Holding Onto Fate

by Electric_Dream

Summary:

Sequel to Illusions Of Love

Merlin felt like he was floating. He could die right now and he would be happy. The last two weeks had been difficult to say the least. Going through a bond break was tough but going through one and not mating immediately was almost torture. He had the option to wait until Arthur was home, to then head to the hospital and mate with his omega at the same time however…he just couldn’t bring himself to do it like that. After everything they had been through, he wanted their mating to be special. Arthur deserved a hell of a lot more. They both did.

For the first time in his life Merlin felt free.
Felt like he was where he was meant to be.

This was his life to live and he was going to do it his way.

Chapter 1

Merlin felt like he was floating. He could die right now and he would be happy. The last two weeks had been difficult to say the least. Going through a bond break was tough but going through one and not mating immediately was almost torture. He had the option to wait until Arthur was home, to then head to the hospital and mate with his omega at the same time however…he just couldn’t bring himself to do it like that. After everything they had been through, he wanted their mating to be special. Arthur deserved a hell of a lot more. They both did.

Merlin had been hospitalised for two weeks. The doctors had too painstakingly extract Freya’s pheromones and saliva from his body. That consisted of cutting out the bond mark careful not to damage the scent gland. Then using Merlin’s own pheromones reconstructing his scent gland so that it was intact. His body would then have to adjust to the change in hormones and scent which was the hardest part. He had to trick his Alpha into not going into mourning for his mate as it would have felt like they had died to his inner biology. That was the near fatal part. Uther had been there by his side the whole way, talking about his own experiences and how Arthur had managed to bring him back from the brink. Uther being close enough in DNA to Arthur to be that extra support that could convince his Alpha that he was going to be alright.

Merlin had gone into heart failure twice and it had been touch and go for a few days. Uther had almost called Arthur in apparently knowing that the omega would have dropped everything to be by Merlin’s side. That had been the catalyst that had forced Merlin to pull himself through. Leon and Lancelot had decorated Merlin’s room with various pictures of Arthur and they had even brought in some of his clothes and his favoured blanket that he had left behind. Merlin remembered the day that Lancelot had brought Merlin that damned magazine. Arthur in makeup was something he didn’t know he needed to see until then. Merlin had spent days with the magazine in his hand, his eyes staring at the image his omega created, not able to comprehend that the man was meant to be his. Gwaine’s constant videos and pictures fuelling him as well. All of this combined had brought him through the break a stronger person they he had been before. For that he will always be grateful.

The second hardest part had been keeping the secret from Arthur and convincing the rest of the group to go along with it. Gwaine being the only one unaware of the verdict due to Merlin not actually trusting him to be able to keep the secret. He wanted the moment they saw each other again to be magical like the very first time their eyes had met. During Merlin’s show where neither of them realised how much their life would change from that moment. He wanted to do things right this time.

For the first time in his life Merlin felt free.

This was his life to live and he was going to do it his way.

Merlin couldn’t shake the smile from his face, his mind continuing to whirl causing sleep to allude him. After being reunited with Arthur, the pair had headed into Arthur’s hotel room. They had made out with each other for a while before Merlin had insisted that the omega needed his sleep. The bags under his eyes were heavy and he looked like he could barely keep his eyes open. Arthur tried to stay awake, insisting he had been fine but the moment Merlin had settled him in his arms, the omega was out like a light.

Holding the omega in his arms was like coming home. Arthur’s scent surrounding him and his heat warming his skin was how he wanted to spend the rest of his life. Arthur’s head was tucked into his shoulder, the top of his hair tickling Merlin’s nose. His right leg was draped across Merlin’s waist with his right arm across Merlin’s chest, his palm flat above Merlin’s heart. Merlin’s arms were wound tight around the omega making it so that he couldn’t move an inch if he even wanted too. Silent tears were running down his cheek though he was careful to not make a noise. He didn’t want to disturb Arthur’s sleep; it was obvious that he needed it.

Merlin’s left hand stroked across Arthur’s shoulder gently. His right hand moved downwards away from Arthur’s back to cup lightly at his ass. Biting his lip at the arousal that was flowing downwards at the thought of just the thin fabric of Arthur’s boxers in between their skin. The tip of his index finger running along the cress of the omega’s ass crack. Arthur snuffled gently burying his head further into Merlin’s neck, his breathes dancing across his skin causing goosebumps to erupt. Laughing under his breath fondly he pulled Arthur closer, his lips at Arthur’s temple. The omega grumbled though it was clear he was mostly asleep still at this point.

The still darkness of early morning was filtering through the hotel room curtains however Merlin knew that it was still probably too early to be considered a decent time. At least for Arthur anyways. However, Merlin didn’t think he had any more patience left within him at this point. Nodding his head, he peered back down at the man in his arms. Arthurs breathes had evened out once more. Merlin’s eyes flashing gold had Arthur’s boxers vanishing leaving the skin he had longed to see on full display. Arthur’s leg tightened around his waist, his knee knocking against Merlin’s growing arousal and rapidly filling knot. He had spent months with just his right hand and now he felt like he had to make up for it, he couldn’t wait for Arthur’s heat in a few days’ time.

Merlin’s right hand trailed Arthur’s ass crack, Arthur shifting in his sleep once more. His leg inching higher up Merlin’s waist giving the Alpha further access. Chuckling Merlin kissed Arthur’s forehead feeling it scrunching underneath his lips. Pulling away he moved his left hand around Arthur’s head, hooking underneath his chin he lifted the omega’s head away from Merlin’s neck. Arthur’s eyelids fluttering. Merlin’s lips pressing to Arthur’s. Slowly the omega’s lips parted beginning to move. The alpha deepening the kiss, his tongue delving into Arthur’s mouth feeling the man responding in kind.

Merlin’s right hand had found Arthur’s channel, he could feel the slick beginning to coat his own leg however he didn’t care. His index finger circling Arthur’s rim not breaching the entrance just yet. More slick gathering with his movements. The smell permeating the air causing the Alpha’s heart to beat faster. God, he had missed this.

Merlin lifted his body, Arthur’s grip loosening.

Holding onto the back of the omega’s head Merlin switched their position. Not breaking the kiss, he guided Arthur’s head onto the pillow, nudging Arthur’s legs apart with his knees he settled in between them. Arthur’s hands lifting to grasp hold of Merlin’s shoulder blades. His nails digging in slightly causing a shiver of arousal to curl through the Alpha.

Merlin’s hand moved down to Arthur’s cock, his own gliding alongside. Taking them both in one hand he began to twist and flick his wrist. The omega groaning into Merlin’s mouth, the pair still yet to break apart neither caring about the need for air. Merlin’s right hand moving away quickly to swipe through the increasingly gathering slick that was dripping out of the omega. Grasping them both in his hand he continued his previous movements. Arthur’s hips bucking up and Merlin moving downwards in tandem. The slide of their skin against one another, softened by the slick, was perfect. Increasing his pace, the Alpha could feel his release curling through him. By now their lips were resting on one another, breathing the same air and groaning in their pleasure. Merlin opened his eyes, his blue meeting the omega’s. The moment the connection was made Merlin shouted loudly spilling across his own hand. Tugging and twisting his wrist in a certain direction had Arthur following him shortly. Both of their cum coated his hand but he didn’t care.

Arthur’s eyes were hooded and he didn’t actually look like he was properly awake just yet. His blond hair was flattened in his face shielding half of it from view. His lips were curled in a lazy smile and he was humming contently stretching out underneath Merlin.

The Alpha lifted his cum soaked hand to his face, Arthur’s gaze following his movements. Smirking Merlin’s tongue darted out tasting at the combined mess that they had made. The sweet cinnamon of the omega flaring across his tongue along with the spiced apple that he knew to be his own scent which he had become more aware of since the bond break. Moaning he licked a finger clean. The omega watching him the whole time, Merlin feeling Arthur’s dick rapidly filling once more. One of the best things about being with an omega was how quick they could be to go again; their libido was second to none and the fact they could orgasm multiple times was just the cherry on top.

Merlin moved onto a second finger; Arthur’s lips were curling at the corners in a snarl. He was looking more and more awake with every second that passed. Feeling smug Merlin gathered some of the cum onto the tip of his tongue, leaning down he pressed his lips to Arthur’s. The omega instantly opening his mouth allowing Merlin to feed him. Arthur moaning at the taste making Merlin’s cock twitch in interest. Their tongues danced across one another for a minute or two before the Alpha pulled back. His gold eyes flashing had his hand cleaned within a half second.

Straightening his back, he shimmed down the bed. His hands upon Arthur’s ankles he tugged harshly. Arthur yelping as he was pulled downwards and his legs were hooked around Merlin’s neck. Merlin grinning lowering his eyes to the full view of Arthur’s channel that the new angle afforded him. Licking his lips, he made his intentions clear loving the look of pure desire that filtered through Arthur’s eyes. Not wasting a second, he shifted his weight, moving his head down so that his lips pressed against the entrance to Arthur’s omega channel. The sweet taste of the slick exploding across his tongue with the heady scent filtering through his nose. The pure sense of Arthur becoming the only thing the Alpha was aware of. Using this to fuel his movements he speared his tongue inside of the omega. Arthur’s entrance fluttering around him with his hips moving backwards trying to chase the feeling. Merlin chuckling at the soft moans that were falling from Arthur’s throat along with the slight rumble in his chest. His right-hand pressed Arthur’s hips down into the mattress keeping him still while his left lovingly rubbed soothing circles into Arthur’s thigh.

“Merlin,” Arthur breathed out, his voice dripping in his lust and desire making Merlin’s cock harden painfully quickly. “Fuck.” Merlin smiling into Arthur’s channel, mentally congratulating himself on being the one that could make the omega fall apart like this. And it would only ever be him for the rest of their lives from now on. He couldn’t wait to break Arthur’s skin and see the omega wearing his mark…that would come later… Arthur deserved a proper mating and not one that was rushed. Merlin had his plan for that.

Merlin lifted his head, his chin resting on Arthur’s thigh, the omega growling at the loss of contact making Merlin smirk further. “Do you think you could cum like this?” Merlin mused his tongue lapping back at Arthur’s entrance though he didn’t breach it just yet. “With my tongue?” his whole mouth covered the channel, humming under his breath he exhaled warm air making Arthur groan loudly. Merlin could see Arthur’s hands twisting in the sheets. His knuckles were pure white with his tension. “So perfect for me omega,” Arthur keened under the use of the words not seeming to be aware that he had. Merlin kissed at Arthur’s channel, slick sliding down his lips and dripping off his chin. Licking his lips, he savoured the taste before moving back in. His tongue sliding into Arthur. Circling around the rim before diving deeper, swishing around the soft inner walls of Arthur’s channel looking for that little bundle of nerves that he knew would drive the omega insane.

Placing his hands on Arthur’s waist he tugged the omega even closer. Arthur almost being bent in half to give Merlin the access that he needed. His tongue reaching deeper inside the omega, flicking side to side he finally found what he had been looking for. Grinning his tongue ran alongside the nerve. Arthur moaning and swearing loudly, his words quickly losing coherency. Merlin’s eyes focused upon the omega’s face seeing the sheen of sweat that was covering his body. His thighs were quaking around his head and his chest was heaving like he had run a marathon. Arthur’s thighs clenched around him with the trembling increasing the longer he licked at the bundle. Arthur’s eyes were wide and glassy. His mouth was open and the noises he was making would put any good porn to shame. Arthur’s dick was curling towards his stomach, the precum oozing out of the tip and the head looked engorged.

Merlin swirled his tongue around increasing the speed that he licked at the nerves. His jaw was beginning to ache but he didn’t care. He could tell that the omega was close. Merlin’s nails dug into Arthur’s skin as Arthur moaned loudly throwing his head back. Slick exploded across Merlin’s tongue, Arthur let out a sharp gasp and his seed sprayed onto his own stomach at his release. Arthur’s head smacked back onto the bed and his right arm came up to cover his eyes. He was breathing heavily and his whole body was trembling.

Tasting as much as he could the Alpha regretfully removed his tongue. His hands upon Arthur’s legs he unhooked them from his neck, laying them gently to either side of him. Conjuring a towel, he quickly cleaned the cum from Arthur’s stomach, throwing it on the floor when he was done. Staring down at the man that he loved more than anything he could feel his heart constricting in his chest. Quickly pressing a kiss to Arthur’s channel, he moved up his body, pressing their chests together, resting his chin above Arthur’s heart feeling the rapid beating underneath. He waited a couple of moments for the omega to regain himself. Eventually the wrist moved to the side and a slither of blue could be seen.

Smiling fondly Merlin kissed at each of Arthur’s nipples, his tongue sliding up to Arthur’s neck purposefully avoiding the scent gland to kiss at the shell of his ear. Arthur grumbling under his breath though Merlin couldn’t hear the words. Merlin kissed Arthur’s cheeks, his forehead before capturing his lips once more. This time the kiss was softer, sweeter and less urgent. He was taking his time to cherish and savour the feeling of his omega. Arthur’s scent was strong, taking on that sweeter edge that it always did before his heat.

Merlin pulled away, lifting his elbow up onto the bed he rested his head on his fist. Staring down at Arthur who was looking like he was almost falling asleep once more. “What time is it?” Arthur mumbled, his body curling to the side to face Merlin. His cheek resting on the back of the palm of his hand, a small yawn on his lips.

Merlin leaned down to look at his phone biting back a small laugh. “Half five,” he admitted, Arthur rolling his eyes at his words stifling another yawn. Smiling fondly Merlin shifted his weight so that he was now lying on his side facing the omega. Holding his right hand out the duvet lifted into his grasp, pulling this up around them both. Merlin not bothering to grab his or Arthur’s underwear. Lying on his side facing the omega, Merlin kissed the tip of Arthur’s nose. Arthur protesting playfully, his eyelids fluttering through another yawn. “Come here,” Merlin tugged at Arthur’s shoulders bringing him into his chest. His arms wrapping around the omega, their noses touching one another breathing in the same air. “I love you,” Merlin whispered.

“I love you too,” Arthur replied nuzzling his nose against Merlin’s making the Alpha’s heart skip a beat at the sweet sentiment, Arthur probably too tired to notice his omegaisms coming out to play once more. Merlin hoped that the longer they were together the more comfortable he would be at sharing these habits with the Alpha.

Merlin held Arthur close as he drifted back off to sleep with a smile upon his face.

The Alpha sighing happily soon following, content that he had finally got what he had been waiting for.

It wouldn’t be long now until he officially made Arthur his.

Chapter 2

“OMG let me seeeeeee!” Vivian’s insanely loud voice echoed around the stage. Arthur lifting his head where he had been tuning his guitar, wide eyed and his eyebrows raised in confusion. A blur which was the beta came colliding into his side, her hands furiously pulling down the collar of his shirt. Arthur shrugging his shoulders staring confusedly at Vivian who stepped back with a pout on her lips and her hands on her hips. “Arthur Pendragon I am disappointed in you!” she tapped her foot, her blue eyes narrowing towards the omega who was feeling even more confused. What the hell had he done? He had only just gotten to the venue for their sound rehearsal before their first gig tonight. Okay, so he was almost an hour late…it wasn’t his fault that Percival had to physically force Merlin to let Arthur go, the pair not wanting to be apart but having too due to work commitments. Merlin meeting with Morgana to discuss an important issue apparently. Whatever that was.

Vivian slapped viciously at his chest making Arthur wince and rub his hand against where her violent attack had just taken place. “What was that for?!” Arthur grumbled ducking out of the way of a second one, barely able to place his guitar into the stand in time. Holding his hands up at the beta that was rounding on him. “What have I done?”

“Nothing!” Vivian sighed out dramatically flicking her hair over her shoulder, Arthur spluttering at the strands that hit him square in the face. Glaring towards his friend he crossed his arms to his chest trying to understand what was happening in her head.

“Right… I don’t get it,” Arthur cocked his head to the side seeing the beta let out a frustrated growl. Grabbing a metal stool and dragging this loudly across the stage to settle beside Arthur. Arthur grimacing at the horrible noise that she was defiently creating on purpose due to the sadistic smile on his face. Why did he feel like he was being punished for something?

“You’ve done nothing!” she tried to explain again rolling her eyes like he was some kind of idiot which at the moment he really did feel like it. “Not…thing…” she dragged out the word clicking her tongue.

“Okay, you know repeating yourself is not going to make me understand you more,” Arthur huffed out shaking his head at her antics. He reached down for his guitar, settling this onto his knee once more trying to get back to his tuning. He had three different guitars for this set, each with their own unique tuning that he wanted to make sure was right. Yes, technically he had people for that (and wasn’t that a weird feeling right there) however he had always had this independent streak within him and that wasn’t going to stop now. Once he was done here he would check the piano and then they were supposed to be rehearsing a few of the songs to check the sound and the lighting. Though by the looks on Vivian’s face that might not be happening anytime soon. “Have you hit your head?” he questioned.

“No, have you?” she lifted her eyebrow, her arms crossing and her perfectly manicured red nails tapping harshly to her elbow in her impatience. “Why the fuck have you not…” she gestured to Arthur’s neck. Arthur still feeling completely lost. “OMG,” Vivian growled letting out a deep breath and whispering words that suspiciously sounded like useless moron. Knowing her it was probably a lot more colourful than that. “I never thought you were a dumb blond,” she growled flicking Arthur in the middle of the forehead, who almost dropped his guitar at the random attack. “Why haven’t you mated?!” she finally answered his question. “What the fuck om!”

Arthur chuckled humming under his breath to the tune of the note he had just plucked sensing the beta’s aggravation. Smirking he bit the inside of his lip to stop the laugh from vocalising. He too had been shocked at first when Merlin had merely suggested they sleep, then when he had been woken up at that god awful early hour, he thought that it would be the moment. However, Merlin had done incredible things with his tongue and then they had fallen asleep once more. Waking up the second time they only had enough time for a quick shower together before Percival came storming into the hotel room to pull Merlin away to take him to his meeting. Then coming back to bring Arthur to the venue. If it wasn’t for the concealed smile Arthur would have thought that the other Alpha was pissed off. “Sorry to disappoint.”

“Yes!” Vivian exclaimed dramatically. “You’ve ruined all of my plans.”

“What plans?”

“The joint mating party tonight duh.” Vivian rolled her eyes dramatically flicking her hair over her shoulder once more. This time Arthur paid attention to the movement, his own eyes widening at the perfect imprint of a set of teeth now on her neck. Just above her collarbone, visible enough but also the right height to be hidden when she needed it to be. Arthur’s heart panging in his chest, the previous sadness and guilt that had been tearing him apart when he realised that Gwaine and Vivian was true mates was no longer present. “The after party?” she glared at Arthur though the blinding smile breaking through showed that she didn’t mean it.

Arthur placed his guitar back down. Stepping from the stool he opened his arms out to her. Squealing Vivian threw himself into his chest, laughing happily and squeezing the omega tightly. Arthur’s chin resting on the top of her head while his eyes scanned through the rows of seats that surrounded them. This was the smallest venue that they had yet to play however to Arthur it was the most important. A more intimate show for both of their home crowd. A silent figure at the top of the stairs to the stools caught his eye. Blue meeting guarded and unsure brown. Vivian was chatting animatedly into his chest, probably details that he didn’t actually want to hear, nodding his head he pretended to listen however he was focused completely on the other person.

Slowly they made their way down the steps until they were at the edge of the stage. Their hands were plunged into the depths of their leather jacket and they rocked back on their heels. A sad smile on their face with their eyes becoming watery. This moment felt loaded. Years ago Arthur might have reacted differently, he would have gritted his teeth and bared it but inside he would have been breaking. Losing a support that he had had for most of his life. Someone who had helped him through many a heat and someone who at one point he had considered to be like a mate. However now…now he understood.

Finding his own true mate had changed him, for the better.

Vivian had pulled away from his chest though her arm was still wound around him. Her eyes darting between the pair with a sad but understanding expression. Arthur held his spare arm out to the side with a soft smile on his face. One that Gwaine returned. Bounding up the stairs he strode right into Arthur. Vivian taking a step back with a soft aww on her lips. Gwaine’s arms winding around Arthur’s neck had the omega becoming crushed into his chest. Gwaine pressed a kiss to Arthur’s temple before their foreheads rested against one another. Arthur’s eyes automatically going to the mating mark upon Gwaine’s neck. “Do you ever wonder what would have happened in another life?” Gwaine whispered softly in Arthur’s ear so that only he could hear.

“You never were meant to be mine,” Arthur replied easily his hands twisting into the back of Gwaine’s jacket as he moved to rest his head on his shoulder.

“You and magic man are sickeningly perfect for one another,” Gwaine agreed with only a small trace of a growl which for him was a major improvement. “I’m always going to be yours as well,” Gwaine whispered once more cupping the back of Arthur’s neck.

“Damn, I thought I was free of you,” Arthur whined rolling his eyes, Gwaine’s expression was blinding and his eyes were shining brightly. He was going to be the most amazing Alpha, Arthur had already had a taste of what Vivian had yet to come. He was honestly happy for the pair, one of his oldest and dearest friends and one of his newest and closest friends coming together.

“Never Princess,” Gwaine kissed Arthur’s forehead once more before pulling apart, rubbing a hand across his face and winking at the pair. “My favourite blondes,” he grinned both Arthur and Vivian blanching. “Aren’t you meant to be practicing…” Gwaine tutted moving so that he was sitting down on the edge of the stage. “Play for me.”

Arthur ruffled Gwaine’s hair, Vivian rolling her eyes turning to grab at her microphone and shooting a thumbs up at the sound director who had been waiting patiently in the booth for the pair. Arthur grabbing his guitar once more took his place back on his stool, his eyes watching as Gwaine pulled Vivian down for a sweet kiss, the pair melting into each other like they were the only ones that existed.

Smiling fondly, he lowered his eyes.

Two true mates’ pairs down.

One to go.

***

“You have too!” Vivian declared digging her nails into his arm where she had linked them together. The rehearsal had gone well with the sound technician pleased with the acoustics and volume. The lights had been timed perfectly and Vivian’s microphone was working at full capacity. Now they had a couple of hours until they were expected on stage for the first of four sell out nights. Arthur however only performing for three due to his heat that was pushing at his skin. He could feel the effects already. A raised core temperature, the sweeter nature to his scent and the hormones that were threatening to rage. He could see Alpha’s heads starting to turn in his direction, more so than usual until the point that Gwaine had lent Arthur his scarf that he had been wearing just to cover his scent gland. “I’m not taking no for an answer,” Vivian smiled brightly tugging Arthur through the maze of corridors of the venue. Arthur allowing himself to be guided not sure what was going on. The beta having a destination in mind apparently.

“No, that worked once,” Arthur grumbled referring to the one and only time he had allowed her to ‘dress him up’. And that had ended up splattered across numerous magazines all around the world apparently and of course readily available on the internet for anyone to see. “You can’t always get your own way,” he scoffed frowning as they came to a stop outside a seat of heavy looking wooden doors. Vivian smirking at him the whole time like she knew something he didn’t which was most likely the truth.

“I think you find I can,” Vivian gloated her eyes twinkling. “The band have rehearsed their parts and the lighting has been sorted. All we need is you and your voice to be ready,” she leaned forwards and cupped his chin in her hands, squeezing his lips together in a mock pout. Arthur snarling dangerously at her to which she smiled brighter at. He grabbed her wrists pulling them away and twisting his head to the side to avoid the now cackling beta. “Arthur, what is the problem?” she demanded pressing her hands to her hips and shooting him her best I know what I am talking about look. “This isn’t the first time you have sung solo.”

“I know,” Arthur let out a huff scrubbing a hand across his face, grimacing at the stubble he would have to shave before the show started later.

“So, why the hesitation?”

“It’s different singing one of your songs.”

“If I didn’t think it was good, I would not even let you think about performing let alone force you too. There is more to it than that.”

Arthur’s eyes flickered to the ceiling. She was too perceptive as usual. “This is your show and I…I am just the extra talent…no one needs to hear…”

“Arthur Pendragon I am not going to let you call yourself the ‘extra talent.’” Vivian grabbed his hand and forced him forwards. Using her hip she shoved her body through the double doors, the omega stumbling after her. “If you won’t listen to me maybe you will listen to them,” she pushed Arthur’s arm out in front of her releasing her grip. Arthur staggering into the room with a sharp huff falling out of his throat at her manhandling.

Arthur paused staring around the room, his heart was beating fast in his chest. They were in what Arthur supposed would be called a ‘function’ room. There was a grand chandelier hanging down the ceiling in the middle, a light blue carpet on the floor with the walls covered in oak panelling. Pictures hanging on the walls of various landscapes and important looking people who Arthur had no idea were. There was a grand fireplace that was roaring emitting a small amount of heat, the wood crackling and popping as it burned. Tables were pushed up against the side with various platters of food and drink scattered throughout. The smell was tempting making the omega’s stomach rumble, realising that he had skipped both breakfast and lunch at this rate. The grand nature making Arthur feeling out place in his old faded England football shirt, torn jeans and old converse. Even coming from money, he was not used to all this grandeur, he personally liked to avoid it as much as he could.

However, it wasn’t all of this that had caused the omega to pause.

No, it was the people standing around seeming to be waiting for him. People he hadn’t seen in months.

In the middle of the room perched on the grandest chair there was his father, Uther Pendragon. There was an easy carefree smile on his face and a fire in his eyes that Arthur had not seen for years. He was wearing a fancy looking black suit with deep purple tie instead of his previous casual look. Standing beside him was Morgana. She was wearing a purple dress that fell just above her knee showing off her long legs. Black high heels that Arthur was surprised anyone would be able to walk in. Her black hair was free over her shoulders and her purple lips were curled up into a smirk where she was sipping at a glass of red wine. Sitting in front of her was Gwen, the omega was heavily pregnant, looked like she could give birth any day now. She was wearing a pastel pink dress and her own curls were bouncing upon her shoulders. Her usual bright smile was on her face and she cradled her stomach tenderly. Lancelot and Leon were curled together on another chair beside the fire, Leon perched in Lancelot’s lap the pair holding up their glasses towards Arthur. Arthur seeing the love and happiness shining through. The bond marks standing out upon their necks making the omega smile at the sight. Gwaine had stepped forward scooping Vivian into his arms and pulling her into the room towards the seat he had vacated. The beta sitting in his lap with her arms wound tight across his neck. Elyan was in the corner head down in his papers and Percival was sitting opposite content to be staring into the room. Arthur wasn’t sure the Alpha was ever just ‘off’ the clock.

A figure stepped forwards blocking Arthur’s view of the room.

Hands gripped at his holding them in their own. Merlin.

Merlin was also wearing a fancy looking suit, though his was a dark navy that really brought out the bright colours in his eyes. He had forgone a tie instead having the top two buttons of his black dress shirt open showing off a hint of his chest hair. Arthur’s eyes automatically falling to the now clear neck, his mouth watering at the thought of his own mark upon the skin of the man that he loved. Everyone was dressed up and here Arthur was…he had never felt so out of place before.

Merlin rolling his eyes tugged at Arthur’s hands walking him into the centre of the room. Lancelot and Leon clapping him on the side as he passed shooting him massive smiles. Morgana leaning forward to press a kiss on his cheek and Uther reaching for Arthur’s wrist giving it a squeeze. Merlin led Arthur to a love seat that was sitting vacant in front of the fire though he guessed this had been turned around to face the room instead of the flames for this purpose. Feeling weirdly on display Arthur shrugged his shoulders as he was pulled ungracefully down onto the seat. Yelping he glared at the Alpha who was blinking at him innocently. Merlin’s arm wrapped around his shoulders pulling Arthur tight into his side. His left hand was playing with the hairs on the back of Arthur’s neck and his right was squeezing his knee. “What are you all doing here?” Arthur asked after the silence and staring was making him uncomfortable.

“Good to see you too little brother,” Morgana scoffed into the rim of her wine glass making everyone laugh. “Nice to see your manners are as intact as always.”

“That’s what I have been telling him!” Vivian agreed winking towards Morgana, Arthur staring at the action in horror not liking the look that was being shared by the pair.

“There’s two of them,” Arthur groaned, his head falling onto Merlin’s shoulder, Merlin’s cheek resting against the top of his head.

“Didn’t think I would send you on tour with just anyone,” Morgana scoffed.

“I think you find I was the one that sorted it,” Uther interrupted lifting an eyebrow.

“Vivian is my client,” Morgana responded.

“And Arthur is mine,” Uther added. Arthur staring at his father and sister unsure of what this weird powerplay that was happening between the two of them. He sincerely feels like he had missed something since he had been gone. “Speaking of, we need to have a discussion about what happens next,” Uther leaned forward clasping his hands together on his knee. “I have had a lot of offers and deals that I need to pitch.”

“Deals? Offers? Pitch?” Arthur squeaked out his voice becoming an octave higher. He could hear Merlin barely suppressing a laugh beside him. “I…”

“Oh yes, that book deal, record contract, movie rights…album…” Morgana lifted her hand ticking off with her fingers. “You are in demand Arth.”

Arthur’s eyes were almost bugging out of his head. A moment of silence followed before rapturous laughter overtook the whole group. Hissing under his breath Arthur moved his head and sat up straight. Crossing his arms to his chest and shooting his best glare around the room at the people that was his family and those that he considered to be family. “Very fucking funny,” he growled. Merlin pressing a soft kiss to his cheek absolutely did not make him melt, not at all.

“The look on your face!” Gwaine howled, Vivian at least had the decency to hide her laughter in her mate’s shoulder. “I thought you was going to piss yourself.”

“Reminds me of that time that Gemma’s father wouldn’t stop hitting on you and you didn’t realise!” Lancelot chuckled.

“Oh, I forgot about that!” Leon wheezed. “You just thought he was being ‘friendly.’”

“He was!” Arthur defended hoping that his cheeks was heating from the fire behind him and not because of his growing embarrassment. Merlin’s fond look showing him it was very much the latter.

“So ‘friendly’,” Lancelot lifted his hands up in air quotes. “That’s why he rented out a corner of a restaurant and brought the most expensive flowers and wine that he could. Arthur you never realised when an Alpha was trying to court you.”

“That’s not true.”

“Remember Travis?” Morgana called out.

“Cenred.”

“Tristian.”

“Gwaine,” Leon added the group almost doubled over howling at this point.

“Merlin!” Gwaine winked between Arthur and Merlin, Arthur silently praying for the ground to swallow him whole.

“Alright!” Arthur groaned slamming his head against the back of the loveseat allowing his eyes to close slowly breathing out of his mouth, counting down and trying to remind himself why it was a bad idea to murder. He was struggling to find any cons right now. “Are you all here just to take the piss out of me?” he sighed out, his eyes opening once more to see that he was the centre of everyone’s attention.

“It’s why I am here,” Morgana held her glass up.

“No, we are here to support you,” Uther’s voice breaking through the laughter, the group falling silent at his words. “We are here to show how proud we are of everything that you have done and everything that you have achieved.”

“And to convince him to perform his own songs!” Vivian pitched in. “He won’t listen to me.”

“Viv.”

“Someone please tell the om that he isn’t extra talent and that he has earned his place on the stage,” Vivian completely ignoring Arthur, her eyes focusing upon Merlin.

Merlin’s hands cupping Arthur’s chin brought their eyes connecting to one another. “That is low even for you Viv!” Arthur snarled out seeing the amused glint in the Alpha’s eyes, Merlin knowing he didn’t have to say a word to convince the omega. “I hate you all.” He protested. Merlin kissing his nose in that annoying way he kept doing lately. Arthur’s face scrunching at the movement shaking his head in his exasperation.

“No, you don’t,” Gwaine called out. “We know you love us.”

Arthur stared around the room at the group that had gathered. Each and every one meaning something special to the omega.

Yes.

Yes, he really did.

 

Chapter 3

“We never believed those lies,” one of the girls called out excitedly pressing themselves to Merlin’s side as he posed for a picture. The girl switching out with her friend who had the camera. Merlin grinning the whole time. He signed a couple of autographs and had even facetimed one of their friends who had promptly fallen off their bed. The whole time the Alpha felt light in a way he hadn’t for years. His reputation was still teetering and he realised that would only continue until he told his side of the story. Until he had his chance to say his piece to the whole world. Something he had put off for as long as he could. With Arthur home now for the time being he was most likely not going to be able to avoid it much longer. The nature of their relationship would become public knowledge once the injunction about the details that happened in the court ran out.

They had probably another two weeks at the most. After that the press would run havoc and their lives would be under complete and utter scrutiny. What they said, what they did and who they were would be judged. Merlin had wanted to spare his omega that trouble but with Arthur now making a name for himself it was going to be impossible. They needed to make a plan and go forward together because that was what was most important. Merlin had said it many a times but he would give up everything in a heartbeat if he had too.

First of all, he would enjoy this moment, seeing his love up on that stage for the second time. This time he knew would be different. The Arthur that had come back from the tour was not the same man that had left. He had seen the new found ease and confidence that the omega was wearing. He had seen the happiness and banter that he had with Vivian and Gwaine. The previous sadness and reservations about their mating and mates in general long since gone and this warmed the Alpha’s heart immensely.

Merlin extracted himself from the growing crowd of fans, politely making his excuses. He had shielded the questions about why he was at the gig and the ones that were about Freya. That was defiently not a subject he wanted to think about right now. She was his past and he hoped that she stayed there. Nodding at those that he passed and even posing for a picture for a journalist that he knew, he quickly made his way up to the royal box that Uther had rented out for the night. Vivian had immediately tried to get him a refund however the older Pendragon had refused. He had declared that no amount of money was worth more than being able to support his son and the venues that had decided to support him. It was no secret by now that a few had turned their back on Vivian when she had declared there to be an omega in their group. Those would be the ones that were kicking themselves a year from now when Arthur was selling out records of his own making.

Smiling gratefully at the usher that showed him to his seat he settled in beside Gwaine. The Alphas sitting in the front row, Merlin’s arms automatically resting upon the metal bar of the box, leaning forward to get the best view. While he desperately tried not to allow his mind to go back to the night of the first time he had seen Arthur perform like this. That had ended up in disaster with the omega almost losing his life. Something that Merlin would never allow to happen again. He may have issued Percival with the command to follow Arthur on and off the stage and wherever he went throughout tonight. Just in case.

The lights dimmed and dramatic music began to play. An eerie piano piece. Smoke was curling across the stage as the audience screamed and roared. A single beam of light was emitted down onto an empty microphone. The piano increasing in pace and volume. Merlin could just about make out the silhouette of Arthur poised at the keys, shrouded in this darkness. Vivian stepped onto the stage, her hands wrapping around the microphone. The crowd screaming out her name loudly. “Not trying to be Indie, not trying to be cool,” she began to sing softly. The silence settling over the venue instantly. Merlin frowning a vague sense of recognition flowing through him. He had never heard her sing this before. “But you’ll never be alone, I’ll be with you until dusk to dawn.”

Merlin’s mouth opened and he could feel tears pricking the corner of his eyes. Those words. He remembered them clearly. It had been the mantra he had adopted when he had been sitting by Arthur’s bedside. Not moving and not allowing anyone to force him away. When he had been praying for the omega to make it through not knowing if he was going to live.

Gwaine squeezed at his shoulder. “He heard you,” the other Alpha whispered. “The whole time he told me he could hear you saying those words to him.” Gwaine smiled brightly.

“Cause I want to touch you, baby, And I want to feel you too. I want to see the sunrise and your sins. Just me and you. Light it up, on the run” A beam of light had now settled on Arthur’s. The omega’s head was lowered to the piano and his eyes were staring at his hands as they flew across the keys. Merlin could see the barely concealed emotions raging inside of Arthur. Merlin couldn’t believe that Arthur had never told him before. “Go give love to your body, it’s only you that can stop it, go give love to your body, it’s only you that can stop it.” the whole song was perfect. From the haunting piano to Vivian’s singing voice and Arthur’s lyrics. Merlin could feel his heart tearing in two and repairing itself in the same instance. Another chorus had the song winding down and in the background of the stage the rest of the band clambered on.

Vivian finished the song to a tremendous applause. She turned her head to the side and gestured towards Arthur who was smiling sweetly into the crowd. Arthur’s eyes automatically finding Merlin’s. His eyes were shining brightly and Merlin could see the tears in them that probably matched his own. Inclining his head to his omega he felt so much love pouring through his veins that he couldn’t wait to show the man.

He had the perfect plan of how their mating was going to go and he was going to make sure that it happened. Mating with Freya had been a drunken mistake and Arthur was a hundred times more than that. This time next week they would be bonded. He would make sure of that. He just needed Arthur’s heat to pass first. Again, the omega was worth more than then typical bonding process.

“I have a special treat for you all tonight!” Vivian called out seeming to have finished another song by the time Merlin had broken himself out of his own thoughts. “As you know I have had a special guest touring with me,” she smirked pointing towards Arthur who was being handed his own microphone, no instrument in his hands. “Arthur Pendragon!” The crowd screaming Arthur’s name had the omega’s head snapping up. The bewildered look on Arthur’s face made everyone chuckle. Merlin could see the hint of a blush spreading on his cheeks that he knew Arthur would deny. “If you don’t know who he is, you will,” she called out moving to the side to allow Arthur centre stage. Arthur placing his own microphone into the stand, reaching down for his cherry red electric guitar. His hands gliding along the neck and his throat was swallowing nervously.

Vivian had taken a seat on the piano, leaning forward to watch the omega. An encouraging smile was on her face. Arthur turned his head to nod at the drummer. The beat started, Arthur joining in with the guitar, his eyes roaming the crowd to connect with Merlin’s. Merlin shooting him a bright smile. Arthur beginning to sing, another song that the Alpha did not recognise. It was up tempo and happier than the previous one. “No way!” Gwaine bounced on the balls of his feet beside Merlin. “They actually included it!” Gwaine exclaimed.

“Oh my, feels like I just don’t try, looks so good, I might die,” Arthur’s voice was strong, his confidence growing with every word that he sang. “All I know is everybody loves me,” Merlin laughing at the wink that the omega threw his way before his eyes roamed out at the crowd. Arthur was right, seeing the reaction he was getting…everyone certainly loved him. “Head down, swinging to my own sound, flashes in my face now, all I know is everybody loves me.”

The rest of the song continued in the similar fashion.

Ending way too quickly for Merlin’s liking.

Hearing the insane amount of applause for Arthur, Merlin knew that things were working out for the pair. They were exactly where they were meant to be.

***

The rest of the gig was a blur. Arthur was incredible and Vivian was amazing, there had been nothing but glowing reviews from the home crowd and Merlin was unbelievably proud. Currently Merlin was leaning against the bar, his eyes focused on the far door waiting for his omega to make his entrance. The group had headed down to the club after the show giving Arthur and Vivian time to change and shower when they had come off the stage. Percival being the one to escort the beta and omega. The club that Vivian had chosen was one of those high ends only elite clientele could enter and only with express permission. Her name and her fame showing.

Music was blaring and drinks were flowing, at this point it was difficult to tell who exactly was sober. The atmosphere was electric and Merlin longed to get lost in it. To wind down and enjoy himself in probably the first time in months, if not years. The last club he had been to Freya had spent the whole time complaining about Arthur and his group, that had also been the time that Merlin had decided he needed the omega in his life as his ‘friend.’ The platonic friendship that had led them too today.

A roaring of a crowd and screaming of names broke through the music indicating that the far doors had now opened. Smiling brightly Merlin downed the contents of his beer, slamming the bottle on the table and went to move however a hand circled around his elbow forcing him to stay in place. Snarling he lifted his head up and his eyes focused on a face he could have done without ever knowing about. With his eyes flashing red he pulled his arm out of the grip and took a step backwards. The rest of the club and the people falling away from his attention. “Get out.” Merlin hissed deeply channelling the full power of his inner Alpha. Knowing that his eyes had probably flashed to red with the insane amount of anger and hurt that was festering deep in his chest. “Leave.” He added when the person made no effort to move. The other man held his hands out in front of him with a sickly smile on his face like this whole thing was amusing to him.

“Is that anyway to talk to your old man?” Balinor shook his head in mock disgust. Merlin trying to tamper down the rage that was hurtling towards becoming out of control. He was not going to cause a scene; he was not going to give the press anything further to judge him on nor was he going to give his so called ‘father’ ammunition against him. “I just want to talk son.”

“I am not your son,” Merlin seethed. “You lost that right the moment you attacked my mother.”

“How is dear old Hunith doing these days?” Balinor’s smiled turned sultry causing Merlin’s stomach to roll in protest.

“Dead.”

“That’s a shame, I always wanted to go back to her,” Balinor tutted.

“What are you doing here?” Merlin interrupted not wanting his mother’s memory to become tainted by this sick excuse of an Alpha. Balinor was the type of man that Merlin hated, he saw omegas as things…possessions to own and take control off like they were a damned doll. It was his kind of mentality that meant that omegas had to face discrimination where they should be considered as equals in the times that they were currently living in. “How did you get in?” Merlin changed his question when he still didn’t receive a response.

“Easy, I just told the bouncer who I was,” Balinor laughed. “They really need to up their game here.” He took a step closer to Merlin who stepped back to maintain the distance between them. Merlin could feel his scent becoming dangerous and almost toxic, his pheromones were projecting his anger which others were picking up on. At least he presumed that was why people were moving quickly out of their way. “I know that the way that we found each other was…” Merlin glared harshly almost daring the other Alpha to continue his words. “Sorry, is it too much to ask to get to know my son?”

Merlin went to move forward however another hand held him into place. Where before he felt threatened, this time, he could feel the calming soothing motions washing over his veins. His nose tilting in the air filling his senses with the scent that he loved dearly. The sweet cinnamon with a hint of vanilla due to the lingering heat that had yet to come. Merlin could see Balinor’s lips curling into a sneer and his eyes narrowing over Merlin’s shoulder. A loving hand was pressed to Merlin’s chest as Arthur stepped tightly into his side. His right hand was curled over Merlin’s wrist bringing the fist that he had formed back down to his side. Their arms pressing together sharing their body heat and the gentle pressure was enough to ground the Alpha. Another wave of omega pheromones had his own pulling back into his chest to the point that the crowd around them began to breathe easier. He really had no idea how much he seemed to have been projecting. “I don’t want anything to do with you,” Merlin growled out, Arthur’s eyes darting from Merlin’s face to Balinor and back again, the confused blue furrowing.

“I am your father.” Merlin felt Arthur stiffened beside him, the omega’s scent souring taking on an almost bitter cherry smell. A small rumble echoing out of Arthur’s chest with the man taking a small step closer to the other Alpha. Merlin’s fingers twitching where he wanted to pull the omega back but knowing that it would not end well with him, he remained in place. Arthur was not a damsel in distress and Merlin needed to show the omega that he knew that. That as his Alpha he was not going to be one of those assholes that held him down or held him back because of what he had been born as. “This is why omegas are better off as side pieces,” Balinor scoffed, Arthur’s expression darkening and Merlin growled deeply in response. “Give them too much and they think that they are worth more than what they are.”

“And what am I worth?” Arthur questioned his voice taking on a sweeter tone that conflicted with the almost murderous intent in his eyes.

“A knot warmer,” Balinor chuckling loudly, the music cutting out and all eyes were suddenly on the group. Merlin could hear the warning growls and desperate shouts of their group coming from all angles. Balinor really didn’t know what he was doing, he was surrounded by the people that loved and cherished Arthur most. “A cock slut and a breeding machine,” Balinor grinned closing in the gap between him and Arthur. It was taking an insane amount of Merlin’s self-control to force the Alpha to stay where he was. “We all know that.”

Arthur chuckled shaking his head, his eyes flickering over his shoulder briefly before he turned his attention back to the other Alpha. A proud arrogant smile was gracing Arthur’s face, one that Merlin had deemed affectionately his Prince Prat persona. “You got me,” Arthur held his hands out in front of me. “I love your son’s knot,” Arthur winked. “If I had my way I would be tied to it for the rest of my life,” Arthur’s voice became higher and he fluttered his eyelashes ridiculously. Merlin snarling at Arthur’s words hating the way the omega was referring to himself. “Trust me I know I am good for and what I am good at,” Arthur stepped closer to Balinor not seeming phased by the man’s snarls or warning pheromones that were being thrown towards the omega. “Do you want to know what happened to the last Alpha that spoke to me that way?” Arthur breathed out, his smile becoming predatory making Merlin chuckle crossing his own arms to his chest.

“Did you fuck him?”

“So much better,” Arthur cooed, there was only an inch between Balinor and Arthur by now. Arthur’s body shielding Merlin’s completely to which his inner Alpha was snarling and thrashing wanting to take control however Merlin wouldn’t allow it. Arthur reached out for Balinor’s arm, in a light touch. “I could show you if you would like?” Arthur whispered, Balinor licking his lips shamelessly roaming the length of Arthur’s body. Merlin was surprised that none of the other Alphas had tried to intervene by now, though he guessed this was probably due to their mates’ influences.

“See son, it doesn’t take much to make an omega purr.” Balinor chuckled lifting his free hand to go and stroke Arthur’s cheek.

This being his mistake.

Arthur’s smile morphed into a smirk. His right knee came crashing up into Balinor’s chest while his hand snapped the man’s wrist backwards. The echoing sound of the bone breaking making Merlin grimace. Balinor doubled over with a shout, falling to his knees with Arthur holding on tightly to the Alpha’s broken wrist. Arthur’s left foot stamped at Balinor’s leg, another sickening crunch floating around along with a sharp scream from the Alpha. Arthur dropped Balinor’s hand as the man doubled over in on himself upon the floor. Tears were streaming down his face, Merlin seeing the unnatural angle of both his hand and his leg. A sense of déjà vu from the time outside of the pub with Cenred floating to the forefront of Merlin’s mind.

Merlin held his right arm out and Arthur immediately melted into his side. Resting his head upon the Alpha’s shoulder with a smug grin on his face. Percival and Lancelot stepping up behind the broken form on the floor. Percival pulling Balinor to his feet by his broken wrist making the man cry and beg for mercy. Percival tightening his grip further pretending to have not heard the pleas. “Am I purring yet?” Arthur asked Merlin innocently, Merlin laughing whole heartedly feeling the love growing more and more for his strong omega. “If you come near my Alpha again, I will kill you,” Arthur warned, his amber eyes flashing his ill intent to which Balinor snarled.

“I will take you down for this!” Balinor screamed as he was being dragged out by Percival.

“I don’t know what you mean,” Arthur shrugged innocently.

“I didn’t see anything happen,” Merlin added.

“Nope me neither,” Lancelot agreed until the whole bar was shaking their heads or turning their backs pretending that nothing had indeed happened. Balinor continued to scream as Percival threw him outside. The crowd clapping and cheering at his departure.

Uther, Gwaine, Leon, Lancelot, Vivian, Morgana and Gwen all rounded on Merlin and Arthur. Arthur shrugging his shoulders. “What?” he declared innocently.

“Are you sure you aren’t hiding a knot down there om?” Vivian breathed out sounding like she had the wind taken out of her. “Because fuck me that was hot,” she chuckled fanning herself dramatically.

“Nope, all omega,” Arthur winked towards Merlin. “I thought this was meant to be a party?”

“Yes!” Gwaine hollered circling his hands over his mouth to project his voice. “Where the fuck is the music and the booze!”

Merlin grabbed Arthur’s shoulders turning the omega so that they could face one another. “You are…” Merlin shook his head seeing the cheeky grin on Arthur’s face.

“Handsome? Smart? Amazing? Sexy? Strong?” Arthur supplied biting his lip trying to act modest but failing spectacularly.

“A dollophead,” Merlin decided to go with pressing a fond kiss to Arthur’s forehead.

“Making things up again, are we?”

“For you, always.”

 

Chapter 4

Arthur downed the shot that was forced into his hands without thinking, the fourth or maybe fifth one in the last five minutes. He was perched on a bar stool with Morgana and Gwaine beside him, the two Alpha’s daring one another to see who could handle their drinks the best. Arthur not wanting to be outdone in the slightest barged his way into their drinking contest, his already drunken brain deciding that this was a brilliant idea. Morgana was smirking ordering another round while Gwaine was leaning on the bars edge with his head in his hands. Another round of shots had Gwaine’s face growing green until he held his hands out in conceit. Declaring the Pendragons as cheats and stumbling away towards the general vicinity of the toilet apparently. Arthur and Morgana grinning at the other downing their seventh or eight shot of the night, the sibling rivalry running strong. Arthur could feel his stomach protesting and his liver screaming at him but he didn’t care. The stubborn streak inside of him was fuelling his every movement.

“I’m impressed little brother,” Morgana scoffed tapping her nails against the wood of the bar waiting for the bartender to pay her attention. “Who would have thought you could hold your own against me?” she chuckled her voice slightly higher than normal, the aggressive Alpha tone becoming fonder than what she usually allowed herself to be. After all she had an image, she wanted to maintain.

“Pfff,” Arthur scoffed his words slurring. “With Uther as a father are you surprised?” he giggled to himself like it was the funniest joke he had ever said in his life. “To family,” he held up another glass that he didn’t remember getting. Swaying on the stool and smiling brightly at his sister who clinked her own drink to his. The ninth being a bitch to swallow, Arthur grimacing pausing for a second to allow his stomach to settle. His body was going to hate him tomorrow morning, as long as he was in one piece for their show in the evening, he would be fine. After all they were celebrating Gwaine and Vivian finally mating after all of this time. “How did we end up here Gana,” Arthur mused leaning forwards to rest his arm on the bar. His chin perching on the back of his hand. His stomach protesting louder and louder. “Like this,” he continued waggling his finger in the air like it was going to explain without him having to use too many words at this point.

“Luck,” Morgana chuckled her hand lifting to stroke through Arthur’s hair only to smack the omega on the back of the head instead where she staggered forwards in her stool. Arthur glaring at her without any real heat feeling the soppy drunken smile that was most likely on his face. “And good fate,” she winked her mouth crinkling down at the corners, her throat swallowing and the colour drained from her face. “And a shit ton of alcohol,” she declared pressing a finger to her lips for a second. “I…” she moved her hand away and leapt from the stool, sauntering over towards the toilet with an air of grace and decorum that only Morgana would be able to possess despite the amount of alcohol in her system. Arthur watching her go keeping his head lowered knowing that if he moved he was most likely to bring up the contents of his own stomach. He was the winner and winners didn’t barf.

Arthur allowed his eyes to roam around the club. Lancelot and Leon were grinding on each other upon the dance floor, the beat not appropriate to the kind of dancing they had chosen but it wasn’t stopping them. Vivian was chatting animatedly to Percival, who was doing his best statue impression. Arthur wondering whether the man ever took a day off at this rate, or even had a chance to let his non-existent hair down. Gwaine and Merlin were standing on the edge of the stage, their eyes scanning a piece of paper and the expressions on their faces showing that they were most defiently up to something. Merlin had shed his suit jacket, his shirt was unbuttoned further giving the omega a glorious sight of more of his skin on display, making Arthur’s mouth water and addled mind to conjure all manner of dirty thoughts. He wanted to touch and to claim. He wanted the Alpha completely and he still hadn’t understood why they had yet to mate. Merlin had said he had wanted it to be perfect but to Arthur just as long as they were together that was all that he cared about. He didn’t need a fancy big mating ritual or proposal like some omegas that he had known about. There was nothing in their way so why was the Alpha still holding back? Arthur would be heading back on tour again in less than a week…

The music died down and a screeching sound of a microphone being abused rung out, Arthur clenching his teeth together with the noise grating on his nerves. Slowly he lifted his head, blinking rapidly to clear the blurriness to his vision, his hand rubbing circles into his stomach praying that the liquid would stay down. Gwaine was standing upon the stage with Merlin beside him. Merlin’s smile was carefree and lopsided. His cheeks were red and his eyes were glassy showing that the Alpha too was probably as drunk or even worse than the omega. Arthur grinning at the thought. He loved that Merlin had been able to let go and have fun. After the almost year they have had they deserved it.

“What do you think they have planned?” Gwen’s voice called out from beside him. The other omega had pulled a chair out and was sitting directly next to Arthur. Her hand was on his knee while her other cradled her very pregnant stomach. Any day now she was due to give birth to Arthur’s nephew. The omega hoping that he was going to be around, he didn’t want to have to wait another three months before he could met the baby. The tour was beginning to sound less appealing the more he thought about it. “Arthur?” Gwen’s tone was gentle with her pheromones reflecting this. Arthur suddenly realising he had been staring at her stomach the whole time. Coughing he turned his eyes towards the stage where Gwaine and Merlin seemed to be having difficulty understanding how a microphone worked. Vivian cheering and calling out insults the whole time rather than helping. “It’s okay to still be upset,” Gwen reasoned squeezing his knee tightly. “I can’t imagine how it feels.” She added, Arthur feeling a lump forming at the back of his throat. “Have you spoken about it?” she asked. “With Merlin?”

“Not really,” Arthur readily admitted knowing he wouldn’t have if he had been mildly sober. “Nothing to say.”

“Bottling everything up and ignoring it isn’t healthy you know,” Gwen continued, Arthur’s eyes moving to stare into her own. She had a gentle smile on her face. Arthur slowly reached out and placed the palm of his hand on her stomach, his nephew kicking against it making the omega huff out a short laugh. “You know we are all here for you.”

“I know,” Arthur whispered sombrely. “I just don’t know what to say or how to feel,” he continued shrugging his shoulders and allowing his eyes to move back to his Alpha. Arthur’s hand moving away from Gwen’s bump seeing Merlin tracking his movements, his own easy smile slipping at the corners. “I let him down.”

“No, you never did.”

“He’s already lost one child before,” Arthur alluding to Freya’s miscarriage. “I never wanted him to go through that again.”

“It wasn’t your fault.”

“I should have done more.”

“Like what? Let Freya be the one that fell? We both know you are too good and noble at heart to have ever done that,” Gwen spoke gently like she was addressing a child and not a full grown twenty seven year old man. “What happened is not your fault and holding onto that blame will get you nowhere. Arthur, you have so much to give and I think it is time to forgive yourself.”

“Morgana really doesn’t deserve you,” Arthur changed the subject feeling the words hitting way too close to home for his drunken mind to make sense of. “What if…” he started to say pausing for a second growling under his breath at letting his vulnerabilities rise to the surface. Gwen stared at him patiently allowing him to have this second to compose himself. “Is that why we haven’t mated?” Arthur asked in a small voice, Gwen’s eyes glistening. “What if…”

“No, whatever you are thinking don’t, Merlin loves you. You didn’t see what he was like at the trial, he was not coming out of there with nothing less than a bond break all because he wants to be with you. He wouldn’t have gone through all of that if he didn’t think you were worth it. I’m sure he just has something spectacular planned and that is all. Remember he is an illusionist, they don’t do things normally,” Gwen soothed her hand carding through Arthur’s hair. Another screech of the microphone calling out along with Gwaine’s quick shout of joy. “Don’t sabotage this before it has even properly started or you will have a lot of people kicking your ass,” Gwen warned waggling her finger in front of his face. Arthur choking out a short laugh, leaning forwards he pressed a kiss to her cheek.

“Thanks Guinevere,” he beamed at the other omega, grateful that he had someone in his life who would understand. Someone who wouldn’t judge his instincts and someone who knew what it was like to be an omega and the baggage that came with it. Especially when this close to a heat. “You’re going to be an amazing mum.”

“And you are going to be an incredible dad one day,” Gwen replied back.

Arthur nodded his head turning away from her not trusting his words. The baby he had lost hadn’t been planned, it was unexpected and frightening but…never before had he realised how much he had wanted it. The whole domesticity thing. And this wasn’t just because he was an omega. No. This was Arthur himself speaking. The man that had insisted on never having a mate, on not wanting to go through the pain and heartache that he had seen throughout his life. Yet, that was all that he wanted. He wanted Merlin. He wanted a mate. He wanted a family. He could feel his heart yearning for this completion. Or maybe this was just his drunken mind reacting to his fantasies. Who knew.

A round of applause was filling the club startling Arthur out of his thoughts, along with Gwen nudging him in his side. Wide eyed he tried to grasp hold of understanding about what was happening. People were staring at him, Morgana was rolling her eyes and mouthing words that his blurry vision could not make out. Lancelot and Leon were cheering and Vivian was bouncing on the balls of her feet, bowing and blowing kisses at the audience. Arthur didn’t know whether to join in the clapping or to accept the praise. From the amused look on Merlin’s face, it was meant to be the latter. “Okay. Alright, simmer down we don’t want to let them get too big headed,” Gwaine chuckled his mischievous glint in his eye directed towards Arthur who really had no clue that was occurring. “In honour of our respected other halves,” Gwaine gestured between him and Merlin. “We have decided that they shouldn’t have all the fun.” Another microphone was handed to Merlin.

“Oh, please tell me this isn’t what I think it is,” Arthur groaned wishing he was drunker than what he was at the moment. And that was saying something. Gwen was laughing brightly beside him, her arm winding around his shoulders. Vivian had moved to the front of the stage, leaning across so that her ass was sticking out. Gwaine’s eyes upon it greedily. Lancelot and Leon both holding their phones out in front of them poised and waiting.

“I think it is,” Gwen giggled.

Music broke through the moment. A tune that Arthur immediately recognised, and one that made him want to thump his head harshly against the bar. Why. Out of all the choices they had why, why would they chose this song? Arthur glared dangerously at Merlin who was looking way too proud of himself. Gwaine grabbing at Lancelot and pulling him onto the stage who was spluttering and swearing. Leon retrieving his phone chuckling and calling out for his mate. “Let’s get down to business, to defeat the Huns!” Gwaine shouted completely out of tune and tone deaf. Arthur wincing. Merlin was swaddled in the middle with Gwaine and Lancelot beside him. The Alpha’s eyes upon Arthur.

“You’re the saddest bunch I have ever met, but you can bet before we’re through, mister I’ll make a man out of you!” Merlin sung loudly and badly. The Alpha really shouldn’t give up his illusionist work. Arthur slinking down in his seat placing his hand over his face and shaking his head at the second-hand embarrassment. The trio were taking it in turns to sing the lyrics, all as bad as the other. Vivian was loving every second, her eyes never leaving her mates. Leon was howling at Lancelot’s embarrassment.

Rolling his eyes Arthur pushed himself to his feet, striding through the growing crowd he came to a stop beside Vivian and Leon. The pair linking arms with him, all three sharing smirks at their mates and future mates’ antics. “Once, you find your centre, you are sure to wiiiiinnnnn!” Lancelot crowed, his voice cracking at the elongated note, Merlin laughing into the microphone with Gwaine trying to seriously continue on with the song.

“I’m never going to catch my breath!” Merlin sung out, moving to the edge of the stage, kneeling down so that he was directly in front of Arthur, the omega not liking the look on the Alpha’s face.

“Say goodbye to those who knew me!” Gwaine screamed into his microphone like he was channelling his inner heavy metal singer. Arthur grimacing at the tone lifting his hand to rub at his ear.

“Why was I a fool at school for cutting gym!” Lancelot and Gwaine moving to stand in front of their respected mates. Arthur, Vivian and Leon all sharing a single look. Lancelot placing his microphone in front of Leon’s mouth, his eyebrow arching inclining his head.

“This girl got him scared to death,” Leon reluctantly mumbled glaring daggers at his mate who was howling with his laughter.

“I hope he doesn’t see right through me!” Vivian grabbed Gwaine’s microphone, placing her hands over her mates. Gwaine grinning pulling her onto the stage with him holding her close to his body.

Arthur seeing Merlin’s look directed at him had him mentally swearing under his breath. He had thought that by him quitting his job at the school it had meant that he had gotten out of performing this song ever again. A fact that Merlin knew and had probably roped the rest of the Alpha’s into just to spite the omega. Merlin was a devious prick when he wanted to be. Groaning Arthur jumped up onto the stage to the rapturous applause thundering his way. Merlin’s arm hooking around his waist bringing him into the Alpha’s side and the microphone was shoved under his nose. “Now I only wished that I knew how to swimmmm,” Arthur held out the last note winking at Lancelot who was glaring at the omega. Leon was by now at his side though he looked like he wanted to be anywhere else but there. The three Alphas all holding onto their mates performing to a crowd who looked far from sober. A crowd made up of their loved ones and other exclusive celebrities that had been invited at Vivian’s insistence.

“Be a man!” the six of them sung at the same time. Merlin making Arthur hold the microphone exclusively, pushing the omega into the front of the group. Blowing a kiss towards the omega who blinked slowly at the sudden change. Everyone else was staring at him waiting. Huffing and rolling his eyes Arthur took up the mantle of the song.

“We must be swift as a coursing river.” Arthur sung out, knowing the words better than the back of his hand at this point. The others repeating be a man. “With all the force of a great typhoon…with all the strength of a raging fire…mysterious as the dark side of the mooonnnn.” Arthur bowed at the cheers throwing the microphone back at Merlin who let out a huff as he caught it. Rolling his eyes once more the omega leapt off of the stage, allowing the group to finish their little song. Flipping off Morgana who pressed her phone camera directly into his face, claiming how their socials were going to love this. What socials she meant he had no idea and probably didn’t want to know.

He strode back over to the bar suddenly feeling way more sober than what he wanted to be. Everyone was cheering and laughing at the bad singing that was still happening. Vivian taking it upon herself to finish the song, her own voice cracking with her amusement as Gwaine tried to harmonise, the Alpha most likely not even knowing what that meant. Arthur downing another three shots, wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. His mind whirling back to the school. He had loved his job. He had loved the feeling of helping the children and teaching them acceptance and love through the media of music. He had felt like he had had a purpose. Until Freya had taken that from him. Until it had all become too much for him to deal with. He had quit on the spot when Lancelot had accosted him one day not that he blamed the Alpha. He just couldn’t deal with it anymore.

He had turned his back on the children to pursue his own career and he couldn’t help but feel like maybe that had been a mistake. He really could have made a difference. He did make a difference especially when it came to the likes of Thomas. A newly presented omega whose mother and step father didn’t agree with his designation. Arthur had found him a place in a well-established omega house. He had made sure that he was safe though it had been a pain to find a bed. Most places being full. And others underfunded.

There was a lacking in the world.

Maybe that was it.

He had made a lot of money from the tour and the royalties he had earned through Creatures of Nightmare. Maybe it was time to do some good with it.

“Love?” a gentle hand on his chin had the omega blinking out of his thoughts. His eyes meeting Merlin’s who was staring at him with concern on his face. “Too much?” the Alpha gestured over his shoulder towards the stage. “I’m sorry I thought…”

“No, it was fine.”

“Tell your face that.”

“I’m drunk.”

“So am I,” Merlin chuckled. “But I don’t look like someone kicked their puppy.”

“I don’t have a puppy,” Arthur responded licking at his lips, wincing at the feeling of nausea was starting to bubble back in his stomach. “We should get a dog.”

“What’s wrong?” Merlin asked again ignoring Arthur’s subject change. His finger lovingly trailing Arthur’s cheekbone.

“Nothing, just thinking,” Arthur could see the glint in Merlin’s eye. “Shut up,” he grumbled, Merlin laughing in response. “Can we go home?”

Merlin nodded his head reaching for Arthur’s hand, entwining their fingers the omega staggered to his feet, becoming less than steady with the three extra drinks he did not need in his system. Merlin attempting to support his body weight though at this point they were just the drunk leading the drunker.

Laughing together with Percival practically carrying the pair, they headed to the car.

Arthur’s thoughts turning once more to his future.

Chapter 5

The pounding in his head had its own pounding. His throat was dry and his chest felt heavy. His whole body was led and didn’t want to move. His eyelids felt like they were glued together and as awakening crept up on Merlin memories of the night before were hazy. There had been a lot of drinks…dancing…he remembered grinding up against Arthur before Gwaine had pulled him away…was there singing? Groaning Merlin allowed his eyes to open to slits before fully forcing them apart. The heat and weight he had expected to be beside him wasn’t there and if it wasn’t for the retching he could hear in the toilet he would start to worry. He didn’t even remember coming back to their nest last night. Turning his head to the side he tapped at his phone. It was ten in the morning meaning that he should have been out of bed two hours ago. He had an interview to plan for and meetings he had to attend too. But instead he had gotten so drunk last night that he barely remembered what had happened. Listening to Arthur spilling out his guts probably meant that the omega wouldn’t have much insight either.

Stretching out his legs he winced at the pain that shot through his muscles. His hands grasping at the duvet he peered down at himself. He was completely naked apparently, well he had his boxers around his knees and his half hard cock was standing to attention at the friction the sheets were providing. Frowning he tried to think back to what had happened as soon as they had come back to the nest. Something about a dog? Or did he make that up? Everything was a blur. His phone sung loudly beside him making him groan deeply. Grabbing at Arthur’s pillow he placed this over his head as his hands desperately batted at the offending item trying to make it stop. Knowing full well that it was most likely Morgana who would make his life a living hell for ignoring her however right now he couldn’t care less. Eventually his phone stopped, sighing he moved the pillow to cover only half of his face, the other half staring at the now opened bathroom door.

Arthur was glaring at the Alpha. His skin was pale and his hands were trembling. His face was streaked in red where he had been throwing up and his eyes were glassy. His fringe was sticking up at the front and the rest of his blond hair was mused where he had just gotten out of bed. The omega too was completely naked, upon his shoulder blade there was a dark bruise suspiciously the shape of Merlin’s mouth. He hoped it was his mouth and not anyone else’s. That was not a thought that he needed to enter his mind. A deep scratch was down his chest and the omega was shifting from side to side wincing with the movement, Arthur glaring the whole time at Merlin as he made his way back over to the bed. Gently lowering his body down onto the mattress. His face burying directly into the sheet, his ass on glorious view where he was lying on his stomach. Arthur groaning and whining, the sound going straight to Merlin’s cock. The Alpha feeling his libido responding despite the hangover that was flowing through him.

Merlin threw the pillow down onto the floor, making the insane effort to sit up in bed, folding the duvet down to allow himself freedom. The whole time Arthur hadn’t moved. His groans and curses under his breath the only signs that he was still awake. Merlin’s head was pounding and he could feel his own stomach protesting. The subtle smell of vomit floating out of the bathroom not actually helping the Alpha to keep control. Reaching for his magic the Alpha called it forth to soothe and push away the lingering effects of the alcohol. Biting his lip at the relief that flooded through his body, his eyes straying back to the tempting and tantalising form of the omega. Arthur’s ass sticking up in the air was way too enticing a sight for Merlin to ignore.

Silently Merlin moved his weight once more, Arthur snarling under his breath, burying his face further into the bed until Merlin was worried that the omega wouldn’t be able to breathe. Merlin leaned over Arthur, his knees knocking into Arthur’s forcing the man to spread his legs. Which was met with more groans and resistance. His hands rubbed soothing circles up along the back of Arthur’s thighs, down to his ass cheeks and further down to the start of his channel. Merlin seeing the various bite marks and bruises upon Arthur’s skin that he did not remember putting there. A perfect imprint of his teeth upon Arthur’s right ass cheek, Merlin chuckling with his finger running along it. Arthur hissing at the same time. His asshole was red and looked slightly inflamed, feeling sorry for the omega he leaned down and pressed gentle kisses to his skin. From what it looked like their drunken minds had decided that sex was a brilliant idea. Merlin thinking that he hadn’t quite made it to Arthur’s omega channel by the looks of his asshole.

Summoning his magic to the surface he allowed this to run out along Arthur. Curling towards his reddened skin and repairing the damage that was present. Arthur sighing gratefully, his head turning to the side to show a slither of his blue eyes. Merlin’s hands massaging Arthur’s perfect ass, the omega huffing and complaining to himself not that the alpha was listening in the slightest. The Alpha biting his lip had his hands trailing down further. His left-hand hooking underneath Arthur’s knees, the omega complying with his movements until he had Arthur on all fours. His channel being presented towards the Alpha. Merlin licking his lips at the sight he was greeted with. Arthur’s head was hanging down towards his chest, his eyes staring at the Alpha. There was a flushed sheen to his skin and his scent was calling out to the Alpha. He was on the verge of his heat. Another day and it would be here.

Merlin paused for a second, tilting his head to the side. “Do you trust me?” he called out into the silence that was hanging over them. His hands lovingly stroking over Arthur’s spine, his back, his thighs down to his ass and back up again. The omega trembling in his grasp. Merlin’s magic spreading throughout Arthur pushing away the hangover and the sickness that was plaguing the omega before hesitating over Arthur’s skin. “Do you?” he asked again when his previous question hadn’t been answered. Merlin’s finger circling Arthur’s omega channel, a small amount of slick meeting his movements. Arthur’s scent increasing, flooding around the Alpha threatening to drag them both under.

“What kind of question is that?” Arthur huffed out moving his body down so that he could rest on his elbows, his back arching perfectly. Merlin not able to resist dipping his tongue into the curve of Arthur’s spine. Arthur groaning at the movement. Merlin’s hands massaging Arthur’s muscles feeling the omega completely relaxing into his touch. The Alpha smiling brightly. “You know I do,” Arthur added after another moment of silence. “Why?”

“Do you think Vivian can do without you?” Merlin asked instead of answering.

“Why?”

Merlin chuckled. “Do you?”

“Why are you asking so many questions?” Arthur growled making to move however Merlin’s grip on his hips kept him in place. “Merlin?!” the omega snarled out his eyes staring over his shoulder to glare at the Alpha though there was no heat in the look. Merlin’s finger went back to Arthur’s channel, teasing and slowly circling his entrance but not breaching. The omega was keening and threatening bodily harm that Merlin knew was an empty promise. He loved being able to make Arthur lose his mind easily. He knew all the ways to push the omega over the edge and ways to keep him hanging there. “Merlin!” the omega tone was clear in his voice. “Stop teasing.” Arthur grumbled biting his lip. Merlin’s finger slowly pressing in until it was up to his knuckle, not moving further. “Yes probably!” Arthur finally replied his eyes going from blue to amber and back again. His pheromones were picking up in pace with Merlin’s magic constricting around it for the moment.

“Good because I don’t think I can wait another day,” Merlin grinned hearing Arthur’s breath hitching. “I want you now, my love, I want you begging for my knot, I want you until all you can think of is my name. What do you think?” Merlin blinked innocently, moving his finger to the side feeling a wave of slick coating it, dripping down onto his hand. Arthur’s eyes were wide and his mouth was hanging open. “Birth control?” Merlin deepened his finger, Arthur sighing moving his hips backwards to accommodate the intrusion.

“Took…it…early…in…case,” Arthur’s voice came out shaky and breathless.

Merlin nodded his head, pushing down the pang of sadness at the thought of not being able to breed his love at this time. They both needed to think seriously about this before they had another accidental pregnancy. There was still a lot to sort out before they would be ready to be parents. First things first they needed to mate. Not during a heat however, he wanted Arthur to be of sound mind and fully able to consent. Another reason for bringing everything forward. They had put their relationship on hold for life many a times it was about time life done the same for them. “Are you ready?” Merlin asked wanting to make sure that Arthur was comfortable. He added another finger into Arthur’s channel merely holding them inside of his love. Not moving and not giving the omega a chance to move. He was in control and he wanted to show his future mate that he could be every inch an Alpha that was expected of him. And that sometimes Arthur should just allow himself to be the omega, at least with Merlin. “Do you want this now?” he added.

Arthur’s skin was heating under his touch. His magic bringing forth Arthur’s pheromones and sweetening his scent. He could feel Arthur’s hormones responding in kind, racing through the omega’s body rapidly. Arthur’s eyes were becoming glassy and his mouth was still open. He looked confused, shocked and aroused all at the same time. Moving his body so that he was now back to all fours. His ass jutting out further presenting to the Alpha in a typical omega move, that made Merlin’s heart swell. “I need to hear you say it,” Merlin said his free hand stroking the inside of Arthur’s thigh which by now was dripping in his slick. “Do you want this?”

Arthur groaned deeply, his eyes locking onto Merlin’s over his shoulder. The desire and the need oozing out of the look making Merlin’s cock twitch in desperate interest. Arthur was gorgeous but there was something special about him in heat. “Please,” Arthur breathed out moving backwards trying to chase the sensation of the fingers. Merlin pulling them out of the omega who whined deeply. “Please, Alpha.” Merlin moaned at the words. Nodding his head, he allowed his magic to pull at the last vestiges of Arthur’s hormones. Pushing his heat to the surface.

“Oh my God,” Arthur’s voice sounded wrecked. His body shuddered at the same time a long stream of cum erupted out of his cock down onto the sheets below him. Sweat dripped down his shoulder blades as his muscles constricted with his movements. Merlin watching with surprise at the omega’s sudden orgasm. Arthur’s scent became sweet and he projected his pheromones around him. Merlin’s mind becoming hazy with the alluring smell washing over him tugging at his own control. “Alpha.” Arthur whined low in his throat; his eyes had become completely hazy by now showing that he was gripped deep in the throes of his heat. Merlin lovingly leaned forward to stroke at Arthur’s red-tinged heated cheeks.

“I got you, omega,” Merlin responded moving so that he could spread Arthur’s legs once more. The omega following his silent command with not an ounce of hesitation. His left hand holding onto Arthur’s waist while his right was back at his channel. The slick was dripping at a fast rate out of the omega. The smell making Merlin’s mouth water. Pressing his index finger back in, the omega sighing at the intrusion, the Alpha leaned his mouth over the channel. His tongue slipping in beside his finger. Arthur moaning loudly bucking his hips in surprise. Arthur’s legs trembling with Merlin’s left hand stroking over his muscles. Merlin’s tongue and finger working in tandem to twist and twirl around the omega’s channel. Pulling his tongue out he added another two fingers, Arthur taking three at this point before putting his tongue back in. His fingers deepening, crooking to find that bundle of nerves inside Arthur’s channel that would drive the omega to the edge. Arthur’s whole body arched upwards, his cock was hard and straining against his stomach as his hips bucked in the air. His arms were shaking where he was trying to hold his weight.

Merlin’s magic spiralling out across Arthur’s muscles supporting and holding his love in place. Arthur’s pure amber eyes stared up at Merlin where he was hanging his head once more. His hair was plastered to the top of his head with his sweat. He was the perfect image of debauchery and no matter how many times he would see this sight in his life he knew that he would never get enough if it. How could anyone look at an omega in heat and think of them as anything less than a god. Arthur had complete control over Merlin and Merlin knew that there was nothing he wouldn’t do for the man that owned his heart. Even in moments like this, in heat, Arthur had all the power.

Merlin’s fingers crooked further, Arthur letting out a long moan. Arthur’s slick exploding across his tongue at the same time a gush of his cum squirted into Merlin’s mouth. Arthur internally orgasming. Arthur was panting and shouting out words that sounded like Merlin’s name. His whole body was flushed with his desire. His pheromones were strong and heady making Merlin lose his own mind. His inner Alpha preening and jumping at the chance to be with his true mate. Keeping some semblance of control just to make sure that he didn’t actually ruin his plans with the mating.

He withdrew his fingers and his tongue, Arthur’s entrance fluttering around the air, he could feel the omega’s growing need. Tapping at Arthur’s legs he turned the omega, Merlin lying down on the bed with Arthur straddling his thighs. Arthur’s eyes were wide and his whole being was one of completely desire and arousal. His coherent thought long since left by the looks on his face. Merlin cupping his chin and softly stroking his cheek showing that he was there for him. Merlin’s right hand grasping the base of his dick, Arthur’s eyes flying down to the appendage, the pure look of want on Arthur’s face was almost enough to make the Alpha blow his load prematurely. “It’s yours,” Merlin breathed moving his dick from side to side, the omega watching intently licking his lips.

Arthur moved down Merlin’s hips making the Alpha frown. Instead of his dick being engulfed in the tight heat of Arthur’s channel the omega lowered his mouth down. Taking the whole of the Alpha’s cock into his mouth in one movement. Merlin shouting, his hips snapping up out of their own accord with Arthur swallowing around this movement, hollowing his cheeks. “Fuck Arthur, you’re so perfect,” Merlin’s Alpha voice boomed out, the omega smiling around Merlin’s cock. Humming lightly at the praise, a purr erupting out of his chest. The combined vibrations slowly driving Merlin insane. Arthur’s tongue swirled at Merlin’s slit. His left hand fondling the Alpha’s balls while his left probed and poked at the swelling knot. Merlin needing more. Wanting more. He was barely being able to control the inner urge to throw the omega down and pound into him relentlessly. He wanted to take, he wanted to mate and he wanted to breed this perfect specimen of an omega. How Arthur was made for him he had no idea. “I won’t last if you continue,” Merlin warned breathlessly. Arthur tapping at his side before pulling off his cock with a pop. His hand moving away from his balls though his other teased further at the knot, making it swell further. Merlin frowning down at the omega confused at what his intentions had been.

Arthur had a wicked grin on his face. His hips shifting so that his channel was hovering over Merlin’s engorged cock and knot. The Alpha feeling breathless at the thought that over took him. There was no way Arthur was going to be able to get that inside of him in one. They had never done this like this before. Arthur’s right hand slapped away Merlin’s. A sharp glare keeping the Alpha rooted on the spot. He watched as the omega stared down at Merlin’s cock. Slowly he lowered his knees down. The entrance of his channel sitting at the tip of Merlin’s cock. Wiggling his hips the omega pushed down, Merlin slipping inside the wet heat letting out a groan at the feeling of Arthur around him. Sinking further down Arthur paused at the knot that was painfully throbbing beginning for its release. Merlin knowing for a fact that he was not going to last at all. Arthur’s right hand grasped Merlin’s knot. Lifting it up he forced the start of it to press at his own entrance. Swivelling his hips from side to side he worked it inside of himself. Until all of a sudden Merlin was completely inside of the omega with a soft pop. His knot locking instantly, his dick releasing a steady stream of cum deep into Arthur.

Merlin rose his body up. His left arm winding around Arthur’s waist and his right hand tangling in the blond hair. Pulling Arthur forward their lips crashing against one another. Merlin continuing to cum inside of Arthur and probably would be for a while.

Holding the omega in his arms, life couldn’t be more perfect than this.

“OH MY GOD WHAT THE FUCK!” an insane screech brought the pair apart. Merlin peering over Arthur’s shoulder. Morgana was standing at the entrance to the bedroom, her hands were plastered over her eyes and curses were falling from her mouth. Merlin snarled and growled at the other Alpha scent that was filling the room. His arms tightening further around Arthur, his hips snapping up, his cock hitting Arthur’s omega spot, the omega not being able to supress the groan. Merlin still cumming surprised at the amount that he had in him. “PLEASE WARN SOMEONE NEXT TIME, WE THOUGHT SOMETHING HAD HAPPENED!” Morgana still kept her hand over her eyes. “I WILL NEVER UNSEE THIS.”

“Gana,” Arthur’s voice was wrecked. “Fuck off.”

Merlin’s growled turned into a deep laugh, shifting his hips striking at those nerves inside of the omega once more. The pair’s eyes boring into one another not caring about the fact that they were basically caught having sex by Arthur’s sister. Too lost in the sensations and hormones that were flooding around them. “If you don’t want to see anything I would suggest you leave,” Merlin grinned rocking up into Arthur, Arthur moving downwards to meet the movements.

“I’ll just cancel everything,” Morgana rushed out, the sound of her heels clacking on the floor fading away.

The Alpha and omega laughing. Arthur resting his head on Merlin’s shoulder as the Alpha lazily moved inside of the omega, finishing the last of his cum.

Yeah, nothing more perfect than this.

Chapter 6

Arthur stared down at the sleeping Alpha, his hands wondering over Merlin’s cock slowly teasing it to full hardness. The heat was still seeping out of the omega despite the fact that they had been going at it for three full days now. This cycle was proving to be relentless, overpowering and completely incredible making Arthur think that his last heat was so short due to the fact that he had gotten pregnant. He had completely missed the ending of the London tours and most likely would not be able to make it to the airport in time for the next leg in Europe, however a part of him didn’t care. Now that he could have Merlin, he didn’t want to be apart from the Alpha for any longer than what was necessary, besides he needed time to think about what it was that he really wanted. Touring around the world had been incredible but…he didn’t know if that was what was in his heart. Performing and music was in his blood he knew that but he also knew that he needed to be honest with who he was. He was an omega and he needed to make sure that he didn’t ignore his basic needs anymore. He had proved time and time again that he had his independence and that he didn’t need an Alpha. He needed to get used to having one around and learning how to deal with this new balance in his life when they finally mated. There was a lot more to their journey to come, he could feel it.

Right now, however all he wanted was the Alpha’s knot.

Arthur bit his lip to stop the whine from escaping not actually wanting to wake Merlin just yet. The Alpha having had barely any sleep since Arthur’s heat had started, well Merlin had kickstarted it early. Arthur wondered if that was what had happened the first time. Had the Alpha been so impatient to spend Arthur’s heat together that his magic had decided to take what he wanted. Merlin’s whole act was to grant people’s wishes and dreams, had his magic pandered to his own? Knowing the Alpha Arthur would not be surprised in the slightest. He had always been so regular before he had met Merlin.

Merlin’s cock was standing fully to attention, the Alpha snuffling in his sleep with his hips lifting into the air. Arthur pausing checking that the Alpha hadn’t awoken. Grinning Arthur shimmed his body down Merlin’s legs to position his channel once more over the Alpha’s dick. Not allowing it to enter he rubbed his entrance over the helmet of the Alpha. He could feel his slick dripping down onto Merlin, coating the Alpha in his sleep. Merlin mumbling under his breath trying to turn to his side, Arthur’s left hand pressed into his chest holding him into place firmly. The need and desire coiling fiercely inside of Arthur making the omega bite back another moan. He could feel his skin heating and the sweat dripping off of his back. His whole body was tingling and alive in ways he had never felt before. His inner omega seeming to realise that its true mate was ripe and ready for Arthur to take. Yet still the Alpha had not mated the omega. If there ever was a perfect time it was when an omega was in heat. Something was making Merlin hold back and Arthur just wished that he knew what it was. The insecure part of his mind needing to stop making its comments and causing anxiety to rise. Gwen was right Merlin wouldn’t have bothered to go through the whole bond breaking process if he didn’t intend for them to be together.

Arthur pushed himself out of his thoughts fiercely. His hand wrapped around the base of Merlin’s dick, lowering down he allowed just the mere tip to breach him. Breathing deeply his eyes falling onto the still sleeping form of the Alpha, smiling fondly down at the man. He rotated his hips, his slick gushing down the length of the Alpha. Merlin’s nose twitching in his sleep with his face scrunching in response. The Alpha’s right hand moving down lazily to scratch at his stomach, his fingers stilling as his skin came into contact with Arthur’s thigh. Arthur allowing a little more of Merlin’s cock to push inside of him. Sinking down inch by inch, the pace torturous for him but he was enjoying the game. Merlin’s cock pulsing inside of Arthur had a moan tumble out of his lips. Arthur’s hand moving out of the way so that he could fully seat himself on the Alpha. His hips shifting at the welcome intrusion, his inner omega screaming and cooing at the full feeling that was flowing through him. Merlin whined low in his throat, his head moving to the side and his eyes opening to mere slits. At the same time his hips bucked, thrusting into Arthur striking at that amazing bundle of nerves deep inside of him. Arthur groaned throwing his head back so that his eyes connected with the ceiling. His hands pressing down on Merlin’s waist as he lifted himself up so that only the tip of Merlin’s cock was inside of him.

Merlin was blinking awake a slow sensuous smile was on his face.

Arthur slammed down, the Alpha and omega groaning in unison. Merlin’s hands moving to Arthur’s hips, his grip tight and bruising adding to the many marks that were now littering his skin. Apart from the one that mattered…no…he was not going down that road…he refused. Merlin’s cock pulsed with Arthur bearing down around it, squeezing his inner muscles in the way that he knew Merlin loved and hated at the same time. The Alpha letting out a low whine which then turned into a possessive growl. Merlin’s hands upon Arthur’s waist were all the warning the omega was afforded. Suddenly he was lifted up, his legs locking around Merlin’s waist, the Alpha slamming his back into the nearest wall. Not caring that he knocked off whatever picture had been hanging there. The glass shattering against the floor.

Merlin’s lips on Arthur’s in a punishing kiss. His teeth nibbling on Arthur’s bottom lip, the Alpha’s knee being pressed against the wall supporting the omega’s weight. Arthur surprised at the show of strength that Merlin was giving right now, the man giving way to the Alpha. Arthur’s omega preening at the attention and at the display. Trying not to let this show Arthur deepened the desperate kiss not being able to get enough of the Alpha. His brain was slowly turning to mush until the only coherent thought he could hold onto was the need to knot. He needed Merlin’s knot. He needed his Alpha. Whining low under his breath Arthur’s nails scratched at Merlin’s back giving his hint. Merlin chuckling into the kiss pulled away. His red eyes boring into Arthur’s amber. His hand stroking Arthur’s hair away from his face, his smile was both predatory and fond at the same time which was a feat.

Arthur whined once more making the Alpha move. Snapping his hips forwards Merlin began to set a bruising pace, one that Arthur was most defiently going to feel for a few days. He met every movement, taking everything that his Alpha was offering with loud moans. “Alpha please,” he whined needing and wanting more. He needed to be knotted. He needed to be bred. He wanted his mate. “Please, I need you.” He continued not in control over his words or his thoughts at the moment. His heat was fuelling his entire being and he didn’t care. “Please, mate me!” he cried out shuddering at the intense pleasure rolling through him as his omega spot was hit constantly. His cock was trapped between their bodies. Pressed against his stomach, straining with the need to cum. He could feel the pressure lower in his body knowing that internally he was close. Merlin pressed kisses to his forehead, his eyes, then his cheeks and then back at his mouth. Shifting Arthur’s weight so that the Alpha could wrap his hand around the omega’s cock. Arthur sobbing at the sweet relief. His whole-body shuddering and clenching around Merlin’s cock as he could feel his internal muscles contracting. Letting out a loud shout he cummed both internally and externally at the same time. Liquid cum dripping out onto Merlin’s cock and his penile cum spilling into Merlin’s hand.

Merlin snarling nuzzled his nose into Arthur’s scent gland, tilting his head to the side almost begging the Alpha to take. He wanted it. He needed it. There was nothing to get in their way anymore of them being together the way that fate had wanted them to be. Instead of a mating bite the Alpha sucked a deep mark into the omega’s skin. Arthur whining at the lack of contact that he wanted. His head addled brain not understanding what he had done to make his Alpha shirk him so.

Merlin’s cock continued to pump inside of the omega. Hitting his spot over and over again. Arthur’s eyes rolling into the back of his head at the overstimulation that was verging on the edge of being painful. His own cock filling with half interest though he would be surprised if he had any left at this rate. Finally, he could feel Merlin’s knot inflating. With a harsh push the knot was forced inside of Arthur. Merlin’s seed filling him once more, if he hadn’t been on birth control there would have been no doubt that he would be pregnant once more. He had never known an Alpha to have so much seed as Merlin, a fact that he was sure would go straight to his head if Arthur ever told him.

Coming down from his high, Merlin gently carried Arthur over to the bed once more. Merlin lying down on his back with Arthur on top of him. The omega curling into the Alpha’s chest allowing his own nose to nuzzle at Merlin’s scent gland. His teeth itching to bite down and claim. His whole body was calling out for his mate and he knew that his pheromones would be reflecting that need. “Soon,” Merlin soothed a loving hand carding through his hair. “I promise you.”

“Why not now?” Arthur asked his voice sounding small and unsure to his own ears.

“Oh, my beautiful omega,” Merlin cooed turning Arthur’s head so that their eyes could meet. “You don’t know how hard it is for me to not claim you straight away.”

“Then why didn’t you?” Arthur could feel his anger starting to surge, his normal instincts pushing through the last remaining dredges of his heat, finally feeling like it was breaking. “I have waited for months for you.”

“I know.”

“Have I done something wrong?”

“No, never.”

“Am I not good enough? Is that it?”

“No Arthur.”

“Is it because I lost…”

Merlin’s eyes flashed the deepest red Arthur had ever seen before making the words die sharply in his throat. Flaring his nostrils, he moved his head to the side to show that he submitted really not liking the look of pure anger and power on the Alpha’s face. Merlin’s eyes widening at Arthur’s automatic response, growling under his breath the Alpha cupped Arthur’s cheek, holding their eye contact. “Never, ever submit to anyone,” Merlin hissed out. “You should be the one worshipped,” Merlin added the anger still evident making the omega swallow around a lump that was forming in his throat. He shifted his weight wanting to put some space between them but Merlin’s knot was still spilling inside of him, meaning that they had a while locked together still. “What happened is not your fault, I don’t want you to ever think that,” Merlin seethed shaking his head with a single tear rolling down his cheek. “I don’t blame you, so please don’t blame yourself.”

Arthur lowered his eyes staring down at their stomachs, his eyes roaming to where they were locked together, his lips pursing in thought. He always was his own harshest critic, never good enough for anyone or anything. He had spent most of his life trying to please and help others that he always forgot about himself. The one time he did, with the tour, he felt like he wasn’t supposed to be there. That he had to be back with the people that he loved. It was a habit that was inbuilt in Arthur and had been there since his mother died. She had been his rock and the rock of the family, Arthur feeling like he had to take her place. So, he did. Now that they didn’t need him as much, he was beginning to feel lost…and unloved he supposed. Leon and Lancelot had each other. Gwaine had Vivian. Morgana had Gwen. Even his father was doing better by himself. And now…now with Merlin not mating him it felt like the Alpha too was on the band wagon of not needing Arthur. Soon he would become obsolete. The little omega who had been the centre of people’s worlds fading away into the background. That was his lot in life then he would have to accept it. He would not drag anyone down with him.

Merlin’s hands on his cheeks had the omega startling.

Merlin’s tearful and worried eyes bored into his own, the omega realising that he had been full blown sobbing without even knowing. All of his hormones and his emotions had flooded to the surface in a moment of vulnerability and he didn’t know how to rein them back in. He didn’t do this. He wasn’t the one to break down and give in. “You know that none of that is true,” Merlin whispered, Arthur blinking slowly coming to terms with the fact that apparently, he had spoken his thoughts out loud. Damn his heats and his hormones. “My love, without you none of them would have found each other,” Merlin’s fingers gently trailed across his cheeks. “You will always be the glue that holds us together, you are my rock and the other half to my soul and I am sorry that I have made you feel differently. I want our mating to be special. With Freya it was quick and unexpected but I don’t want that with you. Arthur, you mean so much to me that I want to do this right but if that is not what you want then we can do this now.” Merlin smiled softly. “All that matters to me is that you are happy.” Merlin wiped away at another tear that had fallen. “All I want is you.”

“Sorry,” Arthur sniffled wiping a hand across his face and closing his eyes for a moment trying to regain control of himself. “Hormones,” he shrugged his shoulders trying to deny and brush off his feelings like he had taught himself when his mother had died. He hadn’t had time to mourn and since then he had repressed what he could.

“Don’t push me away,” Merlin grabbed at Arthur’s hands linking their fingers. “Not me.”

“It’s hard,” Arthur admitted. “I’ve never been in this position before,” Arthur breathed out deeply. “I’m not sure I know how to be the omega that you need of me.”

“All I need is you, as you are. I don’t want a perfect omega, I don’t want anyone else apart from you Arthur Pendragon,” Merlin interrupted. “I want to spend the rest of my life showing you this, to try and be half the Alpha that you deserve.”

Arthur smiled softly. “I guess we both have work to do.”

“For the rest of our lives,” Merlin agreed. “I’m never letting you go.”

Arthur leaned down capturing the Alpha’s lips in a sweet kiss. Pouring his love and his promises into the gesture. Vocalising words that he wasn’t sure how to say hoping that the Alpha would understand. The two of them had a lot to learn about being mates and when the time comes, he knew that it was going to a journey they would take on together.

Arthur pulled away feeling Merlin’s cock thickening once more in his channel. He arched his eyebrow incredulously, Merlin smirking. “One more?”

Chapter 7

Arthur’s heat had been an intense six days of making love and spending wrapped around each other. Double the time of his last one however Merlin didn’t mind. In that time, they had managed to talk to each other to clear the air. He had never realised Arthur’s insecurities had run that deep, that he had been scared of being left behind when everyone else moved on with their lives. He knew that the omega was emotionally repressed and had done this as a coping mechanism for years. The depths it went too, that was what was truly shocking and saddening for the Alpha. To have been given a glimpse, an insight into Arthur’s thoughts had been a blessing and a curse at the same time. Now it made the Alpha even more determined to perfect his plan. To show Arthur that he was forever and not just for now. He just needed to do this one last thing beforehand and then they would be free.

“How much longer?” Arthur groaned for the hundredth time.

“Stop being an impatient prat,” Merlin responded huffing out a breath as he indicated off the main road to turn down a residential area. Sprawling mansions surrounded them, spanning higher and higher the closer to the centre they got. Merlin barely being able to contain his excitement. His hands twisting on the steering wheel shooting constant looks to the omega in the passenger seat. Arthur was sitting with his arms crossed. His lips were downturned in a scowl with his cheeks constantly moving trying to dislodge the blindfold that Merlin had put into place before they had gotten into the car. “Leave it alone!” Merlin growled channelling a small amount of his Alpha influence, Arthur’s motions stalling at his almost command. A hissed curse uttering under his breath to which Merlin rolled his eyes at. “Have some patience,” he admonished taking a right following a single path. His heart pounding in his chest knowing that they were almost there. This surprise had been months in the making, secret meetings and phone calls when the omega wasn’t around. A surprise that he had been planning to show the omega once he had finished up the tour but due to his extended heat Arthur had decided to stay in Camelot. Vivian hadn’t been too happy about it but she understood, Gwaine going with her to finish the last three months. The beta claiming that Arthur owed her.

Merlin was happy to have his omega home but something inside of Arthur had changed. He could tell that the omega was at a loss and he wanted to do everything he could to help him find his way. He was an amazing musician, incredible singer, talented writer and composer. He really didn’t want to see the omega give up his dreams not when he had only just started. Not when it was a part of Ygraine’s legacy. Another chat they would have to have it would seem.

Merlin slowed the car to a stop. Pulling up the handbrake and making sure that it was in neutral before he cut the engine. Turning to the side he stared at Arthur for a second, taking in the image of the omega in the blindfold. The bright afternoon sun bearing down on his golden hair making it shine bright. Merlin’s heart constricting in his chest with all the love he had blooming. Reluctantly he tore his eyes away, unlocking his seatbelt he opened his car door moving over to the passenger side to help Arthur out. Arthur grumbling the whole-time which Merlin chose to ignore.

Merlin slipped Arthur’s arm in his, holding the omega tight to his side making sure that the blindfold was still in place. Walking forwards he bit back a grin, positioning Arthur where he wanted him. Nodding to himself he pulled his arm free and took a step to the side. His hands plunging into the depths of his brown jacket as he rocked back and forth on his heels. He stared for a moment longer, taking in the beauty that was the omega, seeing that Arthur was becoming even more impatient. He was muttering under his breath; his foot was tapping and his hands were twitching upwards towards the blindfold. The Alpha was impressed Arthur had kept it in place for as long as he had at this rate. Knowing that he had seconds left before Arthur took matter in his own hands, Merlin stepped up behind the omega. Arthur’s breath hitching as Merlin’s hands reached for the back of his head. His hands caressing Arthur’s cheek at the same time his fingers pulled the knot free of the blindfold. Pulling the fabric down, freeing Arthur’s eyes.

The omega blinked a few times in the light trying to adjust. Squinting suspiciously, a small calculated frown on his face with his eyes lingering on what was in front of them. Merlin had driven them half an hour in the opposite direction to his den. To the outskirts of Camelot and Central London. The lesser populated area though this was mostly due to the cost of property in this part and the exclusivity of the people that lived here. Arthur’s lips were pursed, his confusion was evident. “Merlin?”

“Yes.”

“Why am I looking at a mansion?”

“It’s not a mansion…”

“How many floors?”

“Just…four.”

“Mmhm,” Arthur mused raising an eyebrow. “How many normal houses do you know to have four floors?”

“Plenty.”

“Name one that you know of.”

“I…” Merlin trailed off growling under his breath, Arthur never reacted in the ways that he expected. Something that infuriated and infatuated the Alpha with the omega. “Uther’s.” Merlin declared after another minute of silence, Arthur’s eyebrow rising higher.

“Right, because my father is defiently the right definition of normal,” Arthur shook his head running a hand across his face. The omega had a couple of days’ worth of stubble on his cheek where he had yet to shave, making him look older than his twenty-seven years of age. Merlin constantly forgetting the fact that there was actually six years between the pair, sometimes it felt like the other way round with the weight that had been burdening Arthur the past couple of months. He knew that they both would be carrying their loss with them for the rest of their lives though Merlin refused to let them dwell in the past. Which was one of the reasons why they were here today. A new start. A clean break. “Why are we here?”

Merlin rolled his eyes, wrapping his arms around Arthur’s waist and resting his chin on his shoulder, forcing their eyes to stare up at the house before them. Okay, so maybe it was maybe only slightly a mansion. The exterior was a mix of white stone and red brick giving it more of a cottage exterior. The driveway was gravelled and there was a red Hawthorne tree in the middle, the spiralling branches and striking red being one of the first things that had drawn the Alpha’s eye. Red being a colour he associated with the omega, Arthur in red was one of the most gorgeous sights (apart from him naked of course) The driveway led up to grey steps that headed up to the front door which was a dark mahogany wood. All around were bushes and plants of various sizes, trees lined the driveway adding to the sense of privacy. The nearest neighbour was a road away meaning that they pretty much were by themselves. Even the entrance to the driveway was behind a heavy gate that could only access either with a key, code or being let in from the house.

Merlin side eyed Arthur, pulling his head away trying to gauge the omega’s reaction. Arthur’s face was closed off and passive. His eyes trailing around their surroundings seeming to be taking everything in. There was a tension in his body, one that Merlin couldn’t decipher. Pulling his arms away he took a step to the side then in front of the omega. Holding his hand out to the other man, Arthur staring down at the appendage for a second before linking their fingers. Merlin manoeuvring Arthur towards the front door, delving into the pocket of his jacket to retrieve the keys. Arthur’s eyes widening with his mouth opening slightly, realisation dawning from the looks of him. Smiling softly Merlin unlocked the door, pushing it open moving his hand forward to allow the omega entrance first.

Arthur dropping his hand, walking silently into the hallway.

The first room was what would be considered the ‘reception’ area if they were back in the olden times. Basically, it was a large hallway, a grand staircase in front of them on either side with an archway in between. The stairs the same wood as the front door and in between them was a grand chandelier, rather than bulbs it had imitation candelabras. A feature that Merlin had fallen in love with when he had first set his eyes on it. Arthur’s own blue was wide and there was a small smile curling across his lips however he still seemed unsure. There were multiple doors beside them leading into different directions. The omega was staring turning slowly on his heels his expression now bewildered. Grinning Merlin reached for his hand once more, dragging him through the archway and into the large kitchen behind. The kitchen was defiently more cottage than modern. There was a woodburning stove in the far side and opposite was an actual oven and cooker. The room was sparse with the lack of furniture. Merlin pulled Arthur towards the back of the kitchen towards a set of glass double doors. The omega’s eyes were wide as he stared out into the vast back garden. Merlin not actually sure how much land the house backed onto, he hadn’t explored that far yet. He had been told about a lake that was part of the property. Lake of Avalon, a supposed magical place if the stories were to be believed according to the realtor.

From the kitchen they walked through the potential dining room, living room, office, downstairs bathroom, downstairs bedroom. Upstairs was a secondary living room, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and another spare room. The third floor was smaller and consisted of one large room and an ensuite bathroom. A single set of stairs leading to the fourth. Up here was an attic space with a large window in the roof. A steady stream of sunlight was beaming down into the centre, the wooden floor being lit up in the glow. It was modest in size with a toilet tucked in the far corner.

Arthur was standing in the sunlight, his head tipped back and his eyes roaming around. He had yet to say a single word the whole time Merlin had been showing him around. The Alpha not sure whether this was a good or a bad thing. Arthur very rarely was speechless (unless to came to his emotions or his thoughts but the omega had been getting better) Seeing Arthur here in this house was more than Merlin had been expecting. He could feel his throat closing with the overwhelming emotions running through him. “I thought that this could be your music room,” Merlin whispered, Arthur startling slightly at the sound of his voice. Spinning on his heels the omega’s confused and sceptical look boring into Merlin’s face.

“What?!” Arthur choked out, his eyes almost bugging out of his head in disbelief.

“Okay… or not, I’m sure we can find another room…” Merlin stopped as Arthur’s right index finger was pressed to his lips. His body was trembling and that disbelief was continuing to reign supreme. “Arthur?” he mumbled; his voice being muffled.

“I…what?” Arthur repeated furrowing his brow, turning his head over his shoulder to stare into the room once more. His finger pressing tight to Merlin’s lips like he had forgotten it was there.

“Doyounotlike?” Merlin tried to say but the words all melded together.

“Huh?” Arthur turned back to the Alpha. Merlin chuckling reaching up and brought Arthur’s hand down, his fingers circling the omega’s wrist holding him in place.

“I said do you not like it?” Merlin asked gently his free hand stroking up and down Arthur’s arm unsure of what to make of Arthur’s reaction. This wasn’t exactly going the way that he had imagined in his head.

“Like it?”

“Yes?”

“Do I like it?”

“Okay…did I fuck all your brains out?” Merlin chuckled laughing at the scowl that his words received. “I know it was a long heat and all…”

“Shut up,” Arthur growled out.

“Ah, there he is,” Merlin winked. Arthur pushing lightly at his chest, Merlin’s hand capturing that one in his own. Turning the omega to face him so that their eyes could meet. “Seriously, if you don’t like I can rent it out and find somewhere else?”

“Wait…wait…you are talking about…living here?” Arthur frowned, his eyes assessing Merlin’s face trying to find something that was only known to the omega. “Or is this an air B&B thing?”

“A wait?” Merlin asked.

“Never mind,” Arthur shook his head. “Why are we here?” Arthur asked again, Merlin growling slightly under his breath at the same constant question.

Merlin dropped Arthur’s hands so that he could cup the omega’s cheeks, staring into the eyes that he loved. “I wanted to see what you thought.”

“About what?”

“Do I need to take you to the hospital?” Merlin frowned. “Is this to do with the head injury?” Merlin tilted Arthur’s head to the side, his eyes staring at the scar that the omega had on his temple from where he had struck his head on the stairs. “I’m going to get you checked out.”

“No, what? Merlin!” Arthur batted the Alpha’s hands away taking a step back. “No, this is about you not telling me what the fuck we are doing here?!” Arthur held his hands out to the side. “You tell me you have a surprise and…I don’t understand,” Arthur hissed out. “Whatever point you are trying to make is a shitty one.”

Dawning fell on the Alpha. “Oh,” Merlin shrugged his shoulders ignoring Arthur’s spluttering and mock imitation of his words. “Well, this is ours, if you want it to be…I mean…it already is…I brought it…but if you don’t like…I can…”

“Merlin?”

“Yes?”

Arthur crowded into his space. His hands fisting in Merlin’s shirt walking the Alpha backwards so that his back collided with the wall. The breath leaving the Alpha as his eyes stared into the very blue ones of the omega. He was drowning and he never wanted to swim free. “Shut up,” Arthur growled smashing their lips together. Merlin groaning into the kiss. His own hands tangling in Arthur’s hair tugging harshly at the blond. Arthur moaning into his mouth. He loved that being with Arthur meant that he didn’t really know what he was going to get, one moment he was this tough domineering personality and the next he reverted to his omega nature. He was strong and soft all at the same time. Sometimes they fucked like animals and other times they spent hours worshipping and loving each other. Life was never boring or predictable.

And this was what he wanted for the rest of his time.

Merlin deepened the kiss, whining as Arthur pulled apart. Merlin trying to follow to reclaim Arthur’s lips. The omega laughing moving away leaving the Alpha breathless and hard against the wall. Merlin glaring at Arthur who was moving carefully throughout the room, towards the window. His hands upon the pane as he stared down at the grounds below them. Merlin straightening himself in his trousers moved to his omega’s side. “I wanted something that was ours,” Merlin whispered not wanting to break through the sudden tense atmosphere that had settled between the pair. “The den is great but…it’s not home…it never has been for me.” Arthur was nodding his head softly, his eyes staring into the distance unseeing. “But if you don’t like it…all that matters to me is that I, have you. You are my home.”

“Sap,” Arthur laughed softly.

“Only ever for you,” Merlin nudged at Arthur’s shoulder. “Tell me what you are thinking?”

“I don’t know,” Arthur let out a gentle exhale. “It’s…”

“Too much?”

Arthur’s fond smile turned towards Merlin. His head leaning upon the glass. “Do you remember when you asked me to dinner?” Merlin shook his head. “Don’t be an ass,” Arthur rolled his eyes, Merlin smirking at the reaction.

“Yes, of course I do. It took me ages to work up the courage.”

“You always go that bit further,” Arthur replied.

“That a good or…”

“It’s a Merlin thing,” Arthur answered shrugging his shoulder. “It doesn’t have to be anything else.”

“Right…?” Merlin frowned now it was his time to become confused, wondering once again about the state of Arthur’s mind. “I’m lost.”

“It means that when I think that there is nothing more you always push that bit further,” Arthur declared. “You surprise me, Merlin.”

“There is something about me you can’t put your finger on?” Merlin quipped reminding the omega of his previous words.

“Yes, you’re an idiot.”

“Hey!”

“I didn’t say you weren’t my idiot,” Arthur smiled brightly flashing his full set of teeth, that slightly crooked look that made Merlin’s heart skip a beat. “No one else would just ‘buy a mansion’ because they could.” Arthur shook his head blowing out a deep breath.

“I brought it because I want to give my mate a home,” Merlin interrupted. “I wanted somewhere to call our own. Where we can raise our family without the past hanging over our heads. Arthur, I would give you the whole world if I could…I just want you to see that.” Merlin grabbed Arthur’s cheek once more, bringing the omega closer so that he could wind his other arm across his waist. Pulling their groins flush to one another. “I want to show you that I can be the Alpha that you deserve and I know you don’t need it but I want to show you that I can take care and protect you.” Arthur rolled his eyes at that statement though the growing smile on his face was contrast to his movement. “So, what do you say? Will you move in here with me?”

“Hmm,” Arthur mused, his eyes moving around the room once more. “I don’t know…” he trailed off.

“I’ll let you decorate,” Merlin added seeing the glint in Arthur’s eye. “I’ve already picked out the perfect room for your nest…”

“Why didn’t you say so!” Arthur grinned clasping Merlin’s hand in his and pushing away from his body. Merlin stumbling slightly at the silent command, laughing as he led the omega back down the two flights of stairs to the second floor. Merlin paused outside of the closed door, rounding towards Arthur who was looking more and more impatient. “Merlin!”

“Is that a, yes?” Merlin questioned feeling his heart hammering in his chest.

“Of course, it is, you prick.”

“Prat.”

Chapter 8

“Please tell me this is the last box,” Lancelot groaned out loud dropping the cardboard box he was carrying onto the floor with a heavy thump. Arthur shooting the Alpha a glare, shaking his head at the same time as he placed his own gently down. Turning on his heels he took in the sight of the room, boxes upon boxes piled around. Some were new flat packed furniture and others were their belongings packed up from their old respected homes. There was still a lot they needed to get and most of the rooms still needed redecorating and sorted to make it feel more like theirs. After the Alpha had shown the omega around Arthur had thrown himself into planning and shopping for their new home. He had gone into full blown nesting mode and he didn’t even care. It was something he could focus his mind on and a distraction from his life. A distraction from the decisions he knew he needed to make.

He had no idea what to do next.

He had a few paths ahead of him but he didn’t know which one to take.

Did he go back to teaching? Maybe go to university and get a full degree? Did he take up composing full time for shows and movies? Did he go down the song writing route for other artists? Or did he take the plunge and put himself out there as a solo artist himself? Or did he take some time out and play the supportive mate? Merlin’s career had been put on hold due to the whole bond breaking debacle, his reputation had taken a dive and the offers for jobs had slowed to an almost stop. The Alpha acted like he didn’t care but deep-down Arthur could see how much he was hurting. Merlin was born to be on that stage making people happy, making their dreams come true and bettering their lives. This was what he was made for but Arthur also knew that the Alpha didn’t want to be away from Arthur, at least right now.

They had been through too much in such a short space of time that the pair of them needed time to adjust, even more so once they properly mated. Everything was up in the air, the main thing in Arthur’s mind was that whatever they chose they would be doing it together.

And that was all that mattered.

Arthur drew himself out of his thoughts pushing away the doubts and the fears for another day. Lancelot and Leon were jostling one another as they continued to bring in the many boxes from the car. The trio had just taken a trip to IKEA at Arthur’s request which had almost turned into a disaster. Arthur completely forgetting about his new lack of anonymity, he had been stopped far too many times to be asked for a selfie or an autograph. Every time he had been as shocked as the previous time to Lancelot and Leon’s great satisfaction. Meaning that their trip took hours more than it should have. Arthur was not used to the celebrity lifestyle he was becoming forced with. In his mind nothing had changed when in reality it all had.

“Earth to Arthur!” Leon called out his hand waving in front of the omega’s face. Arthur sobering straightening to his full height and turning on his heels to face his friends. “There he is,” Leon winked, Arthur rolling his eyes in response. “So, where is this food that you promised us?” Leon asked, Lancelot shoving at his side, the Beta shrugging. “You can’t expect us to work on an empty stomach.”

“How are you still so fit?” Lancelot huffed. “The amount you eat,” the Alpha poking at the Beta’s stomach.

“All muscle baby,” Leon’s voice dropped to a sultry tone, Arthur blanching.

“I think I’m going to puke,” the omega pretended to hunch over and mocked throwing up. The Alpha and Beta chuckling in tandem, their loving eyes tearing away from the other.

“You and Merlin are worse,” Leon declared lifting his eyebrows.

“Nope,” Arthur shook his head.

“Yes,” Lancelot pitched in. “God, all the eye fucking and tension. This is before you are even mated,” Lancelot shuddered, Arthur growling under his breath rolling his eyes once more. At this rate he felt like they were going to fall out of his sockets.

“Shut up,” Arthur grumbled crossing his arms to his chest, his eyes staring down at the boxes surrounding them. The task at hand seeming to be becoming a bigger job that he had envisioned. Why had Merlin chosen somewhere that had so many different rooms. He would have been happy with a small cottage on the outskirts of nowhere but the Alpha wanted to make sure that Arthur was provided for. A lovely sentiment on paper but looking around now, it was more daunting than it needed to be.

A buzzing in Arthur’s pocket distracted the omega from his thoughts. Frowning he reached for his phone seeing his sister’s name appearing on the screen. Morgana was meant to be with Merlin, prepping him for a big interview he was having in a couple of days’ time. The Alpha wanting to tell his side of the story, to show the world the truth and to try and grapple back any sense of control that he could. A step towards Merlin claiming back his career hopefully depending on the public’s reaction. Since the whole bond breaking all had been silent on Freya’s front. Arthur was sure that she would have tried to at least speak to the press, to get out her side of the story before Merlin was able too. In fact, he was surprised that she had shied away from the limelight which could mean one of two things. She had accepted her defeat and was gracefully leaving them to live their lives or the most likely she was biding her time to strike. Who knew what she had up her sleeve or what damage she could cause. After all she had been with Merlin for sixteen years.

Arthur accepted the call. “Morgana?”

“IT’S HAPPENING, IT’S HAPPENING!” Morgana screeched into his ear causing Arthur to pull the phone away with a wince. Leon and Lancelot staring at him in confusion clearly able to hear her. “FUCK ARTH!”

“What’s happening?” Arthur broke through her rambling angling his phone away not wanting to be deafened.

“IT’S HAPPENING!”

“Gana, breathe,” Arthur instructed hearing his sister becoming worked up.

“DON’T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!” Morgana shouted back, Arthur could hear muffled voices coming from the other line, along with rustling and what sounded like the phone being passed to someone else. He could hear Morgana hyperventilating in the background.

“Hey love,” Merlin’s sweet voice called out. “Gwen’s in labour.”

“Shit,” Arthur sprinted into action. “The baby’s coming,” Arthur shouted out towards Lancelot and Leon as he ran past them. Grabbing his jacket and car keys on the way out of the house. “Where are you?” Arthur asked Merlin seeing Lancelot and Leon gesturing for Arthur to go, the pair indicating down to the boxes to say that they would sort out the mess. Smiling gratefully the omega sprinted over to his car. Unlocking and throwing himself into the driver’s seat.

“On the way to the hospital,” Merlin declared after some sharp whispering towards Morgana, who Arthur could hear swearing up a storm. “Percival is driving,” Merlin added hurriedly before Arthur could question. “Uther is already with Gwen.”

Arthur nodded his head slowly trying to calm his own excited nerves knowing that he actually needed to be able to drive. Gwen had been a lifesaver when it had come to his father. She had taken on a bulk of his caring and responsibility considering she was on maternity leave. Uther was becoming stronger with every day that passed to the point that he was considering going back to work at least part time. To take on the cases that mattered most. Or in Uther’s words, the cases that involved omegas. To tackle the injustice that they faced on an almost daily basis. A sentiment that touched Arthur, to think that in the past he had been scared about his father’s reaction to Arthur’s designation, only for the man to become his biggest advocate and self-appointed manager.

“Okay, I’m on my way,” Arthur breathed down the phone. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Arthur hung up, throwing his phone onto the passenger seat. It was time to met his nephew.

***

The screaming echoed around him making Arthur swallow nervously. The scent of omega and beta pheromones were strong making his head swim and nausea to swell in his stomach. He followed the quickly fading figure of the nurse that was directing him where to go. With a soft smile she indicated at a room down the hall before bounding off in the opposite direction. Drawing in a deep breath Arthur walked slowly. His head was swimming and his heart was pounding fiercely. This was all too much for his senses but he had promised his sister he would be there for her and he didn’t break his promises. All around he could sense the different people deep in the throes of labour, some were screaming, others were swearing all amongst the crying of babies being brought into this world.

Turning towards the door that the nurse had indicated too he noticed the three figures waiting outside. Merlin jumped to his feet and wrapped his arms around Arthur’s waist, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “Thank fuck you are here,” the Alpha breathed into the omega’s ear making Arthur chuckle. Nodding his head towards his father who looked like he wanted to be anywhere else but here right now. His expression was set in a tight line with his eyes focused upon the wall in front of him. “You have no idea what Morgana has been like,” Merlin added pulling away from Arthur but still holding onto his waist. His thumb unconsciously rubbing small circles into Arthur’s side. Percival was standing beside the door, ever the imposing sight however he looked a little green around the edges. That was interesting. He had never seen the man be affected by anything before.

“GET AWAY FROM HER!” Morgana’s voice rattled the door to the private room making Arthur wince in sympathy for the poor midwife that was most likely trying to do their job. “I DON’T CARE, THEY ARE NOT TOUCHING YOU!”

“She won’t let anyone near,” Uther called out. “I’ve tried to talk her down…”

“I bet that went well,” Arthur sighed knowing how ‘tense’ their one-on-one chats could be like, let alone one that included an omega in labour.

“She threatened to castrate me,” Merlin shuddered. “I wasn’t even anywhere near Gwen.”

“She punched me,” Percival pitched in pointing to the bruise that was forming on his cheek.

“Wow,” Arthur whistled in the back of his throat. “Gana has gone full Alpha then?” he questioned seeing the three nodding heads at his question. “Great,” he let out a deep breath, moving out of Merlin’s embrace and turning towards the door.

“You aren’t going to go in there?” Merlin’s eyes furrowed, concern flooding his gaze. “She will kill you.”

“Nah,” Arthur grinned flashing his full set of teeth.

“Brave, brave, man,” Percival inclined his head. “Protect yourself at all costs.”

“I WILL RIP YOUR HANDS OFF!” Morgana’s screaming continued. The door to the room flew open and an irate Alpha midwife stormed out, shaking her head and muttering obscenities under her breath stomping off down the corridor.

“There goes number four,” Merlin chuckled wincing at Gwen’s grunts of pain and Morgana’s cries of anguish. In her Alpha mind all she was probably thinking was the need to defend and protect her mate from dangers, dangers meaning each and every Alpha that was around. “Love…”

“I’ll be fine,” Arthur reassured his hand hovering over the door handle. “I’m not an Alpha,” he winked at the pair. Slowly he pulled down the handle and stepped quietly into the room. It was dark with the shades having been drawn shut. Gwen was moaning in the bed; her back was arching and a sheen of sweat was pouring down her face. She was clutching at her swollen stomach. Beside her Morgana was hunched over, her red eyes snapping towards the door and an animalistic growl was pouring out of her throat. She was practically covering Gwen from sight, her instincts fully in control. The domineering Alpha pheromones being thrown Arthur’s way was enough to cause his stomach to twist harshly.

Wrinkling his nose, he shut the door behind him. Holding his hands out to show that he wasn’t a threat, Morgana’s eyes were narrowed tracking his movements. Arthur released a steady stream of his own pheromones trying to counteract the Alpha that was suffocating the room. He could see Gwen starting to relax in his presence, her amber eyes locking onto him with a grateful smile crossing her face briefly before it scrunched up in pain once more. A long moan tearing from her throat. Morgana growling at her pain, her hands grasping hold of Gwen’s looking lost not knowing how to help her mate.

Arthur stepped further into the room, Morgana growling only once in warning which he took as a win. “Gana, you need to let the doctors see to Gwen,” Arthur admonished, Morgana merely grunting, moving her body further over the omega. “Let them do their job,” he added.

“No Alphas or Betas,” she hissed out.

“Okay, no Alphas or Betas,” Arthur agreed releasing another stream of his pheromones, the tension beginning to leave Morgana’s body as she finally moved so that she was sitting beside Gwen rather than over the top of her. “I’ll see what I can do,” Arthur moved back towards the door, reaching out behind him to open it a crack. Sticking his face out for a moment hearing Morgana snarling at the response of the Alpha scent flooding through. “Are there any omega doctors on duty?” Arthur asked the new midwife that was talking to Uther and Merlin.

“No,” the midwife shook her head biting her lip. “We really need to examine the patient,” she declared. “I will have to call security.”

“That’s a bad idea,” Uther grunted.

“It would take an army to move Morgana,” Merlin agreed.

“I need to put the welfare of my patient first,” the midwife argued.

“Morgana won’t let any Alphas or Betas near Gwen,” Arthur told them, Merlin and Uther exchanging a strange look. one that Arthur didn’t like. “What?” he questioned Merlin who was biting back a grin. “What?” he asked again when he didn’t receive a response.

“Guess you get to play doctor,” Merlin chuckled walking forward to cup Arthur’s cheek briefly before jumping back away at Morgana’s harsh snarl at the approaching Alpha scent. “No one else can get near.”

“Me?” Arthur blinked slowly. “I don’t know the first thing about…” he waved his hand vaguely in the air behind him. Gwen beginning to grunt and moan louder. The contractions seeming to be coming closer together. He had no idea how much time they had before the baby decided to make their appearance. From the looks on the midwifes face…not long. “Shit,” he hissed out under his breath. “What do I have to do?”

“We need to see how dilated she is.”

Arthur blanched. “I have too…put my…. up there…” he stammered ignoring the amused looks coming from the three Alpha’s. “I’m going to die,” he declared lowering his eyes to the floor accepting his fate. “Fuck,” he whispered turning back to the room leaving the door open a crack. The midwife appearing however she didn’t move forward. Morgana’s sharp warning growl keeping her in place. “Gana, you need to let them help Gwen,” Arthur tried again, the red eyes narrowing dangerously showing the omega that this was a losing battle.

“No Alphas or Betas,” she declared dangerously threatening to move back to covering the omega.

“Okay!” Arthur held up his hands. “What if…” Arthur paused not believing that this was happening. “Can I look?” he asked Morgana’s sharp gaze upon him. Gwen was biting her lip with her face screwed up in pain, squeezing Morgana’s hand with all her strength. “It’s me or the midwife,” Arthur pointed over his shoulder at the Alpha that was hovering. Morgana snarling once more at the woman. “Gana!”

“Only you Arth,” Morgana warned.

“Great,” Arthur deadpanned striding over to the bottom of the bed. “What do I do?” he called over his shoulder towards the midwife who had managed to step into the room without being murdered. That was progress Arthur guessed.

“We need to see how far along the omega is,” the midwife called out trying to take another step forward only for Morgana to flash her dangerous red eyes.

“Her name is Gwen,” Morgana growled low, her voice taking on an octave that Arthur didn’t think he had ever heard come from his sister before. “YOU TOUCH HER I WILL KILL YOU.”

“Only me, remember Gana,” Arthur soothed, grasping Morgana’s free hand squeezing her fingers slightly in both comfort and a warning. They really didn’t need her getting arrested when her child was being born. Morgana stared into Arthur’s now amber eyes, he was projecting as much of his omega essence as he could, Morgana instantly reacting, her manner become not passive but less predatory. He could hear Merlin’s rumbles coming from in the corridor knowing that his true mate would be feeling the effects as well. Mentally apologising he turned towards Gwen. Dropping Morgana’s hands he grasped at Gwen’s feet, moving her so that they were flat on the bed with her legs raised. The hospital gown she was wearing leaving very little to the imagination. This was nothing that he hadn’t seen before on himself. He just needed to remember that and not make this weird. Holding his breath, he leaned down to peer into Gwen’s channel, gasping in surprise. “I can see the head!” he declared.

“Are the shoulders clear?”

“I think so.”

“What do you mean you think so?” Morgana raged, Gwen panting through another contraction.

“I’m not a doctor,” Arthur bit back. “It would be easier if you let them do their job!”

“NO ALPHAS OR BETAS!”

“ALRIGHT!” Arthur growled trying to remind himself to not loose his cool with his sister no matter how irrational she was being right now. Was this an Alpha or Morgana thing? “Yes, they are clear,” Arthur called out taking another look.

“Okay, with the next contraction I want you to push Gwen.” The midwife called out.

Gwen nodding her head and biting her lip. Arthur could see her stomach contracting and her channel pulsing around the baby’s head. “What do I do?” Arthur asked his hands hovering not sure what was going to happen next.

“You will need to guide baby out safely, protect the head.”

Gwen screamed around a contraction.

With wide eyes Arthur stared down at the baby, the little head moved closer with every push. Bracing himself Arthur held his hands out, gently touching the baby’s shoulders. Gwen screamed and at the same time the baby slid free of her body. Holding his breath Arthur guided the baby free, still attached at the placenta. A moment of silence passed. Arthur staring down at the still chest his heart hammering. He could hear Morgana screaming and Gwen’s cries though he drowned all of these out. His hand rubbing on the little boy’s chest.

A shrill cry erupted.

Arthur blinking back the tears grabbed the towel that the midwife had handed to him. Now that the baby was free Morgana had reverted back to her semi violent ways, content to hold onto her mate crying about the new life that they had brought into the world. Arthur handed the baby over to the nurse stumbling away from the bed. His whole body was trembling unable to comprehend what he had just done.

Gwen cradled her son close to her chest, Morgana leaning towards the pair. Both lovingly staring down at their son. “Mordred,” Gwen declared, Morgana kissing her cheek lovingly. “He’s called Mordred.”  

 

Chapter 9

Summary:

Just to warn you that there will be no chapters posted next week as I am on holiday!

Merlin crept into the hospital room, he had grabbed a quick coffee with Uther, Morgana and Percival. Morgana doing a walk of shame throughout the hospital to apologise to basically everyone on her behaviour. She had claimed that the Alpha swich had been turned on in her brain and she couldn’t stop it. She had hated Gwen in pain and it killed her that she couldn’t take it away from her. Morgana being lucky that her brother was an omega and that Arthur had rose to the challenge. Merlin couldn’t be prouder of his omega, just when he thought he knew Arthur he threw a curve ball. Merlin constantly falling in love with Arthur every single day.

Uther and Morgana had taken a walk through the gardens, the Pendragons needing a moment alone. Merlin heading back to Gwen’s room where he had left the two omegas together. Percival stayed outside of the door just in case any press decided to turn up. They didn’t know whether their presence would have been leaked, they didn’t need the speculation or story to ruin the birth of their nephew Mordred.

Gwen was fast asleep on the bed, curled up on her side. A small smile on her exhausted face as she breathed deeply. The sight beside her stopped Merlin’s heart from beating in his chest. He felt frozen as his mind tried to comprehend what he was seeing. Arthur was in the chair beside Gwen, his eyes were staring down at his chest and there was a beaming smile on his face. His arms were holding onto a small bundle that Merlin knew was Mordred. The baby too was asleep being cradled by his uncle. The Alpha felt tears springing to his eyes, his heart and his mind being catapulted back to the baby that they were supposed to be celebrating. Their own that had been taking from them. Seeing Arthur like this…seeing him hold the baby…it was almost too much for Merlin to handle.

Arthur’s head lifted up, slowly blinking towards Merlin. His own eyes were watery and his smile turned sad. Not jostling Morded Arthur inclined his head in invitation. Quietly Merlin walked into the room, his heart still in the pit of his stomach no matter how hard he tried to bring it back. Arthur’s scent flowed around him, wrapping around his shoulders and across his chest. The cinnamon acting like a lifeline for the Alpha to hold onto. Allowing the small tears freedom, he stood in front of the omega. His right-hand carding through Arthur’s hair while his eyes stared down at little Mordred. He had Morgana’s complexion but Gwen’s brown hair, he could see Gwen in his jawline and apparently, he had Morgana’s eyes. Arthur was holding him tight to his chest, the Alpha could see that the omega was trembling, his own thoughts probably heading in the same direction as Merlin’s.

Merlin lowered himself down into the chair beside Arthur. His arm winding around Arthur’s shoulders while his free hand stroked across Mordred’s cheek, feeling how soft his nephew’s skin was. Arthur was staring at him with a strange expression on his face, when Merlin went to question Arthur merely shook his head, no words were needed. His hand moving from Mordred, Merlin scrubbed at the tears on his cheeks, leaning his head on Arthur’s shoulders and allowing his eyes to close. He allowed himself to feel, to mourn, to celebrate and to simply just be. Arthur providing the comfort and strength that he needed. The omega’s pheromones projecting settling his breaking heart.

They had a lost a lot but they had more to gain. Their future was yet to come and for that Merlin would forever be grateful.

With this thought on his mind the Alpha felt himself falling asleep.

***

Prince Prat: How can something so small poo so much?

Merlin snorted, the makeup artist glaring at him with his sudden movements. The Alpha grinning sheepishly peering at his phone amongst the other omega’s fussing. He was sitting in his dressing room waiting to be called out for his tell all interview that he had promise. Mithian Black, which was a big risk, one that Arthur had tried to talk Merlin out of. Merlin having had put his foot down. Mithian Black had been the one to slate him and take Freya’s side. It was her audience that had started the hateful campaign so in his mind it was only right that it would be her to wipe the slate clean. Morgause had bitched and moaned, she would have been the obvious choice with the family connection to Morgana which had been precisely why he hadn’t chosen her. She was the safe option. Merlin was done hiding, he was done with not taking risks. He wanted to tell the world his truth.

He wanted to be able to show everyone how much he loved his omega.

Hocus-Bogus: I wouldn’t call you small…

Merlin had to hold back his own snigger at his response. In his mind’s eye he could see Arthur rolling his eyes or maybe wearing that petulant expression that he always denied. The one that had earned him the nickname princess from Gwaine and Prince Prat from Merlin.

Prince Prat: You should give up magic, comedy is clearly your calling.

Hocus-Bogus: Nah, I need to leave some talent for the others

Prince Prat: Idiot.

Merlin smiled fondly, the makeup artist huffing throwing the brush she was using to the side. The Alpha shooting her a sheepish grin to which she growled at, declaring her work done she strode out of the room without a second glimpse. Leaving the Alpha by himself. His heart was hammering in his chest and his mind was whirling into overdrive. The nerves were rattling his chest and his mind was screaming at him that this was a bad idea. This could either make or break him. Not that there could be much more damage done at this point. Work had dried up for him and he was at risk of losing his career. If he couldn’t use his magic for a living…well he wasn’t sure what he would do. He would figure it out, he always did in the end. Whatever happened he would have Arthur and that was enough. That would always be enough.

Arthur had wanted to come tonight, he had wanted to stand by Merlin’s side supporting him but the Alpha had refused. He didn’t want their first televised appearance together to be this. He wanted it to be when they announced their mating. Merlin hoping that it would be on the red carpet to the Bafta’s that was in a few days’ time, providing Merlin was still invited amidst the cancel culture that had surrounded him. Creatures of Nightmare was up for best reality programme, Arthur’s score for best music in a TV programme and Merlin himself for TV personality. The last one he knew he had no hope in winning at this rate. The damage had already been done. He hoped that the hard work of everyone who was involved in the show would pay off, it really had been something special and dear to Merlin’s heart. If it hadn’t been for Creatures of Nightmare, he wasn’t sure that he would be with Arthur today. That had been the job that had brought the pair close together, had shown the world who Arthur Pendragon was.

Merlin’s phone buzzed, opening a new text thread he felt a tendril squeeze tight to his heart. Gwen had sent Merlin a picture of an unaware Arthur. The omega was curled up on the sofa at Uther’s place where their group had gathered to watch the Live interview. His head was resting on Merlin’s hoodie and his favoured red blanket was wrapped across his lap. There was a wide smirk on his face, his eyes crinkling in what Merlin presumed was mid laugh. Leon was kneeling beside him probably being the one to make him laugh. In Arthur’s arms was Mordred, the baby staring up at his uncle with bright eyes. It was clear that there was a special bond between the pair, one that no one could explain. Though Arthur had his theory. The omega believing it was either because Arthur had been the one to help him into the world or most likely was the fact that Arthur believed that Mordred would present as an omega. A theory everyone had scoffed at, a child didn’t present until they had hit puberty, so there was no way in knowing. However, knowing Arthur’s affinity with omega’s and how perceptive he was to their needs, Merlin wouldn’t be surprised if he was right. If that was the case then Mordred would need his uncle around to help and support him through.

“We are ready for you,” someone knocked on his door pulling the Alpha out of his thoughts. Nodding his head Merlin thanked the person without looking up from his phone. Letting out a deep breath he attempted to compose himself. This was it, the moment that he had been waiting for. After this there was no going back. No more pretending. He truly would be free to be who he was meant to be.

His phone buzzed in his hands once more.

Prince Prat: Believe in yourself like I believe in you, my Alpha. I love you and we are all here supporting you.

Along with Arthur’s message he had sent a picture. Arthur was kneeling on the floor in front of the sofa. Behind him was the beaming proud faces of the new parents Morgana and Gwen. Uther sitting beside holding onto his grandson. On the floor beside Arthur was Leon who was sitting in the V of Lancelot’s legs. A secondary picture coming through, this one was of Gwaine and Vivian in a hotel room somewhere in Europe, the couple shooting him a thumbs up.

With this love and support thrumming through him, Merlin was ready.

***

“Onto my next guest!” Mithian’s voice called out from the stage. Merlin standing just off shot, his hands nervously playing with the red burgundy tie he had decided to wear with his plain black suit and black shirt underneath. The red being the only pop of colour, a declaration of love towards his omega. “Another exclusive!” the crowd cheered and oooed at her words, Merlin could see their hungry gazes turning towards him like he was a three-course meal they couldn’t wait to devour. “Please can you welcome, Merlin Emrys!” Mithian announced his name. Drawing in a deep breath he began to walk onto the stage. Boos and jeers followed as he moved. Straightening his shoulders, he attempted to not let this get to him, Mithian’s expression was predatory with a sadistic smirk on her lips. “Not a welcome you are used too I would imagine,” Mithian quipped, Merlin ignoring her jab settling down onto the sofa trying his best to channel his inner Alpha to ooze the confidence he really didn’t feel right now. “How does it feel to become one of the most hated people in England?” she chuckled ruthlessly, the crowd cheering with her words.

“Undeserved,” Merlin responded smoothing out his tie, his hands were shaking and he could feel the nerves gripping at his heart. He was regretting his decision right now, he should have gone with Morgause, at least she would have given him a semblance of a break.

“Undeserved he says,” Mithian scoffed the crowd booing him once more. “It wasn’t that long ago that we had your mate on my show…oh wait sorry…ex mate I should say,” another round of boos. Merlin stifling his Alpha pheromones and magic, not allowing her to provoke a response like he could tell she was trying too. “What did you think about her interview?” Mithian leaned forwards flashing Merlin a smile, he could tell she was waiting for her moment to pounce. “Was it her truths that made you seek out a bond break? One that the courts actually allowed to happen,” Mithian scoffed gesturing towards Merlin’s unmarred scent gland that he had on full show for the world to see. The complete opposite of when Freya had been on the show. “Abandoning her once more when she is pregnant with your child,” Mithian accused the crowd hissing and shouting, the whole studio was alight with their hatred and their noise.

Merlin letting out a shaky breath wishing he had allowed Arthur to be here with him. He could do with that strength right now. Channelling all the love he had for the omega he allowed this to fuel him. Ignoring their noise, ignoring the fact that this could be the end of his career he lifted his head high. “I’ve come here today to tell you all the truth.”

“Your truth?”

“No, the actual truth, the one that won me the court case hands down,” Merlin growled out allowing a splash of his Alpha pheromones to lace his words, the audience falling quiet at his words. He could tell he had their complete attention, ready to judge him on his words and his actions. “A jury returned a verdict within ten minutes in a world first, remember that,” Merlin called out a new confidence flowing through his veins. He had to do this. He had to try. “I mated Freya when I was seventeen,” he began the studio falling deathly silent. He could see the camera panning in close to his face. “We were young and we were stupid,” he chuckled lowering his eyes to the ground for a second. “I loved her, she was my world and I thought that we would be forever,” he lifted his eyes once more staring down the camera lens in a way he had been taught not to do. “She became my whole world and I was blind to everything that she was and who she was becoming. I never believed in true mates, I never brought into the whole there is one perfect person out there meant to be for me,” Merlin scoffed.

Mithian had leaned back resting her head on her fist. Her eyes were still like ice and her lips were set in a stern scowl however she seemed content to allow Merlin to speak.

“Until I met my true mate.” The audience gasped loudly, even Mithian’s eyes were widening. “All those films, all those shows that we watch of people meeting their mates, describing that one moment of realising…I didn’t understand them until recently. The moment our eyes met I knew I was gone.” Merlin smiled fondly conjuring the image of an unimpressed Arthur in the front row of his show what felt like a whole lifetime ago. To the moment their eyes had locked when Arthur’s guitar had fallen off his lap in the school. “It was exciting and terrifying, I had Freya and I tried to stay away. I tried to be the perfect mate to her but she made it…so impossible.” Merlin let out a shaky breath. “I began to see parts of her I had been blind too before. Her hatred of omegas…” a small whispering started throughout the crowd.

“That is a bold accusation,” Mithian interrupted.

“One in particular,” Merlin continued ignoring Mithian completely who looked offended. “Freya was prejudice and all she cared about was my fame and my wealth. It wasn’t about who I was but what I could do for her,” Merlin leaned back on the sofa, his eyes roaming around the crowd seeing the unsure looks on their faces. “I never proposed to her and she wasn’t pregnant with my child.”

“RIDICULOUS!” Mithian shouted out shaking her head fiercely. “Telling these lies to get out of being labelled as an deadbeat Alpha, one who abandons their pregnant mate when they were going through a miscarriage.”

“She wasn’t pregnant…. if she was…I wouldn’t have abandoned my child!” Merlin growled fiercely his eyes pure red with the challenge he could feel coming from Mithian. “She manipulated me like she manipulated everyone. She was out for herself and when she felt like she was losing me she leant on these lies. Trying to take everything away that I spent years carefully building. My reputation and my career.” Merlin paused. “Freya knew what she was doing and she thought that she could destroy me so that I came back to her,” Merlin shook his head. “None of that matters to me.” The audience gasped.

“If that doesn’t matter, why are you here?” Mithian declared.

“I am here for my true mate; I will not let him suffer this injustice.”

“Him?!” Mithian squeaked the crowd were silent once more.

“He is the love of my life and he is the whole reason for my world,” Merlin turned his eyes to stare down the camera pretending that he was looking in Arthur’s eyes. The words that he had said so many times that he hoped the omega believed. The man had saved Merlin and he wanted Arthur to understand what he meant. Why he hadn’t mated him the moment he could. Why this had to be right, to be perfect. “Meeting and loving my true mate showed me that there is more to life than fame and money. He showed me love. He showed me bravery, compassion and stubbornness. He drives me insane and he doesn’t understand his worth but I wouldn’t change him for the world. Freya was wrong, omegas are the backbone of an Alpha.”

“Omega?!” Mithian leant backwards her face looking flushed like she couldn’t believe what was happening.

“Yes,” Merlin smiled fondly. “He is the reason I get up every single morning and he is the reason that if I can’t ever work again, I know I will be alright. Because at the end of the day he is my home and I will always come back to him.” Merlin could see some of the audience awing and softening at his words, others shooting their partners looks, the earlier hatred and disgust falling away. “Can you really hate me for that?” he questioned turning to face Mithian.

“I should have known,” Mithian shook her head. “It was so obvious. Arthur Pendragon.” Mithian spat the omega’s name out like it was poison. She had at one point pursued Arthur, wanting the omega to become hers, he had rejected her saying that all they would ever be was friends. Which she had taken as a slight against her. Since then, the pair hadn’t spoken.

There was excited screaming from the crowd at the mention of Arthur’s name, Merlin smiling fondly. “Arthur Pendragon is my true mate,” Merlin confirmed to more shouts and cheers, slowly winding through the crowd until the majority became to chant his name. His magic flowing to the surface happily. Behind him sparks ignited making Mithian jump. The audience cheered loudly calling out for more. “He is the reason I am here today because I ask of you to not judge him for my mistakes and my actions.”

“You really don’t care about your own image?” Mithian stared at Merlin strangely. “You would give it all up just for one omega?”

“No,” Merlin smiled brightly. “I would give it all up for my omega.”

“I…” Mithian looked around, the crowd were cheering and calling out Merlin’s name. His declaration of love and devotion seeming to have brought them around. “I think we have all been quick to misjudge you,” she admitted her tough exterior falling away. She held her hand out towards Merlin. Merlin taking it. “I have a feeling you won’t have to worry about your career,” she declared the audience clapping and cheering louder making Merlin’s heart warm. Mithian dropped Merlin’s hand. “So, what is next for Merlin Emrys.”

“Now, I will rightfully claim my omega as my mate.”

Chapter 10

Notes:

I'm back, regular posting schedule will resume!

Arthur’s heart was pounding in his chest. His mind whirling over and over, Merlin’s words from the interview on a loop. His heart was so full of love that he felt like he was going to combust. They had been watching the interview, the group constantly staring at Arthur to gauge his reaction, he had even seen Morgana and his father tear up. Especially when the Alpha declared his intensions to mate for the whole world to hear. Lancelot had nudged Arthur in the side and Leon had cheered enthusiastically. Mithian had seemed to warm to the Alpha in the end showing that maybe Merlin had been right when he had chosen her show as the format for his expose. Though Arthur had been expecting…more…less…he was expecting the details about the trial, the details that had won the case and not…not the declarations of love and pride. He thought that Merlin was doing this to win back his reputation and not to make sure that Arthur wasn’t dragged down with him. He could have thrown away everything he had worked hard to build over the last ten years just to make sure that Arthur would be alright.

No one had ever done anything like that for him before.

The love that he felt it was on a whole other level. He thought he had known love but that had been blown out of the water with the more time that he spent with Merlin. The Alpha was magic incarnate and Arthur could not believe that he was meant to be his. What had he done in his life to deserve someone as special as Merlin. As someone who literally was magic. All he was, was a lowly omega trying to find his place in this life. He didn’t have magic. He didn’t have the unrivalled desire to find and achieve people’s happiness and dreams. Once he had been the centre of people’s worlds but that had changed the moment, they found their true mates. And rightly so.

Arthur had no idea where he was going in the world and he wanted to make sure that he was deserving of the Alpha. The world would be watching them from now on and…he wasn’t sure how he felt about that. Inadequate, not deserving, uncomfortable but…he would endure those feelings just for a single second of being Merlin’s mate. He had gone from dismissing true mates, declaring that he never needed one to…to…not wanting to live a single second more of not being Merlin’s.

“Arthur?” Merlin’s voice called out, coming from the front door. Arthur breathing deeply tried to quell the nerves and excitement that was threatening to bubble out of his chest. As soon as the interview had ended Arthur had mumbled his excuses to leave. All of the group giving him knowing looks and clapping him on the back. The omega fighting back the blush as he headed to his car, driving to their house which they had yet to officially move into. Most of their belongings were still in boxes, there was hardly any furniture and the rooms laid undecorated and bare however to the omega it was perfect. He had quickly texted the Alpha where he was and this was where he had been waiting for the past couple of hours.

It was 1am by the time he had heard Merlin’s voice. Not responding the omega stood in the centre of the room. Nervously playing with his fringe to push it out of his eyes, his whole body felt like it was alight with the growing anticipation and tension. All around him candles were ablaze creating a soft light. His favoured and slightly obsessed with red blanket was upon the wooden floor, along with a mountain of pillows that he had been hoarding. He had set the pillows up in a circle creating a perimeter of a kind. Other blankets were bunched underneath the red one to create the image of a mattress that they didn’t have yet. It was far from perfect and he itched for more, they needed more but it was all he could do for the moment. They had waited too long as it was.

“Arthur?!” Merlin called out again the sound of his footsteps on the stairs had Arthur’s heart pounding faster like he was a virgin going to have sex for the very first time. His right hand lifted up to play with the pendant that Merlin had brought him for his twenty-seventh birthday, something that he hadn’t taken off since. He shifted his weight from foot to foot trying to fight off the embarrassment at his very omega actions. He had spent so long pretending that he didn’t need an Alpha, showing the world that he could take care of himself to going to this…it was hard to push past that mentality. Every time an omegaism roared it’s head he had to learn to accept it. This was who he was meant to be, only ever for Merlin. However, that didn’t mean he was going to change who he was, he stuck by what he said before, he would never be a typical omega no matter what happened. “Arthur!” Merlin’s voice was closer the slight barely concealed alarm present in his tone of voice making Arthur bit his lip to stop a chuckle from escaping.

Footsteps became closer and soon Arthur saw the handle on the door move. Merlin flying into the room with panic crossing his face that dropped away to surprise just as quickly. The Alpha’s chest was heaving and his wide blue eyes were locked onto Arthur.

Arthur stood in the middle of his badly designed makeshift nest in the room of their new house that Merlin had decided would be perfect. His inner omega only deciding it was perfect because the Alpha had chosen it even though there were probably about four other rooms he would have preferred personally. It would take a while before he accepted this as his true nest rather than the den he had come to know and love. But he would accept it for Merlin.

Merlin’s eyes roamed Arthur’s body hungrily. Arthur shifting his weight from foot to foot feeling the intense stare searing into his skin. Fighting back a blush that was threatening from the heat he could feel gracing his cheeks. As soon as Arthur had entered his nest, he had shed all of his clothes apart from the pair of boxers he had been wearing. A white pair that had black wands all over them, a pair that he had brought Merlin as a joke and then proceeded to steal after the Alpha had worn them a few times. Merlin had been looking for them for the past month and Arthur had refused to admit to the crime. Until now. It had been worth it for the darkening look of arousal crossing the Alpha’s face as his eyes focused upon the boxers. “You sneaky shit,” Merlin breathed out causing Arthur to huff out a short laugh. “I’ve been looking everywhere for them,” Merlin lifted his eyes locking their gazes once more. “They are my favourites but you know what…” Merlin strode into the room, Arthur lifting his chin proudly. “I prefer them on you.”

“Is that so,” Arthur whispered seeing the Alpha stop in front of him, their noses almost touching, breathing in each other’s air.

“Mmm,” Merlin mused his hands running along Arthur’s shoulders before dipping into the definition of his abs that he had been working on lately. Using working out as a distraction from all the issues and problems that had arisen in his life. The appreciative looks from his Alpha showed the omega that his hard work was admired. Their bodies were complete opposites from what their supposed designation was meant to be but that was what made them perfect. That was what made them, them. “Fuck Arthur,” Merlin growled his hand cupping Arthur’s cheek tight. “What are you doing to me?” he hissed out thrusting his hips forward to show his arousal that was poking through his suit trousers.

“What you said on the interview?” Arthur began, Merlin’s smiling becoming fond. His tight grip turning to a soft caress. “Did you mean it?”

“What part?”

“You know what part.”

“Hmm, remind me.”

“Merlin!”

Merlin laughed loudly tilting his head back. He stepped away from Arthur, shrugging out of his suit jacket, throwing this into the air where it proceeded to vanish. The omega watching the show hungrily. Then the Alpha pulled his tie free, this he wrapped around Arthur’s neck so that the fabric draped over his bare chest. Merlin’s shoes and socks vanished. His hands slowly unbuttoned his shirt. Arthur watching with rapt attention, his own hands twitching at his side though the sharp warning glare that Merlin shot him kept him rooted to the spot. “The way you say my name,” Merlin shuddered his pupils dilating, Arthur licking his lips as Merlin’s chest was revealed inch by glorious inch. Finally, the shirt was pushed off his shoulders, disappearing with a short pop, leaving the Alpha in just his trousers. “God.”

“I prefer just Arthur,” the omega jested to which Merlin chuckled fondly shaking his head.

“You are my God,” Merlin agreed moving forwards and grasping hold of Arthur’s shoulders. “Close your eyes,” he instructed. Arthur hesitating frowning for a second. “Trust me.” Arthur slowly nodded his head allowing his eyes to close. He felt Merlin move so that his chest was pressed to Arthur’s back. His hands covering Arthur’s eyes like he didn’t trust the omega not to peak. He could hear movement, rustling of fabric and clinking? Behind his closed eyelids bright lights began to dance making the omega furrow his eyebrows unsure about what was happening. “I wanted this moment to be perfect,” Merlin’s voice was softly whispered into Arthur’s ear making him shudder at the hot arousal that was coursing through him. His earlier nerves evaporating the longer he spent with his true mate. “I have envisioned this so many times,” he added, the lights becoming brighter. “Open your eyes.”

Merlin’s hands moved away along with the heat of his body. Confused Arthur’s eyes fluttered open. All breath left him along with the ability to speak. His hands flew to his mouth as he slowly spun around on his heels. Where they had been once standing in the middle of the nest room…. now…

Arthur was standing in snow; he could feel it against his skin however the cold wasn’t present. The blankets and carefully constructed pillows had turned into what looked like a pure glass igloo sitting in what he presumed had been the centre of the room. Arthur’s eyes lifted to the sky. Bright colours dancing above him. Green, purples, pinks and blues streaking across what looked to be the night sky. The lights glowing against his skin bathing them both in its embrace. This was… “Merlin,” Arthur almost sobbed out, the Alpha in front of him instantly. His hands grasping Arthur’s holding them tight in front of him.

“I remember how much you loved that painting in the hallway of the complex,” Merlin smiled brightly, Arthur’s heart constricting with the overwhelming love. There had never been anyone as beautiful inside and out as the Alpha in front of him. “One day I will take you there for real but for now,” Merlin lifted their joined hands in the sky to see a shooting star passing through the northern lights.

This whole thing was completely and utterly magical to the point that Arthur could not contain the tears that trickled quietly down his cheeks. “Make a wish,” Arthur whispered quietly. Merlin humming moving so that he was behind the omega. His arms wrapping around his waist and he rested his chin on Arthur’s shoulder. His lips at the omega’s ear as the pair stared at the shooting stars and the lights above them. Arthur never wanted this moment to end.

“I almost have everything I need right here,” Merlin breathed.

“Almost?” Arthur questioned.

Merlin’s lips pressed lightly to his scent gland causing the omega to moan at the sensation. “What I said at the interview,” Merlin referred back to Arthur’s previous question. “I meant every single word,” the Alpha sucked lightly on Arthur’s skin. Pulling the tie free, it vanishing in the palm of his hand. “Arthur, you do not understand what you mean to me, what you have always meaned to me.” Merlin kissed behind Arthur’s ear. The omega tilting his head back allowing the other man access. His eyes staring up at the Northern lights. “I want to spend the rest of my life loving you.” His hand moved down to splay across Arthur’s stomach. “I want to have a family with you,” he whispered, Arthur’s hand placing on top of his gently. “I want everything that you will give me,” Merlin squeezed Arthur tightly resting his chin once more on his shoulder. “I mean nothing if I don’t have you.”

“I feel the same,” Arthur responded. “I…Merlin you are pure magic,” Arthur chuckled shifting out of Merlin’s grasp to turn around and face the Alpha. “I never did believe until I met you,” he carded his fingers through Merlin’s hair. The Alpha capturing his hand and bringing it down to kiss at his palm before holding their entwined fingers out in front of them. “You made me understand what it is to be loved, to feel love. You are the only person who I have ever wanted to be an omega for and I love you, even though half the time I want to strangle you.” Merlin laughed heartedly which Arthur returned. “I have waited so long for this.”

“I should have waited.”

“That doesn’t matter now.”

“No, you’re right it doesn’t.” Merlin grinned pulling his hand back he kneeled down on one knee. The omega staring at him with a confused look on his face. “Arthur Pendragon…would you do me the honour…” Merlin paused the smile he was shooting the omega was one full of love and hope. “Of…” Merlin trailed off once more, the omega becoming more and more confused the longer this went on. “Becoming my mate,” Merlin finished Arthur letting out a breath of relief. “Wow…me proposing that much of a worry?” Merlin shook his head in mock sadness.

“No,” Arthur quickly defended. “Just not something I ever thought about before.”

“But if I did?”

“I might say yes.”

“Alright, I’ll keep that in mind,” Merlin winked holding his hand out towards Arthur where he was still kneeling on the floor in the fake snow. He was wearing his suit trousers while Arthur was only in those magical boxers. Shooting stars and the Northern Lights flashed above them.

The whole scene was ridiculous and magical.

“So?” Merlin enquired.

“Nah I don’t fancy it,” Arthur tried to keep a straight face, breaking at the annoyed glare that the Alpha sent his way. Lowering himself to the floor beside the Alpha he cupped Merlin’s face in his hands. Their eyes locking together in that intensely perfect way that only they were capable of.

“Yes.”

 

Chapter 11

“Yes.”

Merlin surged forwards, his hands gripping onto Arthur’s cheeks crashing their lips together. Arthur’s hands spread across his back, his nails scratching along his shoulder blades probably making marks. Secretly the Alpha hoped so. He wanted to remember this night for the rest of his life, he had waited years to make Arthur his and now that it was here, he couldn’t believe it. They had been through hell and back just for the chance to be together. Anything worth having was worth fighting for. The mantra that had made up their whole relationship. The hope that they had shared and the sorrow they had fought through led up to this right here.

Merlin deepened the kiss. His hands tugging at Arthur’s hair, the omega moaning into his mouth. Using his weight, the Alpha pushed the omega backwards so that he fell into the snow, sinking into the artificial illusion. Merlin settling on Arthur’s chest not breaking the kiss for a single second. His hands moving down to Arthur’s chest, flicking at his nipples before lowering to the waistband of those damned boxers. The sight of Arthur in Merlin’s clothes had really done a number on his libido. He felt like he could have cum from the ridiculous sight alone. Arthur had no idea the effect he actually had on the Alpha or the power that he held. If he did Merlin knew he would never hear the end of it.

Merlin’s finger ran through the elastic, pulling it forward and letting it snap back into place. Arthur grunting at the movement. His head tilting to the side, breaking the kiss to glare at the Alpha who merely smirked in response. Merlin’s lips lowered to Arthur’s neck. Sucking at the omega’s scent gland making the man whine loudly in protest. His hips were bucking up pushing against Merlin’s groin. The Alpha feeling the full hardness of his partner loving every second of it. He continued his ministrations for another couple of seconds, Arthur’s dick pulsing on his leg showing that the omega was being pushed to the edge. Not wanting this to be over so quickly Merlin pulled his head back. His eyes narrowing at the dark bruise that was upon Arthur’s skin. Merlin’s heart skipping a beat at the sight knowing that soon there would be a permanent reminder on Arthur.

The pink and blue hues of light crossing over Arthur’s face bathing him in an ethereal beauty. His golden hair was shimmering and the bright smile on his face was blinding. His blue eyes were bright and Merlin could see flecks of gold radiating out from the Northern Lights, almost like the omega was magic. Merlin might be magic incarnate but Arthur was his magic. He truly was the other side of his coin and the other half to his soul. Merlin’s right hand cupped Arthur’s cheek stroking downwards with Arthur moving into the touch. His eyelids fluttering shut gently. Merlin captivated by the lights dancing across Arthur’s bare skin, his hands following the movements with feather light touches. Goosebumps erupting on the omega’s skin along with a small whine that Arthur didn’t seem to realise had happened. His eyes back open showed his darkening gaze and the arousal that was coursing through him.

Splaying his palm flat on Arthur’s chest over his heart, Merlin felt his magic flow free. The golden sparks running over Arthur’s skin, lighting up wherever it touched adding to the colours from the lights. The omega lifting up on his elbows staring down at himself in awe. His skin was glowing with the golden light, Merlin’s magic twirling through him straight down to his heart. Arthur gasping lifting his hand to twine their fingers together on his chest. Merlin’s magic wrapped tight around Arthur’s heart, sinking into the ventricles making it skip a beat. A tendril settling completely inside of Arthur as the rest rushed out over his chest and down towards his legs. The boxers vanishing with the touch leaving Merlin lying on top of a now fully naked omega. The golden glow pulsed twice before dimming leaving just the pink and blue hues from before.

Merlin swallowed around the lump that had formed in his throat, a rush of emotions cascading over him and he didn’t know what to feel. His magic was flaring brighter than he had ever known it without the exhaustion that used to follow. Before he could only do a gig every other day due to the time it would take from him to recuperate but now, he knew that wasn’t going to be an issue. His magic had found its home and its muse. His magic had found its reason and Merlin knew that his life was what it was meant to be. He was on the path that destiny had sent him on, if he ever believed in that. Meeting Arthur, yeah, maybe he did.

Arthur shifted underneath him bring the Alpha out of his thoughts. There was a soft scowl on his face though his lips were threatening a smile. The omega seeming to have become irritated by the Alpha’s staring. Chuckling under his breath Merlin leaned down and captured Arthur’s lips in a sweet kiss. Arthur immediately moving in time with him. His hips bucking up with his cock poking at Merlin’s side. Merlin’s left hand sunk down into the snow beside Arthur’s hip as he moved his own weight so that he was too the side rather than on top of the omega. His right hand grasping at the base of Arthur’s dick, merely holding and nothing more. Arthur growled into the kiss, his hips thrusting in his hand trying to chase the movement he was seeming to be longing for.

Merlin’s magic flowing out of him once more. Golden tendrils wrapping around Arthur’s legs forcing them to part, snaking around his knees and holding him in place. Merlin broke the kiss lifting to his full height, his hands pushing Arthur back down into the snow. Another two magical tendrils tugging at Arthur’s wrists pulling his arms above his head keeping him in place. Arthur’s eyes were wide and his breath was hitching. His cock was bouncing against his stomach with a small amount of precum dripping. Smiling wickedly Merlin slid down Arthur’s body so that his mouth was aligned with the omega channel that was soaked in slick. Golden sparks bounced off of the omega’s skin as Merlin’s magic run riot. He could feel the warming and tingling nature that must have been driving Arthur insane from the small groans and whimpers he was giving out. His magic coating Arthur’s cock, Merlin could see it moving up and down in a slow motion. The omega trying to chase the motions once more however the other tendrils held him firmly in place. Arthur’s mouth opened, panting with his deep breathes. His face was taking on a red hue and sweat was dripping from his brow. He looked like he was close already.

Not being able to have that, Merlin’s magic tucked around the base of Arthur’s cock. The omega letting out a deep growl at the orgasm delay. His blue eyes narrowed dangerously and he opened his mouth to say something. Merlin’s tongue licked out at Arthur’s channel stopping whatever the words had been in their tracks. Arthur throwing his head back into the snow letting out a long moan. The magic constricting tighter to the almost point of pain though it didn’t seem to phase the omega. If anything, it made his cock twitch and harden further which Merlin had thought to be impossible. Grinning Merlin speared his tongue inside the channel that he loved dearly. The pure taste of Arthur exploding across his taste buds had the Alpha humming happily. A purr meeting his noises causing Merlin’s inner Alpha to preen. He had done that. He had made his omega purr. He would spend the rest of his life trying to make these noises happen if he could.

Merlin’s right index finger slid in beside his tongue. His left hand moving down to Arthur’s ass crack. With a flash of gold his hand became lubricated. Pressing at Arthur’s rim he slowing shimmed his finger past the tight muscles. Arthur clenching around his tongue at the dual sensations of intrusion. Merlin’s tongue flicking and licking at Arthur’s channel tasting as much of the omega as he could. His finger following his movements while his other slipped inside completely. Merlin’s magic moving Arthur’s knees so that they were bent giving the Alpha deeper access. Arthur was moaning long and guttural. His breathes were coming in fast and short and his whole body was trembling. Merlin’s magic twisting and pulling at his cock. Merlin’s tongue and finger in his channel and Merlin’s other finger in his ass, sliding deeper until he found Arthur’s prostate. Crooking his finger, the omega let out a short sharp shout.

Slick dribbled out of Arthur’s channel, down Merlin’s tongue and pouring off his chin though the Alpha didn’t care. He savoured the taste of the man that was about to become his. Adding a second finger to Arthur’s ass to tease at his prostate. Merlin’s tongue and right index finger finding his omega spot at the same time. Arthur’s eyes were closed and his face was screwed up in his undeniable pleasure. A flash of gold had Merlin’s magic disappearing. Another flick of both Arthur’s prostate and spot had the omega cumming fiercely. Merlin watching the long stream bounce down onto Arthur’s stomach. The omega groaning and purring loudly. Waiting to make sure Arthur was spent Merlin pulled himself free. Swiping a hand across his chin to gather at the mixture of internal cum and slick, he licked his hand free. Arthur watching him through slitted eyes with a sated lopsided smile on his face.

Chuckling Merlin pushed to his feet, holding out his hands towards Arthur who was staring at him like he was crazy. Rolling his eyes the Alpha grasped Arthur’s wrists forcing the omega to stand on shaking legs. Sweeping underneath Arthur’s legs, the Alpha brought the omega into his chest in a bridal style. Arthur yelping at the sudden change of position. His arms hooking around the back of Merlin’s neck. The Alpha peppering kisses onto Arthur’s cheek walking them over to the glass igloo that they had ignored for now. The entrance to the igloo expanding over their heads rather than the Alpha having duck down and navigate their way inside. Arthur’s red blanket was laid out upon the icy floor however once again there was no cold or chill in the air. Merlin’s magic perfectly controlling the atmosphere.

Merlin lovingly laying the omega down onto the blanket, making sure that his head was pillowed by a mountain of the softest and fluffiest pillows he could think to conjure. His inner Alpha coming out to play wanting to build the best and safest nest to please his omega. He knew that instinct was only going to get worse with every heat and worse still when Arthur would be carrying their child in the future. He just hoped that he would not be as bad as Morgana had been when Gwen had given birth. Now that had been touch and go for a while about whether she would have been able to see Mordred being brought into the world. If it wasn’t for Arthur she probably wouldn’t have.

The ice igloo perfectly captured the bright colours that continued to swirl above them adding to the moment that Merlin had imagined since he had seen Arthur’s reaction to the picture. Even before he had asked if he could court the omega had he been thinking about this. Everything had led them too here.

Arthur’s hands pulling Merlin down to the floor brought him crashing back out of his thoughts once more. Arthur reversing their positions, making sure that the Alpha was comfortable upon the blanket. A wide smile was on Arthur’s face and his blue eyes were shining the brightest that Merlin had ever known. Arthur nipped at Merlin’s bottom lip playfully. Merlin growling causing Arthur to smirk. Arthur’s hands slid down Merlin’s chest playing with his nipples until they had hardened into stubs. His mouth biting and licking at any inch of skin he could. Slowly the omega reached Merlin’s trousers that he had forgotten he had been wearing. Sitting back on his heels where he was straddling the Alpha, Arthur raised his eyebrow expectantly. Gesturing down towards the offending material. Shaking his head at his true mates laziness Merlin waved his hand and with another hint of gold the Alpha was now naked. His cock being restrained underneath the omega’s channel. The helmet pressing at Arthur’s entrance being teased by the slick. Merlin bit his lip to stop the growl from forming. His inner Alpha was howling to take and to mate. The animalistic side to his nature begging for freedom knowing that his eyes would be bright red right now.

“Do it,” Arthur leaned down, his words ghosting across Merlin’s lips. “I don’t want you to hold back,” he whispered his own eyes were pure amber.

“I…”

“I won’t break,” Arthur interrupted his right hand holding onto Merlin’s cock holding it into place. His channel resting on the tip once more though he didn’t make to move himself. The cocky sure attitude was plastered across his face almost daring the Alpha to make his move. Merlin’s control was slipping and he could tell that Arthur knew by the strong heady pheromones that Arthur was projecting. The omega pulling and prodding at the Alpha. “Please, Alpha,” Arthur moaned huskily smirking at the guttural growl exploding out of Merlin. The omega defiently knew what he was doing. “Make me yours.” The pure omega behind those words made Merlin’s mind snap.

Merlin’s arms colliding around Arthur’s waist, his hips snapping up fiercely with his cock penetrating the omega with no prep. Fully sheathing himself in one movement. This was not going to be gentle and loving like he had planned. This right now was about his Alpha claiming and taking what was meant to be his. Arthur’s teasing and soft reassurances had been the permission that Merlin had needed. Arthur’s hands tugged at the back of Merlin’s head making the Alpha wince in pain. Arthur swivelled his hips around Merlin’s cock like he was trying to get used to the feeling. Merlin thrusted upwards at the same time that Arthur ground down. The pair moaning in unison.

Red eyes boring into amber.

The rest of the world becoming non-existent and probably never would again because Merlin had everything he could ever need right here in his arms. Arthur was his family, Arthur was his love, Arthur was his past, present and future. And he was never going to let him go, no matter what happened this was it for him. Arthur was it for him.

Merlin thrusted upwards in a brutal pace, Arthur’s head thrown back with the motions and his hands falling to Merlin’s shoulders. His nails digging into his skin to the point that Merlin could feel blood welling. Using this as fuel for his Alpha he angled his cock deeper. Hitting Arthur’s spot straight on from the loud shout that the omega gave out. Merlin crashed his lips to Arthur’s in a bruising kiss, his teeth scraping and biting tasting blood in his mouth. Whether this was from him or Arthur had didn’t know nor did it matter. Arthur clenched tight around Merlin’s cock making the Alpha moan. His head was spinning and he could feel his orgasm building low in his stomach. Deepening the kiss his right hand grasped at Arthur’s cock that was pressed to his stomach. Biting on Arthur’s lips once more he broke the kiss. Their eyes meeting one another. The love was shining bright in Arthur’s glassy eyes, the omega lost in the throes of his passion.

“Are you sure?” Merlin grunted trying to starve off the impending orgasm, Arthur thrusting in his lap was making it harder and harder.

“I swear to God Merlin,” Arthur’s tone was pure commanding omega, a tone of voice that Merlin’s inner Alpha could not help but listen too. “If you don’t mate me…” he trailed off the not threat clear in his voice.

Not needing anymore, Merlin nodded his head.

He grabbed at the back of Arthur’s head, the omega willingly cocking it to the side. His scent gland was on full view. His pulse was jumping underneath the unmarred and perfect skin. Arthur’s nose was nuzzling at Merlin’s, his angle was less than ideal for the omega but there was no way Merlin was moving. His eyes tracked the skin mentally preparing himself.

Merlin’s tongue snaking out to lick at the skin, choosing a spot on the side of Arthur’s neck. Higher than his collarbone, the Alpha wanting to make sure that no matter what the omega wore it would always be visible. He didn’t care that the omega would most likely bitch and moan about the placement. After being with Freya Merlin needed the whole world to know that Arthur was his and that this beautiful, kind, caring, stubborn, infuriating, talented, selfless and a prat of an omega was his.

Merlin’s knot flared into life pushing inside of Arthur.

Merlin’s teeth imbedded deep into Arthur’s skin, the taste of the omega flowing into his mouth. He could feel Arthur’s doing the same. A feeling of love, home, warmth and comfort cascaded over the Alpha, along with the heat of Arthur settling inside of his chest. He could feel the omega through the forming bond.

His omega. His mate.

Arthur clenched around Merlin once more making the Alpha spill his seed deep inside of the omega connecting them together. His knot locking and his teeth pressing deeper sealing their mating.

Coming down from his high Merlin regretfully forced his teeth to let go. Arthur having done so a while ago. Arthur’s hands running along his back, his nose nuzzling Merlin’s neck where he knew Arthur’s mark would now be. Lifting his nose to the air he couldn’t help but scent the omega. His heart panging and tears sliding free at their combined scent that was firmly wrapped around each other.

Arthur was purring while Merlin silently cried.

Merlin’s eyes focused completely on Arthur’s scent gland where a perfect indentation of his teeth was present for the whole world to see.

Finally.

After years of pining.

Months of planning.

And hours of making love they were one.

Merlin was Arthur’s Alpha and Arthur was Merlin’s Omega.

The way that Destiny had intended all along.

Chapter 12

Arthur’s fingers trailed along the bite marring his skin. A shiver running down his spine at the touch along with a warmth glowing in his chest. His eyes staring at himself in the mirror not sure who it was that was looking back at him. A lot had changed for him in the last almost year, he was not the same person he had been when Merlin had walked back into his life once more. He didn’t know who he was or what he was meant to be. Apart from Merlin’s as that was clear by the bond mark. They had made love for hours until Arthur had practically passed out in the Alpha’s arms. The illusion having fallen away by the time the omega had awoken.

He felt whole for the first time in his life and the impending dread that something was going to happen was no longer present. He could feel the thrumming of Merlin at the back of his head and in his chest knowing that if he wanted too he could reach out to the Alpha. That he would be able to know what he was feeling simply by looking. That was something he was going to have to get used too formerly being the King of repression and pretending that everything was alright when he was secretly breaking apart on the inside. He had spent years convincing himself that he didn’t want nor need an Alpha and now that he had one…well he didn’t know what was going to happen next. What was expected of him. It was a lot and it would most likely take him time to adjust. However, Arthur knew it was worth it. He was in love and he was happy and at the end of the day that was all that mattered.

Arthur ran the towel through his wet hair where he had just exited the shower, having left Merlin still sleeping in the nest. A nest that he really needed to sort out before his next heat in a few months’ time. Like the rest of the house as well. There was a lot of decorating and furniture building that needed to be done before it began to feel anywhere near like their home. The whole thought was daunting and exciting all at the same time.

Arthur’s eyes once more on the mark upon his skin, growling softly under his breath at the positioning. When he had left his own on Merlin, he had consciously made sure that the Alpha would have been able to cover it if he needed too, in case the Alpha didn’t want to announce this to the whole world quite yet. Arthur wasn’t sure the press would be ready after their very mixed reactions to Merlin’s interview that the omega had been reading about earlier. It seemed that it was mostly positive with others calling for the courts to release the full details of the case, citing foul play. There were the armchairs sleuths who were calling for Arthur himself to talk and spread his side of the story, these were the people who agreed that Arthur’s ‘accident’ had not been accidental. Arthur appreciated their support but he had had enough defending and trying to get his truth out there in regards to that incident. It happened and he had lived. There was no use constantly rehashing the events trying to get a different outcome, he knew the definition of insanity.

The omega huffed pulling his hands and the towel away from the mark, wrapping the towel around his neck instead, seeing that even this didn’t actually cover anything. Merlin’s teeth sitting pretty much just below his jawline, unnaturally high out of any marks he had seen before. None of his friends or family had one like his. What was also unnatural was the tingling of magic that Arthur could now constantly feel whether this was to do with the bonding or with the magic that had apparently decided he was its new home he had no clue. It wasn’t like there was anyone he could talk to about it either.

Merlin tugged lightly on the bond, the feeling making Arthur’s breath halt in his throat, his wide eyes staring deep into the mirror once more. Okay, that was new…he could sense that the Alpha was awakening and he was calling for the omega mentally. Clearly annoyed that he had found himself waking up on his own. Chuckling under his breath, Arthur threw the wet towel on the floor knowing that it was going to drive the Alpha insane, he constantly declared that he was not Arthur’s manservant while proceeding to do tasks that would contradict this claim. He reached for his clean shirt shrugging this on, his fingers once more dancing across the bond mark. Arthur smiling fondly at the mark standing out against his skin.

This was the start of the rest of his life.

Stepping into a pair of boxers which he generally wasn’t sure where his own and then his jeans with holes in the knees. His hand flicking through his wet hair trying to get the strands to sit a certain way, debating whether he needed a haircut or not. His phone buzzing where it was perched on the closed toilet seat.

Frowning he retrieved the device seeing the unknown number across the screen.

“Hello?” he answered waiting for a second hearing soft breathing coming from down the line. Stepping out of the bathroom he was greeted with the irritated and sleepy Alpha sitting up on the blanket. Merlin’s head was cocked to the side with a confused expression on his face while his eyes were staring at the mark on Arthur’s neck. Arthur’s own eyes upon Merlin’s. It was going to be a novelty that most likely will never fade. “Hello?” Arthur breathed out again verging on hanging up.

“Mr Arthur?”

Arthur’s heart constricted in his chest, falling deep into the pit of his stomach. “Emily? Emily Collins?” Arthur whispered his mind eye flashing back to the small child that used to hang off of his arm whenever the bell rang. The younger sister to Thomas Collins, who Arthur had helped out when he had presented as an omega to his parent’s disgust. He had intervened, finding Thomas a place in a special omega house making sure that the young boy would be getting the care and attention that he needed. He had presented surprisingly young, at the age of eleven although his first heat wouldn’t start until he hit sexual maturity. “How?” Arthur stammered feeling his body trembling at the pure fear in the child’s voice.

“Please help us.”

“Alright sweetheart,” Arthur cooed, Merlin immediately jumping to his feet. Clothes appearing on his body after apparently seeing something in Arthur’s face. “Can you tell me what’s wrong?” Arthur spoke gently, Merlin grabbing at Arthur’s hand leading the omega out of the nest and down the stairs. The Alpha making sure to reach for the house and his car keys before they stepped out into the mid-morning chill. The sky was overcast threatening to rain from the angry nature of the clouds. “Emily?” Arthur could hear crashing coming from the background, raised voices and desperate cries. Emily’s breathes were silent and it sounded like she was crying. “Where are you?”

“Home. Please Mr Arthur.”

“Okay, stay on the phone with me,” Arthur soothed throwing himself into the passenger seat, gesturing for Merlin’s mobile. “I’m on my way,” he reassured. He tucked his own phone under his ear while his hands scrolled through Merlin’s contacts. Pressing call on Lancelot’s number. “Emily Collin’s address,” Arthur barked down the second phone line, holding his hand over his own to make his voice muffled to Emily.

“Good morning, Arthur, how are you?” Lancelot deadpanned.

“I don’t have time Lance, I need the Collins address,” he protested, Merlin turning on the ignition waiting patiently not pressing or pushing the omega for which Arthur was grateful. The Alpha most likely being able to feel Arthur’s spiralling emotions through their bond. “Lance!”

“Is everything alright?”

“I don’t know.”

“Do you need me?”

“Address please Lance.”

“I’ll text it to you.”

Arthur hung up not wanting nor needing to hear more. He waited a second hearing Merlin’s phone beep, showing the Alpha Merlin nodding his head. The car roaring into life as the pair sped out of their close and down towards the centre of Camelot.

***

“I AM NOT HAVING THAT THING IN HERE!”

The shouting and the screaming were the first things that awaited Arthur as they pulled up outside of the house. The omega not waiting for Merlin to fully stop the car before he had leapt out of his seat. Hanging up the call to Emily after reassuring her that he was there, he pocketed his phone striding determinedly over towards the front door. He could see neighbours twitching behind their curtains with some poking their phones out towards him and Merlin who was firmly at his side. Arthur gritting his teeth wishing at this moment that they had their anonymity right now. Merlin’s hands pulling up the scarf that he wound around Arthur’s neck to hide the mark from sight. This was not the right time to expose their mating. Merlin himself wearing a neckerchief once more.

Arthur pounded on the door, the shouting stopping letting silence settle over the house. Arthur bit the inside of his cheek in annoyance. The sudden no one is home trick was not going to work after the noise they had been making. Knocking again he could hear hushed swearing coming from inside making Arthur’s blood boil. A curling deep in his chest of comfort swirled through him, turning his head to the side he saw Merlin’s kind fond smile on the side of his face. It was going to take a lot to get used to this feeling of another presence. He pounded louder on the door; within seconds it swung open revealing an irate Alpha who sneered as he scented the air. Beside Arthur Merlin growled.

“What the fuck do you want?” the man snapped showing his full set of teeth along with his bright red eyes. “Wait…I know you.” The man pointed his stubby finger towards Merlin. “You’re that magic man,” the man’s eyes widened. “What honour do I have to have a celebrity at my door.”

“Emily…”

“I wasn’t talking to you.” The man scoffed hissing in Arthur’s face breaking through his words. “I’m sorry darling, I don’t talk to omegas.”

Arthur tugged tight at the bond feeling Merlin about to fly off the handle. Mentally growling out a warning to his mate, they couldn’t afford any of them to be arrested not with Merlin only tentatively starting to reclaim his reputation. “Emily!” Arthur called out into the house seeing two small figures appearing behind the man. The taller one pushing their way past the Alpha to cling onto Arthur’s side. Thomas Collins. Emily hanging onto Thomas.

“GET BACK INSIDE!” the man roared his full tone filled with his Alpha pheromones, making Arthur’s eyes water. Merlin’s hand was pressed to the small of his back showing his presence. His mate had yet to say a word but Arthur knew that this was on purpose. Thomas crowded tighter into Arthur’s side, a protective streak flaring in the omega. His arm wrapping around Thomas’s shoulder holding onto him tightly. “GET THE FUCK BACK INSIDE BEFORE I MAKE YOUR UNGRATEFUL ASSES!” Thomas flinched in Arthur’s hold his whole body swaying suddenly to the side. Arthur and Emily holding the young omega into place. “I DON’T KNOW WHAT IT IS YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING!” the Alpha stepped close to Arthur, the threat evident in his eyes. Merlin growled low and deep in his throat, moving so that he was slightly in front of the omega, Arthur letting him due to the two young charges he had clinging tightly onto him. “TAKE YOUR OMEGA AWAY BEFORE I SHOW HIM WHAT A REAL ALPHA IS LIKE…A PRETTY THING LIKE HIM…”

Arthur pushed Thomas and Emily behind him. His hands grabbing for Merlin moving him backwards, letting the fist he had just swung fly through the air rather than making impact with the other Alpha. Merlin’s eyes were pure red with the inner Alpha rage roaring through his body. Arthur released his pheromones, soothing and calming down his mate trying to stop the full-blown fight from happening. He had had enough practice over the years of dispelling these situations to know what it was he was doing. “That’s enough,” Arthur declared his voice icy and dripping with his omega tones. Merlin was shaking behind him, Arthur holding his hands in his own. Squeezing tight with his warning. “I don’t care what you think or what you say about me,” Arthur directed his words to the other man. “I will not let you bring those children into it,” Arthur inclined his head behind him.

“Who are you to get involved?” the Alpha sneered. “I will just get them back like what I done the last time,” the man laughed. “The home will give me the omega back just like that,” he snapped his fingers.

“No, they won’t,” Merlin hissed out. “I won’t let them.”

“You can’t stop me,” the man laughed.

“Section two of law seven about the misuse of omega designation,” Arthur stepped closer to the man his own cocky smile crossing his face. “Another omega can temporarily claim guardianship or rights over a minor if there is a threat or risk to life,” Arthur quoted channelling his father. “I think you will find I invoked this the first time I found Thomas a home,” the Alpha’s eyes darkening as he seemed to realise where he recognised Arthur from. “I wouldn’t try anything,” Arthur warned holding his finger up to the Alpha’s face. “I have a fucking good lawyer,” Arthur winked.

Merlin cackling in his ear pressing at Arthur’s back to lead the omega away. The two children following their movements back to the car, both staring up at Arthur with hope and pride on their faces.

This was what he had missed most about being a teacher. The good he could do and the lives that he could change. Like it was his calling.

***

Arthur waved at Thomas and Emily where he was leaning against the passenger door of the car. The scarf was tucked under his chin and a pair of sunglasses on his face. The familiar warmth of his mate beside him, he too in similar attire not wanting to actually draw attention to themselves. Arthur had called his father and together they had pulled some strings finding a place at a new omega house that would take both Thomas and Emily even though Emily wasn’t an omega, that they knew of yet anyway. Arthur had his suspicions that she was going to present as an Alpha, he had seen the fierce protective nature within the girl that would be testament to that. Only time would tell.

Thomas and Emily disappeared from view. The doors to the home closing leaving the Alpha and Omega staring in their wake. Arthur letting out a deep breath trying to quell his emotions and his nerves. It was now early evening; they had spent the better part of the day driving around trying to find the children a place and to make sure that their abusive Alpha step date and beta mother would not have a legal claim on them anymore. Arthur willingly signing the law that he had quoted to the asshole Alpha citing that if anything did happen, he would be there for them. It was the least that he could do. He had seen so many people’s lives ruined because of what they turned out to be rather than who.

His own drunken thoughts from the other week coming crashing back to his sober mind. He had money, he had a platform. He could reach out and actually do some good in his life. “They’ll be alright,” Merlin’s arm wound around his shoulder bringing Arthur into his chest. Arthur’s head resting on his mate’s shoulder. “They’re safe now.”

“They are but what about the rest,” Arthur breathed out.

“You can’t save everyone,” Merlin remarked fondly, his finger tracing Arthur’s cheek.

“I can try.”

Merlin turned so that they faced one another. His blue eyes boring into Arthur’s own. He could see the love and pride shining through. The Alpha had a soft smile on his face as his hand cupped Arthur’s cheek lovingly. Arthur feeling the warmth flowing through him from the bond adding to whole picture. He had never felt so loved and so safe before in his life and he wanted everyone to be able to experience this. Regardless of their situation or their designation. “I’ve always wanted to be a patron of a charity,” Merlin mused, Arthur’s eyes widening. “What good is all this money for just us?” Merlin shrugged his shoulders. “I can tell by the look on your face that this is important to you.” Merlin kissed Arthur’s forehead, his lips resting on the omega’s skin. “I have never met anyone with a heart like yours,” he declared softly.

“Everyone deserves a chance,” Arthur replied. “Houses like these are important and there aren’t enough decent ones around. What happened to Thomas will happen to others if there aren’t the right checks and rules and regulations in place.” Arthur nuzzled his nose into Merlin’s neckerchief proud at the thought that it was his own mark the Alpha was hiding right now and not Freya’s. “I could have ended up somewhere like this,” Arthur gestured at the building. “If my father hadn’t of made it…” he shuddered at the mere thought.

“Let’s go home.” Merlin broke their connection holding his hand out to Arthur. Arthur entwining their fingers making a solemn vow. He might not know what to do with the rest of his life right now but he was going to help those that he could.

With their money and their attention, they could help the omega houses and hopefully change the lives of those that needed it.

Together there was nothing the Alpha nor the Omega couldn’t do.

 

 

Chapter 13

Notes:

No post on Friday this week, as I am not around, I will double post on Sunday

Merlin was nervous. He could feel his palms sweating and his body was trembling with the anxious nature taking over. Even Arthur’s normal soothing pheromones was not present due to the omega being in a similar state. It had been two days since they had mated, after settling Thomas into the omega house the pair had spent their time trying to organise the chaos of their own home. Spending the time together without any outside influences. Merlin knowing that their friend group were constantly messaging trying to probe for information that neither the Alpha nor the Omega gave over. Their mating still being their secret, not for much longer however.

They had wanted this to be just for them because as soon as the press caught wind it would be everywhere. Arthur already was being bombarded with requests for interviews from various networks and papers. Requests that Uther was shielding at the moment. Arthur still having yet to decide what he wanted to do, aside from setting up their own omega charity to help out the houses and support those who needed it. Merlin hoped that his mate (wasn’t that a wonderful thing to say) wouldn’t give up his musical talent. He adored hearing Arthur sing and loved to hear him play and hoped that he could keep this dream alive. In whatever manner the omega decided.

The limo was rolling to a stop. Percival grunting from behind the wheel about the long queue of cars ahead of them. The night of the Baftas was finally upon them. A night that Merlin had not been sure he was still welcomed too after the damage that Freya had caused. Morgana assuring the Alpha that the nominations still stood just to not be hopeful about his own category. Which was fine by him.

This would be the first time he was out in the public eye since the interview, the bond break and the new mating. It was a lot and he wasn’t sure how the world was going to take to him. Or Arthur. The omega was sitting beside him, his head was turned to stare out of the tinted windows, his chin resting on the palm of his hand and his blue eyes were unseeing. Tension was radiating from his body and it had taken a lot of convincing on Merlin’s part to get the omega to turn up to this event. Arthur being new to the whole celebrity lifestyle was becoming overwhelmed by the interest in himself and the interest in his life. Another reason Merlin thought that his mate was taking some downtime and why he had secretly been relieved that his heat had overrun by a couple of days, meaning that he could not finish the tour with Vivian. Vivian and Gwaine due back anytime now.

The limo inched forwards once more. The noise of the screaming fans and the flashing of camera filtered around them making Arthur flinch. Merlin’s hand was resting on the seat between them, the tips of his fingers brushing at Arthur’s suit trousers. The omega looked incredible tonight. Morgana had set them up with a professional tailor who had customed designed their outfits. Merlin was in a dark blue suit, with a white button-down shirt and dark blue tie to match. It was fitted to his slimmer frame showing off his broadening shoulders that he had been working on lately. He had joined Arthur for his morning jogs and had even convinced the omega to set up a home gym in one of their spare rooms. Seeing Arthur’s appreciative looks being thrown to Merlin’s body the Alpha knew that his work was being noticed. Not that Arthur didn’t look like him that way before however. Merlin’s hair was artfully ‘tousled’ or in his words a chaotic mess that was meant to look that way and he had a couple of days’ worth of stubble on his cheeks. Something that Arthur declared made him look much older, as Merlin would put it sophisticated and serious to which the omega had a full-blown laughing fit, delightfully reminding the Alpha about his upcoming thirty-fourth birthday, Arthur rubbing in the six year age difference once again.

Arthur however was wearing a burgundy suit with a black button up shirt underneath. He had foregone a tie, ripping it off as Merlin had tied it around his neck. His muscles were clear whenever he moved as the jacket was fitted tightly to his chest. His fringe was dancing in front of his eyes not quite obscuring his vision though it wouldn’t be long. The rest of his blond hair had been ‘lifted’ making the strands stand out (whatever that meant) He was clean shaven and his mating mark was on full view for the world to see. Merlin grinning at the expanse that was visible. His placement being perfect in his eyes. Merlin’s own was half covered by the collar of his shirt and his jacket, only the top could be seen peeking through. All in all the omega looked like sex on legs and Merlin just wanted to take him home and rip all those clothes off of him. Later. If they spent any more time wrapped around and in one another then their loved ones would surely stage an intervention of some kind. Morgana had already threatened that on Merlin once before as the demands for him started to pick up again.

Merlin could feel Arthur’s apprehension and nerves blooming through the bond adding to his own. This was a big deal for the pair. This was the culmination of the court case and the hard road they had fought just to be together. And now that they were. Well, it was time to decide where to go from here. Their struggles were behind them but Merlin had a feeling that the fight was far from over. They had the rest of their lives together, holding onto their joined fate tightly and making sure that it was all worth it. Not that Merlin had any doubts. He had always known what he had been fighting for.

The limo inched closer. “Next stop!” Percival called out breaking through the silence. Arthur tensing further, his head moving, his slow blinking eyes turning to face Merlin. The Alpha wanting to do everything that he could take away the fear and the nerves that were present. He held his hand out on the seat between them, palm up. Waggling his fingers when all the omega done was stare. Blowing out another breath Merlin felt Arthur’s hand link with his own. His fingers curling over the back of Arthur’s knuckles holding onto his mate tightly. Their eyes locking onto one another. Blue staring at blue.

“We don’t have to do this,” Merlin reassured, Arthur’s shoulders circling forwards trying to dispel the tension that was radiating through him. “I can just go and Percival can take you home? Or we head back together…”

“I love you Merlin,” Arthur chuckled fondly his other hand swiping through his fringe messing up the careful work of the stylist who was probably going to have a fit when she watched the red carpet live. “But I think my channel needs a break,” Arthur retorted, Merlin snorted nodding his head.

“Fine, I think I would be blowing smoke anyway,” Merlin responded the familiar banter soothing his own apprehension. Focusing on the feeling of the omega, allowing his presence to flow through his veins to chase away any negativity that was growing. Arthur’s eyes becoming soft and a gentle smile spreading across his face showing that he felt it too. “If you don’t want to do this…”

“Ashamed of me?” Arthur quipped a confident cocky façade settling into place, the omega squeezing Merlin’s hand.

“Never,” Merlin smiled brushing his left hand over Arthur’s cheek, his eyes staring at the bond mark. Arthur slapping at his shoulder lightly with a gentle chuckle. “What?” Merlin shrugged his shoulders hearing the insane cheering getting closer knowing that they probably only had seconds until it was their turn. “I’m allowed to look,” Merlin defended with a pout, trapping his bottom lip with his teeth. Arthur’s eyes zeroing in on the movement with a hooded gaze, coughing the omega covered up his reaction muffling a shut up at Merlin’s laugh. “Are you sure you are up for this?” Merlin asked once more as the car rolled forwards. Percival securing the limo pushing out of his door, moving around to Merlin. “We can’t take this back.” Percival pulled Merlin’s door open, he could hear the press calling and shouting wondering who it was that was emerging.

“Just go you perv,” Arthur shook his head fondly dropping Merlin’s hand and shoving at his shoulders.

Merlin winking sobered his expression. Straightening up he slid out of the car to the brilliant flashing of cameras. Desperate calls of his name were being shouted out, voices clambering on top of one another at the start of the red carpet and the sprawling press and fans that were awaiting them. He could see many a star ahead of him, taking their time talking and posing pretending that they really wanted to be here. A few boos greeted Merlin coming from the far-right hand corner, a group of fans were jeering and cursing his name, the Alpha making a mental note to avoid that section.

Merlin smiled for the camera, moving forward to pose by himself. Percival standing in the open doorway, Merlin could hear his soft words and reassurances, the other Alpha receiving a growl in response. Arthur clearly having had enough of the ‘babying’ as he would most likely put it. Fighting back the grin that was threatening he kept his best professional look on his face for the moment. The press calling his name and asking him to turn towards them. Merlin could feel the movement from behind him, seeing the people’s eyes widening around him. Trying to look like the Alpha he was meant to be he stepped to the side. Percival slamming the door shut heading back to the driver’s seat, ready to allow the next people through.

A shocked murmur ran through the gathering press and the few fans that were near the front of the line. Merlin smiling proudly at his mate. Arthur was standing by himself, his eyes adjusting to the bright lights of the camera with an unsure crooked smile on his face. His hands were hovering awkwardly between his hip and the air next to his leg. Merlin shooting encouraging feelings down the bond trying to show the omega that he was there. The press by now completely ignoring the illusionist in favour of the omega. “ARTHUR!” one man was inching closer his camera zoomed in towards Arthur’s face. “ARTHUR PENDRAGON!” came a chorus of voices. Arthur slowly relaxing his pose with a lazy grin falling onto his lips. His blue eyes glinting in the constant light of the flashes.

An organiser pulled at Merlin’s shoulders forcing him to walk forwards to head down the red carpet, leaving his mate to fend for himself. Shooting an apologetic look towards the wide-eyed stare of the omega, the Alpha began to pose all over again. Holding his arms out to the side and displaying his best smile he could all the while staring at Arthur out of the corner of his eye. A journalist rushed forwards with a microphone holding this out-underneath Merlin’s mouth, a camera being pointed directly into his face. “Merlin Emrys,” the Alpha woman snarled out with a predatory smile present on her face. The omega cameraman shooting Merlin a weary look, seeming his reputation had reached their ears. “We are shocked to see that you have made it here tonight,” the woman spoke her green eyes glinting in contradiction.

“I am here to support my cast and crew in their nomination,” Merlin replied coolly hoping that his voice sounded even and controlled. “They have all worked hard and deserve the recognition.”

“Interesting, you are nominated yourself for best personality.”

“Yes, but that is one I do not expect to win.”

“I should think not considering everything that has happened lately,” the woman tutted her eyes falling to the new mark on Merlin’s neck, narrowing towards it. “Is there something else you would like to tell us?” she gestured. Merlin smirking in response, seeing Arthur walking past him over towards a group of screaming teenagers who were desperately calling his name. The omega blatantly ignoring the manners of the red carpet and the bewildered press who was staring at him in shock. Merlin suppressing a chuckle at his mate’s antics. Only Arthur would be able to get away with something like that.

“To you?” Merlin asked tearing his eyes away from Arthur. “No.” With those words he turned on his heels and made his way down the line. A group of fans were standing to attention, waving their hands and notebooks towards him. Smiling brightly, he took a leaf out of his mate’s book and headed towards them instead of the awaiting presenter of some kind of backstage show that he didn’t really care about. There were hundreds of celebrities here to keep their attention surely. “Hello,” he greeted the girls who all blushed and stammered out their own greetings. Merlin posing for several selfies to their great delight. Signed a couple of autographs and even recorded a short video message for someone’s mum apparently.

“We believe you,” the girls all shouted at him in unison making Merlin pause as he was about to move down the line, having lost sight of Arthur.

“Thank you, I believe me too,” Merlin replied making them laugh. He could see several cameras flashing his way clearly interested in his interactions with the fans. Trying to ignore this the best he could he leaned towards the group for another photo. Holding one of the girls phones out to take a selfie with all four of them. Standing back to his full height he peered at the picture, letting out a snigger at Arthur who was clearly in the background pulling a silly face. Sobering his expression, he handed the phone back to the young girl who was smiling brightly.

“You look happy,” she declared, Merlin’s heart squeezing with her words. “I don’t think we have seen you happy before.” she added, Merlin grabbing her hand tightly.

“I am,” he admitted inclining his head over his shoulder in the vague direction he believed Arthur to be in. The girl’s eyes widening as they seemed to catch his drift, their eyes on his mating mark with a squeal erupting. Merlin smiling brightly dropped her hand and bid his farewells making his way over to the interviewer he had ignored who was desperately calling out his name.

“Merlin, thank you,” the man sounded out of breath. “My boss would have killed me if I didn’t get this interview,” he nodded towards the cameraman. Merlin placing his best fake smile on his face, his eyes tracking Arthur who was by now being surrounded by cameras and an insistent Alpha interviewer. Merlin’s jaw ticking though he stayed where he was. Sefa would murder him if he caused a riot on the red carpet. “Roman Minstrom here for Bafta backstage, I am joined by world famous illusionist Merlin Emrys!” Merlin turned his attention to the camera reminding himself to smile. He was trying to reclaim his image and not get a new one of moody uncooperative Alpha. “Merlin how are you?” the man asked surprising the Alpha. “I know that the last few months haven’t been easy on you.”

“No, they haven’t,” Merlin agreed feeling guilty for having avoided the man earlier. “It’s been the hardest time of my life,” he admitted, the man nodding his head with a sympathetic look on his face. He was a far cry better than the Alpha woman from earlier, Roman’s omega tendencies helping it would appear. “But now I am free,” Merlin smiled. The omega’s eyes upon nis neck, almost bulging out of his head.

“Is that?” the man stammered before he could compose himself. “I mean, what are your hopes for tonight?” Roman quickly changed the subject though Merlin could see that he was desperately trying to catch the scoop of the night. Peering around at the left over press the Alpha made a decision. Arthur had dislodged the Alpha though there was a frown marring his features where he was standing to the side shaking his head. Pulling at the bond, the omega’s head snapped up immediately finding Merlin’s eyes. A silent conversation passing between the pair. Roman was turning his head around trying to find what had captured Merlin’s attention, Merlin clearing his throat making him turn to face the Alpha with a confused smile on his face.

“Honestly, there is only one category that I care about tonight,” Merlin breathed out. “Best piece composed for a TV show,” he admitted Roman’s eyes widening and the camera was panning in closer to the Alpha’s face. Merlin knowing that the mating bite would be the full focus of his interview.

“Ah yes, the theme song for your show Creatures of Nightmare, a piece that has captivated the world,” Roman nodded his head.

“Like the composer has my heart,” Merlin interrupted.

“Arthur Pendragon?” Roman spoke the omega’s name. “Your…” he trailed off his words dying on the tip of his tongue unsure what to classify the pair as. Merlin had gone on LIVE late night TV admitting that Arthur was his true mate and to the world that was how it had been left.

“True mate,” Merlin finished the sentence for the man holding his hand out to the side where he had sensed movement. A warm hand was placed in his own, tugging the person forward and tucking them into his side. Roman’s eyes were almost bugging out of his head at the sight of Arthur himself. “And actual mate,” he added. His free hand lifting up to trace at the bite on Arthur’s skin. The omega rolling his eyes fondly shrugging Merlin away with a laugh.

“M…mate?” Roman stammered.

“A world exclusive right there,” Arthur pitched in his blue eyes becoming warm.

All around them people stopped to take notice. Other reporters and cameras were flashing their way calling their joint names, dying to get the picture of the newly outed couple. Merlin squeezing Arthur’s hand leading the reluctant omega over towards the crowd. “Our people await,” Merlin chuckled under his breath. Arthur groaning forcing a smile on his face. Merlin’s arm winding around Arthur’s waist holding the man that he loved close for the world to see. “Any regrets?” he asked turning his head to the side to stare at Arthur, the omega mimicking his movements. The cameras constantly flashing and their names being shouted at full volume.

“Ask me later,” Arthur quipped back leaning forwards to press a gentle kiss to Merlin’s cheek. The crowd almost cooing at the motion, Merlin seeing Arthur’s hand twitched where he very nearly made an inappropriate gesture. The omega still had a long way to go to get used to this whole being a celebrity thing.

Good thing Merlin had a while to teach him.

Feeling sufficiently blinded the Alpha pulled the omega down the carpet and towards the venue, ready to take their place for the actual ceremony.  

 

 

Chapter 14

“You were robbed,” Arthur whispered under his breath, pretending to clap and smile for the winner of best TV personality. Someone that he actually had no clue who it was. Some morning presenter apparently according to the previous VT. Even on days when his insomnia kicked his ass, he would never subject himself to that kind of morning torture. Normally preferring to spend his sleepless moments composing, writing or these days running. Lately his insomnia had been better since he had moved in with the Alpha however there were still days where his mind would just not settle. Merlin moaning about many a morning or night that he woke up alone to a cold bed. On a normal night he managed around six hours sleep which for him was a record. “How can anyone say she has personality,” Arthur whispered in Merlin’s ear, the Alpha tutting under his breath but Arthur could see the smirk forming. “I would want my bed to suffocate me then listen to her,” the omega continued faking snoring on the Alpha’s shoulder. Merlin shoving him off with a quick glance around him. A camera panning past their faces recording their reactions to her winner’s speech.

Arthur completely tuned out on what was happening. His eyes focusing on the champagne mentally trying to count how many glasses he could get away with. How drunk could you get at an event like this? Merlin was side eying him clearly keeping an eye on Arthur’s alcohol consumption unlike what he was used to. With Gwaine and Lancelot he could easily drink them under the floor to the point they stopped realising they were meant to care. Merlin he could tell was different. He supposed it had to do with the fact that they were both in the public eye and considered to be figures of influence, or whatever cheesy bullshit statement had been set at the start of the show. Figuring that he probably should be on his best behaviour the omega merely sipped at his drink putting it back down into place. Merlin shaking his head with a fake exasperated look on his face, Arthur sticking his tongue out in response catching the camera moving towards them at the same time. Quickly turning his head to the side, he pretended to listen. Merlin’s knee knocking into his own showing that the Alpha had seen with the man barely able to stop the smile from spreading.

They were sitting near the front of the stage on a round table. There was a strange assortment of different flowers in the centre with a candle nestled either side. Health and safety or fire hazard having gone out of the window apparently with how close the naked flames were to things like cloth, clothes, leaves and an obscene amount of hairspray. And that was just coming from the woman to Arthur’s right. Again, another celebrity that the omega had no idea who she was. Merlin had made small talk as they had sat down; he had said her name however Arthur hadn’t listened. And it had gotten to that point in the evening that it would be considered rude to ask who she was. Also on their table they had the producers from Creatures of Nightmare, the director, an actor from a TV show that Arthur could not get into, his omega partner, another actor couple and a stuck up older lady that kept shooting hateful glances Merlin’s way.

Merlin’s foot hooked with his own under the table. The Alpha’s full attention was on the stage, his face set in a passive neutral expression as he feigned interest. Arthur swallowed past the lump that was forming in his throat, shifting his weight in his seat, allowing his own foot to slide up the inside of the Alpha’s leg. Merlin peering at the omega out of the corner of his eye, Arthur feigning indifference watching as another celebrity rushed up to receive their award for whatever achievement they had done. He really should be paying attention but that was becoming increasingly difficult. Merlin moved his knee closer, the heat from his body oozing into Arthur’s through their bond. The Alpha defiently abusing it right now.

Arthur’s hands settled into his lap. His left-hand drifting to Merlin’s knee, resting there for a moment. His eyes slotting around seeing that there was no attention upon them for the moment. He kneaded the muscle under the palm of his hand, hearing Merlin’s breath hitching which he covered as a cough instead. Merlin tugged at the bond in sharp warning which the omega brushed off. His hand moved higher, running alongside the inside of his mate’s thigh. The tablecloth covering his motions from prying eyes. The camera came roaring around to their table, focusing on the woman beside Arthur. Arthur grabbing his drink taking a sip trying to keep himself out of shot, hoping that his cheeks were not heating the way that he felt they would be.

After a couple of moments, the camera moved away as another nominee was focused upon. Arthur pulled his hand away to Merlin’s great amusement. Snarling a shut up under his breath to his mate. Merlin’s leg gripping tighter to Arthur’s calf, sliding up and down. Arthur trying to stay as still as he could aware that any single motion could and probably would rock the table. The winner of the next award was announced and by the frown on Arthur’s neighbours face it wasn’t her. “Scheming undeserving witch,” the woman huffed under her breath clapping graciously. Arthur spluttering gaining a death stare from the rest of the people around him. Merlin sniggering beside him at his less than elegant response. Arthur shoving at Merlin’s side, the Alpha’s amused smiled being turned towards the omega. Arthur shaking his head repressing the urge to sulk in his seat like a child. He really wanted to check his phone to see how much time had passed but he had a feeling he wasn’t going to like the answer. How long did these things go on for? And why the hell did people watch this shit live? Arthur could think of so many other things he could be doing right now…and only seventy five percent of that was anything sexual.

“And now for best entertainment show!” the presenter called out gesturing to the two new celebrities to come forward to announce the winners of the award. Arthur straightened in his seat becoming interested once more. Beside him Merlin was tense with the director silently praying under their breath. That damned camera came back, settling and staying focused on their table…surely that was a good sign, right? The nominees were announced along with short clips of the show. The one chosen for Creatures of Nightmare consisted of Merlin and Vivian surrounded by shimmering fiery snakes. The Halloween episode that true to thought had become their highest watched.

“And the winner is…” the presenter paused for dramatic effect. Taking their time to pull open the golden envelope. Arthur sitting on the edge of his seat, Merlin’s foot had unhooked from him and he could feel the Alpha’s leg bouncing in nerves. “Harry’s House of Chaos!” there was an uproar from the table beside them. Merlin’s face falling slightly as he clapped the winners. Arthur was fighting back the frown. He wondered if Freya hadn’t of said anything would that had changed anything? He could feel Merlin’s internal guilt knowing that his mate was thinking along the same lines. The camera was still focused on their table bringing an idea to the omega’s mind. Leaning towards the Alpha he cupped Merlin’s cheek so that their eyes could meet. Merlin was staring at him in confusion though Arthur could see the sadness in his expression. Arthur pressed their lips together in a soft kiss. He could hear the gasps and the outrage from the woman beside him. Holding his hand behind him he subtly flipped her off which caused her to startle loudly. The group trying to claim the award stopped and the noise fell. Arthur knowing full well that he had caused everyone to stare at them but he didn’t care. He deepened the kiss, the Alpha responding hesitantly for a moment before pulling his head to the side to break apart. His eyes were wide and scandalised.

The camera panned out of their faces moving back around the room once more as the winners were making their speech. Arthur hearing the stammering and the confidence that had left them, grinning wickedly he grabbed his drink and took a long pull. Merlin watching his throat work having forgotten those thoughts that were in his head. Arthur projecting his cockiness down the bond making the Alpha roll his eyes downing his own drink. “Don’t need an oversized paper weight anyway,” Arthur declared, Merlin smiling gratefully. He grabbed Arthur’s hand placing them both on the table in full view. Their mating will be all over the news come the morning, or most likely even now seeing as this was televised live. He can almost imagine the barrage of texts he probably had on his phone.

The next few hours passed in a blur. Arthur could feel his mind slowly leaving him. He was entirely too sober and hungry. The little bites of food that they had been offered having done nothing for his appetite. There were no waiters or menus around that he could see meaning that he probably had to wait until this whole night was over. Maybe he could convince his Alpha to stop for a takeaway on the way home. Maybe an Indian? Arthur lifted his champagne glass downing the dregs that were left. “Now to present our next award is a world-famous singer who has just come back from their European tour and her mate. Please welcome Vivian Olafson and Gwaine Greene!” Arthur choked on his drink very, very nearly full projecting this into hairspray’s lap beside him. Wiping the back of his hand across his lips he watched as his two friends took to the stage. His two friends who had said absolutely nothing about presenting an award. From the looks of Merlin’s face, he didn’t have a clue either.

Vivian was wearing a very sparkly golden dress that plunged at the neck line down to her naval. Leaving very little to the imagination. Her hair was curled down her shoulders. Gwaine was in a white tuxedo with a gold tie, an image that Arthur was never going to unsee. Was he…yes, he was wearing eyeliner once more…better him than Arthur the omega supposed.

“It is our absolute pleasure to be presenting the award for Best piece composed for a TV show!” Vivian called out, her eyes meeting Arthur’s, letting out a small wink before turning back to the camera.

Arthur felt nausea bubble in the pit of his stomach. Merlin was clenching onto his hand tightly leaning forwards in his chair. The damned camera came back around, this time focusing upon Arthur’s face. Arthur praying, he didn’t look like what he felt. He really didn’t want to puke on national TV. The other nominees were announced, samples of their music being played with clips from the show they were related too. “Arthur Pendragon, Dreams of a Nightmare from Creatures of Nightmare,” Gwaine’s voice was loud and contained as much pride as he could muster. Arthur’s piano piece playing out across the room, the camera zooming in closer to Arthur’s face as he hung his head slightly feeling a blush overtaking his cheeks. Merlin’s finger under his chin brought his gaze back up, the Alpha shooting him an encouraging smile.

Arthur running over his best commiserating look that he could muster for when the winner was announced. There were too many other amazing pieces nominated compared to his shoddy work. Honestly, he should have spent a lot longer composing the theme song then what he did. It had really only taken him half a day when…

“OH MY GOD! Arthur Pendragon! Dreams of a Nightmare!”  Vivian squealed.

The whole room exploded into claps and cheers. Arthur’s heart leaping into his throat, his brain trying to figure out what was happening. Wait…wait…what?! Arthur’s mouth was opening and his whole body was shaking. Merlin jumped to his feet, tugging Arthur up alongside him. He was talking but Arthur couldn’t hear his words through the fog that was clogging his ears. How was this happening? He wasn’t anyone special…he…fuck. Merlin’s hands were on his face forcing their eyes to meet. Arthur could feel the chaos of his emotions spinning inside of him, Merlin’s presence calming and forcing the omega to concentrate. Merlin was openly crying holding onto Arthur like he was the most precious thing in the world. Arthur pulled the Alpha in for another kiss, Merlin responding instantly only letting it linger for a moment. Pushing away the Alpha gestured towards the stage where Vivian and Gwaine were hollering for Arthur. “You do deserve this,” Merlin whispered in his ear, kissing his cheek and pushing him forwards. The omega stumbling.

Pressing his shaking hands to his stomach he made his way too the stage. His mind was left behind and he felt like he was moving unconsciously. Vivian jumped into his arms pressing kisses over his cheeks probably leaving marks. Gwaine moving her out of the way forced Arthur into a big hug. Lifting him off of his feet before Arthur groaned out that he couldn’t breathe. Gwaine chuckled releasing him going to pat him on the back his eyes falling onto Arthur’s face and then down to his neck. Gwaine’s eyes bulging, Vivian was squealing beside him once more the pair seeming to have noticed the mating mark.

Vivian shoved the award in Arthur’s hands and brought him in front of the microphone. His music which had been in the background faded as the whole room fell into a hush. All the words rushed out of Arthur’s head. He had not prepared a speech, generally not expecting this to happen to him at all. His eyes roamed around the room at the expectant faces, there were literally thousands of people here all waiting for him…he could do this. He had played to arena’s before, this was nothing compared to that. Letting out a shaky breath Arthur held the award in his hands.

“I erm…didn’t prepare anything,” he admitted the crowd letting out a little laugh. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Gwaine and Vivian hugging each other tightly staring at him like they were proud parents. “I never expected to win this,” he added his eyes flickering around settling upon Merlin who was still standing. A camera was watching his every reaction however the Alpha didn’t seem to care. He was crying still. His hands linked together being held in front of his face. “This is to anyone who has ever felt like they weren’t good enough,” he announced. “This is to anyone who has felt uncomfortable in their own skin or for anyone who has ever been discriminated against for their designation. This is for anyone who has ever felt lost in the world not knowing what they are doing. This if for anyone who never believed in love. Because I have been you,” Arthur swiped a hand across his face brushing away a single tear that rolled down his cheek. “I know how it feels and to be standing here before you today is insane. If I can do this then you can do anything that you set your mind too, as long as you try.” Arthur paused for a second. “I want to thank my friends for their unwavering support,” Arthur smiled towards Gwaine who shot him a thumbs up. “To those who have ever given me a chance,” he nodded towards Vivian who blew him a kiss “To my family for their love and putting up with me,” he stared down at the camera. “To my mate, my Alpha Merlin Emrys.” Arthur held Merlin’s gaze. “For standing by me through everything, for fighting for me and for showing me what love is. Without you none of this would have been possible. I love you.” Merlin was sobbing at this point mouthing his love back. “I dedicate this award to the one person who taught me to never give up on my dreams and who was my number one fan. I miss you every single day” Arthur lifted the award above his head, his eyes staring up into the sky. “This is for you mum,” he called out another tear snaking down his cheek. “Thank you.” He mumbled into the microphone stepping away on shaking legs.

Vivian and Gwaine escorting him off the stage to rapturous applause. Arthur barely able to believe that just happened.

Now he really needed a drink.

Chapter 15

One year later:

The flames erupted in mid-air, spinning forwards in an inferno before crashing together, exploding into rain. Cascading down onto the front row who squealed and screamed at the water. They cheered throwing themselves to their feet to give a standing ovation. Merlin grinning down from the stage lowering his body to a bow. His hands tucking into his suit jacket as he straightened to his full height. Smirking he pulled his hands free, lightening crackling from his fingertips lighting up the stage. Some of the crowd screamed at the sudden noise making the others laugh. The lightening struck at the wood of the stage in front of Merlin’s feet. “Remember earlier I asked Caitlin to pick a word from the newspaper,” Merlin called out gesturing down to a girl in the front row. She was smiling brightly still holding onto the sheet with both hands. Merlin’s brain fondly going back almost seven years ago when that had been Arthur and Gwaine. “She had ten pages to choose from and literally thousand of words,” Merlin continued, smoke wafting from the now burning wood. A camera panning down onto the stage showing on the big screen behind him. This performance was being televised for a DVD at the request of Morgana. “Can you confirm to me that no one influenced you and that there is no possible way for me to know what you had chosen?”

“You can’t know because I changed my mind,” Caitlin lifted to her feet with a sly grin on her face. Merlin pursing his lips. “I changed my mind half way through the show to see how magical you really are.”

Merlin stifled the low growl hating the fact that he had another arrogant audience member who was making it their personal mission to throw him off his game. Outwardly he didn’t let the irritation show, ignoring the mumbled gasps of the crowd and the awkward shuffling of the crew just off stage. Nodding his head, he strode to the centre of the stage. The burning continuing, the smoke wafting upwards in a tornado like fashion. Merlin’s magic manipulating it for a greater effect. The crowd oohing in response. “Your word,” Merlin held his hands out to the side the fire burning brighter. A word becoming etched into the wood. “Agony.” He declared showing the audience the burnt in word. “But then you changed it,” The letters on the stage twisting and changing spelling out another one. Cocking his head to the side Merlin frowned at the two words instead of one. “Happy Birthday?” he frowned.

“That’s it!” Caitlin declared holding the paper above her head with the words circled on. The audience cheering jumping to their feet with their applause. “I have something to admit!” she shrugged her shoulders tearing the newspaper into pieces above her head. Merlin staring at her in confusion. “I am not your plant,” she winked inclining her head to behind Merlin.

An insane amount of noise echoed throughout the theatre. Merlin span on his heels, his mouth opening and his face breaking out into a bright smile at the image that he was presented with. This was the final day of his UK tour that he had been on for the past six months. His reputation had increased after the Bafta’s with many warming back up to him because of his mate. Their story had been published and the details of the court case had become known. Due to all of this the demand for the illusionist had increased with Morgana using this as a chance to get Merlin back onto the road. He had toured the many parts of the UK, half of the trip he had his omega by his side until Arthur was called away for his own job.

Arthur having decided to continue his song writing and composing career while running their active charity Equal Opportunities. When he wasn’t writing or recording, he was overseeing the construction of several new omega social housing. He personally hired the staff and got involved with the funding and promotion. Using their combined name for good in the world. It meant that the omega was constantly busy and Merlin had to basically restrain him for any down time but he was passionate and it showed in his work. Arthur had that fire back in his heart that winning the Bafta for his music had alighted. He was in demand more than ever with certain artists begging for a collab or asking him for some songs. Vivian was still trying to convince Arthur to release his own album. Something that Merlin too was trying to get to happen. One day, when things settled down a bit more than maybe Arthur would too.

“Happy birthday to youuu…” the whole crowd began singing following the lead of the omega who had stepped onto the stage. Arthur was smiling brightly, in his hands was a square cake that probably had the wrong amount of candles on, Arthur’s way of reminding Merlin that he was ‘getting old’ at least to the omega’s definition. Merlin was thirty-five to Arthur’s twenty-eight, twenty-nine in October. Merlin shook his head slowly in disbelief making the omega smirk brighter. “Happy birthday dear Merlin!” Arthur sung out loudly and proudly coming to stand beside the Alpha, holding the cake out for his mate to see. “Happy birthday to you!” the singing stopped with the audience clapping and cheering. The camera moving to pan down onto the cake which consisted of different pictures of Arthur and Merlin that had been taken over the years. From the Peter Pan fancy dress, to the Northern Lights, the night at the Baftas and the latest one with Mordred squished in between them. Uncle Arthur still firmly the favourite to his parents chagrin. “Make a wish,” Arthur declared holding the cake up under Merlin’s nose.

Raising his eyebrows Merlin allowed his eyes to close for a second. Focusing on one single thought he opened them blowing out his candles in two breathes. Mentally cursing the omega at the forty that was sitting proud. Ignoring the pleased tug at the bond, Arthur clearly very proud at his antics. Something that Arthur was becoming known for in the celebrity world after his flipping off Dame Geraldine Herald at the Baftas. Arthur claiming that he didn’t know she was one of the ‘King’s chosen’ as he had put it. For someone who was in the limelight he still was ignorant about how the world worked and that seemed to suit the omega. And Merlin…well he wouldn’t have his mate any other way.

Merlin leaned forward and pressed a lingering kiss to Arthur’s cheek. “Happy birthday love,” Arthur breathed out, his smile becoming fond as a stagehand came out to take the cake from the omega.

“Trust you to sabotage my show,” Merlin called out the audience laughing. Arthur shrugging his shoulders bowing low in an exaggerated manner to which the crowd whopped and whistled. Merlin rolling his eyes glaring at his audience though there was no heat in his gaze. He loved their reactions knowing that Arthur was just as accepted as Merlin himself in their eyes. “Guess I have to come up with another ending for the DVD,” Merlin huffed crossing his arms to his chest, Arthur moving to his full height winking at the Alpha. “Morgana will kill you.”

“Ah won’t be the first time she has tried,” Arthur smirked. “She needs someone to look after the little monster,” he added referring to Mordred who really was becoming a handful at over two years old which was not entirely surprising for the spawn of Morgana. “I know,” Arthur snapped his fingers holding his hand out to the side. “Guitar me,” he ordered, Merlin’s eyebrows raising in response. Arthur cocking his head to the side with his best I am waiting look. Merlin huffing waving his hand making an instrument appear in Arthur’s hand. The omega shooting his famed prattish smirk that showed that he got his own way. Arthur lifted the strap over his head settling the guitar into place. His hands strumming a few chords humming under his breath at the same time. His blue eyes staring into Merlin’s eyes. “Remember all those years ago,” the omega spoke over the chords. The audience had settled down with the lights lowering on the stage creating a spotlight on Merlin and Arthur. “In the classroom,” Arthur continued changing the chords. “Down in the jungle where I lay, out of the corner of my eye I see to my dismay,” the omega sang making Merlin laugh.

How could he forget that day, that was when they had realised, they were true mates.

“Nope, sorry don’t ring any bells,” Merlin quipped crossing his arms to his chest, Arthur’s eyes narrowing and his lips pursing though he continued to play a random melody that Merlin didn’t recognise.

“I guess I will have to remind you,” Arthur replied. The tune returning back to that ridiculous children’s song he had made up all those years ago. Merlin staring at his mate like he had lost his mind. There was no way he could end his first DVD on a damned children’s sing along. “Trust me,” Arthur winked stepping towards the edge of the stage, the confidence he exuded a far cry from the man who had first started to perform. Merlin remembering the nerves and doubt that used to plague the omega at just the thought of being the centre of attention. “Bring the lights up,” Arthur shouted out the light technician following his request. “You want to see some real magic?” the audience yelled, clapping loudly. “We are going to need your help,” Arthur’s eyes roamed around the audience. “I am going to come around and when I ask I need you to think of an animal, don’t say it out loud,” Arthur stepped down off the stage. Merlin moving to the edge watching his omega disappearing into the crowd, confused about what the man was doing. “Let’s see if Merlin can read minds,” Arthur lifted his head towards Merlin and winked. “The first time we met was at one of his shows,” Arthur walked around playing the soft tune. “The third time was when I used to be a music teacher,” Arthur stopped at the stairs of the stools. A spotlight was following him around. “That was when I began to believe in magic.” the children’s tune played out once more. “Tonight, we will make you all believe too.”

Merlin lowered himself down, sitting on the edge of the stage watching as his mate walked around the crowd playing the tune. His heart was full to bursting with his mind going back to that time when everything had been unsure and scary. When all he had wanted was Arthur but the world was not ready for them.

“So, the song goes like this, down in the jungle where I lay, out of the corner of my eye, I see to my dismay!” Arthur sang out, the crowd murmuring amongst themselves. The omega came to a stop beside a young male whose eyes were wide as they stared into Arthur’s. “Think of animal but don’t say it out loud,” Arthur declared the man nodding slowly. Arthur playing the tune on a loop. “Down in the jungle where I lay, out of the corner of my eye, I see to my dismay…”

“A tiger!” Merlin shouted his hands swishing to the side, a golden shimmering tiger roaring into life beside him. Arthur’s bright eyes boring into Merlin’s, the pair holding contact for half a second before the omega turned away.

“A tiger?” Arthur asked the man who nodded with a shocked look on his face. The crowd gasping and laughing at the same time. “Alright, let’s make it harder. I want everyone here to write down an animal on their phones,” Arthur declared the crowd following his instructions. “Don’t let anyone else see and make it as difficult as you can!” Arthur chuckled, Merlin shaking his head fondly, a camera by now was following Arthur’s movements, the omega blowing a kiss into the lens. “Good, quick fire,” Arthur remarked. “I will shout out a seat number and Merlin you got to say the animal straight away. If he is right hold your phone in the air so that we can see.” Arthur nodded his head. “Let’s do this. Down in the jungle where I lay, out of the corner of my eye I see to my dismay… Circle seat 15!” Arthur shouted.

“Hyena,” Merlin changed the tiger to a hyena, the phone drifting into the air. Arthur shooting him a blinding smile walking through the crowd playing the same tune over and over again.

“Stalls 73.”

“Boar.” The hyena reduced to size becoming a snaffling boar that sniffed the air towards the front row. A second phone rising.

“Royal box seat 2!”

“Purple dodo!” Merlin growled out, Gwaine’s eyes widening as he placed his phone in the air, the smug grin being wiped off his face to Vivian’s great amusement. The boar becoming a purple dodo whatever the hell that was meant to be.

“Right at the top seat 13!”

“A washing machine?” Merlin frowned, the dodo becoming a washing machine with the phone going into the air.

“I think someone needs to go back to school,” Arthur chuckled. “Offstage sound technician.”

“Capybara!” a thumbs up was shot offstage making the crowd laugh. Arthur walking back over towards the stage. Holding his hand out towards Merlin. Merlin lifting to his own feet pulled the omega beside him.

Merlin summoned all of the animals mentioned, they roamed around the pair as Arthur played the tune faster. His blue eyes glinting gold in the light of all the magic swirling. The audience were on their feet screaming out Merlin’s name. Merlin lifted his hands. The animals alighting into a spark of golden fire streaming down around the Alpha and the Omega. Arthur finishing the song holding his hands out flat, the guitar getting the same treatment as the animals. The lights upon the stage fading to black.

Merlin reached for Arthur in the darkness pulling his mate into his chest and pressing their lips together. “I love you,” he whispered into Arthur’s mouth. Arthur going in for one more sweet kiss. Moving away he patted Merlin’s cheek slipping off into the darkness.

The lights flared bright into life revealing just Merlin in the middle of the stage, taking a deep bow to the insane applause of the crowd. Fighting back the tears at the feeling of belonging that was flowing through him. This was everything that he had ever wanted and he was just glad that he had managed to hold onto his career despite the damage that Freya had tried to cause. “Thank you all!” Merlin bowed to the standing ovation, his eyes roaming around the theatre. “You have been wonderful; I hope I have made you believe in magic!” he inclined his head hearing the cheers becoming louder. “Goodnight!” the lights dimmed once more casting the stage in darkness.

***

“They’ll come looking for us,” Arthur groaned into Merlin’s neck. His lips pressing soft kisses against the bond mark. His hands were grasping desperately at Merlin’s shoulder blades most likely leaving scratches in his wake. Merlin held onto Arthur’s waist tighter, pressing his body closer to the omega’s, his hips thrusting deeper where he was buried in the omega.

As soon as he had stepped off the stage all the Alpha could think of was his mate. He had pretty much ran to his dressing room, startling Arthur who had been sitting on the sofa. Merlin had flashed his gold eyes instantly undressing his mate before pulling him to his feet and pressing him into the far wall. His own clothes vanishing, Arthur’s legs around his waist giving the Alpha the perfect access for the channel that he loved dearly. Breaching his omega in one smooth fluid glide of his hips.

Merlin barely gave Arthur a moment to think before he was picking up his pace. It had been too long since he had been with his omega and he didn’t want to waste anymore time. Their separate careers taking them away from each other for longer than he liked and he knew that it was the same for Arthur. Merlin tugged at Arthur’s head, manipulating his movements so that he could crash their lips together. Chasing the omega’s tongue and licking into his mouth savouring the taste he had missed like crazy. Arthur moaning soft sounds into his lips causing Merlin’s cock to pulse with his increasing pleasure and arousal. He could feel his knot starting to swell.

Arthur’s hands pushed at his chest forcing their lips apart. His glassy eyes boring into Merlin’s. His chest was heaving with his breathes and his skin was flushed with a healthy glow. His cock was pressed between them being squished by their chests. “We can’t,” Arthur breathed out his words turning into a long moan as Merlin hit the inner spot. Arthur’s eyes rolling to the back of his head with his legs tightening their grip around the Alpha. “Merlin,” he whined. “You’re not playing fair,” Arthur whined biting his bottom lip, Merlin lazily sliding his cock in and out of his mate at a pace he knew would be considered teasing by the omega. “We…” Merlin hit Arthur’s spot once more, the omega groaning. “Don’t have time…” Arthur protested his words becoming less sure.

“We can make time,” Merlin winked his mouth latching onto Arthur’s scent gland making the omega shout.

“Fuck.”

“That’s the idea sweetheart,” Merlin grinned wickedly picking up the pace of his hips. His knot swelling pushing at Arthur’s entrance. The omega wriggling like he was trying to deny it entrance but not actually trying at all. Arthur’s pheromones showing how into this he actually was. Merlin thrusted deeper, his knot slipping inside of the omega locking them together. Merlin whining as he spilled his seed deep into his mate. His hand moving to Arthur’s neglected cock. Sliding his hand across spreading the precum to make it easier. Arthur’s head thumped back against the wall, his eyes were fluttering closed and his entrance was pulsing around Merlin’s still spilling dick. The earlier fight and protests having died out as the pleasure took over. Merlin worked at Arthur’s cock. The omega grunting, his head falling onto Merlin’s shoulder shuddering spilling his own cum over Merlin’s hand. Grinning the Alpha turned them around, walking over to the sofa, lowering himself down with Arthur firmly in his lap. He lifted his sticky hand and licked at the cum that was on his finger. Arthur watching him with a hooded gaze.

“They’re going to kill me,” Arthur breathed out, his head nuzzling into Merlin’s chest. Merlin’s hands pulling his mate tight against him, holding him protectively. His chin resting on the top of Arthur’s blond head allowing the bright smile to spread across his face. “I promised I would get you there on time,” Arthur groaned his hand tracing a small circle on Merlin’s chest over his heart. “Fuck sake Merlin.”

Merlin chuckled. “So, what, I’ll be a bit late to my surprise birthday party,” Merlin shrugged his shoulders, shifting his weight so that his cock brushed against Arthur’s spot once more. The omega whining low in the back of his throat, his eyes narrowing in warning. “I got to take my time appreciating my present.”

“I haven’t given it to you yet.”

“You give it to me every day.”

“Wow…you are such a girl.”

Merlin bucked his hips up once more, Arthur biting his lip in response. “You were saying?” Merlin chuckled Arthur swotting at his shoulder playfully. “As we are already late…one more round?”

Chapter 16

Notes:

I'm sorry but I am going to have to cut down the posting scheduele on this story, the USB I keep these chapters on has broke meaning I only have up until chapter 23. I am going to have to rewrite what I already had done. Very annoying I know! Rather than put this on hiatus I am going to cut the posting down to Wednesday's, until I have more chapters written. This gives me time to try and catch up and means that you still get the story.

I am so sorry, I will try and get this back to full scheduele as soon as I can!

Lesson learnt, triple save next time, that's what I get for moving between a desktop and laptop to write.

Arthur glared at Merlin’s fake gasp of surprise. The omega scoffing under his breath making his way over towards the bar, ignoring all the sharp stares and shakes of heads he was getting as he passed. Alright, they might be two hours later than Arthur had promised but what was he meant to do? It had been three months since he had seen his mate after all. What were they really expecting from them?

Arthur grabbed two champagne glasses turning his back on the bar, sitting down on a stool, to look around the room. They had hired out a whole cocktail bar for the night, well Morgana had organised everything claiming that Arthur would be terrible at keeping the secret which she was completely right. Arthur had caved and told the Alpha about the party when Merlin had taken him by surprise, trying to tell his mate why they couldn’t knot though the pair had ignored his protests.

Light music was playing in the background, Merlin was chatting with Uther and Morgana, the Pendragons having accepted the Alpha into the family like he had been there the whole time. It had warmed Arthur’s heart to see their easy acceptance, Uther even going so far to call Merlin, son. That had been a shock to them all but the tears in Merlin’s eyes showed how much it had meant to him. Leon and Lancelot were swaying together on the dance floor, slower than the music dictated but it didn’t seem to matter to the pair. Their wedding bands glinting in the low light. They had gotten married two months ago, a small ceremony with only a handful of guests. It was an intimate affair to show their love and commitment to each other that went further than their mating. Arthur had been proud to stand by both of their sides, Elyan had officiated the ceremony, the lawyer having integrated himself into the group easily. Gwaine and Vivian were in the far corner wrapped up in one another. Gwaine’s hands upon Vivian’s stomach, the singer was six months pregnant which had been a shock to everyone, no one more so than Gwaine. The baby had been an accident but Arthur knew that the Alpha would be an amazing father. The omega was pleased that it had worked out for his friend in the end. For all of them in fact. They were all with who they were meant to be.

“I told them I should have accompanied you,” Percival grinned throwing himself down onto the seat beside the omega, snatching at one of the glasses that Arthur had in his hands. Arthur glaring at the Alpha who downed the contents in one, winking at Arthur. “It’s nice not to be the designated driver tonight,” Percival chuckled nudging at Arthur’s side, stealing the second glass, Arthur rolling his eyes letting him. “A bet is a bet.”

Percival had bet Arthur that Merlin would jump Arthur as soon as they were alone and that he would make himself late to his own party. The stakes had been who was going to have to drive the drunk rabble home. Arthur sighing holding his hands up in front of him accepting his fate. Percival slapped the keys to the limo into Arthur’s hands, slathering a sloppy kiss to Arthur’s forehead making the omega splutter. A growl echoing out from the other side of the room that only made Percival laugh harder. The Alpha ruffled Arthur’s hair striding over towards an aggravated Merlin, pulling the Alpha into a tight hug making the man seemingly forget all about his possessive tendencies that came out at certain times. Becoming worse when Merlin was either near, in or post rut and same with Arthur’s heats.

“Morgana is threatening to castrate you both,” Gwen floated over towards Arthur smiling brightly handing the omega over a plain coke from the looks of it. “I had to remind her of the time she walked in on you both to stop her from forcing you two apart.”

“Eurgh, don’t remind me,” Arthur shuddered feeling the second-hand embarrassment. “She wouldn’t dare,” Arthur took a sip of his drink, his arm winding around Gwen’s waist holding the other omega against him. The pair had become a lot closer since Arthur had delivered Mordred into the world, their bond becoming more like brother and sister. The pair had spent many a day together when they needed to get away from the Alpha’s or when Morgana and Gwen were ready to give Mordred up for adoption (of course they would never do it, they loved the hell spawn regardless of his demonic nature)

“Nah, she wants a niece or a nephew,” Gwen winked innocently. Arthur choking into his drink, Gwen slapping at his back with a smirk on her face. “Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about it?” Gwen lowered herself to perch on Arthur’s knee. Arthur mock grunting at the effort earning a brilliant smile that he had to bit his lip to stop reciprocating. “I know you Arthur Pendragon, I see the way you look at Mordred, at Vivian.”

“Mordred is a walking advert for condoms…or swallowing.”

“Arthur!” Gwen shouted scandalised her eyes were wide. “That’s my son you are talking about.”

“No, it’s Morgana’s son,” Arthur disagreed. “Sorry Gwen but that boy is all Gana.”

Gwen huffed crossing her arms to her chest and shifting her weight so that her knee knocked against Arthur’s groin, making the omega groan at the impact. “Well, we are lucky to have uncle Arthur aren’t we,” Gwen cupped Arthur’s cheeks holding his lips into a pout. “Speaking of…”

“Oh, look at the time,” Arthur hurriedly forced Gwen off of his lap. Downing his drink, he shot her a small smile. “I best go prepare my present,” he gestured over his shoulder with his thumb hurriedly stepping away before he was roped in for babysitting or even worse…having Mordred for a sleepover. He had offered once and they still had the gouges in the kitchen counters as proof. Ignoring Gwen shouting his name he strode over to the small stage, brushing off the thoughts of children for the moment. He had suffered a miscarriage almost two years ago by now and since then they hadn’t really brought up the idea of children again. They had both been so busy with their careers lately that everything else had slipped to the side.

Arthur had thrown himself into his work whole heartedly that he knew that in a way he had pushed the Alpha to the side. He had wanted to make his mark on the world to help make it a safe place for people like him that he hadn’t really stopped. He was nearing himself to exhaustion, he knew that he would need to slow down before he collapsed. Take a step back and allow the people he hired to do their job; he didn’t need to be so hands on. It was hard for him to relinquish his control as this was his project. This was his passion and in a way his name on the line. He had been interviewed many a times for his charity work which was what he was becoming more known for. Arthur Pendragon, patron of Equal Opportunities rather than Arthur Pendragon singer/songwriter/ composer. He missed the music more than he thought he would. That short time he had spent with Vivian on that stage had been one of his happiest amongst all the shit that his life had been. Maybe he would have to consider going back. Or doing something of his own making now that Vivian would be taking a break when she gave birth to hers and Gwaine’s daughter.

Arthur reached for the guitar he had asked his father to bring. He could hear the music switching off. “For one night only!” Gwaine’s voice called out Arthur rolling his eyes at the Alpha, looking over his shoulder at the man who was standing directly in front of him. “I present to you the Princess!” Gwaine bowed trying to gain some kind of applause that didn’t come.

“Fuck off Gwaine,” Arthur growled hearing the group chuckling. The omega dragged a stool into the centre of the stage lowering himself down into it. Morgana brought him a microphone and stand, her hand running through his hair with a loving look on her face. Her eyes were glassy showing that she was on the edge of drunk which would explain her easy affections towards Arthur. She melded back into the crowd that was gathering around the stage. Their close friends, family, Merlin’s work associates and various other acquaintances that had been invited were staring at the omega with curious looks on their faces. Front and centre, was Merlin, who was staring at Arthur fondly. The love shining through his eyes and his fondness bleeding through their bond. “We all know why we are here, Merlin’s fortieth birthday…”

“Thirty-fifth dollophead!” Merlin hissed, Arthur chuckling at how easy it was to rile up his mate.

“Close enough,” Arthur declared ignoring the sharp glare that promised retribution making Arthur smirk harder. “I erm…” Arthur could feel the nerves start to bubble in his chest, growling under his breath he attempted to repress this. “This one is for you my Alpha,” Arthur breathed out instead of explaining not sure that he could find the words.

His hands finding the first chord, strumming slowly. All other sound drowning out apart from him. His eyes completely locking with his mate allowing everyone else to fall away, all that mattered was the man that owned his heart and soul. “I found a love, for me,” Arthur began, this song he had written especially for Merlin and it had been one he had kept close to his heart. He had wrote this when they had been waiting for the results of the court case, or at least Arthur was waiting anyway after being kept in the dark for two weeks. “Darling, just dive right in, follow my lead. I found a man handsome and sweet, well I never knew you were the someone waiting for me,” Arthur’s voice was soft yet strong to match the tone of his guitar. He could see the couples melting into one another as their rapt attention was completely on the omega. “We were kidding ourselves when we fell in love, not knowing what it was, I will not give you up this time. Darling just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own and, in your eyes, you’re holding mine.”

Merlin was at the edge of the stage. His hands were clutching at his chest and there were tears in his eyes. His head was cocked to the side and his full attention was completely upon Arthur as the omega continued to sing. Morgana and Gwen were holding onto each other swaying gently. “I found an Alpha, stronger than any I know. He shares my dreams and we share a home. He found a lover, to carry more than his secrets, to carry love, to carry children of our own.” Arthur could see Merlin’s breath stuttering at the mention of children, a line that Arthur had literally only just put in at that second, Gwen’s comments pushing to the forefront of his mind. Gwaine was holding onto Vivian’s pregnant stomach both of their eyes focused entirely on Arthur. Lancelot was holding Leon against his chest; their eyes were fond and they had beaming smiles on their face.

Arthur completed another chorus. The love and warmth that was filling his chest from the bond was almost overwhelming making his voice choke up for a second before he could compose himself. He played the final chords. “I don’t deserve this; you look perfect tonight.” He strummed the last note, the whole club was eerily silent.

Arthur barely had a chance to put the guitar down before he found himself with a lapful of his Alpha. Merlin’s mouth was on his, the omega could taste the salt of his tears dripping onto his top lip. The rest of the group were cheering and applauding though to Arthur that didn’t matter. Arthur deepened the kiss for a moment, whining when the Alpha pulled his head away. Resting their foreheads together staring into each other’s eyes. “That was beautiful my omega,” Merlin whispered like it was a secret. His hands carding through the back of Arthur’s hair. “Thank you.”

“It was nothing,” Arthur smiled crookedly feeling self-conscious about having borne his soul in one of his songs.

“It was everything,” Merlin countered. “How did I get so lucky to have you?”

“It was destiny,” Arthur chuckled, Merlin snorting at his words moving his hands up cup at Arthur’s cheek. “You liked it?”

Merlin scoffed. “Nah was shit.”

“Thought so.” Arthur deadpanned rubbing his hands up and down Merlin’s back feeling the warmth of his mate’s skin. Merlin was running hotter than normal, his rut seeming to be nearing from the extra clingy and possessive behaviour that the Alpha had been showing lately, Arthur knowing that it wasn’t his heat as he had another month before his time. “I’m glad you liked your present.”

“I loved my present earlier,” Merlin drawled his finger tracing Arthur’s jawline, the omega shivering trying to hide the arousal that was growing despite the fact that they had had sex twice only hours ago. “I can’t wait to go home so I can unwrap it all again,” Merlin winked pressing another kiss to Arthur’s lips before quickly spinning away. Jumping to his feet and striding over to the bar leaving the omega pining with a raging hard on, glaring disdainfully at his entirely too cocky and smug mate.

“Fucker.”

***

“Gwaine!” Arthur growled dragging the Alpha out of the limo. “Keep your fucking clothes on!” Arthur snarled using his full arsenal of omega pheromones that he could muster. The Alpha’s hands falling away from his jeans that were now around his ankle, the tip of his cock almost sticking out of the slit in his boxers. Arthur mentally cursed under his breath running a hand through his hair, glaring at Vivian who was merely content to film the whole interaction not caring in the slightest that her mate was about to strip for everyone to see. Granted their neighbourhood was exclusive and gated but it didn’t mean that Arthur wanted this to follow them around. Gwaine and Vivian having brought the mansion near to Arthur and Merlin.

Arthur had hated every second of being the only forcibly sober one. Leon and Lancelot were passed out in the backseat of the limo. Percival was singing loudly with Merlin opposite them, Gwaine had been trying to give Arthur a striptease and Vivian found the whole thing hilarious. Uther had taken pity on Arthur and had forgone drinking, he taking Morgana and Gwen home. Morgana and Gwen having actually moved back in with the elder Pendragon when Arthur had moved out. Gwen basically becoming Uther’s carer full time not that he needed that much anymore. He was walking mostly, only using his wheelchair for long journeys. He had returned to work part time, working this time for Arthur and his charity. Completing contracts for the omega and also acting as a manager. Every day a little more of the old Uther showed. Yes, he still had bad days and those were the times that Gwen had become a life saver. Uther in turn helped out where he could with his grandson, even roping Gaius in to look after the little monster tonight.

Arthur dragged Gwaine to his front door, depositing him on the step and declaring him Vivian’s problem. Vivian kissed him upon the cheek as he passed. Arthur heading back to the driver’s seat. He was not making any more stops. Leon and Lancelot would just have to stay in one of their guest rooms. Percival had his own place in the back of their garden. A cottage that the Alpha had fallen in love with the second he had seen it. Merlin offering him the place rent free. Percival happy to take it as it meant that he was near the Alpha and the Omega should he be needed. Their increased fame meant that more attention was constantly upon them which in turn had led to some over eager fans and paparazzi. Normally just the sight of the mountain of an Alpha was enough to make any of them pause. Arthur would forever be grateful to Percival.

It took Arthur a whole hour to make sure that all the drunkards were settled. Percival passing out on their sofa in the main living room not caring to try and make it to his own house. Leon had relentlessly declared his love for…well everything he could see. Especially the omega. Leon had always been a clingy and loving drunk. Lancelot stumbled everywhere, almost knocking over countless objects and furniture. It was a miracle Arthur still had a home intact at this rate.

The omega had settled them in the guest bedroom before turning his attention to his mate.

Merlin was incredibly drunk.

An incredibly drunk Merlin was either one of three things. Happy, horny or thoughtful.

Tonight, was the latter.

“Just imagine if I was still mated with her,” Merlin huffed out for the tenth time. Arthur gritting his teeth at the mere mention of Freya reminding himself that Merlin was drunk and didn’t know completely what he was saying. The omega humming under his breath, removing Merlin’s clothes leaving him in his boxers. Making sure that the Alpha cleaned his teeth while he grabbed two bottles of water and some painkillers for the morning, setting this out on the bedside table on the right, Merlin’s side. “I mean just imagine.” Arthur was imagining something else alright.

“Mmhm,” Arthur responded steering the Alpha over to the bed. Pulling back the covers and pushing at Merlin’s shoulders so that he took the hint. Stumbling his way onto the bed, his head landing on the pillow. Letting out a deep breath, Arthur set out to getting himself ready for bed.

“You don’t know what it was like.” Merlin was calling out, his voice carrying to Arthur who was in the bathroom cleaning his own teeth. His eyes staring at himself in the mirror seeing his own jaw ticking with his displeasure at the continued conversation. “You don’t know.” Merlin continued to repeat.

Arthur spat out the toothpaste and placed his brush back in the holder. Leaning down he cupped some water in his hands and splashed this over his cheeks. Hanging his head for a second trying to let Merlin’s words slide. Even after the last year it was still difficult sometimes for Arthur to comprehend what they had been through. To think about the hell that the Beta had put them both in. Arthur’s heart panging at the thought that the Alpha was still thinking about her however he knew that this was nothing. He was the one that Merlin was mated too now and he was the one that the Alpha had fought to be with. He couldn’t let a little insecurity mess this up for him.

“AAARRRRTTTTHHHHUUUURRRRR!” Merlin drawled out Arthur’s name making the omega grunt in frustration. He had a feeling he was not getting much sleep tonight, at least that was something he was used too with his insomnia. “I miss you!” the Alpha tacked on, Arthur trying to pretend that his heart had not fluttered with those words. “Come back!”

“Jeez,” Arthur walked into the bedroom raising his eyebrow at the Alpha who was sitting up in bed holding his hands out in a grabby motion. “I was gone for five minutes,” Arthur grumbled turning off the main light and navigating his way over to the bed in the dark using his muscle memory. As soon as he reached the bed arms wound around his waist pulling him down. Grunting Arthur allowed himself to be manhandled into the little spoon. Merlin wrapping his arms and his legs around the omega trapping him in place. He couldn’t move even if he wanted too. “Are you trying to kill me?” Arthur wheezed prising Merlin’s fingers loose slightly so that he could actually breathe.

“I never want to lose you,” Merlin replied earnestly, his breath tickling the back of Arthur’s ears. “That song was amazing, you are amazing,” Merlin whispered his voice soft as he sounded like he was being lulled to sleep. “And you are mine,” Merlin bit down on the mating mark on Arthur’s scent gland. Arthur’s eyes rolling to the back of his head at the wave of pure pleasure pulsing through him, inwardly growling that Merlin was way too out of it to even attempt to finish anything let alone start it. His body not getting the message however. “Perfect omega,” Merlin growled. “Mine.”

Arthur chuckled hearing Merlin’s breathes evening out. Lifting his hands up to tangle with his mates his own eyes fluttering closed. “Yours,” he whispered into the darkness.

 

Chapter 17

Merlin’s skin felt itchy and hot. He wanted to tear all of his clothes off and he wanted to snarl at everyone that was in the room. However, he refrained from all of those things knowing that he actually wanted a job at the end of the day. The need was getting harder and harder to ignore the more time that passed.

He had been dragged into this meeting with a couple of TV executives who wanted to discuss an opportunity to broadcast a one off live special. A meeting that apparently had to happen today or not at all according to Morgana. The other Alpha basically telling Merlin that he had to control his almost rut addled brain for the next couple of hours despite the fact that all he could think about…all he wanted was to bury himself deep inside of Arthur and never come out. Just the single thought of his mate’s name had his cock twitching in his suit trousers. He was a mess and soon he would be making one if he wasn’t careful.

He kept getting controlled and dangerous looks from Morgana who he knew could sent his barely repressed pheromones. Trying to make himself look professional and not a complete mess was one of the hardest things he had had to do lately. He nodded in all the right places and made the tentative faces in others. Truth to told he had absolutely no clue about what was happening or what it was he could be agreeing to doing. Something about a special collab that they were wanting apparently, with who or what or when was a mystery.

Merlin shifted in his seat biting his lip at the friction of his trousers against his straining hard cock. He needed a release and he needed one now. His hands twitched on the table, tapping slowly with his mind trying to focus on the rhythm he was creating. Anything, anything but the thought of sex or his mate or sex with his mate. Why wasn’t he doing that again?

“…Good, then it settled,” one of the men grinned holding their hand out towards Merlin. Merlin blinking slowly trying to get his brain to catch up. Morgana was glaring nodding her head towards the man’s hand. After an awkward thirty seconds had passed Merlin finally managed to kick his brain into gear and accept the handshake of agreement to whatever the fuck had just happened. “We will look forward to seeing the partnership in person.”

Partnership? What the hell had he agreed too?

“Thank you on behalf of my client for this opportunity, I will make sure to pass on your details to Mr Pendragon’s manager,” Morgana declared.

Arthur?

Why the hell wasn’t he in Arthur right the fuck now?

Merlin growled low in his chest, jumping to his feet seeing that the meeting was most likely over. Not waiting a single second, he strode out of the room like a whirlwind, his magic guiding and leading his forgetting brain on instinct alone. He needed to find his mate.

***

The front door slammed open, the hinges protesting at the harsh treatment though the Alpha didn’t care. His nose lifting into the air he followed the sweet tantalising scent that he had been dreaming of for the last couple of hours. Merlin skulking into the kitchen like a predator waiting to sneak up on their prey which in a way wasn’t an unfair comparison with how much his hormones and pheromones were raging right now. The pure essence that was his mate was calling for him and he wanted nothing more. He needed nothing more than the omega.

Merlin rounded the corner growling deeply as he entered the kitchen. His hands balling into fists and his mind blanking. Arthur was perched on a stool by the breakfast bar they had installed, he was frowning down at a piece of paper while he had a cup of what looked like coffee in his hands. Gwen was opposite with her own drink and a struggling Mordred in her lap. His grabby arms constantly trying to reach out for Arthur who was barely suppressing a smirk towards the other omega. Merlin’s heart twisting in his chest at the sight. Biting down on his bottom lip he slowly strolled into the room trying to contain the arousal and intense need that was coiling fiercely through him.

Arthur’s nose twitched, his head lifting and his wide eyes boring into Merlin’s. Merlin could see Arthur’s eyes go glassy for a second before he shook his head to regain his composure. “I thought you had a meeting,” Arthur declared lowering the piece of paper down carefully. His whole demeanour was calm and controlled although Merlin could feel his mate reacting to his own state. More of Merlin’s pheromones flooded towards the omega who bit his lip, his body swaying in the stool for a split second shooting Merlin a harsh glare. Arthur inclining his head towards an exhausted looking Gwen and a fussy looking Mordred. Merlin having forgotten that Arthur had offered to babysit so that Gwen and Morgana could have a date night.

“Did,” Merlin grunted out, Gwen’s eyes moving from Merlin to Arthur and back again. Her nose was scrunched up and it was clear she was breathing through her mouth at the insane fluctuation of pheromones that must be roaming around the room. “Finished.” Merlin could only seem to function on one word at a time apparently. He moved further into the room, sidling up to Arthur’s side needing to be closer to his mate. Aware of Gwen and Mordred’s presence, if it hadn’t of been for them he would have had Arthur naked as soon as he had stepped into the house. His inner Alpha was raging at the block, his rational and shrinking part of his mind trying to hold this back and failing.

“Mmhm,” Arthur hummed his eyes narrowing in a silent warning as Merlin’s hands gripped onto his shoulders. The Alpha wanting to slide them down across Arthur’s bare skin, his magic almost complying to his request. Merlin having to hold the spell on the tip of his tongue. He didn’t want to scar Gwen for life by suddenly undressing Arthur and taking him in front of him. She was family after all. “Nothing to do with this,” Arthur gestured towards Merlin. Merlin leaning down to nuzzle his head into the crook of Arthur’s neck. His nose brushing at the mating mark that he was defiently obsessed with even though it had been over a year since they had mated. “Merlin!” Arthur hissed out, the Alpha’s hands wondering underneath his shirt. Arthur’s eyes darting over to Gwen who had pushed herself to her feet, holding Mordred tight to her chest, her own eyes adverting. “Gwen I…”

“Nope, nope I get it,” Gwen shook her head adamantly trying to reach for her handbag without actually looking. Grasping it on the fourth try. “Another time maybe.”

“I can still…”

Merlin growled deep and low in his throat stopping Arthur’s words in his tracks.

“You have your hands full. I’m sure Morgana will…” Gwen trailed off. “Nope she is defiently going to kill you,” Gwen chuckled side eying the pair. Merlin curling his body over Arthur’s back, pressing up as tight as he could. His hard cock nestling into the curve of Arthur’s ass to the point that the omega would be able to feel it. “I’ll tell her who to blame.” Gwen chuckled. Merlin could feel Arthur shifting his shoulders trying to dislodge the Alpha. Merlin growling out his warning not willing to be moved anywhere that he didn’t want too. His instincts had taken control and he wouldn’t have been able to stop if he had even tried. Arthur sighing dramatically however his own arousal and his own enticing pheromones were contrary to this. “I’ll see myself out,” Gwen was still apparently talking.

Merlin’s tongue lapped at Arthur’s neck, tasting the skin that was available to him under the black jumper that the omega was wearing. His hands grasping and digging into Arthur’s abs that were more defined that ever. His whole being thrumming with the intense need for the man in his arms and he wasn’t even trying to fight it anymore. Vaguely he heard the front door slam shut and Arthur sigh once more. The omega muttering something under his breath that the Alpha failed to catch. Merlin’s lips mapping out every inch of skin that was available to him, wanting and needing more. His hands roaming down to tug at the hem of Arthur’s jumper, seriously considering just tearing the item free but a short sharp pull of the bond had him stilling. Arthur mentally reminding the Alpha that he had in fact just brought said jumper.

Arthur shrugged his shoulders once more, managing to disentangle the Alpha. The omega pushing at Merlin’s chest making him stagger back as Arthur stood. The omega shooting his best don’t fuck with me expression. Merlin whining low in his throat, his bottom lip becoming caught in his teeth feeling his Alpha submitting to the soothing and calming pheromones of the omega. Arthur controlling and subduing the raging beast inside of Merlin to the point that Merlin felt like he could almost think again. His cock was painfully hard trapped in the confines of his suit trousers and his whole body was dripping in sweat. His hands were flexing in front of him desperate to grab onto the omega once more. The single thought of Arthur was rolling in a loop in his head making it become the only coherent thought he was allowed despite the respite that Arthur had granted him.

Arthur’s gentle hands cupped Merlin’s cheeks. Their eyes connecting. Slowly the omega turned the Alpha. Tapping at Merlin’s shoulders had him lowering down onto the stool that Arthur had vacated. Merlin’s brow furrowing in confusion, his nose lifting in the air at the steady release of Arthur’s scent. The burning that was inside as well as outside becoming a dull roar. Arthur was scowling, the expression seemed to have stemmed from a place of fondness rather than annoyance. The omega kneeling on the ground at Merlin’s feet. His hands on the Alpha’s knees pulling them apart so that he could nestle between them. The heel of his palms pressing down into Merlin’s muscles, kneading and massaging making Merlin sigh in pleasure. His cock twitching in his trousers, Arthur’s eyes tracking the movement. “A little help,” Arthur whispered tugging at the fabric that was in his way. With a flash of Merlin’s gold eyes, the Alpha stripped himself completely of his clothes. The omega’s wide stunned expression showing that he hadn’t meant all of it not like Merlin cared right now.

The air hitting his heated skin feeling like bliss.

Arthur sat back on his heels. His chin resting on Merlin’s thighs as his hands roamed down the length of Merlin’s engorged cock. His right thumb nail pressing into the slit, watching as a dribble of precum oozed out of the top. Merlin’s cock pulsing in his hand begging to be touched, for anything really. The Alpha’s brain having vacated at this point. “How badly do you want me?” Arthur breathed out, his breath ghosting across Merlin’s cock, the Alpha groaning at the sensation. The need growing inside of him with every second that passed. “Did you spend the whole meeting thinking about this?” Arthur added twisting his wrist, sliding his hand up and down Merlin’s cock. The Alpha bucking his hips into the omega’s hand making Arthur chuckle deeply. The noise adding to the arousal that was burning steadily. There was nothing about the omega that didn’t turn the Alpha on, even more so when he was stuck in the throes of his rut. He loved the confidence and the dominant nature that Arthur had over him when he was at his most vulnerable. He might be the supposed Alpha but certainly right now, Arthur was in full control. The thought making Merlin moan low in his throat surprising the omega. “So needy,” Arthur’s tone was full omega. That being the catalyst. Merlin spurted in Arthur’s hand at basically just the sound of his voice and the scent that was curling around. Arthur cupping the helmet of Merlin’s cock to gather the cum to stop if from spitting out onto the floor or the counters. “Fuck,” Arthur hissed under his breath, his very blue eyes boring into Merlin’s flushed face. “Did you just…” he trailed off pulling his sticky hand away staring at the contents. “Fuck.”

Merlin’s cock began to fill again instantly. When he was in rut there basically was no downtime in between orgasms, not until his knot had been emptied. Sometimes that meant he could go hours or even days stuck in this endless pleasure. The last rut he had had with Arthur they had been tied together for the good part of two days before Merlin had released the omega. Arthur had been walking with a limp for the best part of a week after that particular session. That had only been so extreme due to the fact that they hadn’t seen each other for a week beforehand due to Merlin’s work commitments. Arthur had flown out to Italy especially for Merlin’s rut. The media had fun with that story when Arthur had been spotted leaving with his new ‘walk style’ as they had dubbed it.

“Tell me,” Arthur called out, his hand tapping on Merlin’s knee bringing the Alpha’s attention back to his mate. Arthur was slowly licking at the cum that was covering his fingers making Merlin’s head short circuit at the sight. Arthur really was going to be the death of him. “What do you want?” the omega continued when he had finished every single drop. His hand lowering to his own trousers, rubbing against the fabric to get rid of his left over saliva. The palm of his hand resting on Merlin’s knee with his chin sitting on top. He cocked his head to the side, his blue eyes enquiring and inquisitive. “My hand?” Arthur’s right hand lazily stroking Merlin’s cock. “My mouth?” He lifted his head, his tongue licking a stripe from the base to the top. “My fingers?” Moving back Arthur’s hand trailed down the back of Merlin’s thighs to grip at his bare ass that was perched on the stool. “My cock?” Arthur pushed back on his heels so that he was crouched. His hands palming himself through his own trousers, Merlin’s eyes zeroing in on the movement with rapt attention. “Or…” Arthur’s hand slipped in between his legs, his finger teasing the seams of his jeans over the spot where his omega channel was. Merlin could see the small wet patch staining the denim, groaning low in his throat. “What do you want, Alpha?”

Merlin’s magic exploded around him, the cabinets shaking and there was sound of something breaking. The stools beside him were thrown to the side carelessly. The omega was lowered to the floor, his eyes were wide and his pupils blown with his arousal. Arthur’s clothes were gone leaving him naked. Merlin surging from the stool leapt on top of his mate. Their lips colliding in a brutal kiss, the Alpha’s patience having been pushed to the limit. He needed Arthur and he needed him now.

The Alpha lined himself up with the omega’s channel. The tip of his cock breaching Arthur but he didn’t push in. Just left it sitting there for a moment, savouring the feeling of Arthur fluttering around him like he was trying to suck the Alpha deeper. Slick was coating Arthur’s thighs dripping down onto the floor underneath the omega. Merlin growled into the kiss, biting at Arthur’s bottom lip. The omega’s hands grasping at Merlin’s cheeks. His nails digging into his skin. Arthur’s legs winding around his waist and with a flick of his legs he reversed their positions, at the same time Merlin’s cock sunk deep inside of Arthur. Nestling in his channel and hitting that spot by the long moan that Arthur vocalised. Arthur’s hands were placed on Merlin’s chest for purchase. His head was thrown back, the mating mark on his neck stretching out with this movement. His thighs squeezed tight around Merlin’s, the Alpha letting out a whine at the pure omega scent and pheromones that was radiating around him. His mind completely lost to the haze of his rut.

He tried to thrust upwards but Arthur’s positioning held the Alpha in place.

Arthur’s bright blue eyes peering down at him with a slow smug grin spreading across his face. Arthur swivelling his hips in a small circle, the movement was teasing and hardly enough. Merlin growling fiercely flashing his red eyes, Arthur’s bleeding amber his own lips snarling in response settling Merlin’s inner Alpha with the one look. “So impatient,” Arthur breathed out lifting his hips so that only the tip of Merlin’s dick was inside him once more.

“Arthur,” Merlin whined, Arthur lowering himself back down so, so, so, painfully slowly it was almost making him want to sob. “Stop teasing.” He snarled out his voice pure Alpha, Arthur’s jaw ticking at the tone however the omega continued to smirk that irritatingly beautiful smile of his. Merlin’s hand grasping onto Arthur’s waist, his fingers gripping to the point he was fully aware he would be leaving bruises on his mate’s skin. “Arthur.” Merlin tried again, Arthur continuing that slow pace almost letting Merlin slip out of him completely. “Please, I need you, my omega.” Merlin would forever deny begging.

Arthur’s eyes flashing amber once more at his words however he picked up the pace, finally seeming to be listening to the Alpha. Merlin scooted backwards so that his back was too the counters. His hands holding onto Arthur’s hips with their lips moving together desperately. Arthur’s hands were in his hair pulling to the point of pain that the Alpha adored. The omega rocking in Merlin’s lap making his knot begin to swell at Arthur’s entrance. Merlin’s right hand broke away to wrap around Arthur’s previously neglected cock. He tugged harshly bringing his mate to the brink that he could feel himself teetering on. Merlin’s mind running on a singular thought on a loop.

Fuck, knot, breed.

Arthur was panting deliciously. The noises heading straight to Merlin’s cock.

“Cum for me,” Merlin growled out in an authoritative Alpha tone. Arthur shuddering in response, his body stilling and his mouth opening. Arthur’s channel tightening around Merlin’s cock at the same time he spilled into Merlin’s hand. The Alpha stroking the omega through his release, his knot begging entrance into his mate who had tightened around him. “My omega,” Merlin growled lifting his hips to take control of the pace. Thrusting faster inside of his mate who was groaning, his head on Merlin’s shoulder and his teeth embedding into his neck. The pure pleasure of the scent gland rushing through the Alpha. Along with a single thought. Breed. His knot pushed into the omega tying the pair together.

Merlin groaning his seed releasing inside of his mate and would be for a while by how heavy his knot felt. Arthur was chuckling against his neck, pressing gentle kisses. Merlin’s hand was carding through Arthur’s sweaty hair holding onto his mate tenderly. Knowing that it wouldn’t be long until his rut would be controlling his actions again.

“Didn’t even make it to the bedroom this time,” Arthur chuckled, Merlin blinking slowly at his mate’s words realising that they were perched on the kitchen floor where Merlin had been so desperate for his mate. “I think you might have scarred Gwen for life.” Arthur kissed Merlin’s cheek affectionately. “Fuck, my legs are going dead.” The omega groaned.

“So romantic,” Merlin deadpanned, his right arm cradling Arthur to his chest while his left hand was on the floor. Using all the strength that he had he shimmied up the counter, slowly wobbling to his feet. Arthur’s legs wrapping around his waist as he held the omega in his arms where they were tied together. Arthur’s arms moving around his neck with his head resting back in the crook of his shoulder, Arthur’s favourite place to be, especially when he was running entirely on his omega instincts. Which Merlin had noticed was happening more often lately, the longer they were mated the more that Arthur allowed of his nature to show. “Your chariot awaits my lord.”

“Idiot.”

“Prat.”

Chapter 18

“If you don’t stand still, I will restrain you,” Merlin growled out in Arthur’s ear.

“Kinky,” Gwaine pitched in winking at the pair not even considering to attempt to hide his laughter. Vivian elbowing her mate in the side with a harsh glare, shooting Arthur a small smile where he was barely keeping still. His foot was tapping against the edge of the steps up to the stage with his hands wringing out in front of him. The omega’s whole body was thrumming with his nervous adrenaline that would not stop plaguing him. This moment right here might be one of the most important things he had ever done in his life and that thought scared the shit out of Arthur. “Relax Arth, you’ve performed to thousands of people before…this is nothing,” Gwaine added, Arthur snarling at his friends’ words making the Alpha startle.

“It’s not nothing,” Arthur bit back knowing that he was deflecting his emotions by lashing out as he had been so prone to do in the past. “If I fuck this up…”

“Hey,” Merlin grabbed Arthur’s shoulders turning him around so that he could face his mate. Merlin’s calming pheromones washing over the omega and a soothing warmth was pulsing from the bond. Arthur could feel his nerves trying to settle however his mind was still whirling constantly. “You won’t fuck up,” Merlin reassured cupping Arthur’s cheek, the omega leaning into the soft touch allowing the comfort to well through him. “You have worked so hard for this moment and they are going to love you, just not as much as I do.” Arthur laughed softly at his mate’s words nodding his head. The clapping and cheering from behind the curtain of the stage showing that it had started. “We’ll be front row okay,” Merlin kissed Arthur’s cheeks. “You’ll be fine.”

“Thank you,” Arthur breathed out leaning up for a gentle kiss. The Alpha reciprocating for a brief moment. Merlin shooting him a bright smile he pulled away from the omega. Vivian grabbing Merlin’s hand and forcing him away from the stage and out into the front. Gwaine shooting Arthur a thumbs up as he left. “I can do this,” Arthur muttered under his breath, reaching into the pocket of his suit to pull out his note cards. His eyes roaming over the words that he had memorised but felt like he didn’t know anymore. Drawing in a deep breath he rolled his shoulders and tried to put on his best composure he could.

“Arthur Pendragon.”

He heard his name being called and the gentle applause that followed. Nodding his head he stepped onto the stage passing through the curtain, striding confidently towards the centre podium where his father had just announced his presence. Smiling at Uther who clapped him on the back as he passed, Arthur took his place in front of the microphone, his note cards in front of him just in case. For a second, he stared around the room. His father had chosen a local hotel for this function, one that was loaded with chandeliers and their own personal wait staff. He had wanted to present the good Pendragon name as he had put it though Arthur would have been happy with the local pub. That was why his father was his manager rather than the omega left to his own devices. Journalists, local celebrities, business owners and various other people of influence had been gathered to watch Arthur’s speech to open the charity event that they were hosting in order to raise awareness and monetary value behind Equal Opportunities. An event that if was successful would mean that Arthur himself would be able to take a step back, something that he knew his Alpha was hoping for. It had been a whirlwind of a year so far and Merlin had been his rock throughout it all. He had stood by Arthur’s side while the omega flickered between his different paths in life. Charity work, writing, composing, a little bit of singing and being the doting mate. He had been juggling a lot in his life and it was time for him to put some of the burden down.

“Thank you,” Arthur called out when he realised his silence had probably stemmed a beat too long. “I want to personally thank each and every one of you for taking time out of your schedules to be here with us today,” Arthur’s eyes roamed around the curious faces, Leon was beaming with pride flashing the omega a bright smile. Leon had become his second in command pretty much, he helped Arthur to organise and run the charity. The beta as always had been an invaluable asset and if it wasn’t for him Arthur didn’t think he could have done any of this. “Equal Opportunities focuses on life chances for everyone regardless of their designation or home life. We believe that everyone should be treated the same based on who they are as a person and not what they are. So far, we have built three new omega houses and a social centre and we plan on finishing up on our fourth and largest one to date within the next few weeks,” Arthur peered down at his notes, the words that weren’t actually his own staring back up at him. A team had painstakingly spent hours trying to configure the right words however they just sat like ash on the omega’s tongue. He swiped his notes to the side, the cards falling to the floor hearing Merlin chuckling from the front row.

“Growing up I was one of the lucky ones,” Arthur breathed out, his father’s intake of breath from offstage could be heard. “I had a father that loved me and I had chances in life that others like me hadn’t. Okay, it wasn’t perfect and it wasn’t exactly the way I envisioned my life going but I wouldn’t be here the man I am today if not. I’ve never let being an omega get in my way and that is because of the support that I have behind me, from my family, my friends and my mate.” Arthur paused slightly to take a breath knowing that this was a risk going off script however in his heart he knew it was the right thing to do. A bubble of nausea rocked the pit of his stomach as his nerves floated to the surface once more. “Others aren’t so lucky. There are those out there who are pushed out of their families, shunned because they have a reproductive system, these people need our help. They need the safe spaces that we create to be able to have a life where they can feel protected and supported. To not fit into your own skin, to think that you are anything less than what you are meant to be is not something anyone should have to go through.” Arthur lowered his eyes briefly pushing the emotions that were rising down. “I know most of you cannot relate through no fault of your own but stop and think for a second. Imagine this was happening to someone that you loved. Imagine this was your child that faced this every single day of their life. The uncertainty, the self-loathing, the learnt behaviours that can be instilled.” Arthur lifted his eyes up meeting Merlin’s who was staring at him with awe. “As an omega there are certain challenges we face in life and as an omega I say that this has to stop,” he growled out. “Equal Opportunities is just that, equal opportunities. The omega houses aren’t just for omegas, they are for anyone who needs the protection, they are for friends and family. I am hoping that with your support and funding we will be able to open an omega run and led maternity facility.” Arthur’s eyes catching Morgana’s who was biting back the grin. “Because why shouldn’t everyone feel loved?”

Arthur finished his speech nodding his head hoping that the heat he felt wasn’t stemming onto his cheeks. The crowd clapped and several photos were taken, Arthur could see reporters jotting down notes fiercely. Maybe, just maybe he would be able to make a difference after all.

***

“I think you will be retiring earlier than you imagined,” Leon chuckled, his arm was linked with Arthur’s as they were both standing outside for a brief moment of respite. Gwaine, Vivian, Merlin, Morgana, Uther and Lancelot were working the room spreading the message and trying to secure donations and pledges. So far, they had raised a staggering three million pounds, an eyewatering sum that Arthur had not imagined in a million years. Already half way to the amount that they needed for the hospital. He couldn’t even begin to imagine the lives that he would be able to change. “Never doubted you, Arth.” Leon nudged into his side, resting his head on Arthur’s shoulders. “I’ve always said that you were meant for bigger things.”

“Who would have thought we would have ended up here,” Arthur chuckled fondly. “Do you remember in school when Mr Masdon said that all I ever had to look forward to was being the perfect mate.”

Leon growled softly under his breath. “I remember my fist breaking his jaw,” the beta added grinning wildly. “And your father almost causing a riot.”

Arthur laughed at the memory. Mr Masdon had been an old-fashioned Beta that believed that there should only ever be the two designations. He claimed that omegas were temptations bestowed upon the world to test the will of an Alpha and that any Alpha that submitted deserved eternal hellfire. His beliefs had only come to light when Arthur had been in his class shortly after he had presented. Safe to say he hadn’t lasted long after that. Leon had almost been expelled for the attack but it had been Uther’s tenacity that had saved the Beta’s education and got the teacher fired all in one fell swoop. It had actually been Mr Masdon that had alighted a passion in Arthur to maybe go into teaching himself. A teacher helps shape people’s futures and characters and the last thing the world needed was more black and white thinkers like Mr Masdon. He hoped that by his charity work he could give a little more back to the world. “I wonder what he would have thought if he could see this now.” Arthur exclaimed.

“Probably put him six feet under if he wasn’t already,” Leon laughed moving his head from Arthur’s shoulder squinting at something behind them. “What the fuck?!” the Beta suddenly exclaimed his hand tightening around Arthur’s arm.

“What?!” Arthur made to turn around however Leon’s hand kept him in place. “Leon?”

“Remember where we are, okay?” Leon advised. “There are a shit load of press and people here…”

“Yes, I am aware,” Arthur frowned unsure why his friend had suddenly become overprotective. “I swear if you don’t tell me…”

“Freya is here.” Arthur’s heart fell to the pit of his stomach, that same nausea from earlier swirling through him threatening to make its appearance. Slowly he disentangled himself from the Beta, turning on his heels to look at what had captured Leon’s attention. “And she is with Merlin,” Leon’s next words had Arthur’s hands clenching tight into fists against his side. His whole body was thrumming with this insane anger that was threatening to overwhelm him. He just knew that her silence had been too good to be true, they hadn’t heard from or of the Beta since the bond break trial. The last they had been aware was that she had dropped off the public eye in disgrace. “Arth,” Leon’s voice was filtering through the rage that was pouring out of the omega. His pheromones and hormones running riot where he was grasping to control. “Arth, don’t do anything stupid.”

“Me, never,” Arthur hissed out lifting his hand to pinch at the bridge of his nose. Of course, out of all the nights she had to be here. On one of the most important events of Arthur’s life. In the corner of his eye, he could see press gathering around, some taking pictures of the ex-couple and others trying to gauge Arthur’s reaction. This was not how this night was meant to go. This was meant to be about the project and his charity and not his personal drama. He was not going to allow her to ruin this for them. He had worked too damn long and too damned hard for this. “Let’s go back inside.”

“Arthur.”

“It’s fine.”

“No, it’s not.”

“No, but they don’t have to know that,” Arthur declared his eyes blazing repressing all the resentment and the anger that was festering deep, deep down inside. His inner omega was screaming at him to claim and control his mate, to show the Alpha exactly who he was with while his brain was helpfully supplying the fact that he was meant to trust his mate. If he was too go over there all guns blazing he could alienate his chances with the press, the people and his mate if he wasn’t careful. How he hated being a public figure right now. Moments like this he wished he could go back to that unknown music assistant that he used to be. “Come on.” Arthur grabbed Leon’s hand forcing the Beta back into the building.

Arthur’s head held high for the whole world to see. Cameras were flashing his way along with uneasy expressions that he ignored completely. He shot Gwaine a small smile who looked like he was moments from exploding. Lancelot by his side, the pair barely able to hold the other back from the twin set of red eyes. Morgana and Uther were hissing at the event planner in the corner probably trying to discover how Freya had gained access. Gwen and Elyan were glaring over the rims of their drinks. Elyan inclining his head seeming to be offering Arthur an out, the omega shaking his with a small smile on his face that he knew didn’t reach his eyes. If he ran that would just make this whole situation worse. He wasn’t a coward and he wasn’t one to back down from a challenge when presented with one.

At the end of the day who was the one with Merlin’s mark on their neck.

Arthur could feel Merlin’s heavy gaze settling on his back where he refused to look over at the pair. His whole body was leaning and fighting against his stubborn nature, he needed to be by his mate’s side but he also needed to make sure that he didn’t ruin anything about this evening. It was becoming a jumbled mess and he wasn’t sure how he could deal with it. Ignoring it wasn’t an option, he would be labelled a coward, same as if he ran away. Confronting could be deemed as aggression or bullying and talking would most likely be impossible. So, what options did that leave?

Arthur’s eyes turned to the stage, biting at the inside of his cheek. Leon staring at him inquisitively. “A distraction of another story might work,” Leon nodded his head apparently able to sense where Arthur’s mind was going. “What better then…” he trailed off gesturing towards Arthur who was huffing softly under his breath. “I can just get Percival to remove her.”

“And give her a story to tell,” Arthur shook his head. “No, I’ve got this.”

The omega shot his friend a small smile striding over to the stage. He grabbed Caleb, Mike and Tom who he had previously been on tour with when he had supported Vivian. Whispering under his breath he mentioned a song that he had written when on tour and they had practiced a few times however Arthur had never felt the courage to perform it. The trio grinned brightly, clapping him on the back and proceeding to pull the instruments out to set up. A drum kit, bass and two guitars. Along with two microphones. Arthur caught Vivian’s surprised expression. The noise seeming to have brought the room to an almost silence. Arthur coughing into his hand shrugged out of his suit jacket. Handing to the Gwen who smiled at him with a wink. He rolled up the sleeves of his black button up shirt to the elbows. Stepping up onto the stage he picked up one of the guitars placing this over his head and checking the tuning.

The rest of the band waiting for his move.

“Tonight, we have changed lives,” Arthur called out into the microphone seeing all eyes on him. Merlin was staring at Arthur. His eyes conveying a flurry of emotions from anger, guilt, hatred, love, surprise and remorse. Arthur not sure which one of those he should focus on. Beside his mate Freya had stiffened. She looked…older. Her hair which was once long had been cut into a short bob. Her face was drained of colour and she looked tired more than anything. The previous sneering and fire that had fuelled her no longer appearing to be present. However, the omega was not going to be fooled. She had once actively sought out to ruin his life and he was never going to forget what she had done. He was never going to make that mistake again. “Forgive me if this is a little stripped back,” Arthur chuckled nodding to the band who began to play. “We haven’t rehearsed this for almost two years,” the omega added. Uther and Morgana were frowning towards him, Lancelot mouthing asking what was happening. Arthur shaking his head in a small movement.

Arthur started to play his part on the guitar. “When all is said, and done and dead, does she love you the way that I do.” Arthur’s voice was gravelly and strong. Channelling all the emotions he had felt when he had wrote this particular song. It had been one of the days that his mind had run wild, imagining what would happen if the court case hadn’t of gone their way. If he was forced to spend the rest of his life watching his true mate be mated to someone else. Of how he had felt when he had discovered that his true mate had already been mated. “Think twice before you touch my man, come around and let you feel the burn, think twice before you touch my man, come around, come around no more.” The guitars kicked in together, the drummer increasing the tempo as they kicked into the chorus. “He spreads his love, he burns me up, I can’t let go, I can’t get out. I’ve said enough, enough by now.” Cameras were focused entirely upon him recording the impromptu performance. He could see the side eyes towards Merlin and Freya. Freya who was snarling towards the omega. “Wait till the day you finally see, I’ve been here waiting patiently.” Arthur continued leading the song towards the second chorus.

The band was keeping in time with him perfectly, Tom adding in extra vocals where he deemed fit.

“What is it you really want, I’m tired of asking! When I showed up and she was there, I tried my best to grin and bear, and took the stairs.”

Arthur led the song into another chorus, the guitar picking up its pace before he sang out the last words. The band hollering as the song ended. Arthur could feel the emotions pooling inside of him at the song and at seeing Merlin and Freya together. Merlin was pulling at the bond trying to reassure the omega but right now that wasn’t enough. Showing his gratitude, Arthur stepped off the stage, grabbed his suit jacket and slipped out of the door, his eyes connecting with Freya’s at the same time.

***

It didn’t take long until Arthur felt her presence in front of him where he was leaning against the wall to the hotel. His eyes staring up at the clear night sky taking in a lungful of the night air. Out here it was quiet and peaceful. He could breathe.

“Dramatic performance don’t you think?” Freya scoffed.

“Forgive me, it wasn’t planned,” Arthur responded his tone clipped and his voice neutral. His eyes lowering to lock onto hers. The earlier hate and animosity he had been harbouring bleeding away into a strange numbness of nothingness. Once she had been his demon and now…looking at her all he could feel was sorry for her. She looked to be the shell of the person she once was. The fame and fortune having been stripped from her the moment the bond had broken. “I would ask how you got in but I don’t think that’s important.”

“No, I guess it’s not.”

“What do you want? Money? Fame? Your reputation? Or just Merlin?” Arthur questioned his eyes narrowing and his voice dripping in ice.

“You’ve done well for yourself, landed on your feet Pendragon.”

“I’m not going to ask again,” Arthur interrupted.

“I need help,” Freya breathed out all the fight and determination flowing out of her with those words like it was the most difficult thing she had ever had to say in her life. The omega guessed it probably was. “I actually came to see you.” Arthur scoffed breaking their eye contact and staring up at the sky once more. “I erm…I wanted to say that with everything that happened…I…look this isn’t for me alright. I wouldn’t be here if it was.” Freya growled out deeply. “I…I need somewhere safe…for my child.” Arthur’s gaze falling back to her with his lips pursing. “I fucked up I know, I’ve done horrible, horrible things but please don’t hold that against…”

“Just spit it out.”

“Fine, I’ve messed up and I don’t know what to do. I have no money, I’m losing the house and Balinor wants nothing to do with his own son…I tried to speak to Merlin but he…I know I’m not an omega and I know what I have done is…you have no need to help me…”

“No, I really don’t.”

“I can’t see my son on the streets. It’s just until I can sort something else out…I’m not in a good place and I…I need help…medically…professionally…they are threatening to take Jake away from me and he is all I have…I…” Freya paused her voice breaking. “He’s Merlin’s brother…”

Arthur visibly deflated running a shaky hand through his hair. “I’ll speak to Leon; he can find you a place to stay.”

“Thank you…you…”

“I’m not doing this for you,” Arthur snarled out flashing his amber eyes in warning. Freya inclined her head and turned on her heels.

Arthur watching her walk away hoping that he wasn’t about to regret his decision.

Chapter 19

Notes:

I apologise about the lack of updates, having to rewrite this all has been a mission and a half, I currently don't have a lot of spare time I can dedicate to writing at the moment sadly. I have not and will not abandon this story, thank you for bearing with me. I have another 2 chapters written after this one that I will post but I can't guarentee a regular scheduele at the moment.

Again thank you so much for the interest and the love for this verse and my other one. I will finish them, just please be patient with me.

“No…no…not there!” Merlin groaned running after the half-clothed toddler. Wincing at the paint that was now spilling out onto the carefully chosen rug in their living room. He wrapped his left forearm around Mordred’s waist, holding the squirming child to his chest as his right hand was outstretched to the floor. Muttering under his breath and with a flash of his golden eyes the rug was as good as new. The omega never had to know, especially since Arthur had literally spent hours the other day choosing what he had wanted. Arthur becoming obsessed lately with refurnishing or moving things around to make the place feel more ‘homely’ even though everything had been in the same place for the last year to no complaints. The Alpha had put it down to the downtime that the omega had recently. Arthur had handed over control to Leon to the Beta’s shock, saying that he wanted to refocus on his music. Having volunteered to help Vivian record and write her new album before her baby was born. Merlin knew that Arthur would never be far away from his charity work, he would still spend a lot of his energy focused just not every single waking second which was all that Merlin had asked for.

They had gained the funded needed for the new hospital facility. Uther working closely with the architects to draw up the planning permissions to start the building. From there it would be handed to their contractors and Arthur wouldn’t be needed until it came to the hiring process and then the grand opening. Where was this when Gwen had been giving birth, maybe then they could have had a professional instead of Arthur delivering Mordred into the world. Merlin guessed that nothing would have mattered when it came to the hell spawn that he was currently looking after. He hadn’t volunteered more like forced. Gwen had handed Mordred to Merlin claiming that her and Arthur were going shopping before pulling said omega away from the Alpha. Arthur making no noise of complaint in the slightest, Merlin huffing at the sense of betrayal.

Merlin placed Mordred back inside of the play pen he had set up. The toddler jail that Arthur had declared it to be. At least it would be easier for the Alpha to keep an eye on the child, one second look away would be enough for Mordred to get himself into trouble. That was all it had taken for the toddler to climb out of the pen, grab the paint he had been using and throw this all over the floor to his great joy and delight.

“Can we just make this easier on the both of us,” Merlin lowered himself to his knees, his head resting on the top bars of the pen. Mordred was sitting on the floor chewing on one of his toys, his bright blue eyes (he had a way of staring like he was seeing straight into your soul) were wide and innocent. “You stay there and play nicely with your toys and I will not tear my hair out,” the toy that Mordred had been chewing on was thrown at Merlin’s head, the Alpha barely managing to duck out of the way. Glaring down at the laughing child. “You are Morgana’s child,” Merlin huffed out, Mordred’s face scrunching up in a way that meant two things. Either he was having a poo or he was about to let out that ghastly wail of his. “No…no…it’s fine see,” Merlin looked around him desperately. Lifting his hands up he placed them either side of his face. “Now you see me,” he clapped them over his eyes. “Peekaboo!” he shouted uncovering his eyes seeing the unimpressed and red face of the toddler. “Please, I’ll do anything if you don’t cry….”

Mordred paused for a second. His insanely intelligent eyes watering teasingly. His little hands were crunching at his shirt, a bright yellow shirt that had the words Mummy’s little sunshine sewn onto the front. An ironic statement that he knew Arthur had intended it to be when he had gifted it to Gwen and Morgana. The omega had been immensely pleased with himself.

Mordred lifted his little hands to his eyes. “Please Mord, no,” Merlin could feel himself begging knowing that it was pathetic but there was no one there to witness his tactics so why should it matter. The long wail that escaped the two-and-a-half-year-old should not be possible. Groaning Merlin smacked the palm of his hand against his forehead. Last time Mordred had had a crying fit with Merlin it had taken hours to get the toddler to even quieten down let alone actually stop. “Okay, how about a deal?” Merlin leaned down, grasping Mordred underneath the armpits he settled the child on his hip. Mordred continuing to cry his little hands grasping onto Merlin’s thin t-shirt. “If you stop I can…” Merlin paused racking his brain. “How about some magic?” Merlin held out his right-hand palm flat. Golden sparkles coating his skin, Mordred staring down however his tears refused to stop. A small flame sparkled in the centre of his hand making Mordred howl further. Closing the palm of his hand he sighed deeply. “Okay, not a magic fan,” he groaned out his eyes darting around the room.

He walked back and forth with Mordred on his hip. Jiggling the child up and down and side to side. Shushing and reassuring, almost begging again at this point. The crying just wouldn’t let up no matter what he did. Snot was pouring down Mordred’s nose, coating his cheek and dribbling down to his chin. Merlin walked into the kitchen grabbing a tissue to clean up the toddler. Of course, this made him scream louder making Merlin wince harshly. He was so grateful that their nearest neighbours were Gwaine and Vivian and there was a full ass road in between them. One perk of living in this gated community.

“What do you like?” Merlin murmured under his breath feeling his arms starting to go numb. He had attempted to put the toddler back down but that had resulted into an almost full blow meltdown. “Food?” that had been thrown back in his face, nothing quite like half chewed mushy banana up the nose. “Drink?” the milk was all over the rug. Arthur was definitely going to kill him. “Song?” okay, even he had would have started screaming if he had to be exposed to his own singing voice. “Sleep?” yeah, no that was a terrible suggestion. He was wildly running out of options and patience at this point.

“Work with me here,” Merlin groaned bouncing Mordred once more continuing the circuit of pacing he had adopted for the last hour. He had to keep using his magic to make sure that he didn’t lose feeling or strength in his arm. He was trapped in an endless loop. Was this what hell felt like?

Mordred screamed louder.

The sound of keys in the front door was the most beautiful sound that the Alpha had ever heard. “Thank god,” Merlin breathed under his breath. A bemused Gwen and Arthur appearing in the doorway of the living room. The omega’s both biting back their laughter, Gwen more successful out of the two. “Never, ever again,” Merlin growled out Mordred screaming right in his ear.

“Having fun?” Arthur chuckled. As soon as he spoke Mordred stopped crying, Merlin staring down at the toddler with a feeling almost akin to hate.

“He has been crying for hours…he hears your voice and…” Mordred screaming once more as Merlin spoke. The Alpha shaking his head he stepped over to his mate, dumping the toddler into the omega’s arms without his permission. “Nope,” Merlin held his hands out to the side. Arthur shifted Mordred up, the back of his right hand cupped the toddlers head as Mordred rested his red puffy cheeks on Arthur’s shoulder. His crying ceasing and his eyes slipping shut. His fist lifting into his mouth to chew on. Merlin mentally cursing the hell spawn and the omega. “I’m never babysitting by myself again,” Merlin declared.

“Aw, don’t be like that uncle Merlin,” Gwen pouted kissing her son lovingly on his forehead, peering down at him like he was some kind of angel. She really saw the world through rose coloured glasses sometimes it would seem. “He loves you really.”

“I don’t think Mordred loves anyone but Arthur,” Merlin sighed out seeing the fact that the toddler was asleep in Arthur’s arms.

“What can I say,” Arthur shrugged a smirk curling up his lips. “I am adorable,” he blew a kiss to the Alpha who was glaring at his mate disdainfully, flipping him off knowing that Mordred wouldn’t be able to see. He didn’t want to be the one to teach their nephew any bad manners, he would leave that job to Arthur. “For that you can get the bags out of the car,” Arthur declared lowering down to sit on the sofa, moving Mordred so that he was splayed out on his chest. Arthur’s eyebrows raising in challenge.

“Bags?”

“Oh yeah,” Gwen’s eyes were glistening. “I think you might need another house.”

Merlin groaned, what the hell had Arthur been buying now?

***

Merlin stared down at the pile of bags that he had placed into the centre of their living room. The omega leaning his head on Merlin’s shoulder grinning smugly, his arms were wrapped around Merlin’s waist. Gwen and Mordred had left moments ago after thanking Merlin for his babysitting services. Something that Merlin declared was never happening again though he knew it was an empty threat. Mordred might be the actual devil but he was family at the end of the day. “What the hell Arthur,” Merlin breathed out.

“What?”

“Do you have a hoarding problem I am only just finding out about?”

“No?”

“Then why…” Merlin pulled away from his mate hearing the soft whine in response. He delved into the top bag pulling out two blankets that were exactly the same but in different colours. “Do you need two of these?”

“In case one is in the wash,” Arthur replied matter of fact rolling his eyes.

“Mmhm,” Merlin pulled out a cushion. “And this?”

“What?” Arthur crossed his arms to his chest shrugging his shoulders defensively.

“Sweetheart,” Merlin softened his tone feeling the souring of Arthur’s scent. “We literally have thirty of these upstairs in the nest,” Merlin dropped the pillow back into the bag seeing a series of soft furnishings making him frown. There were new towels, pillows, duvets, blankets and a dressing gown. Everything made of the softest fabrics that especially appealed to omegas. Arthur’s instincts apparently becoming stronger lately. “Do you not like the nest?”

“It’s perfect,” Arthur’s eyes flared with his jaw ticking.

“Okay,” Merlin frowned once more his eyes skirting over his mate. “Are you alright?”

“Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?” Arthur was becoming defensive; Merlin knew he was treading a fine line at the moment. “Just because I brought a few things…”

“A few hundred things,” Merlin interrupted to Arthur’s sharp glare.

“What is your problem?” Arthur snarled back.

“Me?”

“Yes, why am I getting the third degree?”

“I just…” Merlin paused for a second. “Darling, are you…are you nesting?” Merlin whispered carefully seeing the frown marring Arthur’s face that he was fully expecting. Arthur’s mouth opening and closing, his own eyes tracking the multitude of his purchases like he was seeing the extent for the first time himself.

“No, my heat isn’t due for another two weeks,” Arthur lifted his head after seeming to have been mentally counting. “I can’t be…”

Merlin could feel his heart pounding harshly in his chest, his eyes scanning his mate properly. Arthur was shifting from foot to foot under his intense gaze. “How are you feeling?” he asked his whole body was shaking with the thought that was in his head but he was too worried to vocalise at the moment.

“You just asked me that.”

“No, I asked if you were alright, this is a separate question.”

“How…”

“Don’t be a prat and just answer me,” Merlin huffed out noting the scowl his words received. “Please.”

“Fine…a little tired.”

“More tired than usual?”

“I have insomnia…”

“Arthur.”

“What? I don’t understand what you are hinting at!” Arthur threw his arms up in the air. “Stop staring at me like that Merlin!”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know, like you want to eat me and not in the good way.”

“Good way?” Arthur waggled his eyebrows answering the half-asked question. “Arthur, I think you are nesting…” Merlin indicated down to the shopping, Arthur slowly nodding his head though he didn’t confirm nor deny the Alpha’s claims. “If it’s not your heat…” he trailed off trying to get the omega to see where his words were going, however he received a blank stare instead. “Come on, you are the omega here…when else do you nest…”

Arthur’s eyes snapped up to his face, his mouth was open and the bright blue were wide. “I…” he stammered his eyes lifting to the ceiling, Merlin seeing his mouth moving slightly like he was counting. “There’s no way,” he declared. “It’s impossible…I…” he stopped his body beginning to tremble. Merlin stepped closer to his mate, his arms on Arthur’s. Their eyes locking onto one another. “I can’t be.”

“Only one way to find out.”

***

Merlin’s heart was pounding harshly. His mind was whirling and he could feel his pheromones raging wanting its freedom. The whole of his being was shouting out love, defend, protect. His inner Alpha wanting nothing more than to cocoon his mate in their nest and not let him out. A ridiculous notion that would most definitely earn himself a punch. The omega was perched beside him, the pair sitting on the bathroom floor waiting for the damned two minutes to pass. Neither one saying a single word. This moment was bigger than anything Merlin thought could be possible.

Merlin’s hand entwined with Arthur’s. Their fingers squeezing together tightly conveying their feelings and thoughts with touch rather than anything else right now. Merlin wasn’t sure he had the words to explain the mess that was his thoughts and emotions. He could feel the hope and the desperation coiling inside of his chest knowing that these would be bleeding through the bond to the omega.

If this was happening then they had done something that was considered to be almost impossible.

Arthur’s last heat had been two and a half months ago, meaning that if it had happened then he would have shown signs earlier. Much earlier. The recent changes had only occurred since Merlin’s rut…when Arthur had most definitely not been in heat. They had been locked together for a good day and he did remember thinking about breeding but surely, surely it wouldn’t have been possible. Just because Merlin had been at his most fertile, Arthur wasn’t. Unless. Had his thought turned into a wish…had his magic run its own course once more without him thinking. Oh god, had he done this?

Merlin peered over at his mate. Arthur was staring straight ahead at the wall, unblinking and unseeing. If it wasn’t for the steady slow rise and fall of his chest the Alpha might have started to get worried. His scent so far hadn’t changed, or maybe it was hard to tell as Merlin had firmly became a part of Arthur’s scent when they had mated.

Merlin’s heart was hammering to the point he didn’t think he could take much more of this.

Arthur’s phone beeped bringing the omega out of his silent state.

Their eyes locking with one another.

Arthur reached up behind him to retrieve the test he had placed on the closed toilet seat. Holding this in his hand with his fingers curling around hiding it from view for a second. Their eyes staring into one another once more. Merlin soothing and reassuring the omega through their bond as he smiled gently at his mate. He could see the tears in Arthur’s eyes that he knew must be in his own too.

Nodding his head, Arthur uncurled his hand holding the test up between them.

As one they stared down at the stick.

A single word staring up at them.

Pregnant.

Chapter 20

Arthur groaned, his stomach protesting harshly. His head was perched inside of the toilet where he had spent the last five minutes puking his guts up to the point he was sure that there was nothing left inside. Brushing aside the tears that had formed with the back of his hand, he moved away so that his back was pressed to the bathroom wall. Waiting a moment to see whether this reprieve was just a false alarm or not. His right arm was curled protectively around his stomach as he waited for it to settle. His eyes fluttering shut briefly.

It had been two weeks since the discovery and in that time the morning sickness had come around harshly and violently. Every single morning so far without fail he had spent on the bathroom floor, two to four times a day. Contrary to the name sometimes it wasn’t even in the morning that the sickness would hit. Gwen nor Vivian had ever moaned about this part of their pregnancy making the omega wonder if this was just his shitty luck coming around to haunt him or if this was an omega thing, or maybe his friends had decided to leave out the important information. Not that they knew he was pregnant yet. The couple keeping the news to themselves for the moment. Arthur still not having got his own head around it yet.

He was pregnant.

Actually, pregnant with a real baby.

Merlin’s baby.

The timing was shitty. Merlin was expected out on the road for a week to do a press circuit to promote himself and his Live TV show that would be broadcasted in a months’ time. A TV show that the Alpha had roped Arthur into without actually asking or consulting the omega. The network executives wanting the omega to compose an original score that they could use for a theme song and for the background during the illusions (which they wanted Arthur to play live). Something that Merlin’s rut addled brain had consented to without him realising, the same rut addled brain that had gotten them into this in the first place. Arthur also had the grand opening of Camelot’s largest omega housing at the weekend which he was supposed to attend and cut the ‘ribbon’ as his father had wanted. He also had to finesse the songs he had been writing for Vivian’s new album that she wanted to release before her daughter was born in three months’ time, record his parts which included the guitar, piano and backing vocals. He even had a solo song that she requested he do as well. There was a lot on their plate and adding a pregnancy on top of all that…well Arthur wasn’t sure how he was meant to cope.

Then there was Freya who Arthur had found a place for in one of their housings despite Merlin’s protests and hesitations. Arthur’s whole charity was about equal opportunities regardless of designation or who they were…he couldn’t be a hypocrite and turn his back upon his own mantra could he. However, he did draw the line at the insistent way she was trying to get Merlin to meet her son, Merlin’s half-brother, how fucked up that was to unpack. It was one thing to help her out and another to let her back into their lives…especially now…after the last time he had been pregnant. That was not a thought to dwell on in case he suffered another panic attack like the other day when the realisation had struck him.

Despite all of this.

Arthur knew deep down inside that he had never wanted anything more than this child. To complete their family. It was exciting and terrifying at the same time. He didn’t feel ready, the timing was awful and there was so much he still needed to do. But he wouldn’t change it for the world. And that to him was the scariest part.

Arthur’s stomach rolled once more, the omega sticking his head back into the toilet and dispelling the contents of his meagre stomach. Now this, this he could do without. He had been lucky so far that no one had asked any questions, he had managed to play off his hormones and the apparent sweeter tone to his scent as his heat that he was supposed to be going through right now. One that wasn’t going to happen now that he was already pregnant. So far, that had sated those that had asked. Though he was aware that he would have to tell them sooner rather than later. Especially the Alpha’s, he was shocked that Gwaine hadn’t noticed, this was probably down to the fact that Vivian was pregnant herself and he was focused more on his mate. The only one who had stared at Arthur differently had actually been Leon. The Beta of the group who would not be able to sense his hormones or his pheromones.

Arthur rested his head on the cold toilet seat, grimacing at the foul taste of his breath but not wanting to move just in case. By his calculations he was probably about a month pregnant so these symptoms could last for another two months if he was ‘lucky.’ The bathroom door creaked open. Arthur felt someone slide down behind him, a cold hand resting on his forehead and another arm wrapping around his stomach. Pressing down lightly rubbing small circles on his skin underneath the thin t shirt he was wearing. The Alpha pheromones roared around him settling into his skin, lifting his head Arthur leant back into the embrace. His eyes closing and a soft hum escaping his lips. Kisses were pressed on his cheek and down his neck upon the mating mark on his scent gland.

“Anything I can do?” Merlin whispered softly, his hand moving from the omega’s forehead to card through his hair. Arthur wincing trying to force the sudden bout of nausea away. Surely, he had nothing else left to expel at this rate.

“Magic the sickness away,” Arthur grumbled pinching the bridge of his nose and breathing deeply through his mouth hoping that this was going to help.

“I would if I could.”

“This sucks,” Arthur groaned suddenly moving forward, his stomach rebelling with another bout of sick pouring out of him. Merlin’s hands were on his back rubbing gently as his pheromones soothed and calmed. Spitting into the toilet Arthur whined moving so that he was sitting back in Merlin’s embrace. The Alpha cocooning around him. Both of his hands splaying across Arthur’s flat stomach, the tips of his fingers running through the lines of Arthur’s abs. Something that the omega was most likely going to lose as his pregnancy progressed and he started to show. “I’m supposed to be at the recording studio,” Arthur grumbled.

“I called Vivian and told her that you are still in heat,” Merlin kissed the side of Arthur’s head. The Alpha becoming more affectionate and tender since knowing that Arthur was pregnant. Arthur could tell that this was going to piss him off at some point along with the protective possessive nature that was beginning to rear its head. Merlin had growled at the mention of Gwaine’s name the other day let alone the pair actually be in the same room as each other. “Come on, let’s go back to bed.”

“But.”

“Nope,” Merlin tugged at Arthur pulling the omega to his feet guiding him back into the bedroom. “You have spent most of your life looking after others, now’s my time to look after you.” Merlin declared lowering Arthur into the bed and spooning him closely.

“Five minutes,” Arthur declared feeling his eyes slipping closed as exhaustion from expelling the contents of his stomach washed over him. “Okay.” He mumbled sleep grasping at him quickly.

***

“There he is!” Leon declared clapping Arthur on the back as Arthur stepped out of the car, Percival beside him. The bodyguard becoming attached to the omega’s hip apparently, he was the only other person who knew about the pregnancy. Merlin’s overprotectiveness meaning that he wanted Percival to pretty much shadow the omega wherever he went rather than Merlin himself. Merlin having settled on the second in command, a beta by the name of Edwin Muirden. This had led to one of their most explosive fights that the couple have had so far. Merlin was most famous and sort after out of the two it made more sense to the omega for his mate to have the big scary Alpha, Arthur declaring that he was more than capable of looking after himself. Merlin disputing this saying that Arthur was vulnerable. Arthur’s hormones raging had not liked being referred to like that. Just because he was pregnant didn’t mean he was incapable. Arthur had not won this argument, Merlin abusing his Alpha influence completely in this situation. Arthur really didn’t like Edwin. He seemed slimy and like he had an ulterior motive however Merlin wouldn’t listen to his concerns. The Alpha thinking that he knew what was best. Arthur knew that they were both fighting their instincts and this was a lot for both of them to get their heads around. “We were beginning to think you were never going to show your face again!”

“Sorry,” Arthur breathed out offering his friend a small smile. The pair walking side by side making their way up towards the new omega house that they were opening in an hours’ time. “Heat was a bitch,” he shrugged his shoulders, Leon nodding his head slowly though his eyes narrowed slightly. “What?” Arthur asked, Percival stepping in front to get the main door holding this open. Leon’s eyes darting from the Alpha and the omega. Arthur ducking his head stepping inside quickly. The omega pulling the long black trench coat tighter to his body, one that was actually Merlin’s. Another symptom of his pregnancy had been his inner omega becoming a kleptomaniac for his mate’s clothing. Wanting Merlin’s scent around his body as a protective layer. A behaviour that the Alpha was actively encouraging by supplying the omega with whatever he wanted. Merlin had even gone so far to wear Arthur’s clothes to smother them in his scent. Which was utterly ridiculous considering that Merlin was a lot leaner than Arthur, Merlin’s clothes verging on the edge of being too tight to be comfortable and that was before he started to show.

“How long did your heat last?” Leon questioned.

Arthur humming under his breath feigning interest in the portraits that were hanging in the corridors as they walked past. Not like he hadn’t seen them a hundred times or more at this point, not like he was the one who had chosen the décor. He had spent hours trying to decide what he wanted the aesthetics to be. He had a whole team of designers on his side and between them the omega truly believed they had created something special. He wanted this place to be more than just an ‘omega house’ he wanted it to be a home. A safe haven for those who didn’t have one. And he thought they had done a pretty good job at it if he did say so himself. “Bout a week,” Arthur replied cooly trying to keep his voice even. “I was too busy to keep track.” He shrugged following Percival into the backrooms, towards the main office of the warden where they were going to meet the opening committee. A selection of charity workers, volunteers, staff who were employed in the home and even some of the new residents that had moved in that morning. People that Arthur had handpicked to face the press that was awaiting them. The crowd that was most likely growing the closer to the ceremony that they got.

Merlin was out of town with Morgana for a private function he had been hired for last minute. Arthur had to force his mate to go, the Alpha not wanting to leave the omega’s side. Arthur had to make all sorts of promises that he didn’t even remember half of them. Gwaine was with Vivian who was performing at the Brit Awards, one of her last appearances before their daughter was due. Lancelot and Uther would be in the crowd outside to support Arthur and Leon. Gwen was at home with Mordred though she had sent a supportive text to Arthur that morning.

As soon as Arthur had entered the room he was handed a glass of champagne, blinking slowly down at the liquid not sure what he was meant to do. Cameras were flashing his way from the few journalists that had been allowed unrestricted access to the whole process for the documentary. The behind the scenes of the charity show that Uther had organised to boost the profile and to show the world the work that Arthur had been focusing on. Something that Arthur hadn’t actually been comfortable with but had no say in the matter really. He didn’t do any of this for the reputation, the fame or the accolade. This project was close to his heart and it was one that he was passionate about.

“It’s been a long journey but we made it,” Arthur called out into the room breaking through the individual conversations, holding his champagne glass out in front of him. “Thank you to everyone of your hard work and dedication, I am proud to put my name to this project and I am honoured to be able to open this house,” Arthur smiled brightly ignoring the constant flashing of the cameras and the scribbling of pens. “I christened this house in my mother’s name because she was the one who taught me how to be an omega, how to be comfortable in my own skin and showed me that it didn’t matter what was expected of me but what I actually done with my life,” Arthur held his glass up higher. “Ygraine Pendragon Institute,” he toasted taking a small sip letting the liquid sit on the tip of his tongue but not swallowing.

The clock above the fireplace dinged showing that it was time. Inclining his head Arthur indicated to the others to start to make their way outside. The excited chatter leaving the room with the crowd until only Arthur, Leon and Percival were left. Arthur smiling at the Beta gesturing for his friend to go first. As soon as Leon turned his back Arthur spat the champagne out into his glass setting this down on the table. Leon peering at Arthur over his shoulder, the omega clapping the beta on the back and forcing him forwards. Percival hot on Arthur’s heels.

Arthur blowing out a soft breath, the nausea rocking his stomach once more however he wasn’t sure if this was because of the baby or his nerves. Keeping the bright smile on his face he stepped out into the light of day to face the world.

***

The opening had gone well, Arthur’s speech had gone well and the interview with the press had gone well. He had watched the excited faces milling around with more and more people turning up ready to make the house their home. He had been thanked many a times, had signed multiple autographs and taken selfies. His heart was full and he knew that this was the path that he was meant to be on. Everything had gone swimmingly.

Well, that had been until his morning sickness had literally crept up on him. He had barely managed to make it to the bathroom on time, heaving his stomach contents out until his muscles were contracting with pain. The small amount of food he had managed leaving him mournfully. He was going to be losing more weight than he was meant to be putting on if he continued down this path that he was.

“Arthur?” Arthur swore under his breath, making to move to his feet, pretend that he had just really needed a pee. The quick movement causing his stomach to rebel yet again. Cursing under his breath he groaned into the toilet, breathing through his mouth praying that this was going to pass. Yet again luck was not on his side. He wretched loudly, the sound echoing around him making him wince. “Shit, Arth are you alright?” There was a knocking on the toilet door, Arthur mentally cursing himself for not thinking about locking the damned door. The wood opening easily revealing Leon who fell to his knees beside the omega. His eyes were concerned. Arthur wanting to play it off as nerves or maybe a case of food poisoning but another round of sickness took his words away. Leon rubbing at his back pursing his lips. “Let me call Uther…”

“NO!” Arthur spat out turning to face his oldest friend. “I’m fine.”

Leon’s eyes rose sceptically clearly not believing Arthur for a second. “Yeah…I’ll go get…”

Arthur’s hands reached out to clasp at Leon’s wrists holding the Beta in place. “No, I promise I am alright, let’s go back…”

“Then why are you being sick? Don’t bullshit me about nerves Pendragon,” Leon warned his eyes narrowing and a fierce glare being directed towards the omega. “I can tell that there is something off with you…you disappear for a week for your ‘heat’…you look more tired than usual, you spat out your drink and now you are….” Leon froze mid-sentence, staring at Arthur like he was seeing him in a new light. The omega rolling his eyes settling back on the heels of his feet meeting his best friend’s eyes. “Being sick,” Leon finished his sentence his eyes roving across Arthur’s body. “Are you?” he paused. “Are you pregnant?”

Arthur blew out a breath, his hands moving to entwine his fingers with Leon’s, the beta looked like he was on the verge of crying. His blue eyes were glassy and there was a hopeful smile upon his face. This was the man that had been there for Arthur for most of his life. They had grown up together, they had lost their virginity to one another and they had been there in each other’s darkest times. Leon had helped him through his mother’s death and Arthur had helped Leon through losing both of his parents in a car accident. For a time it had been them against the world until Gwaine, than Lancelot and then Merlin had come along.

“Yes.” Arthur whispered the smile spreading across his face at the squeak the beta let out. Arthur finding himself becoming crushed in a tight hug, the pair still kneeling on the bathroom floor. He could feel Leon’s tears dripping onto his shoulder, Leon trembling where he was laughing gently.

“Does Merlin know?” Leon questioned pulling back to stare in Arthur’s eyes.

“Yeah, we found out two weeks ago,” Arthur nodded.

“How far along? Who else knows? God, Arth.”

Arthur chuckled at Leon’s rambling. “I know Leo,” Arthur smiled brightly. “I don’t think its even sunk in for me yet,” he shook his head with a laugh on his lips. “About a month and only us, Merlin and Percival, I wasn’t planning on telling anyone just yet.” Leon pulled the omega back into his chest.

“Your secret is safe with me.”

 

 

 

Notes:

Postings are Sunday, Friday and Wednesday.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 2 of OmegaVerse