Fic: A Little Bear and His Wolf
Part 3
"How is he, Doc?" Jared, Randolph, and Detective Montgomery rose from the chairs when Dr. Maxwell stepped into the office. They'd been waiting there while the doctor examined Jensen and Jared had the chance to talk to Detective Montgomery about the possibility of Jensen staying with him until the kid's eighteenth birthday.
"He asked that, huh?" Jared smiled. He couldn't explain even to himself why that made him damn proud.
"Yes. He was so afraid about that."
Jared noticed the detective's curious glance.
"Yeah. We talked and he was afraid. Afraid of having to deal with social services, to stay with strangers, even having to ask that in the first place."
"But he trusts you, although you just met each other several days ago."
Jared looked down at his arm as Randolph squeezed it. He glanced sideways and smiled briefly. It's okay, he mouthed. The man meant well but Jared wouldn't lose patience. He understood Montgomery had Jensen's best interest in his heart, too. It was his job to protect Jensen, and now Jared had made it his job as well to convince the detective that he was Jensen's best choice.
"It's true. But I'm his teacher and I haven't thought of anything else since he went home from school that day and never came back to school. It may sound weird to you but I sneaked around his house for days. It scared me when I never spotted him outside. I was afraid something bad had happened to him, and I was right."
"You did all of this because you saw his blackened eye?"
"Uh, that's right..."
"His students mean a lot to him," Randolph interrupted. Jared turned quickly. Oh no. Randolph shouldn't tell that embarrassing story to this cop. But the detective's attention was only on Randolph.
"Really? You mean in terms of lessons and marks?"
"More than that," Randolph said. "He's concerned with the problems his students have. Drugs, bullying, money. Our school has a sponsorship program for less fortunate students. Jared initiated it."
Randolph didn't mention that story and Jared felt grateful. He nodded briefly at his boss and looked up as Montgomery spoke to him.
"That's excellent. Kids with abusive parents must be one of your concerns, too."
"You can say that again," Jared said.
"Is it your habit to take your problematic students to stay at your house?"
Was it a tricky question? Montgomery looked like a good cop, but Jared couldn't be too careful.
"So far I haven't seen the need. Mr. Randolph has all the records of the problems I’ve dealt with, and none of those students needed shelter outside of their home. There was a case of disownment but we managed to find him a home"
"I see. So why do you think it best for Jensen to stay in your house instead of finding him a home somewhere?"
The question Jared dreaded, but he was ready. "He's been traumatized by the abuse he’d had to endure from his stepfather. He's terrified to face strangers because he has no idea of knowing if they truly mean well. He trusts me as someone who saved him and knew who he really was." Jared said that in a nonchalant manner so as not to be conspicuous. "I promised to keep him safe. I can't be sure of that if he's somewhere else. You should've seen him utterly terrified in his own skin."
"You'd think it'd get better when you were older to have something like that happened to you."
Jared frowned. "It didn't even cross my mind. I thought you knew better."
"No, no. Yes, of course I do. Sorry for such an offhand remark. I meant nothing bad. I'm dealing with cases of spouse abuse." Detective Montgomery turned a shade of red.
"Yet it still amazes you? How long have been in the department?" Jared still couldn't believe what he'd heard. It made him want to bundle Jensen up and take him the hell out of the hospital right now.
"Four, five years. I was originally in drugs and abusive substances."
"A different kind of abuse, I see, but it's all the same." Jared said no more, silently thanking God he was wrong about Nathan. He was still relieved it didn't end badly for Nathan and he wanted the same to happen for Jensen.
"So, is it okay if Jared takes Jensen home tonight while waiting for the decision from the police and social services?" Randolph asked. "I believe that's the best for Jensen for the time being."
"I agree. I will give the report to my boss and believe me, I will recommend that Jensen stay with Mr. Padalecki."
Jared nodded. "Thank you." His mind went to the scared young bear that was Jensen. "And you're going to arrest his stepfather."
"We certainly will. I'm waiting for Dr. Maxwell's report."
Dr. Maxwell was here now and Jared looked up as the man went and sat behind his table.
"How's Jensen?" Jared asked.
"He's okay. A bit subdued when I checked him up but I totally understood."
"Was he ... really not violated?" Jared had been dying to know if Jensen told him the truth. He sighed a relieved breath when Dr. Maxwell shook his head.
"No. Thank heavens. I insisted on checking it on him although he was totally unhappy about it."
Unhappy. Jared nearly snorted. To put it mildly when it came to Jensen.
"And the welts and bruises on his rear parts are healing though he still feels a bit sore."
"Can I take him home?" Jared shifted on his chair, glancing at Randolph. It had been a lengthy night. He couldn't wait to get the boy back and tuck him in to rest.
Dr. Maxwell turned to Detective Montgomery, who subtly nodded. "He can go with Mr. Padalecki until things are settled." He waved toward Jared. "I can't see why Jensen can't stay with him until his eighteenth birthday which will be in a few months according to the boy."
"That's good. He's got to be kept safe from the stepdad," said Dr. Maxwell.
"I've contacted Headquarters about him but we need to find a picture of him. I'm headed to the kid's place after we get a court order."
"Can I come with you?" Jared asked.
"No, I think you'd better stay with Jensen. If Ted Summer is not home, he can be anywhere and Jensen will be in danger."
"I'll go with Detective Montgomery," Randolph said, offering himself.
Jared frowned. Randolph had done a lot and he wasn't getting younger. It might be too late at night for the man to stay out. "Are you sure it's all right? I don't want any trouble with Mrs. Randolph later if something happens to you.
Randolph chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, are you worried about me, Padalecki? That's so sweet. Come on, nothing will happen to me. I'll be safe with our fine detective."
"Excuse me, gentlemen," Detective Montgomery interrupted. "I'm afraid I have to disagree about you coming along with us, Mr. Randolph. It's a police matter and you don't want to slow down our investigation at Jensen's place later."
"I'm not going to slow you down."
"Come on, Randolph. Detective Montgomery is right. Besides, what can you do there? The police know what they are doing."
Randolph sank to his chair. "All right, I'll go home. I wanted to see for myself that they get Summer."
Montgomery rose and shook their hands. "Mr. Padalecki, I'll contact you when there's some news."
"Sure," Jared said. He and Randolph also stood up. "Dr. Maxwell, is it okay if I get Jensen now?"
"Absolutely."
"I can drive you home," said Randolph.
"You realize I drove here, right?" Jared looked at him, feeling funny. Randolph kept pushing that he'd do something. "It's okay, you know. I can take care of Jensen."
"I wish I could do more."
"Well, he's going to need help when he's back at school."
"All right."
They both followed Dr. Maxwell to Jensen's room.
"I hope he's okay. It's not going to be easy for him to get back to normal," Randolph said.
"I know. He might need to stay home a bit longer."
"He can still do the assignments from home. You can teach him."
"I'd be glad to."
****
Jensen was lying on his side with his back facing the door when Jared and Randolph entered the room.
"Jensen, are you awake?"
Jensen stirred and shifted. He rolled back and rubbed his eyes, yawning. Jared's heart fluttered at the sight of a small smile on his face.
"Just took a nap for a bit."
"You want to stay longer? We're allowed to go home."
"Really?" His eyes lit, switching between Jared and Randolph, and narrowed. "Whose home?"
"My home, of course, and you're coming with me."
"I can't believe it." Jensen jumped up and winced. Jared wondered when he'd totally heal.
"Believe it," said Randolph, smiling.
"Temporarily," Jared corrected. "While waiting for what social services to decide."
"I'm positive they'll let you stay with your teacher, Jensen."
"I hope they will," Jensen said dreamily. Jared fought the urge to gather him into his arms.
"Okay. Now down you go." He held up a hand to help Jensen but the boy ignored it and clambered down. Jared couldn't help feeling rather disappointed but he let it go. He lowered his hand. "How are the scratches?"
"Better." Jensen had his, Jared's, jacket on. "When should I go back to school?"
Jared chuckled and tousled Jensen’s hair.
"Let's just go home first. Tonight you'll rest as long as you need. When you wake up, we'll see what you should do."
"Okay." The kid looked hesitant.
"What is it?"
"I just..." Jensen choked in his words.
"Jensen, what's wrong?" Randolph asked. Jared glanced at him, lifting up his eyebrows.
"No. I just--haven't said thanks to any of you. I-I don't know what I’d do without you."
Without thinking, Jared moved forward and did the one thing he'd wanted hours ago. He grabbed Jensen and hugged him tight. He heard a soft sob coming from the boy as he pressed his face against Jared's shoulder.
"Ssh, it's all right." He patted Jensen's back. "No need to say thanks. You're safe, that's what's important."
"Yeah." Jensen took a deep breath and pulled back.
****
He thought he heard knocking on the door but he didn't move. If possible, Jensen buried himself and his head deeper under the covers. He'd set his room pitch black. All the lights were out and the drapes were drawn.
"Jensen? Why are you in the dark?"
Jensen swallowed. It was not enough that he hid in darkness, his dad would still get them. He began to shake and sweat. Please, go away.
"Jensen?"
The man squeezed his leg and Jensen jerked. But he didn't shout. He couldn't. Jensen clamped his mouth and eyes tightly shut as sweat bled profusely on his face.
"Hey, are you okay? I’m just wondering why you’re keeping your room so dark."
Jensen heard the man stride up to the head of the bed so Jensen gripped his blanket tightly, but the man tugged at it.
"No..."
"Jensen, I need to see you if you're okay." And he snapped the blanket open, yanking it from Jensen's hands.
Jensen squeezed his eyes shut even tighter, his heart pounding for the inevitable.
"Jesus, Jensen."
Wait. That voice--it sounded like...
Jensen opened his eyes slowly. In the dim light he made out the man's slender and tall shape, and not his dad's big and sturdy frame.
“Mr. Padalecki?”
“Hey, what about Jared? ” Jared smiled and Jensen sank into his pillow deep in relief. It was his teacher and not his dad. Not him at all. Jensen took a deep breath, feeling lightheaded. He closed his eyes. This was embarrassing. He wasn’t a coward. He shouldn’t have been terrified like that.
“Hey, I’m just kidding. I’m your teacher. Of course you can call me Mr. Padalecki.” Jared paused. “I hope you don’t mind me checking on you. I want to make sure you’re all right.”
Jensen opened his eyes and cleared his throat. “I’m sorry I freaked out. I thought you were…”
Realization sank in Jared’s face. “You thought I was your stepdad.”
Jensen nodded wordlessly.
“And this.” Jared gestured around the room. “Did you do this at home, too?”
This time Jensen shook his head. “No. My dad wouldn’t allow me. I did once and he got mad. He was quite scary when he was angry.”
“God, Jensen. Don’t make light of the things that happened to you. It’s okay to be scared.”
Jensen clambered back to a sitting position. “I shouldn’t have been so scared. I should’ve fought back.”
“You did. No one blames you.” Jared shifted. “May I turn on the light?”
“Okay.”
Jared switched on the side lamp and bright lights flood the room. Jensen blinked.
“Why do you like to sleep in the dark?” asked Jared.
Jensen felt his cheeks warm up. "I'm a big boy. I'm not afraid of the dark." One thing he didn't say was that he hid in that darkness. It worked in reverse for him.
"Of course you are, Jensen. I just want you to know that you should never feel the need to hide. You're safe here, I promise you. I'm right next door if you need me. Okay?"
Guess Jared was smarter than Jensen gave him credit for.
"I'm sorry if I interrupted your sleep. I just thought you might want to know the result of the police investigation at your house."
Jensen straightened up. His heart pounded. Did the police find his dad?
"Is my father arrested?"
"I'm sorry but he was nowhere to be found. Your house was empty."
"He wasn't there?"
"No. And there was no sign of him going to come back. In fact, there wasn't any sign of him ever staying there. All his clothes and papers, they're gone. He took the car, too."
Jensen knew he should've felt relieved. The man who abused him was finally gone. He was free and safe. Still, Ted's leaving left a big hole in his heart. He'd known him for years and before Jensen's mom's death, things were not too bad.
"Jensen, what's wrong? You look sad to hear him gone."
"I, uh, I don't know."
"Look, he's bad, Jensen. He's not supposed to do the things he did."
"He wasn't so bad before..."
"You can't sympathize with him. I know sometimes victims relate to their abuser."
"I'm not suffering from Stockholm Syndrome!"
Jared straightened up. "I know you're not. I just want to help. The fact that your dad is out there somewhere makes it even more dangerous. We have to make sure you don't go out alone. You should be with someone--"
"I'm sorry, Jared, but I won't be going with you to school. What would people say?"
Jared smiled a little. "I didn't say you should go to school with me. We'll think of something and I'm sure Detective Montgomery has a plan for that."
"I don't want to have cops following me around. The kids at school think I'm a freak already without having clowns on my tail."
"Jensen..."
"No. I'd rather have to stay at home."
"All right. All right. Let's just hope the police get him fast."
Jensen tightened the blanket around him and looked at his hands.
"Yes, sure," he mumbled, and looked up. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be difficult. It's just that ... I don't know. I'm very confused right now."
"Hey." Jared sat back down. He lifted a hand but pulled it down again. "I can't begin to imagine what you went through. You need to rest. And if you want to stay in later and continue your lessons at home, I will help you, I promise. I just want you to be safe."
"Jared, why are you so good to me?"
Jared stopped. "Why not?"
"Well, I'm a kid who has no one, living with a man who likes to beat me up. To make it worse, I'm a bear and you're a wolf. We don't really match."
"I don't care if we match or not. You're my student. You're under my care."
"Your student...only?"
Jared's eyes bore into his. "What do you mean, Jensen?"
Jensen shifted closer. "I mean, don't you like me?"
Jared froze but not nearly. He leaned a bit into Jensen.
"I can't. As much as I want to, I can't now. Not yet." He bent low and kissed Jensen's forehead. Then he rose to his feet and left.
Jared wanted him. That was all he heard.
****
When he woke up next, the room was bright and warm with the sun. Jensen yawned and stretched, feeling blissfully refreshed. He'd not been able to sleep this good for so long.
Jensen sank his head into his pillow, not wanting to get up, perhaps not for two or three days. He burrowed deeper under his blanket, tried to settle on one side, and turned around to face the night stand. He closed his eyes before he opened them again as something in his brain ticked.
Jensen
A white envelop lay propped up by the lamp on the table. Jensen didn't recognize the handwriting. It must be Jared's, though.
All his sleepiness faded away. He scrambled up and picked it up. He guessed Jared was at school now. It was nice of him to leave him a note. Most probably just some reminders about Jensen's breakfast, or lunch, still, Jensen couldn't help the flutter in his stomach.
Morning. Or afternoon? Guess you finally decided to wake up? Just want to let you know you're welcome to help yourself to anything in the fridge. Not much, I guess. Haven't got around to going shopping. Will do that this afternoon on my way home. Oh, also feel free to check out the DVDs in the bottom drawer next to the TV. My collection is not too rusty, I hope. Well, anything else, just call me at the number below.
Jensen smiled to himself. This was pretty long for a simple message. Who knew Jared was that type of a person? The guy should teach English instead of math.
So, food, shopping, DVD. Got it. Jensen would happily check them out, except for shopping, later. Right now, his eyes felt heavy again.
****
He was worse than his students. He couldn't wait for the bell to ring. His heart leaped when it did. He couldn't gather his belongings fast enough and he half ran to the faculty's office.
Jared wished he didn't have to teach today. He didn't want to leave Jensen alone at home. The boy was still asleep when Jared left in the morning. He did leave a note for Jensen. He hoped Jensen saw it so he'd know where to get food for breakfast and lunch. What if Jensen didn't see the note? He might not know what to do and Jared wouldn't want him to go out of the house at all. It was dangerous out there and Jared had promised he'd take care of him. He was responsible for him. If Detective Montgomery ever found out he'd left Jensen alone at home... Now Jared regretted he didn't call him during lunch break to check on him.
"Jared!"
He stopped at the hall and turned around. "Mr. Randolph, any problem?" His breathing was heavy and fast, being cut short from his plan to dash out of the school building.
"No. No problem here." The principal frowned. "Are you okay? You look flushed. Is everything all right with Jensen?"
"No. I mean I don't know."
"What?"
"No, I'm sure he's all right," Jared added quickly. "He was still asleep when I left to school. I haven't checked again."
"Why don't you just call him?"
"He's got no cell."
"Your house. You can call your house."
Huh. Jared gawked at his boss and slowly broke into a grin. "Yeah, sure. Why didn’t I think of that? But I'm going home now."
The corners of Mr. Randolph's lips curled up into a smile. "You're worried about him. Don't be. I'm sure he's all right."
"I hope he is." He waved at Mr. Randolph as he turned to go and caught the sight of the man waving back from the corner of his eye.
Jared picked up his cell phone as he unlocked his car and slipped into the driver's seat. He scrolled down to Home, and dialed the number. It was answered on the second ring but impatience almost got the better of him.
"Hello?"
"Jensen? It's Jared. How've you been? Did you see my note?"
"Oh, hi, Jared. Fine and yes, I saw your--"
"You got something to eat? Breakfast, lunch?"
"Whoa, yes, I did. Thanks, man. Is there, is there a problem?"
Jared felt giddy, sucking in a deep breath. Jensen was fine and he'd apparently followed what Jared’s message said.
"Nah. No problem. How are you, kid?"
"I'm good. Thanks to you, you know. Umm." Jensen sounded unsure.
"What?"
"Uh, just. Can you stop calling me ‘kid’?”
“What?” Jared wanted to laugh but he was afraid if Jensen got even more offended. “You’re still a kid to me.”
“I’ll be eighteen in a few months.”
It was quiet but Jared sensed a brewing unease. “Okay. You’re right. It’s out of habit, Jensen. Sorry.”
“Okay.” Jensen seemed cheerier. Jared huffed silently in relief. Anything to calm the kid-no, Jensen, down. He shouldn’t be burdened by more issues other than getting better right now.
“All right then. I’ll be home in ten minutes. What do you want for dinner?”
****
Jensen bit his lips as he watched Jared read the essays he was assigned to do. He saw Jared scribble something and he fought the urge to take a peek. He didn't dare ask anything, either. He did it once and Jared gave him a glare from hell. So he kept quiet now, tapping a finger against his thigh.
After stewing for a couple more minutes, Jensen heard movement from where Jared sat, across the kitchen counter. He looked up to find the man's pensive look.
"Are they that bad?" His voice was close to a whisper.
"I think you're ready to go back to school."
Jensen shook his head, uncomprehending. "What?"
Jared slid the papers toward him. "They are perfect, Jensen. I think you've recovered. You won't find any difficulty following lessons in class."
That was not what he expected to hear. Or what he wanted at all. He shook his head again and jumped off the high stool. He didn't even glance at his writing.
"Where are you going?" Jared asked. Jensen almost reached the kitchen door but he stopped and swirled back.
"I thought I was going to study at home until I graduate. Can we just do that?"
"I thought it was only until you got better, Jensen. You are so much better now after three weeks."
Jensen didn't know if he'd stay standing, walk out of the room, or return to his place with Jared.
"I, uh, I don't feel like going back."
Jared turned and faced him. "Why? How are you feeling exactly?"
"I don't know." He sat at the dining table instead of at the kitchen counter. "They haven't got Ted. I'm not sure what the other kids would say at school. I just..." he trailed away. The thing was he felt safe staying at home. During these three weeks, he'd never stepped out of the house, not even for a simple errand. "Perhaps I'm just a coward."
"No." Jared jumped up and sat next to him, taking Jensen's forearm. "Don't say that. I saw you. I don't know myself but I know it wasn't easy for you."
What an understatement. But Jensen's attention was on Jared's hand. It wasn't Jensen's hand he grasped, but the way Jared squeezed his arm and the way that he kept on doing it got to Jensen. But he didn't say anything about that. In fact, he enjoyed it.
"So, is it okay?" Jensen asked.
Jared looked as if he just got away from a spell. He jerked back, letting go of Jensen's arm. His eyes went wide. He sounded breathless when he spoke.
"What's okay?"
"Me studying at home with you." Suddenly a not so good thought came into his mind. "Or..." How was he supposed to say that? What if Jared didn't want to teach him anymore? He'd been so kind to accept Jensen staying with him, but to teach him, too? All those subjects nonetheless?
"Or what?"
Jensen retreated fast. "No, nothing. It's okay. I'll go back to school tomorrow. Can I have a lift?"
Jared stared at him as if he didn't believe a single word Jensen uttered. He shook his head.
"No, that's not what you meant to say. What is it, Jensen? Tell me."
"Never mind, Jared. I'll come with you tomorrow." He snapped up from his chair but Jared was faster. He caught Jensen's arm.
"Don't lie to me. I don't like it. We never talked about it but I won't have you lie if you still want to stay here."
Jensen tensed at Jared's words and glanced at the vice-like clam the man has upon his arm.
"You don't want me to stay with you?" His voice was small.
"I never said that. I don't want you to lie, that's it. You didn't want to go to school yet all of a sudden you changed your mind."
"I did change my mind. I didn't lie." Jensen worked his jaw. He could be stubborn if he wanted to.
"Damn it, Jensen." Jared jumped up and pulled Jensen close to him in the process.
Jensen flicked his gaze up, one hundred percent aware of the man's warm body and hot breath against him that he had to close his eyes. He swayed forward and rested his forehead against Jared's chin.
"Jensen, what are you doing?" Jared hissed.
"I can't go out there, Jared," said Jensen also with a low voice, eyes still shut. "I'm sorry I trouble you a lot with the teaching and all, but I feel totally safe here. I can't imagine going out that door. I feel like, like my stepdad is waiting just around the corner, ready to grab me."
Jared clutched at both of his arms now. He pushed Jensen back gently.
"You're not going to be alone. I'll be out there whenever you are. I'll keep an eye on you when we're at school or anywhere at all."
Jensen shook his head hard. "No. There'll be times when you'll lose me and that time, that time he'll grab me. He's not going to be easy on me then."
"Oh my God. Jensen, you're shaking." Jared held him tight in his arms. Jensen pressed his head against Jared's hard chest. "You're still so scared of him. I'm sorry the police haven’t got him yet."
"It's not your fault." Jensen's voice was muffled by Jared's body. "He-he's a monster, Jared. The things he did to me..."
Jared tightened his hold and in the end they stayed like that, standing in the middle of the kitchen, supporting each other, for longer than either of them could imagine.
****
A couple of weeks later, Jensen agreed to go out of the house. Jared promised him that nothing bad would happen. He'd keep an eye out for Jensen at all times. Jensen was convinced but what excited him right now was this first time eating out with Jared. It wasn't a date by any stretch but Jensen just loved to daydream.
"Guess I should've taken you to dinner earlier if that's what makes it okay for you to go out, huh?" Jared asked as if he could read Jensen's mind.
Jensen felt his face burn. The ring of the doorbell saved him from further humiliation.
"Who might that be?" Jared mumbled.
"Are you expecting someone?" Jensen asked. He'd been leaning on Jared's bedroom doorway, watching his teacher get ready, the entire time thinking how sexy Jared was.
"I'm not expecting for anyone. We have a plan, don't we? Look, you stay here. I'll check who's at the door. Don't go anywhere."
Jensen suddenly felt chilled all over. "What do you mean? Could it be..."
Jared grasped his shoulders. "I don't know who that is, okay? Just stay put."
Jensen watched as Jared went downstairs. He hugged himself, unaware he'd been shaking. They'd never had visitors before, not even when he was alone during the day. But it couldn't be Ted, right? He'd never knock on the door or ring the bell. What if it was Detective Montgomery coming to tell them that he'd got Jensen's stepfather? That would be great news. The thought made his heart pound with thrills and excitement. He should be the first to know, not Jared.
Jared had gone quite a while. What was keeping him? If it was the cop, he should've come up here and gotten Jensen. Unless it wasn't Montgomery and Jared was in danger...
Jensen wrung his hands. He should go check what happened to the man. He couldn't just stay here and do nothing. Jensen knew he was afraid but maybe this was the time for him to grow a pair and help Jared in return. He looked around, sweeping the entire room, wondering what he could take as a weapon. Finding nothing, Jensen decided to just leave. He braced himself, took a deep breath, and went to the stairs, climbing down slowly and noiselessly.
The stairs led to the sitting room and Jensen sneaked to the front. He heard voices there. They didn’t sound suspicious, no raised voices, just subdued ones. Jensen went to the door to check out what was going on-and he gasped.
There in the living room, Jared sat so close to another man whose arm was draped over his shoulder and mouth pressed against Jared’s ear. Jensen knew now why he didn’t catch their voices. It was because they so intimately talked right to each other’s ear, right to each other’s heart. Jensen’s chest tightened. He had no right to be here, being a voyeur to someone he had a crush on with another man. He really shouldn’t be in this place at all.
Jensen retreated to the back of the house, trying not to make a sound at all. He’d never thought Jared had a partner before. Jensen should just go. He wouldn’t be in Jared’s way.
****
“Trent. Trent, that’s enough.” Jared pulled back. “I’m sorry but it’s not going to work.” How he wanted to say he had someone else right now, but Jensen wasn’t really his. Yet. He knew the boy was interested, too, but until he was legal, there was nothing Jared could say about it. Besides, it wasn’t as if Jensen told him already.
He’d been completely surprised when opening the door and finding Trent’s face there.
“What are you doing here? I thought you were in London.”
“I get a short vacation. I thought, what better way to spend it than with you. Who knows maybe you want to come with me now?”
Jared sighed. “Don’t you remember what happened? You attacked me, Trent. And you see, you’re not my Alpha anymore.”
“Hey, hey.” Trent raised his hands out. “I know I was way out of line that night. It was unforgivable.” He invited himself into the house and there was nothing Jared could do about that. Trent stationed himself on one of the armchairs but when Jared sat down on the couch, he promptly moved to sit beside Jared. Jared jerked away at once.
“Trent, uh…”
Trent froze before he reached out and touched Jared’s hair. “You weren’t like this then.”
“Do you blame me?” Jared’s voice was caught in his throat. “Trent, why are you here?”
“Well, like I said-”
“You want me to come to London still. And I’m telling you I’m not coming.”
“Why? Your job again?”
Jared lifted his chin up. “What if it is?”
That time Trent leaned into Jared’s space and whispered in his ear. Jared thought he’d licked it a bit.
“Can’t you just imagine us there, walking along the streets wet from incessant drizzling, hand in hand with your head resting on my shoulder…”
“All right, that’s it.” Jared pushed him away. “I couldn’t do that, and I can’t now. Things have changed, a lot. I don’t live alone in this house any longer, you know. There is-”
“You live with someone else? You have a new boyfriend?”
Jared was tempted to say that it was none of Trent’s business, but he bit his tongue. He wanted this to end civilly though it was due to a selfish reason. He was going out with Jensen. He didn’t want to lose his temper and ruin his entire mood.
“Look. First, it’s none of your business. I’m not your partner anymore. I broke up with you. Whether or not I have a new boyfriend doesn’t concern you at all. Second, I think you really have to go. I have plans with Jensen, my student who’s staying here for the time being-”
“Your student? You’re sleeping with a student now? I thought you were better than that, Jared.”
Jared raised his hand. “Don’t. Stop. You don’t know anything, you have no right to judge me. Please just go, Trent. I’m late already.” He turned around without looking back or checking if Trent was leaving or not. He didn’t want to think about Trent anymore. Jensen was the only thing he had on his mind.
Jared ran up the stairs. “Jensen. Hey, Jensen? You ready to go now?” He went to his own room, where he left Jensen earlier. “Jensen?” Jared pushed the door open.
It was empty. Jared swept his gaze around the room, to each of its corners, and he dashed to the bathroom. The shower was dry, even the sink. There was no sign of Jensen being inside here, or the bedroom, in that case. Heart starting to pound, Jared left the room and checked Jensen’s. He wasn’t there, either.
“Jensen, where are you?” Jared hissed, staring wildly anywhere and nowhere.
“Hey, is there a problem?”
Jared whirled sharply toward Trent, who suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs.
“No. Yes. Oh, I don’t know. Wait, wait. He might be at the kitchen. Yes, he must be there.” He knew he was close to rambling but his mind was going all over the place all of a sudden.
“He’s not in the kitchen. God, where can he be?”
“Jared, I don’t think you should be that worried. He’s a big boy, I guess. He might be out for some fresh air.”
“Shut up, Trent. Just shut up.”
“Why are you so mad at me? He might have gotten impatient and gone ahead of you. You two have a plan where to go, right? He might be waiting for you there.”
Jared swirled and grabbed the front of Trent’s shirt. “Trent! Jensen’s been having a really hard time. He hasn’t dared step out of this house at all, even with me. He can’t to be out there alone, Trent. He can’t!”
“Well, apparently he can.”
“This is not right. None of this is supposed to happen.”
“Are you blaming me?”
“Oh, come on. It’s not about you. I need to find him now.”
“He’s probably still somewhere in the house.”
“Get away from me, Trent. I-I really have to find Jensen.”
Jensen was nowhere around the house even though Jared had searched him inside, out, front and back. He wondered what triggered his disappearance. A name crossed his mind and Jared froze. Trent. Jensen must have come down earlier and seen him with Trent. That must be it. It was the only possible cause. Jared felt anger bubbling up to his throat. Trent shouldn’t have showed up at this house at all. He ruined everything.
****
Jensen felt as if he'd walked for miles, but the truth was he still could see Jared's neighborhood around him, still could feel his presence closing in on him. Jensen pulled at the collar of his shirt. He couldn't breathe, his skin too tight for his body. He wished he could break away from himself, break through the glass smothering him, and just shoot to infinity.
So Jared had a boyfriend (shut up, he didn't want to think about it) somewhere but he never told Jensen. (Now why would he do that? Jensen was merely his student and, and he might have decided to adopt Jensen if he didn't say over and over that he'd be fully adult in a couple of months. If that were the case, Jensen would be his son. Oh, the horror.) He'd been stupid and naive and living in his own bubble. He'd only imagined they were on the same page and what Jensen thought was exactly what Jared had in mind. That proved to be completely untrue. He'd found out painfully and now he crashed back to the earth. His dreams were just that. Dreams.
The rows of houses finally slid behind, replaced by lines of trees on one side of the empty stretch of wide road and a steep cliff on the other side. The moon shone high and bright and slowly Jensen could breathe again. He slowed down his steps that unconsciously brought him into the woods. He knew what he had to do, why he felt the way he did. It had been too long for him to stay in this skin, this human skin. For weeks he'd stayed there. One, he didn't feel the need to alter himself. Two, he felt safe with that, with being Jensen. He might still if that man hadn't showed up and revealed all Jared's secret.
Now, not anymore. Jensen scratched all over his body, divesting everything that didn't belong. Free. He was finally free. He raised his head, pulled his mouth wide open, and let out the loudest and wildest roar he'd ever made. A pained, choked roar, but still a loud one. He shook as he traced the rocky path of the woods. He was young, but as a young bear, he didn't have to think or deal with that cursed wolf, no matter how gorgeous and stunning the wolf was.
Everything happened too fast after that. Someone--or something, or a bear, too, swept him off his feet with a strong, too strong, paw. The power sent him reeling and for a second Jensen was stunned into a daze. He fought to turn onto his back the next second, but his effort was cut short as his attacker kicked his side. Jensen grunted as he face-planted, still struggling to get on all fours before the other suddenly weighed him down fully with its entire body. Jensen huffed and pushed back, but his enemy was too heavy and strong and seemed to know exactly how to subdue him. Jensen let out heavy, labored breaths, when suddenly he felt something thick nudge his lower back. He couldn't see, couldn't tell what it really was, but his instinct told him what it was and it wasn't good. Not good at all. He squirmed, pushing forward this time.
"No. Please, no."
His own words shocked him. He didn't know if he'd turned back to his human form or was still a bear. Judging from his thinking aloud just now...
Jensen shrieked as he was cruelly yanked out of his rambling thoughts--quite literally since both of his arms were jerked behind his back and pulled tight. He lost his purchase and he imagined the scratches and bruises his shoulders and chest suffered. Yet it might be the least of his problems right now. The nudge at his back returned and there was nothing he could do, nowhere he could go, with his arms in his attacker's clutches. His head spun and he tried to block his mind from everything that was happening, the single lowest kind of punishment one struck to another being--for this was a punishment, right? For wanting someone who belonged to another. For running away from his stepdad in the first place. Jensen twisted his arms to free them but he ended up hurting himself.
"Give it up, boy."
Jensen gasped at the voice. He hadn't thought of who might have captured him, a man, a bear, or a wolf. Hearing his captor revealing himself made his panic surge up and Jensen fought in earnest.
"Let go of me, bastard. Let me go--"
His brave protest was cut short as Ted executed his punishment, squeezing a pained scream out of Jensen's throat, sending it echoing throughout the forest. Red hot pain slashed into Jensen, tearing him into two with barbs and wires, and it went on and on and on until finally Jensen no longer screamed. He jerked in time with the man's rhythm. His arms had gone numb. He felt nothing now besides the warmness down his face. He didn't realize he'd been crying.
He'd hardly felt anything but he knew his attacker was wrenched away from him when all sensations suddenly left his body. His arms were free and he was able to roll his body to the side. Jensen pulled his legs toward his chest and hugged them close, turning himself into a small ball. He squinted as the fight between one bear and two wolves unveiled before him. He barely followed who hit whom or who threw whom into the nearest tree trunk in the dim light of the forest, but somewhere in his muddled brain he began to wonder. Two wolves. Not just one.
Jared must be one of those wolves, so who was the other one? That boyfriend of his? He came to fight...for Jensen?
Shame filled Jensen. He'd run away from the man, yet here he was, fighting for him against Jensen's stepfather. Jensen shuddered and curled up even tighter. Ted had switched back into a bear. He could be very dangerous.
"No!" Jensen cried out, sticking his fist into his mouth when all of a sudden Ted lashed out, tearing across the back of one of the wolves with his sharp nails, and the wolf flew into the air and landed hard on the ground several feet away with a thud, and lay unmoving. Jensen didn't know if it was Jared or his partner. He felt bad to hope that it wasn't Jared, but he knew his heart would break into pieces if it was.
The other wolf charged at the bear at once. It leaped so high and grabbed the bear around the neck. Ted roared and swung hard, trying to toss the wolf away. But his opponent didn't budge. It gripped hard and when the opportunity was presented, it ducked down and bit the side of Ted's neck with a splotching sound. Ted shrieked, clutching at the open wound, blood spurting freely. Even in the grayish surroundings in the woods, Jensen could see the blood. He gagged and turned away.
When Jensen turned around again, he saw Ted--it was really him this time as he switched back to a human-sat leaning against a tree across from him on the far left. His hand still clasped over his neck. He barely moved. Jensen wasn't sure if he was still alive, and right now he couldn't bring himself to care. He wheezed and tipped his head up, searching for Jared. Please, let him be okay. Please.
A man crouched down over another man somewhere on the right of Jensen's vicinity.
"J-Jared?" Jensen whispered. He was facing him, and Jensen's heart beat faster. It did look like Jared was the one up.
“Go. Take care of the boy. He needs you.”
“I can’t just leave you here. You’re badly wounded.”
"No, take him to the hospital and then you can return for me. He-he was..." The man on the ground seemed to struggle to get up.
“What are you doing?”
“Relax. I’ll be fine.” He turned around and limped away.
“Trent!” Jared grabbed his arm.
“I have to go, Jared. I’ll get in touch.”
Jensen wasn’t sure what happened but the next thing he knew, Trent had disappeared deep into the woods. Jared wailed his name. It sounded like a cry.
Jensen couldn't see Jared's face clearly but his heart sank for him and his wounded partner. He closed his eyes as a tear rolled down his face. This was his fault. If he hadn't been so selfish and taken off like that, none of these would have happened. Ted wouldn't have...raped him, and Jared and his boyfriend wouldn’t have come down to the forest and risked their lives.
"Jensen."
Jensen flew his eyes open at the mention of his name.
"Can you walk?"
"Jared, I'm okay. Your friend--"
"Trent will be just fine. It's you I'm worried about."
"I can walk." Jensen scrambled up, cringing at the pain from his lower back, but he tried not to show it. He bit his lip to stop himself from moaning. But white hot pain suddenly stabbed at his channel when he got to his feet, and Jensen couldn't hold back his cry and his knees gave. Jared promptly caught him, and Jensen felt as though an electric current ran through him as their bare skin connected. Jensen swore Jared felt that, too, as the man's eyes widened and bore into his weight.
"No, you can’t." Without saying anything else, Jared lifted him up and carried him in his arms. Jensen was overwhelmed by a sense of déjà vu of the time when Jared saved him for the first time.
Jensen snaked his arms around Jared’s neck and Jared began moving, slowly and carefully so as not to bounce Jensen too much. Jensen turned toward the spot where Ted was sitting. Jared seemed to sense that.
“Your stepdad is gone. He lost too much blood. You don’t have to worry about him anymore.”
But Jared didn’t know that. Jensen wouldn’t be sure until he saw him dead for himself. He’d be going for cremation if the cop returned the body to him.
“Jensen?”
Jensen didn’t answer. He couldn’t say anything. His body began to shake.
Jared held him tighter. “Ssh, ssh. You’re going to be all right.”
Jensen clung to Jared’s soft voice. “I-I’m sorry.”
“There’s nothing to apologize. You’re safe now, okay? I’ll make sure of that. You have me, you have Mr. Randolph. And don’t forget about Detective Montgomery.”
“Y-yeah.” Jensen pressed his face into Jared’s shoulder, unable to hold back tears. Jared rubbed his back slowly but he didn’t say anything to stop him from sobbing his heart out. After some time Jensen’s crying subsided.
“Don’t blame yourself for what happened. It’s all Ted’s. He’s much stronger than you. He made use of your fear.”
“But if I hadn’t run away, you and your partner wouldn’t have had to look for me and I wouldn’t have met Ted. He wouldn’t have seen me alone in the woods, grabbed me, and…and…”
“Jensen.” Jared halted and maneuvered him slowly so they could look at each other. “Why did you run away?”
“I-I saw you and your boyfriend. I thought you wouldn’t want to have me…around anymore.” He’d almost stopped at me but he’d remember that Jared had never said anything about wanting him.
Jared huffed and resumed walking. “Trent and I are no longer together. Yes, he used to be my partner-he was my Alpha-but he made a grave mistake. There’s no way I’m going to go back to him.”
Sweat broke on Jensen’s forehead. “So it was for nothing.” His voice cracked at the last word. “I’m so sorry, Jared.”
“Hey, come on. Everything will be just fine.”
“But your friend is injured and missing.”
“I know he’s somewhere healing himself.”
Jensen didn’t fully believe him but he stayed quiet, praying it was true.
“Right now we should get home fast so I can call the ambulance and that cop. God, I wish I still had my cell phone when I turned.”
“Why did you have to turn?”
“Being a wolf would make it easier to track you.”
“Did Trent think so, too?”
“I didn’t ask for his opinion. In fact, I’d stopped him from coming. This wasn’t his business, but he said he wanted to help. He thought it was his fault you ran away.”
"I ran because I saw him, yes. But I-I really don't blame him."
"All right. Enough with this blame-fest. I don't want to hang it over anyone's head. If I really want to blame someone, it will be your stepdad, Jensen. He's the one who brought it all to you, making you miserable and for that I hate him. I hate him so much right now, you have no idea."
Jensen felt warm all over. He fastened his arms around Jared, and suddenly…suddenly he couldn't hold back anymore. He pressed his lips on Jared's jaw and gave it a full-lip kiss. He turned away as quickly as the kiss, and felt his face burned. For a long beat, Jared didn't say anything.
"I-I'm sorry," Jensen choked out.
"Don't be." Jensen couldn't see Jared's face but he heard the smile.
"What?"
"You heard me, Jensen. Don't be sorry. I mean it."
Jensen thought his chest would burst right then. He clung even tighter.
"Do you, do you like me?"
This time Jared broke into laughter. "That's a mild way of putting it, kid. Oh, sorry. Forgot you don't want me to call you that."
But Jensen didn't care. Jared could call him whatever he liked. Jensen leaned into Jared's neck and breathed in his scent. He loved it, along with everything else about the man.
****
Finally. Finally he spotted the lights coming from his house across the clearing. Not that he minded carrying Jensen, for the second time in not such a long time, his warm skin and the way the kid gave his full trust as he clung to him. Jared loved them all. But Jensen was hurt and the sooner they reached home, the better.
"Jensen, hey. Are you asleep?"
Jensen had slumped, utterly inhibited, over him, his breathing slow and warm against Jared's neck and he'd fallen quiet some moments ago. He stirred and groaned softly at Jared's voice.
"Uh," was his intelligent reply.
"We're almost home. Look."
"Home?" And for a second Jensen froze and Jared could feel the boy's heart raced. Damn. Was he thinking of the home he had with his stepfather?
"Yes, home. With me, Jensen." Jared sensed the moment Jensen's body loosened and melted back into Jared.
"It sounds so...I don't know, comfy?"
"Yes. You can be sure you'll always feel comfy there."
They got to the house from the backyard. They got inside and went straight to the sitting room. Jared lowered Jensen down to the couch gently.
"I'll get some wet towels from the kitchen, okay?"
Jensen curled up on the couch but he grabbed Jared's hand when he turned away.
"Jensen..."
The kid didn't say anything but his gaze never wavered from Jared's and he gripped tightly as if he'd never let go.
"Hey, come on. I'm just heading to the kitchen. I'm not going to leave you alone, you know that."
"No."
Jensen looked okay during the walk. Jared never thought he'd be terrified like this. He couldn't imagine what went through this kid's head. Jared went to kneel down in front of the couch.
"Look. I need to rub you clean and then I'm getting you a blanket. You're safe here, Jensen. It's our home, remember? No one's going to do bad things here."
Jensen made a soft whimper sound in his throat. His hand still clutched at him tightly. Jared pulled a cushion pressed between the couch and Jensen's back.
"Here. Hold on to this while I'm away for a bit."
At first Jensen didn't even look at the cushion but he then sighed and finally let Jared go. He took the cushion, squeezed it, and closed his eyes. Taking a deep breath, Jared scrambled up to his feet. Before he left, he bent down and placed a kiss on Jensen's temple. Jensen didn't open his eyes, just sighing and settling more into the couch.
Jared didn't waste time. He grabbed some wet towels and ran to his bedroom to find a blanket. Jensen was asleep when he returned. He didn't want to disturb the kid so Jared called Mr. Randolph and Detective Montgomery first. The principal was shocked to hear about what happened and said he'd be headed to Jared's house immediately. Detective Montgomery said Jared shouldn't be worried about anything. He'd send people to the woods to find Ted and he'd come to Jared's place with the medics. He reminded Jared not to lose the evidence of what happened on Jensen's body. Jared looked at the wet towels he had with him and felt his heart clench. He knew what Montgomery meant. He'd planned to clean up only Jensen's body and not that particular spot though he wished he could do the opposite. He wished he could wash away the filth tarnishing Jensen's body and soul.
Jared took a deep breath and began to rub the soil off Jensen's skin. He'd been lying on the ground and Jared could still see him kneeling with his chest pressed down and arms yanked behind his back. Jared flinched to see scratches and bruises on that chest after dirt and soil were scrubbed off.
"God, Jensen," he murmured.
"Mama?"
Jared's head snapped up at the small voice, but he found that Jensen was still fast asleep. Jensen told him that his mother was gone, leaving him with Ted when he was younger. Jared's heart sank for him. His ordeal must have been too hard for him that he sought for a person he knew would protect him and keep him safe. Jared smoothed Jensen's matted hair to the back.
"You'll be okay, kid. Everything will be a lot better from now on." He resumed washing Jensen's body with the wet cloths, mindful of what Detective Montgomery had said to him. After he was done, he wrapped Jensen up in a blanket. The kid blinked his eyes open and gazed at him sleepily.
"Hey," said Jared.
"Hey."
"How are you feeling?" Jared asked softly.
Jensen cleared his throat. "Okay. Uh, I had a dream."
"A bad one?"
Jensen shook his head. "No. I-I liked it. I met my mother."
Jared recalled what he heard Jensen say earlier.
"And you."
"Me and your mother?"
Jensen nodded, biting his lip. "With me, too. I'm sorry."
"Hey, what are you sorry for?"
"For having you in my dream. That-that's inappropriate."
"That's bullshit," Jared cut him off at once. "You can't control dreams. Besides, it feels great to be in someone's dream, especially yours."
Jensen blushed. Jared pulled the blanket up to Jensen's neck and patted his shoulder.
"Okay. Now we wait for the others to come."
"Others?"
"The usual. Detective Montgomery, Mr. Randolph. Dr. Maxwell is waiting at the hospital."
Jensen shivered.
"Hey, there's nothing to worry about. Besides, you won't be alone. I'll be right there with you."
Jensen smiled sheepishly. His hand sought out Jared's, and Jared squeezed it.
"Go back to sleep now. I'll wake you up when they're here."
The first who came was Mr. Randolph. He looked as if he wanted to grab Jensen immediately and would have if Jared hadn't stopped him. By the time Detective Montgomery and the paramedics arrived, Jensen had woken up. They lifted him up to a stretcher and the entire time, Jensen never let go of Jared's hand.
Mr. Randolph stared at Jared and switched to their hands. Jared offered him a smile. It wasn't a resigned one. It was protective, loving, relieved, and asking for permission at the same time, instead. At least that was what he tried to project. Jensen needed him, and Jared didn't think he could let him go or find someone else who would protect him. In a way, Jared needed him, too. He took a deep breath in relief when Mr. Randolph nodded at him. It was slight and subtle, but that was he wanted.
Jared drew circles on Jensen's hand with his thumb as he followed the medics pushing the gurney out and into the ambulance. They were going to take care of Jensen, and Jensen was going to heal. He was going to be all right. They both were going to be all right.
****
Part 4