Delivered from Exile

Chapter Two

chapter two.

The moment I came through the door I had Trey’s arms around me, hushing my hysterical babbles. “He threatened you!” Was all I could get out intelligibly. Ayana darted into the room at the sound of my distress, intertwining herself between my legs gently.

“Shhh, Rey. It’s alright.” He tucked my head into his neck and rubbed my back in small circles. I felt myself begin to relax, his comforting presence a soothing balm to my anxious soul. I nuzzled myself further into his neck, my arms wrapping around his torso and hugging him as if he may be gone at any moment.

“No, it’s not. Lance Donovan ambushed me. He told me I had to pay some fucking tax to run on his land, how stupid is that?” A shakey breath was drawn from my lips, my body struggling to ground itself before my eyes could spill over with tears.

“That’s how it works down here, Reyes.” He paused to sigh, and I allowed myself to look up at his face. Trey was brimming with perfectly controlled rage- for my benefit, I was sure -the chill in his eyes the only telling sign. I didn't like the way it made his eyes look; they were usually so warm and gentle. “I pay my tax to be allowed to live and work here. Why did he threaten me?” Trey reached for my hand and guided me down onto the couch beside him. Ayana joined us quickly, worming her small body into my arms and licking my nose. 

“I told him I wasn’t going to pay his fine.” Immediately I felt myself swell with embarassment and regret. My pride has put my best friend in danger. "I'm sorry, I was so stup-"

“Relax,” He interrupted. "Did he say he'd kill me, then?" 

“Well, not directly. He implied it.” I hugged Ayana closer to my chest, allowing her soft purrs to ground me.

“Don’t worry about it.” He waved his hand dismissively. “We’ll figure something out. Let’s go shopping, get something to eat, y’know… calm your nerves.”

I couldn’t argue with that.

---

“Oh! Dresses!” I squealed happily, running up and pressing my hands against the glass window.

Trey laughed. “Alright, alright. I’ve got a few things I need to pick up… you shop around and see if anything catches your eye. My treat.”

The store was gorgeous; I could hardly keep my hand off of the silk gowns and jewels. Lilacs and vanilla permeated the air and light shone in from all angles. I knew I didn’t have too long before Trey came back and I didn’t want him to have to shop with me if he didn’t want to, so I pranced over to the dresses and clasped my hands together happily.

“Can I help you?” A kind lady placed her hand on my shoulder and smiled. “I think I know just what would suit you.”

She ushered me into the dressing room.

---

Ten dresses, two purses, and three pairs of shoes later I emerged feeling like a new woman.

“It’s perfect!”  I threw myself at the salesperson and hugged her. “Thank you!”  

“You’re beautiful.” A familiar voice called from behind us. My heart swelled with the compliment and I released the lady, thanking her again as she departed with a friendly wave.

“Oh Trey, you’re just saying that.” My cheeks were warm and were becoming sore from so much smiling.

“No, honey I mean it. You’re gorgeous.” He pulled his hands from his pockets and wrapped them around my neck. I felt something cold fall between my breasts and when he pulled away I could see the beautiful piece of jewelry he’d set upon me.

“Trey, you didn’t!” I exclaimed, shocked. “It’s lovely!”

“You deserve it.”  He pulled me into a warm hug and I felt my eyes brim with tears at his sincerity.  How had I been so lucky to get such a good friend? “Come on, let’s go grab some food.” I felt his hand enclose mine and we walked off towards the food court, Ayana riding passenger in my purse.

---

“Ahhh, good ole’ McDonalds.” Trey pulled out a chair for me and beckoned me to sit. We stuffed our faces with four BigMacs each- a flaw of being a werewolf with an incredible metabolism is how much fuel our bodies need. I broke off a small piece of the burger and held it out to Ayana, which she gobbled greedily. I laughed at the frantic yips that followed, begging for more. I tore off another piece.

“I don’t know, Shay. Some people think it was an inside job. The Northlanders were so respected and powerful. Who else could have killed their king?” I spun at the sound of my old home, lifting a finger towards Trey to beckon him to stay silent. Two girls were at a nearby table, their voices too loud to not be heard. I couldn't help but evesdrop. “And now their princess was killed, too? There’s no way it’s a coincidence.” I gasped.

“Killed?” My heart fell. 

“The Northlands princess? Did you know her?” Trey asked quietly, placing his hand on top of mine.

“Yes.” I admitted. "I knew her well." 

“Well word is they’re sending in someone to inherit the throne. When the new alpha mysteriously dies in a couple of weeks I won’t say I told you so.”

I put down my sandwich, my appetite gone. My eyes met Trey’s and I knew he could see the sorrow there. Ayana reached onto the table and carefully grabbed onto the bit of burger sticking out of the bun before dragging it out from the sandwich and into my new purse where she could enjoy it. Trey shook his head and began to pack up our leftovers.

“Let’s go home.”  

I didn’t argue. 

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A/N

Sorry it's short! I have about seven chapters mapped out so far, so they'll be coming along shortly. :)