It Started on Lazy Day

Part 43

Just before he came into the trio's view, Knuckles was stopped from interrupting their lunch together. A white bat stood in his way.

"Just what do you think you're doing hot hotshot?" Rouge spoke up, keeping Knuckles back from the narrow back to the small secluded spot before him.

"Sonic is in danger if he's alone with two alphas. I can't leave him there," Knuckle growled. He'd always kept an eye on them when Sonic and Infinite ate together. Now, all of a sudden, Shadow was there.

"Oh, and him alone with three alphas is any better? We all watched Sonic break Shadow's nose and punch the hell out of a creep at the festival two weeks ago. He can defend himself. Did he even ask you for help?" Rouge questioned Knuckles, pushing him back a little, "You can't just make an assumption."

"Why do you care? Who even are you? This isn't your business," Knuckles glared. She had a point, Sonic was smiling and even laughing a little. He hadn't texted that he was in danger. But he'd stopped hanging out with all of them ever since that Jackal showed up. Amy said they were mates, but didn't know anything about the guy. She was too trusting.

"I'm Rouge, a senior omega. Infinite, there is a friend of mine. He's the sweetest alpha I know and wouldn't hurt a fly. He finally found someone he loves, and I'm not going to let some thug ruin it because he can't get his alpha instincts under control. You have a crush on Sonic, right? Even though you aren't mates, you wanted him to fall for you," Rouge grinned.

"What do you know?" Knuckles snarled.

"I know you tried to challenge Shadow over Sonic. I know you two went to the same middle school, and I'm guessing you were in on the whole keeping his true designation a secret over the last three years before Shadow figured it out. How are my detective skills?" She stood proud as Knuckles remained silent.

"What do you want?" Knuckles spoke up after a long while.

"Nothing special really. See, I don't want you interfering while they work this out. You aren't a part of their pack. I'm sure if you shot Sonic a text, he'd explain. Now then, let's get you back to your friends. There's a certain kitten I'm curious about~"

"What?" Knuckles looked at her, confused, as she pulled him away from the trio who were still enjoying time together.

"You're a big, strong Alpha, but you're not the brightest crayon, are you?" Rouge laughed.

"I'm bright red, what are you talking about?"

"Don't worry about that, darling. The girl who's crushing on you is smart enough for you both," Rouge sighed, as she continued to pull Knuckles along.

"Someone likes me?!"

"You have no idea," Rouge laughed, glancing back one last time and sending a smile to Infinife, who had noticed her and finally made direct eye contact.

— After School —

Shadow entered his house, taking off his shoes and hanging his school blazer on the coat rack. As he walked into his living room, he saw the last person he'd anticipated waiting for him. His father was sitting at the table with a mug.

"Shadow, you're home a little later than I expected. I haven't heard any reports from this school until last weekend about you getting into fights. You had been doing so well," the dark figure waved a hand to the empty chair across the table, "Come, sit."

"Father, I wasn't expecting a visit from you. I stayed a little later to say goodbye to someone, that is all." Shadow took a seat, setting his bag down against the wall, "To what do I owe the honor of your visit?"

"Well, when the school called, I had to know the story behind the fighting. So, imagine my surprise to find you'd gotten into a fist fight with an omega. An omega who'd not only broken your nose but also bested you in combat. A shameful loss to have Shadow," Doom narrowed his three eyes at his half breed son.

"It would have only been shameful if I'd won. An alpha should never beat his mate. Do not, insinuate there is anything shameful about my mate," Shadow growled.

"Your mate? I see, then, allowing them to beat you is acceptable. You never told me you'd found your mate. I do hope she meets the criteria. Bring her to dinner as soon as she agrees. If she is suitable, I will allow you to court her and marry-"

"HE," Shadow growled again, "He will never meet you if I can help it. I know what you'll do if you find him to be unacceptable, and I'd rather he hate me than ever have to meet you."

"I see," Black Doom hid an expression as he stood up and left the table. "Very well. Although with your current state, you don't have much of a chance to court them, do you? Your allowance has been increased. You can thank your brother for that. I will see you again at a later date."

With that, Shadow was left alone again. He clenched his fists as he realized he'd rebelled instead of pleasing his father, and somehow still got a boost in his allowance. Still, Shadow wanted to court Sonic with or without permission from Doom. He needed funds for that.

"Eclipse," Shadow murdered as he checked his account to see that his older brother had indeed transferred money into his account. About $2,000 to be exact. He sent a message to his brother.

— — —

Shadow: Thank you for the money. But why?

Eclipse: Do I need a reason? You have a mate to court and need more for living funds.

Shadow: Knowing you? You have a reason.

Eclipse: He's quite the cutie, isn't he? I saw him at the culture festival. Male omegas are a rarity in the world. He'll need to belong to someone at some point. It may as well be someone who can take proper care of him. So, take good care of him or someone else will.

Shadow: Stay away from him, or else.

— — —

Shadow glared at the phone as he put it down.

"Damn it!" He shouted, grabbing at his quills before going to the bathroom and turning on the water. He let the cold water hit his face before stepping back as it started getting warmer, "Of course, that's the reason. I can not let them meet."

After a hot shower, Shadow looked back at the pictures he'd taken of Sonic, as well as some he'd pulled from social media during the festival.

"I won't let them lay their hands on you. I promise."

~~~