Chapter 515

Jacks just stands and looks back at Rafe, a little awkward, waiting for him to react to the secret he just told.

"That's really cool," Rafe whispers.

"So, you probably are fitter than me," Jacks says with a shrug. “Just...not magically powered. Why the hell did we run so far today?"

"I don't know," Rafe says, sighing and turning away from Jackson a little, looking out over the distance. "I just...wanted to run. And then I was pissed at you for keeping up with me, so I tried to wear you out. Which...obviously backfired."

Jacks smirks a little, standing close at Rafe's side and likewise looking out over the countryside. The two are quiet for a minute before Jackson, uncharacteristically, breaks the silence. “Jesse said,” he murmurs, “that...when your friends are upset you just...be there for them. Just stay by their side, even if they don't want to talk. That's what I was trying to do. I'm sorry if it pissed you off even more - if I'd have known, I'd have let you beat me."

Rafe sighs, glancing over at his friend, kind of cursing the fact that he's such a great guy. Because it would be a hell of a lot easier to be pissed at him, and the rest of the world, if he wasn't. And right now, Rafe's feeling like he's not yet finished being angry.

"How'd you know I was pissed?" he asks, crossing his arms and sighing, guessing that he probably has to give it up sometime.

"You're all...quiet and moody," Jackson sighs, still looking out over the landscape. "I mean, you're sometimes quiet, but you're never moody. You're the most even-tempered guy I've ever met."

"You're more perceptive than I thought you were," Rafe murmurs, turning to study Jacks a little.

Jackson doesn't look back at him, not bothered by being studied by the crown prince. "I mean, I know you guys think I grew up in a box or something, Rafe, but I did have friends in the Community. Best friends. I know how to read emotions, especially in guys who usually tuck them away."

Rafe smirks a little and shakes his head, sighing, surprised again by the group's adopted Alpha foundling.

"Fine," Rafe sighs, crossing his arms and looking away, not wanting to make eye contact while he talks about it. "It's Daphne."

Jackson hums noncommittally, not pushing, letting Rafe take control of the conversation.

"It's just," Rafe sighs, frustrated, running a hand through his damp hair, "last night when I went down to see her it was just...very obvious that we're not on the page with our...relationship. Or whatever this is."

Jackson makes a curious noise deep in his throat, encouraging Rafe to continue.

"And it's not just about sex and physical stuff," Rafe grumbles, casting his eyes out over the beautiful, austere winter landscape. "It's the conversation too - I'm ready to go like... deeper, to really connect, but Daphne feels...resistant to that. Like she doesn't want to go deeper with me...to let me in." He sighs again, shaking his head, allowing himself to feel all of his frustration. "I just...really like her, Jacks. I'm ready to make her like, my girlfriend, be official - and I've never felt that way about anyone before. But Daphne is holding back - I can feel it. And my wolf knows it too."

"Maybe it's because she knows she's not your mate," Jacks says, shrugging a little.

Rafe snaps his head to frown at him. "How the hell do you know that?"

"Well, is she?" Jacks asks, turning his head and giving Rafe a frown in return.

"No," Rafe bites out with a scowl, tightening his arms across his chest. "I mean, at least, my wolf says she's not."

"Your wolf would know," Jackson says, nodding and looking back towards the country again. "You'll know, when your mate comes. It's instant. Undeniable."

"Wait, how do you know I have a mate?" Rafe asks, sharp.noveldrama

“Ariel told me,” Jackson replies, even, making Rafe blanche at the fact that she spilled a secret he so recently told her. “Ariel tells me everything." Rafe huffs a laugh, turning back to gaze over the hills as well. "Well, that's annoying."

"No it's not, it's...great," Jacks says, fighting a smile as he thinks of her but wanting to stay serious for Rafe's sake.

Rafe laughs a little, ruefully, and shakes his head. "Well at least she found someone who likes to listen to her talk. It's her favorite hobby, inherited from our mom.