House of Blood and Beasts

26. Seeking Comfort

    Ruhn lounged on the couch, a joint of mirthroot between his lips and headphones covering his ears. Flynn was running through an assortment of stretches, while Declan played a video game. Distant thunder clapped outside, announcing another approaching storm. A slight breeze wafted through the house. Ruhn had left the windows open, hoping to freshen the air inside before the storm set in.

    He took his joint between two fingers and let smoke roll out of his mouth. Ruhn rested his head on the back of the couch with a contented sigh. Days like these were his favorite. No obligations or duties to fulfill. Just time to relax and enjoy his friends' company. He hadn't even turned up his music all the way, wanting to be able to listen in on Flynn and Declan's occasional conversation.

    "Hey," Flynn called. Ruhn slid one side of his headphones off. "Someone's here."

    He sat up and twisted as a knock sounded at the door. Flynn opened it, revealing Sarai. "Put a shirt on," she said, sweeping past him without a second glance.

    "Aw, Rai Rai doesn't like my abs," Flynn laughed.

    Ruhn watched with raised eyebrows as Sarai strode over to him. She plucked the joint from his fingers and took a long drag. There was a look in her dark eyes that he couldn't quite interpret. It was a mixture of guilt and...pain? She handed the joint back to him and started towards the stairs.

    "What was that about?" Declan asked, keeping his voice quiet so that she couldn't hear.

    "I don't know." Ruhn switched his music off and set his headphones down. "I'll find out." He quickly mounted the stairs.

    The sound of running water reached his ears once he stepped into the hallway. The bathroom door was open and Sarai stood at the sink, cupping water in her hands and letting it drain before massaging the back of her neck. Ruhn leaned against the doorframe and crossed his arms, waiting for her to acknowledge him.

    "Sabine didn't punish me," she murmured.

    "Then what's wrong?"

    Sarai turned the water off and rubbed her nose. Her throat bobbed as she turned and leaned against the sink. "She said Rafe kept a secret for me. I don't know what, but..." She exhaled sharply and hid her face in her hands.

    Ruhn instinctively took a step closer. He smoothed hair from her face and let his hands trail down her arms. Sarai's shoulders rose and fell with uneven breaths. "She punished him," she whispered. "She made him whip Holly. 100 lashes."

    "Why?" Ruhn caressed her arms, hoping the sensation would be soothing.

    "They're mates. I...I didn't know. I knew there was something between them, but I never guessed it could be that. Rafe and I have never gotten along, but Holly... She's my only friend in the pack, and she is suffering because of me. I don't even know what secret Rafe kept for me. I..."

    Sarai's voice caught and her shoulders jerked again. Ruhn's hands stilled on her arms and he lifted one to her cheek, though her face was still hidden by her own. He folded his hand over hers and ran his thumb across her knuckles. "I didn't know," she whispered. "I still don't."

    "It's not your fault," Ruhn said gently. "Rafe and Holly will understand that."

    Sarai shook her head. "Holly will, but Rafe? He'll resent me forever because of this."

    Ruhn furrowed his brows. "Why would he do it in the first place? Why wouldn't he fight back? If she's his mate..."

    "Sabine threatened to kill her if he didn't."