Blissful Agony

by Rivers, Brandy L

“How much did you tell Slater?” Robert asked.

  “Who the threat was, no details on exactly how. That he needed to have Clint help him train Elias at the mill. Assured him everything will work out. Jess backed me up.”

  “This is crazy.”

  Christian looked to Tremaine. “Maybe. I think I’m right.”

  “You are,” Tremaine answered.

  “Slater will call Clint to make the plans.” Christian gave Robert a hug before leaving without another word.

  Robert turned to Tremaine. “You gave him books to study?”

  Tremaine nodded. “He asked if I had anything that would help him focus his power. I gave him what I had on mystics. That’s what he is.”

  “You’re kidding, right?”

  He shook his head. “No. He has untapped potential, and if he doesn’t get a handle on it soon, he’ll start aging like a normal mortal. When he asked, I handed over the books. It was the best thing I could think to do.”

  * * * *

  Clint rolled over to snag his phone from the nightstand. He blinked at the message from Slater. Call me.

  Yawning, he carefully released Emily and tiptoed out of the room. Downstairs, he called Slater.

  “Hey, Emily in the room with you?”

  On high alert, Clint answered, “Nope. She’s asleep.”

  “Excellent. Look, I think it’s best if Emily goes to the clinic today. Have her check on Gina. I want you to train Elias at the mill with me. I think it would be good for him to see the way you approach a fight.”

  Clint chuckled. “Because I’m smaller?”

  “Yeah, that and you’re sneaky. You don’t react like most wolves. Keeps everyone on their toes when sparring with you.”

  “Thanks?” Clint frowned. Training the kid seemed like the right approach. “What time?”

  “Meet me in about ninety minutes?”

  “Yeah, sure. I’ll see you then.”

  * * * *

  Blue eyes smiled back at her. Vibrant, sparkling blue eyes that cleared her head and chased away the dark shadow of the man with black eyes. The one who’d hurt her, but she couldn’t remember how.

  Mark, his name was Mark, the man with blue eyes. He held her hand and everything fell into place. Her world settled as happiness flowed.

  He didn’t say a word as he watched her, waiting for something.

  What was he waiting for?

  Dark eyes in a cruel face appeared behind him. He walked around Mark, and reached out to slap her face.

  Terror flowed through her and she screamed as Mark tackled the man with black eyes to the ground.

  “Shh, Gina, wake up.”

  Her eyes snapped open. Blue eyes chased away the fear.

  “I’m here, right here. I left to go to the restroom. I wasn’t far,” he reassured.

  “Would you hold me? You keep the nightmares at bay.”

  He smiled sadly. “Of course.” She lifted her head as he climbed in beside her. His arm slid underneath and she curled against his chest, relishing the steady thump-thump of his heart.

  Mark sang softly, his voice beautiful. An old lullaby, she couldn’t understand the words, but it soothed her. Before long, she was asleep again.

  Chapter 29

  Something more was going on than Slater wanted to admit, which made Clint nervous. He set about making breakfast. Omelets, bacon, and toast.

  Robert called. “Hey, may I talk to Emily? She’s not answering.”

  Clint smiled. “Impatient? She’s sleeping.”

  “Yeah, but I need to talk to her now. It can’t wait.”

  Frowning, he hurried up the stairs. “Sure, give me a minute. Is everything okay?”

  “Will be. Need to talk to her though.”

  “Right.” He stepped into the room and Emily’s eyes opened, a smile pulling at her lips.

  “Morning, Clint.”

  “Mmm, hey, Sunshine. Your brother wants to talk. I need to get back to making you something to eat.” He handed her the phone.

  She grabbed his arm, pulling him to press a kiss to his lips. “Be down in a few.”

  He nodded and left.

  First Slater, now Robert. Why the cat and mouse game?

  * * * *

  “You want me to what?” Emily blinked.

  Robert sighed. “Go to the clinic today. At least for a few minutes. I want you to check on Gina, personally.”

  “I don’t want to leave Clint.”

  “I get that, but trust me.”

  “Why is it so important?”

  “I can’t say.”

  “We’ll talk about this in a bit.” She hung up and took a brief shower before dressing and heading downstairs.

  Clint carried plates to the table with a warm smile. She sensed his nervousness.

  He gave her a raised brow, trying to pretend a calmness he didn’t feel. “What did Robert want?”

  “To make sure I go check on Gina.”

  “Good idea. I trust you a hell of a lot more than other healers.”

  “You want me to go too?”

  He shrugged. “Slater wants me to help train Elias at the mill. Should be a tame session, considering his age. So what do you say? You check in on Gina while I help Slater?”

  She frowned. “You don’t want me there?”

  “Of course I do. Thing is, Slater also asked me to have you go to the clinic.”

  “Okay,” she said slowly.

  He gave her a sheepish smile. “I’d appreciate it if you’d checked on Gina for me. Make sure she’s okay. It’s weird for me to go there, but I want to know she’s adjusting.”

  Emily nodded, but wondered what the hell was going on.

  Picking up her fork, she dug into breakfast. They ate in tense silence. She didn’t get any sense of dishonestly. If anything, he seemed as confused as she was. That didn’t make her feel any better.

  Once he finished his food, he sat back and watched her.

  She hurried through the rest of her meal. “You’re making me nervous, Clint.”

  He sighed. “Tell me you trust me, Em.”

  She didn’t fail to notice the fine tremble in his hands, or the way the corner of his mouth twitched. He was worried, without a doubt, but wanted to play it off as nothing. Maybe he was in the dark same as her.

  “I do, but why are you sending me away? I thought you weren’t going to pull that bull anymore.”

  Sighing, he set the coffee cup aside and looked into her eyes. “Someone needs to check on Gina. Sure, the other Council members can, and Mark has been spending a lot of time with her, but I’d feel better if you evaluated her progress.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “I’d feel better if you came with me, then we met Slater together. There’s time for both.”

  Clint offered a weak smile, one that didn’t touch his eyes. “It’s weird being around her right now. Until Mark takes a step that changes the dynamic, it’s going to continue to be weird. I’d rather not.”

  “Jamie is already planning to visit her. There are plenty of competent healers available if for some ungodly reason something were to happen. She’ll be in good hands without me.”

  “Jamie’s sweet, but Gina’s been through so much.”

  “You want me far away from here. Why?”

  “No. I’m worried about Gina. You can help her best. You know what it’s like,” he pleaded.

  “No. Never had amnesia, unfortunately.” She glared.

  Clint stood and took a step forward, kissing her softly. She melted against his body, wishing she could make him understand how worried she was.

  “Fine. I’ll check on Gina.” She didn’t mention she’d hurry right back to find him.

  “Thank you, Emily. Truly.”

  Groaning, she kissed him again, wanting to forget the worry for a while.

  * * * *

  Emily paced Robert’s kitchen. She didn’t like being apart from Clint. Her instinct screamed at her to stick by his side until this was over, but logic overruled her gu
t reaction.

  “You could skip going to the clinic,” Preston offered.

  “No. Clint’s right, and I gave my word. I’ll check on Gina, but I’m not doing it his way. Robert, will you ride with me down the road? I’ll park, then you can translocate me to the clinic. Once I make sure Gina’s well, then you can bring me right back.”

  Robert sighed. “Really think you should lie to Clint?”

  “Not lying! I’m doing exactly as he asked, just differently than he intended. He wants me out of town so I’m not in danger for some unknown reason. Well that’s bull. I’ll check on her because I said I would, but then I’m coming right back here. Jamie and Devlin are already on their way out to hang out with her. I don’t need to be there all day.”

  “Why are you so antsy? This isn’t like you, Emily.” Preston stepped into her path with a raised brow. “Well? What has you riled?”

  “All hell is going to break loose. Don’t ask how I know, but I do.”

  Robert tipped his head to the side. “We’ll tell him I zapped you over there. No need to pretend-drive.”

  “Thank you.”

  Preston grabbed Robert’s arm. “Wait. Emily, are you really sensing something? Or is it that you’re so used to being around Clint, you don’t want to not be around him?”

  “More than simply missing my mate. My ears are buzzing. Always happens right before something bad comes along. Happened before the crash. Before the shooting. I can’t be gone long.”

  “Okay, we’ll go and be back quickly. Clint is planning to hang with Slater and the kid today.”

  “And that doesn’t sound suspicious to you?” she snapped.

  Robert frowned. “What’s gotten into you?”

  “I’m worried. Let’s go.”

  “Okay.” Robert grabbed her and Preston’s arm before taking them directly to the hallway outside of Gina’s room.

  “I’ll be right here,” he promised.

  She dipped her head, knocked softly, and entered the room.

  Mark’s eyes flipped open, guilt plastered all over his face.

  He was fully dressed above the blanket. Gina’s head rested on his shoulder, her arm curled around his waist, and her leg wedged between his while he encircled her with his arms loosely wound.

  “She had a nightmare,” he offered sheepishly.

  Emily couldn’t resist a smile. “Looks like she’s sleeping well now. Don’t worry, you aren’t in trouble.”

  He let out a sigh of relief. “Who’s coming out today?”

  “Jamie and Devlin should be here soon. She’ll be in good hands. And Simone is on duty if she needs anything.”

  “Sounds like you want me back in Edenton.”

  She drew a slow breath and nodded. “Robert thinks I’m crazy, but I have a bad feeling about today. I don’t want to leave Clint out there alone. I need to get back. And yes, I’d like you there too.”

  “Clint sent you here?”

  “He did. Robert will take us back. We can drive over to the mill from Clint’s.”

  “How long before Jamie and Devlin arrive?”

  There was a knock on the door, and in they came.

  Emily shrugged. “Now.”

  “Okay.” Mark gently touched Gina’s face. “Hey, Gina. Wake up.”

  Her eyes fluttered open and a dreamy smile spread on her lips. “Good morning, Mark.”

  He smiled. “Morning.”

  She batted her lashes at him. “Thank you for helping me sleep.”

  He gave her a longing look. “You’re welcome, but I need to go back to Edenton now. You remember Jamie and Devlin, right?”

  Jamie waved, pulling Devlin closer to the bed with a mischievous smile. “Hello. We’ll keep you company. Might even take you for a run in the woods if we can get clearance from Simone.”

  “I’ll make sure Simone knows,” Emily offered, pulling her phone out to send a quick text.

  Gina sat up, and Mark reluctantly climbed off the bed. “Wish I could run with you, but I have to help a friend.”

  “Take care of Clint. I’ll be fine with Jamie and Devlin,” Gina answered.

  “I didn’t mention Clint,” Mark said slowly.

  She shrugged. “That’s where you’re going.”

  “But how do you know?”

  Her brow wrinkled. “Just do. It’s going to be okay.”

  Blinking, he squeezed her hand. “Goodbye, Gina.”

  “See you later,” she answered brightly.

  Mark followed Emily to the hall. He whispered, “What the hell was that?”

  “She has some form of psychic powers. I’m not sure if she’s clairvoyant, telepathic, or maybe has a combination of gifts.”

  “Hmm,” Mark replied. Then shook his head, a serious expression chasing away the curiosity. “What’s Clint doing?”

  “He’s hanging out with Slater and Elias at the mill.”

  Robert touched each of their shoulders and took them back to Clint’s porch. “Call me if you need anything. My phone is on. I’ll answer right away.”

  “Thanks, Robert.”

  He hugged her. “I hope you’re wrong.”

  “Me too”

  “Be careful.”

  “I will.” She pulled back and started for her BMW, Mark following close behind.

  Chapter 30

  Robert appeared before Preston in the clinic hall he’d left a moment before. “I’m worried. We’re going to the mill.”

  Preston crossed his arms over his chest. “Why in the hell did you let her go without us then?”

  “She needs to feel independent, that she’s protecting him. I’m giving her that opportunity.”

  “We may not have much time. Axel could be there by now.”

  “We’ll beat them. Why do you think Axel is coming with a handful of second-rate wolves, but not Ava or Baylen?”

  “Honestly, Axel must look like a high risk to HARP. If they sent Baylen to sniff out the weak link, it’s the asshole who starves and abuses his wolves. Ava may be a cruel bitch, but it doesn’t sound like she’s in the same league as Axel. She was genuinely distraught over the treatment of Elias and Gina.”

  Robert groaned. “But not Clint.”

  “I didn’t say the woman should be forgiven for her crimes. I’m saying she does feel a sense of responsibility for the wolves.”

  “So you think HARP is coming in to clean house?”

  “Seems that way. I have someone ready to follow them. We’ll take care of Ava, and the pack, once they land in Florida. I’m betting they’ll have some other HARP recruits there.”

  Robert nodded. “True. We’re going straight to the mill.”

  Preston smirked. “What are you waiting for?”

  * * * *

  Clint smiled at the kid. He was a quick study. Throwing swings, ducking blows. Slater had been right about the boy’s readiness. Brody, Simons, and Brian were scouting the area, looking for any sign of trouble.

  So far, they hadn’t found a damned thing. Once they were at the mill, Slater told him about Axel coming. Also about wanting Emily out of the way. Clint felt like an ass because he had no intention of keeping secrets from her and he had, inadvertently.

  They were keeping him in the dark. Slater went as far as confiscating his phone, preventing him from sending a quick message to Emily.

  Maybe that was a good thing. Knowing Axel, he’d used Gina as a toy. Whether or not she remembered, Clint wanted to beat the living shit out of the asshole. He wouldn’t have to worry about scaring Emily when he went nuclear. And if Ava showed, all hell was going to break loose.

  The pair of them were fucked ten ways from Sunday and meant for each other. He had every intention of killing them both as soon as they walked through the door.

  Elias dove for Clint, jerking him out of his thoughts. Clint sidestepped in the nick of time. The kid turned on a dime and swiped out again. Clint barely jumped out of the way with a grin. “Nice work, kid. You’re getting faster.”

  “I�
�m getting hungry,” he answered, his stomach confirming the words.

  Slater opened the ice chest. “We’ve got sandwiches. Jess wouldn’t let us go hungry.”

  Elias walked out of the ring, toward Slater.

  The side door slammed open and something flew at Slater. Glass shattered, and he went down, covering his face.

  Clint moved across the mat so fast he knocked Elias to his ass when he brushed by, intent on tackling the piece of shit who had attacked Slater.

  Elias screamed.

  “Help Slater,” Clint barked, shifting into half-beast as he wrapped one hand around Axel’s throat and the other around his wrist where a silver dagger flashed.

  “Clint’s got this,” Slater told Elias. “Come back here,” he urged, his voice cracking, but he was conscious and thinking clearly.

  Axel shifted beneath him. He was the only wolf in the Elm Wood Pack who could manage a half-form.

  Still squeezing Axel’s throat, he twisted the blade from Axel’s hand and slammed it deep into the top of Axel’s right shoulder.

  Axel howled, rolling him over, but Clint kept on tumbling, winding up back on top. This time he throat punched him before grabbing his face, pressing his claw into Axel’s left eyeball with a pop.

  “Think again, asshole,” Clint snarled.

  “I challenge—” Axel started.

  Clint cut him off when he slammed his claws under Axel’s chin, jamming his mouth shut.

  “No! I challenge you, shit weasel.” He ripped his hand away.

  “I accept,” Axel snarled.

  Clint jumped back and Axel rolled to his feet. His right arm twitched but was mostly unresponsive. Blood ran down his face and throat, staining his shirt.

  Clint waited for him to make a move.

  Asshole yanked the blade out of his shoulder and started toward him.

  “He’s got a blade,” Elias screeched.

  “No weapons, Axel. Fight like a man,” Slater grunted.

  Axel sneered. “You can’t even see. What makes you think I should listen?”