Trayis (VLG Series Book 11) Read online

  “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