A/N: This chapter is loooong. I couldn't decide how to chop it up, so you get it like this. Chew each bite thoroughly so you don't choke. Bon appetit!

Chapter 11

"Aria! Jason's here!" Mike's voice came from downstairs. Aria quickly put her headphones on and turned on a playlist. It was extremely childish, but she needed a way to stall that wouldn't seem like she was stalling. Of course, Jason was here. Aria hadn't seen him since yesterday morning. Coming by without a phone call or text was just like him. Aria sometimes wondered if he was trying to "catch" her doing something he didn't like. Aria was glad she left the mythology book with Maddie. The last thing she needed was Jason deciding to read it. Aria sighed. She was being completely unfair to Jason. He hadn't done anything, if he got a bit overprotective, it was sweet. And obviously he would have trust issues, maybe popping in was just to reassure himself that he could. Really, it was the least intrusive way to "check-up" on Aria. He probably just didn't want her to feel monitored. Aria didn't deserve him. Jason always tried so hard to push his demons aside for her. He said that they disappeared whenever he was with her. Whether that was true, or just wishful thinking on his part, it meant that she helped ease the burden. She was happy he was here, and she really needed happy.

Aria was about to get up from her desk and head downstairs, when a pounding on her door made her jump. "Come in?" The pounding was really not necessary. Mike opened the door a bit forcefully and saw Aria settling her headphones around her neck. "Geez, Mike. Why couldn't you knock like a normal person?" She wanted the words back as soon as they left her mouth. Mike had just found out he wasn't a "normal" person. The pain of that showed on his face. He hunched, making himself smaller, and spoke like a kicked puppy.

"You had your headphones on, so you probably didn't hear me yell that Jason's here. I pounded 'cause you didn't answer me. I'm sorry." Mike's face crumpled, and he started blubbering. Aria jumped up and wrapped her arms around him, letting him cry into her shoulder. The week after Aria's first shift she felt like she had the worst case of P.M.S. in the history of the world. Her emotions were so volatile, and the mood swings were so huge, she made her friends think she had laryngitis, so she didn't say what was on her mind from moment to moment. Alison found that hilarious because she spared no one after her first shift. She made Hanna cry twice, yelled at Spencer until Spencer apologized for "being wrong" just to end the argument, and became so clingy with Emily that rumors started that they were dating. If Aria had known that Emily actually had feelings for Ali, maybe she could have come up with a way to stop Ali from that part.

And it was usually even harder on boys. Mike would be back to his normal, sarcastic, allergic-to-emotions self in a couple more days. For now, Mike's feelings were changing so fast that he was screaming and laughing within seconds of each other. Aria would not miss "raging Mike", but he was letting her be there for him, for once, she couldn't let him down.

"I'm sorry, Mike. You didn't do anything wrong. You didn't know I was wearing my headphones. Would you please tell Jason that I'll be down in a minute?" Mike nodded and gave Aria a shy smile and whispered "thanks" on his way out. Aria rubbed her temples, she had another headache. She'd never made guys cry, she'd never wanted to, but now she'd managed to do it twice in one day.

The voice in Aria's mind that begged her to go back to Ezra's classroom, yesterday, made perfect sense. It was an action she wouldn't do, but she wanted to, so badly. Today, though, the begging came again, and the last thing she wanted was to see him. She reached out with her mind the way she did as a wolf to find other pack members. It felt very strange, telepathy was an ability that came and went with shifting, like fur or fangs. It felt like trying to play piano with snow gloves on, but she sensed, something. She touched the something with her mind and the begging grew louder and clearer. It took Aria a moment to work out how to "send" to this foreign entity. The begging was clear in its message. Come back, I'm so sorry, come back, let me fix this, come back, please. Aria wasn't going to sign-on for an emotional rollercoaster where she was never sure where she stood or when things would collapse. It felt like it was killing her, but she responded, I can't, I won't. Please leave me alone, Ezra. She waited, not wanting a response, but knowing it would come. I can't, I won't. Aria's knees buckled, and she sat down hard on the toilet in the stall where she was hiding and trying to put herself back together. She couldn't miss class again, people would figure out that she came to school fine, disappeared after 1st period and reappeared for 3rd. She had to separate herself from this. It hurt too much. She couldn't let herself start crying again, but she heard sobbing, and it was inside her head. Ezra was sobbing. Nothing, not losing two of her best friends within months of each other, not watching Jason self-destruct, not even Ezra's rejection hurt Aria as much as that sound. Her heart felt pulverized, and she couldn't move. She was twenty minutes late for class and she wasn't even sure how she'd managed that. The other kids only saw that Aria looked tired, subdued, but didn't really think anything was wrong. Aria wouldn't let on, but she felt empty. Having your heart pulverized can do that to a person.

Aria needed to establish distance between herself and…Mr. Fitz. She spent the rest of the day trying to remember what her life had been like before Mr. Fitz had burst into it. She felt like she had been a different person, and according to her aura, she had been. Maddie tried to comfort Aria and Aria tried to not slam the mythology book down on the table. Aria didn't tell Maddie exactly what happened, but Maddie knew Aria was heartbroken. She gave Aria cookies and counseled her to be quiet and still and listen for what her heart might say. Then she sang Ti Zwazo, a Haitian children's song. Aria had always loved the song but didn't want to hear it right then. The song was about telling a bird in the woods the story of a love that was gone but could not be forgotten. Why were songs in Aria's life becoming prophetic all of a sudden?

When Ella asked what had happened to ruin Aria's good mood from that morning, Aria replied that she and the girls still weren't talking, and it was getting her down. Her mother hugged her and reassured her that the girls still loved her and that everything would work out. Aria didn't share her mother's confidence, but she appreciated the effort. At dinner, Byron asked how Aria was coming along with the book. She told him that reading the stories made her realize that it wasn't her responsibility to control or fix other people's problems. She knew that was nothing like the explanation she had promised him, but Byron could tell that it was the best she could do. Aria went straight to her room after eating three bites of her dinner. She had been hiding out ever since, strategizing ways to be as far from Mr. Fitz as she could. Maybe she would sit in the back. Or maybe she should transfer into College Prep English with a different teacher. She might be able to get into Toby's class with Mr. King. Advanced Placement might not be worth being placed so close to Mr. Fitz.

Aria shook herself out of her thoughts. After all, her fiancé was waiting for her. It would be rude to stay upstairs thinking about her soulmate. What the hell was Aria's life turning into? When she got downstairs, she saw Jason chatting with Ella on the sofa. Aria walked over, and Jason stood to give her a hug. "Hey, Babe. I'm glad you decided to join us." Jason kissed Aria on the cheek, but Aria still felt the sting of his words.

"Well, I didn't know you were coming so I wasn't ready for company." Jason's smile slipped, and Aria felt bad. She couldn't take this out on him, she was being too defensive. She smiled and pressed her head against his chest. "I love that you're here, though. That's why I took an extra minute to pretty myself up a bit." She had done no such thing. After crumpling her "happy dress" into a ball and shoving it into her hamper when she got home, Aria had thrown on a plain cream blouse and high-waisted shorts. She hadn't altered her appearance since. But there was no way Jason would question what she said.

"You're always gorgeous to me, Ar. I was just telling Ella that my mom and Ali were always jealous of how beautiful you and she are. On top of that, you guys actually like each other, which they could barely even fake. The house is completely empty, right now, and I still think it's warmer than when my family lived there." Jason pulled Aria down onto the sofa next to him. Apparently, they were going to keep talking with Ella.

"Oh? When did the Connors move out?" Ella was so good about keeping up with the neighborhood. Between Pam Fields' and her efforts, people moving into the area didn't need to cook for themselves their entire first week there. Aria wondered if anyone was cooking for Ez…Mr. Fitz. Not that she should care.

"Their lease was up last month, and they decided to move closer to Philly. I honestly don't know why my folks won't just sell the place. It's not like they're waiting for Ali to come back. And forcing me to play building manager can't be that entertaining." Aria snuggled closer to Jason. She knew how much it bothered him that he only heard from his parents when it was about the house.

"Maybe they keep it as a way to stay connected to you." Ella offered the theory kindly but not convincingly. Aria's family was well aware of the fact that Kenneth and Jessica Dilaurentis moved to New Orleans while Jason was still away getting help for his addictions. They'd put his stuff in a storage locker and informed him of the changes in an email. This conversation really wasn't good for Jason. Aria put an end to it.

"Mom? Is it all right if Jason and I go for a drive? I'll be back by 11:00." Jason turned to Aria and smiled at her like she was an angel. Aria loved making him feel better and Jason loved that how he felt mattered so much to her.

"Sure, honey. Do you guys want to take anything with you? Water, snacks?" Ella took care of guests, even if they were rushing out the door. Aria nodded and looked to Jason.

"Jas?"

"Water sounds great. Thank you, Ella." Aria stood and pulled Jason to his feet. He pulled her into another hug and whispered in her ear, "and thank you." They followed Ella into the kitchen to grab a couple of bottles. "So, how was the all-nighter with the girls? Is Hanna planning an imaginary wedding to the new teacher?" Aria gave a fake little laugh that always got by Jason.

"It was great. Pointless, but great." Ella whipped her head around and stared at her daughter. Aria had never lied to Jason in front of her, before. Please, Mom, don't say anything. Ella barely nodded, letting Aria know she'd understood the look. She covered for her reaction.

"Aria, you don't actually think Hanna would pursue your teacher, do you?" The tone in Ella's voice made it clear what she thought of the possibility. Aria was momentarily grateful that she wouldn't be facing telling her anything. She shook her head to reassure her mom.

"No, I don't think she would. That would be a pretty stupid thing to do." Stupid? Table for one? "She thinks he's a 'dreamboat', but most of the girls seem to agree with her on that. Even if one of them was that stupid, though, I doubt he'd tolerate it. He's kind of cold, standoffish. Personally, I'm not a fan of his personality." Aria heard the scritch-scritch of a polygraph registering a big lie in her mind. Thankfully, Ali was the only Dilaurentis with a built-in lie detector. Ella handed them bottles of water but held onto Aria's for an extra moment.

"Don't judge him so quickly, sweetie. He's probably overwhelmed. Give him a few weeks and see if he grows on you. I'm sure he'll warm up to you once he sees what an excellent student you are." And it was now past time to kill this conversation as well.

"Thanks, Mom. I'll be back in a bit. Love you." Aria leaned toward Ella and gave her a kiss goodbye.

"I love you too. Goodnight, Jason, drive safe, ok?" Ella never forgot to remind Jason to keep Aria safe.

"I sure will. Goodnight, Ella." The couple made their way to Jason's Renegade. They drove for a while, talking, and Aria started to feel better. She wasn't thrilled that Jason would be leaving the next day for the rest of the week. His job as a video editor for a marketing firm in Philadelphia meant he went there, a lot. Really, he should live in Philadelphia, but he said he couldn't stand the thought of being that far from the pack and Aria. So, most of the time, he worked remotely. Aria understood that projects required in-person collaboration too. Jason pointed out that if he had to shoot the videos, he'd be on the road all the time. So, she tried to be understanding that he had to be away for a handful of days each month. He had a lykoi buddy in Philly that only charged him a little to rent a room in his condo, Aria liked knowing he had a safe "home away from home". She'd visited him a couple of times, but his friend, Zack, gave Aria a weird vibe and Jason's mind had been on another planet. He said he needed to be in "work mode." She just hated how hard it was to connect with him when he stayed there.

Jason pulled the Jeep off the road and drove them to a little spot they liked that overlooked a lake. It wasn't a long drive, but the area was isolated enough to be private. He parked and unbuckled his seatbelt. Aria copied him. "Hey," he said to her, in a soft breathy voice. Aria looked at Jason. She knew he was trying to draw her in, trying to remind her of other ways they liked to connect, besides talking. Aria knew how she felt a few days ago, when Jason looked at her like that. She'd get a fluttering warm feeling in her stomach, it became hard to keep a smile off her face, and she'd begin anticipating when he would decide to kiss her. Tonight, she felt nothing. She tried, she imagined Jason without his shirt, she focused on how his scent was changing as he became sexually excited. She even tried picturing Mr. Fitz's face in front of Jason's, but her mind flatly refused to let her do that. She began to feel nauseous and she stopped trying. She couldn't do that, she couldn't even attempt it, ever again. Aria turned away from Jason and grabbed her water from the cup holder. She brought the bottle to her lips and tried to force some of it down her throat. She had to do something, fast. She couldn't just pretend to want him, he would absolutely notice if her scent didn't change. And once he figured out that she wasn't in the mood, only 2 days out from a full moon, he would know something was wrong. At that point, no amount of excuses or reassurances would stop Jason from getting to the bottom of it. The girls had decided Aria had a crush, other people probably noticed something too. Hell, just finding out that the new teacher was lykoi would be enough to send Jason over the edge once he suspected there was a problem in his and Aria's relationship. He would assume the worst, or the worst he could imagine. The truth was so much worse than anything Jason would ever think. Jason would sever all ties with Aria, he might fall off the wagon, he might even go after Mr. Fitz. AAAAAHHHHH! Aria couldn't figure all this out right this second.

She only had one idea, and it was insanely reckless, but she didn't see any other way. She put the bottle of water back, and faced Jason, again. He was eyeing her uncertainly, almost warily. It was now or never. She gave him a warm and encouraging smile. "Jas? Could you put the A/C on for a few minutes? I'm starting to feel hot, and I'm hoping we're about to make the car even hotter." Jason's sexy smile returned, and he caressed Aria's cheek.

"Anything for you, Cher. Your cheek is a little warm." When Jason turned his attention to the console, Aria reached to the back of her neck and unclasped her moonstone necklace. She let it slide down the inside of her top and land in her lap. Jason turned back to her and she grabbed her hair as if she was just trying to cool off. Next, Aria twisted and went up on her knees, as though she wanted to be closer to Jason. The necklace landed on the seat and she made sure to talk while she knocked the necklace to the floor, to cover any noise.

"Jason, please kiss me, I've missed you the last 2 days." The moonstone finally lost all contact with Aria's body and she felt herself start to get hot for real. They were almost through the dangerous time, and the energy seeped through her more slowly than she expected. But that was better, her arousal would seem to Jason like it was building, rather than hitting her like a tidal wave. Jason started to look sexier to Aria, his scent was now enticing. She still didn't really want to kiss Jason, but she wanted to kiss someone, and he was here. She tried to lean in, but he stopped her. He didn't like it when she was the aggressor, she never cared before, but now it annoyed her.

"Patience, little girl, I'll give you what you want, but when I say, right?" A small part of Aria was revolted. How had this never bothered her, before? But Aria's body didn't care if he called her another girl's name, it wanted to be touched, already. Jason looked at Aria and down at her seat. She huffed and returned herself to a normal sitting position. She rolled her eyes but feeling annoyed was fading away as sexual desire took over more and more of her mind. "Do you want me, Aria?" Jason sounded like he was teasing her for being so turned on. Obviously, he could see and smell just how excited she was. Aria disregarded the mocking in his voice and nodded, licking her lips. She was starting to regret taking off her necklace, she almost bent forward to retrieve it, but that was when Jason finally kissed her.

Pleasure exploded in Aria's body. Sure, she had a little trouble remembering who was kissing her, but she didn't care as long as they didn't stop. She pulled Jason to her, she tangled her hands in his hair. It was getting too long, maybe she could get him to cut it soon. It still wouldn't be curly, though.

"Jason? Could we pretty please get into the backseat? I want you to hold me closer." Jason looked at her and she could feel him weighing options. He was clearly enjoying himself, Aria could see the bulge in his jeans, and she knew he would want to please her and make her feel good. But they hadn't actually had sex since the betrothal. Jason told Aria that they couldn't risk it. She was barely 17 at that point, and if having sex started the binding process, they might be forced to separate all together. Jason said he couldn't risk forever with Aria, for passion right now. As her graduation got closer he was starting to restrict other things. They hadn't had oral sex in 3 months, and the last time they had gotten hot and heavy she'd had to actually beg before he would get her off, manually. She didn't know how he had the will power, but tonight, she was damn well going to test it. Aria bit her lower lip in a way she knew he loved and let herself whimper a little. Jason always said that sound was so sexy coming from her. He opened his eyes a little wider and started breathing a bit faster.

"Ok, but the clothes have to stay on, got it?" Aria nodded furiously. Jason got out of his side and opened the back door, Aria just climbed over the middle and got to the backseat before him. She invited him to climb on top of her, which he did. Once their bodies were pressed together, Jason moaned. So, he did still want her, that was reassuring, given that they were forever. But, no, they might not be. Aria let Jason fully take control, only following his lead. This let Aria use some of her mind to think. She was clearer headed, all of a sudden. Maybe it was because her body was finally getting what it wanted. Some of what it wanted, anyway. She wanted sex, she missed it, she craved it, and without the moonstone her body would keep demanding it. Aria also thought that having sex with Jason would help her erase anyone else from her head or heart. The best way would be to go ahead and bind herself to Jason.

What Aria needed to do became clear to her in that moment. Mr. Fitz didn't want anything to do with her, until he did, but tomorrow might bring another cold front from him. She was spending her life with Jason, she had gotten messed up for a day, but this was what she wanted. So, why were they waiting? So, what if her dad didn't like it? She was 18, she could legally get married. And if the pack got angry, she and Jason could go somewhere else. Moving away might be a good idea if Mr. Fitz planned to stay, anyway. She and Jason had to have sex, it wouldn't guarantee binding, but they loved each other so much, it was bound to take, right?

Jason had way too much self-control though, when it came to sex. Although, as Aria returned her attention to her body and his, she realized Jason was dry humping her and he was grunting. She should encourage him. "Oh, Ez-verything you're doing feels so good." SHIT, what was that? "Yeah, Jason, yeah, oh, Jason you make me so hot. Let me make you feel wonderful, let me feel more of your skin, please." Jason pulled his shirt off, Aria was shocked. How far could she get him to go? She ran her hands all over his torso and back. She moaned and whimpered for him, some of them were even involuntary. She shoved her hands into the waistband of his jeans and gripped his ass through his underwear. He growled and kissed her harder. He was forgetting his boundaries, that was good. He sucked on her neck and bit at the sensitive skin. His movements were getting closer to wolf play. She was past his defenses, he was going to take her, and she was going to love it. She pressed her hips up to increase the pressure and friction with his almost thrusts. She panted and whimpered, making her noises as wolf like as possible. Better she avoided words, anyway, especially names. Jason growled again and reached down and tore Aria's blouse apart. The move startled her a bit, he'd never destroyed her clothes, before. But it was kinda hot, how much he wanted her. She unhooked her bra to save it from a similar fate and Jason yanked it from her body. His eyes were practically black with lust. He attacked her mouth and kissed her fiercely. He sucked on her lips and tongue. It was like he wanted to consume her. His hands grabbed at her bare breasts and he ran his fingers all over her smooth skin.

Aria finally started to relax and lose herself in him. Her moans came faster and got louder, but Jason's hands suddenly slowed, he felt at her chest with something like purpose. He moved his hands to her neck and felt at it all the way around. His breathing slowed, and he sat up and stared at Aria. "Aria, where's your moonstone?" Aria's hand flew to her throat and she felt around her neck and shoulders.

"I, I don't know. I had it, I know I had it when we left." Aria had to make Jason believe it was an accident. She sat up and felt behind her on the seat and all along the floor. Jason hopped out of the backseat and walked around to the front passenger side. He opened the door and looked in the seat and felt around it.

"I found it." He held the necklace up triumphantly and Aria pretended to be relieved.

"Thank goodness. I would be heartbroken if I lost this. I've always felt like your mom must approve of us, since she let you have it to give to me." Jason held the necklace out to her and Aria took it, smiling as best she could.

"The clasp must be loose. When you were messing with your hair it must have come apart. Was that about the time climbing into the driver's seat on top of me started sounding like a good idea?" Aria gave a sheepish little giggle. She clasped the necklace around her neck and was suddenly very aware of her naked torso. She quickly searched for her bra and destroyed blouse. She had to cover more than just her body, though.

"I already wanted you so much I didn't even notice the change. I just thought I was getting more and more excited because we were getting lost in each other." Jason gave a short laugh and ran his fingers through his hair.

"Yeah, I don't really know what happened. You were just being so cute, so little and helpless, and without the moonstone your body must have been incredibly aroused, because the way the heat was coming off you, and the way you smelled, I just about lost control." Jason walked around the car to the driver's side and Aria climbed back into the front seat and closed her door. Now that the moonstone was back in place Aria had zero desire left. And the way Jason was talking was actually starting to make her uncomfortable. She prayed he wouldn't notice. Jason climbed into the driver's seat and closed his door. Aria handed him his shirt. He kissed her cheek and put it on. "Thanks, babe. Oh, and I'm sorry about your top, I shouldn't have done that. Sounded like a good idea in the moment. Please get that clasp fixed. If part of me hadn't realized the necklace wasn't there, we probably would have had sex." He looked at her for a couple seconds and she realized she was supposed to say something.

"Oh, yes, I will put the pendant on a different chain and take the chain to be fixed, tomorrow." Aria would actually have to do those things, she didn't want Jason to find out otherwise. Jason drove Aria straight home and she only felt relief. Everything was broken, and Aria had no idea how to fix any of it. Jason pulled up to Aria's house and Aria climbed out of the car. She zipped her jacket almost all the way up to cover for her non-existent shirt. She grabbed her stuff and walked around to the driver's side to kiss Jason, goodnight. The kiss was sweet, gentle, and loving.

"Hey, Ar? I know it's been hard on both of us to hold ourselves back from each other. I love you so much and want you so badly, I'm just trying to protect our future. You know that, right?" Aria smiled and nodded. She was so lucky to have Jason, he tried so hard. She'd find a way to fix it, damnit, she and Jason would make it. She owed it to him to fix it, he'd fixed so many things about himself for her.

"G'night." Aria heard Jason drive away once she walked through the front door. Finally alone, Aria began to cry.

Phew! You made it to the other side, good show. I promise that Aria and Ezra will be face to face again in the next chapter. I do not promise it will be happy. And before any of you ask, no I will not kill Jason in a fiery car crash on his way to or back from Philly. Sorry. Have faith, I know where this is going. Review and maybe I'll draw you a map. Blessings to all!