Chapter 9

Disclaimer: I don't own The Tribe. Kinda wish I did but that's another story.

Jay woke before dawn. He slipped carefully from bed, being sure not to wake Ebony. He almost forgot to step over Siva, sleeping on their floor on his way to grab his shirt and boots before leaving the room. He had hoped for a peaceful breakfast down in the café before the rest of the mall woke. Instead, he found Lex sitting at the table with a fresh pot of coffee.

"I could kill you." He dropped his heavy boot on the floor and grabbed a mug before settling himself at the table.

"What'd I do?" Lex asked looking up."

"Siva? She's sleeping on our floor."

Lex raised his hands in defense. "She dumped me, it's not my problem. You should learn to say no to your woman."

"You're a bastard."

"I've heard. You shoulda checked about the baggage that came with Ebony before you got in too deep."

Jay glared at him but was silent for several long moments. "You know," he finally said, "I hardly recognize Siva anymore. The girl I knew would have kicked you ass and moved on."

"Maybe that was an act."

"I guess so." He sighed and poured himself a cup of coffee. "I suppose it's too late to wonder now.'"

"I guess it is." Lex stood and walked quickly from the room.

Rose stared at the ceiling. She hadn't slept much. The ache in her shoulder and ribs conspired with her dreams to keep her from resting. She felt better than she had the day before but that wasn't saying much. It hit her suddenly. Her tribe was gone, probably dead. She was alone in a building with her long-lost, supposedly dead, almost fiancé and a bunch of people she didn't know, including his current girlfriend. She didn't realize she was crying until the tears splashed onto her hand. There was a noise in the hall and a girl with purple and black hair swept in.

"Good morning." She called brightly, coming into the room. Her smile faded when she saw Rose. She rushed to the side of the side. "Are you alright? What's wrong?"

Rose quickly wiped the tears from her face. "I'm fine, really. It… It's just been a rough couple days and…"

"I couldn't even imagine what you've been through." She perked up a bit. "Come on. I'll take you down stairs and you can get a nice hot shower then we'll get some breakfast. That'll make you feel better."

Against her better judgment Rose let herself be led away. The girl, who introduced herself as Trudy along the way, was right. As her second cup of coffee began to take effect Rose began to feel decidedly human.

"You're sure you don't want anything to eat?" Trudy sat opposite her at the long table, Brady in her lap.

"You've been sick, you really should eat." Amber seated herself at the table with her breakfast.

"I'm fine, really. Coffee makes everything better." She took another sip from her mug.

"You're awake."

Rose sputtered as Lex came in the room and joined them. She fixed him with a deadly glared and he simply smiled.

"I know," he raised his hands in defense. "Don't bug you before your third cup." He leaned forward and picked a piece of melon off Amber's plate.

"You're in a good mood." She stabbed at his retreating hand.

"Yes, Amber, I am. It's the happiness only a free man can know."

"So you and Siva are officially done?" Trudy set her squirming little girl on the floor.

"Yes, Trudy, we are." He leaned back in his chair looking thoroughly smug.

"Siva was the girl with the braids, right?" Rose put her cup on the surface and pushed it away.

"The taller one, yeah." He answered. "The little troll is her sister Ebony."

Amber gave a disgusted sigh, which Lex only glared at.

"Well, fun as this is," Rose stood, "my shoulder is starting to throb again, so I'm gonna go lie down."

"I'll walk you there." Lex sprung from his seat and left at her side.

Amber and Trudy watched them go and exchanged a knowing look.

"You almost have to feel sorry for Siva." Amber turned back to her breakfast.

"Why do you say that?" Trudy began to clear away the dishes.

"She never had a chance against that."

Comments, Criticisms, etc?

A/N: I know another short chapter but I already have the next one stared so I should have it up in a few days. And Fastfuriouschick yes this is going to be a Lex romance just give me a couple more chapters for build up.