25

Are you really going to let this omega disrespect you in front of everyone ?
Darren’s eye twitched at the slur. ‘Omega’ used to be a common term for the lowest ranked members of the pack, but in the modern age, it had become a taboo word. Calling a pack member an Omega was essentially the same as calling them worthless, which went against basic pack mentality since everyone was supposed to value their fellow pack members.
Slowly the cheers turned into doubt as the crowd began questioning Jasper’s lack of action. The young Alpha looked over the faces of his gang as his breathing picked up. His momentary hesitation shifted into embarrassment, then rage and he turned with one final glare at Darren before letting his fist fly.
The world went white as pain blossomed across Darren’s face, and he fell backwards, clutching his nose. The crowd cheered louder in response to Jasper’s attack.
Jasper turned towards his friends as they patted him on the back and congratulated him for finally doing something about the weird kid. He glanced down with a frown as his brow knitted into what looked like concern. For a moment, he looked like he was going to check on the smaller teen, but instead he shook his head and stormed away without a word.
Yo ! Where are you going ? Jacob called, Wait up ! He went to follow the rest of the group, but stopped to kick Darren in the stomach before hurrying away.
Present Day-
In the center of Parkwood was a hill with an old oak tree. There was a single bench and trash bin under it, providing whoever sat there the perfect amount of shade. Many people came here to think, which was exactly what Jasper was doing.
Darren chose to sit in the grass, unwilling to share a seat with his old enemy. Luckily Jasper’s anger had subsided a few hours ago, leaving a solemn looking man with a blank expression as he stared off into space.
The rogue wasn’t sure if he should be comforting the guy or not. As a matter of fact, what he really wanted to do was add salt to his wounds and rub in the fact that he should have realized these things years ago. Unfortunately he wasn’t entirely sure if the Alpha was completely stable yet, so maybe later.
I can’t even blame him. Jasper’s voice cut through the rogue’s thoughts. I knew that what I was doing was bad, but I did it anyways. I convinced myself that an Alpha couldn’t always play nice, so it was okay to be cruel if it meant maintaining my status. I had to be strict and unwavering in my decisions. But…That’s not right, is it ? He turned to Darren.
Darren squinted back at him. Who the fuck would want to follow a cruel Alpha ?
Jasper sighed. I shouldn’t have let my new status affect my sense of judgement. I wanted to impress Liam, but…I’m starting to think he’s not worth impressing anymore. Another moment of silence passed before the Alpha continued. I’m sorry Darren. I mean it. For…Everything.
Like I said. Darren stood and brushed his pants off. A simple sorry isn’t enough.
Then what should I do ?
Oh I don’t know, let me kick your ass maybe ? The rogue joked sarcastically. Breaking shit usually helps with anger issues, and I’d love to get a shot at breaking your nose. It might even improve your face.
Darren put his hands on his hips as he waited for the Alpha’s response. The rogue was then caught off guard when the man abruptly stood with a look of determination on his face. Fine.
What ? Darren stepped back.
Punch me.
For real ?!
Yes.
Like, for real, real ? You’re not just saying that so you’ll have a solid reason to ban me from the pack ?
I mean it. I won’t report anything. Do whatever you want. He held his arms open. I won’t fight ba-
Before the Alpha had a chance to finish his sentence, Darren swung at his face, successfully landing a blow right on the nose. A second of shock later, blood began pouring and Jasper had to quickly cup his nose to stop it from staining his shirt.
Darren started rubbing his now sore knuckles. Movies made it seem like punching someone was so easy, but it actually kind of hurt like hell.
Unsure how Jasper was going to react to his attack, he waited for some kind of retaliation. Shit, you did not hold back. The Alpha grunted as he started heading towards the parking lot.
Darren followed uncertainly and once they arrived at the car, Jasper began digging through the glove box until he found some napkins to help wipe the access blood off. Once his face was clean, he faced the rogue again. Are we even now ?
Of course not. Darren snorted, missing the fact that Jasper’s nose seemed to already be healing. I’m not gonna kick your ass in one go. I like to spread my torture methods out over time.
Does that mean you plan to hit me again at some point ?
Darren shrugged.
The Alpha sucked in a breath as he considered it. Fine.
Why do you keep saying fine ?
Because it’s fine. If I were you, I’d want to kick my ass too. Jasper motioned for the rogue to get in as he started the car. If it helps, then hit me all you want.
Darren stood shocked at the man’s offer. He was sure this egotistical bastard would have demanded that one punch was enough to make up for all the shit he had put Darren through. This was a completely different answer from what he expected.
As the rogue got in the car, Jaspers phone went off. The Alpha quickly glanced at the contact and answered. After a moment, his face went serious. I’m on my way.
With that, he hung up and pulled out of the parking lot.
I’m guessing Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum found something ? Darren asked.
Yeah, we’re meeting them in the woods.
The woods ? Shouldn’t you notify Liam about that ?
Jasper took a deep breath as he thought it over, then let it out. …I’ll tell him later.
What happened ?! Beth immediately noticed the bloody tissue sticking out of Jasper’s pocket, reeking of the Alpha’s injury.
Darren looked away with a smirk, unable to control his expression as the Alpha waved her off.
It’s fine. Jasper lied. We’re here for something more important. What did you find ?
Kenny was glaring daggers in Darren’s direction, already suspecting the rogue. Not caring for the guys approval, Darren flicked him off in return.
Miraculously, the Beta did not charge and just continued to glare as they explained what they found.
This is where Alfred entered the woods. Beth pointed towards a dirt trail leading into the foliage. They had to walk quite a ways from the road in order to make it here. It was very secluded from the rest of Red Point, so it was clear why no one ever stumbled upon this location. We followed the trail further in and found his camp.
Is it far ?
Not really. She admitted. Honestly, his camp is nowhere near where his body was found.
Well duh. Darren scolded. He was murdered. Obviously the killer would hide his body away from the scene of the crime.
Is that what he said, Mr. Ghost Whisperer ? She put her hands on her hips.
Darren’s eyes shot towards Jasper, who sighed dramatically. I had to tell them about your ability. We’re all working together on this. And for the record, no, he didn’t. Darren said that his ghost couldn’t talk.
Then what is he even here for ? Kenny argued. If the ghost can’t tell us who killed him then what’s the point in talking to it ?
Him. Darren cut in. Being a ghost doesn’t make you any less of a person than when you were alive.
Fantastic. Why don’t you give your Miss America pageant speech somewhere else, because it’s not wanted here.
Darren grit his teeth and seriously considered trying his luck with the much larger Beta, but Jasper stepped between them. That is enough ! He shouted. I’ve had enough of a stressful day without you guys fighting ! So either you suck it up and learn to get along or I’m getting new Betas to work with me on this. Got it ?!