by Eve Vaughn
“No, I don’t think I can lie down anymore.”
Shelby shrugged. “Suit yourself, although I think you should take it easy if you want to stand up.”
Trina tried to mull over what Shelby’s presence meant. Was this some kind of omen? “They say you’re dead.”
To her surprise, Shelby laughed. “They would think that, wouldn’t they? Well, I’ve been camping since I was walking. My parents were free spirits and we traveled for the first half of my childhood. I didn’t see the inside of a real school until I was thirteen. I’m a certified wilderness and survival guide. I could probably live off of the land better than most of the people in that tribe.”
“How long have you been out here?”
“I’m not really sure. When one is here alone under these circumstances, time just seems to meld together. I think I’ve been out here for several months, but not quite a year if I’ve calculated correctly.”
“Have you tried to get off the island?”
“Of course I have. If I could get off the godforsaken island I certainly wouldn’t be here.”
“How did you… I mean what happened?”
Shelby lifted one blonde brow, an amused smile on her lips. “Are you trying to ask me what led up to my being banished?”
“Yes. You’re nothing like what you’ve been made out to be, although I’ve just met you so I could be wrong.”
“Trust me. No one is as bad as they think I am. They’ve probably made me out to be the devil incarnate, right? Despite what you’ve heard, most of it was false. I was banished because I broke a rule that I shouldn’t have, but technically the Manani people were just looking for a reason to get rid of me in the first place so that was as good an excuse as any.”
“So you were unfaithful to your mates?”
“I was never unfaithful. Never!” Shelby yelled and then flushed. “I’m sorry. It’s just that… so much time has gone by and it still hurts, you know?”
“So what rule did you break?”
“I went into an unmated Triad’s hut, but it wasn’t only to -- well, it doesn’t matter. No one believed me the first time I told my story.”
Trina needed to know, had to know. “I’d believe you,” she said, touching Shelby’s shoulder with a tentative hand of reassurance.
A smile crossed the blonde’s face. “Thank you -- er… what’s your name?”
“Trina.”
“Thank you, Trina. You have no idea how good it is to talk to another person. I’ve been so lonely out here.”
“You were going to tell me what happened.”
“Was I?”
“Yes. Please continue.”
“Okay, but I’d like to ask you a question first.”
Trina paused. She supposed it was only fair. “Okay. What do you want to know?”
“What were you banished for?”
She shook her head. “I wasn’t banished, at least not yet.”
“Then why are you out here in the middle of these woods? Not even the hunters venture this far out.”
“I ran away. They were going to banish me sooner or later, so I decided I’d rather it be sooner. I made the same mistake that you did apparently.”
“The same mistake? Not likely. My mistake was coming to Laiocean and allowing those three rats to get away with what they did.”
Trina furrowed her brow, not understanding Shelby’s meaning. “Three rats? Tegor, Rain, and Geho?”
“No. Not them, although it burns me to think to this day that they didn’t choose to believe me. No. I’m talking about Hehl, Megah, and Reyo. I knew they were up to no good, but to do what they did to me, oohh!”
“Reyo?”
“Ah. You know him, do you?”
“Well, he was my friend. Actually he was the only one who’s been nice to me since I arrived on this island.”
“Just Reyo? What about the other two?”
“As far as I know, they were killed. Reyo lives on his own.”
Shelby gasped. “I have been gone for a while. Do you know what happened?”
“No one told me, but I believe Roar, Bayoh, and Talh might have done away with them from what I’ve gathered. No one really talks about it, or at least not to me.”
“Son of a bitch. They must have gone ahead with their plot. You’d think that would have vindicated me, but from what you say I’m still just as hated as ever. They did a thorough job maligning me -- the bastards. If you count Reyo as one of your friends, watch your back. The man would stab his own mother in the back with a smile on his face. He obviously has an agenda if he wanted to befriend you.”
“What do you mean?”
Shelby sighed, taking a seat next to her. “I suppose I should probably tell you my story. I received a letter in the mail stating that I’d won an all expenses paid vacation --”
“To Chimera? Yes. I got one of those too.”
Shelby nodded. “At first I thought it was too good to be true, but when the letter came, my spirits were kind of low. My kid sister had just gotten married and I was feeling a little down that I’m the last in my family to get married. I have four brothers, two sisters, and I’m smack in the middle. I’m not one of those women who needs a man in my life to validate my existence, but do you have any idea how depressing it is on the holidays and attending family functions to be the only one without a spouse or children?”
“Not really. I’ve been on my own for a long time now. At least you have a family. I have no one.”
Shelby blushed. “I’m sorry. I guess that sounds selfish.”
Trina shrugged. “It’s no big deal. I can understand what it’s like being the odd man out.”
Shelby smiled. “Thank you, Trina. Now where was I? Oh, yes. I booked my trip to Chimera and not only did I meet one hunk, but three, and they all wanted me. I was like a kid in a candy store. I couldn’t believe it. I was more than happy to have a fling with them, but feelings got involved. By the time my vacation was to end, none of us could be parted. I agreed to come to Laiocean with them.”
“Did you tell your family?”
“I wrote them before I left Chimera, but I haven’t seen them since. My mates promised that I’d be allowed to visit them often, but --” Tears sprang to her hazel eyes and Trina threw her arms around Shelby.
“It’s okay. Take your time.” Trina was glad it wasn’t her breaking down for a change.
“I do miss them and they probably think I’m dead or something.”
“You said they were free spirits. Maybe they just think you’re off enjoying yourself somewhere.”
Shelby sniffed. “I hope so, but it’s been so long. Anyway, let me finish my story.” She paused as if to get a hold of herself before continuing. “Tegor, Rain, and Geho are next in the line of succession.”
“The what?”
“In the Manani culture, you have Alphas, and in case something happens to them, they have sub-Alphas to take their place, and then the beta Alphas after them -- Reyo’s Triad. My mates were the sub-Alphas.”
“I’m not following you.”
“You will. Just hear me out for a moment. Reyo’s Triad has been a greedy ambitious lot from the beginning. My mates were their friends, but I could never quite warm up to them. One day I stumbled upon Reyo’s Triad and they were talking about a plot to overthrow the Alphas. Reyo was definitely the ringleader. They discovered me eavesdropping. I ran to my mates to tell them what I’d heard, but they couldn’t believe that of their friends. Besides, I was the newcomer, and for all their ambitions the betas were seen as upstanding. It was very frustrating.”
“That really sucks.”
“Tell me about it. Anyway, that’s when the betas’ smear campaign began. People who’d been friendly to me before turned against me. My mates grew distant. I guess I didn’t handle things as well as I should have and lashed out at the wrong people, including my mates. When I got tired of the isolation and the accusations, I stormed into the betas’ hut to confront them. That was a big
mistake because I’d broken custom by doing that. All along they were looking for a way to overthrow the Alphas and discredit the sub-Alphas so they could take over. No one believed me when I tried to denounce them, and as a result they said I tried to seduce them. They spread all kinds of nasty lies.”
“And people believed them?” Trina asked incredulously.
“Of course people did, especially when they recruited this bitch named Nika. Everyone thought the sun rose and set on her. I don’t really know what her motive was, but she never liked me and had made things uneasy for me from the very beginning. I think she doesn’t like humans in general. Either that or she hated me because I didn’t kiss her ass like the rest of the villagers do. She’s probably the Alpha fem now -- the bitch,” Shelby snorted.
“No, she’s not. I am.”
Shelby’s eyes widened in apparent disbelief. “The Alphas chose you for a mate? Forgive me, that didn’t come out right. What I meant was, everyone was sure they’d choose Nika. I would have loved to have seen the look on that cow’s face when you were introduced. I bet it was priceless. Now it’s your turn. How did you come to be out here? I’m guessing you met them on Chimera and they brought you back here. Tell me what happened after that.”
It was difficult for Trina to relay her story without wanting to cry, so she told the story slowly and emotionlessly. Shelby sat watching her with unblinking hazel eyes, not commenting until Trina finished. “That son of a bitch is up to his old tricks, it seems. I wonder what his motive is now that the rest of his Triad is dead. You’ve been duped, doll face.” Shelby gave her a sympathetic look.
“I’m beginning to suspect that I was. But why?”
“I don’t know, but now that you’ve had a chance to think clearly, surely common sense would tell you that he gave you bad advice.”
“At the time I was so desperate for a little human kindness I didn’t examine what he told me too deeply, but I still can’t figure out what he’d possibly have to gain by doing what he did.”
“I don’t know either, but I know he hates the Alphas. Even though he can’t rule without a Triad, he probably wanted to see them step down and did it by trying to get rid of you. I wouldn’t be surprised if our girl Nika was involved. What I don’t understand is why the hell you didn’t tell your mates what you just told me.”
The question cut through Trina like a knife. Why didn’t she tell them? She didn’t want them to think her incompetent. She’d wanted so badly to please them and do the right thing that she was scared of admitting what was going on. She didn’t want to look like a failure in their eyes. She’d been scared to admit her insecurities to them. It all boiled down to trust. They’d asked her to trust them, but she never completely did. “Oh, God! I’ve been an idiot. I never told them because I was such a fool. I’ve been hurt so many times that my heart has never truly been open. I’ve done them a disservice.” She dropped her head into her hands.
Shelby pulled Trina into her embrace. “It’s okay. We’re both fools. I didn’t fight hard enough for my men either. I could have tried harder to make them believe me, but when the rumors started to fly and I didn’t feel I had their support, I turned my back on them, Trina. From what I know of the Alphas, they’re honorable men. I’m sure if you were to go back and plead your case, they’d listen. You can’t let Reyo win.”
“But they were going to keep me a prisoner in my own house. I couldn’t endure that humiliation.”
“I’m sure it was the frustration talking. Once they’ve calmed down they’ll see the truth. I don’t think they’re unreasonable men.”
“Maybe not, but --”
Shelby interrupted. “Do you love them?”‘
“Of course I do.”
“Then you have to fight. Don’t make the same mistake I did. I let those bastards do that to me. I should have fought harder than that or said to hell with them. Go back, Trina. Fight,” Shelby egged her on.
Could she really let Reyo and Nika win? Hell no! She sprung to her feet, feeling a fire raging inside that she hadn’t in a long time. “Get up, Shelby. We’re leaving.”
“I can’t go with you. I’ve been banished. Going back could mean my death.”
“I’m the Alpha fem and I won’t let anyone touch you. Now get up. We’re going to go fight for our men.”
Chapter Eight
Roar turned away from another female offering them sympathy. He gritted his teeth, wishing this ordeal was over and they could be with Trina, wherever she was. They’d searched throughout the night, coming back to the village at sunrise to rest.
He looked over at Bayoh and Talh. Both men wore a dejected expression on their faces. Where could she be? A chill raced down his spine when he thought of all the things that could possibly happen to Trina alone. She’d spent a whole night out there.
Roar knew the participants weren’t happy to search for Trina considering all that had transpired, but he appreciated their efforts nonetheless. “What do you think we should do now?”
Bayoh sighed, kicking the dust under his heel. “We’ll just have to keep looking, of course. We said there would be another search when everyone has sufficiently rested.”
“If one more person comes to offer their false sympathy, I think I’ll scream,” Roar said, looking up at the sky. It looked like it would rain soon. He hated that Trina was out there with no shelter. What if she’d done something drastic like try to swim away? That would be the height of folly because she wouldn’t make it.
“I for one don’t feel like standing around talking. I think we should go look some more. Besides, I couldn’t possibly rest knowing she’s out there,” Talh added.
“Nor could I,” Roar agreed. “Should we split up?”
“Yes, I think that would probably be the best course of action. I only wish…” Bayoh broke off, an upset expression on his face.
Roar didn’t have to hear the rest of the sentence to know what his friend was thinking because he felt it too. “You don’t have to say it. I feel the same way. We should have stayed by her side and made things easier for her. Even when she tried to push us away, we should have fought harder. I curse myself for our role in this.”
Talh nodded. “If we find her and we have to choose between remaining the Alphas or her, I choose Trina.”
“As do I,” Bayoh nodded in agreement.
Roar also agreed. “I think we all feel that way. Well, let’s go.”
“Alphas, where are you going? Surely you’re not about to go out again in this weather. You should be seeking shelter now. A storm is on its way.” Nika sauntered over to them, coming out of nowhere.
Roar groaned inwardly. She was an absolute nightmare, popping up whenever she wasn’t wanted. “Nika, we don’t need to explain ourselves to you.”
She pouted, sidling next to him, her breasts intentionally rubbing his arm. He knew exactly what she was trying to do and it was by no means exciting him. The more he interacted with her, the more disgusted he became. By the look on Bayoh and Talh’s faces, they were experiencing a similar emotion.
“You know, Alphas, you shouldn’t talk to me like this, especially since I’m going to be your next mate.”
Roar’s eyes narrowed at her audacity. Nika had hinted several times about her desire to mate with them, but she’d never come right out and said it before. Had she no shame? He closed his eyes to block her face, hoping that when he opened them she’d be gone.
No. She was still there. Cursed woman. “Nika, I don’t know how many times we have to tell you that we’re not interested in mating with you, never have been and will never be.”
She smiled coyly, running her finger down the middle of his chest. Roar felt the bile rise in his throat. He looked at his friends for assistance.
“Nika, don’t you have other things to attend to?” Bayoh asked.
“What’s more important than me offering comfort to my mates? You should be thanking me for being willing to save you from your folly,” she said with an easy
smile on her face.
What was wrong with this woman? Was she not right in the head? “Nika, did you not hear what I said earlier? We don’t want you!” Roar said none too gently.
She laughed. “Of course you do. You’re just trying to do the honorable thing by standing up for Trina, but you don’t have to anymore. I know the truth.”
“And what’s the truth, Nika?” Talh asked incredulously.
“That your Trina is dead.” She looked at their faces. Seeming satisfied with their reactions, she continued. “Oh, don’t be shocked. Surely you didn’t think that little bitch would last out in the forest for very long, did you? Now that she’s gone, you’re released from the rules. You can take me as your mate as it was always meant to be.”
Roar grabbed Nika by the forearm. “You little liar!” He shook her with all his might, making her teeth rattle.
“Stop it, Alphas! Stop hurting me!” she screamed.
Bayoh grabbed Roar, pulling him off of the now hysterical woman. “The bitch isn’t worth it.”
Nika stepped back, a crazed look in her eyes. “I’m a bitch, am I? So this is the way it’s going to be? Reyo’s Triad should have killed you when they had a chance!”
“What the hell do you mean?” Bayoh thundered.
Nika’s eyes narrowed. “Do you think I owe you anything now? You three will never be Alphas again when I’m through with you. I will see you banished!”
The blonde was indeed insane. Why had no one ever noticed this before? Her quest to get what she wanted had driven her absolutely mad. How could he be angry with someone who was touched? “Nika, please calm down. We can talk about this,” Roar tried to reason with her.
“Talk about it? There’s nothing to talk about. You’ve made your choice, and now you’re going to pay for it. You won’t be Alphas for much longer, and when the new Alphas take your place, I’ll mate with them and we’ll destroy you!” she hissed.
“So that’s what it’s been all about, hasn’t it? You claimed you cared so much for us, but you never did. You just wanted the power,” Bayoh whispered, shaking his head in amazement.
