"So, I'm intrigued." Garrett leaned against a tree as he eyed Riley curiously. He hadn't really known James' fledgling well when he'd agreed to take him on after James' supposed death, but he'd learnt enough about him during their time traveling together to know that this was very much out of character for him. "Why are you waiting out here sulking and not in there with them giving the puppy hell?"

Riley huffed as he sat with his back against a different tree, the twosome out of sight of that place but still within the territory and safe within the effect of the 'harm none' spell surrounding it. "You're joking, right? If I was smart enough never to get in between James and Victoria when they argued do you really think I'd get in between James and Seth? Siblings are one thing, mates are another."

"Mates." Garrett blinked, taken aback by that. He'd realized that the puppy liked James, and if his friend's actions were anything to go by the vampire really liked him too, but he hadn't really thought - okay, sure, he'd toyed with the idea earlier… But James would've said something when he'd come clean to them about everything. Why tell them about the Volturi and not about this? It made no sense.

"I'm a fledgling, not an idiot," Riley assured Garrett with another huff, clearly not happy about the situation yet apparently not hostile towards it either. "I just thought I'd get a stab at him now that he bats for this team." He sighed, lips pursed. "But, moving on, even though I don't know much about Imprinting, those two are clearly Imprinted."

Garrett tilted his head in intrigue at the thought. "I can see why you'd think that given what happened earlier, the old James would never allow someone to step like that to him without knocking them down multiple pegs, but he's different now. Maybe it's because he's a Beta and not an Alpha. Maybe it's a wolf pack thing."

"Oh, so all members of a wolf pack smooch it out when they're angry?" Riley snorted and gave Garrett a look that clearly asked him if he was actually as old as he proclaimed to be (which he was, damn it).

"Well, they're boyfriends," Garrett reminded him with a little shrug. "Boyfriends smooch."

Riley made up a face. "It's not just the smooching, man. Haven't you noticed it? Even when Seth's in wolf form they're in synch. And they're always looking at each other when they think the other isn't looking, and James let him be possessive without saying anything. James. Mister Harem. Mister Fuck Boi. Mister Manwhore. Mister—-."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it," Garrett assured him because, well, the dude had a point. The only one James allowed to get away with anything cheeky or proprietary was Victoria, but Seth had been getting away with shit from the second Garrett had met him in the cave. Was the difference really because James wasn't an 'Alpha' anymore?

"No, you don't," Riley countered in frustration. "He's not your sire." He ran fingers through his hair. "I couldn't understand what I was feeling in the cave, I figured I was being overwhelmed by everything, but the longer I'm around the two of them, the more I feel like I need to be nice to Seth. And that sucks!" Riley threw his hands in the air. "I've been discreetly behaving unreasonable—-,"

"Discreetly?" Garrett snorted.

"—just to get some reactions from the two of them, and damn it, after what happened back there I've conceded defeat!" Riley palmed his face. "You don't have to believe me, and James doesn't have to admit to it, but Seth Clearwater is his mate. I've heard what other vampires have said about what they feel for their sire's mates, and damn it, DAMN IT, I'm slowly starting to feel that for Seth." His eyes narrowed. "And. It. Sucks. He's freaking younger than me for crying out loud!"

Oh, wow. Garrett hadn't even thought of that. He'd never been close to his sire, much less in his coven, but he'd heard about what it was like for vampires (especially fledglings) who were being raised by their sire and the sire's mate. There was a compulsion (whether the underlying instinct was to please the sire or not) to not only accept the mate, but respect them like you might a parent. The sire and his or her mate (if they were good sires) became the parents of the fledglings.

Amusement welled in Garrett's stomach.

"It's not funny." Riley pouted.

"So you're just being a misbehaving child with a Daddy Complex?" Garrett snickered.

Riley looked very much like if the hex wasn't working on him he would've attacked Garrett by now. "Seth is his mate. Or he's Seth's Imprint. Or maybe it's a mixture of both considering they're different species. I don't know." He let out a deep breath. "But those two are linked, and I'm going to have to accept it, no matter how embarrassing the idea of 'Mommy Seth' might be for me."

If he wasn't so close to rolling on the floor with laughter at the imagery 'Mommy Seth' provoked in his mind, Garrett would've been proud of the fledgling. "It could've been worse."

"Yeah," Riley surprisingly enough agreed. "James could've mated with you." He immediately shivered and looked disgusted at the very thought.

"Hey!"

Riley sighed heavily. "Why couldn't Seth have Imprinted on you? It would've gotten you both out of the picture."

"You are seriously ungrateful," Garrett declared with no heat whatsoever before grinning lopsidedly. "I wouldn't have minded the cutie Imprinting on me though."

Riley looked seriously depressed, clearly wishing Seth had Imprinted on Garrett.

The older vampire snickered. "Don't worry, I'm sure there's a wolf waiting to Imprint on you in their pack."

"Jesus, Garrett!" Riley shivered in horror, voice an octave higher than usual with pure accusation. "You asshole - you've just jinxed me!"

x-x-x-x-x

That place didn't have a name, not really. It'd been called many names by many different people, but James had never felt the need to give it a name. It was just that place. Everyone knew what he was talking about when he referred to it that way, and anyway, 'Deviant Underground Sex Tunnels' just sounded really skeevy. If he was going to have to explain to Jake (or gods forbid Leah) where exactly he'd taken Seth (twice) that place had a better chance of not ending up in his untimely demise.

"Back so soon?" Florence smirked as she met him and Seth at the entrance.

James wrapped an arm around Seth's shoulders, bringing the werewolf in closer. "We never got to the hall of mirrors."

Amusement and intrigued filled those eyes as Florence stamped them with the Partner stamp. "Have fun."

James grinned and nodded as he pulled Seth inside. Already he could feel the magic in the place affecting him, his clothes felt too restrictive, and Seth smelt really good. It was easy to blame the magic for the way he moved behind Seth, hands slipping in under the wolf's shirt, fingertips brushing against his abs as they slowly made their way to the disrobing 'room'.

"Why is this place free?" Seth's voice was breathy, the werewolf this time not seeming as interested in what was going on in the rooms down the hallway as he was in getting to the one at the far end. He also didn't seem as overwhelmed by the scents as he'd been before. "If they charged an admission fee whoever runs this place would make a killing."

"Charging money would limit how many people came here - stayed here," James whispered into Seth's ear, not too sure how much to tell. On the one hand it would only take a couple of minutes to explain that Maximus was an Incubus who not only fed on the sexual energy constantly filling this place but was one of the most powerful of his kind because of it. On the other hand, those were minutes in which Seth's clothes would remain on.

The vampire gulped, a little queasy at the realization of how eager he was to get Seth out of his clothes, and the little worried voice in the back of his head telling him he wasn't idiotic enough to blame it all on the sex-magic made the queasiness worse. That gave him the strength to pull away from Seth, clear his throat, and walk passed him into the disrobing room… and thus missed the confused and disappointed expression on Seth's face due to their sudden lack of physical contact.

What was he doing?

That question distracted James as he yanked off his clothes almost angrily, close to tearing the material. Seriously though, what was he doing? He'd backed down from that argument with Seth ridiculously quickly, was it because he'd figured Seth out enough by now to know that if he'd left the werewolf behind he'd have merely snuck in after him and put his ass in danger while by himself? Sure, there was some of that for sure. But there was more to it than just that, and like his inner voice mumbled over and over again, James wasn't an idiot.

He was just in denial.

And felt guilty as fuck.

It'd happened suddenly, or maybe it'd been so gradual he'd only really realized it once it was too late, but he had to admit it: he was attracted to Seth Clearwater. And it wasn't even purely sexual, and that made it even worse. If it was just sexual he could explain it all away easily: he was on the rebound, teed up by the promise of violence, and sexually frustrated - and Seth was hot. But it wasn't just sexual, because if it was he wouldn't feel so protective of Seth.

So James not only was attracted to Seth, but he had caught feelings for him. It was sudden, it was strong, and it was confusing as hell. And it was a problem. A big problem.

What happened when they got back?

His stomach dropped.

Oh gods.

What would happen when they got back?

Leah would take one whiff of her brother and immediately kill James, and Jacob mightn't even try to stop her because, well, James would deserve it, wouldn't he? And Seth… Seth… He had feelings for Jacob. Being back would change things for them, he'd probably resent James for his scent on him adding another barrier between him and Jake.

Nausea clenched his stomach, and James jumped into the water just to be able to give himself some distance, some time to himself. He stayed under the surface much longer than necessary, glad that he didn't have to breathe, and thus could just allow the mute world around him to come to a stand-still.

He was feeling weird, was acting weird, he knew it, and knew he had to get that crap in check before Seth actually figured what was going on him. How lame would he look? So pathetic! Seth saw what they were doing with each other not only as mutual comfort, but it was very obviously no-strings attached fun. If he figured out James had some very confusing feelings developing that could ruin their - whatever - they had…

The water whooshed as Seth jumped in, and in seconds James felt a grip around his upper arm as Seth yanked him back roughly to the surface.

"What is going on with you?" Seth snapped the second they broke surface, grip on James tightening. "Are you trying to drown?"

"I can't drown," James reminded him, a little surprised at the intensity in Seth's voice. "I don't have to breathe, I only do so to track."

"Oh gods, I forgot you didn't have to breathe." In seconds Seth had gone from furious to embarrassed, and a little annoyed. "How is that fair?" He sidled up closer, his grip on James now loose. "So you could go deep-sea diving and be fine! Why haven't the depths of the oceans been mapped and explored already?" His eyes widened in almost childlike wonder. "Are there vampires exploring space?"

"What kind of—-?" James stopped short and laughed as he shook his head, bad mood completely gone. Oh gods, Seth was cute, he was really cute. This was bad. REALLY bad! "As far as I know, there are no vampires floating around in space." He couldn't stop his grin at the utterly disappointed look on Seth's face at that revelation. "You've got to think about the pressure, in both the deep sea and space. Even if it didn't shatter our bodies, it would notbe comfortable. And all that isolation - and lack of food sources - and each situation has other dangers." James shrugged. "It just doesn't seem worth it if you ask me."

"We jump off the cliffs back home," Seth informed him proudly, his grin infectious. "I used to think it was crazy before the Change, but it's actually really fun."

"I'm not jumping off of a cliff with you," James anticipated where this conversation was headed.

"C'mon, you'd like it," Seth assured him stubbornly as he shifted closer and closer until James found his back against the edge, surprised to find a little groove he could somewhat sit on. Seth's hands rested on the wall on either side of James' body, caging him in. The werewolf glanced downwards, slowly, before his gaze rose and his smile grew lopsided. "Unless you're chicken."

The snicker escaped his lips before he could stop himself. "What are you? In kindergarten?"

Instead of rising to the bait as usual, Seth merely shifted closer. "Did kindergarten even exist while you were alive, gramps?"

Guffawing, James threw his head back, his whole body shaking with his laughter. When had Seth gotten this cheeky? A part of him missed the werewolf's bashful side, but he'd be lying if he said he didn't enjoy this new side to him. "A lot of things existed when I was alive, puppy." He smirked lazily. "I'll happily school you if you need it."

"Yeah?" Seth moved, shifted, until he was suddenly straddling James' lap, facing the vampire, his knees just barely fitting on the small ledge James sat on. The werewolf's arms wrapped around James' neck, his hair fanned out around them in the water, his ass pressed and rubbing teasingly back against James' quickly hardening cock.

"Yeah." James closed his eyes as he hid his face in Seth's neck, breathing in his scent desperately as he anchored his hands on the wolf's slender hips. "It's a hard job, but someone's got to do it."

Seth chuckled, the sound was breathy as he too hid his face in James' neck, his voice against the vampire's skin. "You martyr."

Whether it was Seth's hair falling into his face, giving him a silky dark curtain to hide behind, or Seth's breath and teeth teasing his ear, the way Seth's arms clasped tightly behind his neck, or the way the wolf slowly yet continuously shifted on his lap to brush against James' length—-James was quickly becoming overwhelmed. That little voice in his head was screaming in panic that he was getting way in over his head with the puppy and he needed to pull away right now before he got in too deep to ever climb back out — but then Seth reached back with one hand and found James' length, silencing that voice in the vampire's head the second his fingers touched his skin.

Seth leaned back enough to be able to catch James' fevered gaze, and only once he had did he angle James' length to his puckered core. The wolf's gaze burned something deep in James' body, and the blonde found himself unable to break that gaze as the wolf fed James' cock slowly into his body. The pup's lips were parted, his breathes accelerated, and the heat of his skin was nearly scorching as he eased himself lower and lower until he sat completely speared by James' rod.

And then, as soon as he was fully penetrated, Seth whimpered as he leaned forwards, once more clasping his arms around James' neck, hiding his face in James' hair.

"Seth," James whispered as he trailed his hands roughly down Seth's back to cup his ass, a cheek in each hand, squeezing hard enough to leave bruises on his bronze skin. "Can I call you cute now?"

Seth's breath caught in his throat.

"Hmmmm? I'm inside you now. That was the deal, wasn't it?" James brushed his nose slowly up and down Seth's neck, taking in his scent. "Can I?"

Seth breathed heavily and nodded, goosebumps covering his skin as James moved within him slowly.

"So cute," James whispered into Seth's ear, able to feel the way the wolf shivered at the word. "Lean back a little." When Seth shook his head and buried his face harder into James' hair, James nudged his nose against him softly. "C'mon, I want to see your face."

That face was hotter than usual as Seth anchored his hands on James' shoulders and finally shifted his body, leaning back enough that the vampire could now see his flushed face. Seth's gaze was lowered on James' chest, a conflicted expression there.

James followed his gaze and noticed it was on Jake's totem, which still rested around his neck. He could see a mixture of emotions in Seth's eyes as he stared unblinkingly at the totem, and the vampire felt like an asshole for not even thinking about the wolf's feelings. He'd forgotten about the totem, had already planned on giving it back to Jake once they returned to Forks—-James yanked the totem roughly, breaking the chain. He could see Seth's shock grow as James threw the totem behind him carelessly.

Seth's eyes were wide as they followed the totem's trajectory until it hit the ground loudly, and then those brown eyes returned to James, zeroing in on his face in utter question. The vampire used the hand he'd thrown the totem away with to cup the side of Seth's flushed face, and when the werewolf leaned into the touch he had to finally admit to himself that he definitely - utterly - had feelings for Seth Clearwater.

Pup rested a hand over the one James cupped his cheek with, their fingers intertwined as he leaned his head harder into the touch.

Gold eyes met brown eyes and held as Seth and James' intertwined grip tightened, and James moved inside the werewolf. They didn't break eye contact, their bodies moving as one. While they'd had sex before, multiple times by now actually, there was something different about this time. Maybe it was the eye-contact, James wasn't sure, but it felt so much more intimate than all the other times.

Seth's breath was heavy, shaky, as if it was hard for him to breathe, but he didn't look in pain or uncomfortable. In fact, the pup's expression was bliss as he matched James' slow rhythm.

"You're so cute, Seth," James praised as his gaze devoured the scene in front of him. "Just looking at your face makes me want to cum."

The wolf's cock twitched impressively at that, tapping James' stomach. A complaint slipped passed Seth's lips when James let go of his asscheek, yet the complaint choked in his throat with the vampire's fingers wrapped around his cock instead.

"Don't, I'm too close," Seth begged as he shifted further on James' lap, using his free hand to gain purchase on James' knee behind him and better balance himself.

"Me too," James admitted shamelessly, unable to keep the smirk from his face at just how flushed Seth was. "You have to cum first." He stroked Seth slowly, matching the rhythm of his cock as it tortured the wolf with its pace within him. "I want you to milk my climax from me." He grinned as Seth's eyes clouded over and that flush darkened even further on his beautiful bronzed skin, the pup's cock twitching needfully. "So fucking cute."

"Say it," Seth whispered breathlessly, his lips twitching, his pupils expanding, his gaze never leaving James. "Tell me you think I'm cute."

"So cute," James obeyed, the words already on the tip of his tongue anyway. "You're the cutest fucking person I've ever seen in my life. You're so cute I just want to fill you - cover you - in my cum until it's dripping off of every inch of yo—-."

"James!" Seth threw his head back and sobbed as he came, spurting warmth all over James' chest, his ass clenching around the vampire desperately.

Just like he'd known, the feeling of Seth spasming around him was enough to drive James over the edge. "Kiss me," he ordered gruffly, and in seconds Seth had shifted to surge forth, kissing James as if he was drowning and James his only source of oxygen.

James grabbed Seth by his hips, slamming his hips down once, twice, before slamming and keeping him pressed down hard as he came deep inside of the werewolf. His groan was swallowed hungrily by Seth, who continued to shift his hips as much as possible, as if desperate to milk as much cum from him as he could - every last drop if possible.

Vampires mightn't need to breathe, but Seth was doing an amazing job of it himself as they kissed hungrily, seemingly endlessly. Long after James' body had stopped jerking in climax, and his cum had filled the wolf's body, James' hands remained on Seth's hips, keeping him in place - like Seth's hands at his face did him - and they were still kissing.

There was something different happening here, usually if he was still buried inside of someone James was only content if he were still moving, but instead he found himself relaxed against the ledge, more than content to merely remain inside of the wolf while kissing him. James hadn't ever been that much into kissing, especially if it was just kissing, but he could stay there all day just like this as long as Seth never moved. As long as James was anchored inside of the pup, he could happily spend the whole day just kissing him.

As if to drive that point home, it was Seth who finally pulled away, resting his forehead against James as he breathed heavily. His face was flushed hotter than James had ever seen it, but his lips were curled in a smile. "We should—probably find Murdock, huh?"

Right. James had forgotten all about why they were here. He took in a deep breath, and was shocked that all he could smell was Seth. Panic filled him as he wondered what in the world was happening. All he could smell was the wolf still straddling him! That had never happened before in his unlife! All scents were always there available to him, but not at this second, no, his whole world was Seth Clearwater.

Something about that seemed familiar, like there was something he should be remembering, but couldn't quite put his finger on.

But before James could actually show his panic, the scents returned to him, and he was able to find Murdock's trail immediately.

Relief escaped his lips loudly, but before Seth could question him on it James kissed him softly, wrapping his arms around the wolf in a near hug, the relief earth-shattering.

A whimper escaped Seth's lips as his arms wrapped around James' neck once more, his back arching as he opened his mouth to the kiss. The wolf shifted his hips once, twice, and then a groaned complaint escaped his lips loudly when James gripped his hips and pulled him off of his cock. "James!"

The sound was like heaven, and it took all of James' self-control not to ram the wolf back down on his cock. "He's near. Probably waiting on us. Best not to knowingly leave him waiting."

Seth's breath escaped his lips in an annoyed, petulant, childish huff as he shifted to lean against the wall. "Fine."

Chuckling, James shifted and pressed a quick peck to the wolf's lips, smirking when he realized the pup wasn't pouting anymore. His hand found Seth's, fingers curled through his, as he motioned with his head towards the entrance. "Come on."

Gulping, looking bashful against for some reason, Seth nodded and tightened his grip on James' hand. He was quiet the whole way, sticking close to James' hand no matter what tunnel they went through or the distractions around them. Seth remained close to James, a half step behind him, and when James realized the wolf was subtly sniffing him every so often he realized the scents must still be overwhelming him.

Shifting his grip so that his arm was now around Seth's shoulders, James glanced down in shock when Seth seeming folded into him, making the walking pace a little awkward not only because they had to match strides but because while one of Seth's hands was anchored around James' hip, the other was somewhere else altogether. Seth wasn't stroking him, no, his grip was just on James' cock proprietarily.

The old James would've slapped that hand and its mark of possession away, this James though, was just worried at how much he enjoyed the claiming act - the clear 'this is mine' message.

He noted, with a little disappointment, that Murdock was close enough that they didn't have to go even close to the Hall of Mirrors. That was a real waste and disappointment. If Jake didn't want them coming back as soon as they got answers from Murdock, James would've taken Seth there right afterwards - but then what kind of message would that show?

This was fun for Seth, this was the opening of a new, adult world, and a chance to forget for a while about his unrequited feelings for their Alpha. That was all good and well, and it would've been perfect for James if it wasn't for the fact that he was getting a little too carried away by everything. He needed to reign his shit in. Now. Before he lost control and ruined what was going on here - made things even more uncomfortable and unrequited in their pack.

Thankfully, they found Murdock in another dead-end before James' mind could truly begin to torture him.

"Hi Murdock," Seth greeted before James could even think to. "You okay?"

"Seth." Murdock smirked as he nodded. "I see you're doing better than the last time you were here."

Seth didn't answer but James could feel him chuckling, flushing hotter.

That smirk disappeared as Murdock's gaze shifted to rest on James. "You need to come and see me when you don't need things from me." He pointed a long, thin, bony finger at Seth. "And don't ever come without him or I won't let you find me."

James' mouth fell open at that, but he quickly recovered before his reaction could truly give him away. "The Volturi are marching on my pack. My Alpha sent me to ask you what we can do to survive this without starting a war with them."

"The Volturi are already breaking from within, have been since Didyme's murder, yet it is only now that the seeds sown so long ago are being reaped," Murdock informed them casually, as if he wasn't telling them about the destruction of their ruling family, of the institution which had brought peace (in their own way) and kept a hand on vampires worldwide so that no more slaughters occurred. Sure, they were a danger right now, but their complete destruction wasn't a good thing, there had to be someone who vampires feared so as to keep them in check! "More will be Imprinted by the wolves of Forks, and Aro will not be pleased. He is going there with the intention of destroying the wolf packs and even the Olympic Coven, all with the desire of having Edward and Alice in the Guard. To this end, he is willing to use both Jacob Black and Bella Swan."

James growled, the sound mixing with Seth's, as the two reacted instinctively to the threat to their pack.

"He will find more opposition than he planned, and from unlikely quarters. Your pack will find itself growing with new werewolves and even vampires, the wolves will be of special importance for what is to come," Murdock informed James tranquilly. "What lies ahead will not be easy, but if you make it to your new pack before Aro does, all will work out."

"So there's going to be a fight no matter what we do, and our pack's going to need the numbers," James sighed, deciding not to think about the fact that their pack was going to grow - or that other werewolves would be joining. If he even would allow himself a second to think about it he'd wondered whether these were newly Changed wolves, or whether they were from Sam's pack and thus some of the wolves who'd hurt Seth - he couldn't allow himself to think about that, not now. This was the wrong time to get pissed and blast his Alpha. "Fine. We fight. I'll die by Jake's side if it comes to that."

Murdock merely smiled and tilted his head, not denying or affirming anything.

Seth let go of his grip on James he glared at the vampire as if this was all hisfault somehow. The werewolf took in a deep breath and turned to Murdock. "May I ask you something, in private?"

James blinked in confusion. "Why in private?"

"It's personal," Seth mumbled, not meeting his gaze.

In a second James got exactly why he wasn't included in this conversation. It had to do with Jacob. Of course Seth wouldn't want him hearing his questions about Jake. "Fine." He pushed back his sudden annoyance. "Can you find your way back to the last room we went through to get here?"

A look of utter panic flashed in Seth's eyes seconds before he grabbed James' wrist as if to keep him from leaving. "Don't go by yourself." His voice was low, breathy. "Just, stand over there with your back to us and don't listen."

James raised an eyebrow in incredulity at the request. "You want me to cover my ears?"

"And hum if you have to." Seth looked highly embarrassed yet tightened his grip on James' wrist as if scared he'd just leave. "Please."

"Can you really not find your way back?" James asked in worry, his annoyance slowly disappearing as concern took its place. Was Seth's sense of smell that compromised in this place? That could be dangerous. He wanted to press the issue, but Seth was visibly mortified, so he dropped it. "Fine. I'll stay. Over there."

Unable to believe he was doing this, James covered his hands and began to hum 'In the Hall of the Mountain King' as he walked towards the bend in the tunnel. He pressed his back against the bend, gazing off into the other tunnels, really wanting to glance back at Murdock and Seth yet somehow holding back his impulses.

James wasn't good at inhibition. If he wanted something he usually went after it, but Seth wanted privacy, and damn it, the vampire would do his best to give it to him, no matter how much the subject matter annoyed him. But Seth needed this, he needed Murdock to tell him that there was no chance with Jacob now that Edward was back in the picture. It'd hurt the werewolf, but he needed to know what James had the second he'd seen the way Jake still looked at Edward despite everything the vampire had done and put him through: there was only Edward for Jake, and it would always be that way.

It'd be hard, but Seth needed to hear it from someone who was never wrong, only once he did he'd be able to start to heal and maybe even move on.

Movement in one of the tunnels ahead caught his attention, and he watched as two pretty girls sauntered down towards him, looking drunk, proving they'd been here a very long time. Murdock was the only one he'd known who could stay here for long periods of time without acting like someone seriously blitzed.

"Hey you!" One of them chuckled as she drew nearer, pulling her friend along. He couldn't hear her words, but could read her lips. "Do you remember me?" She giggled and leaned in close. "We had fun in the Bouncy Castle that time you were here." She pulled her friend closer and chuckled when the girl began to kiss her way down her neck. "Why are you covering your ears anyway? You know what? Who cares?" She giggled. "Gigi, this is the guy I told you about. The jackhammer."

"Ooooh." Gigi finally looked up at James and reached out to trail her fingers down his chest, but he kept his gaze on her lips to be able to read them when they uttered: "I've heard a lot about youuuuuu. Wanna go and have double the fun?"

"I'm good." James shook his head and then froze, not sure who was more shocked at his easy, instant rejection - the girls or him.

The girls suddenly both looked to his right, eyes immediately widening before they shared nervous looks and hurried away, more sober than they'd been seconds before.

James blinked, curious of what had scared them off away so quickly, but when he glanced sideways he noticed movement and shifted to find Seth arriving, a content expression on his face. Hell, the kid looked exhilarated, like he was trying his best not to smile and yet was unable to. Just what the hell had Murdock told Seth that had left him so happy? James had been ready for a despondent puppy, not for this absolutely delighted wolf.

A glance back towards Murdock proved that, despite it being a dead-end, the guy had disappeared from sight. Typical. Gold eyes shifted onto Seth as a blonde eyebrow raised. "We should go now, Murdock said we have to make it back before the Volturi if our pack has any chance of making it out of this alive."

Silence fell between them for a moment before Seth nodded. "I'm ready to go back now… although I kind of wish we had time to see that Hall of Mirrors you keep talking about."

Me too. Sighing, James grabbed Seth's hand without a moment's thought, and led the way back out.