Swinging even harder, the pillow in Darren’s hand tore open upon impact, sending the contents flying across the room. The two paused in their fight before Jasper glared back at the rogue and pounced. The next thing Darren knew, he was pinned with his hands against the bed and an Alpha sitting on top of him.
Why did you have to do that ?! Jasper growled, his manic expression returning. I don’t need this on top of everything else !
You think I care ?! Darren spat back. Imagine how many times I felt he same way and STILL had to deal with your harassment !
I KNOW AND I’M SORRY ! OKAY ?! Jasper shouted. I Don’t… Suddenly he began to calm down as he abruptly dropped his head down onto Darren’s chest. I don’t know what to do, okay ? So just…
Darren waited for the man to finish his sentence, but he remained silent.
As he laid there, the Alpha’s scent began affecting his body, causing a pool of heat to form between his legs. With the man sitting on top of him, Darren knew he’d eventually notice and he had to do something before that happened.
Get the fuck off of me ! He grit.
Jasper raised his head and looked down at the man. He didn’t move and just studied his face for a moment. Are you… ?
To Darren’s horror, his own pheromones had begun seeping out into the room, alerting Jasper to the fact that he was in heat.
Absolute embarrassment caused Darren to blush head to toe. I SAID GET OFF !
Another scent filled the air, and the rogue realized that Jasper had begun releasing pheromones as well. Then the rogue felt a certain hardness begin to press against his stomach and he froze, unsure of how to react.
The two locked eyes and stared at each other, shocked, but eventually Jasper snapped out of it first and flew off the bed. Stumbling, he tripped over his pillows and made his way out of the room.
Darren watched him leave, then rushed to the bathroom.
Jasper did not return for the rest of the night, allowing Darren to have the room all to himself. That didn’t comfort him too much though since he constantly expected the Alpha to return, thus causing him to toss and turn whenever he did try to sleep. By the time morning arrived, his hair was a tangled mess. Just as he wondered where he last left his comb, he sat up to find Liam in the room, watching him.
A small yelp escaped Darren as soon as he noticed the ominous figure. Uh…Good Morning ?
I couldn’t help but notice… The Alpha began, ignoring the rogue’s greeting, That ever since you arrived, things have gotten rather…Chaotic.
I can’t help that. Darren shrugged nervously. How long had he been standing there ?
I’m mainly concerned with the fact that my protege’ has started to question me. Yesterday he argued with me right in my own office, and this morning I found him sleeping on the couch despite my orders to keep you under surveillance
Darren frowned. Sounds like he’s becoming a true Alpha then if he won’t even listen to you anymore.
The man frowned and a burst of Alpha Presence filled the room, boring down on the little rogue. Darren’s Collar began vibrating violently. Suddenly, it felt like the protective device was choking him, and Darren’s hand flew to his neck to loosen it.
I think it’s about time you learn some proper respect. I’ll be getting rid of that collar for starters… Liam reached towards Darren, and the rogue backed away in panic. Just as the Alpha was within reach, another hand grabbed his.
Jasper stood between the two instantly as he scowled towards Liam. Keep your hands off of him.
You dare interfere ? Liam countered, his arm still outstretched.
Jasper looked him square in the eye and yanked the other Alpha’s hand away from Darren. Yes.
Liam did not look too happy about his protege’s interference, but he backed down none the less. We will discuss this later. Was all he said as he turned and left the room.
There was a heavy silence after Liam left, and Jasper took a moment to look Darren over. He eyed the rogue’s rebellious hair and disheveled night clothes. As his eyes wandered lower, a blush graced his cheeks and he faced away. You okay ? He mumbled.
Darren was utterly confused at the mans reaction, but grateful that he hadn’t allowed Liam to remove the collar. While it was true that it was blocking the mate bond, it was also helping him deal with all the Alpha crap he had to endure each day. Without it, he’d probably be fainting around those two on a regular basis.
Yeah. Darren replied as he got off the bed, somewhat shakily, and dug through is bags for a change of clothes.
Okay, I’ll see you downstairs. Jasper replied awkwardly and went to leave the room. Let me know if he keeps bothering you.
Darren quirked an eyebrow. Sure.
As he changed, he thought over their interaction. It felt odd having his old bully defending him. Before, the only people he ever expected something like that from were his parents, but of course they dashed his childhood illusion when they proved too submissive to ever do anything that might upset their almighty leader. When they failed to care for him, Darren had developed the expectation that no one would.
Maybe the guy was only doing it to make himself feel better ?
Making his way downstairs, he found Jasper speaking with Gerrit. The Alpha’s son then handed over a folder and patted his shoulder.
You’re doing the right thing. Gerrit was saying.
Jasper eyed the folder in his hands. Yeah, I think so too.
And what would that be ? Darren asked, his interest peaked.
The two turned towards the rogue as he entered the dining room. Liam was not present and it looked like Mary was just setting out some food.
Jasper hesitated before explaining. I changed my schedule for today. Instead of following up on my usual route, I’m… He glanced towards Gerrit who gave him an encouraging smile. I’m going to look for all the people I picked on and talk to them.
Oh… Darren didn’t know what to think of that. The amount of effort he was putting in after realizing how much of an ass he was really surprised him. Jasper honestly didn’t seem like the type to do something like that. Wait… The rogue suddenly thought of something. You’re not just doing this so you can find your mate, are you ?
It didn’t seem like Gerrit had considered that, and his eyes flew to to Jasper for answers. The Alpha sighed dramatically. No, I’m not. I mean, yeah I’m curious about who she is, and I’d like to apologize for whatever I did if I’m ever given the chance, but no. I’m not doing this just for her. If I’m going to be a better Alpha than Liam, then I need to own up to my mistakes, starting with fixing things with the people I hurt.
Damn man. Gerrit whistled. That’s the first time I ever heard you consider being BETTER than Liam. He then turned to Darren with a grin. It seems like you’ve been quite a positive influence on our future Alpha.
Darren was caught off guard by the compliment and he turned away to hide his embarrassment. It’s just common sense.
Gerrit slapped Jasper on the shoulder. Maybe, maybe not. All I know is that this guy has always been too stubborn to think of anything other than impressing my dad. Then you come to town and suddenly he’s thinking for himself.
Thanks a lot. Jasper rolled his eyes. I just want to do the right thing.
Well, it shouldn’t be that hard. Darren jabbed in an attempt to keep his cool. If you’re legit about feeling bad, you’re off to a good start. Just one thing though…What about the investigation ?