Chapter 61

"The Alpha and I were just talking about how much your presence has already improved the Warriors and you haven't even been here for twenty four hours-"

"You sound surprised." Darian pointed out, catching Ethan off guard.

"Yeah, pleasantly so." He raised a brow at the masked accusation in his voice, he wondered what the issue was with the big guy.

The meeting was mostly Alpha Noah commending them on their hard work and making arrangements to come and take a look at their training regimen.

Leon glanced with slight worry at Darian, the werewolf had been in a particular dark mood ever since they left the apartment.

Honestly, he didn't think he had ever seen him look so murderous, this was much different from his usual resting blank face.

Leon had to handle all of the talking, although it was technically his job but he didn't expect Darian to pull a 'bodyguard' move.

He would have to confront him about this...

"I guess we have come to an agreement-" Alpha Noah interrupted his thoughts bringing him back to the present. "Maybe you could take them on a tour of the town tomorrow, Ethan?" He suggested kindly.

"With pleasure." The tips of Ethan's lips quirked upwards, his eyes flicking over Leon.

A vein ticked on Darian's jaw while Leon had his attention on the Alpha.

"If you'll excuse me." The Alpha murmured with a satisfied smile, making himself scarce.

Ethan made a move to sling his arm around Leon. "How about we catch u..."

"Sorry, some other time." Darian cut in, not sounding apologetic one bit or making any move to provide an explanation.

He just snagged Leon's wrist and sauntered out.

Leon didn't get a chance to say a word, much too stunned by Darian's behaviour.

What the fuck?

He pulled back his hand when they got to the hallway, he might have been upset with anyone else but it wasn't like Darian to act like this.

"What's wrong? Why did you do that?"

Darian just shrugged. "No reason." He replied indifferently.

Leon's left eye twitched. "I don't know what has gotten into you but try that again and you're losing fingers." He gritted out, walking off.

Darian leaned briefly against the wall, his hand down the front pockets of his jeans.

Well, that wasn't very smart.

Honestly, he was lucky that Leon had been too shocked to react but that wasn't the reason he did that.

His intuition had never been wrong and he could feel it practically pounding in his gut that Ethan was up to no good.

If he wasn't overthinking and nitpicking at things that weren't there, he would say that Ethan might even be interested in Leon.

Any normal person would encourage that considering that Leon was practically competition, well complicated competition but competition all the same.

But Leon was firstly his friend, he might just be coming to terms with it but Leon was actually one of the first genuine friends he had ever had.

Most of the time people were intimidated by him but all that went over Leon's head and somehow he managed to break through all the walls he had up without even trying.

He also didn't want to tell them about his suspicions because they were unfounded so it would be basically badmouthing their childhood friend.

He wasn't about to stand aside till proof presented itself though, he would just have to keep an eye out on Ethan, Leon would get over it.

Leon stomped his way back to the apartment, trying hard not to read into whatever in the goddess name had just gone down.

What the fuck? He had literally acted like some jealous mate! They never willingly touched each other unless they were sparring, for context.

But Darian had butted into a conversation that he hadn't been a part of and dragged him out a room only to shrug and say 'no reason??'

He needed a glass of cold water… or vodka…

"Oh hi, Leo!"

He stepped into the living room to find Jaxon curled up on a couch with a book in his hands, his red curls framing his ethereal features.

Leon just headed straight for him, Cherry would fix him better than alcohol.

Jaxon's breath escaped him in a huff when Leon practically threw himself at him, cuddling him tight.

"Hey, Leo, are you okay?" Jaxon asked softly, concern heavy in his voice as he dropped his book on a side table.

'Yeah, just confused.' He admitted in his head, out loud, he went... "Just want to hold you."

Jaxon cooed internally at this, glancing expectantly at the door.

"Wait, where is Darian?" He asked curiously.

Leon's response was a disembodied hum, snuggling closer.

Honestly, he had no idea where Darian was and he hoped it stayed that way for a good long while, he wasn't ready to confront him yet.

They fought more times than they didn't but they never really had a dire disagreement at least not until mere minutes ago.

Thankfully, after asking about the meeting with the Alpha, Jaxon went back to reading his book, occasionally petting Leon's back and hair.

Leon relaxed bonelessly into Jaxon's hug, drawing in the familiar scent of witch hazel and orchids.

He was lying on Jaxon who easily accommodated his weight, quietly flipping pages in the soft silence to add to the ambience. Leon could get used to this kind of comfort.

Darian chose this moment to show up, pushing open the door and striding in like he owned the place.

Jaxon perked up at his presence, sunshine sparkling in his hazel-green eyes.

"Heyy." He welcomed him with similar amounts of enthusiasm, sneaking a peek at Leon to check if he was still awake as he hadn't moved in so long. "Where were you? I was surprised to see that you didn't come in with Leo."

Leon had stiffened at the sound of the door opening but ceased to pay attention, he didn't think he was irritated or upset. He just needed to not talk to him for a good long while, besides Jaxie was so comfy.

Darian too steadfastly looked away from Leon, leaning in to kiss Jaxon full on the mouth instead.

"I was just having a small talk with Ethan." He forced out through gritted teeth.

Somehow, his blatant lie flew right over Jaxon's head and he was relieved when no further questions were asked.