Claimed

Chapter Two

CHAPTER TWO

The next time she came, Reyla stripped off the stranger's shirt as he stared her down. She marveled at his beautiful tattoos which only made him chuckle. Carefully, she picked up the wet cloth and began to clean the dried-up blood from his chest. He hissed loudly and squeezed his eyes closed.

"Sorry," Reyla mumbled.

The stranger opened his eyes again and stared up into her hazel ones. She ignored his powerful gaze, continuing her washing of his body. She moved her arms in a slow rhythm, gentle and caressing.

The male's chest rose and fell at a quicker pace than it had just moments ago. He reached slowly for her hand, taking it in his own. She watched out of curiosity, wondering what he was planning on doing. But he only intertwined their fingers and brought them up to his lips to place a small kiss. Reyla blushed at his gesture, understanding that it was his way of saying thank you.

He quickly released her and she went back to cleaning his wound. She redressed it and helped him slip his shirt back on. "I have to go now, but I'll be back tomorrow," she assured him.

***

It was time to go back into the city since Reyla didn't want to have to spend another night with Gavin. She pulled her dark hair down from her braid to hide her human ears. Fae would know instantly that she wasn't them from the lack of pointed ears.

She followed the smell of fruits up the gravel road, headed for the one caravan she knew she'd get service in. The sun was bright today and it was surprisingly warm for this late in the year. Winter was just around the corner, meaning the snow would come soon. If the fae male was still injured— unlikely— Reyla would have to find him somewhere to go.

Aed was at his booth, a smug look spread across his features when he saw her. He was the only fae she knew who accepted humans. He motioned her over as soon as everyone cleared from searching his stock. Reyla stalked up to him, a smile on her face.

"Hey," he said kindly. "What brings you here?" He was a blondie with bright blue eyes that shone like stars.

"Need food for a friend," she explained vaguely. Aed never pushed for information on her whereabouts or threatened to turn her in. In fact, he gave her free food whenever she stopped by. He said it was because he didn't want her to stop coming because he was too fascinated by humans.

"Anything in particular?" He asked, studying her. It never bothered her how he always liked to ask about her likes and dislikes and how she lived and how she was treated. He wanted to know about her life and what it was like to be human.

"Hmm, I don't think so. My friend doesn't exactly speak the common tongue."

"Oh, are they human too?" She shook her head. "Fae?" A nod. "Why didn't they come with you?"

"He's injured so I'm taking care of him," she answered.

"My father's a doctor, he did teach me some things."

"I don't think he'd appreciate me bringing someone along. He hardly tolerates me," she said and chuckled to herself. "I'm sorry."

Aed gave her a kind smile and waved off her apology. "No need. I understand." He grabbed a bag and stuffed some fruits, vegetables, and meat into it and handed it to her. "Take care. And be careful out there."

"I always am," she responded and waved him goodbye.

***

When Reyla returned to the fae male, she found him asleep so she decided to leave for the night. She returned the next morning with the bag full of food. He seemed happy enough to have some.

"I went into the store today," she said even though he couldn't understand. "I have a friend there who is fae. He's very kind and gave this all to me for free." The stranger watched her as she spoke. "I've known him for several years now." She didn't know why she was telling him any of this, she just felt as if she needed to say something.

"I wish you could understand me."

They both continued to munch on the food, listening as each other spoke in different languages. They took turns telling stories, not really understanding the other. Reyla told him of Gavin and how he had once owned her. It had taken her years to pay off her debts to him but she eventually became a free woman.

She also told him of her parents, what little she remembered of them. Her mother was a brunette like her and had fiery golden eyes. Everyone thought she was so lovely and so kind. Her father was a blond with hazel eyes and marvelous cheekbones. She took after him in that department. He was strong willed and passionate just like her. They had died when she was a child and she was taken in by Gavin's father, who was now dead. Her debts to him passed down to Gavin, which was why he owned her in the first place.

Later that day, the male spoke quietly. "Reeve," he said as he pointed to himself. He then pointed to her.

"Rey," she replied. That was her nickname, the only name she really liked to go by. Hardly anyone knew it. She didn't have many acquaintances and told not many of either name. Not even Aed knew it, he just called her fruit girl since she always liked to eat fruit.

"Kata hayana," he whispered. She smiled, feeling as though he was saying something nice, like a compliment.

"I'm going to leave soon," she said. He looked a little disappointed which was startling since he couldn't understand her. "Don't forget to drink a lot of water." She pointed to the water bottle and he nodded.

Reyla didn't want to leave, she wanted to sleep on the floor of the cave. She was so tired but she didn't want to risk this stranger taking advantage of her so she pushed herself off the floor and turned to the entrance of the cave. "Goodbye," she waved.

"Fusco," he said in reply. She knew it was his way of saying farewell.

"Fusco," she said to him. His eyes brightened at hearing it and he smiled at her a genuine smile.

"Fusco," he repeated and she laughed.

***

Several days later Reyla and Reeve sat in the cave together, both telling stories. She was getting slightly better at understanding him but still struggled. She knew he was repeating his stories over again, each time hoping she'd understand a little more.

"Fre! Fre!" No! No! He shouted and laughed. Reyla was stuffing foods in his face, foods that made him sick to look at. She laughed and teased him with the sickening vegetables. He was not one to eat healthy. He liked meat and baked goods and delicious home cooked meals.

"Most fae don't eat plants," he told her in his language. She rolled her eyes and took a bite out of a carrot. Reeve shriveled his nose in disgust and grabbed one of the mini cakes. Reyla wondered how he was so fabulously shaped if he ate such unhealthy choices. Perhaps because he was a warrior.

"You're a baby," she teased. He grabbed her by the waist and playfully pushed her to the floor. She laughed as he leaned over her and stuck his tongue out. "Baby!"

"Prima!" He argued. Which was almost like calling her a brat. They tossed more insults at each other.