Out of the Shadows (4 page)

“Anyway, my father wanted an alliance with another pack. The
Gulf packs are stronger and bigger, because they annihilate other packs and
force them to bow to their power. Emmett sought them out,” her tone sounded
bitter. “One of the conditions to unite the two packs was me. I was set to
breed with the alpha’s sons. In exchange, my brother Daniel would get his pick
of one of the daughters from the packs in the alliance.” Emily huffed, putting
the noodles into the pot.

“What?” Lark questioned, standing up straight. Disgust
rolled through her. “That’s…” she couldn’t even find words to express her
outrage.

“Those are some of the reasons why we left,” Emily whispered,
her eyes downcast to the floor.

Some of the reasons?
Lark’s heart thundered what
other reasons were there? What could possibly be worse than that?

Emily played with the hem of her shirt, eyes staring
absently at the counter. “My father didn’t use to be like that. There was a
time when he cared what we thought. At least about what Daniel, Vincent, and I
thought. Devon is my half-brother, and unfortunately my father has always
treated him differently. Things changed the past few years, and he hasn’t been
the same to any of us. My dad was always strict, his word the final say, but
whatever is going on now, it changed everything. I knew my dad could do
horrible things. I just never thought he’d do them to me.”

Unable to find the right words, Lark stood there staring at
the other woman. What could she say? Rick didn’t operate like that. Was Rick
the norm, or was Emily’s father? Then again there were no women in Rick’s pack
at all.

“Anyway, we’re starting a new life for ourselves here. I’m
really looking forward to a fresh start and new opportunities.” Emily finished
with a tight-lipped smile.

“You know if you’re interested, I am looking to hire a few
people at my shop, The Cookie Jar.” Lark had just met Emily, but they seemed to
get along okay.

“Everything good in here?” Devon asked coming in through the
door followed by Gene.

“Yeah, we were just talking,” Emily said.

“Smells good, Em.” Devon smiled at his sister, a lightness
about him she hadn’t seen before. What if for some odd reason he just had a
problem with her?

“Thanks.” Emily returned the smile then turned to stir the
large pot of sauce for a moment before turning back to them.

“I just offered Emily a position at the bakery,” Lark said
to Devon, then turned to Emily. “You certainly seem to know your way around the
kitchen. I think you would be a great fit.”

Emily beamed, excitement evident on
her face. “I think it would be a great opportunity for me. I would love to.”

Gene opened the fridge and grabbed two beers, handing one to
Devon. “That sounds like a fantastic idea.”

Emily’s smile began to fade. Lark followed her gaze to
Devon. She studied him, his jaw set and teeth clenched. Why was he mad? Shouldn’t
he be happy?

“You can’t just get a job, Em,” Devon growled.

“You’re right,” Emily conceded sadly.

“Why?” Lark asked before thinking better of it. This really
wasn’t her place to meddle. But she really was curious to know why.

Gene took a sip of his beer; his brown eyes darted between
Lark and Devon. “You came here to start a new life. I’m sure we can make it
work.” He ran a hand through his dark blonde hair focusing on his cousin.

“I wouldn’t even need to get paid,” Emily suggested, back on
board with the idea. “I enjoy cooking. I could get out of the house. Make new
friends.” Her green eyes sparkled as she spoke.

Devon took a long swig of his beer, his eyes set on Emily. “Em,
now isn’t the time.”

“Why?” Lark repeated agitation setting in.

Devon took a step toward Lark, eyes narrowed on Emily still.
“You seem the type to do stuff by the book, Lark. Follow the rules and don’t
get your hands dirty.”

His hazel eyes settled on her,
making her insides quiver. While he looked pissed, there was something about
his eyes. They showed an entirely different emotion. The look seared her,
making her blood run hot and cold. How could he enrage and turn her on at the
same time?

She clicked her teeth and was determined to shake the
indecent thoughts away. Who did he think he was? Offended and outraged by his
lack of regard for Emily’s happiness she lashed out, “If Emily wants to work at
the bakery, the two of us can figure it out. She is capable of making her own
decisions,” her chin jutted out staring him straight in the eye, “and for
future reference, I’d appreciate if you didn’t make assumptions about me!”

“Please, Dev, I want to get out and do things, to live.”
Emily pleaded with her brother.

“This isn’t the time for this discussion,” Devon snapped.

“Well, my offer still stands, if you’d like to try it out.”
Lark forced a smile at the younger woman. She didn’t like confrontation, but
wouldn’t allow him to bully either of them. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to
go check on Sarah.” She narrowed her eyes at Devon as she walked past him,
mustering up the evilest look she could. What the hell was his problem?

Devon leaned back into the couch
cushion while everyone else got situated. He’d been waiting for the
stipulations they had agreed upon to be put into place. They’d promised to
follow Rick’s conditions without knowing them. If it were anyone else he
wouldn’t have done it, but he trusted Rick.

“Thank you for meeting with me this morning. I apologize for
taking a few days to get back to you on the specifications of our arrangement. Devon
knows I like to think things through,” Rick chuckled as he sipped his coffee.

“It’s no problem, we’re just thankful for your hospitality,”
Marcus replied from his spot next to Emily. Her head resting on his shoulder as
they snuggled close.

Rick let out a hearty laugh, the brown leather chair
crunched beneath him as he sat down. “Don’t thank me yet. You might not like
what I have to say.”

“Great! You’re going to make us work aren’t you?” Vincent
said with a wide smile on his face and hesitation swirling in his eyes. He’d
never done an honest days work in his life, but he would be loyal to a fault.

Emmett was a savvy businessman and
knew how to play the stock markets. Most of the men on his homestead did little
to no work.

“I’m sure they can’t be too horrible,” Marcus said rolling his
eyes at Vincent.

Devon agreed, the fact that they were meeting in the
upstairs living room said this was casual. If it had been formal they would’ve
met in the office downstairs.

“No, nothing bad. I really only have a few requests. Devon,
Vincent, and Marcus, you shall report to Gene tomorrow morning to help with the
horses.” Rick turned to Devon. “Devon, your EMS skills will be utilized for any
injuries. Lastly,” he paused to take another sip from his mug.

“Emily and Marcus will complete a
proper mating ceremony this weekend. I think it is best for all involved that
you be in a sacred relationship should your father come looking for you. A
mating ceremony is more holy than a marriage in our society. Since you two have
already promised yourselves to one another this should not be a problem, right?”
Rick asked. He looked pointedly at the diamond ring on Emily’s left finger.

“Mated?” Emily squeaked, eyes wide, a grin slipping across
her face. Her smile faltered after a moment. “What about a wedding?” She
whispered, twisting, she looked up at Marcus.

Rick nodded as he studied them. “I had a wedding. However, a
mating ceremony is going back to our roots as a culture and the significance of
it will be viewed a lot differently. With regards to the situation, I think it
is best. I’m not sure I can find a minister by Sunday. That’s not to say we
can’t do something in the future.”

“I know it’s more modern and deters from our ways, but…”
Emily trailed off.

“Weddings are very popular and I understand why you would
prefer that. However, I think the ceremony will cement your relationship more
than a wedding could,” Devon said in an attempt to remain neutral. He agreed
with his uncle about the ceremony. Having grown up with Emily, he knew the
fairy tale part of walking down the aisle in a frilly dress was important to
her. “I’m sure we can do a mating ceremony with a modern theme.”

Rick nodded thoughtfully, hand stroking his beard. “I never
had a daughter so I won’t pretend to know the flare of an extravagant wedding,
but if memory serves me, my wife thought it a momentous occasion. I see no
reason why you can’t have a reception afterwards. In fact, I see no reason why
you couldn’t wear a gown. It could essentially be the same just different vows
exchanged and, of course, the mark. Matching tattoo’s that will symbolize your
love for one another for all to see.”

“It’s not a problem, we don’t have to. I wouldn’t want to
put you out,” Emily whispered, eyes on her and Marcus’ entwined hands.

“Oh don’t be silly, Emily, it’s your day. I can’t give you a
wedding, but we will try to make the day as special as possible. We can get the
dress and cake, anything you want. The ceremony is much like a wedding in some
respects.” Rick got up and put his hand on her shoulder. He continued, “I
promise we will make it a day you won’t forget.”

“Thank you,” Marcus said. He got up and extended his hand to
Rick, clasping their hands together. “You have no idea how much all this means
to us.”

“Of course, the pleasure is mine. I’ll give you kids a
minute to talk it out while I retrieve the ceremonial book,” Rick said, coffee
cup in hand and exited the den.

“This should be fun. I’ve never been to a mating ceremony.”
Vincent grinned rubbing his hands together.

Devon nodded. The practice was old, so old that most couples
went the more traditional marriage route. He’d only heard people talk about it.
“I think it’s a good idea. Rick is right. It will hold more value in our
society than a conventional wedding. We’ll make sure you have everything you’ve
always wanted, Em.”

“Once we carry out this union I doubt the Gulf packs will be
interested in you. We’ll be marked as a couple.” Marcus pressed a kiss to
Emily’s temple. “We’ll be free.”

“I know. It is a good idea. We’re going to have to review
the rituals closely. Make sure we know what to do,” Emily said smiling. She
clapped her hands together and bounced up on the couch gazing at Marcus. “This
weekend we’ll be mated to each other.”

Vincent grumbled as Emily leaned into Marcus, grasping the
back of his head and pulling him in for a deep kiss. Devon turned his attention
to the floor while Vincent elbowed him in the chest, playfully clearing his
throat.

“Oh my god, we have so much to do. How are we going to get
it all done? It’s already Wednesday,” Emily exclaimed. Her lips popped as she
jumped away from Marcus. Her fingers tugged at her hair, panic evident on her
face.

“We’ll figure it out,” Marcus said, his hand clasped hers.

“I have no problem talking to Lark about a cake,” Vincent
smiled, then jabbed his brother in his ribs again.

Emily opened her mouth to protest, but Devon spoke up first.
“I’ll take care of it.” He couldn’t quite explain the jealousy that churned
inside him, but the thought of Vincent flirting with Lark infuriated him.

“You’re just saying that because you think she’s hot,”
Vincent said.

Devon ground his teeth glaring at Vincent. “My intentions
are to get a cake for our sister, not flirt.”

“It might not hurt you to flirt - or get laid, Dev,” Vincent
teased, a smile on his face.

“Leave her be, both of you. She is a nice person,” Emily
said, eyes fixed on both of them. “Will you take care of it, Dev?” She turned
her gaze to him, eyes softly pleading.

“I’ll handle it. You worry about your dress, choosing a mark,
and studying for the ceremony. Vincent and I will take care of the small
things,” Devon said.

“Are you sure, after the other night, you two didn’t exactly
hit it off,” Emily mumbled green eyes peering up at Devon nervously.

“It will be fine, I promise.” Despite what he was sure Lark
thought, he was more than capable of charming women. Besides she would be
helping Emily. He was certain the blonde baker would assist his sister.

***

Devon left his siblings and Marcus to finish sorting out the
logistics before the ceremony. There would be a lot of work to make the day
special.

However, there were more pressing
matters clouding his mind. Despite what Emily and Marcus thought, he knew
Emmett would not let this go.

Rick had to be aware of this, but he wanted to be sure his
uncle understood the full ramifications of what he was asking. This action
would start a conflict between the two packs — or a war. It would not, in any
way, fix the already tense situation. He took a sharp breath in and knocked on
the study door.

“Come in,” Rick’s gruff voice called.

Devon turned the metal knob, apprehension churned in his
stomach. The office looked dreary like the rain outside. The grey walls weren’t
doing any favors on lighting the room. The furniture was all hard cherry making
the space feel a little less like a dungeon.

His uncle’s brown eyes rested on
him as he looked up from the book case. “I know why you’re here, Devon, and you
need not say anything.”

“You don’t know Emmett like I do,” he began, but his uncle
quickly held up a hand.

“Perhaps not, but I know men like him. I’m not fool enough
to think this ceremony will stop him. It may not stop the Gulf packs either,
but Emily will be less desirable to some wolves once marked by another. Our
enemy will be a few instead of many.” Rick motioned for him to sit down as he
pulled a decanter of liquor out and two tumblers. He poured the alcohol into
the glasses and handed him one before taking his seat at his desk.

“Emmett has a lot of allies, there are a lot of men who fear
him,” Devon warned. He wanted to avoid a confrontation if at all possible.

Rick chuckled, taking a small sip from his cup. “I’m aware,
son. I was well aware when I offered the four of you a home. Men like Emmett
take what they want, when they want, until someone is brave enough to stand in
their way. I will not sit by idly while he manipulates those weaker than him to
do his bidding. Is everyone in danger here now? Yes. But we would have faced
his tyranny sooner or later anyway. I intend to make a stand before he grows
any stronger, and would like to send a message to the Gulf packs. Not everyone
is as easily swayed as Emmett. Furthermore, I would like to give back to you
what is rightfully yours,” Rick said. His eyes pierced Devon to the soul with
that last comment.

Devon lifted the glass to his lips and swallowed the
contents in one gulp. The amber liquid burned as it slid down his throat. “I’m
not an alpha,” he coughed, setting the tumbler down.

“You have not been brought up as one, no, but have the
makings to be one. The problem, Devon, is you don’t see your own potential. Alpha
blood runs through your veins. The ability to enforce your will, the compassion
for others, and the urge to protect those around you. Those are things that
can’t be taught or learned. They’re inherent. Just promise me you will think
about it, Devon. The old farmhouse and its acreage are yours, whenever you are
ready for it,” Rick said. He lifted his glass taking a sip of the amber
liquid.

Devon stared down at the fine wood grains of the desk. His
eyes focused on the scratches that marred the cherry finish. He’d come in here
to discuss his concerns only to have the conversation turned against him.
I
can have my own pack, but I’m not ready for that, am I?

“Worrying will give you wrinkles, Devon. Everything will
work out.” Rick stood up, walking around the desk, and patted him on the
shoulder. “Come, help me dig out the books we need for the ceremony.”

***

Emmett forced calm breaths into his nostrils as he stared at
his eldest son. Daniel shifted slightly on his feet, but remained strong.

“What is it?” He barked, slamming his fist down on the metal
desk.

“We still haven’t found them. I think they may have left the
state,” Daniel explained.

Emmett growled, his hand swiping across the desk, sending
papers and pens careening to the floor.
Everyone that works for me is an
imbecile
. “But you don’t know that for a fact?”

“No, but we have checked all the packs in the state, Father,
they’re not there. We have spies in all of them, no one has seen or heard from
them. We should consider expanding our search area,” Daniel said, eyes
downcast.

Emmett nodded, appraising his son as he did so. The stench
of fear emanating from Daniel disgusted him. “Very well, I want you to make a
list of all of Devon’s contacts outside the state and see if we have anyone on
the inside.”

“I already did that, Father,” Daniel said. He reached into
his back pocket and pulled out a list.

Emmett snatched the list from Daniel’s hand and sat back in
his chair. Glancing over it, he ticked off the names of likely suspects in his
head.

“I want you to check these three
out first.” Emmett grabbed one of the remaining pens on the desk and circled
three names, before handing it back to Daniel. “I want them found. Emily need
be the only one brought back alive. Kill the others.”

“Vincent is with them, Father, and Devon,” Daniel faltered.

“And?” Emmett snapped, shooting up, his chair rolling
backwards across the wood floor. He narrowed his eyes at Daniel.
How dare he
question me?
“He betrayed us, he is no son of mine, nor is he your brother.
Forget him. And I should’ve killed Devon a long time ago. He’s never been your
brother, don’t even think about him.”

***

Lark straightened up her desk and moved out to the front of
the bakery. It had been a slow afternoon. Now was the perfect time to start
preparations for tomorrows morning rush.

Grabbing the few supplies she needed she set to work on
making dough for the next day. She enjoyed kneading dough, squeezing the soft
mixture between her fingers, it was soothing. It was a great way to take out
her frustrations and relax.

She was still reeling from her
confrontation with Devon three days ago. It was more outrage for Emily, she
thought, and her own anger at not finding a suitable candidate for her open
positions.