New Rule, New Rhythm.
Chapter Thirty-Eight: New Rule, New Rhythm
“I can’t believe you actually asked Elliot to come stay at our mansion,” Aldrich muttered, standing beside Aiden, who was busy inspecting the meals the cook had prepared.
“Aldrich, it’s only fair,” Aiden said softly, plucking a ripe strawberry from the platter and popping it into Aldrich’s mouth.
“We have so many rooms here; it wouldn’t make sense to make that boy commute all the way from the city.”
Aldrich raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “He’s quite young, and well... I’m young too. I asked him the other day…he said he’s almost nineteen.”
“Elliot seems harmless, and he doesn’t overthink things. If he was dangerous, the Alpha Prime would have warned me.”
Aiden smiled but didn’t dismiss Aldrich’s concern. “Look, I get it. He might seem harmless now, but he has powerful people he works for. They could easily use him or force him into things he can’t refuse.”
Aldrich’s eyes darkened. “Besides, I feel like he’s disrupting our routine. Everyone’s more interested in listening to him or reading his ideas than training.”
Aiden’s expression softened. “We haven’t had proper training sessions in a while because someone convinced you all that negotiation is better than war.”
“But out there, there are enemies who’d rather see us dead than talk things out.”
“Just because you’re cautious doesn’t mean no one else can be,” Aiden teased, leaning close. “Loosen up a bit, my love.”
Alden sighed, but Aiden’s kiss on his lips made him smile despite himself.
“Come downstairs for breakfast, old man,” Aiden said playfully.
They walked toward the dining table together. Elliot was already seated, a color-coded schedule and printed pamphlets spread before him.
“I was thinking about a fun way to start our sessions,” Elliot said, sliding the papers across the table. “So, I made these.”
Merrick chuckled, flipping through the sheets. “This is actually kind of okay. I like it.”
“This your notepad?” Merrick asked, grabbing it from Elliot.
Elliot nodded.
“Guys, this is supposed to be breakfast..not a strategy meeting,” Aldrich grumbled, shooting Elliot a sharp side-eye.
“I’m sorry, Aldrich,” Elliot said quickly, cheeks reddening. “I just got a little excited.”
The maids came in to serve the food, breaking the tension.
“You don’t need to apologize, Elliot. Aldrich, stop being a grumpy old man,” Aiden teased.
Aldrich’s tone turned serious. “We’re having training today. No one skips.”
“I’m taking Elliot into town, so I’m skipping, Aldrich,” Merrick said casually.
“No, you’re not. Another day, maybe,” Aldrich shot back.
“Come on, Aldrich,” Merrick pressed.
“Have you been skipping your beloved horse riding to spend time with Elliot?” Aldrich accused before standing abruptly.
“Sorry, if that’s my fault too,” Elliot murmured, guilt flickering across his face.
“Aldrich!” Aiden snapped.
“He’ll come around soon enough,” Aiden reassured Elliot softly. “Aldrich is just uptight about letting people in. You can think of us as family.”
Elliot looked between them, worried. “You didn’t actually have to skip. That might make Aldrich angrier.”
Merrick laughed, slapping him on the shoulder. “Relax, nerd. Fiona and Aiden have got my back.”
He stared at Elliot’s glasses. “Those make you so cute. The way you push them up? Even cuter.”
Elliot smiled awkwardly, a blush creeping up his cheeks.
“I should take you to the biggest city library. For a bookworm like you, it’ll be paradise. But first, let’s grab something to eat,” Merrick said, grabbing Elliot’s arm and pulling him toward a diner.
As they left, Elliot asked, “Does Mr. Aldrich even like humans at all?”
“What do you mean?” Merrick chuckled. “He likes humans. Like Prince—he’s human. Best friend of Aiden, and Grant’s lover.”
“Prince and Grant are together?” Elliot’s eyes widened. “But how? Different species. Isn’t it forbidden?"
"The DRS laws say supernaturals aren’t supposed to have romantic relationships with humans.”
Merrick’s face turned serious. “You’re not going to tell anyone, right?”
“I won’t,” Elliot assured him with a smile. “It’s not our place to judge love, especially not theirs.”
Merrick adjusted Elliot’s glasses on his nose.
“Thanks,” Elliot said, blushing again before walking ahead briskly.
“Wait up!” Merrick called, jogging to catch him.
Elliot felt overwhelmed by Merrick’s lively, funny personality but enjoyed the company…it was a break from the usual tension.
Suddenly, rain started pouring. Merrick’s car was parked at the library’s lot, so they had to risk getting soaked to reach it.
“Here, take my jacket,” Merrick said, slipping off his coat and draping it over Elliot’s shoulders.
Elliot’s glasses fogged instantly. Merrick took them off to wipe them clean.
“Hmm, sorry…I thought you might want to keep them on,” Merrick said, trying to put them back.
“No, you’re cute without them,” he whispered.
Elliot blinked, caught off guard. “Huh?”
“Nothing,” Merrick smiled, and they stood under the library’s awning, waiting for the rain to let up.
“This is our underground training ground,” Merrick said, pushing open a heavy door. “We practice everything here.”
Elliot’s eyes widened at the high, ancient ceilings, the layout, and the display of strange weapons along one wall.
“This is incredible. I’ve never seen anything like this before,” he breathed, moving toward the weapons.
At the crossbow display, he picked one up. “How do you use this?”
“So that’s what you want to start with, huh?” Merrick teased.
He stepped behind Elliot, guiding his hands, wrapping his fingers around the crossbow, steadying Elliot’s waist.
“Relax,” Merrick whispered in his ear.
Elliot tensed. Then the crossbow fired.
Before they could celebrate, Aldrich’s voice cut through the room.
“You’re not supposed to be here, representative.”
Aldrich’s eyes burned with frustration as he approached.
“What are you doing, Merrick? Bringing a stranger to the lair and getting all lovey-dovey? Who knows if he’s set up secret cameras to watch us from their headquarters?”
Merrick’s face hardened. “What’s wrong with you, Aldrich? You’re just being mean to Elliot for no reason. You’re annoying and hysterical.”
He shoved Aldrich aside and pulled Elliot with him.
“Don’t talk to him like that,” Elliot stopped Merrick. “I don’t want to be the reason any of you fight.”
Suddenly, Elliot sneezed…he must have caught a cold.
“Go to your room. I’ll bring you some tea,” Merrick said softly.
Elliot nodded and left.
Alone in his room, Elliot’s face darkened as he received a coded message from the group.
The Headquarters was suddenly showing an unusual interest in Aiden.
Conflicted, Elliot wondered: If he went along with their plans, would he become exactly what Aldrich accused him of? A betrayer of the team…and of Merrick’s trust?
Merrick entered, carrying a steaming cup.
“Here’s your tea.”
Elliot quickly hid the tablet behind his back.
“Oh…you’re here... that’s fast,” he stammered.
“Are you okay? What are you hiding from your favorite werewolf?” Merrick asked, narrowing his eyes in half-joke, half-serious concern.
Elliot just smiled, accepting the tea. “Thank you,” he whispered.
“It’s nothing,” Merrick said, walking away…but for a moment, a flicker of doubt crossed his face.