33

Liam returned the file to the folder and handed it back to Gerrit. I’m going to step out for a bit, but I’ll be back later.
Where are you going ? Mary chirped up. Will you be home in time for dinner ?
This was one of the rare occasions where the Alpha’s cold, stony expression changed into a warm smile. I will, don’t worry. I just have to follow this lead while the trail is hot.
You have a lead ? Jasper perked. Let me come with, I can-
No. Liam shut his protege’ down immediately. This is something I will be taking care of myself. I will let you know if anything comes of it when I return.
Jasper looked ready to argue, but decided to stand down instead as his mentor left.
There was a heavy silence afterwards, then Mary clapped her hands, startling everyone. Well, it looks like I should get back to my chores. And with a smile, she headed for the hall closet to pull out a vacuum.
Gerrit was sorting through the folder once more when he noticed Darren staring and smiled. Yes ?
Is there anything we’re missing ? Darren decided to ask, finding Liam’s immediate departure suspicious.
Like what ?
Like some other kind of evidence that would have Liam run off without his second in command ?
It’s fine. Jasper interjected. I trust him. He probably has his reasons for not bringing me along.
Riiiight. Darren scratched his chin.
Gerrit eyed the two before answering. Unfortunately, no. I’ve been through the file, front and back, and didn’t find anything useful. He then tucked the folder under his arm. Well, this was fun and all, but it looks like I’m no longer needed here. I’ll be heading back to Town Hall for now. See you guys tonight !
They waved the man off before Darren turned on Jasper. Didn’t you find that suspicious ?
What ?
Liam !
The insinuation didn’t seem to cross the young Alpha’s mind. You think Liam is a suspect ?
Darren tilted his head. Think about it ! How much has he actually helped with this investigation ?
Jasper laughed. Okay, so theoretically, if it were Liam, explain why ? He’s already the Alpha. What would he have to gain from kidnapping kids ?
The rogue hadn’t quite thought that far ahead. Quite frankly, Liam really didn’t have any reason to kidnap anyone. Like Jasper said, the guy was already in charge and probably making plenty of money running the town. The only other reason would be if he were secretly some sort of pedophile, but that seemed unlikely since the guy was bonded.
Eventually the rogue’s shoulders slumped as he admitted that the guy was right. As much as Darren hated Liam, he couldn’t suspect the man based on his skeevyness alone.
Frustrated, Darren decided to head upstairs to charge his phone. As he went to plug it in beside the bed, he noticed a shadow fall over him and turned to find that Jasper had followed and was openly staring at him.
Darren glared back. Take a picture, it’ll last longer.
Jasper snapped out of his momentary daze, blinking rapidly and blushing profusely. Er… I wanted to talk about what happened on the hill earlier.
Memories of that intimate moment flashed through the rogue’s mind and he felt his heat react. Urgently, he stood and tried to concentrate on other things to keep it under control. I’d rather not.
I think we need to.
I don’t.
But this is important !
No, it’s not ! The rogue rebuffed stubbornly. One stray thought was all it would take for him to go into heat again, so he had to avoid the topic at all costs.
Darren ! Jasper called his name sternly and the next thing the rogue knew, he was being grabbed by the shoulder and pushed against the wall. An irritated Jasper loomed over him as he glared down at the smaller man.
I’m serious ! He argued. What happened earlier wasn’t…It wasn’t… The Alpha seemed to lose his train of thought as his eyes soften and his grip relaxed. A smell then filled the room, and Darren immediately recognized the scent of Jasper’s pheromones.
Jasper ? Darren asked cautiously as the man’s eyes locked onto his and he slowly began to inch closer until he was nuzzling the rogue’s neck. The collar was blocking most of the man’s access, but the warmth was still seeping through the thin leather.
Why do you smell so damn good ? The Alpha murmured against the rogue’s skin, and the scent of his pheromones coupled with the knee pressing between his legs immediately reignited the fire in Darren’s body.
Jasper then slid his hands down along the rogue’s arms as he took another deep breath, enjoying Darren’s scent and letting out a possessive groan.
Just as Darren began falling back into his heated daze, Jasper punched the wall, startling the rogue out of his heat as he stared back at the Alpha who was struggling to regain his composure. Jasper was taking deep, steady breaths, pulling away and calming himself down so he could talk.
I think I’m going to have to find my mate after all. Jasper admitted. Ever since I tried accepting that I’ve been rejected, I’ve been getting excited over the littlest things. I think, maybe if I properly settle things with her, then I won’t feel like jumping the nearest person anymore…
His words seemed more aimed towards himself than towards Darren, but the rogue nodded anyways. Unfortunately, he knew that meant he was going to have to put up with the guy’s mental pull on their mate bond again, and he wasn’t looking forward to it.
Since Liam said he wouldn’t be back till later, Jasper decided to take advantage of the situation and made a few executive decisions, one of which was leaving Darren at the Alpha’s house so he could go and visit Kenny. He explained that it’d probably be a good idea to ask Holly directly if she was at the Cafe’, but Since Darren and Kenny weren’t on the best of terms, they agreed that it’d be better for the rogue to sit this one out.
Darren wasn’t quite alone in the house though. Mary was still there, doing her daily chores. The rogue considered offering to help, but was overcome with doubts as he realized he had no idea how the woman perceived him. She had been nice enough so far, but for all he knew, she probably wanted him out of the pack as much as everyone else did.
Since he promised Jasper that he’d stay inside, he knew he couldn’t completely avoid her, so he wound up watching TV in the living room for the afternoon.
Well ? Darren sat up as soon as Jasper returned.
The young Alpha shook his head. She had no idea what I was talking about.
Darren sighed. Maybe there was another ghost that just happened to look like the girl ? No, that couldn’t be it. But what if it was some sort of special spirit that could mimic a living person ? He’d have to do some research to see if that was possible.
Speaking of supernatural research….
Standing, he pulled out a business card and handed it to Jasper. The Alpha glanced down at it curiously. Who’s Richard Grill ?
Think of him like an exorcist. Darren replied. He’s human, but he knows how to get rid of evil spirits. Richard was his go-to for whenever the rogue found himself haunted by unsavory spirits.
The Alpha didn’t seem very sure about trusting a human to help with pack issues, but he also didn’t argue and put the card in his wallet.
Darren let out a breath, relieved that his recommendation hadn’t been cast aside like usual.
After that, the rest of the day was fantastically boring. At dinner, it was decided that Jasper and Darren would go to the grocery store in search of any ghosts that may have seen what happened to Shane. As for Liam, he admitted that he didn’t have any results from his lead yet. Darren wondered just what kind of lead he had, but the conversation topic shifted and he missed his chance to ask.