Page 20 of Custodian

“As much as I would appreciate making this sack of shit a eunuch, I think we should send him back to his liege.”

“But …” Ivy frowned.

“It’s Stefan’s balls I’m really after,” Cali pointed out, reasonably. “Send him back.”

Grumbles met her declaration but they were all willing to do whatever Cali wanted in this situation. Ivy reluctantly stepped back and Sid scrambled to his feet, backing away and wisely keeping a wary eye on all of them. Dex noticed the other three men made no move to follow and Ryker nodded at them, giving them permission to stay.

“Oh, and Sid!” Cali called out before the cowardly man disappeared from view. “Be sure to tell Stefan that Dex knocked me up on the first go. That’s how virile and manly my guy is!”

The laughter that filled the yard was cleansing, washing away the tension and the hurt of the encounter. Dex found himself smiling at his three remaining ex-paladins and was glad when it was returned three-fold. Suddenly, Ryker sighed loudly;

“That’s as sorted as it’s going to get. Now, we have other things to worry about,” he growled.

Dex turned and raised his eyebrows at Cali. She was frowning and rubbing the swirling lines on her forearm. “Beyden.”

NINE

“Trent? Is it really you?” Beyden asked, a little stupidly. But even though their little meeting was planned, he was still having some trouble believing he was seeing his old friend again after all this time.

Trent laughed, the sound familiar to Beyden. “Yeah, man. It’s me. Long-time no-see.”

Trent’s grin was crooked and as cheeky as Beyden remembered – even if it had been eight years since he’d last seen it. But it was also a little hesitant, as if he was wary of Beyden’s response. It may have made him petty but Beyden was glad to see it. He had been worried that Trent still didn’t understand or care about the ramifications of his past, hurtful actions. If he was wary of their reunion, then he must have acknowledged all the damage that was done.

“It’s been years,” Bey pointed out, almost instantly regretting the snarky reminder. Seeing Trent squirm and shift uncomfortably really didn’t give Bey any satisfaction and he felt himself caving as he dragged his once best friend into his arms.

Trent stiffened for all of a second before leaning into the embrace and returning the affectionate thumps on the back. “Damn, it’s good to see you, Bey. You’re looking good,” Trent punched him on the arm as he pulled back.

Beyden laughed, “Thanks. You too.” And it was true, Trent had always been a good-looking guy and was a charmer to boot. Back when Beyden had first met Axel, he had thought the two were quite similar. That was, until Beyden remembered why he no longer saw his ex-best pal. After that, he knew he was doing Axel a disservice. For all of Axel’s flirting and teasing banter, he was steadfast and loyal to his core. Trent? Past circumstances had proven that wasn’t the case. Beyden could only hope Trent had done some growing up in the past eight years. Beyden sure had.

A few more minutes of stilted conversation followed as Trent introduced him to his companions. One of the men served in Trent’s Order and the other two were close friends. Beyden tried hard not to feel annoyed over the added and unexpected company. He had assumed he and Trent would have some time alone to hash things out. Giving Trent the benefit of the doubt, Bey figured Trent was uncertain of his reception and had wanted some support.

“It really is good to see you,” Beyden smiled, relaxing a little now that the initial small talk was over. “What brings you to these parts?” he asked, leaning back against a wooden beam.

“Our Orders got the call to fall in from the IDC,” Trent gestured to his three other companions, who were yet to speak other than acknowledging their names. But they did nod their heads in his direction now. Assuming they were men of few words, Bey merely nodded back.

“Fall in?” He then asked, more curious than concerned.

Trent ran a hand through his close-cropped, military cut hair, “Yeah, you know. The call went out to Orders everywhere. There’s some kind of shit storm coming and wardens are being recalled.”

“And yours is one of them,” Beyden concluded, as a small flutter of nerves began to tighten in stomach.

Trent nodded, “Yep. We were told to fall in, so here we are.” Trent flashed him a grin, “You know how it is; our liege says jump and we ask how high?”

Beyden grunted, non-committedly. His liege was nothing like that. But he had the sinking sensation that Trent wouldn’t believe that. In fact, if his suspicions were correct, he knew Trent wouldn’t believe anything he had to say about Max. His silence worked wonders and had Trent clearing his throat;

“Anyway, I heard you were maybe involved in some way. Not that I believe what they’re saying,” he hastily added. “But when I heard this was your local council and where you were stationed, I knew I had to come and talk to you.”

Beyden stayed where he was, leaning casually against the wooden hurdle, “Oh yeah? Talk about what, exactly?”

Trent shifted from foot to foot, looking sheepish and uncomfortable. “Well, if it’s true.”

Beyden narrowed his eyes, “If what is true?”

Trent blew out a breath, running a hand over his scalp, “Come on, man. They’re saying this Max chick is crazy. That she popped up out of nowhere and is hella strong. She’s trying to incite some kind of rebellion or war or something. They say you’re in her Order.”

Beyden hummed, “Well, they certainly seem to have a lot to say.”

Trent rolled his eyes, looking exasperated, “Come on, Bey. You can’t be that dense. I know you were always into using your words instead of your fists, and all that hippy bullshit in the past. But I’m sure you’ve heard the rumours. I’m trying to look out for you here.”

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