Page 35 of Country and Clove
“If they’re as well trained as you claim then your fear of their deaths is misplaced,” Clove argued. She would have never spoken to Gideon this way. But something about the dismissive tone Tawny used when she spoke to Aaron made her fury rise.
“That’s enough, Clove.” Aaron’s voice was thick with authority. Clove blinked at him. Was he really going to take Tawny’s side on this? “We do have reason to believe that if Fjor gains a foothold in Mountain’s End, he will be able to spread his darkness across the country, the world even, before anyone has time to prepare. His wrath would encompass everyone, including your pack. No one wants that and we aren’t asking for willing sacrifices. We need the best by our side to end this.”
“Unless you’re afraid,” Clove added. Aaron gave her anI told you to stop talkingglare.
Tawny’s gaze was fixed on Clove as a smile pulled at the corner of her lips. “I like this one.” Clove’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “You’ve got fire in you, that’s for sure.”
“Tawny, please—” Aaron started but she cut him off with a raised finger.
“Even if I wanted to agree, I’d need the full support of my people. Half my pack including my Beta are offsite for our newest awakening ceremonies. It will be two days before they return. Once they do, we’ll have a chat. Then and only then will I have an answer for you.”
Aaron released a frustrated sigh. Clove was struck with the urge to reach out and comfort him. She squashed the instinct down, burying it.
“In the meantime, why don’t you refamiliarize yourself with the ranch. We’re shorthanded anyways. Y’all can pitch in. We’ll see if you’ve gone soft up in Georgia.” Her eyes held a daring glint.
“Fine,” Aaron conceded. Clove gawked at him. Was he serious? Stay here a fewdays? She was hoping this would be a quick in and out so she could get back to distancing herself from him as much as humanly possible.
“Great.” Tawny smiled victoriously. “Grab your bags. I’ll show you where you can stay.” She led them out behind the house to a cluster of cottages hidden by a crescent-shaped thicket of trees. “This one’s free.” Holding the screen door ajar with the toe of her boot, Tawny elbowed the front door open, revealing the small space. “Two of y’all can share the bed and one of you can suffer on the couch.” Her eyes flicked between the three of them. “Go ahead and get settled then come on out. Supper should be ready at six.” She turned, letting out a soft chuckle as she strolled back to the main house. The three of them filed in, taking in their new surroundings.
“Why don’t you take the couch, boss-man. That way you can keep a lookout in case your crazy hot aunt and herlethalwolves decide to slit our throats in the night.” Graham sauntered toward the bedroom but Aaron moved in front of him, blocking his path.
“Not a fucking chance.” His eyes were glowing ever so softly.
“I’ll take the couch,” Clove offered.
“No.” Aaron barked the word. “Graham will take the couch. You will be in the room with me, where I can keep an eye on you and ensure Graham keeps his hands to himself.”
“But—”
“No buts. I’m still your superior here. Those are the sleeping arrangements.” Aaron stalked into the bedroom, depositing his bag on the bed.
“Looks like you two are sharing a bed.” Graham sidled up next to Clove, waggling his eyebrows at her.
She gave him a jab to the ribs. “You were baiting him on purpose.”
“Me? I would never.” Graham clutched his chest, feigning innocence. “Off you go.” His smirk followed her as she headed into the room, dropping her own bag on the opposite side.
The bed looked decidedly small considering Aaron’s massive frame was going to be wedged in there with her. Clove made use of a modest dresser and unpacked her bag. Aaron silently watched her. The heat of his gaze melted into her back. She whirled on him, folding her arms.
“Can I help you with something?”
Aaron’s whisky eyes slid over her and warmth crept up her neck.
“I’ll go update Gideon.” He stormed out, slamming the screen door behind him. Clove stood, still burning in the wake of his heated stare.
“Aye, lass. Can you just fuck him already? He’s gettin’ grumpier by the minute.” Graham was leaning in the doorway of the bedroom, giving her a dirty grin. She launched a pillow at him, which he caught with ease. Clove released a groan of frustration.
“Out of my room,” she commanded, but there was no anger behind her tone.
“Fine, fine. I’m going to grab a nap. Wake me when it’s time to eat.” He dropped onto the couch, which had obviously been built for a lycan. Even so, his feet and half of his calves still hung over the edges. He used the previously weaponized pillow to cover his face. It wasn’t even a full minute before he started snoring. Clove smiled to herself. Life was definitely amusing when Graham was around.
Clove lay back on her bed. She and Graham had stayed up way too late and been woken horrendously early that morning. She was absolutely down for a power nap. Her eyes drifted closed, but opened as a sweet, smoky, masculine scent floated over her.
Aaron’s bag still sat on his side of the bed. The contents held a trace of his unforgettable scent. Clove rolled toward it, breathing deeply and finding comfort in the familiar fragrance. She sighed, slipping off to sleep with dreams of warm arms around her and the distant hope of waking with a heart that was no longer broken.
* * *
“Clove,” a deep voice whispered close to her ear. She opened her eyes, taking a sharp breath in. Aaron was sitting on the edge of the bed. His hands sank down on the mattress on either side of her shoulders. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his maple eyes filled with concern.
