Where He Belongs

~Fifty-Five~

A/N: So this a bit shorter of a chapter. But I liked how it all panned out. I think it shows real progress! So please comment on what you think. And vote and follow me please.

Peace Out, Girl Scouts

~Kate~

"When I was nineteen I was assigned to be a Warrior."

Hayden looked at Ayden. Despite his apprehension with him, Hayden had a bond with this man and he felt for him despite. "I'm sorry that happened."

Ayden just chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah. I didn't mind it at all actually. Without a mate, I was placeless. You can only spend so much time with your family, you know? Well, all seemed well enough. I was from a high profile family and my father was well known. There was no doubt I'd be ranked up by the end of my training. My life seemed to be going just perfectly, y'know? Well, I arrived, got settled down in my private quarters--a gift from my dad," added Ayden with a chuckle. This his face grew more grim. "I started having these...dreams. But they weren't dreams. They were memories..."

Ayden stopped. His face turned expressionless. "What did you do?" Hayden pressed. He knew he was uncomfortable but he couldn't help but worry for his pups and his mates.

Ayden glared up at Hayden. "I killed an Elder."

Hayden's eyes went wide, taking a step back. Maybe it was fear, maybe it was jut the fact that he never imagined the man to be capable of such a thing. Elder's weren't known for being overly powerful but they were religious figures, praised for their vast knowledge claimed to be from the mouth of the Goddess herself. They were peace seeking, docile, kind souls. Killing an Elder was the ultimate insult and the worst sin imaginable. "Why?" Hayden's tone was hushed in horror as he looked at the uncomfortable male shifting from foot to foot. "Why would you do such a thing?"

"He was a fake. He...he deserved it."

"That's not an excuse," snapped Hayden shaking his head. "Why would you do such a thing? Tell me that!"

"It's nothing. Don't worry about it. I...I killed him. People saw. I was in jail for over a year during the trial and...they banished me. Simple." His voice was hollow and Hayden knew he didn't have the story. "I'm not a murderer, Hay. I'd never hurt Drew or the pups...or you. The only one I ever wanted to hurt, I killed. And trust me, he deserved it."

"I believe it," lied Hayden with a nod. "I don't think Drew needs to know. It'll just stress him out. And, if we really have nothing to worry about--"

"You don't," said Ayden quickly. "It's nothing. Really. It's nothing. I'd actually rather us...not bring it up again, okay?"

"I'm sure you would," muttered Hayden grabbing his bags again.

Ayden didn't move. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Hayden sighed, looking back. "Nothing. I just wish you wouldn't lie to me. After all we've been through together--"

"I don't owe you anything, alright? I owe my life and my loyalty to Drew and the pups!"

"And me?" asked Hayden. He wasn't angry...if anything he was hurt. "Please, talk to me Ayden. I know you're not being honest."

"What? I killed him! You can ask anyone from my pack..." he trailed off. "I was forgiven but banished."

"There's no way you can murder an Elder in cold blood, then be forgiven. It doesn't work like that."

Hayden's glare softened as Ayden's eyes suddenly looked moist. "Shit, Ayden I'm so--"

"Shut up," said Ayden weakly, hanging his head. "You want to know? I...I was molested. As a kid. I was seven or eight... I don't remember exactly. But I knew that face. I couldn't forget it. And...and when I saw him again... I shifted and I killed him. I tore out his fucking throat and I don't feel bad that I did. He used to tell me I was a dirty and he was doing it to fix me."