Out of the Darkness (The Cloven Pack Series: Book Two) Read online

  “Enough!” I hear Evo shout as Dyson and Jeremy wrap their arms around me to pull me off Flint.

  They manage to get me to my feet, but I keep my eyes on Flint who’s staring at me with such malice. I fight within their grips, ready to take a swing at Flint again.

  Flint quickly hops to his feet and lunges for me. Evo places his body in the middle and shoves Flint back while Jeremy and Dyson keep hold of my arms.

  “What the fuck is wrong with you, man?” Flint shouts at me.

  “I said enough,” Evo booms. Using his Alpha Command, his voice echoes through the clearing. Immediately, Flint and I obey, heeding to our Alpha’s orders.

  Flexing his jaw with agitation, Evo takes a minute to compose himself before turning to me. “Go run a perimeter check.” When I continue to glare at Flint, Evo growls at me, “Ben! Go run a perimeter check!”

  I shift my eyes to my Alpha. Giving him a quick nod, I spare a glance at Bre who’s standing next to my stunned Alpha female. Bre’s face holds confusion and guilt. Confusion, I understand. I don’t know why I felt the need to teach Flint a lesson for sleeping with her. All I know is I’m acting on instinct fueled by my rage. Her guilt, I don’t understand. She may have turned me down last night, but she was free to do so—it’s her right. I’ll just have to keep my distance from her for a while until this blows over.

  Ignoring my wolf who growled at my last thought, I rip my arms from Jeremy and Dyson’s grip and jog to the woods, preparing to shift.

  I fight the urge to look back at Bre as I begin the shift. Her unknown guilt is affecting me in ways that make me feel jumbled. I don’t like that my actions upset her.

  Chapter Four

  Brenna Johnson

  I watch as Ben takes off to the woods. He shifts, turning into a silky black wolf, and disappears into the tree line without a backward glance. I turn my attention to the bleeding Flint.

  What the fuck just happened? I know they don’t get along, or rather, Flint doesn’t get along with Ben, but surely that doesn’t give Ben a reason to beat the shit out of Flint. Ben’s always ignored the fact that Flint didn’t care for him. Why the sudden change?

  I’m sure Ben has hurt feelings about me turning him down last night. After all, it would most certainly hurt a man’s ego if he was told to stop in the middle of pleasuring a woman. But what did that have to do with Flint? Did he know what happened between Flint and me last night? Shit—he could probably smell me on Flint. Shit, shit, shit.

  You okay? Kenna asks telepathically when she feels my panic take over.

  Does he know we’re mates? I ask hysterically. Normally I don’t ask her to relay information she picks up from others by using her gift, but I need to know.

  Kenna hesitates, No, he doesn’t fully understand why he felt the need to attempt homicide. You should have felt the waves of anger directed at Flint. Jesus, that was one pissed male wolf.

  So, what—did he just have a bruised ego that I didn’t sleep with him? That I turned him down last night and went to Flint instead?

  I have no idea, she said sympathetically. You know how a male mind works as well as I do, sweet pea. I’m taking a stab in the dark here, but I’m positive he isn’t thinking clearly and just ‘doing.’

  God, I feel like a total slut right now.

  “Brenna, help clean Flint up, will ya?” Evo throws a towel at Flint so he can clean the blood on his face.

  I internally groan. I’m a part-time nurse at the local hospital and am always expected to help my Pack mates with first aide or minor injuries. Not that I mind helping a Pack mate when they’re injured. I’m just not looking forward to having a conversation with the man I accidentally slept with.

  Sighing, I give Evo a nod and follow Flint, Kelsey, Dyson, and Jeremy into the house.

  “What are we going to do?” I hear Kenna ask Evo before I shut the sliding door. I sigh and stretch the tension from my neck that’s building from at the mess I’ve made.

  Kelsey grabs the first aid kit and gestures for Flint to take a seat on the stool at the island. The other two men melt away into the living room. I open the kit and pull out the supplies I’ll need while Kelsey grabs a bowl of warm water.

  Kelsey sets the bowl next to me on the counter. “Is anyone going to enlighten me about what that was all about?” she asks.

  Ignoring Flint’s narrowed eyes, I soak warm water into a cloth and ring it out. “I don’t know what that dude’s problem is,” Flint rumbles.

  Dabbing the cut on his eyebrow, I say, “It’s complicated.”

  “Is this because we had sex last night?” Flint asks me. Displaying his triumph, a grin spreads across his face. A disgusted shiver tickles over my skin.

  “You two had sex last night?” Kelsey screeches.

  I close my eyes and sigh. So much for keeping this under wraps. “Yes. Okay? Flint and I had sex last night,” I whisper, indicating for her to keep her voice down.

  A smile lifts her lips before they fall and a frown takes its place. “Wait, why would Ben care?”

  Flint hisses as I dab his eyebrow again. “That’s what I’m saying,” he says.

  “It’s complicated,” I growl, getting impatient that they have yet to drop the subject.

  “Why would he even care? It’s not like we’re an item. Though, I wouldn’t mind a few more nights like that.” Flint wiggles his eyebrows at me.

  “Damn it, Flint! It’s complicated, alright? There will be no repeats of last night.” I need to make sure he got the memo. Having sex isn’t going to happen again. Not with him.

  Kelsey rests her elbows on the edge of the counter. “I don’t understand the complication in this matter.”

  “It’s nothing,” I say while taping Flints eyebrow wound.

  Realization transforms Kelsey’s features. “Oh,” she whispers.

  I give her a glare when Flint asks, “What?”

  “Nothing,” Kelsey and I both mumble together.

  “There—all done. Go join the boys,” I say quickly, trying to get Flint out of the room before Kelsey explodes with questions.

  “Do you want to go catch a movie tonight?” Flint asks smiling wickedly at me. Another disgusted shiver creeps over my skin.

  Closing my eyes, I rub the tension from between my eyebrows when Kelsey barks, “Go watch T.V., Flint.”

  Flint rolls his eyes and turns to leave the kitchen. When he’s out of sight, Kelsey gives me a knowing smile. “Ben’s your mate, isn’t he?”

  I let out a big, tension-filled sigh. “Yes.”

  “That’s why he kicked Flint’s ass? God, I’m surprised he didn’t kill him.”

  “He doesn’t know,” I mumble.

  “Know what?”

  I sit on the stool next to her and begin the task of shoving things back into the first aid box. “Ben doesn’t know we’re mates.”

  “What? What do you mean? How could he not know?”

  “I have two theories. One, he doesn’t want a mate. Two, he’s completely oblivious to it. He’s so wrapped up in Beta shit that either scenario could be true.”

  Kelsey gives me a sympathetic look. “Who else knows about this?”

  “Kenna for sure. Probably Evo, too.”

  “You want me to kick Ben’s ass?”

  I laugh, trying to make light of my situation. “You’re as bad as Kenna. She said the same thing. No, no one is kicking Ben’s ass. Like I told Kenna, I want him to come to me on his own.”

  “Well, if he doesn’t figure it out soon, I can’t promise that I won’t,” she says with a factual tone.

  I rest my chin on my hand, my elbow propped on the counter. “If he doesn’t figure it out soon, I’ll probably leave. I can’t keep living like this.”

  “No! You can’t leave,” she whines, wrapping her arms around my neck.

  “We’ll just have to see.” I don’t know how much more of this I can take. Lately, leaving seems more and more like the b
etter option.

  The oven beeps, breaking me from my thoughts of leaving my Pack, and effectively providing Kelsey with a distraction. I make apologies for not helping set the table and tell Kelsey that I’ll be back in time for breakfast.

  Making my way to my quarters, I see Ben leaning against a tree staring at me. I ignore him and continue through my door.

  Walking to my bedroom, I stand in front of my unmade bed, a reminder of what I did last night. Anger bubbles in my chest and self-hate fills my heart. My inner demons come forward in full force, acting on my weakened state as memories of feeling unworthy and undeserving come crashing forward.

  I rip the bedspread off the mattress and throw them in the direction of my washing machine. Sinking to the floor and covering my face with my hands, sobs shake my small frame.

  Benjamin Grobin

  Watching Bre open her door and slip inside, I take a moment for a deep breath. I’m having an internal war with my wolf about going to her. Her emotional pain was evident when she walked to her quarter.

  Giving in to him, I push off the tree I was leaning against and make my way across the lawn to her door. I intend to talk with her and apologize for this morning’s sparring with Flint. If she wants to be with Flint, I shouldn’t be interfering. My wolf growls inside me—he wants me to interfere and step in. He wants Bre and won’t be satisfied until he has her.

  Raising my hand to knock on her door, I pause and lean my head to the side when I hear sobbing. I freeze, my wolf urging me to head inside and provide comfort. As much as I want to, as much as my wolf and I want to comfort that beautiful woman in there, it isn’t my place. I’m her Beta, not her lover.

  Against my better judgment, I turn my back and head to the Alphas’ quarters. When I’m a few feet away, Evo opens the sliding door and steps outside. Folding his arms, he stares at me, his face void of expression which is never a good thing. I knew this chat was coming. My behavior has been unbecoming for a Beta.

  “What are you doing, Ben? I haven’t seen you lose your control in years,” Evo rumbles. He’s angry and rightfully so. It’s his job to make sure each member of the Pack is safe. When his Beta is the one throwing the punches, that causes a problem.

  I rake a hand through my hair and lean against the white siding. “My wolf has a thing for your sister. I’m having a hard time controlling him. When I smelled your sister on Flint, I lost it.”

  “I know. I was there to witness it.” Evo unfolds his arms and walks a few feet to stand in front of me. “Why are you fighting your wolf?”

  “Why?” I chuckle once. “Because he isn’t making any sense. Look, I know you don’t want to hear all the details because she’s your sister, but last night I got a taste of her and ever since, my wolf has been riding me hard about it.”

  “Have you ever thought there was something more to it?” Evo asks. “When I first met Kenna, I thought my wolf had lost his mind after the way he had urged me to go after someone we all thought was human.”

  I frown at him. “You and Kenna are mates, though.”

  Evo raises his eyebrows. “Exactly.”

  I look at him from the corner of my eyes, disbelief thick in my voice. “Wait … you think your sister is my mate?”

  “What do you think? I’ve never seen you possessive over anything before. If you got a little taste of her last night and now your wolf is hounding you, what do you think that means? I’m guessing that she declined you sex, too.” When I frown, he continues, “That’s what I thought. Can you think of the one reason why she would do that?”

  “Shit. She thinks we’re mates, too?” Evo confirms my question by inclining his head. “She thought it would start the mating if we had sex.” I rub my forehead to relieve some of the headache that’s beginning to form from my wolf growling inside me. “She’s not my mate, Evo.”

  “You better be one hundred percent sure of that, Ben. Otherwise, when it comes to Bre seeking relationships with other men, you better butt the hell out. I won’t allow that kind of behavior again. Not from someone who doesn’t ‘have,’” he finger-quotes, “a mate. And not from my Beta.”

  Evo heads back inside, leaving me with those last words.

  Fuck. I don’t know what any of this means. I admit, Bre is on my mind every moment. The way she moaned, the way she tasted, the way she looked at me. It’s like I’m seeing her for the first time. But this obsession isn’t anything other than lust … is it? I may have a temper but my wolf is the one whose attitude doesn’t always fit the situation. It’s why I’m having such a hard time trusting his judgment at this moment.

  Being a dominant wolf, it had been tough for him to stand by as I watched and did nothing when my Pack members were being punished at the hands of our previous Alpha. I vowed that I would never hold my wolf back like that again. Except, I’m breaking that promise when it comes to Bre.

  My wolf is a protector, but he wants things that don’t make sense to me. He’s determined to never be put on the backburner again, so his opinions, wants, and needs are always extreme as he pushes his agenda onto me.

  Maybe that’s why he’s urging me to go to Bre. Maybe he wants what I’m refusing him. His extreme urging would explain why she consumes my thoughts and dreams. He wants me to give her the comfort and protection she needs. But I can’t do that. If she thinks we’re mates, it would give her the wrong idea. Though I find her intoxicating, I can’t give her hope where there most likely is none … right?

  I scrubbed my face and blew out a breath. This is a freaking mess. As Beta, it’s my job to fix problems within the Pack. I just have no idea how to fix any of this.

  Brenna Johnson

  Growling at Flint, I shove his hand off my knee for the thousandth time. He’s seriously pissing me and my wolf off. Ever since we sat down at the table to eat, he’s tried running his hand up my leg several times. Ben, whose body is rigid in his seat, notices what’s going on underneath the table. If Flint doesn’t stop, I’ll end up punching him in the face. Ben’s clearly upset with me and hasn’t spared me a glance all evening. It isn’t anything I’m not used to, but it’s obvious he’s angry about Flint and me.

  Kenna takes this moment and throws her broccoli, hitting Flint square between his eyebrows. I laugh and flash her a grateful smile.

  Flint used to throw food at me constantly, which was infuriating. It was his way of getting my attention, but at this moment, I’m missing that childish behavior compared to what he’s trying to do under the table.

  Kelsey, Jeremy, and Dyson watch the rest of us with interest, eating their chicken Alfredo and broccoli absentmindedly. I’m sure we look like a circus: Evo rubbing his temples, Ben desperately trying to contain his anger, Kenna switching her glare between Ben and Flint, Flint rubbing what’s left of the broccoli from his forehead, and then there’s me, stabbing my strips of chicken, wishing it’s Flint’s neck instead.

  “Oh! Evo, I almost forgot to tell you,” Flint declares. His loud voice causes me to jump in my seat. “My friend from the Riva Pack called me today. They want to set up a bonfire night. Their Alpha said it’s a good idea for everyone to get to know one another just in case we have to fight alongside each other against the Gray Pack.”

  Evo looks up from rubbing his temples, his eyes strained with effort. I frown at the stress that lines his face before looking at Kenna questioningly.

  Ben’s anger issues are consuming. I’m able to ignore it but I think Evo might explode. Kenna says, rolling her eyes at her mate.

  My shoulders lift as I exhale. Can’t we all just move forward and forget my fuck-ups?

  “When?” Evo asks Flint.

  Flint shrugs. “I can call them now and see about tomorrow night.”

  Evo nods. “Do it.”

  “Does this mean I can finally put together the sound system?” Dyson asks—his face hopeful—around a mouthful of food. He can be such a nerd when it came to electronics, and he’s been waiting a long time to tes
t out this new system he bought.

  I give him a warm smile. “Sounds like it.” His enthusiasm is always contagious. I find him a relief to be around when my heart feels broken.

  A night around new wolves will be good for me. It’s exactly the kind of distraction I need from this mess. Maybe Flint will find someone new to flirt with. A girl can always dream.

  After pecking my cheek with an audible smack, Flint stands from the table. I throw a punch at his stomach, but he steps aside before I connect. “I’ll make the call,” he announces before dancing from the room.

  Dyson stands from the table. “I better go find where I put the stereo system!” He rushes out of the room with an extra skip in his step.

  Smiling, Kelsey turns her head to her mate. “Go help him before he trips up the stairs or something.”

  “Do we have enough beer for everyone?” Evo asks Kelsey. Kelsey nods while her face turns a shade of green, making Kenna laugh. The thought of more alcohol does not seem to appeal to Kelsey. Another smile lifts my cheeks.

  Kenna grabs Evo by the sleeve and drags him out of his chair. “Come on, sexy man. Let’s go help hungover Kelsey bring out the supplies.”

  When everyone is gone tending to their tasks, Ben and I awkwardly stay in our seats at the table. He slowly turns his head to look me in the eye with a hard edge, the silence continuing to stretch on. I hold his gaze as he continues his stare, refusing to back down.

  Clearing my throat, I decide to be the adult here and break the silence. “So … are you going to tell me what’s up your ass or do you wish to continue brooding a little longer?”

  He narrows his eyes and ticks his jaw. “You and Flint, huh? How’s that working out for the happy couple?”

  I laugh without humor. “That’s mighty crass of you. What’s it to you?”

  “He’s not good for you.”

  My eyebrows fly up but I mask my shock with sarcasm. “Right. Well … I suppose I’m glad that it’s absolutely none of your business who I sleep with, anyway.” I cock my head to the side and consider another possibility. “Or, is it you’re mad I said no to you and fucked him instead?” I stand and begin clearing the table, stacking the dirty dishes and carrying them to the kitchen.