Last I Saw You

TWENTY|TOBY

Tedrik dropped me off, as promised, a few blocks away. He looked tense though as he stopped the car. Made sense considering I didn't give him a definite answer. And why would I. His offer sounded all too good to be true, but I'm not stupid. There's no way I'd put myself in any position like that. Messing with the Leblanc's would only lead to trouble. I get into enough of that at school.

"You're sure about your decision?" Tedrik asked before I could open the car door.

"I never made one," I muttered under my breath even though he still could hear me.

"So you'll think it over?"

"Yes." What a lie. I couldn't just come right out and say no though. Not here. Not now. In this car alone with a full grown wolf who used to kill mutts like me for fun.

Giving me a look Tedrik shook his head. "I know you're afraid of me. I'd rather you come right out and say no than lie to me. I'm not fond of liars."

"Then... No. Honestly my father wouldn't allow it and I want nothing to do with you, no offense. If I start a pack I wanna start fresh with my own real followers not someone else's left overs."

"I see. The offer still stands if you change your mind."

Frowning I said, "What makes you think I'll change my mind?"

"Goodbye, Tobias."

Opening the car door I waved goodbye back to him, ducking across the street. I'd call Damon off the house phone later and tell him I got home fine. He was probably worried. I bet the first thing he'd say though would be "Oh my God, your dumb ass is actually still alive!" And I wouldn't blame him.

My dad was waiting in his recliner when I got there, talking fervently with Eric who looked all sorts of flustered. Conversation stopped as soon I entered the room. I shut the door behind me with a soft click. Eric sprung up from his seat fast, pulling me into a tight embrace.

"Woah, let me breath," I joked, returning his hug with a soft pat to his back.

"I'm sorry- about the other day. Eli's probably gonna kill me when I get home but I needed to apologise," he said, resting his chin on my shoulder.

Pulling back I gave a weak smile. "You needed space so I didn't chase you but I'm glad you came."

"What would you have done if I didn't?"

"Waited. That's all I can do."

Clearing his throat my dad leaned forward in his recliner. "So where were you?"

Taking Eric's hand I walked to the couch to sit down. "I went out to eat with Damon."

"And you were gone that long? You've got some explaining to do."

"What do you mean?"

"I'd know that scent anywhere."

I frowned as the realization hit me. Dad didn't give me a chance to explain as his anger got the better of him. What was the man supposed to do when he smelled Tedrik's scent all over me?

"It's not what it looks like honestly. He tried to talk to me but I wasn't having it."

"Yet I can smell him all over you."

"We were talking for a while... He was trying to get me to do a favor for him. He... I said no but I don't think it'll be enough to get him off my back."

Sighing Gale nodded. "I know how Tedrik can be. He won't pester you but he's rather patient. The sneaky bastard."

He looked tense. He and Tedrik weren't close but from the stories dad used to tell me and my brothers their paths crossed frequently. According to him the two of them had even challenged each other and dad nearly won. The only reason Tedrik is still alive is cuz he had his eldest son to look after at that time and dad wasn't cruel enough to make the poor boy an orphan. Dad hates Tedrik with every fiber of his being though, especially after what happened with Pete.

I forgot I was holding Eric's hand but the feel of him giving mine a reassuring squeeze reminded me of that. I'd been so worried about him and honestly if I could kiss him I would but my dad's watching and that's beyond embarrassing so I settle for squeezing his hand back.

"Why is he interested in you?" Dad asked, features morphing into a calculating frown. "This can't have anything to do with me can it?"

"No... I... I'm sorry I didn't tell you this sooner but I think it has something to do with the fight I had with his son, Schuyler," I said, expecting him to get angry. Out the corner of my eye I could see Eric watching us both with an air of concern.

"You had a fight, with his youngest son? When was this?"

"Sometime last week I think. I beat him, I blacked out during most of it but I was told I broke his ribs."

"He looked fine at the forest. But then again Tedrik mingles with magic-users."

"Uh, yeah. Well he found out about the fight and I guess that's why he's so interested in me."

Face going blank my dad exhaled, easing back in his seat to stare at a wall. "Tobias."

"Yes," I said with a shakey voice.

"I don't want you going anywhere without me, you understand? If I hear word of you being out alone or God forbid at the park hosting a fight I swear... Jesus Christ." Inhaling sharply he ran his hands over his face. "That fucking bastard. Who the hell does he think he is? He didn't threaten you did he?"

"Dad I don't-"

"I said did he threaten you! And don't lie to me! This isn't some game or a bed time story this is your life Tobias. We're two mutts on our own and Tedrik has a whole pack ready to do his bidding. I saw the way you were looking when you talked about him, he said something to you."

"I... He... he said that he was watching me- us. He didn't threaten me outright but it was implied."

"Dammit!" Getting up Dad walked away into the kitchen. I could hear him mumbling to himself as he went.

Looking to Eric I gave his hand a squeeze before getting up to follow after my dad. He stood in front of the refrigerator, digging through it for what was likely a beer. When he spotted me standing in the archway he let out a long sigh.

Moving to lean against the wall near the fridge I tried to console him. "I'm sorry, Dad-, about everything that happened today."

"You don't need to apologise. You're safe now, that's all that matters. Just promise me you won't disobey me, I've let you get away with a lot of things. You're the youngest, and it doesn't help that you look just like her," he said softly.

"My mom?"

"Yes. Toby you have to promise me to to stay away from Tedrik." Dad looked at me, waiting for my response. "Tobias."

"I promise," I said as he reached forward to ruffle my hair. But I was... frightened. Tedrik said he'd been watching me. Who's to say he won't find some way to get me alone again.

A/N: Toby is in for a world of trouble. My poor baby.