Claimed

Chapter Four

CHAPTER FOUR

Gavin held her tightly through the night, kissing her neck soothingly. She supposed he could be sweet when he wanted to be. Or maybe it was all just a trick to lure her in. He obviously wanted her. Reyla was one of few human women who lived in Corcillo- a small town in Valeria.

When morning came, she quietly removed herself from the bed, careful not to wake Gavin. She had always left before he awoke, it was her way of saying that she was only there because she had to be.

Reyla left the bar quickly, her hood pulled over her head. She had no idea where she was going, just needed some space. Walking through the densely packed trees, she moved slowly and swiftly. Maybe she could visit Aed for awhile, he wouldn't mind seeing her.

She found her way to the market, slowly trudging to her friend's booth. He wore a kind smile like always and was dressed in his usual attire, brown pants, a long sleeve shirt, gloves, boots. But today he had on a hat, a really dorky hat. Reyla couldn't help but laugh when she saw it. "Why are you wearing that?"

He leaned closer to her so nobody else would hear. "Somebody just gave it to me so I'm trying to be nice. They're right over there," he nodded his head toward a young fae woman who kept peaking her eyes at him. Her infatuation was very noticeable.

Reyla chuckled as she watched the girl stare at Aed. She wasn't even trying to be discreet!

"What's her name?" Reyla asked as she plucked an apple from one of the baskets.

"Genwyn," Aed replied. He seemed at least a little interested in the woman. His eyes constantly roamed back over to her from across the market. "She's the daughter of a warrior."

"So?"

"I'm too low ranked for her," Aed said, his smile fading.

"She doesn't seem to think so. And who says? I think you're a catch."

Aed looked over at her with raised eyebrows. "You're only saying that because you're my friend. And you're not a fae, our ranks don't apply to you." He returned his eyes to Genwyn. She was very beautiful even for a fae. Long raven hair, curled and half up. She wore a tight red dress that flowed out to her feet. It clung to her curves beautifully.

"You should talk to her."

"Not gonna happen."

Reyla took a bite of her free apple, looking around at everyone else. The fae were interesting to watch. They all seemed so regal and so arrogant. Not Aed, he was kind and humble. He dressed appropriately, not flashy like most males. That was one thing she liked about him.

"I think she's waiting for you to approach her."

"Like I said, not gonna happen." Reyla laughed and finished her apple quickly. "So, has your friend healed?"

It felt like a punch in the gut. She didn't want to be reminded of Reeve or what he had done. How he tried to claim her without her consent. She thought he was better than that. Apparently not. He was just as arrogant and selfish as any other fae male. "Yeah."

Aed seemed to sense the tension in her voice. "What happened?"

"Nothing worth mentioning." He gave her a knowing look. "It doesn't matter, what's done is done."

A fae woman stalked up to the booth, interrupting their conversation. "Bye," Reyla said as she left.

***

Reyla went back to the bar, ready for a good night's sleep. Gavin agreed to give her space tonight as long as she repaid the next. She took the room key from Old Mack and slowly trudged down the hallway to find a spare room. It didn't take long for her to strip her clothes and fall into bed.

Sleep was wonderfully long that night. She awoke midday, ready to help around the bar. Gavin would want extra payment and she did not want to be in debt to him again.

Danae Fuller, her once best friend, was standing next to the bar, her dark ringlets pulled up high. She was from Rycelle- a kingdom in the north. Dark glossy skin, beautiful natural ringlets, golden eyes. Danae was very popular among the men and Gavin exploited it. She worked off her debt to him by sleeping with paying men each night.

"Hey," Reyla greeted as she entered the back of the bar.

"Rey! I haven't seen you in forever!" Danae quickly shot around to the back and pulled Reyla into a tight embrace. "Where have you been?"

"Around." She wasn't really looking forward to this conversation. "You look wonderful."

Danae pulled away from the hug and stared at her friend. "So do you."

"I should get to work." Danae nodded and returned to standing around the room, eyeing men.

***

Weeks passed of sleeping and cleaning. Reyla had officially become in debt to Gavin again. She worked hard throughout the day but somehow never seemed able to get enough money. She knew Gavin did this on purpose to keep her here.

Reyla left the bar that night, headed for the cave Reeve had stayed in. She didn't know why but she felt like she just needed to. He wouldn't be there; his wounds would be healed by now. And he was probably long gone.

The clearing she had found him in soon came to view. She moved slowly, feeling a little nervous. What if he was still there? This was definitely a bad idea. She kept going though. She eventually found the cave and crawled through the entrance. She was right. He wasn't here.

That night, she slept in a ball on the cave floor. It was cold and dark and lonely but better than adding to her debt with Gavin.