Chapter 21

After many, many rounds of video games Christian and Jackson eventually had to just call it a draw and agree to continue later. I on the other hand had fallen asleep on the couch hours ago and was being awoken by the boys arguing about whether or not to actually wake me up. I sat up stretching and looked at the boys with tired eyes and waiting for either one to notice I was awake.

“She’s sleeping so peacefully that’s a rare occurrence, if we wake her now she might not have a good night.” Christian whispers yelled.

“Trust me, this couch is not good to sleep on—a nap maybe, but not full-on sleep.” Jackson responded.

This continued for a couple of minutes before I decided to try and get their attention. I started waving my hands a bit and when I realized that wasn’t working I figured, what the hell and just dug my fingers into their sides. They both yelp in pain and surprise before turning to me.

“Hey when did you wake up?” They asked simultaneously.

“A few moments ago when you were arguing.” I signed back in response.

“Sorry if we woke you up. How about we all go to bed, it's late.” Jackson said.

I nodded and went to stand up but I was way too tired to even attempt to walk to a bed, so I sat back down and just lifted my arms to try and get someone to carry me. I honestly didn’t really want Christian to carry me, I still am not fully comfortable with him after the whole ordeal when he was brainwashed. Even though I’ve forgiven him for now something like that doesn't just get forgotten. Fortunately when Christian went to pick me up, Jackson beat him to it.

“Alright, let's go to bed, sleepy-head.” He said as he carried me up the stairs to his room.

Christian let out a sigh and followed after, and headed to the room assigned to him saying goodnight. Jackson opened the door and I was able to see that they in fact brought in a second bed and even put my bedding on it already. I smiled knowing that I would have a piece of familiarity. Jackson carefully placed me on my bed before sitting on his own next to mine.

“Do you want to change clothes now or would you like to shower first? I know today has been a bit eventful.” He asked me with a kind smile.

“I’d like to shower first if that’s okay?” I signed back shyly as the reality of the situation sinks in.

“Yeah no problem, your stuff should be in that dresser next to the bed and towels are in the bathroom right through that door.”

I quickly grabbed my things and headed to the door he pointed me to and enjoyed a nice hot shower. I tried not to take too long incase Jackson also wanted to shower, since I didn’t know about the wait time needed before the hot water was back to full potential. When I came back out Jackson was already in his pajamas and reading a book. I didn’t want to disturb him so I walked quietly back to my bed.

“Hey, how was your shower?” He asked when he looked up and saw me.

“It was good, just what I needed.” I replied, looking at him as he went back to reading.

I couldn’t help the anxiety that came from once again thinking about how I didn’t really know him. I knew his name and that an old friend that's obsessed with him is most likely out to kill me simply for existing and unsettling as that is, the fact that he knows more about me than I him is all I can focus on. Maybe that's because it’s easier to think about this than my probable death, but I was trying to build up the courage to ask him about himself.

“Leana, if you have any questions, you are more than welcome to ask.” He said putting his book down after noticing my inner turmoil.

“I was just thinking that I don’t really know anything about you.” I signed carefully. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings or anything.

“Well, what do you want to know? I was born June 13, 2003. I get pretty good grades in almost every subject except for art,” he started with a small chuckle before continuing.

“As you know I had a childhood friend named Jillian, but I also had a friend named Jeremy. He actually found his mate around the same time as Jillian but he was the soon to be Alpha of a neighboring pack.”

“Was his mate also a boy?” I asked curiously.

“Yeah,” he said with a cautious smile. “Jeremy always knew he was gay but was terrified to come out to anyone other than me. I was honored he trusted me so much and I tried to help him gather the courage to tell his parents, he found his mate before he could. His parents were conflicted at first but over time became supportive of him and they visit him every other week.”

“What was it like growing up here?” I asked.

“It was great, everyone here with a few exceptions was and is kind. Although part of me always wondered if people were so kind to me just because of my future position on the pack. But as I got older I had my first job down at the local ice cream shop when I wasn’t training. I had my first school dance, it’s theme was The Great Gatsby. And obviously throughout my childhood I learned sign language with the rest of the pack. After my mom and dad found each other it became mandatory. Not that most people minded, except for people like Aaron.”

As he was talking I could feel my eyes getting heavy as sleep started taking over, and before I knew it I was out like a light.