The Reluctant Cougar (Rise of the Alpha King's Heir)

Chaperone

Ben stopped listening to Coach Hail around minute ten of his 'be safe this weekend' speech. He found himself repeatedly glancing at Jessup's watch.

It was already five after five. Six after five.

Ben shifted his weight, eager to shower and change. Nervous excitement shot through him. He was going to see her tonight! Was Eileen already here? Already waiting? 

He craned his neck, trying to see into the parking lot.

"Cougar?" Coach Hail said loudly, his voice holding a touch of amusement.

"Yes, Coach?" Ben asked, forcing his eyes to Coach Hail.

"I said, 'are you eager for your first Mate Visit?' You're the youngest cadet with a Bloodmate we've had in a while."

"Yes, sir!" Ben said quickly.

The other guys chuckled at his enthusiasm, but Coach's face softened, "See, gentlemen: it's rare, but a Bloodmate is worth the wait. Well then, go on. Everyone is dismissed."

Ben ran for the showers, removing clothes as soon as he was in the room.

"Cougar's gonna get some, huh?" one of the guys from Building S chuckled. Ben thought his name was Harry, and judging by the fact that the giant twenty-something looked like he had a furry tank top on even when he didn't, well, he was aptly named.

"He's old enough to court, but I hear he's still got a chaperone," another S guy snickered. Ben was pretty sure his name was Kyle.

"Tough break," Harry said, empathizing instead of teasing. Ben liked Harry a lot better than he liked Kyle.

Ben quickly scrubbed soap into his scalp and then soaped his rag, running it over his body with care. He wanted to be both quick and thorough.

He was walking out of the stall when Harry called "Yo, Cougar, you've still got soap in your hair, Cougar."

He glanced in the steamed-up mirror, and sure enough he had suds all over his head. "Shit. Thanks, Harry."

Ben quickly rinsed, wrapped a towel around his waist, and ran to his building.

To his surprise, a set of clothes were already laid out.

"Wha--"

"Got your back, Cougar," Jessup grinned.

"Thanks," Ben said, dropping the towel and dressing quickly; after a week showering with the guys and seeing each other in every state of undress, Ben had quickly lost any sense of modesty he had around his roommates.

His pocket crinkled when he pulled his jeans on. Curious, he slid his hand in and pulled out a note.

Jessup grinned, "Although, I guess it wasn't completely altruistic. Could you ask Eileen to give that to Louisa? It has my address on there so she can start sending me letters in the mail."

Ben laughed, "Sure. Now where are my..."

P.A. handed him his shoes, and Archie handed him his wallet.

"I put something in there for you," Archie said with a wink. "Pretty sure I got the size right."

Dread danced through him momentarily. He paused long enough to open the wallet and find something wrapped in foil. He pulled it out, reading, and when he realized what it was, Ben flushed.

"I-I'm not going to need this," Ben stammered, trying to hand it back to Archie.

"Keep it," Archie said, waving him off. "It won't fit me anyway."