Page 21 of Country and Clove
Aaron’s eyes landed on Clove and his speech abruptly stopped. Clove’s heart pounded so hard she feared it would rattle the glass behind her. His demeanor shifted quickly, his gaze betraying his shock before hardening into anger.
He uttered one word and Clove’s blood boiled. “Out.” He pointed toward the door. Clove was momentarily struck speechless. She could feel the tension mounting. Waylin’s posture was rigid next to hers. Aaron’s eyes darkened. “Did I stutter, recruit?Out.”
Dane was looking between the two, uncertainty etched between his brows. “Aaron…”
“She’s out,” Aaron reiterated. Clove didn’t move. A low growl rumbled across the room. “Fine.” Aaron strode toward her, gripping her by the arm and dragging her toward the door.
“What the hell?” Clove found her voice and struggled in his hold. Aaron never slowed. Embarrassment sent heat spilling into her cheeks. His fingers dug into her flesh, his hold was tight enough to bruise. She wrenched free just as they reached the doorway.
Aaron’s eyes were dark and burned with fury. “You should never have come here. You were supposed to stay away from me.” His voice was low and spiteful.
“Not everything is about you, asshole. I had no idea you were the trainer or I never would have come.” Clove’s venom matched his. Aaron studied her, seeking the truth, and she fought the urge to hide herself from his intrusive gaze.
“Well now you know, so leave.” Aaron turned his back on her and walked away. The gesture was insulting. It sparked the fiery fury within her that she usually reserved for cage fights. How dare he dismiss her like that in front of the others. She was as qualified as any of them, if not more so. Her teeth ground together as she seethed. Oh she wasn’t going anywhere. He didn’t want to see her anymore? He could quit.
“I’m not leaving.”
Aaron’s jaw ticked as he spun to face her. “Yes, you are.” His voice housed a less-than-subtle threat. Clove fought the instinct to back down, walking farther into the room to meet him.
“I’m trying out, and I will make it onto this team. If you care about the pack at all, you’ll find the best recruits to keep the people who are important to you safe. I’m one of the best.”
There was no air of cockiness in her tone. She was being driven by the knowing that she was tough, tested, and would do anything to protect those she loved. Her life was more than waitressing and cattle herding. The moment she’d walked into this space, she felt it. The overwhelming sense of belonging and rightness. Aaron would not get in her way. This was the path she’d chosen. It washers.
He moved in and gripped her once more.
“Aaron.” Dane clutched Aaron by the shoulder and cleared his throat, nodding toward the door. Clove followed his gaze. A curious pair of cobalt eyes peered back at them from the training room entrance. The Alpha’s presence filled the room, sending every wolf there into a sinking retreat of submission.
“Alpha.” Aaron’s tone changed. “We are honored by your presence.” He bowed his head slightly. Gideon was dressed in one of his perfect suits. Clove followed his movements as he approached them. The Alpha’s eyes dropped to where Aaron was still gripping Clove’s arm. Aaron quickly released her.
“I wanted to come down and see the new recruits for myself.” His steely gaze trained on Aaron. Clove’s pulse was thrumming. “How are things going?” Gideon’s tone and calm facade were a stark contrast to the power pouring off of him.
“Things are fine. We were just—”
“Alpha,” Clove cut him off. “I formally request the ability to fight for a spot on this team. I’m being forced to leave without justification.” Clove could feel Aaron’s eyes on her. The heat in his stare made her physically sweat.
“Is this true?” Gideon asked Aaron. “What reasons do you have for removing her before the tryouts?”
Clove chanced a glance Aaron’s way and regretted it. He looked like he wanted to sic his wolf on her.
“Alpha, I have always been trusted to make these decisions in the past.”
“True.” Gideon’s eyebrows rose. “But that did not answer my question.”
Aaron was quiet for several long moments. “It’s personal,” he finally offered. Gideon frowned at him before his gaze shifted to Clove.
“You’re a close friend of Aria’s. Clove, isn’t it?” His eyes were such a luminescent blue it nearly hurt to focus on them.
“Yes, Alpha.” There was a deadly silence spreading across the space. It muted each heartbeat and swallowed every breath in the room.
“Perhaps we can have your tryout while I am present. That way I can better understand any concerns Aaron has and assess your strengths and weaknesses for myself.” He addressed Aaron again. “I feel it’s only fair to give her the same opportunity as every other person here.”
Aaron looked like he’d just swallowed glass. “As you wish, Alpha.”
“How about a round of sparring?” Gideon offered.
“With Dane?” Clove asked hopefully.
“No.” Gideon studied her again. “With Aaron.”
