Guardian - 26. More alike than you think

Hard grey eyes met solid hazel. Gabriel struggled to sit back up but Scott grabbed him and rolled on top. He’d felt it. He’d felt the intrusion and was quick to respond. How did he do that? Scott was growling but Gabriel was staring at him like he had just realized something. Scott was judged by his outer looks, just like Gabriel’s parents had judged him simply for liking guys. Orion had judged Gabriel just as fast when the two met.

“Wait, stop please I can explain,” Gabriel choked out as the man scowled at him.

“Then start explaining. How did you do that?”

“I’ve been practicing reading thoughts and trying to communicate through thoughts. Jarklas, we have this place called the abyss and all the past Jarklas that had guardians live there with them. One has been teaching me it and I’ve…you don’t talk to me so I had to find out somehow! That’s why I did it!” Scott stared at him, staring into his hazel eyes. He swore, at one point, he saw a flicker of lavender. Scott didn’t speak, and when the boy tried, he stopped him by covering his lips with his fingers. Gabriel stilled and said nothing. He looked at him, wondering what else was going through his mind.

“Don’t ever do it again without my permission.” Without his permission? Gabriel felt a spark of hope. It was there. Did that mean he could do it later? Learn more about him when Scott didn’t feel like talking? He rolled over, letting Gabriel move if he wanted to. He wondered if that’s what caused Scott’s distrust of people.

“So can I?” he asked, turning on his side and looking at Scott.

“Not right now. I’m tired,” he mumbled. Gabriel rolled on his stomach and looked at him.

“You don’t mind if I do though?” He had to push it. Scott glanced over at him and sighed heavily.

“I don’t like talking,” he ended up muttering as Gabriel continued to look at him in a curious manner. It made sense. Scott seemed like he was the type that had trouble speaking his own fears, doubts and feelings. He decided not to stay on the topic as he bit his lip gently.

“Scott…do you hate Orion?” The question was bothering him. “Do you hate him because your father picked him over you?” He watched the man’s features, his eyes opening again and staring blankly at the ceiling above them.

“I hate him for going along with it. My father was a bigoted fool that thought everything was about appearance. So I vowed to be better than any of them.” His words were mumbled, and Gabriel had to strain to hear them.

“Well your dad was an idiot. But you aren’t all that great.” Bad choice of words. Scott turned to glare at him again. Gabriel threw his hands up in the air and continued to explain hysterically. “Your pack is terrified of you! You kill your own members and I don’t see any puppies either.” Scott frowned. The boy had a point. Damn him for having a point.

“I can’t change that without them thinking I’m weak.” Gabriel wanted to smack him. So he did. He even dared it as Scott jumped up and his brows creased hard. Had the boy really just smacked him? Did he want to get thrown back into the bloody room? He was about to open his mouth but Gabriel’s voice beat him to it.

“Just because you are nice to your pack doesn’t mean they’ll think you’re weak. Leadership doesn’t have to be fearful just powerful. If you’re Orion’s older brother even you should know that much,” the teen tried to explain. Scott snorted out a laugh at that statement. Inwardly, he did agree, but having ruled over the pack for several years, there was no easy way of letting that happen.

“And what? You think that will magically happen overnight?” the man questioned, looking at the boy with raised brows. Gabriel sat up and moved to take a spot directly on Scott’s lap, which honestly took the man by surprise.

“How long have I been in your possession now? Almost a month?”

“Just about, yes,” Scott answered, still very curious on what the boy was implying by sitting on him, though he had to admit, he did enjoy it.

“Granted you’ve threaten me, you’ve hurt me and hell you’ve scared me into a dark room. But even in my mind, I have people. While you? You’ve got no one. That’s why you continue to take me out. Like you demand the company. I’m willing to help you. Help you gain it all back. Your pack, and even your brother. I’ve worked with Orion already, let me handle him.” Gabriel was hoping for anything, but not a certain bump that he felt beneath him. Ignoring it, he watched the man lean back on his elbows, still watching him with hard eyes. They seemed to question his and Gabriel knew that possibly at any moment, Scott could or would throw him off. He tried to show his confidence, keeping a straight face and waiting for an answer.

“Why should I let you? What do I get? You’ll go crawling back to my brother after this and once again he gets everything. I’d rather just keep it like this.” he said, looking at the teen levelly. It wasn’t the answer Gabriel was waiting for, but he was willing to compromise.

“What if I say I won’t? Would you believe me?” Scott studied him for a moment. Even at his age he had the tendency to never hold out on his word. He snorted gruffly.

“No.” Gabriel frowned at the wolf’s answer. How would he prove that he wouldn’t go back?

“What can I do to make you believe me?” Gabriel relaxed in Scott’s lap, his hands resting on the man’s abdomen. His eyes left Scott’s and he stared at the man’s chest.

“Tell Orion to his face that you will be mine.” He should have guessed that. Gabriel couldn’t help but fold his arms and bounce some, making the man grunt. Scott shot a glare at him, a little quirk on his lips when he bucked up some to meet the bounce, only getting a flustered look from the teen as he met his glare.

“And how do I do that? You got his number or something to call him up?” It was his first time really being that sarcastic about things. He wasn’t expecting an answer, but he got one anyway.

“Don’t be smart. Of course I do,” he said nonchalantly as if it was common knowledge.

“You weren’t supposed to answer that,” he grumbled. Scott huffed. He was about to say something until Keith came running in.

“Alpha! We have the pup!” That was horrible timing. Scott quickly looked to his Gamma and glared at the man. Gabriel turned back to see the man and then looked back to Scott.

“Pup? Scott what pup?” He heard a whine and the small voice sounded too familiar. Gabriel got off Scott who reached for him, grabbing him and tripping him to where he fell on the ground. “Let me go damnit!” Gabriel had a sick feeling in his stomach as he looked and saw the small toddler being held by another member, the terror in the boy’s eyes made Gabriel’s whole body lurched. “You bastards kidnapped Neil?” he screamed. Scott snarled and looked to his Gamma.

“Release the pup you idiot.” The wolf let the toddler go. Neil ran to Gabriel who looped his arms tightly around the child and picked him up and stared at Scott. Scott saw the look, and felt as if he lost a lot with it. The boy glared at him in hatred.

“You took him from the pack? How could you, he’s just a baby!”

“He’s hardly a baby! Besides I needed him to find something out. You think Orion would give me that?”

“Oh come on! You wanted to kill him!”

“Not if he was mine!” Everything stopped. Scott looked back at his Gammas and snarled. “Get out.” The wolves were quick to scamper out, the females who were cleaning the room also left, closing the door. Gabriel stared at the man, looking at him as he held Neil. The toddler had his arms wrapped around Gabriel’s neck and stared at the alpha wolf.

“Yours?” his voice was a whisper.

“Yes mine. I was the last one to have sex with the bitch. That child could be mine.” Scott sounded angry as he spoke. Gabriel kept his ground.

“She could have been several months pregnant.”

“Even so. Werewolves are different from humans. It’s possible he could be both mine and that bastard’s son. It’s not unheard of.” Gabriel was learning more and more and quite frankly his head felt too heavy with knowledge. Tell me you knew something of this, Gabriel thought to Seren who had been oddly quiet.

He isn’t lying. Merrick and I had several run ins when a female would bare up to three pups, two could have a different father than the other. It can be quite possible for a single pup as well. It could gain traits of all parents. The more dominating father would show in the werewolf features while the less dominate would show more on the human features. Normally when a bitch is pregnant, her mate or other wolves would not take her until the pups are born, especially if they want them to be pure.

“So…you want to see his wolf form?” Gabriel asked. Scott already knew the child’s form. He shook his head.

“What I want is a test. I planned on taking him to get a DNA test done.” Scott was more relaxed than he had been. Gabriel looked at him and raised a brow. It was oddly creepy. This man, whom he witnessed throw a man’s head in a room, cause terror in others, so easily threaten him, was calmly standing there speaking as if nothing was going wrong. The man had to be mental.

“Why not just look at him or sniff him or something?” the teen inquired. Scott sighed and brought his hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose. Why was it humans never understood diddly squat?

“Because Warvick was also dark in color. He looks too much like her anyway. I have to be sure.” Gabriel looked at him. Slowly he was learning more and more about him. What he wanted and what he wished for.

“You want an heir.” It wasn’t a question. It was a statement. Gabriel had to know. He promised he’d care for Neil.

“I want what I have a right to. If he’s mine, then he stays here with me.” Scott’s eyes clashed against Gabriel’s again and the two looked at each other as moments of silence passed by them. The old wolf swore he saw more lavender now in the teen’s eye.

“Then it looks like I will be staying permanently too.” Scott stared at him, raising a brow as if he was repeating himself

“Didn’t you already plan to stay?”

“I promised Amaya I’d watch out for Neil. If he is your son, then you get me. I won’t leave him.” Scott walked closer and Gabriel stayed put in a defiant manner. The man got closer, his hand reaching out to touch Neil. The child looked at him but did nothing, his bright lavender eyes staring into the hard grey. Scott ran a hand through the boy’s locks. The tension could be cut with a butcher knife.

After the touch, Gabriel felt the toddler calming in his arms. He slowly let the child down after he began to fight him. Once Neil’s feet touched the ground, he proceeded to walk around and explore. Gabriel turned to Scott instantly, shoving the man a step back after he hit him. Scott blinked and again was taken aback by the sudden change. He so wanted to smack the shit out of the boy but held himself; for now.

“That was low. I just want to say that.”

“You want me to admit it is?” Scott asked with a slight tilt of his head.

“That could be a step,” the teen muttered, his arms folding across his chest. Scott scoffed until something dropped in the bathroom. Both all but rushed in. It was rather funny really, the shocked expression of Scott almost as if his father instincts now overrode his need for blood. Once there, they saw Neil standing there holding a towel and the toiletries scattered all over the floor from the counter. The child’s lip was beginning to quiver. Scott looked over at Gabriel and narrowed his eyes.

“I didn’t do that,” the teen objected. Scott grumbled and walked in as he began to pick the things up. He took the towel from the child who hadn’t begun to cry just yet. Gabriel was surprised to say the least. “He’s not crying,” he stated. Scott finished putting the things up and folding the towel on the counter.

“I haven’t yelled, or acknowledged what he did was wrong. He won’t cry until then,” Scott explained. Gabe looked at him in shock. Before when Neil did things, or any of the pups, they would begin to cry and wail. Perhaps it was because they were confronted right off the bat. Watching Scott so calmly do this was like a complete 360. It was overly weird. The man was like a parent now and quite honestly it made Gabriel re-think about how he was going to do things. Scott was just one big fucking mystery!

“How do you know that?” Gabriel couldn’t help but ask after a moment of silence. He watched as Scott took the child’s hand and gave it a smack. The toddler began to whine, his eyes watering again.

“Its how wolf pups are. Unless you show it immediately, they won’t react until you do.” Neil began to cry right after Scott’s sentence. “Just like that. I did the punishment. Leave him be.” Gabriel’s mouth dropped. Scott moved and left the bathroom. Gabriel followed him and stared unbelievably at him. A smack on the hand?! That...Scott...what?! He addressed it.

“How did you do that? Seriously? Like you. Just…what the hell?” he exclaimed. Scott rolled his eyes at him. He wasn’t going to bother explaining anything.

“Just watch the kid. I need to make an appointment.” He opened his dresser to pull out a shirt and put it on, leaving the bedroom once again. Gabriel huffed in a defeated manner and folded his arms. Neil came out of the bathroom still crying. Gabriel, feeling like the mother suddenly, bent down to comfort him. The boy was rubbing his eyes and Gabriel took that as a notion that the child was tired. He smiled and picked him up, lifting him onto the bed and he began to tuck him in. This time Neil finally yawned and he stared at him with his lavender eyes. Gabriel crawled over the child and curled next to him.

“Take a nap Neil,” the teen murmured.

Well…that was, interesting. He heard Seren’s voice in his head as he began to drift some.

“Tell me about it…It’s been what, an hour? Already things have gone insane. Sometimes I wonder if my life is like a movie or something. Oh and before you say anything else, why is it you suck at timing!” he couldn’t help but exclaim some, huffing when Neil wiggled a little then calmed down again to sleep.

That would make it predictable though wouldn’t it? And sorry, I do have things here I take care of. Besides, you need time alone with him if you are to make any lee-way.

“If you put it that way maybe, you still don’t help,” the teen groaned before shutting his eyes and opening them again. “Tell me Seren, what would you do?”

Hmm, what would I do? I’d make the best of it. The man’s opened up to you. He wants to see if that pup is his. I’ll be sure to let Amaya know.

“Not the best idea. She hates Scott because he killed Warvick. Telling her that Neil just might be related to him would make her go even more insane.” Seren was silent for a bit, considering what Gabriel said.

Guess you do have a point. I’ll assure her he’s safe then?

“Yeah that would work better.” He couldn’t suppress a yawn, stretching beside Neil who had succumbed to sleep.

You sound exhausted. You did get a lot done. Rest.

“Easy for you to say…I’m unsure what to do Seren. Unsure how to go about this. I want to help Scott but, if I don’t know what’s happening,” Gabriel gave a deep sigh. “God this is too much for one teen,” he muttered. He heard Seren chuckling at him, but the past Jarkla said nothing more. Gabriel stared up into the ceiling, his eyes fluttering more and more until they closed and he slept.

 

 

 

“Can I go with you?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“You’re still a missing kid; I’d rather not have the attention.”

“Can Jake come up then?”

“No.”

“Tank?”

“No”

“Heather?”

“Maybe.” Gabriel cried out in desperation as Scott gave him an answer other than no. He felt like he was back with Orion at some point. The two were more alike than they probably wanted to admit. Gabriel was the one to test both brothers, and he did some hell of a job. It had to have been the Jarkla in him. The teen swore though, after the times he spent with Scott, the older wolf was starting to warm up. Just barely. He still was just as ruthless around his members, and even with Gabriel before them, he would proceed to hurt him. It was a growing process that Gabriel was ready to face.

“That’s hardly an answer Scott and you know it.” He finally responded to the man who was calmly dressed with a buttoned up shirt, jeans and shoes. Gabriel was only wearing a pair of shorts while Neil was downstairs with the women.

“Is it? Fine then. No.” Not the answer he wanted. Gabriel gave a very loud groan and stalked around the room..

“Oh come on! You can’t just leave me in here alone. Can’t I at least mingle downstairs? I won’t go outside.” He was hoping it’d work, but the way Scott’s expression looked, he doubted it would.

“I can and I will. I hope you welcome me nicely when I get back.” He smirked at him and grabbed his hair; a hard kiss on the lips was his farewell as he left the teen in his room and then locked the door.

“You’re a dickhead Scott!” he exclaimed without any issue, knowing he wouldn’t get a response back as he fell on the bed. “Not fair,” he mumbled in the sheets. He sighed and turned his head. He crawled up more and reached for the remote. Rolling over he turned on the TV. He was tired of the news so he switched it to some kids’ channel. He hadn’t really watched TV much when he was living with his folks, so he barely knew what was playing. He laid there bored out of his mind, looking at the screen like a glazed eyed idiot.

Meanwhile, Scott had made his way down the stairs and stopped to see something he hadn’t in a long while. Smiling faces. Real smiling faces. Neil was running from one of the females with a smile on his face. They were playing tag. Scott stood at the foot of the stairs, staring at this scene. Looking at the smiling faces of his pack at this tender little soul that could possibly be his. Was Gabriel right? Could it become possible to be the alpha he always wanted to become while still not looking weak?

‘Leadership doesn’t have to be fearful.’ The words rang in his head. His cunning and wit got him this far, but so did his ruthlessness, his unpredictable motives. He was brought from his thoughts when small hands grabbed his jeans. The laughter stopped, and Scott peered down at the toddler who looked up at him. The smile made Scott want to forget who he was. Hell, it almost made him want to regret what he’d done in his previous years. His brows creased, but not in his normal angry expression. He almost looked as if he wanted to cry. What really drove him was beyond even him. He was just a mess, barely hanging on to reality, and he hated himself for it.

“Is the seat in the car?” His voice didn’t break. He honestly thought it would have. Keith gave a nod. Scott said nothing more as he began to walk to the garage. He felt as the child tried to grab his hand, but Scott refused it. He instead stuffed his hand in his pocket and grabbed the keys from his Gamma as he passed. He could feel the eyes on him as he walked and the child followed him. He went to the car and opened the door, picking up the child and putting him in the car seat. He strapped him in and went to the driver’s side. Something stopped him. He took a breath and closed his eyes. What would happen if this was his son? How many times could he make a mistake in his life? Opening the door he left the question unanswered and got in. Neil proceeded to do his own gabble talk. Scott put on the radio and lost himself to it.

Periodically he would look in his rear view mirror and stare at the toddler who continued to babbler about nothing and point out the window. Every time lavender eyes looked at him, Scott would look away and back at the road. When they finally arrived, Scott didn’t waste any time getting the toddler out. It was the only time he took the child’s hand and walked into the building. He went a few halls down to the lab and pulled out his wallet.

“I have an appointment. Scott Rosario.” The woman smiled at him.

“Oh hello Mr. Rosario. Yes we have you down for a DNA test for your son correct?”

“Yes.” He pulled out his ID and gave it to her. He waited patiently, receiving his ID back and placing it back in his wallet. Neil had stood next to him the whole time, obedient as he peered at the others in the lab. The woman stood and smiled at him.

“Please have a seat; we’ll call you back shortly.” Scott forced a smile as the woman left behind the doors. He ushered the toddler to a chair and moved to sit. Neil giggled and moved around, the alpha watching the child as he mingled with others. Another woman sat by him and he almost felt as if he wanted to start ripping off heads.

“Your son is so adorable. Such unique eyes.”

“He gets them from his mother.” he said without looking at her.

“Where is—“

“Mr. Rosario, we’re ready.” Scott smirked, happy that the nurse interrupted the woman. He gave a whistle, the pup instantly bounding to his side as they walked in the back. The woman along with two others waiting raised a brow. Had he just whistled to the boy?

Scott sat in the chair and brought the child up to his lap. He had suggested the child go first to the nurse and they agreed. Neil whimpered when he saw the needle and turned toward Scott, gripping the man.

“No,” he whined. “No. No.” Scott took the boy’s hands and hushed him gentle.

“Enough Pup. Just a prick. Be still.” Neil stared at Scott but stilled enough for the woman to take what she needed. He placed the boy down and readied himself, rolling up his sleeve. The woman looked down.

“Do you need someone to watch him?”

“He’s fine. He won’t go anywhere,” Scott murmured. The nurse tapped his arm and was about to use the wipe. “Don’t bother. I can take it,” he said, looking at the woman. She smiled and placed the needle in, drawing his blood.

“So, you must really want these results to be accurate. We normally just do gum or saliva,” she said softly, her eyes looking at Neil who stood beside them, his eyes on Scott. “Such pretty eyes.” Scott ignored her comment and waited until she was done. She got the idea he wasn’t going to chat and stayed quiet. After she was finished she moved to tape the gauze only to see no blood continued to seep. Scott got up before she said anything.

“When can I expect results?” She turned with a smile.

“A few weeks. Have a good day.” Scott gave her a nod and placed his hand on Neil’s head, ushering him out again as they walked to the car. Neil was bouncing again, skipping to the car and waiting for Scott to open the door. He wondered if she acted like this. How she was as a child. He was so cruel; he barely got to know her. Another frown as he put the child in and got back in the car. The drive back was quiet. Even Neil hadn’t spoken his childish blabber. The garage door opened and he parked the vehicle, getting out and opening the door, seeing that Neil himself unbuckled his own straps. He got out and ran to the door, opening the door and walking inside the house.

Scott followed him in, watching the pup instantly liven up the faces of his pack. He moved in the back shadows, not wanting to take the attention from Neil. He made his way upstairs and opened the door, only to see no one there. At first he felt panic but then something caught his attention. Singing. He raised a brow and moved to the bathroom. He saw Gabriel resting in the tub, his back to the door and one hand up and just swinging around.

“I’ve got a lovely bunch of coconuts, dee-da-lee-dee-dee, there they are standing in a row!”

“You’ve’ got to be kidding me,” Scott muttered as the teen continued.

“Big ones small ones, some as big as your head. Give ‘em a twist, a flick of the wrist, that’s what the showman said!”

“Enjoying yourself?” Scott spoke up dryly. Gabriel looked back, his head resting on the tub’s side.

“You took your time,” he said, his voice a bit strained since his throat was tight.

“It was an appointment. Plus the hospital is about twenty minutes away. Did you miss me?” he asked in a teasing tone. Gabriel smiled. Had Scott just tried to tease with him? Gabriel turned in the tub and shrugged.

“Maybe,” he said in a slow and almost taunting way. Scott chuckled.

“Get up. It’s lunch time.” Gabriel groaned but unplugged the tub and got up, grabbing the towel and wrapping it around his waist.

“Going to bring it up this time?” Gabriel asked.

“No, we are going downstairs.” Was there water in his ears? Gabriel swore that there had to be. Scott was going to let him out of the room? He was almost jumping.

“Really?” he exclaimed. His excited tone gave away how happy he really was. Scott turned away from the bathroom and called out.

“Yes really. Hurry up before I change my mind,” he added. Gabriel all but scrambled out of the tub and rushed out to dress. Since he had really just taken a bath to relax, he dried off as quickly as he could to shove his shorts back on. He barely reacted when Scott threw a shirt at him. Gabriel was still smiling as he pulled the shirt on. Scott rested against the door and waited for the teen. Gabriel walked up and patted down some of the wrinkles.

“Are you really Scott? Did you like hit your head or something?” he mused. Scott just looked away and gave a scoffing huff.

“Very funny pup. We’re going down to show you’re perfectly fine.”

“Since your pack thinks I’m like dead,” Gabriel commented. Scott’s eyes narrowed at him and Gabriel knew he was probably going to lose even the ability of going down to the lower level. So he booked it down the stairs. Scott didn’t chase him, but moved to follow the restless teen down the stairs. The teen stopped when he saw a recently patched hole in the wall. He gazed back at Scott who was still walking down. Deciding to not even ask the question, he continued on down.

“Bubby!” He heard the exclaimed come from the living room and a very hyper active Neil running toward him. Gabriel was glad to see the child unharmed as he bent down and lifted the boy into his arms, nuzzling his cheek and causing the toddler to giggle wildly. The pack was in shock, staring at the Jarkla as Scott finally made it down the stairs and stood behind him. He made no motion to stop the affection. Gabriel placed Neil down and gave him a playful pat on the rump as the toddler squealed and ran back to the other adults. Some of the females stared in awe and, among them; Heather was just smiling so wide, Gabriel thought for sure that her face would hurt.

“Hey guys.” Gabriel said with a small wave. What happened next made the Alpha actually fall back.

 

At once most of the members had morphed and practically tackled Gabriel into the man. Shocked by the sudden nuzzles, whimpers and licks, Gabriel couldn’t help but laugh. Scott grunted and was surprised by how the members were acting. Gabriel could feel the rising anger but he shuffled to turn and grabbed Scott’s hair to get his attention, which was hard enough being weighted down by people.

“Just stay calm,” Gabriel whispered. Scott hardly thought he could. He was resting against the stairs with the many members of his pack surrounding him and trying to get at Gabriel. Some even dared to lick at his jaw and chin which he didn’t mind but his nose still flared at it. He gave soft growls but otherwise let it happen. It wasn’t until Tank came in from the back that he gave a loud bark, making the group scatter. Some morphed while others stayed in their feral forms. Gabriel was still laughing as Scott pushed him up and the two were standing again. Scott moved away and into the kitchen, Tank just staring at his alpha with a surprised expression. Gabriel gave a few more pats and smiles to the pack before following Scott, giving Tank a wave.

“Hey Tank.” Tank opened his mouth to speak but found he couldn’t. His large hand came up to wave back at the teen but he was still surprised. He moved to follow, giving the other pack members a testing glare.

Once in the kitchen, the man saw Scott making a glass of scotch while Gabriel peeked around to see what he was pouring.

“Really? Alcohol?” the teen questioned.

“Helps me relax,” Scott explained through gritted teeth. He was slightly annoyed by the Jarkla already but since the teen was already out of the room, he wasn’t going to make a scene. Gabriel gave a snort and leaned against the counter. The man turned to look at him and take a sip. “Ever had it?”

“Not old enough,” Gabriel retorted. Instantly Scott’s hand with the glass went out.

“Try it.” Other members of the pack had come into the large kitchen and dining area to watch them converse with each other. Most were shocked that Scott acted so normal around him. Others were tossing worried glances at the pair. Gabriel eyed the glass but took it from the wolf and sipped it. The tightness he felt as well as the burning taste made him begin to cough and put the glass down. Scott emitted a chuckle and soft gasps were heard again. Scott only chuckled at certain times, and this wasn’t normally a time. Scott took his drink back and took another swig.

“Didn’t like it?” he asked. Gabriel stopped coughing and playfully smacked the man’s arm.

“You could have warned me that it burns.”

“Oh. It burns,” he murmured before taking another drink.

“A bit late for that now,” Gabriel noted as he turned and went to the fridge, practically making himself at home. Scott saw the looks Tank was giving him and didn’t mind addressing it.

“What is it Tank?” he asked tiredly as he sat down at the counter and watched Gabriel take out things to make a sandwich. Tank sat next to him and began to whisper to him.

“You…You let him out?” The beta was surprised more-so because when he had suggested it, Scott had given him a sore jaw moments later. Scott knew where this was going and waved it off, speaking normally.

“It’s a moving process.”

“He seems happy.” Again Tank aimed on keeping his voice low.

“That he does,” Scott mused. He watched Gabriel make several sandwiches and raised a brow as he started handing them off. Granted Scott had enough food to feed his entire pack, but he was curious to know just how many sandwiches would he make?

“You didn’t…” Tank couldn’t get the words out. Scott almost growled, glaring at the larger man, looking away from the teen.

“No I didn’t,’’ he hissed. His attention snapped back to the front when he heard the clank of a plate before him. He blinked and stared at two sandwiches resting on the plate. Tank was given the same. Scott looked up at Gabe who was in mid chew of his own sandwich. He was smirking and then he swallowed.

“What? You said it was lunch. Eat.” He motioned to the food and Scott felt strange. Tank didn’t hesitate, leaving the talk to happen later. He decided to eat, noticing how Gabriel didn’t wander out of his view. Was he doing it purposely to keep him from jumping up? The kid was smarter than he had anticipated. He ate the sandwiches, just keeping his ears listening as Jake had come in and almost took the wind out of Gabriel as he engulfed him in a hug. He was inventively listening to the two speak, noticing how Gabriel’s voice was normal and Jake’s was almost hushed.

“Are you alright? Wow you look…great actually.” The other teen mused. Gabriel laughed.

“Well I’ve had a lot of free time. You look like you’ve gained a few scars.”

“Battles and all yeah. Are you sure you’re alright? I worry about you.” Scott wanted to get up, to pummel his nephew into the ground. He was about to stand until he heard the next comment.

“Don’t worry about me. I can handle myself. I’m fine. I’m breathing aren’t I?” Gabriel said, a smile still on his lips. Jake didn’t like it, thinking that he was hiding something.

“Gabriel, you know my father will find us.” Scott wanted to jump up once more but he waited instead, to see what the boy would respond with.

“Let me worry about your dad alright? No one’s getting anyone. I don’t want any more bloodshed alright? Just mind your head.”

“But Gabe—“

“Listen to me Jake. What do you really know about Scott huh? Just the stories Orion says and what the others say?” Gabriel almost sounded upset and hurt as he spoke to him.

“I listen to everyone,” he tried saying, the wolf teen almost pleading to be heard.

“I know this is hard to even hear, hell it might be hard to do even. But trust me when I say that everything he does has a reason behind it. I see him and almost see myself.” Jake stared at him in disbelief

“Gabe, you are nothing like him.” His voice was hushed, but Scott had turned and was staring at them. The man was struggling with his own disbelief.

“Jake, we’re more alike than I want to admit. Leave your dad to me. I’ll handle it. As for you, just lay low and don’t do anything stupid.” He didn’t want to continue the conversation. It hurt. He noticed Scott’s attention was on him but he couldn’t read his face. He bit his lip and walked over, grabbing a chair and pulling it beside him and sitting himself next to the man. Tank had finished his lunch and began to gather the plates to put them in the sink, the women beginning to clean up. Scott hadn’t said anything as he stared at the boy who even reached over and took his other sandwich. Gabriel looked up at him.

“What?” It was extremely tempting. Scott stared at the boy’s lips, then his eyes. Gabriel almost looked worried but stilled when Scott leaned in and kissed him. The kisses before were always hard, dominating and pressured; this was soft, tender and almost thankful. When it ended, Gabriel’s eyes were still staring at him. Scott turned back and drank the rest of his scotch.

“What was that for?” he mumbled, turning his attention to the sandwich. Scott rested the glass on the counter, his fingers rubbing its side.

“Later.” Scott answered, getting up and moving to refill his glass. Gabriel took another bite and watched him. He probably overheard him and Jake talking.

“So, can I be down here now?” Gabriel asked between bites. He saw the scowl and thought that would be a no. He wasn’t expecting what Scott actually said.

“Finish chewing then talk.” It was like he went into a father like mode. Gabriel did just that and swallowed.

“Can I stay down here now during the day?” he asked again. Scott had turned away and poured another glass, sliding it to Tank as the beta took it gladly.

“Yes.” Gabriel was hyped. He jumped down and ran around the counter, once again surprising the pack when he hugged the man from behind. Scott grunted and looked back, staring at the black mop of hair. Was he going to hug him every time?

“You’re not kidding right? Cause then this hug would be worthless.” Scott gave a snort and turned, the teen releasing the hug and leaning on the counter next to him.

“I’m not. But do not go outside. Until this missing report on you is cold I don’t want you outside. You can spend your time with the pack. You’re on curfew until 2000.” Gabriel gapped at him as the man took a sip of his scotch again. He could see the teen’s expression and answered his unasked question. “At that time you are to be in the room and not leave until 0600 the following morning.” Scott’s tone was completely serious and that’s what made Gabriel groan.

“You’re serious about that? A curfew?”

“You are still testing my boundaries. You want things to happen? I need to know I can trust you. It starts now. No phone, no internet. Understand?” Gabriel groaned.

“Did the hug do anything?” he questioned, eyeing the man to look for any reaction as he took a larger sip of his scotch.

“It helped a little to the fact you can spend time with my nephew. Not alone however. And no, Neil doesn’t count as not being alone.” Damn, the teen thought. Scott could already see he was trying it. Oh well. Gabriel gave a shrug.

“Okay then. I’ll take it. Same rules apply as before?” Scott rested his elbow on the counter, holding the glass.

“Yes.”

“And still agreed on not calling you Master?” What could he say? He just wanted to make sure. Scott sighed but the smile that dared to curl on his lips was a good sign to the teen.

“Yes.”

“Wow that’s three yes’s! I must be on a roll!” the teen exclaimed.

“No,” Scott said dryly. The teen staggered back and acted as if he was shot.

“Damn you. That hurt my pride,” he said in a fake hurt tone. Scott shook his head and closed his eyes, bringing his hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose.

“Go bother someone else now,” he muttered. Gabriel smiled and did just that, moving away from the kitchen and went to the living room. He went to where the women were, many of them crowded the teen as soon as he sat on the couch. He was smiling, reassuring them and giving them comforting words and pats on their heads. So many different ethnics. Gabriel tried to keep up in picking the ones he saw. At least Scott wasn’t discriminative. After they began to calm, many of them asked him questions varying from where he was from, how he grew up and if he knew what he was. Gabriel stuck with safe answers, his eyes periodically looking up as he searched for Scott. Not once did he see him after he left him in the kitchen.

The man was outside resting on his porch, glass in his hand with Tank now beside him. Some of the other males of the pack after seeing the Jarkla were fine, and went back to their usual training. Tank glanced at his alpha, seeing his tired eyes and calm features. The beta wondered what was going through his mind.

“Alpha?” Tank whispered to him, quietly questioning him. Scott blinked a few times as if he had lost himself once more in his thoughts.

“Yes Tank?” he asked. The man turned his body to face him. Scott was ideally smaller than him but the man never dared to go against him. He had been beta for a long time, even when Scott had taken the rule from the Patterson line.

“You seem, different. Is everything alright? Aren’t you afraid he’ll run?” Tank asked, his voice sounding desperate for answers. Scott rested the glass on the table between them and leaned comfortably back in the chair. He did worry at times that Gabriel would run. He worried that if he did, the pack would let it happen. He wasn’t just testing Gabriel, he was testing his pack. He never seemed to feel the loyalty. He didn’t look at his beta. He continued to stay quiet, thinking deep in his mind. The beta was patient, watching him calmly. The jumping leg however told of his impatience. He was getting worried that Scott was going to do something horrible. It was his responsibility to look out for the pack. His teeth clenched, his jaw tightening. It was when his mouth opened to speak, that Scott finally did.

“Mind the pack. Don’t worry on what I’m doing.” It was worse when the words were spoken. Tank knew right off the bat now that Scott was doing something that could possibly put many lives in danger. Scott could feel the worry gushing out of the man’s aura. “No one will get hurt,” he reassured the man. Tank leaned back in his chair; still watching him before turning back at the men who would take turns boxing with each other. Jake was in the group and making headway. Tank took a gulp of his own beverage before changing the subject.

“Your nephew is quite strong. For his age it’s surprising really. He’s built to be an alpha.” Scott’s nose crinkled. ‘Built to be an alpha’. He hated those words.

“His brother has every equal right as well,” Scott retorted, a hint of anger behind the words. Tank swallowed. He stayed quiet until Scott spoke again. “It’s those same mentalities that you have right now with that comment that explain why my father gave Orion the reigns and not me,” he spit out with spite. Tank looked over at him and it made sense. Scott hardly looked like an alpha, yet he was one. He could see he was about to speak again, but someone caught his attention. Gabriel had opened the door and called out to him.

“Scott!” The man’s mouth closed and he gritted his teeth, his jaw popping out. He turned to look at the teen.

“What pup?” Scott seethed. Tank also turned to look at the Jarkla as he was grinning widely. Upon the teen’s face was something that both men almost choked on seeing. Make up.

“Can you cut hair? Your women are keen on making me their fucking doll!” he exclaimed upsettingly. Tank tried to stifle a laugh and Scott had to catch himself before he began laughing. The boy’s facial expression changed from a wide smile to a frown. Scott stood and cleared his throat walking and licking his finger to rub off some lipstick that he had a feeling Neil had since it was on Gabriel’s cheek.

“I can buzz it off,” he commented. Gabriel frowned.

“I don’t want it like an army grunt,” he muttered as he moved to let the alpha in the house.

“Then I’ll put a gauge on it. Come on puppy, we can wash your face and cut your hair.” Gabriel followed him to the downstairs bathroom, the women laughing as he grumbled pass them. Scott got out his clippers and began to get them ready, giving Gabriel a face cloth. “Wipe your face.”

“Yes Dad,” Gabriel said with a sarcastic tone behind it. He swore the man acted more like a parental figure at this moment than a lover. That’s what they were supposed to be right? Lovers? He felt a smack on the back of his head and looked back at the man who hadn’t even glanced down when he did that. He wet the cloth and began to clean his face of the make-up. “What? I can’t even kid around?” Gabriel asked the man as Scott shut the door to seal their privacy. The teen frowned some.

“Sit,” the wolf commanded. Gabriel put the lid down on the toilet and sat. Scott turned on the clippers after putting on the largest gauge he had. He stood before the teen and began to shave off his hair. Gabriel sat there quietly. It felt strange to feel his hair just coming off and wondered just how big the gauge was.

“Hey Scott, how long is it leaving my hair?”

“An inch,” he replied dryly. The teen groaned.

“Ugh, that’s too short.” Scott pulled away and looked at him, turning off the clippers.

“Complaining?” he asked dangerously. Gabriel gave a sigh.

“No. Sorry,” he mumbled. Scott turned them back on and continued.

“Your hair is very thick,” Scott said, actually putting a thought out there to try and strike up a useless conversation. Gabriel’s lip twitched into a smirk.

“My mom had thick hair,” he answered. Scott brushed some of the hair away with his hand.

“Hispanics and Natives normally have thick hair.” He continued to muse.

“My mom was Hispanic. My dad was too...”Gabriel didn’t really like the subject of his parents, and he hoped his less enthused answer said that. Scott had paused in saying anything more as a knock sounded. Before the man could say anything, several more knocks followed. He drooped some and Gabriel sighed. Almost in unison, the two spoke.

“Neil.” Scott reached out and opened the door, letting the toddler in. Neil watched the alpha as he continued to shave off Gabriel’s hair. Some of the pack members peered and peeked in. Gabriel couldn’t help but smile.

“You know, I was talking to a lot of the girls, and they said you used to bed them a lot. Then after you found out about me, you became a recluse.” Scott snorted, hardly embarrassed over it but the very soft blush on his cheeks said otherwise.

“I did.” That was hardly an answer Gabriel wanted. He continued on.

“Did you really wear a condom?” Scott stopped again and looked down at him.

“Do you want me to take off the gauge and really shave your head?” he growled. Gabriel squeaked.

“No!” he exclaimed.

“Then don’t ask questions like that,” Scott said matter of factly. Gabriel groaned and threw his hands up when the man continued.

“I can’t have any fun with you.”

“Boo hoo,” the man muttered. Gabriel grunted and folded his arms, waiting for him to finish. After a few more silent moments and a quick run through again with the clippers, Scott ruffled his hair and brushed off all the loose hair. “Done. Now, clean it up.” He moved out of the teen’s way as he began to clean his clippers. Gabriel didn’t argue as he went to asked for a dustpan and foxtail. He cleaned up his mess and finished about the same time Scott had. He ran his hand through his hair a few times, getting used to the feel as he frowned a little. He looked at Scott’s long hair and walked up as he closed the cabinet where he kept his clippers.

“Hey Scott, can I cut your hair?” he asked with a smile. Scott looked at him levelly.

“No. I enjoy my hair being long. It gives me a mane in my lupine form.” Gabriel stared at him as he answered.

“A mane? I didn’t see one,” Gabriel retorted, rubbing his chin some. Scott sighed and folded his arms gently.

“That was my feral form. It doesn’t affect it.” Speaking on the terms, Scott glanced up at the calendar he had hanging on the wall. Damn it. The full moon was tonight. His jaw clenched again.

“You’re jaw’s jutting.” The teen pointed out. Scott sighed.

“Yes I know. You are confined to the room at sundown.” Gabriel looked at him in surprise.

“What? But you said—“

“It’s a full moon. Sun down. No buts.” Gabriel frowned. Scott would be the same way then when it came to full moons? Gabriel grumbled and turned around, grumbling to himself.

“Awesome. I’m starting to hate full moons.”

You and just about all of us here. At first Gabriel was surprised to hear Seren’s voice. He had been quiet the whole time. He went over to the couch where the pack had actually now probably been happier than they had in days. He softly spoke to the old Jarkla.

“How come?”

The full moon affects the abyss as well. Once you’re bonded you will know how it feels. Right now, the moon doesn’t pull to you. Once you are bonded though, it will and you’ll feel it. When and if you come tonight in the abyss, do not be surprised to see us all as our alter forms. The moon does that to us. We cannot change back. Our guardians will also be affected. It’s an endless circle of things. By the end of it, Seren sounded exhausted and actually bored with the subject. Gabriel chuckled at the older spirit.

“So, when I get bonded, I’ll be forced to morph too?” he asked since they were on the subject.

More or less yes. The stronger you are, the more resistant you become, though with warning, it’s best not to resist Mother. She can get very angry. Father can be harsh as well.

It was strange to have Seren talk of their supposed mother and father. He didn’t really ask more about it as he looked up to find Scott. Again the man was gone and he was surrounded by various pack members. One rested beside him shortly, the gamma Keith. Gabriel recognized him and looked away.

“Keith right?” he asked. The man gave a nod.

“Yep. Nice haircut.” Subconsciously Gabriel ran a hand through his now short hair.

“Thanks…I didn’t think it’d be that short,” he mumbled. He flinched away when Keith leaned in and sniffed him. He creased his brows and looked at him, moving away. Had he really just been sniffed? His sudden discomfort must have sent signals to Scott because literally a second later, Keith was being thrown into a wall. He was literally picked up by his throat and thrown. Gabriel was flabbergasted to say the least, flipping out on the couch and staring at a very fumed Scott. The pack had stilled. Keith fumbled out of the wall that had smashed into the garage and held his head, looking up at his alpha. He was quick to just retreat to the back yard to avoid further hell. Scott finally relaxed some, muttering incoherently.

“Tank, call the repair office again,” he called out. There were a few snickers at the comment. The man rubbed his temples and Gabriel relaxed when the man walked around the couch and sat beside him, putting his arm over the top of the couch. His aura poured over Gabriel and the teen knew why he did it. It was like he was attaching a bright neon sign that said ‘Scott’s. Don’t Touch.’ Gabriel turned to look at the alpha.

“Again? How many times have you broken things in this house?” He figured he’d stay on a safe subject.

“A lot, as you’ll come to find out shortly,” the man mused, a small smirk on his lips.