Guardian - 23. Too Close for comfort

He hated being held by him. Gabriel couldn’t sleep well with Scott’s arms wrapped possessively around him. His eyes were wide open and at times he would zone out completely as if he were sleeping, but not once could he. When absolute exhaustion won over, it was the only time Gabriel would even get close to sleeping. But after a few hours, he would awaken again in the arms of the tyrant. He never thought he would miss the comforting arms of Orion, but after a single night in Scott’s bed and the incessant kissing he was forced to endure from the man, Gabriel was becoming emotionally scarred by it. He would see little of Tank and Heather or anyone else for that matter, but the TV was always on the news and during the times when he wasn’t passed out from exhaustion, he was watching it along with Scott, who relaxed next to him. At times he would stare off listening to the mudded voices on the screen and wonder why the man even watched. His answered his own questions when he saw what exactly Scott watched. It was always the breaking news, the sudden killings, the strange ones, the missing persons reports. It was then he saw the rough sketches of Orion and a few other faces he recognized like Trent and the babysitters of the pups. The familiar faces of the ones they ran into and the innocent face of Ashley. He wasn’t shown on the news as much. But he listened to Scott when he spoke about how many states had reported on his being a missing person. When he was brought to the house, they had traveled in a van and Gabriel had barely been seen outside. Scott was smarter than he wanted others to think, at least that is what Gabriel thought. His cunning was actually remarkable and Gabriel almost wished he had it.

He never could get away though, and when Scott’s sudden arousal sparked a make out session, it was then that Gabriel feared for his virginity. The kisses were always rough, and he was always bitten on the neck, rubbed roughly and scratched at the hips. He hated the situation and tried not to take part, but Scott would force him, threatening a life of one of the members of the pack, threatening to hurt Jake even more if he didn’t ‘corporate’. The man had leverage, and it sparked a deep burning hatred with the teen. Today was a repeat of yesterday. Gabriel had been out of that locked room for just two days and at times he wished he was inside it again, just to get away from Scott. He found he couldn’t meditate; his mind was too stressed. He desperately needed the past Jarklas. He found himself on the bed again, the sheets covering only from the waist down as he didn’t wear a shirt. Scott took his shirts, refusing to let him wear any. He at least he was given pants or shorts. That had to account for something right?

He wasn’t staring at the screen as the television blared. All he heard was the muddled voices. He was deep in thought but still couldn’t force himself into the Meadow. He sighed when the door opened, but he didn’t even look to see who it was. When the bed moved, Gabriel’s head quickly lifted, seeing the smiling face of Scott staring at him. The smile was nothing but conniving and sickening to Gabriel. He didn’t dare frown. He kept his features perfectly blank. At least he tried.

Scott growled and Gabriel’s eyes looked away from his, turning his head. He hadn’t meant to show his neck, but the alpha male took the initiative and moved closer, biting his neck softly. Gabriel’s eyes shut tight, he repressed a groan until Scott bit harder and he gave a low gasping cry. Happy with the effect, Scott moved until he rested beside the teen.

“Hmm,” he mused softly as his eyes glanced back at Gabriel. “Perhaps I should start making you begin all our play. It’s rather boring for me when I continue to do it.” Gabriel swallowed, his eyes looking at Scott’s chest since he was afraid to look at his face. Scott could feel Gabriel’s eyes and looked at him. “Yes, that’s a perfect idea. Every time you start it, I’ll reward you. If you do not, well,” Scott’s smile scared Gabriel. “Jake will not be alive for very long.” It scared Gabriel, so much that he scrambled to grab the man.

“Don’t kill him!” It was hardly a command, his voice gasping from shock and it only caused a larger grin on Scott’s face. He grabbed Gabriel’s hips, forcing him out from under the cover of the sheets and onto his lap. Though he was much smaller than Orion, there was no doubt that he was more built than Gabriel’s thin frame. The teen’s hands rested on the man’s chest as he shifted his gaze from Scott’s eyes.

“I won’t kill him. As long as you behave little puppy. Now then, show me. Show me how good you’ll be to keep him alive.” Gabriel wanted to cry again, the tears were building in his eyes and he felt a choked sob coming through his throat. He refused to let it out as he felt his hands shaking against the bare skin of Scott’s chest. He didn’t wait as he leaned in to kiss the man, disgusted with himself the very moment his lips touched Scott’s. Scott smiled into the kiss; Gabriel could feel his curved lips. The man tested the teen when he held him closer and opened his mouth to deepen the contact. Gabriel wanted to kill himself right then but he endured as he shyly continued. He hated kissing this man but it was strange. Scott was being tender and it drove him insane. He wanted Scott to be rough, he wanted him to take charge, to be this nasty monster he always thought Scott was when Gabriel first learned what the man had done with Amaya.

But it wasn’t happening and Gabriel was becoming sick. It seemed his thoughts were wandering as he felt Scott nip his bottom lip, causing him to whine. He pulled back, feeling the throb of the bite as Scott’s hand ventured to the teen’s neck and held his hair there, causing him to wince and hold still.

“Hmmm, not bad for the first time kid. I expect you to be better next time. Each moment you give affection, the more you won’t have to worry about someone dying. Get the picture?” Gabriel tried to nod his head but Scott’s grip on his hair wouldn’t let him. He gave a soft whine.

“Yes sir,” he muttered. He ended up grunting loudly when Scott yanked his body forward, pressing his lips to Gabriel’s ear.

“No more ‘sir’. You think you’re clever saying that, thinking I wouldn’t notice. I am your Master pup. And you will address me as such.” His voice sent chills down the teen’s back. He couldn’t muster the word. He couldn’t stoop that low, calling this man his Master. The nip on his jaw bone caused him to squirm but still, he remained silent. “You have five seconds before I make you say it.” It was a threat, Gabriel could tell by his tone and the soft growl in his words. Still, the teen refused. He couldn’t do it.

“I-I can’t.” he all but whispered.

“Pity then. Someone dies tonight.”

“No!” He became erratic, trying to pull away, to look at the alpha but Scott would have none of it. He snarled and shoved the boy down, forcing his weight on top.

“You have the audacity to say no to me pup?” Scott growled. Gabriel stared at him, his lungs heaving, his body struggling for freedom beneath the weight.

“I-I’m sorry! Please don’t kill anyone!” He couldn’t help pleading with Scott to change his mind. But he knew he wouldn’t. The man reeked of evil, it seeped from every pore. Scott barked out a laugh, lifting himself up and walking toward the door. Gabriel struggled to his feet, collapsing on the ground after he initially jumped from the bed, grunting. Tears streamed down his face now, he couldn’t hold them back. “Please don’t!” He had to say it. In order to save a life he had to say it. Could he force it? His acting skills were horrible, and the word itself made Gabriel’s entire being squirm beneath his skin. Scott continued to walk, almost as if he was ignoring him. He had to get it out, he had to!

“Master!” It was forced, horribly forced through his vocal chords but it had done the trick. Gabrie; looked at the man’s bare feet as they stopped on the carpet right before the doorway. He couldn’t see the grin that was plastered on Scott’s face, but he knew it was there and he was glad he didn’t see it.

“Again,” Scott demanded. Gabriel was choking in silent sobs as his hands clenched on the carpet. Tears streamed down his cheeks.

“Master,” he barely whispered, his sobs making it difficult now. Through his blurred vision, he saw Scott’s bare feet move to stand before him.

“One more time pup. And you better speak up,” Scott softly growled from above him. Gabriel wiped his eyes with his arm, sitting up as he rested on his knees, sitting on his calves. He swallowed his sobs, forcing himself to do what was necessary to save the lives of those who followed this man, perhaps by choice or force. More-so, to save Jake.

“Please don’t kill anyone, Master.” Not as quiet as before, but Gabriel had spoken up. He gazed at the man’s feet, his pride shot. At least what pride he had left. He felt a hand on his hair and he was roughly pulled to his feet, whimpering as his jaw clenched and his hands rose in protest to Scott’s arm. His eyes met Scott’s and he couldn’t tear them away.

“You seemed to have a bit of trouble there. Perhaps a day in time out will remind you of your position hmm?” Gabriel began to panic. He had said the word hadn’t he? Was he going to kill someone anyway? Had he been too late? He began to fight back as Scott dragged him to the room.

“No, no please don’t,” he pleaded. What was wrong with him? Just moments ago he was wishing and hoping for some time alone but now, as that room welcomed him, he was deathly afraid. Scott ignored his pleas and threw him inside, shutting the door as Gabriel rushed to the now closed door, the blackness of the room draping over him like a blanket.

“I wont kill anyone puppy. But you need to think about how you reacted just now. You have making up to do later.” Gabriel hated his voice. He hated everything about him. He wanted to scream, and he did. It was loud, vocal and it hurt his throat. He almost howled in aggravation. He paced the small room, only to hit his leg on the damned bed that rested in the corner.

“Fuck!” he exclaimed. After giving in he still found himself at the man’s mercy. How had things escaladed to this? Where was Orion? Gabriel yearned for the man, for his arms to hold him, his voice in his ear to tell him everything will be fine. Was it strange that he suddenly needed that? His thoughts went to Jake. He worried for him, and could remember when he was held by him. His heart ached in his chest. “I suck at this shit,” he murmured to himself. “It’s a game, nothing but a game. Just play the stupid game and no one gets hurt. Sure, you have to kiss this…reeking fucking monster that could rape you at any moment but it’s a game.” He tried to sound as if he was reassuring himself, making a joke if he had to. But the words made him stop pacing and he stared at the ground. It was too close for comfort. At any moment, Scott could change his mind and some mindless make out session could become a full on no clothes all out rape. That thought made the boy shiver.

“Ok, you can do this Gabe. Orion’s just getting ready to rescue you and Jake. I can handle this. Just need to calm down. Get to the meadow and talk. Simple. Calm down; get to the meadow and talk. No biggie.” He could feel the wavering tone of his voice and relaxed completely as he moved to sit on the bed. It was useless. He was still freaking out. Sure, Scott said a day but it could easily become a week. He brought his knees up and wrapped his arms around his legs. He had to relax. He had to talk to them. Closing his eyes, he tried.

I was afraid to open my eyes. Afraid that I would be in that dark cell. I finally gathered the courage to peek out. I felt so relieved when I saw the grass of the meadow. I was ecstatic. I quickly stood; the blood rushing in my head didn’t even affect me here. I ran all the way to where the others were, feeling like I should be gasping for air when I got to the cavern. They were all staring at me and Eli was quick to come to my aid, his face covered with a worried expression.

“Gabriel, we thought you wouldn’t be coming back. We could feel your stress.” I wanted to push him away, but something compelled me to take the other Jarkla in my arms. I hugged him, hating how this simple action helped me so much.

“He’s threatening to kill someone if I go against him. I’m terrified he’ll rape me. So far he’s just making me kiss his sorry ass and I’m going insane. In fact I know I’m going insane. Hell I am talking to myself.” I had let go and I knew I had become hysterical. “And I hardly ever do that!” I continued. “What should I do? I can’t wait for Orion to get here. What if he takes his time? I don’t even know what he’s doing! Amaya once said I could see what my guardian is doing. I’m still connected to Tristan right? Couldn’t I see him?” I was going insane, just screaming at the group. I needed to know, I had to know. It was driving me wild not having any of the answers that I desperately needed. Eli grabbed my shoulders and held me still as I looked into his lavender eyes.

“Calm yourself Gabe. We can look for them, yes, but you need to calm down.” How could he even say that?

“I’m trying to calm down! I can’t alright! I’m like in fucking panic mode right now!” I threw my hands up in the air and fell into a vacant seat next to some of the girls. My expression was disgruntled, I could tell by how they stared at me. Eli looked to the others and they seemed to all nod. I looked back at Eli who sighed.

“Come, it’s time you meet someone.” What? Again? I couldn’t help but question him once more.

“Another person? I thought you all were right here. Well, aside from Amaya since she’s pissed at me,” I muttered. I stared up at Eli, who shook his head.

“There is one more, she’s with him right now actually. He was the first male. He was also the one to last the longest out of all of us.” The longest? I took into account what that could mean. Was he as old as Orion, maybe until he died? Maybe he would have all the questions. But wait, hadn’t Eli told me before that he was the only male before me? Great, now he was liar.

“Wait a second, I remember you saying that you were the only male before me.” Eli gave me a shrug.

“I wasn’t thinking,” he responded. I couldn’t help but snort.

“Whatever. Take me to this guy then.” I got back up, still exhausted, but the faster I meet this guy the better.

I followed Eli out of the cavern and walked a good distance. The scenery changed here and there until we were coming across large scaled mountains. Where exactly were we going? It wasn’t until I heard voices that I stopped.

“My dear, you should not be so angry. Your son is still alive and rather happy.” His voice, his voice alone was so deep and mesmerizing that I felt my whole body jolt in sudden arousal. The guy’s accent was so original I couldn’t place it. Was he talking to Amaya?

“But Seren, he promised me he’d be there to care for him. And he was captured by Scott!” That answered my question. That was her voice all right.

“Amaya, love, you cannot test or know how fate happens. There is always a reason behind it, and it’s something our mother cannot control. Can you be happy for your son, in his life that is healthy and fulfilled?” I wanted to see this man, the man behind the voice. When I finally rounded the corner, Eli behind me as he motioned me forward, I searched the cave for him. When my eyes landed on a beautifully majestic dragon, I was dumbstruck. His scales were a bright red that shined like a burning fire. His claws were charcoal in color and his belly scales were like pearls. When I met his eyes, they were the brightest lavender I’d ever seen. I had to tear my eyes away to see Amaya standing next to him. I frowned at her. She stared at me and looked so upset. I wanted to tell her I was sorry, apologize for going. The silence that hung in the air was causing me to become even more of a wreck than I already was. I was hoping for too much when she morphed and flew away as a small bird. Frowning deeply, I felt my entire body sag.

“She is still young, as are you little one.” I looked back up at him again, staring at this large dragon before me. Why doesn’t he hold his human shape like the others? I didn’t want to give this guy too much attitude. I wanted answers, but most importantly, help.

“Do you know why I’m here?” I saw him look behind me, maybe to Eli. I didn’t let my gaze wonder as I stared at him.

“I do. You have many questions and concerns that the others cannot answer.”

“Eli said you were the oldest. What did he mean?” Questions were booming in my mind. I wanted to ask them all, to lay them all on the table. But what if they only lead to more and more? I had to get answers.

“He means just that. I am the oldest. Would you like the whole story?” That was a strange question. Of course I wanted it. He smiled at me; the large smile on his long face told me he could see my answer. “Come sit little one, and I will tell you.” I walked closer, climbing over some rocks before literally sitting next to him. I had to crane my neck up to look at him. He was still smiling at me.

“The whole story. Everything you can explain.”

“In due time yes. Now then. It was the beginning of time. Whether you’re religious or not, depending on your background, it changes with each person. The book of Genesis with the creation of Adam and Eve, the story of Hati and Skoll as the brothers who chased the moon and the sun. So many different beginnings that lead to the same story in the end.” My lips pinched into a line. Was he going to stop talking in riddles and just get on with the story? He must have seen my expression because he continued.

“Our mother was beautiful, and with every one that bares the child, there is the father. Most do not believe it but as much as the moon is our mother, the sun is our bright father who guides us in the paths we take. It’s our duty to do both parents proud in what they expect from us.” Great I was getting a lecture now?

“We gain our powers from our mother, but there are ways to gain it from the sun as well.” Well that sparked my interest. He must have seen it as I heard his soft laugh. “Gabriel, the little angel, you will be the one to truly test our parents. Eli has told you about the ones who are not here correct?”

“They are not here. That’s what we covered at least. That they didn’t do what they were tasked with and in doing so didn’t get to have their soul stay here. Which, I have to be honest, looks and seems pretty boring.” I couldn’t help but be truthful, and in it he laughed again. I eyed him warily.

“Yes, that is a simple way of putting it. And I must agree with you, the abyss here is rather tiresome. Always questions but hardly any answers. You’ve asked about this bond, about the child Amaya bore, how his body seems ageless. You’re afraid of commitment, afraid of others getting hurt because of you. Afraid of yourself, for giving in. So much fear little one.” I hated how he read me like a book, but his voice soothed me as I relaxed in his presence.

“You can read everyone like this?” I questioned him. I watched his inquiring face until he slowly began to shift. I stared at this man before me, perfectly aged and so beautiful. His hair made me think of my own. It was such a dark black color that it could have shined blue in the sunlight. His skin was tanned and his body... I couldn’t continue looking at him, not without a blush on my cheeks. He must have seen my head turn as he sat beside me.

“I do. You however, though I can read you quite clearly, there are things that I see differently in you. You’re troubled, that much is obvious. But you are also so full of a spirit that I can’t comprehend. I want to watch you succeed, to get over this rough spot you’re at. You say you can’t play the game, but I surely believe you can.” Hearing this boost of confidence from this guy made me rethink my situation. He at least seemed to be onto something, and understand and even back me up in my decision.

“So you support me in this? Everything I want to do?” I had to get it out. I was so selfish in what I wanted.

“I do. I support you because you remind me much of myself. I couldn’t even begin to tap the power though, and you,” he paused to look at me. “I believe you can. I will give you warnings, and I will also give you something else. When your mind is stressed, as you’ve already figured out, you can’t succumb to the abyss. I will grant a communication with myself that I had mastered during my time on earth.” Was he talking about a mental link where I could talk to him?

“You mean even when I’m in the real world I could still talk to you? Like how we are now?”

“For the most part. Your thoughts will be shared with me, and I will always respond if I need to. I will teach you how to use the link, how to make your thoughts become others. With this gift, you will be able to reach someone by simply thinking of them.”

“So like a mental connection, like telepathy?” He gave me a nod. “That sounds too good to be true.” I felt his heavy hand on my back and heard his mystical laugh.

“It will take time, but it’s time you have. With it you will also be able to jumble up thoughts, especially with humans. This you will use to your advantage. Ah, but let’s not jump too far ahead shall we? We will start small. When you leave here, I will be with you. At times you won’t control it and you’ll feel weak. I will apologize now for that.”

“It’s going to drain me?” He gave a slight shrug.

“A bit yes. Just in the beginning. Once you grow use to it, it won’t feel like anything is happening.” I turned to him, feeling his comforting hand leave my back.

“You say that you learned this? Were you the only one?” He eyed me gently.

“Yes. I wanted to tap the power given to us. I didn’t just do what I was told and go on with life. I tested its boundaries. I spent most of my life during my time as Jarkla learning about this gift, to really know how to use it. I am hoping that in teaching you this gift, that you will find more, tap into more and truly bring out the Jarkla and what it means to be the son of the Moon and Sun. Remember that as well. The others doubt me for my ideas, but remember that the Sun is who guides you during the day. Draw your strength from him. At night look to our mother and allow her to bathe you in her soft beams.” I gave a slow nod of my head. He fascinated me and I was almost looking forward to leaving. As long as I had him with me.

“Your name, Amaya called you Siren?” I murmured. He laughed.

“Seren. Like ‘see’ then ‘rin’. It’s what I called myself. I don’t remember my birth name.” I almost felt bad when he said that. I was staring at his face when his fingers grazed my cheek. “Could I call you little angel? Your name, it is of one correct?” I couldn’t help but scoff, but I had been smiling.

“I’m far from any angel, but if you want, I guess you can.” His smile dazzled me. I was almost hypnotized by it.

“Mmm, then little angel it is. Go back to the world now. I will always be with you.” I didn’t want to leave, but the pull became clear when I heard the growling tone of Scott above me. I closed my eyes, and let the meadow become nothing but another memory.

Gabriel’s eyes fluttered, staring up at Scott’s face. You say you can’t play the game, but I surely believe you can. He remembered Seren’s words and at once, though Scott’s face looked angry, he reacted by looping his arms around the man’s neck and planting a heated kiss on his lips. Scott was slightly taken aback, but then he smirked, lifting the teen to his feet and forcing the kiss to stop. Gabriel held himself close, hearing Seren’s soft chuckle in his head. He really was there, he had to be. Seren, he thought to himself.

I’m here little angel. Good show.

Gabriel smiled. With Seren perhaps he could build the confidence he needed to play this game right, to make sure that the lives that were hanging in the balance were saved.

“I see you’ve learned your place pup.” Shit. Gabriel forgot he would have to call him master. Damnit, he thought, as he bit his lip without the man seeing it.

It’s all part of the game. Play it well. He will eat out of your hand if you do and you will become the Master without him knowing.

Seren’s words made Gabriel almost want to puff out his chest. Yes, if he played it well, perhaps he could really test his boundaries with this man. It was worth anything, to try. To truly give him the benefit of the doubt that he had given in.

“Yes Master.” He still failed to say it with any confidence though. It had to be a good thing though. He wondered if he should play it rough, act like he did but still get in trouble, still make mistakes. He ran through the scenarios in his head as Scott led him out of the room. Seren murmured only a soft ‘hmm’ as a response. Gabriel wanted his opinion but it seemed like that old Jarkla was allowing him to wing it himself. He was more excited about learning what Seren had to offer. Was it possible for him to learn even though he wasn’t bonded at all? The question bounced in his head and with a resounding chuckle, he knew Seren saw it.

Yes.