Trayis (VLG Series Book 11)

by Laurann Dohner

  “I don’t belong in the alpha’s house for breakfast,” she whispered.

  He ignored that, almost dragging her through the front door, and firmly closed it behind them. The enforcers and his brother were already seated at the large table. Their mates were in the kitchen, bringing plates to them, the delicious smell of food filling the space. He was glad that two chairs were now empty where he usually sat, instead of one. He helped Shay sit before taking the seat beside her.

  “Morning,” Arlis stated, his gaze on Shay.

  Trayis saw that her chin stayed down, gaze locked on the table. She did manage to mumble softly, “Morning, everyone.”

  “Shay? It’s okay. Don’t look so tense.”

  She glanced up at Arlis. “Thank you for inviting me.”

  Trayis felt his irritation growing already. She acted like his brother was doing her a big favor by having her in his home to share a meal. That needed to change—now.

  He put his arm over the back of her chair, touching her shoulder just enough to let her know he was there, to comfort her.

  “My brother told me about your run-in with the youth who claimed to be your uncle. Do you believe he’s who he claims he is?” Arlis took a sip of coffee, waiting for her answer.

  Shay stiffened a bit but gave a nod. “He looked familiar, and when he told me who his parents were, it clicked. He looks a lot like the pictures of my father. He’s been lied to, Alpha.”

  “Trayis informed me. I’m going to reach out to Frank today and ask for a meet with the youth.”

  Shay stiffened even more, her body becoming utterly rigid. Trayis watched her carefully. It looked as if she wanted to protest but she didn’t say a word. His temper flared a bit more. She was a submissive, yes, but he couldn’t stand seeing her so quiet. Her feelings and thoughts were important.

  He lifted his arm from the back of the chair and stood. “Excuse us for a few minutes.” He just bent, grabbed her chair, and pulled it back from the table. He lifted her, ignoring her gasp, and threw her over his shoulder, walking into the hallway that led to the downstairs spare bedrooms. Once there, he bent, gently setting her down on her feet. He met her gaze as he straightened and gently pinned her against the wall with his hands, crouched a little until they were almost eye level.

  She stared at him with wide eyes. He sniffed, not picking up any fear. That was good. She should know he’d never hurt her.

  “Doll, you need to speak up for yourself. You don’t agree with Arlis, do you?”

  “Are you crazy?” She clutched at his shirt, her gaze darting from his toward the room they’d just come from. “What are you doing?”

  He focused his hearing, picking up zero conversation from the other room. They were all silent, probably trying to overhear what was being said between him and Shay. He was fine with that.

  “Giving you a straight talk. You were invited here to discuss the situation with your uncle. He’s your family. Forget that Arlis is your alpha. I won’t sit there watching you not speak your mind. Do you understand? You’re strong, Shay. Your opinions matter. You need to give them. Now go march your cute, sexy ass back to that table and tell him that you disagree, and why.”

  She gaped at him a little, her eyes even wider.

  “You heard me. Otherwise, we’ll stand here talking until you’re convinced that I’m right.”

  “He is my alpha,” she whispered. “It would be disrespectful to argue with him!”

  “That’s bullshit. You need to tell Arlis what you’re thinking. Not just sit there in silence.” He cupped her face. “Do you want him to reach out to the other pack to talk to your uncle?”

  “I think it would possibly get him into trouble somehow. That’s the last thing I want.”

  “Okay.” He nodded. “Then what’s the best way you think this should be dealt with?”

  “I just wanted to warn Arlis to be aware in case the kid tries to attack him. And I don’t want my uncle getting hurt because he’s been lied to. I told him about Sylvia and Dean, offering him the chance to talk to them. I’m hoping he shows up here, wanting to get some answers. My grandparents might react badly if Arlis goes through official pack channels. They could see it as a confrontation or challenge.”

  “Then you need to say that to Arlis.”

  She bit her lip.

  “This isn’t a formal meeting, Shay. This is breakfast at his home. Arlis asked you a question, and you need to answer him honestly.” He leaned in, holding her gaze. “I’m with you.”

  She nodded hesitantly.

  He backed off and offered his hand. She took it.

  “Chin up, doll. Speak your mind. Being honest isn’t disrespectful when you’ve been asked questions.”

  She still looked timid as shit as he led her back to the table and helped her sit. He took his place next to her and gave his brother a silent nod. Arlis smiled, looking amused. So did everyone else in the room. He had no doubt they’d overheard every word he and Shay had exchanged. His brother confirmed it when he cleared his throat.

  “You think we should wait to see if this kid comes to us?”

  Shay lifted her chin and nodded, meeting her alpha’s gaze. “I’m afraid it will make it worse for him if you go to Frank. He’s a jerk who might piss off Mildred and Elvis, which might make my uncle a target of all three of them for speaking to me in the first place. My grandparents have lied to him his entire life, twisting things in their favor. He’s got to be confused after speaking with me. The last thing he needs is more bullshit from them.”

  Arlis nodded and glanced at Martin. “Spread word to the sentries about the kid. Tell them to give him safe passage to Shay or to Sylvia and Dean if he requests it. Even me. I’ll make the time if he wants to talk.” He looked back at Shay. “Don’t worry. Even if he challenges me because of what he’s been told, I don’t harm youths. I’d just pin him down until he calms, and then set him straight about a few facts.”

  “Thank you.” Shay sounded relieved.

  Trayis felt better about the situation. Shay would have one less thing to worry about. He gently squeezed her hand encouragingly, before releasing it. She offered to help the other women serve breakfast but Ginny waved her off.

  “We’ve got it, but thank you, Shay.” Ginny brought her a plate and touched her shoulder, to show support and acceptance.

  The enforcers brought up some business, casually discussing it with his brother over breakfast. Shay seemed to finally relax, and the rest of the meal went well.

  Afterward, they said their goodbyes and he escorted her outside.

  “That wasn’t so bad, was it?”

  “No. Thank you.”

  “You say that a lot, doll. What’s on your agenda today?”

  The look in her eyes tugged at his heart. “You want to spend more time with me?”

  “I do.”

  She smiled. “I have a few hours of work to do, but then I’ll be free.”

  “Dinner at my place tonight, then? There were a few more movies on that shelf I’d like to watch with you. Bring another overnight bag.”

  “I’d love that.” Happiness lit up her beautiful eyes.

  “It’s a date.” He pulled her closer, keeping hold of her hand. “Are you working at home or in the office today?”

  “Home. One of the sentries brought my laptop to me from the office.”

  “I’ll take you there.”

  “What are you going to do today?”

  “Make some calls to my clan and washing a load of laundry.”

  “Exciting.”

  He chuckled at her teasing. “Very.” He escorted her to her cabin, gave her a kiss, and left. It was getting harder to do. He enjoyed spending time with Shay, the idea of being parted from her less and less appealing.

  * * * * *

  Shay was working when she heard a slight beeping before her cabin door flew open. She wasn’t concerned; only Marcia knew her code to the lock.

  Her best friend stepped inside. “Are the gossi
ps messing with me? You and Trayis actually slept together?”

  She saved the document and stood. “Yes. And you and Kale? I heard you were with him in his cabin. Is that true?”

  Marcia grinned and nodded. “It is! Now—tell me about Trayis. Everything. I heard he was carrying your scent at the party the alpha threw. Spill!”

  “First, did Kale ask you to mate him?”

  Marcia grinned, reached up, and yanked the neck of her shirt to the side. “Kale just went to formally tell our alpha, before someone gets too close to us and smells our mixed scents.”

  Shay’s mouth fell open when she saw the already-healed claiming scar. Tears blinded her next. “Oh, Marcia. I’m so happy for you! I knew you were mates!”

  “I’m happy too!”

  “How did your parents take it?”

  Marcia’s expression grew somber. “I don’t know. I left Kale’s cabin and came straight here.”

  “Who told you about me and Trayis, then?”

  “Are you kidding?” Marcia yanked her phone out of her back jeans pocket and tapped on the screen, showing her a bunch of text messages. “Literally everyone is talking about it. I turned on my phone this morning to check if I had any missed calls and saw this text explosion instead. How serious are you two? Is Trayis your mate?”

  Shay felt a stab to her chest. “No. It’s just sex.”

  Marcia inched closer. “I’m sorry. You look sad… But you had your V card punched at least. Was he gentle? Did you enjoy it?”

  She nodded. “So much.”

  Marcia reached out and touched her arm. “I’m glad. That’s a nice bright side. I’m sorry I disappeared for so long. Mating frenzy kind of took hold of Kale and I. We’d probably still be in bed but he had to report for duty.”

  “Don’t apologize. I really am happy for you.”

  Marcia nodded. “I know. How badly do you think Mom is going to flip the hell out when I tell her?”

  “She has to accept it. It’s done. But you need to go tell her before she hears about it on her phone. The news is going to spread like wildfire. It always does when a couple mates. The pack will want to throw a party to celebrate.”

  “Will you come with me to break the news?”

  “Uh…no.”

  Marcia winced. “It’s going to be bad. Mom is convinced a submissive male would be a perfect match to balance out my natural aggression.”

  “Well, she’s wrong.”

  “That’s why I want you to come with me.”

  Shay sighed and finally nodded. “Okay.”

  “You’re the best!”

  Shay reached up and pushed her hair off her forehead. “Is the word ‘sucker’ stamped here?”

  Marcia laughed and grabbed her hand. “Maybe. Come on.” They left the cabin, Marcia practically skipping. “Spill every detail about you losing your virginity! Is Trayis freaky in bed? Did he bite?”

  Shay felt her cheeks flush. “I’m not going to kiss and tell, but it was great. And I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”

  “He’s a freakin’ VampLycan, Shay. I’m so proud of you, though, for going for it.”

  “Did you hear about Tegan in any of those texts?”

  Marcia stopped and released her hand. “No. What about Tegan?”

  Shay sighed, telling her what had happened.

  Marcia snarled. “I’m going to claw the shit out of him!”

  “Arlis punished him. Let it go.”

  “As if! Not only did he attack you, but he was spying on Kale’s cabin, listening to us having sex. How can I let that go? Kale is going to want to rip his head off.”

  “Tegan is in a world of shit already. I almost feel sorry for him.”

  “You’re a sucker, Shay. A soft-hearted one.”

  “There’s more to tell you but it can wait. Let’s get this over with. Sylvia and Dean need to hear your news from you. Why isn’t Kale with you to tell them?”

  “I talked him out of it. He’s telling Arlis, and then he really does have to work. And I love Mom, but I don’t think she’s going to take this well.”

  “She just wants you happy. That means Kale. She’ll have to adjust her thinking.”

  “From your lips,” Marcia muttered. “Let’s go.”

  They resumed walking down the path to the area where most of the homes were located. They walked up the porch steps of Shay’s foster parents’ home, and Marcia knocked loudly, waiting for one of her parents to open it. She backed up to the very edge of the porch. Shay stayed at her side.

  Dean answered the door wearing just jeans. The top snap wasn’t done. Shay noticed scratch marks on his shoulders…fresh ones. It was a good thing they hadn’t just walked in on their own. They’d have caught the couple having sex.

  Marcia groaned. “Jeez. You’d think you two were newly mated. Is Mom dressed?”

  “I’m putting something on,” Sylvia yelled from inside their cabin.

  “Get in here.” Dean waved them inside, his gaze locked on Marcia. “Why are you hanging back there by the stairs? We’ve been worried. You haven’t answered when your mother called you.”

  Sylvia came to the door, wearing a robe. “There you are! It’s rude not to return my calls. I was beginning to think something had happened to you.”

  Marcia reached out, and Shay took her hand to give her support.

  “Shit,” Dean muttered. “What is it? The two of you standing over there, clutching hands, tells me it’s trouble. What have you both done? Is the alpha going to come knocking next?”

  “I mated,” Marica blurted. “To Kale.”

  Sylvia gasped. Dean swayed on his feet. Shay glanced between them.

  “They’re perfect for each other,” Shay added quickly. “She’s been in love with him for years.”

  “What she said.” Marcia squeezed her hand hard enough to hurt.

  “Breakable bones,” Shay reminded her.

  Marcia eased her grip.

  Sylvia recovered first, coming out the front door and approaching her daughter. She sniffed loudly, and then reached for Marcia’s throat, tugging the neckline on one side, then the other, staring at the claiming mark.

  “Please be happy for her,” Shay whispered. “She was afraid to tell you. A submissive would have been a disaster waiting to happen. She needs someone stronger than her. Not weaker. Kale is a good Were who can handle anything she can toss his way. A submissive would have had issues with his pride and eventually grown resentful, but Kale won’t. Remember that talk we had about my dad and his parents? Please don’t be like them.”

  Sylvia flicked her gaze to Shay and gave a sharp nod. She released Marcia’s shirt and pulled her into a hug. “We’re glad you found your mate.”

  Dean stepped out of the house and hugged them both, then reached out pull Shay into their embrace as well. She felt squished but didn’t complain. This was family and acceptance. Relief swept through her, too. It was going to be okay for Marcia and Kale.

  “When is Kale coming by? We’d like to welcome him into our family.”

  Shay felt proud of Sylvia for asking, and even more relief.

  “After his sentry shift ends. I wanted to tell you without him here, in case you flipped your lids. An argument isn’t a good way to introduce him as my mate. He’s letting our alpha know about our mating now.”

  Dean looked down at Shay. “And what about you? Is there something you’d like to tell us as well?”

  Her mouth opened then closed.

  He loudly sniffed, taking in her scent. Sylvia leaned in a bit, doing the same. Both of them frowned simultaneously.

  She inwardly winced. “I’m not mated. No need to check me for claiming marks.”

  “But she’s not a virgin anymore,” Marcia chuckled. “She did Trayis! The gossips weren’t lying for once. Who knew our shy little Shay would go after a VampLycan? I’m so proud of her!”

  Dean snorted. “I knew you two were up to something.”

  Marica shrugged. “We thought Kale might be
my mate. Shay wanted her V card punched.” She glanced at Shay, winking at her. “We made a pact at the party to celebrate the alpha couple’s newest son by going after the men we wanted. Mission accomplished.”

  “Come in.” Sylvia grabbed them both by the arms. “We want details.”

  Shay had no choice but to enter the house, but she wouldn’t be giving them sexual details. Those were private, between her and Trayis.

  Sylvia led them into the kitchen and began to make lunch. They all sat at the island, listening to Marcia brag about what a loving, terrific mate Kale was.

  Dean leaned close to Shay, drawing her attention. Her adopted father looked concerned. “You seem sad.”

  Marcia stopped talking and softly cursed. “I’m sorry. This must be hard on you.”

  “It’s not that. I’m happy for you and Kale. Honestly.”

  “But you said Trayis isn’t your mate. That’s got to suck.” Her best friend and adopted sister never held back her honest opinions. “You have the hugest crush on him, have for years. Part of you was hoping, wasn’t it? I’m so sorry, Shay.”

  “There’s more to tell.” Shay took a deep breath and blew it out, sharing what happened when she’d gone to buy condoms. They listened, sympathy and shock showing on their faces.

  “Those bastards,” Dean snarled. He looked furious when Shay was done. “Mildred and Elvis have twisted the truth to avoid facing their own guilt for what happened to your parents. It was their fault your mother broke. Instead, they’ve lied to that poor kid.”

  Sylvia reached over and took her mate’s hand. “Are you honestly surprised? I’m not. Elvis and Mildred were always willing to do anything to get their way. Remember when they decided I should mate Marcus?”

  Shay’s mouth fell open.

  Dean snarled. “Who could forget?”

  “I didn’t know that,” Shay admitted.

  Sylvia shook her head. “It was stupid. Marcus was like a brother to me, and we felt zero attraction for each other. It was always Dean in my heart. I’d known since I was five that he was mine.”

  “I figured it out about three years later,” Dean grinned, lifting his mate’s hand to kiss it. “You were always smarter than me.”