They had left him alone in the kitchen, questioning all of his decisions as his eyes traveled around the dark room. His thirst had somehow disappeared and he sat in one of the stools, letting his elbows touch the cold counter, his palms hiding his face as he sighed, troubled about what was expecting him.
Astor had not wished to anger him, he didn't want to create more conflict but at the same time, he couldn't remain silent as he heard their plans. Where would they even send him? He wondered, unable to believe that they would simply take him somewhere else like a package, not even asking him first.
"You created quite the ruckus." Nash's voice in the quiet room startled him, making him flinch as he revealed his shocked face to him. The blond man entered the room, dragging one of the stools and bringing it close to him so they could sit together.
"I reassure you it wasn't my intention." Astor said as he released another heavy sigh. Ren's words replayed in his head again and again. Maybe he had been mistaken after all but now, he felt it was too late for him to step back, he would make an utter fool of himself.
"Ren left as if he wanted to kill someone. You can make him pretty mad, he is usually really cold and unfazed." Nash explained and somehow that made him feel even worse.
"Great, I really did want to hear that I am considered also annoying except for a burden."
"Why did you say you wanted to go? You saw August. He is a creep." Nash asked him, curiosity in his eyes as he looked at him. At that moment Astor realized they were sitting really close to each other, their knees touching slightly when Nash turned to face him.
"I…I never got to decide for myself. About anything. All of my life, others overlooked me and what I wanted. So when I heard them talking about me like I was an object, without even thinking of asking me I felt like I was in my old pack again, forced to do things against my will because no one considered me a person. All in all, I flipped. I was angry and all I wished was to go against him to prove a point, now I am not so sure…" Astor mumbled the last few words, hearing a chuckle escape from Nash.
"Already having second thoughts?"
"You said it, he is a creep."
"You can always talk to Ren and stop this. I am sure he will be relieved."
"Then what? Let myself get sent away?" Astor asked, a frown on his handsome face as he stared at Nash displeased. "No thanks."
"So you like it here?"
"It's better than home. Now we will see. If Ren doesn't kill me at some point because I made him mad I think I will be fine." Astor joked.
"I would never let Ren hurt you." Nash said, looking at him with a serious expression. For a second they stood still, the werewolf reaching out and grabbing Astor's hand, surprising him as he felt his warm skin touch his. He flipped his hand, revealing his pale palm and with his other hand nash placed something in it, a little black device, no bigger than a coin with a very small round button in the middle. Astor examined it, not sure what it was.
"What's this?" Astor asked him.
"This is…let's call it a panic button. I am sure that when you get to August's house they will ask you to give away all of your electronic devices. Keep this in your pocket, even if they scan you or whatever they won't be able to track it. The moment you feel like you want to leave press it and I will come for you." he explained.
"Won't you get in trouble?"
"I wouldn't mind getting in trouble for you." Nash said, seeming slightly embarrassed about what he had said. Astor smiled at him, clenching on the small device with a feeling of relief.
"Thank you, Nash, really." he told him, his voice filled with gratitude as they looked at each other with silly smiles on their faces. Astor had thought of him as someone who was closed off, a person who did not like to be approached but maybe he was wrong. Nash had protected him again and again, not caring about the consequences, making him unable to stop smiling.
"What has made you all so happy?" Ren's agitated voice was heard from the entrance and Astor hid away what Nash gave him in a hurry, trying to look as normal as he could.
"Nothing." Nash said, his serious expression returning as he stepped down from the stool. "Goodnight." he greeted them walking away in a hurry, without looking back once.
"What did he give you?" Ren asked Astor, still standing at the doorframe, his look judgemental as their eyes met. The white-haired werewolf swallowed, preparing his lie but in the end, all he said was…
"Nothing."
Ren did not seem pleased, his fist landed at the side of the doorframe, mankind a shallow sound as he tensed. He was obviously still angry but this time he did not break anything.
"Fine, whatever I don't care. You are leaving tomorrow evening. Have fun." he said before he turned his back to him, once more leaving him alone and worried. Astor felt the button in his pocket, trying to calm down.
It will be fine, he thought. If I need it Nash will come for me.