This was supposed to be a birthday dedication for Sunday but it was impossible to finish in time. So HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY HUN! A belated bday dedication to one of my most dedicated :D I'm late but I'm gonna still pretend it counts so :P

And yes, somehow this chapter was even longer than the last one. I'm worried about how long this book would have been if it was entirely in 3rd Person POV.

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::CHAPTER 26::

3rd Person POV [Orion]

It was finally Saturday and both Danyel and Orion were glad to not have to get up early for school. That didn't mean they escaped being woken up hours before they usually would have.

Tommy and Richard both had a meeting that morning and the pair had decided to drag their Chosen boys along for a day out together. It was obviously Richard's idea, but Tommy hadn't needed a lot of convincing. With the two of them leaving in a little over a week or so, he understood that Richard wanted as much time spent with Danyel before that happened.

Both Richard and Tommy were dressed in suit and tie with sunglasses perched on their noses as they pulled up in the coupe. "Get your fluffy tail down here, Ri!" Danyel hollered up at the house. Orion opened his bedroom window, flashed his middle finger to an outburst of laughter, and closed it again before meeting them outside.

Richard drove them out of the forest and over to the hotel. Orion had never before set foot inside the place and Danyel's intake of breath let him know that he wasn't the only one. The four star hotel was not the best in the world, but it was the most posh thing the town could offer. Certainly the fanciest place either boy had ever been in.

Everything was white; the pillars, marble floors, reception counters, walls. Only the black vases with lush flowers added a shock of color. The seats in the lobby were almost comfortable, everything smelt artificially scented and cold but there was a sweetness to it.

"Do we wait for you guys to finish and then go for breakfast?" Orion looked from Richard to Tommy.

"That's the plan. I've had appointments for you two with the masseuse upstairs," Tommy said, "I figured you both had a pretty rough week."

"Thanks, man," Danyel said knowing that wasn't just about what happened with Veda. Richard must have told him about the breakup too, "You didn't have to do that."

"But," Orion interrupted and grinned at his best friend, "we appreciate it."

Tommy shot a smug look at Richard who'd doubted Orion would go for the distraction. Richard ignored him. He knew why Tommy had wanted to treat Orion out to something nice. Tommy was overjoyed that the boy had broken up with Danyel. No, overjoyed was an understatement. He'd literally done a back flip off the living room wall when Richard had mentioned it.

Richard hadn't heard Tommy profess his love for anyone so much within a single hour since that one time the character he hated got killed off in his favorite soap opera. And that was saying something.

Tommy had gotten it into his head that the break up was a sign from the high heavens that Richard get his head out of his behind and do something about the "Danyel situation". That's what he was calling it now. It had a name.

It would have been far easier to be annoyed if Richard wasn't secretly happy about the breakup too. He'd always gotten the feeling that Orion wasn't the one for Danyel.

Danyel had never seemed really happy with Orion. Not the way boyfriends tended to be. It felt platonic at best and it rubbed Richard the wrong way seeing them together. It made him uncomfortable. He liked each of them enough to set his own feelings aside and accept it, but it was a relief to see that they'd ended things. And on a friendly note too.

Tommy got an employee to lead the boys up to the spa and the two waved them goodbye. Richard moved as if to touch Danyel but stopped himself, realizing that he'd been moving on automatic. Richard was getting conscious of how often he found himself touching Danyel. He hadn't noticed in the beginning but Tommy decided to play a game of point-it-out each time it happened.

That didn't matter. He hadn't been touching Danyel as much then anyways. It was the full days of having the boy sick that opened up a floodgate of touch-hunger that had been easy to overlook before.

He found that he wanted to be nearer. Closer. Always touching. Never out of contact. Always always constantly needing. Wanting.

While Danyel was sick and delirious, the boy had sought him out even in sleep. The kid would always roll closer, grab and clutch and grope at empty air until his fingers could settle onto the solid presence of the older man. He'd tug on his shirt until Richard came nearer. Then Richard would be subjected to a couple of hours of limbs wrapped around him, warm breath puffing against his skin, nose nuzzling into his neck from time to time as he shifted and resettled.

And he allowed it. Never said no. Never complained.

Richard never had it in him to push Danyel away. Hell, he still was a sucker for the kid after all this time. Could hardly deny him anything he wanted. All Danyel had to do was ask for something and he'd get it, but it was a fact that never got abused.

It had been unnerving to find himself waking up nose-to-nose with the boy a couple of times, breath ghosting against his lips. Those few days together − with Danyel bundled up only in blankets and his arms − had opened Richard's eyes to something uncomfortable. The boy was all manner of gorgeous. Not in the distant way he'd noticed before. This was slightly more personal. His Nye was beautiful.

Even pale and mumbling delirious nonsense. Even with his skin slick with sweat and his hair sticking to his forehead minutes after a shower. Even with his breath ragged and his golden-topaz eyes unfocused. Even his tiny, sleepy whimper when Richard moved to stand and stretch his legs.

If someone were to ask, Richard would insist that it was the proximity that did it.

He had woken up in a vice grip too many times, so close to Danyel's face that he could make out a faint smattering of freckles on his nose that he had never noticed in all their years of being friends. Or the way his lashes fanned out way too much for any guy's face. Or how his full, lower lip jutted out a fraction when Richard tried to move back because of course Danyel Maynard would just as much a pouting brat in sleep as he was awake.

He did try to leave Danyel to fend for himself one time. Just to give them some much needed space after spending so much time together. He was back at the boy's house within the hour. It wasn't in his nature to leave him like that.

Now Danyel was feeling much better. He was still weak and couldn't walk for very long without getting tired, but his fever was broken and he was fully lucid. Richard could trust himself to watch him leave the house under supervision and not worry.

Despite Richard holding out on touching him now, Danyel had gotten spoilt in that time. He'd been wrapped up in his mate and surrounded enough to get him a little greedy.

So yes, Richard had aborted contact there in the middle of the hotel lobby. Danyel simply ignored the fact. Instead he leaned in and hugged Richard tight. "Good luck in the meeting," he murmured into his ear − his new vocal chords as low and animal-rough as they were the first time Richard had heard it. Danyel brushed a kiss on his jaw, their height difference showing up in the movement.

"Thanks kiddo," he responded.

"Stop calling me that. I'm not a child," Danyel landed a punch on his arm that was too playful to hurt.

"Sorry. It's too late to come up with a new pet name," he grinned.

"Not my problem. Think of one if you have to."

"Which one?"

"Any one. I don't care. Just not that."

Danyel took Orion in tow and followed their spa escort to the elevators. Richard, teasing bastard as he was, waited until they were far enough away that he could totally justify calling out to them. "Hope you have fun, baby boy," he hailed out.

Orion coughed and their escort looked scandalized to hear the human say that to a Chosen. Danyel just stood inside the elevator with raised eyebrows, wide eyes, pink cheeks and lips parted in shock.

Richard didn't expect the beat in his chest to stutter at the look on his face. He thought it would be funny not…flirty. Incredibly flirty. Like late night sexts with your friends with benefits kind of flirty. Still, he found that he kind of liked the name all the same. He just had to mind his tone when he used it. Teasing tones were definitely out obviously.

The elevator door closed. "Oh yeah, so platonic," Orion and Tommy both said to their respective best friends as casual as can be. Richard didn't reply and walked away to go find their own escort. Danyel studiously ignored the knowing grin on Orion's face.

"Shut up."

"I didn't say anything," Orion turned to him still grinning.

"But you're thinking it. I can hear you thinking it."

"Definitely thinking it, yep."

"See this is why I don't take you places," Danyel grumbled, "You'd think you'd be a little jealous."

"You're my ex."

"We only broke up yesterday!"

"Yes, well. It's not like a lot changed," he shrugged, "The status is gone but we're just as not-in-love as we've always been."

"Still. You could at least pretend to be upset. I was a total catch."

"Of course," Orion scoffed, "But not the catch meant for me."

Danyel caught what he was saying and gave a grunt of agreement. Orion bumped his shoulder and smiled over at him. The sentiments were understood; there was no hard feelings. It felt like they needed to continue reassuring each other. The whole thing felt too smooth to be true. Far less messy than it could have been.

Both had talked about it last night and decided that their relationship felt more natural this way. It was far easier to see how heavy and full of expectations it had been before. It seemed pretty clear they'd been forcing it for a long time.

Orion was still attracted to Danyel but it hadn't been much deeper than that aside from their straining friendship. The mating saw to that. The relationship could have worked but it would have always felt strained with Danyel's loyalties skewed. Orion enjoyed the sudden lack of tension in his animal.

The elevator finally stopped and the woman was quick to leave. They only realized that being stuck in an enclosed space with two Chosen would have incredibly uncomfortable for her. She still walked in close enough proximity to them.

Orion figured that she was being paid a lot to keep up this politeness. He'd expected her to point them in the right direction and never look back after that ride. She took them down the hall and around the bend into a room filled with doors.

"Would you like separate rooms toda−?" she started.

"No."

"Absolutely not," Orion said, "We stay together."

"Alright," she said slowly, "We have a double room available."

They were lead into the middle one and introduced to the man and the woman setting up inside. They introduced themselves but didn't offer their hands to the boys.

"We were told that we should have explicit permission before touching…" the woman's eyes went from one to the other, "dominants."

"You have it while we're on the table," Danyel said as his eyes scanned the room for all exits and entrances as well as potential threats, "He can go first."

"You can both go at the same time."

"No thank you, ma'am," his gaze slid over to hers and she stiffened, "I'll go wait on that table there if you don't mind.

She immediately sensed that he was the authority figure between the two. A soldier judging by his spread feet and hands clasped behind his back. She recognized it as a resting position.

It was also pretty obvious that he was not asking permission so much as politely telling her what was about to happen once he was alive and kicking inside the room. Giving a quick nod, she agreed even though her agreement wasn't exactly needed.

She should have finished prepping but she couldn't stop staring. These were the first Chosen she'd ever seen with her own eyes. They were far less volatile than she'd expected, but they were so feral. Anyone could tell that they were pure, animal wildness tightly restrained. Animals in their eyes, there was a danger to these men. Each was handsome in their own very different ways but she knew she'd never venture into those waters if given the chance.

The man eyed Orion who was looking through the bottles and speed reading the ingredients on the labels. He sniffed the contents and recapped the containers before returning them to their places.

"Is everything alright?" the man ventured.

"That's what we're checking," Orion's tone said 'duh' quite plainly.

"We've recently seen one of our Packmates poisoned. He died," Danyel inspected the trolleys, "Better safe than sorry."

"Of course, if we miss something important and do in fact wind up harmed then I wouldn't want to be working at this hotel at all," Orion peered into the backroom.

"Why is that?" the man glanced at his co-worker.

"Richard Crowley is an extremely close friend of mine and incredibly possessive."

"A borderline mother hen on some days," Orion piped up.

"Some days," Danyel agreed, "And Tommy Ackles is practically wrapped around his finger."

"So I'd really not want to be the one to explain to him that either of us − particularly Danyel − got taken advantage of in your care," Orion rubbed an oil into his hand and stared at it.

"You'd lose your jobs at best. Knowing Richie, he'd buy this place. And you don't want him as your boss. He can be pretty vindictive."

"When it comes to Danyel at least. But then there's the whole thing about me being the Alpha's son," Orion pointed out.

"Yes, there is that," Danyel closed the cupboards with a final snap, "And I'm the next in line Alpha."

"You don't want Asher White and his Pack on your ass either, I promise you."

"Oh. I see," the man said.

"Naturally, this information is useless," Danyel shrugged, "I'm sure you two are respectable professionals with no ulterior motives."

"But we will be at your mercy for a long time and we think it's best to have everything out there," Orion flashed a smile, "We're not the type to attack without provocation, you understand."

"Go on and get ready, Ri."

The woman offered him the backroom to undress in, but he waved off the offer. A race of people who had to strip naked to shift forms were consequently very body positive and didn't view it as anything to hide. All bodies were beautiful in the eyes of Ahmose and therefore no earthbound being had the right to shame it.

Danyel sat on the table swinging his legs and utterly at ease now that the situation had been explained to the humans in the room. Considering that no one had any idea of how the victims were being subdued enough to be attacked, they had to leave all options open while in the town.

Now that they were older, the pair better understood why Chosen never put their backs to any and everyone. It had been just a cultural habit in their youth. It was only at this age they could appreciate the horror that could come with failing to keep your eyes on the person you were with.

Orion took a little while to trust the masseuse at his back. It was his trust in Danyel to watch over him that made him relax and close his eyes. He sighed and let his body go lax under the kneading fingers.

"You are incredibly tense."

"I'm a soldier in a constantly attacked Pack and my father is an Alpha without a Second which means I have to be the one to take on his stress to keep him going," he replied, "So yes. I am incredibly tense."

"That's a lot for a someone in their twenties to handle."

"I'm eighteen. Still in school."

The man's fingers paused for a second before he continued. Orion could practically sense him trying to apply the same principles of human children to Chosen ones.

"How old are you?" the man turned to Danyel, "If you don't mind me asking, I mean. You don't have to answer."

"I'm aware of that," he said and eyed him for a long pause before responding, "I'm sixteen."

"You're kidding," both the man and woman stopped and stared.

"I'm turning seventeen next week," he glared.

"You're younger than him," the woman said pointing to Orion, "You could pass for twenty-five."

"Yeah well my animal is stronger and bigger than his. It needs a bigger body to contain it so the human side of me aged itself to compensate."

"That's how it works," the man looked impressed, "Speeding up your physical aging. That's amazing."

Danyel's responding expression ended all conversations. Orion didn't need to see to know the face Danyel had to be making for the older humans to go silent. The boys were relaxed and their recently massaged feet made it feel like they were walking on air. Orion hadn't felt this physically relaxed in a while. Emotionally, sure. That's what Pack was for; emotional masseuses.

Now the pair were wrapped up in their fluffy robes and padding over to the hot tub on the outdoor terrace in equally fluffy slippers. They had plenty of time to kill until Richard and Tommy were to finish their meeting. Slipping into the bubbling water, both looked out at the view. From this high up, no one could see the naked boys going into the pre-sanitized tub.

No one else was there that early in the morning and they looked out at the tree-tops of the forest opposite them. Neither could see the village from here but it was no less pretty; birds of all colors flitting from tree to tree and the light rustle of wind and animals passing through the leaves.

"Your mate does come with his perks, doesn't he?" Orion sighed and settled lower into the water.

"You make him sound like a sugar daddy," he laughed.

"Call him what you like…baby boy."

"Shut up," Danyel smacked him on the shoulder but Orion spotted the blushing red in his ears even with his face turned.

"I'm sorry. Is that like Nye? I'm not allowed to use that one either," he sniggered.

"You are the worst ex-boyfriend ever."

Orion grinned and wiggled his toes above water. He was happy that they could tease and hang out like this. After his terrible display of breaking up skills, he was shocked at how normal things had gotten so quickly.

His wolf was too pleased about his Alpha's mating to care in the least that his human was single. For the first time, Orion noticed that the animal had never latched onto Danyel romantically. How on earth it took this long to spot that was a wonder.

He was happy though. It took a far shorter time to fall back into the old friendship they'd somehow slipped out of while they were dating. Hell they were sitting in a hot tub naked together and there was nothing weird about it.

That wasn't to say that Orion suddenly wasn't attracted to Danyel. He thought the boy was as handsome as he was yesterday and the year before that. Now he knew better. A hot, best friend wasn't all it took to make a good boyfriend. He could look back and see with clearer eyes that Danyel really had never given his all to the relationship. He didn't blame him for it. It was a hard thing to do in a situation like that.

"What's it like? You know, being mated."

"I'm not mated. Not really," Danyel made a face, "I haven't accepted it. And he doesn't know about it to accept it."

"Yeah," Orion fanned that response away, "But you still have someone who's meant to be yours like a mate."

"It's kinda weird," he admitted. Danyel hadn't been able to talk to anyone about this and it was liberating. He turned to see Orion looking as curious as ever, but he didn't tease him about it. "It's weird," he continued, "But awesome and really bittersweet too." Orion raised a brow like none of it was making any real sense to him.

"It's like having a candy store made just for you. It's amazing and perfect and totally insane how spectacular it is. You can look and you can touch, but only a little. You can never taste though. And no matter how much you want to brag to the world that it's yours, you have to keep it bottled up. Hide it. Everyone else can try it except you and no one can know it's yours."

"Must have been lonely," Orion frowned at the picture Danyel painted.

"I had you," he shrugged.

"I'm a shitty compensation for a mate." There was no jealousy or sourness in his tone. It was the truth.

"You are an awesome friend. And you were my anchor when I needed it," Danyel smiled at him.

"That is true," Orion gave a sage nod, "This is indeed accurate. I vote for you buying me a thank you gift."

Danyel scoffed before a phone call from Richard signaled the end of their little spa morning. By the time they were toweled off and back in their robes, Richard and Tommy were already inside and waiting for them.

"Ahh. You two are glowing," Tommy beamed and then nudged his friend, "I told you they'd love it." Richard rolled his eyes and motioned for them to follow him into another room on that floor.

It was huge and open. Sunlight streamed in and glinted off the silverware. Glasses sparkled and the too clean, too white tablecloths seemed to glow a bit. Fresh flowers were on every table and it added some much appreciated color to the room.

Orion looked around the place, impressed. They had no such thing in the village. A hotel was useless in a place where all visitors were family and, rarely, friends. Other people were having their breakfast, looking utterly at ease in their robes and soft slippers.

The four chose a seat on the shaded balcony and gave in their orders. Seeing the waiter reminded Orion of something.

"Hey remember that waiter we met from the restaurant in town the last time?"

"Hmm?" Danyel looked like it didn't begin to ring a bell.

"Green eyes? Great hair? Tattoos?"

"Oh. Right him. Yeah. Why?"

"I forgot to tell you that I saw him the other day. In the village," he said.

Tommy didn't react but Richard and Danyel both looked equally worried. The food came and neither of them so much as acknowledged the plates.

"Why is someone from town in our village?" Richard frowned.

"The better question is how he managed to get in. We tightened the security. How is he just walking around?"

"Good point," Richard said stealing a few marshmallows from Danyel's bowl of cereal, "Tommy and I got held back for like twenty minutes when we were coming in."

"True. I remember trying to get in," Tommy said taking a bite out of his panini, "They had to call everyone and their mother before they'd let us through. It took forever."

"Calm down," Orion stopped them, "It turns out that he lives there. He just works in the town."

"Really?" Danyel scoffed, "And he told you his life story of his time here over coffee?"

"It was a bar actually. And no, we didn't talk for that long."

"Did you do a background check?"

"No," Orion frowned to himself, "I didn't think to."

"Seriously?" Danyel's brow furrowed, "It's the first thing we do with strange visitors. Were you drunk?"

"No, of course not. I trusted him. I can't tell you why, but I do," even Orion knew that explanation was lame in a time as hostile as it was now.

"So he's still in the village then?" Richard asked.

"Yeah. At least I'm assuming he is," Orion replied, "He says he has family here. I'm guessing that's how he got through."

"Look it's fine. I'll just run a check on him when we get back," Danyel pat his knee with a reassuring smile, "What's his name?"

"…um. He didn't say."

Danyel's stare hardened and Orion wanted to sink into the ground. He'd seen the other boy level that look at many people before. He'd thought it was intimidating before, but he was wrong. It was not nearly as intimidating as it could be when you were on the receiving end of it. It was disappointment, disapproval, scolding and judging all wrapped up in a wordless stare that felt never ending.

He had no idea why he hadn't thought to double check. He would have for anyone else. In fact, he had done that for countless other visitors. He was a Pack solider and Second. It was something automatic for him. This time he'd just gone on the word of a complete stranger and he hadn't questioned any part of it.

In retrospect − with Danyel still giving him that look − the whole situation seemed sketchy. And at the same time, he didn't want to doubt the guy. Something about the waiter just felt trustworthy. Even now that he'd been fed sufficient doubt, Orion didn't want to think that the guy was up to anything. He didn't seem the type to want to go out and harm anyone. That wasn't enough to excuse him though.

"It's fine," Richard told him, "Nye can get Asher on the phone, put out a description of the dude and see how quickly we can get something on him."

"I'll do it," Orion sighed.

Danyel wasn't the Alpha and he didn't have any authority over him yet, but Orion didn't have to hear the unspoken orders in the stare. He could practically sense it in waves. Orion could appreciate that Danyel was no Asher. His dad would get in your face about things and yell until he was hoarse. Danyel didn't get riled up outwardly. He was always collected and cool no matter how pissed he was. It was almost passive aggressive the way he could let you know his fury without saying a word.

Orion found that he didn't like having Danyel upset with him. No one in the Pack did. It was a different thing to when Asher was upset with you. It was unsettling and the power balance could shift pretty drastically.

It was easy to be friends with Danyel. But when he went Alpha − or soldier − on you, you tended to straighten your back and listen the hell up whether or not he was saying anything aloud. It was as if their friendship didn't exist within this time frame. There was nothing but Pack dynamics and an unyielding power structure. "Quickly," was all Danyel said to his offer to make the call.

Asher answered on the first ring like Danyel always did. Orion glanced back at the table and took the call elsewhere. This was embarrassing enough without having an audience.

"You good?" was the first thing Orion heard.

"Yes," he said and went on to reassure him. Asher worried whenever his son when into the town.

"What's this about then?" he settled.

"There's someone in the village − uh − I think he's still in the village at least, who I met in the town. He's human."

"Human? Where'd you meet him in the town?"

"He works at Būzo as a waiter. Danyel and I met him there. I don't know his name, but I met him again in the village recently and he says he has family here."

"But we have to check anyways," Asher continued, "Okay. Give me a sec. I'll go run a check with Perimeter Security. Maybe they can verify their own checks."

Orion toyed with the robe's belt around his waist while Asher went to find a computer. He was glad that his father didn't seem too curious about when exactly he'd spotted the guy. He'd probably flip out if he knew he'd purposely let the guy go without checking up on him.

"Alight, I'm mass emailing Perimeter Security now. Let me get a description of him. I'm assuming you got a decent look?" he asked as he typed away.

"Yeah. I think so."

"Okay race and complexion?"

"White. Pale," Orion said. Like he avoids the sun as much as I do.

"Eyes and hair?"

"Straight, red hair shaved up the sides. Green eyes." Green and yellow green and amber all mixed up. Probably the prettiest green I've ever seen. And you honestly couldn't miss that hair, it's so freakin bright. If he were an animal, he'd probably be the poisonous kind. The kind with really bright features that drew prey in.

"Great," Asher said typing away, "Now can you give me an estimated height and weight?"

"Um, maybe a hundred and seventy…or seventy -five pounds. About five feet, eight or nine inches." Shorter than me definitely. He'd have to tilt his head up to look me in the face. And he looks light enough. I could probably lift him up and toss him over my shoulder pretty easy even if I wasn't Chosen. Not that I would. Danyel's the caveman, not me.

"Good good," Asher mumbled, "Did you notice any discerning marks, scars or piercings?"

Well hell. About a metric shit ton. "Yeah. A few," he tugged on his robe belt.

"Okay. Go slow. You know I'm crap at this typing thing."

"He's got some freckles on his face." You can barely notice it in dim, bar light. Just a smattering on his nose and cheeks, but it's like it spreads when he smiles. It would take forever to count.

"Mhmm. And no piercings or scars?"

"No. Not that I saw. But he has tattoos. Flames with a ring of skulls at the base inked on one forearm. Letters on his fingers. A stylized clock on the back of one hand." None in color, but the black stands out nice enough on his skin already without it.

"Thanks, Ri-Ri," Asher said.

"Dad," he groaned, "I told you about that name."

"Oops," he said not sounding at all apologetic before he hung up.

Orion shot his phone a look knowing that Asher couldn't see it. When he returned to the table it was in the middle of Tommy declaring how violated he felt that Danyel had run a background check on him too. The boy didn't seem at all bothered, busy nibbling on a corner of his french toast, his breakfast variety platter almost done.

That Saturday was as lazy as the Sunday was hectic. They'd hit the town's malls all day because Tommy insisted his credit cards were claustrophobic and needed long walks every week. As such he and Richard wound up spending far more than Danyel and Orion would have ever approved of if they'd been allowed to see the bills.

Richard had gone as far as to buy one of the dogs he'd seen Danyel fawning over at the pet store. He knew the boy had been wanting a dog since they'd met. He'd first called Danyel's aunt and uncle to see if it would be okay before he placed the order. Danyel didn't notice. He was too busy peering at the small dog with Orion who made a face at the thing.

Orion was not a dog person…or a pet person for that matter. He didn't see the point of them. They pissed and shat and you had to clean it. And then you had to pay for food, toys, vet check-ups and stuff. They weren't nearly cute enough to justify the amount of money, time and effort that went into them.

Danyel on the other hand, loved the living hell out of those things. He wanted to go running in wolf form with them and take them for walks and play with them. He'd love to teach tricks to his own pet and get cool collars and leashes for one. He'd love it as fiercely as he loved any other thing that he already did. Neither boy knew that Danyel would be getting one in a few days once Richard got all the food, supplies and check ups settled.

All in all, the weekend seemed to end faster than anyone liked.

Orion woke up Monday morning with his feet killing him after spending the previous day walking up and down the large mall in town. It had undone all the good that the foot massage had done, but he couldn't complain. He was in a good mood. He'd had fun with Danyel and he had to admit that Richard and Tommy were growing on him.

It wasn't often he came across people who were genuinely that nice or willing to treat a friend of a friend out. Or in Tommy's case, a friend of a friend of a friend.

Asher drove Orion to school on his way to the den since Orion didn't feel like walking all the way to Danyel's house today. Orion looked up at the school and groaned much like he imagined Danyel would when he eventually got here later.

Dragging ass to class, he walked in and sprawled out in a seat near the window. Orion didn't care much for the kids filing into class one by one. In fact, he'd dozed off for a bit before being woken up by Danyel flopping unceremoniously into his lap.

"G'morning to you too," he rubbed his eyes.

"Yes, yes. Lovely morning to be bored to death for six hours," Danyel nodded, "On the bright side I look awesome in my new jacket."

"Can't believe Richard actually bought that for you. That price tag was insane."

"Right? But he's insisting on getting me a gift for each of the birthdays he's missed and I'm not one to say no to a cool ass jacket."

"No you are not. Wish I could fit in it," Orion fingered the material, "I wouldn't mind taking it off your hands once in a while."

"Heh," he shot me a grin and struck a pose, "But you can't."

"So what are you getting him," Orion leaned back in his seat with a smirk, "Bet it'll be hard getting something for a guy who has everything. Four different somethings actually."

"Yeah," he deflated a bit at that, "I'd have to spend all of both of my salaries to get him one thing he doesn't have already."

"Hey," Orion said seeing that maybe he'd teased about the wrong thing, "I'm sure no matter what you get, your Richie will love it."

"Don't call him that," he mumbled in an offhanded way like he wasn't really thinking about it.

It was so reminiscent of them as children that Orion smiled and gave an unattractive snort. He was damn lucky that he'd never fallen in love with Danyel. It would have been difficult to be just friends after the breakup. A big part of Orion had always known he and Danyel never really worked the way he wanted them too. Now he could look back and see that it was okay. It wasn't either of their faults and yet it was both of their faults.

"Get off your boyfriend, Mr. Maynard," the teacher said coming in, "Leave that at home."

"Sorry?" Danyel gave a sheepish grin that turned quickled to guile and charm, "You look really nice today by the way, Mrs. Atiba."

"You're not getting another extension on that paper," she pursed her lips, "You've had ample time since your recovery."

"What if I got a note from Asher?" he turned on his best doe eyed look.

"…fine," she caved, "But you can't always abuse your perks."

She eyed Orion pointedly. Danyel followed her gaze and got to his feet. "Oh. Oh no. We're not dating anymore," he said taking the empty seat in front of Orion. A few people started whispering not-too-quietly. Mrs. Atiba quieted them, "Yes, well regardless."

She ended it at that to look at the guy who'd just entered the room. She marked him into her attendance sheet and returned his good morning, not introducing him to the class at all.

Danyel tapped Orion's hand to point out the arrival of their favorite waiter. Orion didn't need anyone to point him out. It was pretty difficult to miss the boy in the white, sleeveless hoody over a washed out, once dark green t-shirt. One swipe of his hand slid the hood off his head to reveal astonishingly ginger hair.

"Since when is he in our class?" Orion wondered aloud.

"Since now apparently. Guess he really does live here to be enrolled this quickly."

"He'd been enrolled here before. That's the only way he could get in already."

"Now now. Quit drooling," he teased, "Stare at him any longer and it'll be almost indecent."

"Turn around and go away, Maynard."

"I'm jus' sayin'," he sang in his sassiest voice spinning to face the front of the class.

Orion chanced another glace over just as the guy turned around. Recognition flashed across his face before it was replaced with a tiny smile he tried and failed to keep to himself.

Kevin hadn't expected his transfer to be in Danyel and Richard's class. He'd only just moved back to the village for his final school year. It was more than he'd expected to wind up in a class with the boys. Of course, they had no idea who he was but he found that he preferred it that way.

Pulling his headphones out of his ears, he settled into the seat and tried not to get too used to having the pair happy to see him. He had to admit, it was refreshing getting to be someone else for a little bit at a time.

He slid down further into his seat and started jotting down notes. Orion turned away to paid attention to his own notebook.

Orion wasn't stupid. He could tell that there was a serious crush setting itself up. Something about the other boy made him stop and stare. It wasn't as if he was some Greek god of hotness or anything like that. He was fairly average compared to the guys Orion tended to hang around with. Still, he found himself staring and cataloguing little things to memory. He couldn't help but return the smiles. And those eyes really were very pretty.

But it's way too soon for any crushes or dating. I just got out of a relationship. Literally this week. Jumping into another is a terrible idea. This was of course assuming that the guy was interested in other guys at all. In fact it was going so far as to assume he'd be interested in Orion personally. He'd first met Orion serving him on a date with another guy for Ahmose's sake.

 Plus he's human.The animal's thought was unexpected. The wolves usually communicated in gestures and body language. The really intelligent ones learned to project images into their human's minds. Orion was always taken off guard when he got words. He didn't feel so weird knowing that Danyel's wolf sometimes did the same. They didn't know about anyone else whose animal could do it but that was fine. One other person was enough. They were happy enough to know they weren't alone.

When the bell rang, Orion was shocked to see that the guy was out of the door before even Danyel. That was a feat in itself.

"Damn," Danyel said looking out the door, "He's quicker on his feet that I am to get outta this place. I like him."

"You have a mate already," he muttered low enough so no one would here.

"Really? You sure? I hadn't noticed," he said deadpan, "I didn't mean it like that. You totally have dibs. He's your waiter."

"I don't have dibs and he's not my waiter," Orion kicked Danyel's seat, "He's a person not a remote control."

"Sor-ry," he sniggered, "Someone's touchy. So you already getting back in the saddle?"

"Of course not. I don't do rebounds. It's too soon."

Danyel gave a non-committal shrug, unable to really care less. "Whatever. Let's go find snacks," he said, "I've been in this class way longer than I should've been." He didn't wait for a response and already started heading out. Orion was way too used to his antics to expect less. It was a good thing they'd be done with school in a few months.

Halfway to the cafeteria, Danyel's phone rang. The cell was Chosen-made so it was designed in a way that made it impossible for anyone to hear the other side of the call. Human-made phones did the opposite. It didn't matter because Orion could tell by the slow smile and change in posture who was on the other end of the call anyways. "You are so whipped," Orion whispered in his ear before dodging a kick to his butt laughing.

Danyel flashed him the finger before continuing the call. Orion didn't have time for Danyel's snail pace and went on ahead without him. It wasn't as if they were joined by the hip or he didn't have any friends of his own. He didn't have to stick around and watch those two circle around each other for the rest of eternity. Losers in love.

Orion laughed aloud at his wolf's doting comment and got a couple of curious stares in return. He ignored it, agreeing with the animal one hundred percent.

The few people who denied their mating for another person were those who had met the other person long before recognizing their potential mate. Danyel had known Richard better and longer than any other friend. Certainly longer than Orion. It would be much harder for Danyel to deny the mating for someone else.

Orion looked back to see the boy with his head thrown back in a full bodied laugh. He was happier now and that was relieving in an unexpected way. Orion hadn't realized that a large part of his tension came from unconsciously picking up on Danyel's. It was a far muted version, but no less significant for it. Maybe that's why they were both taking this so well. There was no other way to take it with all the tension relief.

Orion spent the recess period playing a round of one-on-one basketball with Kenny. She'd won and was the smuggest little shit about it all the way to class.

When the period was over, Asher was at the door. He wanted Kenny and Danyel to go take care of an early drill necessary for the Alpha and medic specifically. Both groan and complained all the way before Asher promised to treat them to lunch afterwards if they shut up. They did so instantly. "Told you," Kenny winked at Danyel before they went.

That left Orion on his own that lunch time. He was in no mood for the rowdiness of the cafeteria today and he was doubly in no mood for his other friends at the school. They tended to irritate him far more than they used to as a child.

Back then he'd been too shy to go up and make his own friends so he'd simply  accepted the ones who made friends with him. He didn't especially like any of them with the exception of Kenny, but he'd tolerated them. It had seemed better to have a bunch of friends than none at all. It took him years to accept that he'd prefer to sit alone than deal with any of them at all.

Thinking of somewhere quiet where he could be alone, Orion grabbed a couple of pizza slices and a drink before escaping to the rooftop. Technically no one was allowed up there, but that was exactly why he expected no one to actually be up there. It was said to be dangerous by the teachers since there was no ledge around the perimeter.

Climbing up the rusty, underused staircase, he opened the door. Breeze whipped his hair back and he spotted a familiar form sprawled out on the rooftop. Maybe I should leave. Maybe we should. Still he didn't move. He'd climbed that deathtrap staircase just to get here. He didn't feel like having to hunt for somewhere else secluded where no one would try to join him. He's probably here for that same reason.

True as that was, Orion walked closer. Close enough that Kevin could feel the wolf's presence and spun to face him. "Oh, it's only you," he relaxed and Orion wasn't sure whether or not that was insulting. He looked around the large rooftop. There was more than enough space to sit up here too and completely ignore each other.

"You mind sharing your rooftop with me?" Orion asked unsure of why he was suddenly getting bold with new people. Kevin shrugged and gestured to the wide expanse. It was then that Orion noticed that most of the rooftop was open to the blazing sun except the spot the other boy sat in. He'd chosen a nice patch just under a large tree with branches moving out over the school.

"Wanna share my tree too?" Kevin asked nibbling on a pizza crust and seemingly uncaring of the answer. In reality he found that he didn't mind breaking his lunch time solitude for this particular company. He was wary of the Chosen but that was a wariness born out of horrible experiences and people who were just dicks to humans because they were humans. The Alpha's son didn't seem to have that human prejudice. It seemed a safe enough situation.

"Thanks," Orion settled into a space beside him on the ground, "I hate the sun."

"I know the feeling," he responded and held out an arm, "With my skin, it's a freckles fest."

"Freckles aren't that bad."

Kevin raised a brow wondering if this boy had ever had a single one on his scar-less, mark free skin. Orion's  face warmed a little at the stare he was getting. It looked judgmental although it wasn't.

Freckles aren't that bad? What the hell was that? You alone know. Shut it if you're not going to be any help. This is what you get for trying to make new friends.

"What's with the scowly face?"

"My wolf is being an asshole," Orion grumbled with a snap on his pizza.

"Is your lunch being an asshole too?" Kevin leaned back to watch him, "Or are you a naturally hostile chewer?"

"Are you teasing me?" Orion paused. No one but Danyel and Kenny ever had before.

"Me? Tease the Alpha Jr.? No never," he smiled to himself green eyes sparkling.

Orion stuck out his tongue like he would at Kenny if she'd said the same thing. He was getting pretty comfortable pretty fast with this guy just like he had when they'd met at Būzo.

"Why are you picking out the green peppers? They're the best part," the guy looked at him as if it were a cardinal sin.

"No. Ew," Orion made a face, "Green peppers suck."

"Then pass them over if you're going to waste the best thing on the pizza."

"Dude, the cheese is the best thing on the pizza," Orion shoved over his tray anyway.

"That is heartbreaking. Okay, yeah the cheese is one of the most important parts, but not the best. The toppings are."

"How is it that you work in an Italian restaurant and know nothing about pizza?"

"How dare you?" he pointed a juice box straw at Orion as indignantly as a juice box straw could be pointed.

Orion laughed at the wobbly straw he was obviously supposed to feel threatened by. "Oh no. Please. That's the one Chosen soldier weakness," Orion flopped onto the floor with a damsel's hand on his forehead, "Not bendy straws." Kevin squirted apple juice on his face. "Hey! That's cold!" Orion wiped his face with a napkin while Kevin blew on the straw as if it were a fired gun.

"You are a lil shit," Orion said. Kevin flashed him an unapologetic grin that made his temper fizzle down within the second. Giving a huff, Orion went back to his lunch.

"So how come you're up here?" Kevin's tone turned a fraction more somber.

"Needed some space."

"Ahh. Avoiding your friends."

"Sort of," Orion said. Kevin shot him a look. "Okay yes. I'm avoiding them. You'd avoid them too if you were me."

"Yeah I probably would avoid those guys too."

Kevin said "probably" but he knew he would with absolute certainty. Orion didn't question how the guy seemed to know who his friends were. He was busy eying the candy cigarette Kevin was now playing with in his mouth. It was an idle movement; flipping it around with his tongue. Orion's eyes flickered down to the movement, transfixed for a while.

"Want one?" Kevin held out the box completely missing why Orion had been distracted.

"I − uh − no. Thanks," Orion turned away to look out at the playground.

"So what, are you avoiding your boyfriend too?"

"No. He's on an errand with my dad and my other friend, Kenny. She's a medic in training."

"Good for her," Kevin was genuinely happy for Kenny. A medic was the village equivalent of a doctor and Kenny was pretty young to get into it so early. He was sure she'd take to it as well as her mother had. It wasn't a job for everyone but Kenny was a smart one.

"And for the record Danyel and I aren't together anymore."

"Oh. Right. I walked in on that convo in class. I forgot. Sorry it didn't work out."

"It was for the best," he shrugged, "We're both a lot happier as friends."

"Sounds like a nice, squeaky clean break up. Never had of one of those."

There was a heaviness to those words that no one would be able to miss. Orion decidedly learned to hate the look that crossed the boy's face when he'd said it. Almost as though he had to pretend not to be hurt because he was expected to not be hurt.

"What's your name?" Orion asked out of the blue, "You never said."

"Because it's none of your business," his smile returned.

"Oh come on," Orion elbowed him, "I told you tons of things about me."

"No one asked you to," he pointed out, "Besides, I'm starting to like being anonymous."

"Hang on," Orion's eyes narrowed, "You want to be anonymous in high school?"

"I've tried being known and it wasn't all that amazing," he chewed on a sweet pepper and looked up into the trees, "The opposite seems to be working out alright so far."

There is was again. That look. Like he was too used to going through a lot of crap but no one caring. Orion had seen that look on orphaned pups in the den. He'd seen it when kids just started training; Asher wouldn't take their whining for fear of coddling their spoilt wolves and making the animals more volatile.

Of course, in both these situations it was more of a false perception of no one caring more than the truth of it. Orion suspected that this stranger had his fair share of no one actually giving a damn. That sort of thing left its mark. He was a Second. His specialty was all about emotions and hurt. It was what he was born for. To calm, stabilize and ease hurt in his Alpha. He could spot that kind of thing a mile away.

And it ran too deep in this boy for his liking. You could see in his eyes. His animal's Second instincts could pick up faint traces of it even as it was pushed down.

"You're a bitter man," Orion commented. Kevin met his gaze for a second before the dominance imbalance forced him to turn away. He got to his feet and took his tray with him just as the bell rang, "I've been given good reason to be." He left with that. Orion had to give the guy that. He knew how to make an exit.

Everyone had their elective classes now. Orion went off to art while Kenny went to drama and Danyel went to woodshop now that the pair had returned to school.

Orion was god awful at art, but he was stuck with it for another few months. He should have taken woodshop or technical drawing. Maybe he would suck less at that. Or maybe home economics. He was sure his new anonymous lunch buddy took that. He did cook a little at Būzo last time and it was really good.

Either way, Orion didn't see the guy or any of his friends at all for the rest of the day.

Usually, he wouldn't care too much about names or faces or strangers in general − his shoddy social skills helping that considerably. He supposed it was the whole secrecy and anonymity of the situation that got his curiosity peaked so much.

His grandmother used to call him Curious Ri-Ri because he'd scamper around the house on too-short pup legs, tail wagging, sniffing and peeking at everything and everyone. He always found his gifts a month before his birthday and sweet talked his teachers into telling him his grades weeks before report cards were out. It wasn't in his nature to simply accept being in the dark.

Purposely getting stuck in the dark for someone's amusement made him want to know twice as badly. Someone had to have his name, right? Who cares? No one's talking to you, wolf. You don't like anyone. There's dad, mummy, you, Kenny and Danyel. I remember you had a math class once. We learned that five was more than zero.Orion rolled his eyes but smiled at the sassy, furry face staring at him in his head. Congrats. Five people in the entire world. He could do sarcasm too, thank you very much.

It figured that would be the animal's list. His wolf didn't extend his trust any more lightly than Danyel's wolf did. Orion couldn't expect it to trust someone who wouldn't even give them a name to call him. He most definitely didn't expect the big grumpy face to like the other guy, which he didn't particularly seem to.

Orion's curiosity was still going though. I bet it's something generic. Like Bob. Or Ted. Orion chuckled to himself and no one sitting near him questioned it. They'd long accepted his outbursts over the years. I don't think he looks like a Bob. Or a Ted. Orion could feel the animal agree but it's thoughts still echoed in his head, Well it's not like he was born with tattoos and charm. Oh so you think he's charming? Silence.

Orion grinned to himself. He hadn't expected an answer. He continued his sketch of what was supposed to be a still life. The vase only vaguely resembled a vase and the flowers were just beginning to resemble a plant of sorts. The single, saving grace of the entire thing was the table which could actually kind of pass for a table in an abstract-ish way if it got some decent coloring.

Orion had long given up on any artistic pursuits, preferring to use the two hour class to let his mind drift. His teacher didn't mind once there was some evidence that he'd done something − no matter how talentless − during the period.

The next day, the boy didn't come to class at all and Orion noticed far quicker than he'd expected he could have. At first he'd assumed the guy had ditched the first class or maybe he was late. Their spot up on the roof was empty during lunch and he had to just accept that stranger didn't come to school at all. He could admit that he was a little disappointed at that.

*****

The blazing sun beat down on his back and exposed forearms. Kevin had to shake the damp hair from his eyes and pulled on a beanie to keep it out of his eyes. He silently cursed the heat and his neurotic neighbor for talking him into painting his house in this weather. He’d be freckly all over tomorrow. If I didn’t want this cash so badly, I’d go tell that cheapskate where to shove this bucket of paint.

He grumbled under his breath as he dipped the brush into that same bucket. It was already three in the afternoon and he’d been at this all morning, but almost done.

“Hi, Kevin!” a young girl slowly made her way outside. She was only five and her curls bounced with every cautious step. She had a glass of lemonade in hand and was trying her hardest not to spill the nearly full contents.

Unlike her cheapskate of a dad, the girl was human and a sweetheart at that. “Hi, honey,” he pat her head, “Is that for me?” She beamed a sunny little smile and held out the glass with all the pride in the world. Some lemonade sloshed onto her hands. He would have had to be made of stone not to melt at that. “Thanks,” I smiled back, “I really could use something cold to drink.”

“I know. It’s so hot today,” she said, “S’why I put on my hot-day dress.”

“Oh well, of course it is,” he shook his head with a wider smile. There was no use fighting five year old logic.

“Yup!” she got up on the lawn chair and peered up at me, “So how come you weren’t in school today?”

“I – um – needed to take the day off,” he rubbed at his neck.

“Oooh! Are big kids allowed to do that?” she asked her legs kicking under her.

“No…I mean yes…well kind of?” he cleared his throat, "I got permission."

“Hiya, Orion,” she looked over his shoulder, “Look, I’m hanging out with a big boy.”

Kevin didn’t need to turn to know that Orion White was standing just behind him. From his now crouched position on the ground, it was hard not to notice the shadow Orion casted over him. In fact, he didn’t even need the shade provided. Orion's Chosen strength was an obvious thing to humans. It invaded any personal space available and seemed to suck the oxygen from the air itself.

The nanosecond Orion stepped into his personal space, his nerve endings all snapped to attention; fully aware of the predator at his back. Kevin's body straightened under the strain of the natural dominance Orion wore like a second skin. It was as if cement had been poured into his veins and hardened. Moving wasn’t an option. His body sensed the danger and was responding in kind.

He grit his teeth against his survival instincts. It was telling him to stay still. Telling him that he was the prey to the animal standing so close behind him. In spite of it, he fought against the submission demanded of him as he always did around Orion. It was uncomfortable but doable.

Kevin tensed further at the sound of his voice. “Hey, sweetheart. You're out in your hot-day dress?” he said to delighted giggles, “Is your dad back yet?” Kevin glanced up to see the girl shaking her head at him, eyes bright. She was too far away to feel the animal presence. “I suppose I’ll just have to wait for him to get back then, huh?” She went pink in the cheeks and dashed away into the house.

The poor five year olds aren't even immune to him. The thought made Kevin chuckle in spite of his discomfort.

“Hey, stranger. I don’t really have anything better to do until this man finally gets back from his store,” Orion asked stooping beside him, “You want a hand with that?”

Kevin thrust the spare brush in his direction. He hadn’t even thought about it. His response had been totally reflexive and he hated that. Without meaning to Orion had turned him into a puppet for a split second. It was an effect of the dominance imbalance and it tended to happen sporadically. Intellectually, Kevin understood that Orion hadn't meant to do it, but that didn't make the reality any better. The lack of choice pissed him off.

Not noticing the flash of anger, Orion took the offered brush. Their hands made the smallest, most negligible amount of contact, but it was enough to calm that anger. Kevin looked at his hand in awe. Mainly at the millimeter of skin that had touched Orion's. He didn't know about Orion's abilities as a Second so the sudden tranquility perplexed him. He curled his hand into a fist and released. Amazing.

Orion's abilities were meant for Alpha-level emotions. Humans were nothing in comparison.

The low timbre of Orion's laugh caught his attention; brushed over his skin, forcing Kevin to meet his gaze. Focus now on luminous eyes gone mercury in the sunlight, something twisted in his stomach. It was difficult not to see that Orion White was a force of nature contained under human skin and shy, small talk.

“I’m guessing by this semi-painted house that this is why there was an empty seat in class today,” Orion said. Kevin's hand spasmed around the handle. Orion's voice rubbed his senses raw. The high dominance levels pushed at the natural submission that all humans − simply by not being Chosen − innately had.

But that aside, Kevin noticed that Orion made the effort to keep his tone light. Non-threatening. Careful. Much like he had with the little girl moments ago. He is aware of himself. But I suppose you have to be if you're gonna be carrying around that kind of power.

“Yeah. I took a day off.”

“To paint?” he asked skeptically.

“I’d have stayed home either way. At least this way I get money for it.”

“Is there some reason why you skipped school?”

“Yes.” Kevin didn’t add anything else. It wasn’t anyone's business that he'd been suspended for the day and he was well within is right not to have to explain why.

Orion spotted the bruised knuckles when Kevin resumed painting. Some were cut and not fully healed yet. He had the good sense not to ask and so Kevin was spared having to tell him that he'd punched one of Orion's old childhood friends. That particular friend found out who the new boy at school really was and thought it was a fun idea to tease Kevin about an old memory between them − an incident still blood raw in his chest.

The Chosen boy hadn't seen the fist coming, but the teacher had spotted the seemingly unprovoked hit. Kevin's refusal to answer didn't help his case. Orion no longer spoke to the boy, but Kevin neither knew that nor would he think it was important if he did. That punch was long overdue and he'd suffer split knuckles again if it meant he could do it again.

Orion didn't need the details. He'd already put two and two together and figured out that the boy had gotten a fight suspension. He barely knew this stranger but he had a feeling the "victim" probably had it coming.

“Never mind. I get it,” Orion began painting, “I’ll keep out of it.”

“Good.”

“…but if there were any younglings in the Pack giving you grief, you’d tell me?”

“Not likely,” Kevin scoffed remembering a similar conversation with Orion in a bathroom years ago, “Thanks for the concern anyways.”

“Does this paint come off skin easily?” he changed topics.

“Not really. Why?” Kevin asked as he set out to work on the window sill.

“Because,” Orion chuckled and turned Kevin's head to him, “you have paint all over your face.”

“Damn it. Where?” he dropped his brush with a huff. It would take forever to scrub this brand off.

Orion laughed out loud, not knowing where to even start. It was all over. "Um," his finger tips touched Kevin's nose, “Here.” They then ran across his cheekbone, leaving a blazing heat in its wake, “And here.” His fingers traced a line above his brow, “A little bit here.” His hand then lowered and his fingers brushed along his jaw, “And you got some here.”

Kevin wasn’t too distracted to notice that the boy inched closer with every place he touched. It was impossible not to notice. There was no way to be inconspicuous when his presence was that intense on its own. Add that to the animal’s intensity and Orion was not the kind of guy who could be ignored. Especially when it was clear that you were his sole focus.

It was just as hard not to notice the way his eyes dropped to his lips for a second or two; stormy grey touched with slivers of quicksilver at the moment. No one would ever mistake Orion for human. Kevin knew he shouldn't think it, but that fact was all kinds of appealing.  There was an unnamable something that was so blatantly other about Orion that it was an effort not to stare.

But Kevin had learned his lesson about dating Chosen. He'd made the mistake not just once but twice. He'd wanted to trust again and was foolish enough to put his heart on the line a second time before it was fully healed. He'd then been screwed over worse with each mistake. He would be an idiot to walk into a third mistake.

It would take more than big grey eyes and a sweet laugh. Far more than a teasing afternoons at a makeshift rooftop picnic and the shyest smiles he'd ever seen. He'd been through the sweaty palms and racing heart before. He'd felt the butterflies and gone through the nights with a pretty, Chosen boy on his mind. He knew the roundabout dating game. It never ended well. He didn't want to have to split his knuckles across Orion's face one day.

He preferred to be that anonymous acquaintance Orion spoke to from time to time but never got close with. Something on the fringes of a friendship but never quite there. Nothing more. His heart was still black and blue from the last hit. If you don't have anyone, you can't lose anyone. He was far better off alone for now. It felt safer and that wasn't a luxury he had often.

Orion squirmed at the flare of bitterness he caught from the other boy. As inconspicuously as possible, he brushed against him. The "taste" of  bitterness dimmed and Orion smiled inwardly. Kevin knew exactly what Orion had done but he didn't say anything. The boy was terrible at being sneaky, but his triumph was too cute to spoil. Either way Kevin's mind was too busy trying to wrap itself around the idea of a Chosen helping him to bother saying anything.

--------------------------------------------------

Quick Hypotheical Question: If there was to be a...thing...at the end of the book and a bunch of the main cast were all to get brutally murdered. Who would you want to be the only one surviving? Danyel, Richard or Orion. Keep in mind that you'll have to read about the others being killed off and the reactions of the survivor. (that was a cruel question but I'm curious)

Anyways, lord have mercy that was long. I hope I see a bunch of comments when you finish reading this in the next 3 years or so :p

My goodness it is so annoying having to write 'Danyel' and 'Richard' in 3rd Person POV. I can't wait for the next chapter when I can go back to writing 'Nye' and 'Richie' and the world will make sense again. You don't know how many times I had to go back and fix it. 

And wow. I knew in a technical sense that Nye would be all snuggly/cuddly/touchy-feely with his mate when he's sick but Ahmose I didn't expect him to be all over Richie like white on rice in a glass of milk on a paper plate. Damn. 

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