He tapped his feet a bit, listening intently for any signs of yelling or fighting. He hoped in his darkest of hearts that Liam was letting Jasper have it, but at the same time he knew the man wouldn’t do anything bad to the guy. Jasper was Liam’s prized Alpha-In-Training after all. Plus the guy was probably gonna sugarcoat whatever he did to Darren.
The time seemed to drag on forever as he waited for them to return and grant him permission to leave the room. At one point he was tempted to slip away, but the presence of the two Betas waiting on the other side of the doors encouraged him to stay put.
Finally the doors opened and in stepped the two Alpha’s. Liam was as stoned faced as ever while Jasper looked extremely uncomfortable. The two stood before Darren again and this time Darren got out of his chair to see what they had to say.
It’s been decided that for the duration of your stay, Jasper will be your personal escort. Liam declared.
This was definitely a less than ideal situation, but there was nothing he could do about it. Liam had decided that they were both in trouble. Jasper, for never admitting to his previous behavior back in school, and Darren, for breaking pack rules and running around unattended as a rogue. Ordering the two to put up with each other for a while seemed to be his perfect punishment.
Standing in Jaspers bedroom, Darren held the blanket tighter to himself and watched the broad backed Alpha hunt for some clothes. It was not uncommon for Alphas to take in their protege’s when training them, which was why Jasper didn’t have his own place or live with his parents. Otherwise it was customary for pack families to all live together.
Here. Jasper shoved a set of night cloths towards Darren.
Quickly he faced away and slipped on the oversized garment. When Jasper noticed how he was holding up the hem of the pants, he fished out a belt as well.
Finally decent, Darren turned around and frowned. Okay, now what ?
Bed. Was all the Alpha said as he tossed a spare pillow and blanket onto the floor.
Darren stared at the pile of cloth in annoyance. He’d have preferred the couch at least.
Too tired to properly complain, he flopped down and made himself comfortable. Liam had already called Sophie to let her know where he was and how much trouble he was in, which was both good and bad. On the up side, he didn’t have to worry about her thinking he disappeared. On the down side, she was definitely going to kill him for running off without telling her.
As he contemplated the many colorful ways she would berate him, he honed in on a familiar sensation. It was much like the one he felt the last time he removed the Rogue’s Collar, but not as strong. He couldn’t detect it’s exact location, but he knew what it was.
He was sensing Jasper.
He groaned in annoyance as he was reminded of the unwanted bond. It seemed that the Collar’s powers were having trouble completely blocking their connection while they were so close to each other.
With that knowledge and an annoying new presence bogging down his mind, he rolled over and fell into a fitful sleep.
Morning came far too early since his bedtime had been around four in the morning. Groggily he sat up and stretched, yawning as loud as he could, hoping to stir his new roomie. Then he glanced over to find that his babysitter was already out of bed and getting dressed.
A tingle ran through the collar as he glanced at the man’s well toned abs. It was doing it’s best to block the bond, but their proximity was straining it’s abilities. If those muscles were on anyone else, he’d have given them a compliment. Instead, they belonged to a jackass, so he snorted in disgust.
Something wrong ? Jasper reacted to the noise with a scowl.
Just your face.
The Alpha paused at the insult, then shook his head and decided to ignore it. He finished getting dressed and was on his way out of the room when he turned and raised an eyebrow. You just going to sit on the floor all day ?
I don’t exactly have anything to wear. He gestured at the oversized nightclothes.
Kenny and Beth went to grab your stuff from Ms. Dodson’s a little bit ago. They’ll be back soon so you can change.
Kenny. Now that was a familiar name. Kenny was the kid who had the power to manipulate wind. Last he recalled, the guy could barely summon a light breeze though. As for Beth, she must have been the girl covered in piercings.
Right, well, do you have a shower or something ? He asked, realizing he still smelled faintly of deer piss.
Jasper pointed to a door on the opposite side of the room which opened to a connected bathroom. Darren trudged inside and started to shower off as much of the stink as possible. He really must have been tired last night if the smell didn’t keep him awake.
Once finished, he toweled off and put the oversized pajama’s back on. Voices alerted him to the fact that there were more people in Jasper’s room now. Curious on what they were talking about, he listened in through the door.
I’m sure she will. He recognized Beth’s voice and realized the Betas had arrived with his things.
But how are we supposed to meet if I’m stuck babysitting all day ? Jasper replied, distraught. I should be hunting down my mate, not dealing with an angsty rogue.
Darren imagined the guy jabbing a thumb towards the bathroom door where he was hiding. He very much wanted to argue that he was not angsty. Just testy. Maybe vengeful. Okay, a lot vengeful.
Kenny, the other Beta, chirped up. Don’t sweat it. The bond has a strong pull. She won’t be able to resist approaching you, so just be patient.
How can I be patient when I’m constantly sensing her ? It felt like she was right beside me all night, but at the same time I can’t pinpoint where she is. Jasper’s voice got quiet. What if she runs ?
She won’t run. Beth immediately countered, trying to console her future alpha. Trust me. You’re a great catch ! Anyone would be lucky to have you as a mate.
Darren rolled his eyes and opened the door, unable to listen to anymore of this. All three heads snapped towards his direction and Jasper glowered at him as though all his problems were Darren’s fault.
Darren scrunched his nose at the three of them. Ew, I didn’t know you had roaches.
You saw a roach ? Jasper’s face suddenly switched to surprise and he started scanning the bathroom behind him.
Yeah. Darren folded his arms with a smirk. I see three big-ass ones in front of me.
Realizing this was another jab, Jasper slammed the bathroom door and glared.
Asshole. Beth muttered. Darren tossed a middle finger at her and smiled. She made a move like she was about to attack him, but Kenny grabbed her arm and stopped her. I have half a mind to toss your things out the window. She growled, to which both Kenny and Jasper glanced at each other in consideration.
Do it. Darren challenged. He didn’t actually have anything too valuable on him aside from the Collar, and he was already wearing that. As for his phone, it was most likely still with the clothes he left in his aunts back yard.
Jasper grit his teeth and shook his head at the Beta’s, telling them to back off. Then he got close and poked a finger at Darren’s chest. Just remember you’re under suspicion for some really serious crimes and until you’re cleared, I’m not going to play nice. Not to someone who’s a threat to my pack.
Darren stared up at the man with a bored look on his face. With all that shit talk, your ass must be pretty jealous.
If looks could kill.
It was clear that the Alpha had to hold himself back. His jaw was visibly straining when he shoved Darren against he wall. Hurry up and get dressed. Liam is waiting for us. He grit out.
Figuring that was the end of their little scuffle, Darren grabbed a change of cloths and returned to the bathroom for privacy. When he emerged, he was immediately steered out the door.