough when he caught her this time, nearly pulling her arm from the socket as he threw her over his back.
Jackson was at work and Nathan remained upstairs helping Ana Sofia with her English workbook. So it left just her and Aaron in the living room. She tried to get comfortable as she flipped through channels.
Aaron appeared more than content to read another one of his Western novels. He seemed to have hit a rut or something. For the past week that was all Rachael could recall him doing in his spare time.
It was also insanely distracting, having him so close yet so completely preoccupied. Living in this house had not done anything to abate Rachael’s hyperactive emotions. She had hoped that actually being around all the time would reveal something about Aaron she didn’t know. A habit of cleaning his ears with his fingers, spitting, smoking more than he seemed to, yelling at the kids—something. Anything.
But no, she thought angrily. He was the same cocky yet reserved semi-gentleman she’d known since day one. Aaron didn’t change his attitude one iota with her there. Earlier Rachael had asked Jackson if he ever was any different, and her brother had given her a strange look as he’d shrugged on his work jacket.
“No, RayRay. He’s always the same. Nothing’s ever new with him.”
Well, freaking perfect. The knowledge left her fidgety.
Quietly, Aaron said, “If you must continuously sigh, please do it elsewhere.”
Rachael hadn’t realized she was doing that. She shifted uncomfortably and mumbled an apology.
Then the room lapsed into silence but for the car insurance commercial hounding them to trust them and make big savings. Rachael sat there until the ice pack became soggy and limp, and then she stood to put it in the freezer.
In that same moment Aaron bookmarked his place and set down the novel. “Rachael,” he said calmly. “Is something on your mind?”
Yes. You. Constantly. And I hate it. Instead she flashed her best smile and said, “No. I’m good.”
“You are certainly not a good liar,” said Aaron. He looked her in the eye, never moving from his lax position on the couch. If anyone were to meet him just then, they never would have been able to guess to his darker, predatory nature. Aaron gave the impression of a lounging cat with one arm slung over the back of the furniture and his legs stretched upon the chaise.
Aaron continued to speak, snapping her from her thoughts. “If you felt I was too rough on you I am afraid you must learn to deal with it. Other lycans will not be so gentle.”
Rachael started to retort but the words faded to nothing on the tip of her tongue. She turned away and stared down at the ice pack sagging in her palm.
“Can we go talk somewhere?” she finally whispered.
If he had questions, Aaron apparently decided to save them for later. He threw his legs over the edge of the couch and stood in one smooth motion. He headed toward the back door, snagging one of his cigarettes and a lighter on the way.
Rachael blew out a shaky gust of air and tried to calm her nerves as she put away the ice pack. Then, slipping into her sneakers, she followed Aaron to the back yard.
But he didn’t stop there, instead weaving toward the forest with a lit cigarette.
“Where are you going?” asked Rachael.
Aaron didn’t even glimpse over his shoulder. “For a walk. Are you coming?”
A walk. Yes. Brilliant idea. It would work off some of her tension.
Maybe.
Rachael loped after him until she caught up, and then they trekked in silence off the beaten path. The scent of clove followed them everywhere and she wrinkled her nose a bit. If there was any definitive downside it was that. And yet, for whatever reason, even watching him smoke didn’t lessen her feelings.
Why does he have to be so difficult? Rachael griped inwardly.
Eventually his cigarette ran low and Aaron quietly put out the embers, quashing them so no fires would start. Then he pulled out a slim metallic case from his coat pocket, flipped it open, placed the butt inside and then continued on as if nothing happened.
Rachael actually stopped to stare after him.
What, he had to be cognizant about that, too? Couldn’t he just litter and do one thing to lessen her attraction to him?
The hike didn’t take too terribly long, no more than half an hour or so. Where they ended up brought Rachael a strange sense of relief and strength.
“You brought me to the sequoia,” she said softly.
Aaron shrugged and stopped a few paces from her. “It is as private a place as any, possibly more so than your room.” He smirked. “Especially with Ana Sofia sneaking in to sleep next to you at night.”
Rachael groaned. “You knew?” She had promised Ana Sofia not to say anything so long as she kept discrete—not because the girl did anything wrong, but because Rachael was embarrassed to admit that her presence calmed her. Sure enough, every morning, Ana Sofia was back in her and Nathan’s shared room before anybody else was up.
“They are my pack. Of course I knew.” The corner of his mouth lifted, for once only using a fraction of mockery. “But it is good she is so comfortable with you. I am certain being the only young lady in a pack of unruly men disconcerts her now and then.”
Rachael bowed her head to hide her smile, folding her arms across her chest.
“Now,” said Aaron. “What did you wish to speak of?”
Unsure why she reacted this way, but knowing it was good to take him by surprise, Rachael abruptly lunged and tried to elbow him in the stomach. To her disappointment Aaron avoided her. His dark eyes glinted with excitement
. He caught her forearm as she attempted to strike him in the jaw.
“Still an amateur,” he murmured with a wide grin. “Though you are improving.”
“Thanks,” she grunted before yanking her arm back. At the same time, she brought the heel of her other hand up toward his chin. Aaron barely stopped her this time, his expression giving away a brief thought: That was unexpected. He didn’t praise her aloud, but that was fine.
It wasn’t the reason she started.
Rachael didn’t know why she continued the way she did. With the momentum she had, all she could do was keep trying to surprise him. And even as she surged forward a horrible thought stunned her mind to blackness: What if he doesn’t respond?
By then it was too late to take it back. Her mouth met his fully, and this time she knew she’d completely caught him off guard. And for the first split second she received no reaction and her heart began to sink into a void.
But then he responded with pressure of his own, turning the kiss magnetic. It was nothing like kissing Holden, she thought distantly. That had been warm, sweet, and mostly chaste. The entire time she’d felt something for him, Rachael had longed for Holden to kiss her but had done little on her own to encourage it.
This was completely the opposite: she couldn’t have waited another moment. And Aaron’s mouth was charged with lightning and fire, sending terrible thrill through her veins. And yet his kiss was still inviting and kind, equally as complex as he was.
He broke it off too soon, staring down at her with the most agonized expression she’d ever seen. Rachael’s breath caught as she realized she was seeing Aaron completely vulnerable in that moment.
“I apologize,” he whispered, gently pushing her away. Despite his words he didn’t release her arms, instead bringing them down to her sides. “That was not—”
“Appropriate?” she cut in. “I know. But I wanted to. I....”
Aaron shook his head slowly. “That is not what I meant, Rachael,” he said with unbearable softness. “Alphas do not take a mate.”
Oh.
When she just stared at him, unable to think of a response, Aaron’s chest heaved. “It taints objectivity,” he explained. “The pack cannot think the alpha favors one over the other. As it is, I am quite adept at ruining that when it comes to Nathan.”
She intended to apologize for her brashness, but Rachael stunned even herself when she said, “That’s ridiculous.”
Aaron’s eyebrows rose.
Since she’d already opened her mouth, Rachael blurted, “You’re like a father—his big brother, uncle, whatever—to Nathan. Of course you favor him. He’s blood; he’s family. But Jackie and Ana Sofia know you care about them, too. I see it. We all see it. And I know this sounds horribly, stupidly selfish, but if they just thought you were happy I don’t think—”
He released one of her arms to cover her lips with one of his fingers. Even that touch threatened Rachael’s spine with a jolt of electricity.
“Let me stop you there,” he said gently. “I have thought of it. And even if I could set that rule aside, I still cannot afford to return your affection.”
Rachael’s heart throbbed with dread. “I don’t understand.”
“You are young,” said Aaron. Even as he spoke his eyes reflected the ripping sensation in her chest. “And as I cannot make you a lycan at this time, there is much you ought to do.”
Rachael didn’t know what to say. Her chest hurt too much to get a decent breath.
At her reaction, Aaron closed his eyes briefly and then said, “When I spoke to your father I told him a little lie. I told him that Jackson was doing well in a small company my family owns; that he was moving up and learning quickly. The real reason your father ultimately chose to go to rehab was because I explained that if the company kept expanding and thriving as it is now that one day there would be a place for you as well. But only if you went to college and earned a degree.”
Words completely failed her then. Rachael found it difficult to discern heartbreak from overwhelming gratitude in that moment.
Aaron lowered his hand from her mouth. “When I take my pack with me, he ought to break the news to you. He intends to get well so he can support you as a good father should. Henry requested I keep it a secret so he could surprise you after graduation, but...” A self-deprecating smile twisted his mouth. “Apparently I am selfish as well.”
No wonder Jackson had pressed her about the community college. Rachael couldn’t keep looking Aaron in the eye and stared down at her feet. Her vision swarmed.
She was unbelievably hurt, but also awash with even stronger emotion. That she had such wonderful people in her life—her father, Jackson, and especially Aaron—willing to look out for her and help her....
“I’m sorry,” she worked out in a choked whisper.
“As am I,” said Aaron. “I should have kept this in check a long time ago.”
“No.” She shook her head, clenching her eyes shut to will the tears away. “No, I don’t... I like having feelings for you, Aaron. Yeah right now it hurts, but you’ve been...” She sighed in frustration, hating her lack of vocabulary. “You’ve been great to me.”
He fell silent for a moment, and then said, “I mean no offense, Rachael, but how much of it is due to everything you have suffered through? You have lost many, including Holden. I cannot help but wonder how much is simply you wanting to feel loved.”
It hurt he even had to ask, but she understood. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “But I don’t think that’s it. I mean, I could be wrong, but....”
When she raised her gaze again he wore a wry smile. “I will grant that you are handling this better than I would have thought.”
“Maybe not,” she whispered.
Rachael leaned toward him, but Aaron hesitated. “This is not wise.”
“Maybe not,” she repeated, this time firmly. “But it’s how I feel right now. And I...” Her jaw set. “I’m not really... good... at this stuff. But if you’ll at least... I mean, when I see you all again, maybe we could—”
Aaron cut her off with his lips. This time it was less sizzling heat and more a bittersweet sting that made her heart swell in her throat. But Rachael couldn’t resist any more than he could and she reveled in what she knew would be their last intimate contact. For a long while, if ever again.
“Oh—my god.”
Rachael jolted at the unfamiliar voice. Aaron separated from her and immediately tried to move so she was behind him, but she still caught sight of the intruders. Within seconds she went from heartbroken to horrified.
Holden stood several yards off. Rage carved deep grooves into his expression. His fists were tense at his sides, and if he hadn’t been so far off Rachael was certain he would have struck them both.
But what was most strange was the girl with him. She looked a few years older, in her early to mid-twenties, with soft curly hair and stunningly open brown eyes. It was almost as though she wore the devastation Holden clearly felt, while he kept a tight rein on the fury.
“Well,” said Aaron with a grim smile. “It would appear we have trespassers.”
Chapter Twenty
Like a child, Holden always had possessed a knack for finding the wrong moment to interrupt. Aaron allowed his humorless smile to transform into something more than a little smug.
“I am surprised you came back, Ambassador,” he sneered.
“Shut up,” snapped Holden in cold fury. He took a step forward, putting himself in front of the woman he’d dragged along with him. “I expected you to make a move, but Rachael...” He looked past Aaron and his stormy eyes roiled. “I didn’t actually expect you to entertain it.”
Behind Aaron, Rachael drew in a sharp breath. But no words came out, so Aaron did his best to draw attention to himself.
By laughing.
It was frigid and cruel, but absolutely deserved. Aaron shook his head and said contemptuously, “When will you learn, pup? It is no longer the 1880s. She is not
your property.”
Behind Holden, the woman said, “Uh... Holden, sorry, but how crazy did you say this guy was again?”
Aaron snorted.
Holden clenched his teeth but kept his tone soft when he addressed her. “Remember when I said I might not be human, and you said to prove it?” His mouth twisted. “Well, today might be that day.”
The girl’s eyes widened uncertainly. “Holden—”
“Sorry for dragging you into this, Lacey. But could you stay back?”
Aaron carefully appraised him. “No gun this time?”
Holden scoffed. “And give you a quick death? No chance.” He flung off his jacket, the gold in his eyes flickering with hatred. “I said I was going to take over as alpha. So you want a fair fight? Fine. I’ll prove I can fight fair.”
Aaron started to step forward, but Rachael’s hushed voice gave him pause.
“Aaron, don’t,” she whispered.
He turned halfway toward her, wary of turning his back completely on his former charge. “I said before,” he told her quietly. “He made the choice. If it is him or me, then my choice is clear.”
“I know, but—” She bit her lip. Aaron silently cursed how such a small gesture distracted him in such a crucial moment, so he focused only on her eyes. And they were lovely, though mostly awash with concern.
Carefully, Rachael finished, “But what about her?”
It was another Coleen situation, he realized. Aaron could only speculate how much of this Holden engineered on purpose. Obviously he couldn’t have predicted walking in on his love in the embrace of another, but bringing a human around who had no idea what lycans were...
Well, he thought with brittle glee. It would seem the Ambassador has learned quite a bit in creating a safety net. It really was a pity. Holden could be a great alpha.
Just not for Aaron’s pack.
To Rachael, he said, “Be on your guard, Sunshine.”
She gave him a puzzled look. He’d never called her that to her face, so of course she was confused. Aaron flashed his most reassuring, laid-back grin before he strode toward his opponent.
Call of the Lycan (Secrets of the Sequoia Book 3) Page 16