175 Fairy Favors (2/2)
Arei let out a heavy sigh. ”Alright... But I don't know what to tell you...” He walked over to the sofa and sat down beside her. ”It's not safe for her to be wondering around on her own here... even with Raven with her.”
Shelly barked sending him a skeptical glare as she shifted to settle in and get comfortable.
He rubbed his hand over the back of his neck, focusing his eyes on a magazine on the table. ”Alright... That's not exactly all that has me worried...” He rested his elbows on his thick thighs and gripped the back of his head in his large hands letting his loose hair hang between his knees. ”This whole situation is going to be a disaster. The council is going to hate seeing me here with her. The last time we were supposed to be in the same area, they forced her to leave while I was there. They aren't going to be very happy about this whole vampire mess or... the other things she's going to be questioned about... and...” His words trailed off. He let out another heavy sigh. Tilting his head to face the wolf, he whispered, ”She hates me...” He leaned back against the sofa staring up at the ceiling. ”She won't even look at me, how is staying in this tiny, cramped apartment supposed to work? I shouldn't have pushed her for her feelings.” He raked his hands through his hair in irritation. ”And I sure as hell shouldn't have kissed her either time... Gahhh... What was I thinking...” He covered his face with his hands. ”It would be so simple to give her what she wants, but if I do that, I'll be the one on trial. To give out council secrets would have a steep punishment- which I would gladly face in a heartbeat if I thought it would do any good... but it wouldn't...” Irritation and frustration weighed heavy in his husky tone.
Shelly stared at him wide-eyed. This had not been the confession she'd expected. Her emotions conflicted so much where this massive man was involved. On one hand: He had been nothing but nice to her, along with his brother. They had gone out of their way to aid and comfort her this entire time. They had both worked tirelessly on putting as much information together for Jos as they could and with the training, they'd given Russ. But on the other hand: Though Jos had spoken very little about her past relationships, it was obvious this man was a very big part of that past. And it was more than obvious to her that neither of their feelings for one another have remained in the past. When he'd fell quiet, Shelly placed a comforting paw on his arm. She wasn't sure how, but the giant of a man seemed to understand her better than she understood herself sometimes.
Arei lifted his hands and turned his turbulent eyes to her. He patted her paw. ”Thanks, I appreciate it... I do... but doesn't it bother you that I'm trying to take your brother's girlfriend?” He studied her as the wolf thought over his words.
Shelly bobbed her head in uncertainty then shrugged.
Arei laughed half-heartedly. ”I see, so you're just as confused about all this as me?”
Shelly nodded and laid her head down on her paw still resting on his thigh.
He chuckled and patted her head. ”Well, I'm glad you like and trust me... I'm not sure Jos ever will after last week.” He was still petting her head when his phone rang. ”Arei here.” He said loudly into the phone as he answered it.
[The review will start in an hour. Please bring the wolf girl with you. We may have questions for her as well. If you have any documents that needs submitted still bring those with you as well.] The voice on the other line said in a bored almost mechanical tone.
Arei frowned, ”I believe I have submitted all my findings. As for the wolf, she will not be questioned as she is remaining in wolf form. It is the least the council can allow considering she was a victim of this.” He sent Shelly a reassuring nod.
The woman on the other end paused for several seconds before answering. [I do apologize for any trauma the girl as incurred, but if it's justice she seeks, she'll have to testify at some point.]
Arei's frown deepened as the wolf's ears flattened in fear. He stroked her fluffy ear reassuringly. ”I'm sure the council can find some way around it. She is pregnant and does not need any added stress.”
The sound of typing sounded over the line before the woman answered. [I will make note of the girl's condition. It wouldn't, by chance, be of noble lineage would it?] The woman seemed more interested now.
Arei squeezed his eyes shut, knowing this conversation was going in a direction that would cause Shelly undo pain. ”No... The child will be born Gin.”
[I see... I'll add it to the notes, but chances are they will still insist on her testimony even if it is given privately.] The woman's voice had already faded back to one of indifference and boredom.
Arei gritted his teeth in irritation. ”Will that be all?”
More typing sounded. [There is one other thing...] The typing and clicking stopped and the sound of rustling papers sounded across the phone. [Your brother has applied for a new position through the council, which was approved. We are still waiting on your decision since your last assignment has been terminated early.]
Arei let out an irritated huff. ”My current duty is to see Rachelle Boosilis and Joslyn Decker are safe at all times while here at the Embassy.” He glanced over at Shelly. ”As of what I will be doing after that, I would like to wait until after this job is finished before I am forced to decide.”
The fluttering of papers where followed by the slamming of a book. [Very well, I will set your file aside for now.] She huffed out in obvious aggravation. [It's not like I have anything better to do than constantly keep up with you and your brothers' files.] The sound of an office chair pushing aggressively away from a desk sounded. [One hour, son of Poseidon.]
The call ended suddenly leaving Shelly staring at the phone in dismay.
He shook his head as he tossed the phone onto the coffee table. ”You'll soon discover, most of the people here are bitter and angry. Many are working off contracts with the gods and not all of them were mutual.” He sent her a playful smile, ”You'll also learn that many of the women who work here hold a bit of a grudge over being turned down...”