Anew: Kindred Series
Page 9
Layla held her chin up and looked straight at Luke. “If you think this absurd accusation is going to deter me from your side, you are mistaken. I know now more than ever that you need a strong female as your mate, and that’s me. You will see I’m right, and you will come begging for me to take you back.” Then she stilled her gaze and addressed Jack. “I have nothing more to add. Speak your verdict and get this over with. I’m bored.”
Jack nodded his head and spoke two simple words. “Very well.”
With that said, Candace stood with a file in her hand. She opened the file and addressed him. “Alpha, Council recommends as follows. The transgressor, Layla Hamilton, knowingly attacked a defenseless female and endangered our discovery. She has shown no signs of remorse for her actions, thus we fear her wolf might be too headstrong and unruly. However, after careful consideration of all witness testimonies, the book of the law, and the fact that this is the first time Layla has ever exhibited such behavior, we, the council, find Layla Hamilton guilty of breaking the pack-human treaty law, but do not recommend the maximum sentence. We, the council, agree that detention and a lashing would be appropriate as a warning. If any other transgressions were to be committed, then the council recommends exile, except if the crime is of the same nature, then the maximum sentence of death is recommended.”
Luke was shocked to hear the council recommend a lashing. That hadn’t been done in ages. It was common a century ago, but as civilization had evolved, so had their ways. His wolf, however, felt the lashing appropriate for the pain Layla had cost their mate. Luke found himself in an internal battle with his wolf. The beast argued he had the right to punish the other wolf while Luke argued it was inhumane to take such action. Minutes passed while Luke struggled to gain the upper hand, until finally his wolf accepted the dominance of the man and retreated.
Silence greeted Luke as he snapped out of his inner dialogue and stood from his seat. His voice resonated strong and authoritative throughout the chamber. “I, Luke Andrews, Alpha of the Clear Creek pack, declare Layla Hamilton guilty of breaking the pack-human treaty law. However, our pack has evolved along with civilization. We are no longer primitive and, though we live by and follow the book of the law, our methods of interpreting the law have become more humane and civilized. Because of this, I sentence you, Layla Hamilton, to one month detention.”
Before he could continue, he felt his wolf stir, protesting the lenient punishment.
With great effort, Luke pushed the beast back and demanded its obedience. He wasn’t done issuing Layla’s sentence yet, and he knew the beast would approve of what he had to say next. “In addition to the one month detention, as of right now, you will be forbidden from shifting.”
Gasps echoed throughout the room, and Luke felt his wolf give a yelp of satisfaction. As shifters, they all had a need to let their wolves run free often. It was also in their genes to participate and experience the fellowship and bonding of their monthly pack runs.
“Your wolf will be constrained for three months, in which you are forbidden to participate in the monthly pack runs.”
His pack respected him as Alpha, and they willingly worked together for the better of the pack. It was rare instances like this one that required him to use his authority to make a pack member submit. So, before he could take his leave, he turned his gaze on Layla, who was staring daggers at him. At the nod of his head, the guard pushed Layla to her knees. From her kneeling position, she managed to bow mockingly, a wicked smile marring her pretty face. He felt his wolf rise to the challenge, but kept his expression blank. He wouldn’t show her any acknowledgement beyond what was required. He would tolerate her existence within the pack, but never would he consider her in any other way again. He had been a fool to be involved with her and never notice how unstable she truly was.
Taking a step closer, he addressed Layla for what he hoped was the last time. “Layla, as your Alpha I bind your wolf and forbid you from shifting for the next three moons.”
Layla stared at him, anger and defiance evident in her eyes. She tried to fight the Alpha command, but eventually lowered her eyes, exposing her throat in sign of submission; her weaker wolf was unable to keep the arrogant façade in the presence of her Alpha. A whine escaped her lips and Luke knew she would do exactly as told.
With that said, Luke nodded at the guard to take Layla away. As the guard escorted Layla to what would be her home for the next month, he walked off the dais and crossed the chamber, leaving through the double doors. The council would see to it that Layla was placed in the correct confinement. He wanted nothing to do with her again. All he wanted, no, all he needed was to get back to Cynthia.
Chapter 10
Cynthia
The smell of bacon awoke Cynthia from her peaceful sleep. Through the open blinds, she could see the moon shining and knew it had been a long nap. She was thankful that even though she had just experienced a traumatic encounter with a wolf she had managed to take a long and restful nap. After all, rest was the best thing when one was ill or injured. As she lay within the comfort of the sofa, her eyes closed again; her mind flashed back to the feel of Luke’s lips on hers. They had felt soft but firm as they had molded to her lips. The heat that spread throughout her body had been unlike anything she had ever felt before. If it hadn’t been for the sharp pain that had assaulted her arm, she would’ve lost all sense of control, and maybe they would’ve …
No, she shouldn’t go there. Sure, she was planning on finding a way to stay permanently, but she barely knew anything about the man. What if all he was interested in was a one night stand? She was just not comfortable doing that. Her past experience had shown her there really wasn’t any such thing as a fairy tale relationship. But, if she was going to put her fears aside and let someone in, she at least wanted someone who was interested in a little more than bedding her once and then leaving.
A deep voice she didn’t recognized reached her ears. “You’re awake. I made us some sandwiches. I imagine, since you woke up late this afternoon and then fell asleep, Luke didn’t feed you.”
Aha! She knew it hadn’t been Luke that spoke. Carefully, she opened her eyes and searched for the body belonging to the deep baritone. She sat up to find Matt standing at the other end of the sofa. “Matt? Where’s Luke? He said he’d be here.” She couldn’t help the disappointment that came through in her voice as she scanned the room, noticing Luke was nowhere in sight. Knowing Matt surely hadn’t missed it, she felt heat spread up her neck.
Matt smiled and mischief sparkled in his eyes. “Prince Charming will be here any minute. He just had to run to town and sign some paperwork at the office. Now, come on, sleeping beauty. Food is ready and I’m starving.” With that said, he pivoted and walked to the kitchen.
Cynthia stood, stretching her limbs. Her stomach took that time to growl loudly. From the kitchen she heard Matt laughing. The lightness he exuded was contagious, and she laughed, too.
In the kitchen, the small table had two place settings and a tray with a pile of giant sandwiches and a mountain of fries. The wonderful aromas made her mouth water, and she rushed to sit down. Matt sat a cup of steaming coffee in front of her before taking his seat. She was so grateful she almost stood up and kissed him.
“Wow! You cooked all this?”
Matt’s eyes twinkled and she began to like that look. He was so light hearted it was hard not to like him. “Yeah, I’m not just good looking, you know? I can cook and clean and even dance.”
He winked and she giggled.
“I am impressed. Your girlfriend is a lucky lady.”
Matt almost spit his coffee all over his meal before he managed to swallow. “No girlfriend. I am single and proud.” He brought a couple of ketchup-lathered fries to his mouth and smiled that mischievous smile she was starting to recognize as his trademark.
“Well, what’s so wrong about having a girlfriend? Don’t you wish to find someone you’d be willing to settle down with, form a family with?”
Cynthia shook her head and found herself easily spilling her life to him. “No, no boyfriend, only an ex-husband that I finally got the courage to leave a little over a year ago. I’m here kind of finding myself again.”
Unexpectedly Matt reached across the table and gave her hand a squeeze then let go. “He was that bad, huh?”
Cynthia’s heart warmed at Matt’s attempt to comfort her. Kristy held him and Luke in high esteem, and obviously trusted them. Maybe she could do the same. God knew she needed friends. Dylan had kept her from forming long-lasting relationships with anybody.
So, she took a long swig of her coffee and looked Matt in the eyes. “He um … he … he was very controlling. When we met, he was so nice and attentive, but then once we were married he changed. I wasn’t allowed to go anywhere without an escort. He kept tabs on my phone and emails. I got a job right after I graduated college, and he found a way to make me leave it. Then after that I just could never find a job. I eventually gave up looking. Later I found out he had sabotaged all my attempts at getting a job.” She looked up at Matt and saw understanding, and it gave her strength to continue. She didn’t know why, but she trusted him. “I guess the worst part was when he became abusive. He began to go out several nights a week. He’d come home drunk and demand ...” She swallowed hard and blinked rapidly to keep her tears from falling. The tears that stung her eyes weren’t there because she felt sorry for herself, but because she felt used. “He would demand that I please him. As long as I did as he asked I guess you can say it kept him happy. Then one day he came home and he didn’t demand that I please him anymore; instead, he struck me over and over until I had bruises everywhere. When he finally stopped, he saw the state I was in and begged me to forgive him. I was naive and really thought he meant it, so I did. Things seemed okay for a while, but then he started drinking again. Every time after that he made sure his blows landed where they wouldn’t leave visible marks. I eventually gathered the courage and the means to leave him.”
Matt stood and pulled her up from her seat. “I am so sorry that you had to go through that.” He pulled her in for a hug. “That bastard deserves to get his ass pounded on until next Sunday. I’ll volunteer gladly, just tell me where I can find him and I’ll give him a taste of his own medicine.”
Cynthia smiled and looked up at Matt. “You know what, Matt. We are going to be great friends. Thank you for listening.”
Matt ruffled her hair playfully and laughed. “We already are, Cynthia Whelan. Now, let’s finish our meal before Luke gets back and we have to share with him.”
Giggling, they both took their seats and continued with their meal. After a short while she cleared her throat. “Matt, I hadn’t shared that with anyone, not even my sister. I trust it will stay between us. I was considering staying here and … well, I don’t want anyone knowing that part of my past. I want to start fresh, make a new life for myself here.”
Matt smiled and nodded. “Of course.” He raised his hand palm out. “Friend’s honor.”
As they ate and an amicable silence fell between them, Cynthia’s thoughts wandered to Luke and the brief intimate kisses they had shared that morning. Before she could stop herself, she spoke the questions that were gnawing at her subconscious. “Does Luke have a …? I mean, is he in a relationship?” She looked at Matt expectantly.
He gave her a knowing smile and she felt her face flush. “I see. I have to say I’m hurt. Here I am making you a delicious meal and all this time it’s my best friend you’ve been thinking about.” He dramatically touched his hand to his heart and feigned pain. “But, if you must know, he is not in a relationship, and you my dear happen to be just his type.”
Cynthia hadn’t wanted to be so obvious, but judging by Matt’s answer, figured she had failed miserably. Since she had been found out, she decided to continue with her inquiry. “Has he had many relationships?”
Matt laughed and shook his head. “All I can tell you is that there hasn’t ever been anyone serious in his life. I value your honesty with me and I will respect what you confide in me just as I do with Luke. So, with that said, I think any other questions you have, you should really ask him.”
Cynthia smiled, pleased to hear there wasn’t anyone serious in Luke’s life. She was also glad that Matt had proven he was worthy of her trust. “Thank you. I appreciate your honesty.”
The sandwich was so good Cynthia couldn’t help the moan that escaped her lips as she chewed on a delicious bite. She heard Matt laugh and she joined in. As they laughed at her antics like idiots, the front door opened and slammed shut.
Luke appeared at the entrance to the small kitchen. He was heaving and his forearms flexed as he tightened his hands into fists. Cynthia looked at him wide eyed, a mix of desire and fear cursing throughout her body; he looked kind of wild.
A chair scraped the floor and she turned to see Matt preparing to stand. “Luke. I figured Cynthia hadn’t eaten anything so I made us something to eat. She was just telling me she’s considering staying in Clear Creek. That was all. We were awaiting your return.” There was a hint of nervousness in his voice that suddenly disappeared and switched to an all-business tone. “Was all taken care of at the office?”
Luke nodded and stepped into the kitchen. His voice cool. “Yes, everything was settled.” He walked to the coffee pot and poured a cup.
Cynthia stood, intending to get him a plate from the cupboard. He had taken care of her throughout the night. And even though she hadn’t cooked, the least she could do was be a good host. “I’ll get you a plate.”
Before she could fully stand he reached for a plate and walked to the table to serve himself. “I got it.” His tone was clipped and short. “You’re injured and under strong painkillers, you shouldn’t be up and about.” He looked pointedly at Matt. “Matt should have taken that into consideration.”
Luke took the seat to her left and his gaze swept across her face. She felt it seep all the way into her soul and a shiver ran up her spine despite the hurt feelings spreading through her heart at the tone he’d taken. How could he do that with just a look? He reached for her hand and ran his thumb along the inside of her wrist. The act was most likely meant to reassure her, but the sensation ran up her arm and down her spine like a lightning bolt, making her flustered. Heat pooled between her thighs and she tightened them, attempting to relieve the ache it caused. She was very aware of the reaction her body had to his mere gaze and, at the same time, she was very aware they weren’t alone. Matt sat across from her, quietly watching their exchange.
Luke finally released her hand and took a bite of his sandwich. He swallowed and turned to look at her once more. His gaze was still scorching, but without his touch she was able to concentrate on what he was saying instead of what she was feeling. “So, are you planning on extending your stay a bit, or are you considering relocating here? We have a couple properties for rent besides the temporary vacation cabins, and a few for sale, as well.”
Cynthia shook her head slightly to clear her flustered mind and tried to sound as steady as possible. “I um … I’d actually like to relocate here. Of course, it all depends on whether I can find a job or not. So, I guess to start I’d like to extend my stay here if the cabin is still available. If not, I’d need to rent another temporary place. I don’t want to sign a lease until I’m sure I have a job.”
“Well, the cabin is all yours for as long as you need it. I haven’t gotten any reservations for it, so I’ll just take it off the availability list. What kind of job would you be looking for?”
“I’m assuming there aren’t any publishing agencies here, so I’m pretty open to any possib
ilities I can explore with a degree in literature.”
“Hmm. Let me ask around and see what I can help you with. I’m sure we can find something you can put your skills to work on.”
Cynthia smiled and remembered Matt sitting across from her. Giving him an apologetic look for completely ignoring him, she did her best to include him in the conversation. But Matt stood, excusing himself. “It’s been a pleasure, Cynthia, but I do have several errands I need to take care of. I’m sure Luke will take care of the dishes. I’ll check in later.” Without another word, he took his leave. Cynthia couldn’t help thinking it was his way of giving them some privacy.
The front door closed and, shortly after, the engine of Matt’s truck roared to life. Cynthia was aware that she was alone with Luke now, and that they certainly had some sort of chemistry going on between them. Her eyes roamed the plains of his too-handsome face, and her hands itched with the need to touch the stubble on his jaw, to feel its abrasiveness on her flesh. His scorching ice-blue eyes seemed to glow, pulling her into their depths as their gazes locked. The heat of the strong hands that had pulled her closer to him when she straddled him earlier still burned on her thighs. She could only fantasize about what they would have done to her body had they continued with the passion they had ignited. She mentally cursed her bandaged arm. If the pain of rubbing it against their heated bodies hadn’t jolted her away, she was sure they would’ve had sex.
A sigh escaped her lips and caught Luke’s attention.
His gaze fell to her lips, and she felt her stomach flip flop in anticipation of having his lips on hers again. Unknowingly, she leaned closer until their lips were but a breath apart. She swallowed hard and closed her eyes. His lips brushed hers, making the well of need she had been trying to control burst open, its flames enveloping her until all she could think about was him. His scent surrounded her, and she lost all control. She wrapped her arms around his neck and moaned loudly when he crushed his lips to hers. The kiss was frantic and needy. His rough stubble against her delicate skin only served to stoke the fire already burning within her.