Page 19 of Jared

“Okay,” Jared said. It made sense so he squashed the tiny inner voice rebelling at the choice being made for him. You did call him after all, wanting him to do something. Well, he's doing it. Besides, he's an alpha wolf, probably used to just deciding things. If he does it over little things, then that's something to have a word about. “I can, uh, make us some sandwiches while you talk,” he offered, wanting some measure of control.

Steve nodded, a pleased expression settling on his features. “Thanks. I think there's some sliced roast beef and stuff in the fridge.”

“Sounds good,” Jared said as Steve put on the turn signal and eased into the underground parking garage. He reached into the console between the seats and pulled out what appeared to be a credit card. Jared watched him slide it into a machine at the barrier and tap in his PIN number. “Nice. Keeps people from trying to mooch free parking, huh?”

“Yeah, though it's mostly for security measures as well.”

Makes sense. Not like they can let just anybody in to just wander around.

The parking garage was well lit, with no pockets of deep shadows. Nonetheless, the closed in feel reminded Jared uncomfortably of the alley. It was with great relief that he noted Steve had a reserved parking space close to the elevator, which also required the use of a keycard, which he removed from his wallet. Ushering Jared into the elevator ahead of him, Steve seemed as impatient as Jared to leave the cavernous space. A few moments later the elevator opened up onto the lobby, where Steve nodded to the woman at the desk as they walked the short distance to another set of elevators.

Steve glanced over to where his mate stood in the kitchen, making sandwiches. His wolf huffed in satisfaction at the sight of their mate within their home, preparing a meal from food Steve had provided. His father had looked grave when he'd told them about the fright Jared and Desmond had suffered, though he had been quick to caution that it could have been a perfectly innocent occurrence that the two men's nerves blew out of proportion. It was agreed that it wouldn't hurt to keep a closer eye on the two men, just in case, especially as the men who'd hurt Jared were still on the loose.

“When are you going to get him to move into the building at least?” his father asked him. “You're the next Alpha and if anyone who wishes us ill gets wind of the fact that he's your mate, they'd not hesitate to make a play for him. This goes double since he's your True Mate.”

Steve's wolf growled in response to the idea of Jared being harmed.

“I know you don't want to push him, and he's human so has certain- well certain ideas about how relationships progress, but maybe you can get his husky friend to talk some sense into him about it. If he won't move in with you, maybe he'd be willing to share one of the vacant apartments with him. Given how close the two have become as friends, it wouldn't hurt to have him here as well, under our protection,” Alan pressed.

Jared walked over with two plates of sandwiches. “Who here, under what protection?”

“He's talking about you and Desmond.”

“Oh no, I don't know if I'm ready to-”

“There's a few vacant apartments. He was suggesting you and Desmond be room mates in one. That way you've still got your space but are better protected in case anything happens,” Steve interrupted. He scrubbed a hand over his face. “It's not a bad idea, okay? I'm not trying to scare you, but he's right.You were already scared about those two guys today, plus there's the two who attacked you before, and well, you're my mate and I'm the next Alpha, so that makes me vulnerable if anyone wanted to use you to get to me and the pack.” Steve looked Jared in the eye. “At least think about it tonight and talk it over with Desmond, okay?”

“But our leases-”

“Can be broken. The pack can pay them off,” Alan said. “Your safety, and that of the pack, are paramount.”

Jared looked at both men. Seeing the concern written over their expressions, he realized that he wasn't being railroaded into making an early entry into the pack. “Okay. I'll move, and I'll see if Desmond will too. It would be fun to have him around to hang out with, right? And safer, plus he's not got a pack, so it'd be cool for him. He would be treated as pack, right?”

“Since he'd be under our protection, yes, but he'd have to swear loyalty.”

Jared rolled his eyes. “Geesh, I should have seen that coming,” he muttered. He proffered a plate to Steve. “Here, your lordship, have something to eat.”

Steve shook his head slightly as he took it. Man, I certainly will always have my hands full with this one. He found himself looking very much forward to it. “Thanks,” he said with a smile. “So, you'll move into one of the empty apartments?”

Yeah,” Jared said. It still rankles though. Should've been able to decide for myself when the time was right.

Alan beamed. “Great, I'll get all the arrangements seen to. There's one on the floor below this one. Let me know about your friend as soon as possible, okay?” Alan turned as he finished speaking and made for the door.

“Uh, okay and bye!” Jared called. He looked at Steve. “He doesn't wait around does he?”

“No,” said Steve. “An Alpha must be decisive and once a decision is made, he needs to see it implemented. Don't be surprised if you find your stuff moved in tonight. And I am sorry it went down like this.”

“What? Are you serious?”

Steve nodded and took a bite of his sandwich.

“Well, shit.” Jared sat his plate down. “Is this one of those alpha wolf things and pack political thingamajigs I'm gonna have to get used to?”

Steve gazed at him steadily and took another bite of his sandwich.

“I see,” Jared sighed. “But we're still just dating.”

Steve swallowed the bite he was chewing. “For now,” was all he said.