Chapter 13

Chapter

Thirteen

BEN

The sun beat down on Ben's back as he squatted over a pile of wood panels, trying to decipher the instructions on the crumpled piece of paper Kris thrust against his chest when the enforcer announced they were making planter boxes after lunch. Ben had the impression Kris could create planter boxes from scratch, but the wolf showed up with several do-it-yourself kits complete with pre-drilled holes and a tiny screwdriver.

Kris declared the planters were a gift for Anders, but Ben could smell bullshit on the wind. The wolf tried to distract him, but he noticed Anders and Jake climb into the truck and take off. Connor had shifted and disappeared at a steady lope toward the other side of the lake, and Jake was apparently on patrol, trotting off with a rifle strapped to his back.

The wolves' effort to keep him preoccupied would be insulting, but Ben loved the sun on his back, the gentle lap of waves and the smell of fresh water on the breeze. He could see why Oakford Pack settled here generations ago.

Sparing an admiring glance at the water visible between the trees, Ben returned to his bullshit task and scowled at the instructions, wondering how the hell panel A was supposed to connect with panel D.

Kris sat cross-legged beside him, whistling cheerfully as he applied white paint to the outside of the planter box he'd already wrestled together.

"It says this thing is supposed to have wheels," Ben muttered, squinting at a diagram.

Kris made a soft hum of surprise. "Really? Here, let me—" He grabbed the paper and turned it this way and that, even looking at it upside down like a lunatic. "Oh, we got given the wrong instructions," he said with a shrug and returned to his painting as if he didn't have a care in the world.

Ben's eye twitched. He wanted to use the tiny screwdriver as a weapon, but he actually liked Kris. He took a deep breath, counting back from ten, before aggressively screwing together two random wooden panels.

"That's the spirit, Ben," Kris laughed.

They settled into companionable work, with Kris even fetching Ben a hammer so that he could hit the box into submission. When he finished, Kris handed him a brush and they painted and drank coffee while waiting for each coat to dry.

"Just tell the truth—there's no way Anders is going to want these," Ben said as they packed up for the day and set the planters near the garden with its perfectly aligned flower beds. Everything was so neat and considered.

Kris grinned. "That's the thing about mates, Ben. Anders puts up with my mess and cherishes my efforts because they're all for him." He winked. "And if I'm walking a bit stiffly tomorrow, it'll be because he cherishes all of me."

Ben made a face, although part of him envied the easy way Kris expressed his love for his mate. It wasn't something Ben thought was possible for himself.

Kris laughed at his expression. "Come on, Ben. Let's find the others and get a feed."

To Ben's surprise, they walked along the shoreline past Connor's cabin and followed the lake's edge as the afternoon shadows grew long. Ben figured they walked a few miles, passing unfamiliar homes dotted along the shore and set further back amongst the trees.

The smell of smoke and cooked meat filled the air as they reached a clearing opposite a long wooden hall, outbuildings, and smaller homes. A crowd already mingled in groups near a bonfire, while happy yelling and childish shrieks rang out near the lake.

Anders materialized behind them, stealthy as smoke, and planted a kiss on Kris's neck. "You're both late."

Kris shrugged as he linked his arm around Anders's waist. "Worth it, and it looks like we made it in time for a feed."

"Mason's trying out new spices for a dry rub—avoid anything he pushes on you," Anders said with a shudder.

Kris snorted softly. "My tastebuds haven't recovered from the last pack gathering when he was peddling that pumpkin hot sauce."

"I kind of liked that one," Anders said.

"I'd accuse you of having poor taste, except you're with me," Kris said with a sniff.

Anders smirked before turning to Ben. "Relax, kid. No one's going to throw you into the lake tonight. Pack gatherings are for eating and talking."

Ben glanced past the bonfire, studying the strangers that made up Oakford Pack. Several hundred people mingled in the clearing, from a few babies swaddled in chest harnesses to a white-haired woman seated near the fire and holding court with a small group like a storyteller. As it darkened to night, he spotted Seamus and Jake in the crowd, talking and drinking with their fellow pack members.

A man emerged from an outbuilding and announced food was ready.

Kris and Anders ushered Ben between them, getting him to line up and take a plate. At their urging, he chose different types of smoked meat, slaw and potato bake. He sat with them on a log carved into a long bench on the far side of the bonfire closest to the lake, keeping a half-eye on the surrounding wolves.

He'd never been with such a big pack. It had always been too dangerous, the risk of exposure too great. But Ben sensed no undercurrent of tension or avarice, and beyond a few curious looks, the wolves left him alone. Ben's shoulders relaxed despite himself, and he ate a second heaping of potato slathered in buttery goodness.

Jake and Seamus arrived, wordlessly taking the place of Anders and Kris on the bench, who wandered into the crowd to share drinks with friends. The smooth transition between the enforcers irked Ben, but he couldn't hold onto his frustration when Jake bumped his shoulder in greeting before the wolf focused on his own food.

A woman in her thirties with wild red hair and intelligent brown eyes approached them as Ben finished eating. She appeared quick and strong-limbed, with a sheathed knife poking out from her boot. Ben wondered if she was another enforcer.

"Evening, you three," she said as she came to sit on Ben's other side.

"Ben, this is Freya—Connor's second," Seamus said in introduction. "We go to her whenever Connor's unavailable."

Freya grunted, using a bread roll to sop up some gravy on her plate. "Which hasn't been necessary lately. I expected the last hunt to be long, so I'm glad it was over so soon." She looked Ben over, her gaze assessing but not invasive.

Ben flicked his gaze over the crowd and the happy camaraderie they shared. There was no fear or anxiety, no indication wolves would turn on each other for the amusement of their alpha.

Ben somehow picked out dark blonde hair and broad shoulders from within the crowd, his gaze tracking Connor as he moved from group to group. Ben watched the crinkles at the corners of Connor's eyes deepen as he laughed at something a wolf said, clapping his large hand on the shoulder of a different wolf. Ben's skin buzzed at seeing the alpha in his element.

Freya followed his gaze. "It's been good to have Connor home—the pack's prospering."

Ben felt his cheeks grow warm at being caught staring. "Yeah? How so?"

She smiled. "Connor's always been our alpha, though these past weeks, he seems to have found a new purpose. I don't quite know how to explain it, but it's like a grey veil has lifted from the pack."

Ben tilted his head. It didn't sound like anything to do with his luck, though he'd never been as frustrated and attracted to someone as he was to the alpha of the Oakford Pack. He didn't know what his luck would get up to, especially when his emotions were such a mess.

As if knowing Ben's thoughts, Connor met his gaze across the bonfire. The flames danced in the alpha's blue eyes, turning them golden. The heat in Ben's belly flared again, hotter and wilder this time, and the sudden urge to lure Connor to the lake gripped him. Water wasn't the element of wolves, but Ben knew it didn't matter. Instinct said they were compatible. Connor could be his match.

If he took the chance to find out.

But there was no point, not when Vaughn waited for him. Ben knew he wouldn't survive taking on the murderous wolf, although now he couldn't quite remember why he'd accepted death so readily.

Too much clean air and mountains, probably.

A little wolf toddled up to Connor, tugging on the alpha's pants and demanding he lift her. Connor held Ben's gaze for another moment before bending to pick up the little girl. He was soon surrounded by a new group, the little girl on his hip.

Ben returned his attention to Freya and the enforcers but continued to feel the heat of the alpha's gaze on his skin.

Freya's eyes were knowing. "How have you found Oakford territory, Ben?"

Ben shrugged, thinking there was no point in complaining about the circumstances of his forced arrival. While he admired the loyalty Connor inspired among his people, it meant they would never see reason. "It's pretty—for a prison."

Seamus choked on a piece of smoked ham, and Jake quickly whacked him hard on the back until he drew a wheezing breath.

Ignoring the two enforcers, Freya said, "I see why he likes you so much, Ben. You're as stubborn as a wolf." She smiled. "And I agree—the mountains are quite beautiful."

It wasn't the mountains Ben found beautiful. He saw Connor again as if drawn to a flame, despite the alpha having moved to a new group on the far side of the clearing. The bonfire light gave Connor's skin a tawny glow, the faint stubble along his jaw making Ben want to rub until his skin felt hot and raw.

Ben scrubbed his face, telling himself to get a grip. "I've only met one other second before you."

"Craven, yes?" Freya wrinkled her nose. "Vaughn chose Craven as his second because any original thought in his thick skull is bound to be a dumb one." She smiled again, showing dimples. "Connor doesn't choose his people the same way."

Jake said, "Freya's the smartest hunter in the pack. She knows our territory better than anyone."

"I'm surprised we haven't met before now," Ben muttered.

Freya smirked. "If you'd gotten further with your wanderings, you would have. Seems like Connor's got you figured out, though."

Ben flushed, looking briefly across the clearing at Connor only to find the alpha already staring back. The heat in Ben's body turned into a primal need to stake a claim. He felt like a teenager with his first crush, except this came from deep in his soul.

Freya made a soft humming noise. "I can escort you back to Connor's cabin if you like. Or you can stay a bit and mingle."

"Hell, no," Ben said quickly. He grimaced at Jake and Seamus. "Sorry, no offence. It's been a long day."

"No offence taken, pretty boy," Seamus said easily.

"Come on, then," Freya said, then tilted her chin toward the lakeside trail leading to the other side of the shore.

Seamus and Jake said quick goodbyes before melting into the crowd, and Ben followed Freya through the trees. The wolf moved with undeniable grace, barely a sound marking her movement across the dark terrain.

Ben suddenly realized he'd once again been smoothly transferred to a new guard to watch over him while Connor and his enforcers stayed behind to enjoy the evening. It made sense—they'd watched him for weeks without a break. They must be tired of him.

It brought an unexpected ache in Ben's throat. Despite his situation, he liked Connor and his wolves. They were good and loyal and never treated him cruelly, even though he still couldn't figure out their ultimate game plan.

He was still an outsider, and always would be.

Ben reminded himself it was what he wanted.

Following after Freya, Ben reminded himself why he'd come to the wolves' attention in the first place. Vaughn had to die. To succeed, he needed to leave Connor behind.

It was what he wanted.

Even if a quiet part of himself told him it was a lie.