Collateral

Chapter Eleven - Arsen

"Who was supposed to be watching Tisdale last night?" Magnus snarled. He turned on Daren. "I told you to."

"I told Rhian to," Daren shrugged.

"I told Damon and Calix it was their job," Rhian protested.

"No, you didn't," Damon growled, even though it was pointless arguing. Magnus would readily believe Rhian over Damon.

"So it was you two?" Magnus said, about to boil over with fury. So was Calix, he could tell, but Damon was surprisingly the most level-headed of the three.

Arsen broke in before Calix could take a swing at the captain.

"No, no it wasn't," Arsen said quickly. "Damon told me it was my job because I'm the newest here, and that's how it works. But it must've slipped my mind and I just went home instead of staying."

"I don't believe you," Magnus said, "but I don't really care. I hate you more than both of them combined, so if you're volunteering yourself—"

"I am. I mean, I'm not. I'm just telling the truth."

"—then I'll happily accept your sacrifice."

Arsen kept one hand around Calix's wrist, warning him to relax. Daren cut in, "Lay off, Magnus. We found him once, we'll find him again."

Magnus glared at Daren. "Why are you always taking his side?"

"Why are you always on the wrong side?"

"He's not going to let himself be caught again," Magnus sighed, clearly trying to contain his anger for Daren's sake.

"Who said anything about 'let'?"

Later, Arsen muttered his thanks to Daren.

"It's nothing. Magnus listens to me, he knows better than not to."

"Honestly, I can't if I didn't know it was true, I would never have guessed you and Magnus as friends. You're both so different."

"Sometimes, Arsen," Daren placed his hand on Arsen's shoulder, "a little contrast is what you need."