It's Dark Within

I Hate Gatherings

        “This is going to be a long drive.” Jack huffed as he glanced over to me. I was busy glaring at my brothers with my hands over my ears.

        I let out a sigh, closing my eyes at the same time. “I wish they would just shut the hell up so we can get on the road. It’s a five-hour drive and I’m not looking forward to listening to them bicker the entire way.”

        Jack shrugged. “We could always take my car and follow them.”

        “No chance. If I had my way you two would never be alone.” Callum said roughly as he reached over and slapped Senan upside the head. “For the last time, I don’t give a damn who rides in the front with me. Hurry up and get in the damn truck. You two are not sitting together.”

        I rolled my eyes. “Stop trying to act like mother, it’s unattractive and creepy. Come on, Jack.”

        While Callum glared at us, me and Jack climbed into the very back of the SUV. He snorted as he went around to the driver side and started the truck. Troy climbed into the passenger seat, while Senan groveled in the middle bench.

        After an extensive conversation about what to expect at the Gathering, I fell asleep leaning against Jack, leaving the four males to themselves. For a little while, no one spoke. At least until Callum broke the calm silence.

        “Mutt, I mean, Jack. While were at the Gathering, I don’t want you to let Ell out of your sight. These Gatherings are a pain in the ass for her.” He said looking in the rear-view mirror at him.

        Jack nodded. “I thought you didn’t want me alone with her, yeah?”

        Troy shrugged. “We’re her brothers, so, we don’t even want you around her. But still, Ell needs you and we’ll eventually come to accept this…relationship you two have.”

        “I’ve still yet to ask Ell out, boys.” Jack said looking down to me sleeping on him.

        Senan snorted. “Only, because your too scared to ask her.”

        “Senan, stop.” Callum said as he sighed. “But he kind of does have a point, Jack. What are you waiting for? Our approval?”

        Jack shook his head. “No offense, but I don’t think I’ll ever have your three’s approval. I guess I’m waiting for her’s.”

        Troy shrugged. “I told you that he liked her.”

        Callum and Jack rolled their eyes, but the eldest brother spoke. “Yeah, and I was the one who told you that he was stupid and in love with her already. Not even knowing if she is his mate yet.”

        “I can hear you guys.” Jack sighed.

        “And I said that Ell was going to be the first one to make a move.” Senan said as he leaned forward to get in their debate.

        Jack shook his head as he looked back down to me, still sleeping comfortably on his arm. He smiled, and while the three protective brothers went back and forth, he gently kissed the top of my head and looked out the window.   

        When we finally reached the Wulfkin only resort, me, Jack, Troy, Senan, and Callum all got out of the car like we were as stiff as statues. While stretching, all of us took in the scents of the air as the sun drifted down past the trees. Trying to get a feel for the area, at least until an intense scent of hickory and spice was getting stronger. Instantly, I felt Jack’s arm around my waist as Callum stepped in front of me. Not realizing what they were doing until I saw who it was.

        “Rurik, how have you been.” Callum said in a not-so-happy tone.

        The Wulfkin that came out to greet them was Rurik Harthill, a single male who long decided that he would have me as his wife to combine the two packs even if I wasn’t his natural mate. At least that’s what he thinks, Callum and me on the other hand have no intention of doing either. Once at the last Gathering he trapped me in a woodshed in hopes he would convince me to accept him, but it only ended up in him getting hit in the head with a shovel.

        Rurik shrugged. “I could be better, Callum. I’m glad to see that all of you came this year, I was hoping to be able to see Christelle again.”

        I rolled my eyes, trying to hide my excitement about being held by Jack. “Hello, Rurik. It’s not a pleasure to be seeing you again.”

        He smiled as he leaned around Callum to be able to look at me, but that smile faded fast as soon as he saw Jack and his arm around my waist. “Who’s this new wolf? Did you Carter’s pick up a stray this year?”

        I huffed my irritation at the disrespect for Jack. “Funny, Rurik. Somehow, I think it’s none of your business. Come on, Jack. Let’s go find our rooms and some food.”

        “Lead the way, love.” Jack said as he picked up our two duffle bags, making sure to give Rurik a sarcastic wink as they walked by him.

        I smiled back at him as they walked through the massive set of black wooden double doors. “This is called simply, The Black Lodge. Can you guess why?”

        The entire building was made of a special treated blackwood that was made by Wulfkin long ago. The treated wood was scratch resistant for wolf nails, and soundproof for privacy against the sensitive hearing of other wolves. All the accent colors were variations of different colors of red, and in all there were thirty-six rooms and twelve separate cabins on the resorts property.

        Lorna Gibbs, one of the Wulfkin’s that ran the resort was at the front desk. As soon as she saw me, she smiled big. “Christelle Carter! It’s so good to see you! I hope you and your dear brother’s trip wasn’t so bad. Oh, I’m being rude. Who is this next to you?”

        “This is Jack Avery. He’s our newest Pack member. Did Callum call to tell about having an extra person on our roster?” I gestured for Jack to drop the bags.

        Lorna shook her head. “No. He should have. I only have two rooms reserved for your pack. I have you, Troy, and Senan in one room with double beds. While Callum requested a suite all for himself on the third floor.”

        I looked like I was about to explode. “That selfish jerk. Wait, I have an idea.”

        “That’s not good.” Jack said leaning against the counter.

        “Shut up, sugar.” I gave Lorna a sly smile. “If Callum wants to play games and put me in a room with Troy and Senan for three days, then I will have no sympathy for this. Lorna, can I have the key for the suite?”

        Lorna smiled. “Sure can, I thought it was strange for him to ask for his own room and then shove his only sister in a room with her older brothers. What about Jack here?”

        I gave her a wink. “I want to get on Callum’s nerves to teach him a lesson. Jack can stay with me in the suite.”

        Jack raised an eyebrow as he touched my arm gently. “Are you sure about this, rain? It’s going to really piss him off.”

        “Would you rather be sharing a bed with one of them? If so, then that’s fine. I was perfectly fine sharing the room with you.” I said before turning to give him a half serious look.

        He shook his head. “I would rather sleep outside than share a bed with one of your brothers. Let’s go up then.”

        Lorna set the key down on the counter and tried her best to keep from smiling from ear to ear. “Have fun you two.”

        I shook the red off my cheeks while Jack did his best to act like he didn’t notice me blushing.

        “Jack! This room is amazing!” I cried out as I held the door open for him and the luggage.

        He looked around and nodded. “I can see why your brother wanted it all for himself.”

        I let the door shut behind me, observing our room and everything about it. The red silk bedding stood out like a shining star in the dark against the black wood, and off to the left was the entrance to their private bathroom and closet. A luxurious sofa sat in front of a large flat-screen TV off to the right, and on the floor next to the TV was a mini-fridge already stocked with water, alcohol, and ice cream.

        When I got done looking over the room, my eyes strayed to Jack. He had set down the bags and went over to the fridge to get a water. Unable to stop myself, I watched as he popped the top off and took a long drink from the bottle, nearly emptying it in one go. When he was done, he glanced over and raised an eyebrow at me. He knew I had been staring, and now he was amused to see my face turning red.

        “What are you thinking about over there?”

        I shook my head. “Are you nervous about sharing a room with me?”

        Jack shrugged, a sly smile appearing on his face. “Sharing a room with a very beautiful girl? What do I have to be nervous about?”

        I giggled before I gestured to the fridge. “How about we have a few shots before we have to go see everyone downstairs? Just the thought of Callum’s irritating yelling over the loss of his precious room is making me want to drink.”

        “Have you drank before, rain?” He asked as he bent down to grab out four mini bottles of what I thought looked like vodka.

        I nodded. “Once or twice. How about you?”

        Jack smiled handing over two of the bottles to me. “I’m from Ireland, rain. The legal drinking age is when you can order yourself a drink at the bar without being on your toes.”

        I rolled my eyes as we both twisted off the tiny caps. We downed the first bottle and were onto the second when I let out a small huff. I had forgotten how nasty alcohol was, nearly gaging and having to swallow down the urge. When we both got the two bottles down we headed down.

        Troy was the first to notice us and smiled big as we came down the stairs. “I would go out to the bonfire quick, Callum is pissed about you taking Jack with you to bed tonight.”

        I shook my head. “You know what. I don’t even care anymore. The three of you need to get laid and leave me and Jack alone. Stop pushing your latent s****l frustrations out on us. Bye.”

        Before either of the guys could say anything, I grabbed Jack’s hand and dragged him out of the lodge. When we were alone I glanced back and smiled a little.

        “I feel like I should apologize for that back there?” I said as Jack tried to not laugh.

        “Nope.” He squeezed my hand a little. “Where’s this bonfire I keep hearing about?”

        I bit my bottom lip, gesturing off. “This way.”

        As we walked, neither wanted to address the fact that we were still holding hands and instead talked about anything else. Being together like this was calming, as for me, I was still struggling on the inside. I wanted to tell Jack how I felt, to tell him that I wanted to be more than what we were and to let him be my everything. But, I was scared. What if he wasn’t my natural mate? I never felt anything like that before and was unsure if he felt the same way. I wished he would just come out and say how he felt, but knowing him, it wasn’t going to happen.

        The fire and loud voices pulled me from my thoughts as we came to the welcome party. At least three dozen Wulfkin were here already, drinking, eating, socializing, and even some sleeping in lawn chairs. Unknowingly, I stopped walking and pulled Jack to a stop. He glanced over to see the nervousness in my eyes, and without hesitation his free hand touched the side of my face to get me to look at him.

        “Hey, it’s fine. I’m right here.” Jack said as my eyes met his.

        I nodded, but feeling flighty I closed my eyes. “Yeah, I know. I just hate being at these Gatherings. The other wolves always bother me, and they make things so weird and difficult.”

        He nodded and leaned forward so his forehead was against mine. “Then don’t leave my side and I won’t let them.”

        I smiled, letting out a deep breath. “Okay.”

        After parting we went over to get a drink, and instantly I felt like the eyes were on us. Probably because they were. The other Wulfkin were watching us like we were an oddity. Partly because Jack was new, and partly because I wasn’t alone like usual. Most were catching the ‘back-off’ vibe Jack naturally put off, and steered clear. Still, some weren’t so cautious.

        “Christelle Carter, it’s good to see you again.”

        Instantly, I knew who was behind them and grasped my cup tightly in my hand. When I turned around I saw Malcom Holmes standing tall with a smile on his face. He was about me and Jack’s age, and all the other female Wulfkin were head over heels with him. I on the other hand thought he was charming to the point of being creepy.

        “Hello, Malcom.” I said, glancing over to see Jack look over his shoulder and then back to making his drink.

        Malcom’s smile never faded as he ignored Jack altogether. “How have you been? It’s been almost a year since any of us has seen you or your brothers.”

        I let out a deep breath. “I’m fine. Always have been.”

        “I know.” He said as his eyes went down to my skin exposed on my chest. “Did you have a date to the formal on Sunday?”

        I felt my jaw clench at the mention, but Jack on the other hand was already well prepared. He turned around and draped his arm around my shoulders, staring right at Malcom with a calculating gaze.

        “Yeah, she already has that slot filled. Good on ya for asking though. I’m Jack Avery, and you seem to be making Ell uncomfortable. So, were going to go.” He said before taking a drink from his cup.

        Malcom looked almost shocked, and it took him a second to come back. “I’ve never seen you before. You must be new, what pack do you belong too?”

        “Mine.” I said, looking right up at him.

        “I see. Well, Jack Avery. I’ll be seeing you tomorrow then.” Malcom said with a smile before turning to go off.

        I shook my head as I went to go after him. “No, you can’t…fuck… he’s already gone.”

        Jack raised an eyebrow as he glanced down to me. “What’s it, rain?”

        I sighed after taking a big drink from my cup. “Malcom is planning something. You know, the day where there is mostly fighting and bickering. I hate Gatherings…”

        “Oh.” He said as he shrugged. “I’m not scared of any wolf here, rain. Don’t worry so much.”

        Both of us watched as several Wulfkin turned to look at Jack, and I swallowed hard. “I hate Gatherings…”