Guardian - 28. Banding Together

Scott didn’t want to do it. He hated even thinking about it. He went back to another home that Tank owned and brought only a few of the members inside. He walked in, still in lupine form as young Neil ran to the alpha and began to cry. He picked up the boy only to feel something wet on the boy’s thigh.

“What the…” He murmured as he pulled his pawed hand back. On his dark grey paw pads was a dark red liquid. Was Neil bleeding? Heather went to him, whining.

“Alpha, he just started to bleed there after you were attacked. He wasn’t hurt but I don’t know how to explain it. He began to cry and whine.” Scott held the pup in his arms and let the toddler cuddle against his mane. Tank was healing on the couch and Jake had run to his uncle.

“What about Gabriel? Is he ok?” He sounded desperate and Scott knew why. He gave a soft growl.

“Leave. Go to your father. Tell him the news. They are threatening to keep him.” At first, Jake didn’t believe his ears. The rest of the pack stared at their alpha. Scott began to growl. “I did not stutter! Leave now!” Jake felt his heart jump to his throat as he scrambled and ran out of the house. Tank eyed him. “The hunters have him. We must trust in him that he knows what he’s doing.” His teeth were clenched and he wanted to bite something. Since Neil was the only thing close by, he had to keep his urge down. “Everyone will need to scatter toin their homes. Tank, I’ll stay with you, as will Heather.” His beta nodded.

“In hopes that my nephew can convince my brother to not attack, we shall see what will happen. In the meantime, lay low.” He hated givingdoing speeches. That much was certain. He kept the pup in his arms as he left and went to the spare bedroom he would use occasionally when he visited the Beta’s house on their get-a-ways. He took Neil with him of course and crawled on the bed, the pup still not letting go. He sighed and sat up to look at the boy’s leg. It was no doubt that Neil was bleeding from a wound and he had to move some of the fur to get a better look. Unbelievable, he thought. He frowned and thought about the teen but he could feel the block. He must have been sleeping now. Neil shared the same wound as Gabriel. The pup continued to whine and whimper and Scott moved to clean it. He cleaned it with his tongue, the pup obviously upset at being hurt as he bit at Scott’s ear and mane. The alpha only growled in response. Once he was done, he leaned back and rested.

Neil curled intoon him and held his mane, grumbling and grunting as he growled and barked softly. It was mild gibberish and Scott paid no attention to it. Instead, Scott was remembering what Gabriel talked about, what he spilled out to him. He frowned. How bothersome was it that the moment that they might have had something, hunters appeared. He wondered what caused it. Maybe it was the death of his omega. He should have thought about that. Idiot, he grunted to himself. The moon was still burning deep in his bones. He yearned to go hunt and kill but couldn’t. He tried to ignore his arousal now. Just thinking about the teen now sparked it as he could see the flashing images of the teen in rather questionable positions. He tried to shake them off and just closed his eyes. He struggled to sleep, but he finally succumbed.

Jake ran through the woods and made his way west. There was no way he’d make it to his father tonight, but he could at least gain some ground back down. He wondered if his father had moved at all. He had gone by Scott’s old home, seeing several firefighters trying to put the fire out. The hunters weren’t joking. Fire destroyed all evidence. The ones they were dealing with were smarter than average. Jake rushed through the roads and neighborhoods, racing on all fours. Several times he was almost smashed into by cars on the highways when he crossed them so he began to stick with the more rural roads. By sunrise he got to the border of South Dakota. Cursing at himself, he allowed his feral form to take affect once the sun rose. Running through ranches, he had a few shots fired at him, but avoided them with ease, zig-zagging some to avoid the bullet that flewran by his ear. Once out of the human’s shot range, he took just few momentspauses to catch his breath and find something to eat. He was panting when he spotted a falcon. He trotted up to it and gave it a bark. The falcon though ignored him and fluttered off. He gave a snorted. Stupid bird, he thought. Snorting again, he set off.

 

Kim had woken up first, going into the kitchen and making some coffee with her three burner Bunn. As she walked through the living room, she stopped to see her dog resting on the teen’s chest. She gave a whistle, the yorkie looking up at her, but the dog didn’t budge.

“Come here Georgie.” She called to the dog quietly so she didn’t wake the boyhim. Again, the dog didn’t move. Shrugging her shoulders, she went to the kitchen and gave a gasped. Standing outside were several deer grazing in the back and a few birds resting on the porch. “That’s strange,.” sShe murmured as she began to get breakfast ready. After about thirty minutes, Heath came down in his slacks and warm robe. He went to his wife and stopped.

“Honey, why are there deer and birds on the back porch?” She turned and handed him his coffee mug.

“I’m not sure. They were there whensince I woke up. They haven’t moved. Georgie won’t leave his spot on Gabriel’s chest. I tried calling him and he won’t budge.” Heath tried not to smile.

“I’ll go get him. I’m sure he’s hungry,.” tThe man said as he went to the living room where the teen slept. He walked over, reaching out to touch the dog. It was when Georgie began to snarl and snap at the man that he went on alert. His dog never did that. He blinked and heard Kim coming in.

“What happened?” She had heard the small snarl. Heath stared at the sleeping boy.

“Georgie tried to bite me.” Heath frowned and went to just touch the boy’s foot. The dog ran to his hand and tried to snap at him again, his ears flattened on his skull and growling. Kim went to her husband and grabbed his arm.

“Dear, I think he’s protecting him.” Heath couldn’t stop himself anymore as he smiled.

“He is. Because of what he is.” His wife turned to look at him, her eyes going wide.

“You don’t think…” She stopped speaking.

“He must be it. The key to the werewolves. Since he’s hurt it can explain the deer and birds outside, and why Georgie is very protective over him.” The woman stared at the teen.

“Are we going to keep him here?” She now whispered. Heath rested his hand on hers.

“Call Crystal. I will be taking him to the station. Have her begin to get ready to adopt. Once we began paperwork I’ll be letting them know that she’s interested. If we can keep him close, the wolves will come straight to us.” Kim looked at Gabriel, the boy excessively peaceful in his sleep.

“He seems like a sweet kid.”

“He’s just some key to them.”

“But a teen none-the-less Heath. We will enroll him in school, you know Crystal will want to do that.” Heath frowned at his wife as he moved back to the kitchen with her trailing.

“And what if they try to take him?” hHe grumbled. Kim grabbed her own cup and took a sip.

“William said that the boy screamed at the wolf to let him go and it did. Perhaps he has control over them.” Heath put a cream and some sugar in his coffee, twirling the spoon as he mixed it.

“It’s possible. We will need to be careful, and send emails off to other hunters. We won’t know for sure. Even my father didn’t know the full capability of this thing.” The old man muttered. They heard echoing footsteps as the other men awoke., William, the blond haired hunter that witnesseds Gabriel screaming at Scott, walking in first.

“Was that Georgie on him? I’ve never seen that dog look so pissed off,.” hHe muttered as he grabbed his own mug. Kim only smiled and shook her head. Heath assessed the young man’s bed head.

“Kim says you heard him scream at the wolf. That true?” William poured his cup and grabbed some toast the woman laid out. He took a bite and gave a nod, chewing and swallowing before answering.

“Yeah. Something like ‘Leavelike ‘Leave me’ and he mentioned the pack. Something about ‘I swear I’ll find you.’ Then he mentioned a name. Ned? No, Nail. Wait Neil that’s it. He said ‘Get Neil out of here.’” Heath raised a brow. Was there another one? He only heard his father talking about one ever being in existent. The three were thinking as they heard some grunting from the living room and then the dog whining. They all listened in.

“Oh hey. Good morning. Stayed with me all night huh? You must be hungry. Go on now, I’m awake.” They heard the teen say. Gabriel was stiff, his whole leg throbbed. He moved up to sit and looked at the bandage. Curiosity got the best of him as he went to undo it. He stopped when he heard someone say good morning. He turned to see Kim smiling at him holding a coffee mug. “Morning,.” hHe replied, forcing a smile.

“You have quite the effect on him,.” sShe chimed. It was William’s voice who interrupted Gabriel’s reply.

“Why are there deer on the back porch?” Kim wanted to slap the man and Heath only shook his head. Gabriel went on alert and got up to stiffly limp back there. Stupid deer, he screamed. He couldn’t believe it. His cover for sure was blown now. His eyes went to Heath and the glint in the man’s eye told him that much. He was for sure figured out. Seren, they know for sure now, he whispered to him.

That’s not good. Now they will try to keep you within their grasps. You must play it smart. A few of the Jarkla’s here have been captured before. Perhaps I can get thea scoop on the family you have. Do you know anything?

Urban, the teen thought back, staring at the deer as their heads went up and the birds all look at him. There was no way to explain it. They all looked at him.

“How old are you Gabriel?” He heard Heath ask.

“Sixteen,.” hHe choked out, having to clear his throat afterwards.

“You’re birthday?.”

“October 23rd.” Again he had to clear his throat. The man’s hand was heavy on his shoulder.

“You are their key aren’t you?” hHe whispered. Damn him, damn him to hell the boy thought. His head rested on the glass of the sliding glass door, his hand on it as well as the deer approached the screen.

“No point in lying anymore is there Mr. Urban,.” hHe muttered. The man gave a small squeeze.

“No, there isn’t. You will be coming to the family. After breakfast I’ll take you to the station and we can begin work. You said it yourself your parents didn’t want you. We will gladly welcome you in the family.” The tone was not reassuring to Gabriel as he swallowed and felt some tears in his eyes.

“Can I go outside?” hHe muttered. Heath unlocked the door and the boy pulled back the glass door, limping out and being welcomed by the deer with soft noses. The does nosed his bandage and he sat on one of the chairs. They rested and sat with him, one of the bucks nibbling on his hair as he waved him off. They kept the screen door open, Georgie running outside to doto do his business. William dared to walk out but the animals made no move to attack or shyoo away. The man sat down and looked at the teen. Heath noticed no change and followed suit, soon Kim joined them outside as well. She looked at Gabriel.

“It won’t be as bad as you’re thinking Gabriel. You’ll love Crystal.” She was trying to make it better, but Gabriel hardly felt better.

“You’re hunters,” hHe said clearly, his hand rubbing one of the doe’s nose. “You kill what I am supposed to protect.”

“The certain one you are protecting, yes,.” Heath said as he took a drink of his coffee. Gabriel looked up.

“You mean you know who he is?” Gabriel questioned, his eyes narrowing.

“His human disguise no. There are many of them. But the black one that tried to get you out. Yes. We want that one.” The animals could feel his sudden burning hate, the birds resting on him and chirping a bit.

“Why?” hHe continued to ask. His eyes shifted to Kim when she spoke up.

“He has killed before, and not just his own kind. He’s killed humans and we want to bring him to justice. If you give us his name and who he is, we will stop hunting the…’innocent’ ones.” Gabriel looked away from Kim.

“I won’t. He’s just misunderstood, like how I was. When I look at him I see myself. I won’t give you a name, and I’ll make sure you can’t hurt them. You can keep me your prisoner and hide behind some stupid paper of legal guardianship but you will not get his name.”

You’re really not going to do that are you? Many could die. One death is better than many.

“I won’t abandon him like his family did Seren. I gave him my own promise. I won’t go against it.” He mumbled and the three adults were unable to hear what exactly he said. The group fell silent and Kim walked back inside. She came back out with some new bandages and a plate.

“Here. Let’s get off the subject. You need to eat. I have to redress that wound.” Gabriel could feel the tension of the animals around him and they began to act out, Heath standing almost immediately. Gabriel raised his hand to calm them.

“Just answer me this, will I be watched all the time?” Heath gave a soft snort to the boy’s question.

“Yes. We can’t let you leave now can we?” Kim actually gave her husband a glare, and Gabriel’s respect forto her was just barely changing. He still didn’t like what she said earlier. She turned back to him.

“We won’t attack, but we know just bits of what you are. We just want that wolf. That’s all we want.” Gabriel gave a snort as he took the plate gently.

“You won’t get him. Not from me,.” hHe muttered. More silence followed as Kim tended to his bandage. It was just as bad and she gave him some medicinepainkiller for the pain. Heath went back inside to get ready, as did William. The deer left after a bit, some of the birds staying put on Gabriel’s shoulder. He looked at the birds and frowned. He didn’t want to blame them, but then again he did. Kim was sitting next to him now, resting her cup in her lap.

“He killed several of our men. We just want to rid ourselves of a killer from the mists.” She sounded as if she wanted to pry any type of information she could from him. But he kept quiet. After about an hour, they were able to get him clothes to wear and set off for the police station. Gabriel was quiet the whole time and sat in the chairs outside the office as Heath spoke with the detectives. As a K-9 unit walked passed, the dog had stopped and began to whine. The officer was unsure what was happening as the dog fought against the leash and went straight to the boy. Gabriel at first wasn’t really paying attention, but as the cold nose of the dog touched his hand, he gave a weak smile and gave comforting pats on his head. Some of the officers stopped, watching him softly talk to the dog.

“Hey, I know you’re worried…it’sit’s okay boy. You keep doing what you do okay?” The dog stared at the Jarkla and jumped up on his hind legs to give the boy a lick and then head butted his head softly. Gabriel’s hand ran over the dog’s face and muzzle and the canine went back to his handler’s side. Gabriel didn’t look up to meet any of the officer’s gazes. No matter how hard he tried to hide his clear depression, the animals knew. They always knew.

 

“His house was burnt down! How do we know he’s even alive?” Orion screamed. He, Leon and Tristan were standing in the furnished basement downstairs with Tasha, Trent and Dixon who was Leon’s beta. Tristan rolled his eyes.

“Because I would have felt it. If anything there is just this mark on my thigh.” Leon rested against the wall, silently thinking as Orion turned to the elder alpha.

“What do you think Leon?” hHe asked him. Leon moved over to the group and glanced at the TV, the large words of ‘MUTE’ in the corner.

“Your brother isn’t that stupid to really do that, plus the majority of his pack lives in his home. Granted they have separate houses but still.” His eyes went to Tristan. “You said you saw a mark on your thigh?” The young man gave a nod.

ded. “Small, like a puncture wound or something.” Tristan answered, lifting his khaki shorts to show the redness of the thigh. Leon moved closer to assess it, Orion in the background with his arms folded.

“If you say Hunters Leon, I’m leaving,.” hHe snarled. Leon gave his own snarled response and stood, glaring at the alpha.

“It is possible, but they wouldn’t kill him. Wound him yes but not kill.”

“What is the Jarkla to them anyways?” The alpha’s turned to Trent whose voice rang out. Dixon glanced over at the younger beta and shook his head. Leon snorted some.

“Dixon, fill in that pup,.” hHe growled. Dixon bowed hisgave a head bow and grabbed Trent, pulling him back upstairs to have a chat. Tasha shook her head and walked forward.

“Regardless if they are hunters or not, if they have him in their possession, what would your brother do?” Orion gave a scoffing laugh, his brows creased tightly above his eyes.

“Scott no doubt is on a fucking killing spree. Now that he’s wired, getting Gabriel back would be even harder! We need to book a flight and get up there.” Orion was over just running up. That would take days when a flight would only take hours. Tristan rolled his eyes and shook his head some as he moved away and threw his hands up. Trying to calm Orion down at this point was pointless, and the young alpha was learning that. He looked at Tasha who was frowning.

“How did you ever handle him?” tThe young man asked. Tasha gave him a sigh and a shrug of her shoulders.

“You get used to his moodiness.” Orion snarled dangerously at the two.

“I am not moody! I’m thinking about Gabriel!” Leon gave Orion a scoff at his exclaim.

“If what you say however is true, then there would be a lot more bodies than just some fire,.” Leon said evenly. Orion pinched the bridge of his nose and paced some. Tristan folded his arms and sigh, his eyes closing a bit before he got a strange image. He swore he saw a dragon when his eyes closed. Opening them he blinked a few times. The voices of those around him began to become muffled. He messed with his ears some and blinked a few more times, trying to pop his ears now.

‘—hear me?’

What was that? Tristan swore he heard Gabriel’s voice.

“Everyone shut up,.” hHe suddenly said, all heads turning to him. “I think I heard something,.” hHe ended up muttering. He focused as they looked questionably at him. Tasha began to listen but heard nothing, as did Orion and Leon.

‘Seren this isn’t working. I am trying. You said this would work. This is more bothersome than Scott in my head.’

I heard that. Tristan was freaking out. That was for sure Gabriel’s voice, and the other, it sounded darker. He never really heard Scott speak, but just that small bit that must have been Scott. Orion was opening his mouth to speak but Tristan waved his hand in aggravation.

“I swear to you right now, I just heard Gabriel talking in my head.”

‘‘Tristan? Can you hear me?’ There was a pause. ‘Just think something back.’

It’s not working. And I thought we agreed you weren’t going to mind link anyone else?

‘Oh for the love of god shut UP Scott. Since you were the ‘I’m a doushdouche I’m not gonna call anyone’ I’m taking measures in my own hands.’

Just so we’re clear, you are getting punished for that.

‘Dually noted, now shut the fuck up.’

‘Holy shit is that really you? How are you in my head?’ Tristan wanted to shout out loudexclaim it out, but he moved away from everyone. Orion and Leon were quick to follow after hearing that he heard Gabriel in his head.

‘Yes! You can hear me! Tristan, okay long story short, a past Jarkla taught me how to slowly read minds, yada yada and now I can create a telepathic link with people as long as I’m focused on them. Downside for the moment is that once I make a link, well my mind becomes like an open book, so like when you think of me, you can talk to me. You have to think it though; I can’t hear you when you just talk.

‘This is insane. I can’t believe I can talk to you now. Are you alright? What happened? Gabriel I’m sorry I let you out of my sight.’ Tristan almost sounded as if he was going to start crying, and Scott caught onto it.

Is the little alpha crying? How cute.

‘Scott!’ Anger rose in Tristan’s chest as he began to snarl, Orion and Leon watching him as his eyes were glued to the floor. His whole body tensed.

‘You son of a bitch. You killed my father. Now you took Gabriel. I’m going to kill you!’ Orion’s hand went to Tristan’s shoulder, watching the young man beginning to get obviously break downvery nerve-wracking.

‘Scott get out of my head! I’m trying to talk to Tristan. God I can’t image what would it be like if I had you and Orion in my head.’ Tristan had to admit, he was hurt at the sudden thoughts the teen gave him. At once Gabriel began again. Tristan listen. I’m fine. I just got shot but its healing. I’m going to be adopted by the hunter’s daughterwife who attacked the house. Scott is just on stand-by - ’

Which I hate.

‘I said shut up. God you are a stubborn wolf.’ He could hear Gabriel take a breath. ‘Anyways, Jake should be on his way down. The animals fucked it away and pretty much the hunters know what I am. But they don’t plan on killing me, just to keep an eye on me.’

‘I guess that makes sense. But how do you expect to get away from them?’ The young man asked. Silence was ringing in his ears before Scott was the one to answer.

Let him think onof that. In the meantime, I’m curious to know what you and my dear little brother have been up to.

‘Do it over the phone, not through my head please.’

This is just so much easier. Scott’s voice sounded amusing.

‘You just like giving me headaches, you bastard.’

‘Gabe, are you sure you’re going to be ok? Will I be able to talk to you whenever?’ He was really hoping for a yes. Tristan wanted to catch up. He knew where Gabriel came from; he wanted to be there like before.

‘For the most part yes. And I will be fine.’

You can’t speak to him when he’s sleeping. I found that out last night.

‘You actually tried? Aww I’m touched.’

Quiet puppy. Tristan’s brows creased some. He didn’t like how ‘comfortable’ the two seemed. He was still bonded with Gabriel, but with Scott in his head, there was no way to be private. He waited for Gabriel to say something but the teen didn’t.

‘Gabe, what do you want me to tell everyone?’ hHe asked softly.

‘Just what they need to know. And please don’t tell Orion about the link to Scott okay? He won’t be too happy about it. Besides I’m still learning how to block.’ His voice sounded like he was making it a known fact with the third wheel in the conversation.

You lack the mental capacity to block me.

‘I swear, when I get away from them, you are getting castrated.

I’m not the one that has naughty thoughts about that kid sitting next to you.

‘Tristan! Please don’t be as annoying as he is.’

‘I won’t.’ Tristan snorted, wishing he could ring Scott’s neck. ‘I wasn’t kidding though. I will kill you Scott.’

Keep telling yourself that.

‘No talking about killing anyone! Scott stop tormenting. Don’t you have stuff to do anyways?’ Tristan only heard a grumble and he felt some slack in the bond. ‘Ok he’s gone.’

‘How do you know?’

‘There is a lot of tension when it’s more than one person. Seren, the one who taught me, told me that. When the tension slacks, that means someone closed the link. We can close the link easy but the mind still stays open.’ It made sense he supposed. Tristan finally looked at the three people that continued to stare at him. He moved to sit and looked at them.

“I’m talking to Gabriel though a telepathic link one of the older Jarkla’s taught him. He’s fine right now but there are things we’re going to have to prepare for.” Tristan took a paused and Orion took advantage of it.

“So he’s alive, good. What of my brother?” Tristan thought he heard slight concern but ignored it as he snorted.

“He’s alive too and staying in the background as Gabe put it. Gabe is getting adopted by the hunter’s family that attacked the house.” Leon and Orion shared a rather confused glance then back to Tristan.

“You mean to say, that my brother is actually waiting to do anything?” Orion’s brow was raised at the question. He was surprised Scott evern waited.

“Yes. Seems he and Gabe have…an agreement.” He hated using that word, but it was true.

‘Tristan, are you talking to them?’ He heard the teen ask. Tristan held his hand up and looked away from them all so he could respond.

‘Yeah, I’m giving them the run down. What’s going on?’ Tristan asked.

About to leave the station. They are going to be putting me in a boy’s home for a few days so the paperwork can be filedwill file and then I’ll be going to their house. I have been wondering though, what have you guys been up to?’

‘We can talk about that later. I’ll be happy to tell you. Maybe tonight if you want?’ Tristan closed his eyes to picture a smile on Gabriel’s face. He remembered it like he was sitting right next to him.

‘Sounds good. I’ll be sure to tell Scott to not bother me. Hopefully he doesn’t. Don’t tell Orion, but those two are so much alike it’s weird.’ Tristan heard him laugh and he felt his chest tighten. He missed that laugh. ‘I’ll talk to you then. Leaving now.’ After that, it was gone. Tristan felt everything lift. His opened his eyes and was instantly slammed with questions. Orion and Leon were speaking at the same time and Tasha was even joining in the conversation.

“What do you mean agreement?” Orion growled.

“He’s being adopted by the hunter’s family?” Leon exclaimed.

“How were you talking with him?” Tasha yelled. Tristan was so overcome that he scrambled to get away from them.

“Just hold up will you!” hHe cried to them, all three stopping and staring at him. “I still don’t know exactly everything, but it seems that Gabe’s got it under control. Your brother will probably call us and….we might have to work together.” The ending was said through gritted teeth. Orion stared at the young alpha. Leon raised a curious brow before walking away back to the TV, turning it off. Tristan took a breath and continued. “Gabe was shot, and he says not to worry. In the next few days he’ll be in the home of the hunters. We’re going to talk more tonight.” He hoped that he wouldn’t hear Scott’s voice again. Just the sound of the man’s tone put Tristan’s blood on boil. The man murdered his father, and he wanted his revenge for it.

“What did you mean by agreement?” Orion asked again. Tristan looked at the older man and felt his jaw clench.

“I don’t really know.” Tristan turned away from them all and walked back upstairs. Though he felt welcomed here, he wasn’t joinedmerged into the family like Leon when the man had brought about five of his pack members with him. On his way to the other guest bedroom, he looked up to see Jason. The boy was small, just think if anything, unlike most purebloods. Still, he didn’t look that pathetic. “What?” Tristan asked. Jason moved forward.

“I overheard. Did Gabe mention my brother?” His voice was a whisper but Tristan recalled the conversation.

“Jake is on his way back. You will be united with him shortly no doubt.” Tristan sighed, moving to walk away from him. Jason grabbed Tristan’s arm, making the other look at him.

“Thanks.” Tristan gave a nod and the boy left him. Everything had just been crazy. First Gabriel was taken, then Neil. NEIL! Tristan almost felt panic as he tried to reach Gabriel again.

‘Gabriel, Gabriel what about Neil!’ hHe exclaimed. It was a bit before the voice of the teen rang in his head.

‘You don’t have to scream, I can hear you. Neil is fine. He’s with Scott. I can’t talk right now, later tonight. Promise.’ Tristan gave a snorted at the ‘is fine’ and ‘with Scott’ practically in the same sentence. The pup was taken from them a few days back and everyone had been ready to just go up and fuck over the guy. If it wasn’t for the factor that Jake and Gabriel’s life could hang in the balance, they would have probably already been up there. He let the thoughts stop and continued on. He face planted on his bed and relaxed. Was a headache going to be the side-effect of this connection? Not that Tristan minded. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a phone he had borrowed. Dialing his mother, he put it on speaker and rested it on the pillow as it rang.

‘Hey baby.’ He heard his mom say. She didn’t sound happy, but he of course knew the reason why. They were still in mourning.

“Hey Mmom. How are things?” hHe asked, sounding more tired than he wanted to admit.

‘Fine. Your brother is being a bit anti-social. Your sister wants to be with you. You are alone down there my son, allow some members to come.’ Tristan gave a sigh, the sound of soft desperation in his mother’s tone.

“Emily, Frank, and Baron can come down,.” hHe ended up muttering.

‘And what of Ivan? He was your father’s beta.’

“He should stay up there with you and watch the pack. I’ll be fine with those three. I can pick them up at the airport.” He was mumbling in the pillow now. Hearing her soft laugh brought him a slight smile. “Mom, what does it mean to have a telekinetic link with the Jarkla?” His mother was quiet for a bit before she began talking.

‘From what your father told me when he was a guardian, he never had a link like that. They could feel each other’s pain, their emotions. It didn’t matter how far apart they were. But that, I never heard him mention.’ She was quiet, and Tristan waited for it to click. ‘Tristan, do you have a link with him like that?’ Her voice was barely above a whisper.

“It started today. But Mmom, don’t tell anyone.,” He was quiet, trying not to grit his teeth. “He’s also linked with Scott.” He heard her gasp but continued. “He says he learned it from another Jarkla.”

‘Garret would talk about how his would visit this place when they rested, that they saw past lives of themselves.’ She acknowledged.

“What else could he do there?” Tristan regretted never asking his father these questions before he left in search for the Jarkla. It was almost upsetting that he never bothered to ask.

‘He could visit it sometimes. When he was focused and his mind was clear. He could visit the place with him. But it’s very dangerous. I remember one time he went and I tried everything to get him out. I ended up having to hurt him to get him out. It’s dangerous if you are not with other people. Never do it alone.’ So did that mean he could go to that place? Could he go to it now?

“Could I go there now?” He was up on his elbows, excited that he could possibly hold him again.

‘I’m not sure. You father could only get in after he bonded with her. Are you going to try?’ Tristan’s face fell back on the pillow and grumbled into the fabric.

“I want to. I’ll wait until I speak with Gabe. I don’t want to go and he not be there.” The young man mumbled.

‘Alright. I’ll tell Emily, Frank, and Baron to get ready.’

“Thanks Mmom…I’ll keep in touch.”

‘Bye honey.’ He didn’t say anything else as he clicked off and sighed. Rolling over he stared at the ceiling thinking. How long would it be till Gabriel spoke to him.him? Would he have to wait until late that night? He wrapped his arms around his chest. He was only ever with the boy as his wolf, but now,. Gabriel knew what he was, he saw him. He still never forgot the shocked expression Gabriel gave when he first transformed when he was taken by Orion’s lackeys. He wanted to hold him, to protect him like his father did his Jarkla. He closed his eyes, and wished himself away.

 

Gabriel got out the car in front of the town home in a very crowded neighborhood. He frowned a little as he saw two adults waiting for him outside with three other boys around his age standing together behind them. So this would be the place he would stay at for a few days? Awesome, he mused to himself.

If you throw the crazy card they will leave you alone.

Gabriel smirked at Seren’s expressed comment. It wasn’t a bad idea. He followed the officer up to the porch where they were and noticed a cat bouncing up on the railing and meowing at Gabriel.

“That’s Freckles. He’s the house cat.” He heard the woman claim. Gabriel watched as the cat walked right up and jumped at him. Gabriel’s hands had been in his pockets but he pulled them out in time to catch the feline. He smiled and the cat moved to rest on the boy’s shoulder, purring in his ear and licking at his hair. The three teens blinked in awed surprise and even the couple stared. The officer gave a laugh.

“Gabriel here is a wonder-kid with animals.” That was an understatement. Gabriel walked up next to him. “This is Mr. and Mrs. Jackson.” He turned to the couple. “This is Gabriel Kingsly.” Mr. Jackson held his hand out to shake but Gabriel avoided the contact. He gave an apologetic smile.

“Sorry…I’m uncomfortable with touching,.” hHe lied seamlessly. Mr. Jackson pulled his hand back.

“Oh no worries. You can call me Jamie, and this is my wife Laura.”

“Nice to meet you Gabriel.” She chimed before Jamie continued.

“And these will be your brothers for your stay. Travis, Luke, and Samson.” Travis was thin, like how Gabriel was but the teen was taller and had strawberry blond curls. Luke had shaggy hair, blond in color but his skin was much darker. Gabriel figured he liked to tan. Samson was black and with short hair. He was the best dressed to Gabriel’s perspective. Gabriel gave a nod to each one and turned to look at the officer.

“I’m fine.” He told him, the officer shaking the parent’s hands and then leaving. Laura noticed that the boy came with no bags.

“You don’t have any belongs?” sShe asked. Gabriel shook his head.

“No. Too much of a burden.”

You got everything you need anyways. Seren chimed in this time. Gabriel forced the smile back as Laura and Jamie both moved to let him in.

“I’ll show you around then. We’ll have to go get you some clothes.” Her smile was sweet, and it reminded Gabriel of Tasha’s smile. She had curly hair like the she-wolf. Jamie looked, hard. Granted he gave a nice outlook, and he probably was nice. But still, the teen couldn’t help but feel intimidated by them all. They were human, and he was very uncomfortable. The only comfort he had was Freckles who sat on his shoulder as he walked in with the other teens trailing behind. She took him to the living room but Gabriel barely paid attention to what was being said. Instead, he was listening to Seren talk to him.

You know, now that you got the swing of things, we should try to block the thoughts now. It’ll build up your walls. After they show you around, take a nap. We can talk and do things then. After you chat with your guardian of course. You should tell him to try and come into the abyss.

Gabriel had thought about it. He remembered Amaya speaking about it, how they could meet each other in the abyss. He never answered Seren. He just let him continue to talk as he tried to focus on giving nodding responses to Laura. After the walk around, she took him to the room which he was to share with Luke. He wasn’t too excited about it. Out of the three, it was Luke that gave him an odd feeling. The boy was much larger, and slightly reminded him of one of those football jocks.

“We’re getting ready for lunch right now. You’ll get used to how things are run. Just keep tidy and,-“” She was interrupted by the doorbell. Gabriel heard Jamie answer it and he followed the woman down. The woman was beautiful who stood at the door; even if Gabriel was gay he wouldn’t deny it. He began to listen in to the conversation.

“I’m Crystal Casador.” The name was Spanish, Gabriel knew it instantly when she said it. His eye twitched. Was that the same Crystal? Heath’s dDaughter? She had beautiful auburn hair and her eyes were a bright and vivid green. Gabriel’s breath hitched when her eyes caught his. “I just was dropping off some clothes I went ahead and bought for Gabriel. I hope that’s alright.” How did she find out so fast? Wait, her name. Quick Seren, translate Casador, he thought.

Hmmm, Casador? I believe that’s ‘hunter’ in Spanish. During the Spanish-American War there werewas a few by that name. One branched off into becoming hunters of werewolves and vampires. The name though is very common.

Gabriel gave an inward snort. Figures she marries someone with that name. It made him almost anxious to meet the man she married. She was smiling at him. The cat suddenly hissed. Gabriel’s attention went straight to Travis who tried to pet the cat. Everyone looked back. Gabriel at once grabbed the cat who jumpedlimped into his arms. He frowned and tapped the cat lightly on the nose.

“Hey now. Don’t do that Freckles. That was very mean.”

Rupert.

Gabriel blinked. What just happened?

Don’t call me Freckles please. It’s degrading.

Gabriel stared wide eyed and placed the cat down, almost confused. Seren, care to explain that? He questioned. Nothing. No humming, no sound. He had to pop his ears a bitsome and a hand was suddenly smacked on his shoulder. He couldn’t help by cry out. Everyone stopped around him. He looked at Luke who had touched him. Jamie looked angry at the teen but Gabriel moved away from the touch.

“Sorry…I…I…” Fuck. Gabriel ran back upstairs and into the bedroom, the cat running after him. He was panicking some and shut the door. Downstairs, Crystal looked worried, as did Laura and Jamie.

“Was it something I did?” sShe asked innocently. Jamie gave her a reassuring smile.

“I think he’d just a little freaked out. Thank you for the clothes.” He took them and handed them to Laura. “Maybe you should take them up.” She smiled and walked up to the bedroom. Travis and Samson were chuckling but stopped when Jamie’s eyes caught them. Upstairs, Gabriel sat against the door. Freckles was scratching and meowing.

“Seren, please please answer me. Seren?” He sounded desperate. He slapped his head a few times and messed with his ears. “Seren come on!” He whined. There was a pop, and finally his voice.

Gabe! Gabe are you ok? Everything was suddenly blocked. What did you do?

“I don’t know! The cat hissed when someone tried to pet it or something and when I was telling the cat to be nicenow I swear to you I heard it talk! It talked to me Seren!” He was standing now, pacing even. He had to stop when Laura walked in with the clothes.

“Gabriel? Are you ok?” Shit! Had she heard him? He put on a fake smile.

“Yeah, sorry just…overwhelmed.” Partial truth again. She moved to put the clothes on his bed.

“It’s ok. This is your dresser.,” Sshe motioned to the one closeston th toe edge of his bed. “So you can put your clothes here.” Gabriel swallowed hard and nodded, watching as the cat walk overin and jumped on his bed. He stared at it then back at Laura. “Wash up, lunch will be in about ten10 minutes.” She smiled and left. Gabriel was breathing and went to close the door but stopped when a foot blocked it. Gabriel stepped back, watching Luke walk in. He eyed him and then closed the door. Gabriel was about to protest but stopped when Luke was smirking.

Gabriel, the abyss is flickering.

What the fuck does that mean? Gabriel groaned.

It means there is a disturbance. Something’s….angel…..be….alone. It stopped. Gabriel couldn’t hear him. Something was blocking it. He glared at the teen. Luke clicked the lock and the boy went rigid.

“You know, they say that the name Gabriel means the messenger of god. Are you a bible humperthumper?”

“No…never believed in him.” He muttered an answer. Luke stayed by the door.

“That’s good. I got a vibe from you that, well you’re not normal. That,” He began to walk closer, Gabriel moving back. “That tThere’s a little secret you have. And I want to know what it is.” Gabriel swallowed again. Luke smirked and advanced slowly, pinning him against the wall. Luke was only about an inch or so taller than him, his body too close for comfort. “We’ve got a few minutes to find out. Want to test it?” Gabriel wasn’t able to answer, thereit was a sudden crash atin the window that caused the boy to jump back away from Gabriel. Gabriel turned and went to the window, opening it to see a hawk flapping up and jumping into the room.

“Holy shit! What the hell?” Luke exclaimed. Gabriel grabbed the bird and began to look it over.

“Shit, I can’t believe you did that,.” hHe muttered to the bird.

He was threatening you.

There it was again. He stopped and stared at the bird. He held it, but the thud had caused Jamie to run up and see what was happening. He banged on the locked door until Luke opened it.

“Why was that door locked?” Jamie asked but Luke quickly changed the subject.

“That hawk just ran into the window!” Jamie looked at Gabriel who held the hawk. Gabriel frowned and felt the bird leave his arms, resting on his bed.

You were being threatened Jarkla. I wanted to help you. Gabriel was staring at it, the cat sitting beside the hawk. Gabriel was almost panicking.

“Get out!” His voice broke and the hawk flew out unharmed. The cat hissed and ran out. Gabriel was shaking almost. He held his arm, unsure what was happening. He felt almost hysterical. Jamie moved but remembered the boy didn’t like being touched.

“Gabriel. What just happened?” The teen shook his head.

“I don’t know.” He turned abruptly. “Has it been ten10 minutes?” He didn’t wait for a response, he moved pass them both and back downstairs. He was flipping out. “Seren for the love of god answer me,.” hHe whispered to himself. He couldn’t wait to leave this place. Something was happening, something that he wasn’t understanding.

 

Lunch was chicken fingers with sweet corn and some fries. Gabriel barely ate and had retreated to the bathroom. Jamie spoke to Laura as the boys cleaned the kitchen.

“There’s something off with him Laura. He’s been freaking out from the minute he stepped foot in here.” Laura frowned and looked to her husband.

“When I took his clothes up to him, he was talking to himself. He was calling a name out. Searin I think.” They stopped talking when Gabriel came out holding his head.

“Is there any advilAdvil?” hHe asked. Laura went into the cupboard and got him some. Gabriel grabbed his glass and filled it with water, taking them. He noticed the looks and swallowed. “Is it ok if I take a nap?” hHe asked. They smiled at him, but something told him it was fake.

“Sure go on ahead. We’ll wake you in an hour.” He wasn’t looking forward to it. He smiled and walked upstairs, opening the door to see Luke resting on the bed. Was he in the bathroom that long? Luke was reading a book. Gabriel still felt the connection back to the abyss being blocked. He wasn’t sure what was going on. He fell onto his bed and slippedstripped his shoes off. He glanced over at Luke who was now ignoring him. He frowned a bit but was glad. Rolling on his back, he closed his eyes. He tried connecting to Tristan but felt a wall. Weird, he thought. He opened his eyes when he heard Luke’s bed squeak. He was getting up and putting his book away on his book shelf.

“Want to explain that bird?” hHe muttered. Gabriel looked at him.

“It ran into the window,.” Gabriel answered. Luke turned and walked to Gabriel’s bed. At once he sat up but stiffened when Luke dared to get even closer.

“You just think you’re something special. That your adoptive parents are coming to take you away in a few days. You know how long I’ve been here? Years. And not once have I even been looked at.” Gabriel was growling. At Luke’s harsh tone he hadn’t realized he was growling. Luke eyed him and chuckled. “Are you really growling? You’re like an animal.” He was mocking him. Gabriel gave a snort.

“Not my fault that you have been here for years. You can have the fucking family. I don’t want it.” Luke moved away, back to the door as he closed it and once again locked it.

“Jamie doesn’t like it when we lock our doors, but I do it every time. You think I want that family?” The boy scoffed. “I want to get out of here, this house. This fucking area.” Gabriel studied him as he spoke. He turned again and moved closer but Gabriel did nothing to stop it as he shoved him down on the bed and held his shirt, glaring. “How did you do it? How do you get away?” Gabriel’s chest was tightening. This guy touching him sent strange signals to him, and it wasn’t the good kind. He suddenly heard so many voices.

He’s hurting him!

Quick get to the Jarkla!

The Xais is attacking!

They were flooding his thoughts and he gave a grumbling whimper, trying to shove him off. His throat felt dry, he couldn’t speak. He wasn’t expecting a full force kiss on the lips. Gabriel reacted the only way he could, he punched him. The punch itself caused Luke to stumble back. The voices suddenly stopped when the connection broke. Gabriel wiped his mouth but stared at Luke. He wanted out, then he’d take him out.

“You want out? Then you play by my rules. I don’t want to go to this family either,.” Gabriel hissed. Luke held his cheek, his eyes glaring.

“You’re a freak you know that.” Gabriel was tired of being this weak individual. He stood and instead advanced on Luke, taking the boy by surprise when he pinned him. When hHe put his hand on his chest to keep him there, he heard the voices again, flooding.

Is he fighting back?

The Jarkla is defending himself!

He wished they would stop. “You want out of this house, then listen. Tonight, I’m going to try and get the fuck out of here. You must follow my lead, and do not freak out overon what we encounter. Got it?” Luke glared but scoffed some.

“How do you expect to get out? They put a curfew on us at eight.” Gabriel rolled his eyes.

“That won’t be a problem. Now get out. I need to focus.” Gabriel unlocked the door and opened it. Luke tested him but soon walked out after Gabriel’s eye narrowed. He didn’t miss the comment the boy gave.

“You’re eyes are weird by the way.” His eyes. After Luke left, he went to the bathroom that was attached. He looked into the mirror and almost went into shock. His right eye had gained more lavender around his pupil and was seeping more into his other color.

Ok, whoever you are hanging around, stop it!

Gabriel grabbed his head, the sudden scream Seren gave him rang in his ears.

“Ow! Fuck do you have to scream?”

You weren’t answering. He sounded so innocent at that point. Gabriel sighed.

“I kept hitting a wall. Anyways, I’m going to try and escape tonight.”

You do realize they probably have hunters watching this place.

“Don’t care. Scott, can you hear me?”

Miss me?

Oh god here we go.

“Stop it. Scott, you think you can tell other animals where I’m at?”

It’s not an issue but why?

“I don’t want to hurt anyone, but I need an escape. Think you can convince some deer or something to come here around midnight. Not that many. Maybe like two or three?” At first, Scott didn’t reply which worried him. Biting his lip he waited.

Won’t be easy, but I can do that. I will send a subordinate to meet you with a SUV. The deer will take you there.

“You like this idea don’t you?”

I won’t lie, it’s not that brilliant but decent. I need to train you more. Gabriel gave a laugh.

“Right. I’ll see you then. Going to take a nap.” He gave a yawn and left the bathroom. The room was still empty and Gabriel was glad for it. If tonight didn’t work, he wondered what would. Letting himself fall on the bed, he closed his eyes and dreamt.

 

Gabriel woke up to Laura gently shaking his shoulder. How long had he slept? Her smiling face at least was reassuring as he sat up and rubbed his head. No headache. Good.

“Feeling better?” she asked. Gabriel gave her a smile.

“Yeah. What time is it?” He asked.

“About six pm. We are going to have hamburgers tonight and watch a movie. The boys are picking out something now if you want to join.” She smiled at him, moving to the door and walking out. Gabriel jumped up slowly and followed her down.

“Sure.” It was strange, he still felt Luke’s lips on his. Damn, could he be considered a whore from how many people have kissed him? He was waiting for a witty comment from Seren but again he felt a block as he reached the bottom of the stairs. Travis, Samson and Luke were arguing and Jamie was outside at the grill. He walked over, seeing Freckles, or Rupert as the cat told him, walk up to him and sit. Gabriel focused on the cat and again, heard it speak.

Are you alright?

How was he supposed to respond? Gabriel was fine and issued a single nod, but the expression on his face could easily tell the cat he was confused. The cat’s lips didn’t move. Maybe it was a mind link too? He tried to get to Seren in the abyss but felt a wall there. What the hell? Was it the house? Maybe there was like a block or something down here. Did they believe in pagan beliefs or wiccanWiccan beliefs maybe? He recalled Luke asking him if he was a bible humperthumper. Man this house was confusing. Luke must have caught him staring at the cat as he gave a slap. The single slap caused another rush of voices but stopped when the touch ended. He looked up at the hard dark blue eyes Luke sported. The boy still gave him a hard expression but he simply looked at him with a blank feature.

“About the kiss.,” He heard him mutter. Gabriel moved and held up a hand.

“I don’t care about that. Sorry I punched you,.” Gabriel murmured back. He watched from the corner of his eye as Luke dared a smirk.

“What you said upstairs, are you serious?” hHe whispered to him. Gabriel looked away and back at Samson and Travis who looked to be fighting over what movie to watch.

“Severely. You just can’t come with me afterwards. Go off and do your own thing,.” Gabriel said to him, his eyes looking back at him. Luke stared at them, even leaning closer.

“I’m surprised I didn’t notice till you left that your eye is two-toned.”

“Got a case of heterochromia…” The teen muttered. Before Luke could respond, Travis spoke out to them.

“Hello? We are supposed to be picking a movie here. I say Taken, Samson wants to watch I am Legend.” Luke gave a snort.

“We’ve seen those so many times. Why don’t we watch a classic?” They laughed a bit.

“Like what? Casablanca?” Another round of laughter at the comment. Gabriel raised a brow but found himself oddly smirking. He moved to where the movies were laid out and looked at them. He smiled and picked up The Ring.

“How about this?” All three looked at him and Luke still had that damned smirk on his lips. Travis studied Gabriel before responding.

“You’re a horror film whore aren’t you?” Gabriel tossed the movie at him.

“No, but I want to see who has nightmares first.” He smiled innocently. The boys all raised a brow and Gabriel left them thinking. He remembered the movie back with the officer that he was first with when Ted had turned him in. He went straight to the back porch where Jamie was. The man turned to look at him.

“How was your nap?” hHe asked him. Gabriel gave a shrug, the cat following him outside.

“It was good. I needed it,.” hHe said, moving to lean against the rail. “Sorry about freaking out.” Gabriel found himself saying. Jamie gave him a smile.

“It’s alright. You’ve been on the run for a bit. How are you adjusting?” Honestly, Gabriel wasn’t adjusting at all. Granted Orion’s pack and Scott’s even lived in similar fashion, including Tasha as well, but he missed their company. He never really had problems before but even with the short time he’s been with them, it changed him overall. Must be a Jarkla thing.

I am really hating that wall you know.

There’s Seren. Gabriel frowned a bit. He didn’t want to talk out loud, so he spoke in his thoughts. I can’t explain it, Gabriel thought.

I know. And neither can I. I’m going around asking others about it, to see if they ever had that but I remembered that only I really mastered the whole telepathic thing. So I’m trying something else. You claimed that—

The wall It was shoved up and Gabriel felt a sting in his temple. What the fuck, he grumbled in his thoughts. At first he was going to grumble out loud but stopped when Jamie spoke.

“Hey Luke.” Luke. Gabriel turned to see him standing next to Jamie and eyeing the grill. How is it, that every time that kid got around him, a wall would be shoved so rudely between him andfrom his attachment to the abyss? He wondered how upset Seren was now since he was interrupted. No doubt he’d scream once the connection began again. “You kids want to take this inside? Have you picked a movie?” Luke snorted at the question.

“Hardly. You should pick one. Trav and Sam are wanting to watch the same movie again like the last few weeks,.” hHe complained. Gabriel was still looking back as Jamie turned to him.

“You pick one?” the adult asked. Gabriel opened his mouth, but Luke answered for him.

“He picked The Ring.” Jamie handed Luke a tray, Gabriel walking over to accept the other one.

“The Ring? A horror guy huh?” His tone was teasing, but comfortable. Gabriel relaxed only a little.

“Not really. I just remember watching it,.” hHe said with a shrug. He took the tray.

“Well I’m sure Laura will help bring it to a decision. Go on inside.” Luke led and Gabriel followed. As the teen tried to get into the connection with Seren again, he hit a brick wall. What was it about this kid that caused his connection to shatter? He followed Luke to the kitchen and placed the pan down next to Luke’s. Laura was finishing putting the condiments together. She smiled at them.

“Need help picking a movie?” Luke smiled at her. Gabriel stayed quiet and watched it unfold. He was honestly barely listening. He turned away, ignoring the look he got from Laura. He went back outside, watching Jamie clean up the grill. His eyes scanned the backyard and frowned. How could deer get in? He glanced up, seeing the window from the room he was in. He should have thought it out more. Jamie caught him looking around and raised a brow.

“You okay Gabe?” There it was. The comfortable ‘short’ of his name. He didn’t really mind it, but Gabriel didn’t like it. Maybe because he was human. Something was sparking in his system when the man said his name. He ignored it and faked a smile.

“Yeah, just looking around. Getting a feel I guess.” He noted, turning back to avoid the man’s eyes. Jamie continued to clean the grill as a few smaller birds came and joined Gabriel. They were chirping which caused the man to turn and look at the boy. He seemed completely unbothered by the birds as they rested on his shoulder and arms. He was leaning against the wooden railing; his legs crossed and chin resting in his arm. Gabriel truthfully wasn’t even that hungry. The birds perched on him and even Rupert had snuck out and joined him. The cat made no attempt to harm the birds which surprised Jamie. He went inside to see Laura finally picking a movie for them all. He turned to call to Gabriel.

“Hey Gabe, come on in, food’s ready. Looks like they got a movie too.” Gabriel honestly wanted to smack the smile off of all their faces. He had never felt so…so…irritable.

 

The movie was The Lorax and Gabriel sat away from everyone. Laura had ended up curling with Jamie naturally as they watched it. Travis sat on the other end of the couch, Samson sat at the end table with his legs underneath it and Luke took the arm chair. Gabriel had left to put his plate away and sat at the counter where the TV was still visible. They hadn’t noticed his disappearance since they were entranced with it. Gabriel however was avoiding getting sucked in by the movie. He had to talk to Tristan. Sneaking outside, he felt the wall becoming weaker. Getting to the corner of the porch, it relaxed and the voice of Seren was heard.

I swear to our mother that if you don’t answer me I’m going to strangle you when I see you next. Gabriel was smiling. Only because Seren sounded as irritable as he did.

“I’m here Seren.” He finally said.

Thank mother. What’s been happening?

“Dinner. Think you could think back on what you were saying before?” Gabriel questioned him.

Oh right. Before. Hmmm. Yes, right. Well you said that you heard the cat speak right? I was talking to some of the others and they said that after the bond, it’s possible to create small, very small, bonds in order to speak with animals.

“Like the eyes or partner deal?” Gabriel asked, scoping the back yard and glancing back to see if they noticed him yet.

“Not quite. It’s like when you talk to Scott or Tristan or me. You have to think about us. If you focus on the animal, you can hear their thoughts as well.

“I get that I guess, but explain the voices all at once.” The teen grunted.

All at once? Explain.

“When Luke touched me, and every time he does, I get like all these voices in my head. It’s like I’m in a large crowd and their voices are screaming and yelling.”

Who’s Luke?

Gabriel sighed and rubbed his temples. “This kid that’s here with me. He’s like, all up in my business. I told him if he wants out of this place, to join me in the escape tonight.” The boy muttered, glancing back again to see them still watching the movie.

Wait a second. You mean to say you’re taking him with you? And when he touches you, you hear voices?

“Pretty much. Not to mention, when you were in the middle of talking, he walked outside and I felt it. The wall just slammed between us. Is there something you guys aren’t telling me? Is there something else like me? Like uUs?” Gabriel was irritated, more so because of this random encounter with Luke. He was never a big believer in fate until these crashing moments of each twist and turn in his life. Was it all for a reason? “I mean come on Seren. First it’s Amaya, then it’s Eli, and now, you can’t even answer the questions I’m throwing at you. Granted you taught me something very valuable but now, this guy shows up and I just don’t know what to think.” He was ranting, and Seren was staying quiet.

“I keep thinking about what I told Orion, that I was going to run away, take Neil with me and never bother with this whole thing again. But it doesn’t end. It’s a never ending cycle of just utter bullshit! I wish at times, that the animals would just leave me alone. I can never really be by myself anymore. And you know what I hate most of all about this? That the one person that actually stayed with me, and kept me from ending my miserable life, is fighting to keep me.” He had lost his breath as he continued. Having to catch it, he let his forehead rest on the railing. “I only knew him as his feral form, and I want to get to know him like I got to know Orion, like I’m getting to know Scott. I just want this whole war to end and everything to just calm down. They say I’m a tool? I’ll prove that I’m not,” he closed his eyes, waiting for anything.

He waited for what seemed like hours as simple seconds passed. Still nothing. Then, it was a voice he didn’t want to hear.

“What the hell are you babbling about?” Gabriel turned quickly to see Luke standing at the sliding door. How long had he stood there? How much had he heard? Gabriel swallowed uncomfortably. He hadn’t even felt the break between them and when he tried, noticed he couldn’t. It had to be Luke. Something about this kid made Gabriel loose his connection.

“How much did you hear?” Gabriel’s eyes narrowed, staring at him. If he were to truly find out everything, he wondered how he would react. Luke moved a little closer and leaned on the rail, a few feet away now.

“Something about utter bullshit? How your life is a fuck up, some guy fighting for you.” Luke was actually laughing which pissed Gabriel off. He didn’t hear about what he said about him at least. That was a plus. “Who are Orion and Scott? And feral form? What are you motto-logging some fantasy world?” Gabriel’s blood felt like it was boiling. This guy mocked him and he had no idea what he’d gone through. The human inside him wanted to lash out, but the Jarkla kept him calm and collective. He turned away.

“Friends. And no. If you’re still game, you’ll find out soon enough, that you live in a world of lies,.” hHe said clearly. Luke tilted his head and moved closer, standing right next to him.

“A world of lies? What kind of lies?” Luke asked him. Gabriel was smirking.

“You’ll find out.” Before Luke could say anything, it was Jamie’s voice that called out.

“Hey you two, its curfew now. Come back inside.” Luke nudged him, the single touch once again causing voices. He hated being touched by this guy.

“Told you.”

“Don’t worry about it,.” tThe Jarkla muttered, walking inside with Luke following. “Also can I get the room to myself for like an hour?” He turned, looking at Luke.

“Why?”

Gabriel smirked at him as he started heading upstairs.

“So I can motto-log.” Luke raised a brow but shared the smirk.

“Whatever,.” hHe called out as Gabriel went upstairs to the room. Once there, he took a moment to lock the door.

Ok, so…this kid might be an XiasXais.

The word sounded familiar. “XiasXais? I heard a voice cry that out,.” hHe mumbled.

An XiasXais is…diffcultdifficult to explain. It’s good but bad in a way. Only a handful of Jarkla’s every encountered one. They never know what they are in truth, and the few that find out usually become hunters.

“Oh yay,.” Gabriel said dryly. “Listen, tell me later. I want to talkget with Tristan.”

Right. Got it. Talk later then

Seren was gone and his mind was once again empty. It wasn’t like Luke was standing there though. It was clear. He sat on the bed and reached out for Tristan, the views of him in his feral form and occasionally his human form flashed.

“Tristan…you there?”