“Good afternoon,” she said sweetly, then left the room.
Axel was tempted to follow, find out what was going through her head, but he was afraid of the answer.
He handed the first log to Baylen, prepared to answer any questions.
Chapter 26
Liz pulled Emily toward the weight machines while Mark and Clint sparred. Emily couldn’t handle watching beyond a certain point, usually when things got bloody.
“Hey, stop looking,” Liz griped.
Emily turned toward her. “Then distract me. Yes, he needs to train. And when he’s done, I’ll let him train me. But let’s face it, I’m not going to do the kind of damage Mark can.”
“No, but the more practice you have, the more you can do. You may surprise yourself with the things you learn.”
“Already did that,” Emily muttered.
Liz stepped into her line of sight and took her shoulders. “Tell me, do you seriously regret ripping away the life of some asshole who tried to take the man you love?”
“No.” She drew a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I don’t feel guilty. Disgusted, maybe, but not because I took his life. You didn’t see the damage I did.”
“No, but I can imagine. Think about what his old pack would do to him. What you inflicted was far more merciful than anything they would have done.”
“Logically, I get that. However, it’s hard to remember that when I think about what happened to him. What I did, and how it spread, bursting through his system, destroying every cell in its path.”
“Ever done that before?”
She shook her head. “Never considered it. Though maybe I should have. Maybe I wouldn’t be the broken, weak one in the family.”
“You’re not weak, Emily. You’re stronger for the hell you’ve been through. Trust me, I know something about that.”
“Well, train me. I figure with an enforcer for a lover, I need to be able to hold my own.”
“You will.” Liz winked. “Consider it a bonding experience.”
“Ever wish you could turn back time?”
Liz shook her head. “Not any more. One thing different and we wouldn’t be where we are now.”
Emily nodded. “Never thought about it like that.”
* * * *
Clint stood in the ring, panting. Mark gave him a thorough workout, but neither took too much damage. Now, he couldn’t tear his eyes from Emily, who was lifting weights with Liz.
“Should I give up sparring for her?”
Mark’s face scrunched with a sour look. “No. She wants you to do what you need. Same as I’m sure you wouldn’t mind her sparring with others, but you wouldn’t want to watch.”
“Shit, you’re right. She’s the one who suggested she watch though.”
“Don’t worry about it. She’s still here, and hasn’t asked you to stop. I think she understands.”
“You going back to stay with Gina tonight?”
Mark glanced away. “Planning to. Don’t worry, I haven’t made a move. Not going to either.”
“Not why I asked, jackass. I want to know someone’s with her, someone I trust. That would be you.”
Mark smiled over. “It’s easy to be around her. She makes no judgment, but asks a lot of questions. Sometimes I feel like I’m introducing a child to the broader world.” He frowned. “That’s when I start feeling like slime.”
“Why?”
“Thinking of her as a child when I can’t get my mind off her.” Mark shrugged, looking down at the ground.
Clint snorted. “Well, she’s not. Hell, she’s an amazing woman. She’s been set back because of the suffering she’s been through, but she’s a woman eager for a fresh start.”
He nodded. “Thanks. You sure it doesn’t bother you?”
“Honestly, Mark, I’m more relieved than anything. You’ll never hurt her. Never make her feel broken. And I don’t feel what I once did for her.”
“Thanks. I should get going. Go take over with Emily before Liz leaves her too sore to enjoy later.”
Clint chuckled. “Good idea.”
Mark dipped his head slightly before leaving Body Shop. Clint made his way to Emily who turned to smile as he approached.
“Finally done?”
He nodded.
“And how badly banged up are you?”
“Not at all.”
“You sure?”
“Positive. I’d tell you, Em.”
She bit her lip, looking up at him through her lashes. “You ready to train me?”
He nodded, waggling his brows. “You bet. Even got my cup on in anticipation.”
Emily shot Liz a grin. “His turn.”
“Have fun,” she replied.
Clint took Emily’s hand, led her into the ring, then turned to face her as he backed to the center.
Emily joined him with a smile, her eyes never stopping as she took every movement in while he danced around the ring.
Clint came close, squatting. One foot landed on his knee, then her leg swung over his shoulder and around the other. With him off-balance, she threw her weight back, bringing him to the ground as she pulled his arm in one impressive arm bar.
“Christ, Em, you been watching MMA?” he choked out.
She let him go with a giggle as she rolled out of the way. “Since it first came out. I’ve been thinking of my favorite moves, and wanted to see if I could do them.”
“I’d say.” He chuckled, sitting up as he rolled his shoulder. “You’ve been holding out. Show me what you got, Sunshine.”
Her eyes twinkled. “My pleasure.”
Chapter 27
Axel spent most of the afternoon with Baylen in his office while Ava tried to help the other wolves appear less victims and more human. Talk about a challenge. She didn't want to do too good of a job. Baylen would require proof the wolves needed a new leader. Hopefully he'd see the logic in her taking the role.
She anxiously waited for the runt to bring his ass out and see the wolves’ state. What Axel had done to the pack, and how she wanted to help them.
Even if HARP chose to give the recruiting position to someone else, that was fine. As long as Axel was dead and gone.
Finally, Baylen came out of the office. Axel stood in the doorway, his speculative eyes trained on Ava. She gave him a slight nod, before focusing on Baylen, who quickly closed the distance.
“A word, please. I’d like to take a walk.” A quiet suggestion, but she heard the concern in his tone.
Nodding, Ava walked to the doors and headed toward the river. Before disappearing into the trees, she glanced back to see rage on Axel’s face. She gave him a reassuring smile and picked up her pace. Baylen kept up easier than she would have thought.
She stopped at the river’s edge, but Baylen crossed by hopping from rock to rock.
On the other side, he turned to her. “Ava, I presume?”
“I am. Baylen?”
He nodded. “Axel has a few screws missing. How long has he been like this?”
“Always. At least, as long as I’ve known him, though it’s gotten worse over the years. He’s paranoid, believes we’re all out to get him.”
“He says he claimed you as his mate last night. That until then, he didn’t fully trust you.” Baylen’s brow arched.
“He trusts no one, not even his new mate. In the beginning, I wanted the bond. Last night it was take it or let him throw me to the wolves again, quite literally.”
“Again?” Baylen paled. “You mean he let them feed on you?”
Ava nodded, staring into his eyes, letting him see the horror there.
“And you allowed it to happen?”
“What choice did I have? I was unconscious when he brought me back here.” She allowed a tear to meander down her face. “He sent me on a mission, delivering a girl he’s raped and abused for fourteen years. I was captured, and tried to shoot myself to keep the psychic mage from digging out my memories. It all went wrong, but instead of asking me wha
t happened, he jumped to conclusions and punished me for trying to leave him.”
Baylen took two steps forward and clasped her hands. “What did you do when the wolves ate on you?”
“Held back as much reaction as I could. I didn’t cry, barely whimpered. Then one got bold and tried to fuck me. I broke his snout. That’s when it ended.”
“And yet you still agreed to mate him?” he asked urgently.
Now she let the waterworks flow, sniffling. “He would have implemented a worse punishment if I’d declined. I’m a survivor. What else was I supposed to do?”
“You want him out of our way?”
She nodded slowly.
“Can you handle leading the pack? Would the wolves follow you?”
“I believe so. They know what I’ve been through, and that I have the strength to take them a better route.”
“And what of recruiting others? Are you as against taking on hybrids as Axel?”
She wiped at her eyes. “This pack needs a community. They can be allies if we give them a chance. Axel has always been narrow-minded.”
Baylen rubbed at his chin. “Do you believe he could beat Edenton’s alpha?”
“Not in a million years.”
“Encourage him to challenge Slater. Convince him he can win. Once he sets out, we leave.”
“Think we can convince him to go without me?”
Baylen nodded. “I’m going to advise him to take his enforcers. They’re broken, damaged. You’re stronger than all of them put together. If we get rid of anyone loyal to Axel, you can pull the balance of the pack back.”
She looked down at the ground, pushing all thoughts of celebrating victory aside until she assured she’d come out on top. Looking back at him through her lashes, she stated, “You’ll have to persuade him I’m better suited to stay here with our weaker wolves.”
“I will. I’ve already started. You’re shrewd, intelligent, and clearly capable of thinking under duress. We’ll do better without Axel, and any mutt foolish enough to follow him.”
“You’re right. I may know a couple rogue wolves who would be interested in taking the second position if Axel is no longer a concern.” Ava smiled slowly, a new plan forming.
“Do you trust them to follow your orders?”
“I’d have to find them again. Possibly.”
“And the rest of the pack?”
“They trust me a hell of a lot more than they trust Axel. I don’t needlessly tear them apart.”
Baylen nodded, a smile spreading. “After we send Axel, and make our getaway, we can test those prospects. Leave a message they’ll take to heart, but one that will allow them to let us walk away if they’re not willing. Jules and Anthony want us to relocate across the country. Florida, actually. You up for some sun?”
“To get away from Axel and Washington? Most certainly.”
* * * *
Axel fidgeted, re-arranging his office and pacing endlessly. He wanted to follow, but knew Baylen would detect his presence. Would Ava sell him out, or be on his side? She clearly didn’t trust him. He couldn’t blame her after the shit he’d pulled.
His whole world was falling apart. His son gone. Ava hated him. And now Baylen wanted him to challenge an alpha he knew to be stronger.
Wanting an advantage of some sort, even if only information, he crouched before Baylen’s bag. He pulled the upper zipper and looked through the contents. Nothing. Then he noticed another zipper in the lining. Inside, potions lined the wall of the suitcase, held securely under elastic rings. A variety of colors and consistencies. He grabbed the glowing orange bottle and shoved it in his pocket as the front doors opened.
Quickly closing the suitcase as if he’d never touched a thing, Axel busied himself putting records back in their places. Ava came through the door first, a comforting smile on her face. One he hadn’t seen in years.
Hope flowed through him. Perhaps he wasn’t as fucked as he believed. Ava crossed the distance and took his hands. “Tell me, Axel, what’s your plan?”
“You don’t have a suggestion?” he asked, testing her as always.
“Not until you choose a direction. I want to ensure you succeed on whatever course you lead us.”
“I’m considering challenging Slater. Do you really believe I could take him?”
“With the right tactics, yes. Everyone has a weakness. And if you remember the stories Miko told us, we know what Slater’s are.”
“Miko? That fucker who tried to steal you from me?”
She nodded. “He tried, but didn’t. Still, he came from Edenton and told us plenty about the pack.”
“Except about Clint,” he growled.
“Did you ever ask for names? How was Miko supposed to know he’d left our pack?”
“True.” He sighed. “Remind me about Slater’s weakness?”
“Take a night to prepare. Eat and rest. I’ll tell you everything I remember in bed. Then tomorrow, take your five strongest wolves and pay them a visit.”
“Do you agree, Baylen?”
He nodded. “You do have an advantage. I think it’s a fine idea.”
“Ava comes with me.”
“If that’s what you wish, but shouldn’t someone you trust stay here with the weaker of our pack? Or are you back to doubting my loyalty?”
He pressed against her, taking her mouth in a hungry kiss that she returned with all her ferocity. Her hands went to his belt.
Footsteps echoed, then the door clicked shut. Ava pushed him to the bed, ready to fuck.
Chapter 28
Axel dressed in camouflage cargo pants and a Henley shirt. He glanced to Ava as he ran his hands over his pockets, verifying he had his blade and the potion vial. Well-versed in hand-to-hand, he didn’t bother with a gun.
“You sure you don’t want me to come?” she asked, looking up at him through her lashes.
“We’ve been over this. You’re the only one I trust to keep the wolves together, and under our control, while Baylen’s around.”
She nodded, a pout on her perfect lips. “You’re right. I hate it.”
“I’ll be fine. You said so yourself. Knowing Slater’s weaknesses, I’ll be able to take care of him before he has a chance to fight back.”
He patted the pocket containing the vial. He wasn’t sure what the concoction would do, but knew it had to be potent.
“You will be. I have faith.” She walked toward him and squeezed his biceps. “So strong. Powerful. You’ll come out victorious.”
He leaned down, taking a bruising kiss. After fucking his brains out, she’d prepared him for battle. He was ready.
“I need to go. See you tonight.”
“Tonight,” she promised, a seductive gleam in her eyes.
* * * *
The doorbell made Robert frown. He hurried down the stairs as he pulled on a shirt and quickly buttoned it up. Opening the door, he found his nephew standing there with his hands buried in his pockets. He looked up with a tight smile. “Hey, Robert. Can I come in?”
“Sure.” He stepped back, and nodded to the kitchen.
“Thanks.” Christian shut the door behind him and followed Robert.
“Everything okay?”
“Um…” He shook his head. “Not exactly. Look, I’m aware you’ve been trying to track down Clint’s old pack and all that, but I think everything is about to go sideways. I had this dream last night, but it was more vivid than anything that’s come before. I saw what was coming with Elm Wood and HARP.”
Robert’s brow arched. “Coffee?”
“Sure.”
“How much do you know?” he asked as he poured.
When Robert turned back, he found Christian pushing his fingers through his dark blond hair. “Before the dream, I knew you were tracking Elm Wood. That HARP had been hunting Victoria. Now I may know more than you.”
“Okay, what did you see?”
Christian took a gulp of his coffee. “There’s this creepy werewolf/pixie guy named Bayle
n. He’s set Axel up to attack Slater, knowing he won’t win.”
“How do you know this?”
He winced. “Tremaine gave me a couple books on how to develop my clairvoyance. It’s been working, maybe too well.” He looked into Robert’s eyes. “Other stuff has been happening too, but that’s not important to this conversation.”
Robert had a dozen questions for Tremaine as it was. Instead he smoothed his hands down his chest and took a deep breath. “Okay, so what else?”
“They’re a bit west of Ellensburg, but Axel and his enforcers are on their way here. Ava and Baylen are taking the rest of the pack to hop a plane to Florida. They’re leaving, knowing the enforcers and Axel will die today.”
“How do you know all this?”
“I saw the conversation. Watched him leave. Saw the ‘Entering Ellensburg’ sign. Like a movie, through different people’s eyes. Axel has something, not sure what, but he believes he can win in a fight against Slater.”
“And you know he won’t?”
Christian frowned. “Saw that too. As long as Mom shows up after Clint attacks Axel, everything will be fine. Has to be after.”
“After?” He shook his head.
“Please, get Mom out of town. Have Clint convince her to go to the clinic, then bring her back if you need to.”
“Okay,” he said slowly.
Tremaine entered the room with a nod. “Listen to him. Kid’s got some real talent with his visions.”
Robert had a hard time trusting information from sources he didn’t understand. He took a slow breath and let it out. Tremaine wouldn’t lead him astray. Christian had always been accurate.
“Any other suggestions?”
“Already talked to Slater. Told him to take Elias to the mill, so he and Clint could train the boy. That Emily ought to check-in at the clinic. The other four enforcers will be patrolling the area. Maybe you and Preston should too? Axel’s bringing five enforcers.”
Blissful Agony Page 20
