Jason’s eyebrows rose, but he just smiled and reached for Daryl’s iPhone, holding it back towards Daryl to unlock with his thumbprint. “Wow,” Jason muttered as he scrolled through Daryl’s music. “Quite the varied taste you’ve got here.” He glanced up as Daryl huffed out a laugh.
“What did you think I’d be into?”
“Um . . .” Jason quickly returned his gaze to the phone. “Not sure,” he mumbled.
“Yeah, right.” Daryl smirked at the blush creeping up the back of Jason’s neck.
Jason paused his scrolling and turned to face him, looking a little sheepish. “I have no clue what music you like, or anything else for that matter.” He shrugged a shoulder. “You’re not exactly easy to read. But.” He sighed. “I’ll admit, I wasn’t expecting to find classical music, Sam Smith, and Queen alongside Madonna.” Jason shook his head. “I mean . . .” He looked up and grinned. “You like a bit of everything, huh?”
“Variety is the spice of life.”
“So they say.” Jason quickly looked back at Daryl’s phone, concentrating hard.
A hint of arousal reached Daryl, barely there, but just enough for him to smell it. Making very sure not to outwardly react, he stared out the windshield and focused on driving. No way was he acknowledgingthatscent while they were stuck in the car for the next few hours. Things like that happened all the time, an unfortunate side effect of having enhanced senses. Ignoring it was the best solution for all involved. It probably meant absolutely nothing, because who knew what was running through Jason’s mind right that second?
Carefully scenting the air again without making it obvious, Daryl relaxed when the scent disappeared. All that met his inhale this time was Jason’s scent along with citrus shower gel and the ever-present scent of pack. Relaxing his grip on the steering wheel, Daryl glanced at the dashboard clock. 18:17. Depending on traffic, they should reach the alpha council headquarters by about quarter to ten.
As music filled the car, they lapsed into a comfortable silence, which Daryl was extremely grateful for. He didn’t do small talk all that well and was more than happy to drive the rest of the way with just music to accompany him, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel and humming quietly.
About an hour and a half into their journey, Jason yawned a couple of times in quick succession.
When Daryl chanced a glance over, Jason was fast asleep, his head turned towards Daryl as though he’d been about to say something. Sooty black lashes stood out against his pale cheeks, and the beginnings of dark stubble shadowed his jaw. Daryl looked away quickly when he caught himself
staring.
Curious or not about what had caused that hint of arousal earlier, Daryl knew better than to mess around with a fellow beta. It would eventually end in awkwardness for everyone, because that’s how these things always ended, and Daryl wasn’t one for long-term relationships. He’d watched his parents’ fall apart through no fault of their own, and he didn’t want to go through that. Ever.
And Jason?
Daryl glanced over at him again. Features softened by sleep, he looked a far cry from the lovers Daryl was used to. Shifter or human, they all had one thing in common—none of them were interested in anything more, and only rarely did he see anyone more than once.
Jason was sunshine and happiness. He was all about the long-term; Daryl saw it when Jason watched the bonded pairs in their pack.
A bond to him meant love, trust, a lifelong partner, whereas to Daryl it meant heartbreak and loss.
No, Jason was off limits.
DARYL AND JASON were the last to arrive at the main council building. Rachel, Sara, and Jenn stood talking near one of the cars, but they were the only ones out as far as Daryl could see.
Parking alongside the other cars, he turned off the engine and gently roused Jason. “Hey, we’re here.”
Startling awake, Jason blinked as he sat up straighter. “Already?” He rubbed his eyes, then focused on Daryl. “Shit. Sorry I fell asleep.”
Daryl shrugged. “No problem.” The front door to the building opened, and they both turned towards it. “Come on.”
They got out and joined Rachel and Jenn, just as the car doors opened on the other four SUVs.
Both units exited their cars but stayed close as Alpha Cornell came down the stairs towards them, flanked by another two alphas who Daryl recognised. Asha and Anna.
“Good evening, and welcome to the alpha council’s headquarters.”
Daryl inclined his head in respect, as did Rachel and Jenn. “Thank you for having us.”
Alpha Cornell smiled. “Oh, the pleasure’s all mine. Planning out activities and exercises for your stay has been a challenge I’ve relished. I just hope it has the desired outcome. Now, if you’ll excuse me a moment while I greet my granddaughter.” She glanced over at Sara and smiled. “Asha and Anna will take you through to the main hall and I’ll join you shortly.”
Rachel gave Sara a quick kiss goodbye, watched for a moment as Sara walked off with Alpha Cornell, then led her unit inside after Anna. That would be the last they’d see of each other until they returned home, and Daryl hoped it wouldn’t affect Rachel’s concentration.
Jenn followed, with Daryl and Jason bringing up the rear alongside Asha. They were taken to the huge room that spanned the back of the building. The last time Daryl had been there was under far more serious circumstances, and he shivered at the memory.
