OffBeats

[Tak]

*Tak took in a deep breath, only to let it out slowly. People had asked if Stella was his before, so he knew it was a possibility that Clay had wondered but he stopped that line of thinking. He could feel guilty later, right now Binx needed him. He tried to figure out what to tell the boy to stop his hurt or his anger but couldn't come up with anything. He put a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder* You're right and you have every right to be angry. We didn't see what your father would become. That's on me, not your Mom. *He patted the boys shoulder, careful of how much pressure he was putting on the wounds* Nothing that happened is your fault. So be angry, sad, whatever you have to be but remember he can't hurt you anymore and your Mom only wanted the best for you, she couldn't have known. And I might be late but I'll do what I can to help

[Binx]

*Binx looked at Tak with an annoyed expression.* I'm NOT mad at mom, or even you! *He raised his voice with emphasis.* You and Juju act like you were supposed to know and stop him! You both act as if you've failed me,especially you! *Binx said pointing at Tak.* I've seen the look ya get... it's like you think I'm blaming you, or you're blaming yourself. *He paused a moment and in a softer voice he said.* You keep saying it's not my fault but it partly is. *Binx hung his head and sighed as more tears came.* I didn't go to you for help....I just... *He trailed off not finishing his sentence as his voice broke.*

[Tak]

*Tak watched the boy and then blinked when he got called out. He raised an eyebrow before chuckling softly* It's not your fault, it's not my fault *He wrapped an arm around Binx's shoulders, bringing him into a careful hug* How about we make a deal to not blame anybody but your Dad, that includes ourselves, and we move forward as a team with a clean slate? It's not going to be as easy as it sounds but we'll keep working on it. Deal?

[Binx]

*Binx leaned into Tak as he wrapped his arm around him. He didn't want to fight and he didn't want to be angry. His one of his biggest fears was becoming like his dad and the boy did everything he could not too.*Alright...deal...but you first. *He gave a weak punch to Tak's knee. As his anger was subsiding some, Binx was getting sleepy.* If we're a team, we can do anything right? *He gave Tak a small smile as he looked at him finally.*

[Tak]

Same time, that's the deal. *Tak chuckled at the punch and squeezed the boy gently* Yup we got this. We'll be here for all your trauma and I think we can even get Inline in a short maids outfit to help. *He chuckled before slowly releasing the boy and standing up* Seriously, we will get through this. Feel whatever you need, you're safe here. Except if Juju finds out your tired, then we are both in danger. Lay down. *He started to pull back covers so Binx could just lay down instead of getting up and futzing with them*

[Binx]

Fine, together. *Binx gave a small chuckle, but then gave Tak a grimace.* Tak, I think I'll give up the maid outfits, she's worse than you and Mama Juju combined. *He kicked off his shoes and gave a yawn, wincing at the stretch that followed it.* I know, I'm safe. I always have been with you. *He moved under the covers as Tak began to pull them back.* Yeah, I'll expect the bubble wrap arriving tomorrow.

[Tak]

*Tak chuckled at the boy* She's just worried, I don't know if you're aware but she thinks you got a nice butt. *He smirked at Binx before laying the covers over him like he used too* Always. I have your back kid. *He chuckled again, nodding* Foam padding for every wall is next, don't worry she's going to make it safer than the toddler area, just for you. *He ruffled the boys hair* But that is for tomorrow, sleep. I'll save you some real food if you don't wake up for lunch

[Binx]

I know that, but...I'm just so..tired of everyone. No offense, but just too many people. *Binx said with a sigh. He did chuckle over the padded walls comment.* Great, just call me bubble boy. *He flopped back on the bed after Tak ruffled his hair, which had been a done decision.* uh mistakes were made....*He groaned as he waited for the throbbing to stop.* I think I'll be sleeping. Don't worry about food.

[Daxton]

*Some time later Daxton had slipped away from the group and he sat on one of the lower walls looking at his phone. He had a text on his screen, that to anyone else looked like a bunch of random symbols and made no sense. He pinched the bridge of his nose and let out an annoyed sigh. Daxton needed to talk to Jodin about pack shit and give him a warning. This was not the time for all this shit to be happening.*

[Tak]

*Tak winced as the boy hit the bed. He took a whiff of the air to make sure the boy hadn't reopened anything. Satisfied Klayton was fine he smiled some* Maybe tomorrow we'll have an us only day. I'll save you some food anyway. Sleep tight kid. *He took another whiff before stepping out and shutting the door*

*Tak stepped over the wall and sat beside Daxton, handing him a bottle of Gatorade* You suck at hiding your emotions cousin. *He sounded more formal now, almost like he spoke when at the pack meetings* You tucked tail as soon as you got a message. What's up?

[Daxton]

*Binx had just gave a thumbs up as Tak began to leave the room. The boy was out quickly*

*Daxton looked up as the Gatorade came into view. Taking it he muttered thanks as he took the bottle and cracked it. After a quick drink he said.* Yea, why I never play poker. *Daxton set his phone down and looked over at Jodin.* Pack, bullshit. You know how much I love being my brother's stand in. *He said bitterly. Jodin knew exactly that. Daxton had been forced to take over his brothers spot within the pack and because of that had to drop out of college, as his father had been the one to contact the registrar office and drop him from classes.* Jodin, I hate to ask this, but how protected is the gym? Cause we got to talk about a lot and you're not going to like any of it.

[Tak]

Might want to learn *Tak gave his cousin a wry smile. At the bitterness he nodded, not fully understanding but he could imagine* It isn't fair for Uncle to replace him with you, you've never wanted to lead. I'm not saying you wouldn't be a good alpha but you shouldn't have too. If only those two could get over themselves. *He took a drink of his own Gatorade* But what do I know, I'm a neutral party. *At the question amber eyes returned to Daxton. He nodded toward the back of the gym* Come on. *He walked into the office and past the desk to the wall of closet, they looked similar to the ones they had in most schools. He opened one up and pushed the fake wall aside behind the shelves aside, before ducking into it* I had the same witches that set up Dad's set up this one too. *He said only once he was fully inside the room behind the closet, he waved for his cousin to follow*

[Daxton]

Don't I know it. *Daxton said with a small smile.* The lot of a second child, get used as a pawn. *Daxton just let out another sigh as Jodin nodded towards the office, before he stood up and followed his cousin.* They do good work, these come in really handy. *Daxton said as he stepped inside. Once the door was closed, Daxton moved to a small chair in the corner.* You remember the omega Ripley, right? Seems that he is the one who has been sending wolves to follow Juniper... and camp out around your gym. That is why I'm asking about the protection here.

[pwykert]

ADMIN COMMENT

Transcripts made to this point (4-25-2020)

[Tak]

They do and when they are sealed like this one we can speak freely without any unintended ears hearing. I think Dad mentioned you know exactly how useful and quiet they can be *Tak grinned at his cousin but tapped his nose* To bad the involved parties still smell like each other when they leave the room *The wolf let the teasing fall as Daxton went on. A wild air started to move around him* I will kill him if I think he's a threat to mine. Uncle should know that. I haven't broken pack law. My blood never mixed to create those children and a fae can't mother pups. *Amber eyes held Daxton* My lineage ends if I stay happy as is. One would think that would be a great thing for Uncle and his underlings

[Daxton]

*Daxton only grinned as he remembered Lyall catching him and Jim. Not much he could say to get them out of that one. He rolled his eyes as Jodin tapped his nose.* Yea, uncle is just a dirty old man. *He also listened as his cousin talked and let out an unease sound when he said a fae couldn't have pups.* As long as said fae believes that, sure. *Boy had read enough books and heard enough from the underground that, fae's reproduction was...kinda a grey area. He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall. * Doesn't matter Tak, this whole thing with Deston has Pack leader mental. Ripley is trying to move up from Omega and he's gonna try whatever to do it. Not to mention he has always hated you since he came to the pack. To him the kids and Juniper are just the avenues he can take to get to you. *Daxton pushed him self off the wall.* I can't answer the why, I can only warn you that something is coming. I don't know how ballsy Ripley will get but I dont like it.

[Tak]

Uh huh but that has nothing to do with you snogging a purple haired vixen *Tak smirked then tilted is head at the fae comment* What? Nevermind we will revisit that in a minute *He tried to concentrate on what was important to this moment* Would it be wise to challenge Ripley? Or do I need to go to pack leader? I would like to avoid bloodshed near the gym but if he wants a war let him step foot in here again. *The male's canines had started to elongate as he thought about the wolf making it to the front door* He won't leave alive

[Daxton]

*Daxton smirked as Jodin said vixen.* Maybe not but he is like a bloodhound when it comes to sex. *Nodding to the addressing of pups later he let Jodin go on about the pack.* No dont challenge or go to pack leadsr, so far they havent done anything that can be seen as breaking neutral ground since ripley and your scuffle some time ago. The wolves that have follow Juniper or been near the gym can say they were only patrolling or giving protection with Deston nearby. * He held up his hand as Jodin's teeth started to extend, and in a milder tone he added.* I know and he knows that. He's not stupid enough to attack the gym, at least not with you here. Honestly, he's low enough Ripley is probably setting a trap to compromise your position to pack leader.

[Tak]

*Tak tried to contain his temper but the wild manage still floated around him. The mating was still too fresh and the urge to frenzy still close to the surface to contain it completely, even with logic telling him what was going on. He took in a deep breath, noting his cousin's quieter tone* I am of no use to Uncle. Dad and I have been neutral parties in their politics for a long time. I may still warn Uncle that this is my territory, an official complaint. I've marked enough trees and buildings around here *He tried to make a joke but it came out a little stale*

[Daxton]

That is why I wanted to warn you to be on your toes, I do not want you walking into something. *Daxton put his hand down and give a half hearten chuckle.* Yea, you can tell it is your turf about 2 miles off. They have restrooms you know. *Daxton also tried to help make light of the conversation.* All I am saying is be careful, Pack leader hasn't been right since Deston broke away. I think he feels he's losing control and I think he fears it.

[Tak]

*Tak gave his cousin a half hearted smile* Not close enough. *He popped his jaw and it fell back into place with his teeth returning to normal* I appreciate the warning. Until Binx is moving better we won't be leaving the Gym much and if they think Juju is some innocent little thing they are wrong. I've seen her turn a creature to ash without any effort at all and she's one hell of a fist fighter. *He sighed softly, remembering the rabid dog that had appeared one day* We can handle ourselves but I'll put a bug in my fathers ear to watch out as well

[Daxton]

I'll keep an eye out as well. If I hear anything, I will let you know if not from me then from Uncle Lyall. Deston will not send anyone here nor will he come by either. He does not want to put you in that kind of position. *Daxton gave Jodin a convinced look when he spoke about Juju.* Oh I believe it. I would pity whoever got on her bad side. You really did well when it came to mates. How you got her attention, I'll never know. *Daxton razzed his cousin.*

[Tak]

I appreciate your warning and Deston's understanding, let him know that. Once everything is settled I can return to being a safe haven but until then I can't risk the kids *Join groaned, leaning back some* You and me both, I also worry about everything nearby when she lets loose *He gave his cousin a sideways smirk* I'm a hot piece of ass, isn't it obvious *The grin fell some* I'm worried about the next full moon, mating brought my wolf so much closer to the surface and it isn't like I've ever been far from a change anyway. *It was a little strange to hear Jodan speak so serious. He glanced at Daxton again* Anything in your books that can help, o wise one

[Daxton]

*He waved off his cousin's appreciation.* He understands and just how unhinged pack leader is. *Chuckling Daxton only roll his eyes at his hot piece of ass. As Jodin spoke of his wolf, Daxton switched to a more scholarly expression.* That could be the bond you have with Juju after your mating. May need to let the full moon change to help curb the wolf, kinda like a reset.

[Tak]

Think I will loose my reason? *Tak asked, covering his chin as he steepled his hands. He smiled some thinking it over* Or do I just come out as a monster and get the secrecy over? *Juju could hide better than Tak any day of the week. He'd been thinking about this for awhile*