Chapter 7 Nevaeh ran away

BRAYANS POV

There was a loud banging on my room door. I opened my eyes and looked around. The girl on my bed was sleeping soundly. I frowned. I thought I asked her to leave. Now I'll have to change the sheets and the bed.

"Brayan i know you're in there" mama shouted from the other side of the door.

I pulled on my pants tossed on the floor and grabbed a shirt while I went to open the door.

"Mama"

"Brayan what the fuck is wrong with you. I've been knocking on your door. Is that? Is that a woman in there?"

"Please don't start"

"When are you going to stop doing all this. Your mate will be coming in four days. You have to stop sleeping around"

I rolled my eyes. I didn't want a mate much less an arranged one.

"A mate that I don't want" I pushed past her and walked down the hallway but she followed me.

"You've not even met her"

"I don't need to meet her to know I don't want her. How do you expect me to tie myself down to a woman that I don't even know"

"She'll be here for a month until the final mating ritual. You can use that as a chance to get to know her"

"You don't get it mama. I don't want her. A month, three years, it won't make a fucking difference" I shouted angrily and she sighed.

"Rejecting the bride is going against the treaty. Your father and his fathers all took mates like this"

"I don't want to be them"

"But you promised your father" I sighed. She had finally resorted to emotional blackmail. Typical of her.

My father knew I would never willingly accept the arranged mating so he slyly made me promise to at least try and get to know the girl.

"I'll try" she smiled brightly and kissed my cheeks.

"I love you when you're not being so difficult. She'll be here in four days. You need to get your room ready for her"

"Wait a minute. She'll be staying in my room? That wasn't part of the agreement"

"Ohhh. I guess your father didn't explain better. She'll be staying in your room to give you a chance to get closer"

"That can happen if she stays in another room"

"You know it won't. I'll send the servants to prepare some space for her in your bedroom. I'll leave you now" she skipped happily away.

I groaned pushing my hand through my hair. I looked over some documents and went to my room. The girl was gone and I entered the bathroom to take a bath.

After dressing, I stepped out of the house.

"Brayan" I heard my mama's voice and I groaned inwardly.

"Where are you going?"

"Out"

"Come on. Tell me where"

"Mama what do you want?"

"Nothing. Take Gannon with you"

"No way"

"Why not?"

"Why the fuck should I? You know how he is. I'm not taking him anywhere"

"That makes me sad" I heard his annoying voice from behind me. Could the day get any worse? I was having a fucking headache already.

Mama will only keep complaining if I don't take him and I was tired of hearing her shout honestly. For a small woman, she had a lot of energy in her but she never bothered to use it on her other children. Just me.

"Get in" I said in a cold voice and climbed into the car. She waved as I drove away.

"Where are we going?"

"Stupid of you to get into the car with me without knowing where I'm going to"

He looked taken aback for a moment but he chuckled.

"Are you trying to scare me? You know it'll never work. Tell me where we are going or I'll keep annoying you until you do"

I knew he would follow through with that threat.

"The human town"

"Fuck finally. I can see her"

He pulled out his phone and made a call while I focused on the road.

"I'll see you today..... where are you going?"

"Pastry shop"

"Yes. The mall. I'll see you soon" he said to who was in the phone and he hung up smiling stupidly.

I knew it was a woman. Gannon loved them too much and the women he slept with disgusted me. He always told them upfront that it would lead to nothing but they were always desperate. I hated those kind of women.

I parked my car at the front of the pastry shop. I loved the pastries made at the shop and I always stopped to get treats from here but I had never met the owner.

The shop was empty when I entered. "Hello" I called out hoping that anyone who was here would hear me.

Humans and their terrible hearing. If it was a wolf, they would have heard the moment I entered. I listened carefully and heard a sniffle. Was someone crying? I followed the sound and pushed the door open. A small woman was bent over with her face buried in her hands as she sobbed.

"Hey"I said softly and she jumped. Her beautiful wide eyes staring at me in confusion.

"Who are you... how did you get here?" She asked while wiping her tears off. I lifted my hands to show her I was harmless.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. What can I do for you?"

"Are you sure? You're crying. You can tell me" I don't know why I said that. It should not be my business why she was crying but for some reason, I was eager to know.

Her shoulders slumped and she sat down on the chair. I moved over cautiously and sat beside her. She smelled of cinnamons and sugar. I could get lost in her smell.

"My parents want to send me away"

"Why?"

"They want me to get mated to someone I don't know"

Mated? Was she a wolf?

"You must have heard of the treaty with the beast" she asked and I froze.

"My family was selected and as the oldest daughter, I have to go" she cried harder.

She was the one who was supposed to be sent to me as a mate? It didn't sound like such a bad idea now. She was so beautiful and her aura was calming. Maybe if we got to know each other, I could come to love her.

'But you don't want a mate' my beast reminded me. I'm reconsidering that option.

"What's your name" she looked at me strangely for a while.

"Nevaeh" she said in a soft voice.

"Nevaeh" it was a beautiful name.

She suddenly jumped up. "Do you want you want to het treats?" She was suddenly out of the door and I followed behind her.

"Which one do you want?"

"The strawberry muffins" I said my gaze still on her. She packed them and handed them over to me.

I brought out some money to lay but she stopped me.

"It's on the house"

"Thank you" I smiled at her and she smiled back. Someone e where'd the shop and her attention shifted from me.

Fuck. She was so beautiful. I was going to go home and wait until her arrival. She was worth a try.

I grabbed my phone and called Gannon. No response. He was probably fucking some chick. I sat in the car and tasted the muffin. I groaned as the delicious treat hit my taste buds.

After finishing the treats, I called Gannon again and thankfully, he picked this time.

"Where the fuck are you?"

"Yeah. Just finished. I'll be with you" he said and I hung up.

Five minutes later, he was running towards the car. The moment he entered, I almost choked.

The smell of lavender and rose hung heavy on him.

It was probably the woman he was fucking.

Did he bathe in her perfume? The was not a bad smell but right now, it was excessive and I was having a hard time breathing.

I opened the windows to air out the strong smell as we drove away.

*********************************

Kamiko and I went to the mall. "What are you going to get?"

"I don't know. Anything"

"Don't be boring. Let's buy something sexy"

"We are not going to a club and Nevaeh will never wear something revealing" that was the definition of sexy. Wearing skimpy clothes that barely covered anything.

"We'll find you something... decent but sexy. Come on"

"Whatever" I grumbled and she pulled me to the clothes section.

"Try this" she thrust the clothes into my hand. I went to the dressing room and put the clothes on. It was a red backless gown stopping below my ass.

It did look good but I would never wear something like that in public. I stepped out of the room so Kamiko could see it and I could take it off.

"Damn girl. You look fire" she complimented in a loud voice.

"It's too short" she rolled her eyes.

"Turn around and let me see you" I turned round while she made cheering noises.

"I love it. It suits you perfectly"

"Didn't you hear what I said? It's too short. If I bend over all my goods will be on display"

"Then try not to bend over"

"I can't wear this"

"Fine. We'll look for something longer" I entered the dressing room again and took off the clothes. She threw in another one in the same cloud. It was longer and had sleeveless hands. The back was open too. I couldn't complain about this one.

"I'll take it" I shouted.

"You had no other choice" she shouted and I chuckled.

I took of the dress and changed into my old ones.

"Let's go lingerie shopping"

"What for?"

"I need new ones"

"Let me pick out a dress for Nevaeh" I picked out something simple that I knew Paisley would like.

Kamiko convinced me to get lingeries and I had more bags than I planned for. I picked out at least five lingeries and I even tried one out. I loved the way it felt on me and how sexy I felt in it but there was really no reason to wear it.

Edel had once mentioned he didn't like it and since I was getting married to him, I had no reason to buy something he wouldn't like.

"Can I get some perfumes? Mine is almost finished"

"Fine but my legs are killing me. I'll be sitting there taking some coffee"

"Okay. Get some for me"

We parted ways and I went to get my perfumes. I decided to get more because I probably won't have time to get for a couple of months.

After paying and I was going out of the store, I bumped into someone, our feet tangling and we tumbled on the floor with me over him.

The bottle of perfume I was holding fell from my handing crashing on the floor beside his jacket.

"Fuck" he cursed. His voice was deep and husky.

I stood up quickly and apologized.

"I'm sorry" I said quickly.

"I'm sorry too. I didn't see you"

"It's fine"

I noticed my broken perfume and sighed.

"I'm sorry for bumping into you and breaking it"

"It's not your fault really. You have it all over you now" he pulled his jacket off and sniffed it.

"I smell like you now" he chuckled and I smiled a bit.

"You're beautiful"

"Thank you"

"You're from this town?" I nodded.

"And you? I've never seen you around"

"I'm from...." His phone rang interrupting him.

"Yeah. Just finished. I'll be with you"

"I have to go" I smiled walking away. I could still feel his gaze on me and I turned. He stood at the same spot and he was still watching me. I smiled shyly and continued to where Kamiko was.

I grabbed my coffee and we left. We decided to dress up at Kamiko's place. It was closer to the new diner.

Bellamy and Waverly arrived first and Nevaeh followed. She also came with her friend, Lucretia.

We all got ready and went to the diner. The opening was marvelous and the lights were shining from afar. The bold sign Ioni's diner was sitting boldly at the top of the building. A beautiful woman was at the entrance to greet us.

"Welcome beautiful ladies. I'm Ioni." she smiled at us.

"Thank you. You have a lovely place"Bellamy complimented and we smiled at her.

"Please go in"

We found a table for six and a waiter came over to us. He was cute boy with a buzz cut and smiled shyly as Kamiko kept teasing him.

"What will you ladies like to order?"

"Make a choice for us. I trust it'll be tasty" Kamiko licked her lips and the poor boy blushed even harder.

"Can we all agree never to go to the pink place" Kamiko said when our food was delivered to us.

"I agree. The food came so fast. And it tastes fucking good"

"Well I have to go there. It's my sister in laws place"

"There's no rule that says you have to go there"

"It's a silent rule and I'll go because she'll become family once Paisley marries Edel" I smiled at Nevaeh.

We ate our food and ordered dessert. This was honestly the best place and I would have to convince Edel to come here sometime.

"I have to use the bathroom" Nevaeh said and left us at the table. She was gone for a while and I spotted a man hovering at the entrance. I was standing up to go there when the bathroom door opened and Nevaeh came through. I relaxed.

We spent the rest of the night having fun and after dinner, we all went our separate ways.

"Silas came by the shop today" I froze. Did he tell her what we talked about?

"He talked to me about the beasts. Tried to convince me into accepting my fate"

"Nevaeh..."

"He also told me you came and the request you made. Thank you for trying"

"But I failed you"

"You tried. I guess I'll just have to accept it"

"No. There's still time to do something"

"What can we do?" She asked but I had no answer. What could we possibly do. I went to my room and took a shower. After dressing up for bed, I went to Nevaeh's room. The door was open and she was already laying in bed.

I climbed in beside her.

We were silent for long before she spoke.

"I'm scared Paisley" she said in a small voice.

I hate this feeling of helplessness. I wanted to be of help. I wanted to save my sister. An idea suddenly entered my head.

"Maybe we could run away" I said and she turned to look about me.

"Whay about the wedding? Edel?"

"He'll understand"

"You're willing to leave everything and run away with me?"

"You underestimate how much I love you and what I'll do for you"

"What of our family? What happens to them when we run away"

"Nothing will happen"

She chuckled. "But we can't runaway Paisley" she hugged me tightly and I placed my hands on hers. We fell asleep together. I hoped things will look better tomorrow.

Or we could just sleep and when we wake up, it'll all be a dream. A bad dream.

When I opened my eyes again, it was morning and the bed was empty. I checked the time. Fuck. If I didn't get moving now, I was going to be late.

"Nevaeh" I called out but she didn't respond. I hurried to my room to get ready for work.

I had just ten minutes to spare as I finished dressing up.

"Mama. Where is Nevaeh?"

She shrugged. "I haven't seen her. She must have left early today"

"Okay. I have to go" I ran out of the house.

I got to the office with just two minutes to spare. Patricia was at her desk smiling widely at me.

"Did you have a lovely off day"

I nodded. "I wish we could have an off week"

She chuckled. "Let's take what we get"

I dropped my stuff on my desk and plopped down on the chair. I wasn't really in a bright mood today and a headache seemed to be forming. I pulled out my old work and started waking silently.

I heard footsteps coming and I didn't need to turn to know who it was. There was only one person I shared it with. Erwina.

"I had such a lovely day staying away from the office" she said.

"I had almost forgotten how good it is for me staying away toxic people"

I scoffed. The only toxic person around here was her but I'll allow her to keep being delusional.

She seemed to get the message that I wasn't going to exchange words with her and she got busy with her work. Finally. I won't have to hear her whine.

My phone rang and my mothers name flashed on the screen.

I looked at the boss's door. It was locked. I picked the call.

"Hello mama"

"Hello love. I tried to calm Nevaeh but she's not answering the phone. Your father wants some pastries. Could you please tell her to save some for him"

"I'm at work mama and I'm not supposed to be in the phone right now. Keep calling her or text her"

"Paisley..." I heard the sound of his office door open and I quickly hung up and went back to work.

There was no incident for the rest of the morning. I saw Declan during lunch. He was with his friends and he waved at me but I ignored him.

I heard the snickers from their table and I rolled my eyes.

My phone rang again. It was mama. I had a few minutes till the end of lunch so I answered her call.

"Paisley. I've not seen Nevaeh"

"What do you mean mama"

"I went to the shop but she wasn't there. I've tried calling her phone but it's not connecting"

"Maybe she went to get some things to make treats"

"It lunch already and she's not back"

"Call Waverly or Lucretia"

Nevaeh will definitely be with one of them. But it was unlike her to go anywhere without yelling anyone. And she wasn't at the shop.

"We have a meeting in five" someone said from the door and I packed up and went back to my table.

The meeting lasted for a long while and I was so exhausted after it. I slumped in my chair.

"When are they taking you to the beast" Erwina asked suddenly.

"I'm not going anywhere"

"Oh. So it's that sister of yours"

My fists clenched but I ignored her.

"How I wished it would be you. But at least we only have to deal with one of you"

I flee from my seat grabbing her by her neck. Her nails clawed at my finger but I held her tightly.

"I've listened to you bitch since morning and I've remained silent. But you will not speak about my sister with that filthy mouth of yours" i snarled at her while she stared at me fearfully.

"I'm... I'm sorry" she wheezed out and I tightened my fingers again before letting go.

I don't know why I was so upset. I just wanted her to shut up and thankfully she did. I looked up and saw the boss at his office door staring at us. So he had seen us and he didn't say a word.

I returned to my seat and saw my phone ringing. It was mama. I sighed and turned it off. She was panicking for no reason. I wasn't going to pick the call with my boss standing outside there.

Erwina didn't say a word for the rest of the day and at the end of work, she packed her things and left the building. I closed a few minutes after her and turned my phone on.

I decided to stop at Nevaeh's shop and see her before going home. The shop was locked but I saw a few people standing outside.

"You didn't open today girl" one man said coming closer to where i stood.

"Wrong twin"

"Well where the hell is your sister?"

I couldn't answer that. I didn't know where she was. She didn't open today? Was she okay? Did she feel sick?

I hurried home. Mama, Papa and Coulter were all at the living room with somber looks on their faces.

"Mama. What's wrong?"

"Paisley" she jumped up as soon as she heard me. Her eyes were red and swollen.

"What's wrong mama. Why are you crying? Where is Nevaeh?" I asked while looking from her to papa for an answer.

My question only made her sob harder and I became scared. Was she hurt? Or.... Did they come to take her?

"They said we had until the end of the week" I shouted angrily.

How could they come and take her before time. I didn't even get the chance to see her. How could they do this to me.

I couldn't stop the tears from falling from my eyes.

"And you just let them take her. You allowed them to take your daughter" I screamed angrily at my parents.

"Paisley" my mother held my arm but I pulled away roughly and stomped to Nevaeh's room. I opened her wardrobe. Some of her clothes were gone from the wardrobe.

I fell to my knees and sobbed harder. Mama came close to me and wrapped her arms around me.

"They didn't take her Paisley"

My tears stopped. They didn't?

"Where is she? And why is her wardrobe empty"

She stayed silent.

"Mama talk to me" I said impatiently.

"She's gone Paisley"

"Gone?"

"Nevaeh ran away"