His Guardian (MxM)

Chapter 16 (18+)

Yes, this chapter is 18+, but not in the way you think.

Jackson

After our decision, Beth and I acted differently toward each other when my father was watching. This seemed to please him. Could it be working?

Currently, we were lying on the small cot together, my arm wrapped around her as she laid her head on my chest. It was all a show. Father would be here soon to check on us, as he has been doing more and more recently. Almost as if he was itching to catch us faking this.

Over my dead body.

Though I obviously had no romantic feelings toward Beth, she and I had become friends. We were given no choice but to survive this together. That alone was enough to create somewhat of a bond between two people. She remained very concerned for Ben, as I was. We both knew we had to do whatever it takes to get him to safety.

I could feel my father's presence before I heard his footsteps. Beth and I feigned sleep as I held her closely. After a few moments of watching us, I could hear my father's satisfied sigh before he retreated. Once I was sure he was gone, I let out a sigh of my own.

"He's gone," I whispered to Beth. She sat up with relief painted across her face.

"Do you think it's working?" she asked me.

"I'm not sure," I replied.

"I think... I think he's waiting-" she started before I stopped her.

"We can convince him without that," I told her firmly.

"I'm not sure we can," she retorted. "If we could, I think we would have by now." she looked down with a quiet sigh. "You need to become Alpha, Jackson. I'm beginning to think this is the only way."

I pinched the bridge of my nose and groaned. She was right. Deep down, I knew she was right. My father had clearly told me of his expectations for Beth to carry my child. I just need to get to Ben, and if this was the only way, I had to do it.

Dammit.

"It's okay," Beth whispered to me. She could tell I was having an internal struggle with this.  I don't want to be with anyone but Ben. Not like that. But if it guarantees Ben's survival, I have no choice. I have to become Alpha. For Ben.

"You're right," I whispered to her. We shared a look of dread.

"We need to get it over with," she told me as she laid down on the cot. I nodded. As she and I began to undress from the waist  down, I communicated to Atlas.

Atlas, please. Help me out here.

For our mate. He responded to me. I let out a deep breath as I crawled onto the cot, above Beth. She looked up at me.

"It's okay. Just do it," she whispered, giving me her consent. I squeezed my eyes shut as I willed my body to do what it needed to do.

Ben.

Just think of Ben.

My breathing was uneasy as I slowly entered her. I could hear her draw in a sharp breath. I opened my eyes to check on her.

"Are you okay?" I asked. She nodded.

"I'm fine, I just need to adjust a little bit," she whispered. I stayed still for a while, trying to keep my breathing even. Eventually Beth nodded and tapped my shoulder, giving me the go ahead. As I began to move, I kept my thoughts filled with Ben.

His bouncing, brown curls. 

His big smile, and infectious laughter. 

His bright, blue eyes.

His soft lips, and the way they fit perfectly against mine.

The beautiful curves of his body that felt like heaven in my hands.

The amount of love I felt for him when we made love.

His hands roaming my body.

His nails scratching my back.

His soft moans.

His teeth permanently marking me as his own.

I was brought back to reality as my body climaxed. I was breathing deeply as I finished, and pulled out. I plopped down next to Beth on the small cot. 

"Are you okay?" I asked her.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she muttered.

"Are you sure?" I looked over at her.

"I'm okay, Jackson," she assured me. "Are you?" I nodded. We did what had to be done. I just hope it works. I stood up, and put my underwear and pants back on, and Beth did the same.

"He'll probably be back by in the morning," she mentioned. I nodded, agreeing with her. We settled back down on the cot, lying on our sides. Beth was lying in front of me, and I draped my arm across her waist. We both knew we had to keep up the show. What would happen if father showed up in the middle of the night to see me sleeping on the floor and Beth on the cot? That's hardly convincing him we felt anything romantic toward each other.

I lied awake for what felt like forever. All I could think of was Ben. I felt a deep grief for the loss of our unborn child. Some part of me held out hope that my father was lying to me when he told me. However, I did have proof of the unthinkable torture Ben was experiencing at the hands of the Alpha. My blood still boiled at this. As soon as I am able, I will kill that bastard. 

****

I awoke to my father's footsteps approaching the next morning. I looked up to see him walking out of the shadows as I held Beth on the cot. He stopped on the other side of the bars and watched us. I kept my gaze locked on him, as well. He narrowed his eyes for a moment, as if contemplating something. He was smelling the air.

"Well, I see you've finally come to your senses, Jackson," he told me. Atlas growled in my head at this. Outwardly, I remained silent. 

How could he tell? Atlas briefly reminded me of Ben's scent changing slightly when he was pregnant. Is Beth pregnant? Can he smell it? That must be it. I leaned forward slightly and smelled the difference on Beth. It had worked.

Beth began to stir in my arms before opening her eyes. Once she saw the Alpha, her heart began racing. Now's our chance to show this motherfucker what he wants to see. I pulled Beth closer to my body and kissed her head. 

"I'm just doing what is right for my pack," I told my father. I knew this is what he wanted to hear. Beth grasped my arm, holding it tight. She was putting on a show, too.

My father simply nodded, with a grin.

"Very good," was all he said before he left.

As soon as he was gone, Beth sat up and turned to look at me.

"It worked?" she asked. I simply nodded. She brought her hands to her mouth and sighed in relief.

Just hang on, Ben. I'm coming for you.