Forgiveness - Can You Imagine?

by augustwrites

Summary:

For 10 years Way had deceived Babe and their pack.
So, 10 years of his life he would give them back.

Way presented Alan with the suggested contract: voluntary servitude. If the pack agreed to sign, Way would belong to them for 10 years, serving them as they saw fit.

 

The X-Hunter Pack all cope with their ex-member's request for penitence. Some better than others.

Notes:

Hello!

This plot bunny has been forming for weeks! I thought about how to see Way earn forgiveness that isn't just dying for Babe, and somehow landed on this. I know Way is a divisive character and I do not condone his actions, but he is so very interesting in this universe!

This won't be for everyone - so please don't read if the idea of voluntary servitude verging on slavery makes you uncomfortable!

We will have the pack growing as the chapters progress and there will eventually be Pete/Way existing as a pair among the bigger pack, but Pete will take a while to show up.

Also huge thank you to Fee (softpetal) and Pip (lonely_tea_drinker) for listening to my rambles, beta reading, and encouraging me!

Chapter 1: Chapter One

 

The lack of soundproofing had always been an issue in the pack’s home.

 

They would roll their eyes when ‘mama’ and ‘papa’ cooed at each other while cooking dinner. They would pop in headphones or earplugs whenever North and Sonic got frisky in the swimming pool. They would congregate worriedly outside Babe’s bedroom whenever his nightmares caused him to scream and beg and sob.

 

Packs didn’t tend to have much privacy, anyway– they were family, each other’s most important people, and they craved to know everyone’s highs and lows. It was built into them, once they integrated into a pack. Their care for each other was intense, even overwhelming, but it kept them safe. 

 

The pack’s care was something Way had taken for granted.

 

But right now? He would kill for soundproofed walls.

 

Way never expected to be sitting quietly in one of the pack’s storage rooms, overhearing pieces of a heated argument about him. A debate about his fate.

 

“You can’t be serious.”

 

“Lhung!”

 

Voices occasionally interrupted Way’s silent contemplation.

 

The stuffy room was illuminated by a single bulb that occasionally flickered. It was crammed full of the most random shit, including spare chairs in case the pack had a party, tires that somehow needed to live here and not the garage, and suitcases filled with clothes they’d only need when travelling to races held in colder climates.

 

Way sat on a tire, picking at the rubber until little black crumbs embedded themselves under his nails.

 

“Way-”

 

“-is stupid.” 

 

Of course Way was. 

 

“Who does this?” 

 

Most sentences had been fragmented so far, but that one was clear as day. Was it Jeff who spoke? Yes, he was certain that was Jeff’s voice.

 

There were some more soft murmurs which Way couldn’t quite decipher; he supposed they would be attempting to figure him out.

 

Way was still trying to figure himself out; he had been since he woke up in a hospital bed with two bullet holes in his chest.

 

Was he desperate? Was he a man with nothing left to lose? Was he a full-blown masochist?

 

Or was he someone who did the unforgivable and then lost out on the ultimate punishment? The doctors revived him after he took those bullets for Babe, bringing him back to the world of the living to face his crimes in this life. 

 

He would have to wait at least a few more years to see how far his accumulated karma might punt him down Samsara. 

 

Yama was fair and balanced, but if Way’s sorry ass was dragged before the deity for judgment, said deity would surely scoff at him and condemn him to several lifetimes of hell.

 

Way lifted his hand to his mouth and chewed the skin around his fingernails, ignoring the rubbery taste, and his gaze flickered to the door which led to the lounge and his former pack. 

 

His being here was an inconvenience for them right now – it was clear from the occasional raised voices - but he hoped they would see the benefits of his proposal.

 

It was practically Babe’s idea, after all.

 

“Don’t you dare run away ,” Babe had said in the hospital, while he fluffed Way’s pillows to help him alleviate his discomfort.

 

It was just like Babe to show kindness and compassion while delivering a warning. He made sure Way was safe and healing well, concern for his old best friend etched on his face. But then he spoke firmly, ordering Way to stay in Bangkok to face the consequences of his actions.

 

And then the consequences never came. Members of the pack dutifully visited him, informing him of the team’s progress in training, or updates on the pack dynamics (like Alan officially mating Jeff). He began to slowly heal from the shooting, building back strength and muscle after lying unconscious for a few weeks.

 

Occasionally a pack member would meet him to assist him as he took a turn around the hospital grounds. Even Pete, the wealthy enigma who Way was rather fond of, appeared to support his progress.

 

Babe stopped coming by, the stronger Way got. And with Babe’s absence, Charlie had no reason to visit. Neither had Jeff, really.

 

Still, he wouldn’t call that consequences. 

 

Alan had agreed to box up Way’s bedroom at his own request. After weeks of waiting, Way had hesitantly asked Alan if he could help him move out. He knew Alan would have dealt that blow eventually, the pack alpha putting his family first, and Way decided he wanted to beat him to it. He’d be out of their home… out of their pack. 

 

Way had known from the moment he woke and remembered that he couldn’t return to the pack or team once he was discharged from hospital. But he promised Alan he’d stay in Bangkok. He wouldn’t disobey Babe.

 

Don’t you dare run away.

 

Way didn’t. 

 

He left the hospital and found himself a cheap apartment. He kept using his name, not caving to the desire to start a new life. He ignored his phone whenever Pete called. Pete was too good. Someone like Way didn’t deserve Pete.

 

Don’t you dare run away.

 

Face the consequences.

 

After a month, Way began to question the consequences Babe had referred to. Was it knowing his ex-pack existed in the same city but were still out of reach? Was it losing his racing career? These things were painful, but he believed he’d received mercy. He didn’t need to look his loved ones in the eyes daily and see their disappointment and resentment. 

 

It was the realisation that he was still running away that had led him to write the letter to the pack. 

 

And then he drew up a contract.

 

For 10 years he had deceived Babe and their pack.

 

So, 10 years of his life he would give them back.

 

Way presented Alan with the suggested contract: voluntary servitude. If the pack agreed to sign, Way would belong to them for 10 years, serving them as they saw fit. If all members of the pack were to fully forgive Way, they may dissolve the contract sooner.

 

Once upon a time, Way was a treasured part of the pack, but he would not be a member according to the terms Way wrote in the contract. He would serve the pack, he would obey orders, stay by their sides, but he wouldn’t be part of the family. 

 

By offering himself up, he would truly face the consequences. He couldn’t run away.

 

And now he sat listening to them debate the terms, or whether they’d even agree; Alan had made it clear as pack leader – it had to be a unanimous decision.

 

“I don’t like it.” Sonic’s voice was clear. 

 

Way could picture him curled up beside North, seeking comfort in his scent. He could picture the frown on Sonic’s face too, the way his brows would furrow together. Sonic had been relatively kind to Way in the hospital and had even checked in a few times since his discharge. He was a dutiful Omega, perhaps ruled by his emotions due to watching a pack member almost die. 

 

Way dug his nails into the palm of his hand, trying to rid his brain of the sexist thoughts of emotional Omegas… but why else would Sonic reach out to him?

 

“I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad idea,” Jeff spoke up again, his soft, steady voice still carrying through the house.

 

“I thought you were against it!”

 

“I simply asked who thinks of it.”

 

“I think we should look at the terms he laid out,” Alan’s voice interrupted. Way couldn’t tell where Alan’s head was – as pack leader he was good at remaining neutral when needed. In this case, he was acting as the mediator between all the pack members, attempting to ensure everyone agreed with the contract and its amendments.

 

“Not to speak until spoken to?” North exclaimed.

 

“Shut up, you’re being too loud!” Sonic admonished. 

 

Clearly they had no idea Way was hearing around 80% of the discussion.

 

“There’s no article about us using his ass?” A voice scoffed – Charlie.

 

“Next page,” Alan replied, his voice a little strained. 

 

“Ah, perfect.”

 

Way squeezed his eyes shut as he imagined his friends reading the item which he deserved the most: he would be sexually available to whoever needed it.

 

He supposed it made sense Charlie was pleased about that rule, protective and possessive of Babe as ever.

 

“We should seriously consider that,” Alan said.

 

Way felt like he had been slapped.

 

“Could this be a fetish thing?” The voice Way was least familiar with spoke up. Kim. The newest member of the pack.

 

“No.” 

 

That was the first thing Babe said since the meeting began. The only thing Babe had contributed to the discussion was denying that Way had a fetish for being a live-in 24/7 slave.

 

There was a pause. Or were they speaking quieter? It was hard to know. 

 

Way glanced down at his thumb and saw red smeared across his nail – he hadn’t realised he had picked his skin to the point of bleeding. 

 

“Cooking… cleaning… I mean it would make our lives easier.” The words and laugh sounded unusually cruel from North.

 

“Babe and I like to cook,” Charlie pointed out, the pout on his lips evident from just his tone.

 

“Clause 11,” Alan interrupted. “I want you to all think about clause 11.”

 

They began to talk quietly again, nobody daring to raise their voice about this one.

 

Clause 11 was perhaps the worst one of all, even worse than offering himself up to be used by whoever needed a hole.

 

It stated there was to be no offers of comfort, no words of affection, and no kind touches towards Way for the duration of his service. If he were to be punished, it would be up to him to fix himself up. If he were sick, he would isolate himself until he felt better.

 

A pack was comfort and love… and Way did not deserve the pack. 

 

“Are we all in agreement?” Alan’s voice filled Way’s ears once again.

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“… I guess.”

 

“Should I get a say?”

 

“All pack members do, Kim.”

 

“Even-”

 

“Yes, even you.”

 

“Fine.” 

 

“Call him back in.”

 

It wasn’t Alan that appeared at the door, but rather his mated Omega Jeff.

 

“Come,” Jeff said, his voice oddly kind. They weren’t close, but other than the tension around his loyalty to Charlie, Way didn’t harbour negative feelings for him.

 

Besides, if they had all agreed to the contract, then perhaps Jeff was showing him compassion with the knowledge it’ll be the last time he receives it for ten years.

 

Way stepped inside the lounge, seeing all members of the pack seated on the comfortable sofa, except for Babe who lingered near the patio doors, as if looking for a quick escape.

 

Alan held court with the contract placed on the coffee table in front of him, though it was now decorated with scribbled notes, no longer in the pristine condition Way had originally presented it in.

 

“You really want to do this?” Alan began, nodding down at the pile of paper.

 

“Yes,” Way said, trying to sound confident, though his voice was rough.

 

“Then read the amendments and sign.” 

 

His tone was commanding, but that wasn’t unusual for the pack Alpha. Way knelt down in front of the coffee table and picked up the pen waiting for him.

 

A quick scan of the final page informed Way that all members of the pack had signed the document. All members had agreed to the conditions, with a few unnecessary amendments (which were probably there to make themselves feel a little better about the situation).

 

“You’re to move in immediately. Into your old room,” Alan insisted while Way read the proposed amendments. “You’ll need a place to rest after your long workdays.”

 

“Okay,” Way breathed in response. He could handle the additional rules and the changes weren’t so bad. 

 

With a quick flourish, he scribbled his signature on the dotted line.

 

And that was it. He was theirs now. He existed to serve the pack. 

 

Ten years of servitude, voluntary.

The Enigma Way Ponrawat Wachirabantoon agrees to serve the X-Hunter Pack for a period of ten years or until all active members of the Pack sign in the designated space overleaf.

He will not be acknowledged as a member of the Pack during this period.

The following clauses have been agreed for the duration of his service.

1. Way will be responsible for household administration and will be given an allowance from the Pack to purchase groceries and household items
2. Way will undertake all domestic duties [amendment: unless a pack member deems it unnecessary, for example if a member wishes to cook]
3. Way will not speak unless spoken to [amendment: except for emergencies]
4. Way will not, under any circumstances, touch any member of the Pack [amendment: except for emergencies]
5. Way will not eat with the Pack
6. Way will not sleep in any Pack member’s bedroom
7. Way will accept punishment for any mistakes
   1. Way is to accept this silently. If a noise is made, the punishment must be repeated.
   2. [amendment: a pack member will deliver a hit to Way’s knuckles using whatever tool is nearest (for example rulers, wooden spoons).]
8. Way will make himself sexually available to all Pack members [amendment: unless ill or injured]
   1. Way’s hands must be cuffed, chained or tied up during to ensure he does not have access to the Pack
   2. Otherwise, the Pack cannot touch Way unless it is to administer punishment or to guide him into following orders 
9. Way will work full time hours in the garage [amendment: unless ill or injured]
   1. Way must be the first to arrive and last to leave
   2. Failure to comply will result in punishment
10. When not actively working, Way must kneel in a convenient location [amendment: unless invited to sit at a pack member’s feet]
11. Way will not request comfort, touch, or words of affection from the Pack [amended: originally Way may not receive…]
12. Way must not look Pack member Babe in the eyes.

Servant signature: Way Ponrawat Wachirabantoon

Pack signatures: Alan, Charlie, Jeff, North, Kim, Sonic, Babe.

Pack signatures for release:________________________________

 

 

---

 

The walls were thin. It was a lesson Way had learned that evening, but was being drilled into him further as he heard faint sniffling coming from the room next to his.

 

Was Sonic that unhappy about him being back?

 

He knew it would be controversial as the pack clearly didn’t want him around, but it proved he wasn’t running from the consequences. He was facing his problems and they were gaining something useful out of a dreadful situation.

 

Eventually the crying proved to be too much – his heart ached for the Omega and his own Enigma instincts made him want to rush to comfort him. But the rules were seared into his brain and there was nothing Way could do. 

 

To get away from the noise, and the creeping unease which came with his own guilt, he rushed to the shower. The noise would muffle any cries or arguments which may take place while the pack adjusted to the unwanted presence.

 

In the next room, Sonic continued to cry, face buried in a pillow to quieten his sobs. North sat diligently by his side, petting the Omega’s hair slowly in an attempt at comfort.

 

“It’s cruel,” Sonic whispered.

 

“I know,” North replied.

 

“He’s basically a slave.”

 

“Way was very clear not to use that word in the contract. Smart,” North said, an air of unease within his tone. “Alan would have said no instantly.” 

 

And given the fact half the pack had been at risk at some point of being sold into slavery, nobody would have even considered it. That, and North would like to believe the fact they’re all decent people. 

 

“Why did Alan even consider this?”

 

“Because Way’s still pack. This keeps him close.”

 

Sonic reached up and scrubbed the tears from his eyes violently until a hand latched around his wrist and tugged it away.

 

“Don’t. You’ll hurt your eyes,” North said, careful not to inject too much strictness into his order. Sonic never liked it when he used an intense Alpha voice. Neither did North, really. 

 

“Okay,” Sonic sniffled, letting North guide his hand away. 

 

After a moment, he spoke again. “You think it’ll be okay?”

 

“Yeah,” North replied, bringing Sonic’s hand to his mouth, pressing soft lips to Sonic’s knuckles. “Yeah, we’ll look out for him. I promise.”

 

Chapter 2: Chapter Two

Summary:

Way settles into life as the pack's servant.
Sonic and North struggle.

Notes:

Hiii I'm back!

The angst is kicking up a notch, I hope you enjoy!

CWs in the end notes!

 

Being back in the pack home felt like a luxury which Way did not deserve. Sure, he wasn’t allowed to sit on the cosy sofa which the pack loved to crawl onto and curl up together, nor was he allowed to eat dinner with them… but just being near them? That was so important.

 

He was pathetic.

 

Maybe this wasn’t actually a punishment for him, but rather a blessing in disguise. Maybe the pack was kind and benevolent to allow him back into their sacred space. That would make Way selfish, right? He infiltrated back into his family under the guise of servitude. 

 

Generally, Way worked quietly around the house when he wasn’t in the garage, making sure it was clean and there was always food available for the pack. And on the days he was scheduled at the garage, he set his alarm early so he could arrive before Alan and ensure the place was ready for the rest.

 

It was perhaps a selfish reason he added in the rule about arriving first. While he wanted to show his dedication to X-Hunter by clocking in the most hours as part of his servitude, he also wanted some time alone in the place which was once his safe haven. He could work among the cars, breathing in the familiar scent of petrol, and centering himself until the boisterous noise of the pack interrupted his peace.

 

Sonic and North tried to engage him in conversation while he worked. He answered politely, of course, but it set him on edge. He really wasn’t supposed to be talking.

 

He often caught Jeff watching him with a strange expression on his face. Growing up as one of Tony’s kids would have given Jeff plenty of reasons to be suspicious of Way. It must be unnerving, knowing who Way was, what he had done, and what his powers were (even if said powers weren’t being used). 

 

Of course the youngest Omega would be on his guard.

 

Alan acted like a manager. Giving him tasks, keeping him busy, but occasionally reminding him to eat or drink water. Way supposed a servant needed to be functional; Alan was ensuring he would be able to perform his duties to the best of his ability.

 

Kim was awkward. He was new to the pack and while he felt protective of his fellow members, he didn’t have the same history with Way that most others did.

 

Babe refused to approach him. Didn’t look at him.

 

Perhaps that was a mercy in itself.

 

 And Charlie…

 

Charlie was enjoying himself.

 

“I wanted Khao Soi for dinner,” Charlie hissed in Way’s ear as he passed him in the kitchen.

 

“Khun Alan asked me to prepare Massaman Curry,” Way replied, his grip tightening on the spoon he was using to stir the bubbling pot. He didn’t have to use ‘Khun’ or any title for the pack members; it wasn’t in his contract, but he felt it was appropriate. It kept the distinction between his old and current status.

 

Way had forgotten to put it into the original contract, an oversight he kept mentally berating himself for.

 

“Well Khun Charlie is ordering you to make Khao Soi,” Charlie said in response, his nose wrinkling as he glanced at the creamy sauce, as if it had personally offended him. Bullshit, Way knew Charlie liked Massaman curry. He had even seen Charlie cook it for Babe.

 

“I’ll… get on it,” Way said quietly.

 

It was remarkable that Charlie hadn’t found an excuse to punish Way yet.

 

Way originally wrote the punishment clause of the contract to be ambiguous; he had visions of canes or carpet beaters, or the pack pulling inspiration from Tony and using their fists. He supposed it was Alan who proposed the amendment to the contract – a set punishment that wouldn’t leave the pack feeling too guilty. It kept them in line, kept it all above board.

 

Still, he wasn’t looking forward to the first time he had his knuckles rapped. Way wasn’t exactly good with pain, even after years of suffering under Tony’s violent whims. He had hoped he’d develop more resilience, especially when the beatings increased because of his years of inaction towards Babe… but no, he seemed to only regress and get worse with pain.

 

“Oh my god, yum, two dinners?” North exclaimed as he bounded up behind Way.

 

Way hummed. He was just starting to plate up the curries. He had made enough for everyone to help themselves to Charlie’s choice of dish too; he’d bring the leftovers to the table for everyone to help themselves.

 

“What did we do to deserve this treat?” Sonic echoed, as usual not far behind North. Where one went, the other always followed. 

 

Neither of them were speaking directly at Way. The questions were rhetorical, not needing an answer.

 

“You’re the best, Way!” North added, bumping Way’s shoulder.

 

Way forced a smile at North, just as Sonic leaned in and whispered something in his mate’s ear.

 

“What dish are you eating tonight?” North asked, looking Way directly in the eyes. The rule for no eye contact existed only for Babe, so Way didn’t need to avert his gaze.

 

“I- the curry. Khun Alan asked for the curry to be made.”

 

“Good. Can we help serve?” Sonic piped up, picking up one of the plates. He lifted it to his nose and inhaled the rich, aromatic scent. 

 

No. This is my duty, Way thought, trying not to look at Sonic like he had grown an extra head. But if he considered the contract, it was the pack members’ prerogative if they were to decide to undertake any household duties.

 

“If you want. I am capable on my own,” Way said neutrally.

 

This time North leaned over to Sonic and whispered something back. Perhaps scolding the Omega for taking on household duties when they had a good servant at their disposal.

 

That must have been it, because Sonic shook his head, smiled, and returned the plate to the counter. “We’ll be at the table.”

 

By the time all food was plated up, the pack were seated around the dining table, waiting to be served. Alan had always insisted they eat like a family for dinner when possible, since they all left for the garage at different times in the morning and grabbed lunch when they could during their shifts. Alan wanted one meal a day where they could be together.

 

North had originally complained when the pack first moved into Alan’s home, wanting to eat food in front of the TV like he would back in his old apartment. In response, Babe lightly kicked him and proclaimed that North would get stains all over the light grey sofa. Then Babe had slung his arm over Way’s shoulder and announced that he was claiming the seat next to Way.

 

Way smiled softly at the memory. His vision blurred and he blinked to reduce the wetness in his eyes. He had a duty. He had to serve.

 

Alan as pack Alpha got served first, followed by Jeff as his mate. Babe ranked highest in the Alpha hierarchy after, so he delivered Babe’s food next, followed by Charlie – whose plate had a different dish.

 

Charlie now occupied the seat which Babe used to direct Way to.

 

“How come he gets special treatment?” Kim complained. “I asked for kimchi-jjigae three times this week.”

 

Way nearly dropped North’s plate.

 

Fuck.

 

“Because I set the meal plans. I forgot you were craving home comforts, I will put it on the schedule for tomorrow night,” Alan said apologetically.

 

Would Way be punished for not preparing Kim’s food? He just followed the menu scribbled on the whiteboard on the fridge. But maybe he should have asked the members what they’d like? But that would require asking - breaking the rule about not speaking unless spoken to.

 

“Hurry up, the rest of the pack are waiting.” Charlie’s voice cut through Way’s thoughts and he nodded once in deference, before grabbing the remaining plates for everyone.

 

“Can you not?” A voice muttered from the dining area. Perhaps Kim had started complaining about the lack of Korean food.

 

Way stood at the kitchen counter, pulling up the recipe for kimchi-jjigae on his phone. If Khun Kim wanted Korean food, he’d do it.

 

As he studied the recipe, his own serving of food grew cold on its plate.

 

---

 

 

The first person to punish Way was Sonic, something neither of them had anticipated.

 

Two months into the contract, Way broke clause 4: the rule forbidding him from touching any of the pack members.

 

But when Sonic moaned that he felt dizzy and subsequently collapsed in the garage, Way didn’t think twice. He sprinted to Sonic’s side and knelt beside him, instantly pulling his head onto his lap.

“Sonic- Sonic!” Way gasped, his fingers seeking Sonic’s pulse below his chin. He was breathing, thank God, and his heartbeat was steady.

 

The others had slipped out for lunch – maybe Sonic shouldn’t have stayed behind to continue working, maybe he needed food himself? Way tended to work through lunch breaks nowadays, wanting to get as much done for X-Hunter as possible, to earn his place serving them.

 

Sonic stirred in Way’s arms. Way began to pet his hair, running his fingers through the soft strands. “Sonic?”

 

“Mm?” Sonic replied, his eyes opening slowly. But when he realised where he was (and who was holding him) he sat bolt upright. “Phi?!”

 

“Way,” Way corrected gently. Nobody was to use honorifics with him; again, it wasn’t in the contract, but Way was firmly of the opinion that language of respect should be revoked when it came to him. He was lesser; he didn’t belong to the pack.

 

“ Way , what are you doing? You can’t be seen-” Sonic squirmed until Way released him fully.

 

“You fainted,” Way said simply. What was he supposed to do? He couldn’t not check on him, even if it meant he would receive a punishment. “You’re more important than my knuckles-”

 

“No. Oh, no, no, no,” Sonic said, clamping a hand over his mouth. And Way supposed it made sense; his touch was poison, he could hypnotise with ease. Sonic must be terrified that Way would use his powers on him and turn him against the rest of the pack.

 

“Wait, it’s an emergency right? This counts as an emergency?”

 

Way looked surprised as Sonic tried to use the amendment to get out of punishing Way - but he supposed that Sonic was a sweet Omega who likely didn’t want to do harm. And maybe he would have been fine checking Sonic’s pulse or carrying him to the car if he needed to see a Doctor - that all was arguably an emergency response.

 

But… 

 

“I kept you in place and touched your hair,” Way argued back. “Not exactly how you should act in an emergency. It’s against the rules.”

 

The rules. The rules stated he needed a blow dealt to his knuckles by whatever tool was most convenient to the pack. Which was probably fine at home, but in the garage? There was all sorts of metal that could be used.

 

The nearest implement was likely… in the toolbox. There was a wrench that would be appropriate. 

 

Way climbed to his feet quietly and fetched the intimidating object. He returned to Sonic and settled on his knees before him. His arm trembled slightly as he raised his hand in offering, his gaze lowered in docile resignation. 

 

“I accept my punishment.”

 

---

 

 

Sonic was about to have a panic attack.

 

The stupid goddamn punishment clause. He hated it, he fucking loathed it.

 

He hated all of this, he hated seeing his former friend as nothing more than a broken shell. Sonic’s instinct to take care of his pack extended to Way, and the Omega inside him cried because he just couldn’t . The rules forbade it.

 

Way’s not Pack right now , Alan had said calmly. The pack leader’s words were resolute, even if his expression was uneasy. 

 

Yes, he is. You know he is! Sonic had snapped back at him.

 

And now Sonic felt like screaming because Way was presenting him with a wrench of all things to hit his knuckles with.

 

“I’ll be quiet. I’ll take it quietly,” Way promised, guilt etched across his face as if this was a problem for Sonic alone. Way didn’t seem to acknowledge how much this would hurt himself; he didn’t seem to care. 

 

You shouldn’t feel guilty! You were making sure I was okay!

 

Could he wait for North? If he held off until his mate came back, he could ask the Alpha to deliver the punishment on his behalf.

 

No, Sonic couldn’t be selfish. It wasn’t universally known among the pack, but North was often more fragile than Sonic. Passing that burden on would be nothing short of cruel.

 

He took the wrench from Way’s hand, feeling the cold, heavy metal against his fingertips. This was all wrong. No. No!

 

Maybe if he told Alan, Alan could exercise his right as pack Alpha and dismiss the rule breaking due to exceptional circumstances.

 

Would Charlie and Babe allow that? Charlie actively supported Way’s attempt to seek penance; he would view it as just. And Babe… Sonic couldn’t read Babe’s feelings on Way’s servitude.

 

Sonic whined. None of this was just.

 

You’re Pack, Way. You’re Pack. Please come back to us.

 

He wanted to pull Way into his arms. Maybe Way had done some truly awful things, but he had also suffered unimaginable trauma. His upbringing and the manipulation he received from his adopted father - that shaped him, twisted him, led him down a dark path. Sonic knew his fellow pack members might see him as too forgiving, but he couldn’t help himself. 

 

He loved Way.

 

“Okay,” Sonic breathed instead. Tears stung in his eyes and he silently begged for North to return soon. He wouldn’t be selfish and ask North to deliver the punishment, but he knew he’d likely need to cry in his partner’s arms once it was done.

 

“Okay,” Way echoed, turning his right hand so his palm was facing the floor, knuckles ready to take their beating.

 

Sonic inhaled deeply and tightened his grip around the handle of the wrench. Just a quick tap. He could do this.

 

With a flick of his wrist, Sonic brought the harsh metal down against Way’s knuckles. He didn’t use unnecessary force, he tried to keep it as light as possible and yet…

 

Red.

 

Skin split and red seeped from the wounds, staining Way’s skin.

 

Red.

 

Way let out the smallest of yelps and Sonic? Sonic was going to be sick.

 

“I made noise,” Way choked out. The rules were clear – if he wasn’t silent during his punishment, it needed to be repeated.

 

“No. You didn’t,” Sonic said firmly.

 

“Yes, I did. Sonic, you know I did.”

 

“No, you didn’t!” Sonic yelled, tossing the wrench away from them both, the metal clattering against the cold, hard floor.

 

Clause 11. No comfort. Clause 7. Punishment. Clause 8… sexually available. Clause 3, 4, 5, 10, it’s dehumanising; he’s less than human. He’s a slave. He’s not Pack now. He’s-

 

Sonic turned from Way and vomited over the floor.

 

He scrambled to his feet, ignoring the dizziness which was threatening to draw him under again. The smell churned his stomach. He couldn’t look at Way’s knuckles. He couldn’t see any more crimson; the colour was burned behind his eyes.

 

He had to get out of there.

 

“Tell Alan I’m going home!” He ordered, and he fled from the garage on unsteady feet. 

 

At home, the contract received a new signature.

 

Servant signature: Way Ponrawat Wachirabantoon

Pack signatures: Alan, Charlie, Jeff, North, Kim, Sonic, Babe.

Pack signatures for release: Sonic ________________________

 

 

---

 

 

Quality time with the pack used to be soothing for all members, but North found himself more agitated than ever. He sat in the middle of the sofa, Sonic curled up beside him on one side, still feeling poorly after a few days of a stomach bug, and Jeff settled on the other. It should feel soothing to be sandwiched between two Omegas, basking in their comforting scents – one his mate and one his packmate – but something just felt off.

 

Jeff was leaning against North, his legs draped over Alan’s lap. Charlie sat beside Alan, his lap a pillow for Babe’s head, while Babe stretched his legs out on the extended part of the corner sofa. And to Sonic’s other side was Kim, present but not fully relaxed, still trying to find his place in the pack.

 

North was acutely aware of what was missing. Who .

 

Said person was currently kneeling in the corner of the room, out of sight - and out of mind for most people.

 

“This is such a stupid show,” Kim spoke up, then purposefully pulled out his phone. “Hazing is awful.”

 

“It’s my favourite,” Jeff protested, leaning over North so he could playfully smack Kim’s arm. “Pay attention. This is the good part.”

 

“Are there any good parts, Nong?” Babe joked, though his attention never left the TV screen.

 

The character, Arthit, was undertaking an immense punishment of running around a track 54 times, which was insane in North’s opinion. That was like running a marathon, or some shit, without any training.

 

“Do you think Arthit deserves it?” Sonic whispered to North, not loud enough for anyone else to hear.

 

North stared for a moment at the TV; Arthit’s punishment was starting to gather an audience and his love interest was watching with a worried expression.

 

“No. No, I don’t,” North whispered back. “Look at his juniors, the people he wronged – they’re supporting him.”

 

“I’m with Jeff, I think I love this show,” Charlie piped up, smiling good naturedly down at Babe. “The Alpha reminds me of my Alpha. Stubborn, determined, sweet. A total bottom for his Alpha-mate.”

 

“Papa!” Babe groaned, turning to hide his face in Charlie’s stomach.

 

Normally the interaction would make North smile. It was so very sweet and domestic. But now… now he saw the gaps in their pack. 

 

“Hey, Way,” North called, trying not to make it sound too much like an order. He was an Alpha but he didn’t particularly like issuing commands. “Come here.”

 

Way appeared moments later, bowing once to the group, before turning to address North directly. “Khun North, do you need anything?”

 

Khun North. He hated that. Just like he hated that one time Sonic tried calling him ‘Sir’ in bed; really, aside from Phi, the only time he allowed honorifics was during Sonic’s heats when his Omega moaned ‘Alpha’ at him. 

 

“No,” North said evenly, glancing down at the space on the floor next to his legs. It was achingly empty. “I just thought you should stay closer by in case we need you to get us drinks.. or something.”

There. That kind of worked as an excuse.

“Kneel down here,” he nodded again to the floor.

 

Way looked stunned but composed himself quickly and dropped to his knees almost gracefully. North supposed Way must be in the habit of kneeling now.

 

“Good. That’s good,” North said, his voice softer than before. He felt Sonic smile against his shoulder and the ache in his chest subsided.

 

North dropped his hand to Way’s shoulder and carefully pushed him closer, until Way was resting against his leg. The weight appeased the Alpha in him. For a moment all was almost right in the world. He felt at peace.

 

And then-

 

“Fuck this.”

 

Babe pushed himself off the sofa, and cast a filthy glance towards North and Way, before storming towards the staircase.

 

“P’Babe!”

“Mama!”

 

“Babe!”

 

Cries from the pack filled the room as the Alpha left, leaving behind a sour scent in his wake.

 

“I should go back,” Way spoke quietly. Nobody commented on the fact that Way just broke a rule – nobody had invited him to speak.

 

Instead, North’s hand clasped firmly on Way’s shoulder, and he placed pressure on it. “Listen to my order.”

 

North didn’t like commanding people, but he would for Way. Right now, Way needed to be with his family. Because of the contract, Way wouldn’t ask for affection, he wouldn’t ask for comfort, and North was determined to give it to him regardless. 

 

He and Sonic had fought to change the wording from ‘receive comfort’ to ‘request comfort’ for this purpose alone - they needed to be allowed to show him some love. Their hearts would have broken had the contract stayed as it was originally written.

 

Fuck. The. Contract.

  

North felt Way go lax against his leg and he wondered how it must feel to be inside his brain. All that anxiety and depression swirling around, creating a catastrophic mix which encouraged him to self-flagellate. 

 

Sonic’s lips found his neck, the spot above the mating bite which he had left on North. The intimate gesture wasn’t to tease or tantalise though. It was a thank you.

 

His mate had no special powers, and yet it was as if he read North’s mind. He knew his intentions.

 

Sonic knew North would sign his name tonight.

 

He would be the second pack member to release Way. 

 

Notes:

CWs:
- Vomiting
- Fainting
- Corporal Punishment (using a wrench on knuckles)
- Blood

I hope you enjoyed!!
Make sure to follow me on bluesky ‪@augustwriter.bsky.social‬ to talk Pitbabe and BLs

Chapter 3: Chapter Three

Summary:

Babe finally talks to Way.
Charlie reveals more about how he feels regarding the contract.
And Alan? Alan has some questions.

Notes:

Okay this is pretty miserable. The whump continues to whump!

I forgot to say but the POVs do switch in this fic. It'll mainly be from Way's POV but I'm quite interested in writing other characters' reactions and responses to the situation.

CWs in the end notes

 

 

The suffocating heat of daytime Bangkok dissipated, leaving behind a gentle warmth to the night air. The patio was lit with security lighting, which reflected off the calm swimming pool.

 

Way sat bolt upright on the sun loungers unable to relax. Even now he was on his own, no judgmental eyes watching him, his body wouldn’t settle. The only company he had tonight were the crickets which chirped incessantly, and one little lizard which scuttled up and down the side of the Pack home.

 

The glass in Way’s hand might have been cool to touch, but the liquid it contained burned his throat, even after years of near alcohol abuse. He secretly hoped he would never get used to the burn; the harsh sensation made him feel alive.

 

A mosquito landed on Way’s neck. He felt a pinch, then he slapped it away.

 

The patio door slid open, and Way’s head snapped up, body instantly stiffening as it anticipated whoever was here to disturb his peace.

 

It was maybe the last member of the pack he wanted to see. The one whose company he used to crave the most.

 

“Oh. You’re here.”

 

Don’t forget: you can’t look him in the eye.

 

As Way turned his focus to the contents of his glass, he heard the soft snick of a lighter. The smell of cigarette smoke soon wafted through the air.

 

“Still hate Alan’s ‘no smoking in the pack home’ rule,” Babe said, his tone almost conversational.

 

Could Way even answer? He was being spoken directly at, so answering wouldn’t be against the rules, but there was still a discomfort which came with speaking up around Babe.

 

They spoke in the hospital while Way was recovering. Until they didn’t.

 

They traded a few tense words when Way showed up with the contract. But then the contract was signed and Babe started shutting up around him.

 

“Where’d you get the whisky?”

 

That was a more direct question. Perhaps it was even meant as an accusation that Way had stolen it from the pack’s drinks supply.

 

“Was in my room. Left it behind when I quit the team.”

 

“Mm.” Babe’s little noise in response to Way indicated he didn’t quite believe his words.

 

“I didn’t steal pack funds to buy it.”

 

Babe didn’t refute his claim. Instead, he asked a question, the answer to which was something Way had been dreading thinking about: “What’ll you do when your supply runs out?”

 

“Don’t know.”

 

He had money. He could buy more. But alcohol felt like a luxury he didn’t deserve, and as for the money…

 

“You know Alan’s paying you, right?”

 

Yes. Way had checked his bank account every now and then and had seen the numbers grow, his monthly paycheck still being deposited.

 

“You’re allowed to buy shit you want. You’re allowed to live your life.”

 

Again – sure. But it felt wrong to buy frivolous stuff when he had specifically designed his life to be owned by the pack for 10 years. That money would go untouched until he left the pack and his punishment.

 

He certainly wouldn’t use it to buy alcohol. He probably shouldn’t even be drinking on the job like this – what if they needed him sober for a late-night task?

 

“Way.”

 

Way knocked back the last of the whisky.

 

“You won’t even look at me?”

 

Why, do you want me to get punished?  Way thought bitterly.

 

“I don’t get you,” Babe muttered, before adding, “you’re getting chewed by mosquitos out here. Go to bed.”

 

“But - ”

 

After a few months of serving the pack, the positive memories associated with that room had faded, replaced with crushingly lonely nights.  While he used to pine over Babe, he had known he wasn’t truly alone during the time he was still part of the pack. He had his chosen family; he had Babe as a friend.

 

Now the room reminded him of how isolated he was. His bed was empty. His nights sleepless.

 

“Consider that an order,” Babe said, his tone void of emotion.

 

If Way had clutched his glass any tighter, it would have shattered and sent shards across the tiles. But he managed to relax his grip and nod.

 

Still avoiding looking at Babe’s face, he got up and fled the poolside, leaving his ex-best friend behind in his wake.

 

If he had moved a little slower, he might have heard the deep sigh from Babe, or seen the despondent way he extinguished his cigarette.

 

 

---

 

 

 

The lab was cold, clinical. It set Jeff’s nerves on edge just being around such specialist equipment, but the staff’s mission was clear and desperately needed.

 

“And your visions are gone?” Charlie asked, chewing on the end of his pen, having stopped scribbling notes for a second.

 

“Seem to be,” Jeff said, glancing down at his hands. His mind had been quieter lately, no longer bombarded with disturbing segments of the future. He didn’t spend sleepless nights trying to piece the fragments together.

 

He could rest easy in his Alpha’s arms, lulled to a comfortable slumber by the steady sound of Alan’s breathing.

 

Well – as easy as he could given the personal shit their pack was going through.

 

Charlie gave him a relieved smile, then took a few more notes.

 

“If you keep your stress low, I don’t think they’ll come back easily,” Charlie said helpfully.

 

“Kind of hard right now, Phi. You know, with the pack?” Jeff replied, drumming his fingers against the table. He wished they could sit in a café like the old days, talking over fruity drinks as opposed to the bitter coffee Charlie kept ploughing himself with to keep up with his busy schedule.

 

“Yeah, I know. Sonic’s still sick… you’ll be missing your fellow Omega,” Charlie said, his easy smile still plastered on his face.

 

“Don’t patronise me. We both know what I mean.”

 

Charlie sighed, his shoulders hunching when Jeff delivered a withering look to him.

 

“I know,” he eventually said.

 

“I don’t like it,” Jeff said, reaching over to place his hand on top of Charlie’s, a gesture he never used to be able to do comfortably when his powers were in place.

 

“I know.”

 

“Why do you ?” Jeff asked, and while he was accusatory, his tone still held a softness to it. “You’re better than this.”

 

“It’s… not that I like it,” Charlie began, his voice remarkably even. He turned his hand, so his palm was facing upwards, lacing his fingers with Jeff’s.

 

The trademark cheery smile returned to Charlie’s face, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. There were certain members of their pack who were able to be convinced by that toothy grin more than others; like Jeff, Babe saw through it continuously, which made sense given they were mates.

 

Alan was also good at picking up when Charlie was faking his positivity.

 

“You seem to be enjoying yourself, Phi,” Jeff pressed on. No visions came, despite their prolonged touch and Jeff felt comforted by that.

 

“I’m not enjoying it. I just believe he deserves some… some consequences? I guess?” Charlie forced out, looking uncomfortable at being put on the spot.

 

“He saved Babe’s life.”

 

“He also ruined it first. Jeff… what would you do if you saw… if Babe was Alan and…”

 

Charlie clenched his jaw, eyes growing glassy for a moment as he got lost in his memories.

 

“I’m protective. You know this,” Charlie eventually said, grip tightening on Jeff’s hand.

 

Still not accustomed to prolonged touch by anyone that wasn’t Alan, Jeff’s skin began to feel a bit itchy. But he held on; he let Charlie cling to him, because God he loved his brother and his Pack. He wanted to stand by Alan’s side as Pack Omega. He wanted to give into his nurturing instincts which he had subdued for so long due to living in perpetual fight or flight mode.

 

“P’Charlie,” Jeff encouraged, wanting the young Alpha to elaborate a little.

 

“I’m angry. Sometimes I close my eyes and see Babe helpless. I see his eyes glazed over, the commands pumping through his body and mind.”

 

Jeff swallowed. He hadn’t been there, but he knew the story well enough to picture it. The fear from Charlie, the betrayal felt by Babe, and the desperation from Way.

 

Way made a choice that night, a choice which shattered Babe’s trust in him right to its foundations. With that destruction, he also brought down everyone else’s faith in him.

 

And even before that choice, the manipulation? The hidden identity? The use of powers?

 

“Sometimes I just want him to suffer.”

 

“Yeah,” Jeff whispered. And Charlie had his wish – all of them could see how much Way was suffering under this contract. How Way more than anyone pushed them to adhere to it.

 

Jeff had agreed to the contract calmly, seeing it as a fair punishment for someone who wanted to earn back people’s trust. Perhaps he had been naïve in thinking Way would adjust, that it would be good for him.

 

“Fuck,” Charlie said, the pretty smile long-gone from his face.

 

Jeff sighed. He was the youngest in the pack, but by being mated to the Pack Alpha, he had responsibilities (should he choose to take them on). And right now, peacekeeping was his responsibility.

 

“When you’re in a position of power it becomes all too easy to find ways to abuse it. Our upbringing taught us this, Phi,” Jeff said gently.

 

Charlie nodded in response.

 

“Tony created a horrifyingly abusive environment which drove all of us to desperate actions – some of us made good choices. And some of us… well, it’s unfathomable. Phi Babe got out. Khun Pete got out. And of course there’s us. But Way? And Kenta? They didn’t get out. Their need for survival triumphed over their rational thinking.”

 

Daddy warped Way’s mind, turned him into a twisted human who was scrambling to get out using whatever means necessary. Way had dived into the darkest abyss and betrayed his loved ones. Now he believed he was destined to hunker down there, hide in the shadows of his mind, where none of the pack could reach.

 

Way didn’t need a contract – he needed therapy.

 

They sat in silence as Charlie digested Jeff’s words. Eventually, he spoke up. “I won’t mistreat him, Jeff. And I won’t break the rules we put in place to protect him from himself. But…”

 

“But?”

 

“I’m not ready to forgive him. Not sure I’ll ever be. And so, I will continue to give him what he wants.”

 

Jeff lifted their joined hands to his mouth and placed the gentlest kiss against the back of Charlie’s hand.

 

“I understand, Phi.”

 

 

---

 

 

“I’d love to help you out, but you’re just too young, kid.”  

 

It wasn’t that the garage owner was much older than Way, maybe 10 years max, but he seemed so sure of himself and the business he was building. He radiated a charming confidence which made him seem older than his years.

 

“I’m not that young, Khun Alan,” Way said. But he was. He was 16 and alone in the real world for the first time in his life.

 

Alan pinched the bridge of his nose, his scent growing bolder in annoyance. Way’s nose wrinkled and he took a step back.

 

“Stop stinking up the place, old man!” A voice yelled from somewhere deeper in the garage.

 

And that was when Way caught a glimpse. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted his target: Babe was bent over the hood of one of the cars, crowded by a pair of older mechanics who were clearly giving him instructions.

 

“He’s about my age,” Way protested, nodding in Babe’s direction.

 

“Exactly. I’ve already taken on one trainee. We’re at capacity.”

 

Even at Way’s young age, he could understand the practicalities behind Alan’s decision. Having one trainee was fine, but two? That was twice as much staff time being used to make sure the trainees knew what they were doing. Twice as many people needing mentored.

 

But then again, there were two mechanics chatting away to Babe right now! Surely if there were two teachers, there could be two students.

 

Way had been prepared to use his powers on Alan. His Daddy had trained him for this very moment – to use his influence to weasel his way into Babe’s life. But in the moment where he could have used them, something gave him pause.

 

Maybe he wanted to earn his place, just as Babe had. Maybe he wanted someone who wasn’t Tony to choose him, to accept him for who he was, powers or no powers.

 

Yes, it would be so easy to just grab Alan by the wrist and command “give me work” but… but no.

 

“Please. Please can you give me a chance?” Way asked quietly, turning puppy-like eyes on Alan. “Maybe me and him could train together? If we start together, then maybe we’ll develop skills that complement each other? Maybe… maybe we’ll be in sync?”

 

Way had no idea where that argument had come from, and when he reflected on that conversation, he still couldn’t believe it worked.

 

Alan had let him in, had taken a chance on him, without Way forcing his hand.

 

And Way had betrayed him.

 

Looking at the Pack Alpha was almost as hard as looking at Babe.

 

Back then, Babe’s beauty had captivated Way, had consumed his mind. While Babe initially had his walls up, Way had chipped away at them. Not just because he had been ordered to by Tony, but because he deeply wanted to. He wanted Babe to be his friend, wanted his attention, and wanted his love. With time, he had earned it, even if it wasn’t quite the love he had hoped for.

 

During that time, he found he didn’t have to earn Alan’s love. The man freely gave it to Way, bountiful and unconditional.

 

Way was aware he had taken it for granted, now more than ever.

 

“Way. A word.”

 

Way bristled at the tone the Pack Alpha used on him; back in the day they had spoken casually, Way teasingly calling him uncle just like everyone else did. Way had been an ear for Alan’s problems, the reliable one when Babe’s nature grew too hot-headed.

 

It wasn’t like Alan had never used a stricter tone – as leader of X-Hunter in both a professional and familial capacity, Alan looked out for everyone. He kept them on track in work (literally and figuratively), and he listened to and sorted out any grievances within the pack.  Alan was soft-hearted, yes, but every Pack Alpha knew they would need to be firm when needed and be responsible for the discipline of their Pack.

 

Alan walked into his office without checking that Way was following him. He didn’t need to. All pack members would obey that tone.

 

“I went to the pharmacy to pick up… some things,” Alan began once Way had shut the door behind him. “You're still registered as a Pack member.”

 

Oh. Was Alan going to take him off that registry? The idea stung a little, but he understood. Way should be responsible for his own health – why would it be Alan or anyone else’s business what he needed from the pharmacy?

 

Wait - fuck.

 

Alan pulled out a small, brightly coloured box and placed it on his desk within Way’s reach.

 

“Pharmacists flag up uncollected meds to Pack members.”

 

Way made a face. He did everything in his power to suppress an eye roll.  “I forgot.”

 

“You forgot to pick up your anti-Anxiety medication?” Alan asked, raising an eyebrow.

 

“Yes.”

 

“You didn’t do it on purpose.”

 

“No.”

 

He hadn’t. Genuinely. While he had been taking those meds for years, he had gotten out of the habit while he was hospitalised and then everything that had happened since had taken up the majority of his brain space.

 

“Don’t do this. You can play servant all you want to the pack, but don’t neglect your health.”

 

“Alan, I didn’t mean to!” Way snapped, the frustration of not being listened to having built up within him.

 

“Alan?”

 

Alan didn’t look angry. In fact, a small smile played on his lips.

 

“Khun Alan,” Way corrected. “I apologise.”

 

“The ‘Khun’ isn’t in your rules. Neither is abandoning your medication.” Alan pushed the box forward until it was right under Way’s nose.

 

“I’ll take them,” Way said quietly, his hand curling around the box. His thumb brushed over the braille markings that identified the package as his anxiety medication.

 

“Good.”

 

Way assessed Alan carefully, noticing his sternness slowly fading, making way for a tired unease. Alan slumped back in his chair and wiped a hand over his face.

 

If Way had died after taking those bullets, Alan might have been only of the only pack members to genuinely mourn. He closed his eyes and pictured a grave marked with his name, decorated with only one bouquet of flowers.

 

Alan stood before the grave, his expression twisted with anguish. A few steps behind him, Jeff watched his mate with a concerned expression.  Not mourning himself, just standing in solidarity.

 

But Alan? His Phi would have been so full of love, right until the very end.

 

And just as the vision of the alternate reality crept into Way’s mind, so did an intrusive phrase.

 

I should have died.

 

“Whatever’s going through your mind right now… you're wrong,” Alan spoke quietly.

 

Way’s gaze flickered towards the Alpha. Alan was no psychic; he wasn’t Pete. And yet he somehow always seemed to know what was on his pack members’ minds.

 

“Take the meds. Please.”

 

Way closed his eyes and nodded. This time his mind conjured up another scenario, one he didn’t want to admit he craved.

 

Alan would take him by the wrist and pull him close. Way would think it was a punishment – for dropping the ‘Khun’, for forgetting his meds, for being a traitor – but daydream Alan simply wrapped his arms around Way.

 

“You can rest. Lhung’s got you. Phi’s got you.”

 

“May I be dismissed?” Way choked out. He wouldn’t allow himself to get emotional. Not here.

 

“Of course.” Alan’s voice was kind.

 

It only made Way flee faster.

 

 

Notes:

I made myself sad writing this! So I hope you enjoyed!!

CWs:
- alcohol abuse mention
- neglecting health
- insomnia
- discussions of canon assault
- discussions of canon abuse

Chapter 4: Chapter Four

Summary:

Jeff's visions return with a bang.

He learns of the pack's future and decides to do everything in his power to avoid it.

Notes:

We're back! This is a heavy one, but I'm happy to report there's some comfort with the hurt here!

Thank you to Pip (lonely_tea_drinker) for the beta read!

CWs in the end notes!

 

 

Way appeared exhausted.

 

Even from across the garage, Jeff could see the symptoms of Way’s fatigue: his eyes were bloodshot, with dark shadows prominent against his sallow skin. Each movement was lethargic, from the sluggish steps he took when he moved from car to car, to the tremor in his arm as he lifted an impact wrench.

 

Jeff was aware that Way hadn’t been sleeping well. Multiple nights this week he had been woken by their security lamps illuminating the area outside his bedroom window. A quick peek from behind the curtains had revealed it wasn’t an animal setting off the sensors or a burglar, but Way, each evening accompanied by a glass of alcohol.

 

Even if Way managed to catch a few hours of rest, his morning routine of waking early to prepare breakfast for the pack, followed by rushing to beat everyone to the garage, would no doubt be taking a toll on his body.

 

Each night Alan confessed his guilt to Jeff for letting this continue, and each day Jeff quietly monitored the situation. Jeff would step in if he was needed - he had resolved to take necessary actions from the very start.

 

If he had to order Way around to force him to take better care of himself, he would.

 

Jeff heard footsteps behind him and he supposed that Way had finished his task and was waiting for further orders. When Jeff was leading in the garage, he gave out assignments to everyone - be it pack members, their general staff, or Way. 

 

“Have you eaten enough today?” Jeff asked as he quickly secured the housing cover of the new air filter back into place. He turned the last of the screws, his tongue caught between his teeth in concentration.

 

Way was silent.

 

“P’Way?” Jeff said, realising that perhaps Way hadn’t realised his words were directed at him. It made sense with Jeff bent over Babe’s car, concentrating on maintenance tasks.

 

Jeff lifted his head and turned to address Way properly, seeing the elder with his head buried in some papers, hovering a few feet from Jeff and the car. 

 

“Oh? Khun Jeff?”

 

It still sounded weird to be addressed like that by a pack member. Pack was supposed to be familiar, comfortable and safe. 

 

Not that Way would regard himself as a member anymore. The contract he had created ensured his association was severed beyond simply serving. 

 

But contracts couldn’t replace the memory of Way’s laughter as he joked around with his family. It couldn’t remove the scent which lingered among their belongings, clinging to the furniture which Way himself was no longer allowed to sit on.

  

“I didn’t realise you were talking to me,” Way added, lowering his gaze in a submissive manner.

 

Jeff hated it. While he had supported the contract and vowed to follow the rules to the best of his ability, to punish Way and to keep him safe in equal measure, his discomfort with the servitude aspect kept growing by the day.

 

They were foolish to think it was a good idea; after all, half their pack could have been sold into slavery had they not been as fortunate. Jeff himself had divorced Way’s idea from his past using the word ‘voluntary’ to justify it. But how voluntary was this really? And how careful could the pack continue to be - wasn’t someone bound to slip up?

 

Nowadays, he wanted to rush forward and scent the Enigma, reminding him that he was Pack and he was cared for. Even if he hadn’t been close to Way before all that shit went down, his mate’s affection for Way was infectious. Jeff had gotten used to Way’s scent - dark chocolate, with just a hint of red wine - and his initial steady, calming presence.

 

(Alan’s love for all the pack bled into Jeff’s psyche, and people who were once strangers were his closest family now. It made him feel safe and happy - something he wanted everyone to feel).

 

“I was just asking if you’ve eaten enough,” Jeff said carefully, reaching forward to take the papers from Way’s hand. Way somehow looked perplexed that anyone would ask a question about his wellbeing. Did he really have no idea that over half the Pack were ready to welcome him back into their fold? 

 

“And P’Babe’s car is done. Can you close the hood for me, and meet me at P’Charlie’s?” 

 

There. A little care, a little business. That would help Way from being too spooked. 

 

“Yes, okay,” Way replied, the order seemingly helping centre him again. 

 

Jeff nodded, satisfied, and began walking to Charlie’s car, on which he intended to carry out some tuning. 

 

There was a thud, followed by a yelp, and Jeff whirled around in place.

 

“Are you okay, Phi?” Jeff asked, noticing Way shaking out his hand.

 

“Clipped my fingers on the hood. It’s fine, no damage,” Way said, his face contorting in pain, too surprised by the accident to mask it or hide it.

 

Jeff rushed over and took Way by the wrist, bringing his hand up to his eyes to inspect the injury, just as he would do with anyone.

  

And then-

 

A wail of sirens ricocheted inside Jeff’s mind; his vision began to blur.

 

The ear-splitting noise of metal crashing against metal echoed around the garage, and the stench of burning petroleum flooded the air.

 

“Wake up, Way!” Someone’s voice cried out. “He’s collapsed!”

 

“He’s bleeding, fuck!”

 

“The track?”

 

“Babe! That was Babe’s car-”

 

“Phi! Call an ambulance!”

 

Jeff was no longer standing in the middle of the X-Hunter garage, holding on to Way’s wrist. He found himself watching in horror as everyone scrambled around the pits, trying to bring some order to the chaos.

 

Sonic was kneeling on the ground with an unconscious Way curled on his lap.

 

“Phi, I can’t feel his heart!” Sonic screamed over the sirens which were only growing louder as emergency services raced towards the track. “Wait- North!”

 

“North wasn’t in the crash.” A voice Jeff hadn’t heard in a long time spoke.

 

“Dean, get Way to the ambulance! I need to find North! I need to!”

 

Dean calmly reached under Way’s chin, seeking out his pulse point. “No, you can’t go near the track. Think about- oh thank God. He’s got a heartbeat.”

 

“That’s an order!” Sonic snapped, tears of desperation brimming in his eyes. Before Dean could help move Way, Alan was crouching beside Sonic, placing a soothing hand on his shoulder.

 

“North and Charlie are off the track. Emergency services are rescuing Babe. Go with Jeff. I’ll get in the ambulance with Way.”

 

Jeff’s eyes came back into focus, just as Way pulled violently away from him. He felt a dampness below his nose and brought his hand up to wipe it. When he lowered his hand, he caught a vibrant red staining his skin.

 

“Another crash,” Jeff breathed, his brain catching up with what he just witnessed. He’d allow himself to be concerned about the blood later. “There was another crash. But you collapsed, Way.”

 

The vision ended too abruptly. Way had pulled away from him, retracted his hand so Jeff couldn’t access his future anymore.

 

But Jeff needed to know more. What happened with the crash? And did Way survive being hospitalised?

 

Without thinking, Jeff lunged forward and grabbed Way’s wrist tightly in his hand, forcing himself back into the vision; his body trembled as he voluntarily entered part of his psyche he rarely, if ever, forced.

 

The garage gave way to a sterile hospital room, which was silent except for the steady beeping of the heart monitor.

 

Way was laid out flat on the bed, eyes shut, all sorts of tubes connected to him. Alan sat on a chair drawn close to Way’s bedside, his eyes never leaving Way’s body.

 

Next to him, North also sat on a chair, holding Sonic firmly on his lap with his arms over his Omega mate’s stomach. He hooked his chin over Sonic’s shoulder, also staring at Way’s unconscious form. Meanwhile Sonic had buried his head in his hands.

 

Kim stood at the window, choosing to look out at the soft orange glow of sunset. Sitting at his feet on the vinyl floor was Kenta, looking dazed.

 

Kenta? First Dean had appeared in the previous vision and now Kenta? When did they get out of prison?

 

But more importantly…

 

Jeff took a few steps forward in the vision, his gaze falling on the monitor which displayed Way’s vital signs. He didn’t need a medical degree to know they did not look good.

 

How had it come to this?

 

Had the collar been buckled too tightly? The ring of reddened skin around Way’s neck indicated it had. It looked like it had been cut off of Way, and now it sat in two pieces on the bedside table.

 

Wait, since when did Way wear a collar? Had that collar been in the previous vision?

 

Jeff was suddenly able to recall the thick black leather wrapped around Way’s neck when he had been slumped in Sonic’s arms. He was able to visualise Dean’s finger taking the pulse just above the O-ring.

 

As Jeff began piecing the fragments of the future together, a doctor appeared before the group and quietly explained that malnourishment and overexertion were the primary causes of Way collapsing.

 

“He looks so small,” Jeff found himself whispering. Was that his own response to the situation before him or would future Jeff say those exact words?

 

Regardless, right now he wanted nothing more than to drape himself over Way’s sleeping form, his instinct to nurture and care now overwhelming.

 

If he did, he might just crush Way’s bones under his body weight; the Enigma looked emaciated. When did Way become that skeletal? Or... when exactly is his body due to distort into such a state?

 

“Khun Alan, a word?” The Doctor said, voice flat.

 

“He’s okay, right?” Alan asked instantly, rising to his feet. “Please tell me he’s okay.”

 

“We should talk alone,” the Doctor replied.

 

“No. No, our pack needs to be here. They all deserve to know.”

 

“Do they know they’ve put their packmate’s life in danger through their abuse?” The Doctor interrupted, her tone sharpening.

 

“I-”

 

“Abuse?” Sonic cried, his head snapping up to look at the Doctor. “I told you. I told you all!”

 

His response was damning. Even as North tried to shush him, the damage had been done - someone in the pack had just admitted to being aware of the extremities of the situation.

 

“The police will arrive soon. They will want to take you in for questioning.”

 

“Police?” North gasped from behind Sonic. “Lhung!”

 

“It was me,” Charlie spoke up, taking a few shaky steps forward from his position at the door. His eyes were bloodshot. “I pushed it, not P’Alan.”

 

When had Charlie arrived? Jeff turned to appraise him properly, seeing Dean hovering a few feet behind him. Babe was nowhere to be seen. If he had been in a crash… oh god.

 

“Khun Alan is your Pack Leader. He’s in charge, he’s liable for-”

 

“I accept responsibility.” 

 

Alan’s voice remained steady, despite the stress etched across his features. He leaned over and kissed Jeff softly on the cheek. “It’ll be okay. Watch out for Way. Help him heal.”

 

“Lhung!”

 

“You can’t go!”

 

Pungent scents of distress began filling the air of the hospital room, sour versions of their usually rich, sweet smelling pack.

 

“I’m afraid to say I cannot authorise Khun Way’s release to your pack,” the doctor spoke again. 

 

“I understand. Jeff? Get them Pete’s contact details,” Alan said, selecting someone the pack would trust with Way. It was a sensible decision which they’d all have agreed with had they not been in various stages of panic.

 

The Doctor pressed a hand to Alan’s back and guided him to the door; Alan caught Charlie’s arm as he passed him by.

 

“Is Babe…?”

 

“Still in surgery. I’ll call the station with any updates.”

 

As Charlie spoke, fresh tears pooled in his eyes. He kept his voice as steady as he could, but it was clear to everyone that he was a wreck. 

 

Alan nodded, a look of solemn finality on his face. 

 

And then he exited, leaving the pack without their leader.

 

“You can’t let Pete take Way from us,” Sonic said, suddenly clinging to Jeff’s arm, his words barely distinguishable as he choked out sobs.

 

“We don’t have a choice,” Jeff said, trying to push Sonic’s hand from his skin, the grip vice-like.

 

Just as he managed to remove Sonic’s hand, Jeff was forcibly yanked backwards, the hospital room losing its sharp rendering. 

 

The garage came back into focus again; Way stood before Jeff, trembling violently as if he had access to Jeff’s vision. 

 

He didn’t. That little story was a gift for Jeff alone.

 

“Khun Jeff, I apologise for making you let go,” Way stuttered, raising his hand into its punishment position. The hand which was already injured from being clipped on the car hood.

 

Abuse. Police. Lhung being taken for questioning.

 

“You think I’m cruel enough to beat your injured hand?” Jeff hissed, infuriated that Way would think so low of him. And perhaps he was angry at himself for allowing the circumstances in which Way could imagine that being reality to grow.

 

Way flinched and fell to his knees, before lowering his forehead to the floor in a deep kowtow.

 

Jeff forgot how to speak. 

 

His vision was clear. If they kept going… even if he and Alan were looking out for Way, circumstances would shift. They’d miss things. Way’s mental and physical health would deteriorate even further and they wouldn’t be able to do a goddamn thing about it. 

 

In about a year or so Way would be hospitalised.

 

“Please get up,” Jeff whispered, glancing up at the ceiling of the garage. He wasn’t comfortable looking down on the Enigma who acted like he was less than a person.

 

He needed to speak to Alan. Or Charlie. But his Phi was so angry. Jeff was grateful he had managed to have one calm conversation with Charlie about Way; he didn’t think he could push it and demand another.

 

Something had to be done.

 

 

---

 

 

If you had asked Way who he thought the first person to use the sexual availability clause was, Jeff wouldn’t have been his answer.

 

But he received a text from the youngest Omega after the pack had finished dinner: Alan is going out tonight. I want company. Come to my room.

 

The thought of sleeping with Jeff under these circumstances made him uneasy, but did he really deserve a choice? After all, the biggest reason for his servitude was what he almost did to-

 

No. No, he couldn’t dwell on that. The more he thought about that, the more he regretted the bullet missing his heart.

 

Babe had been so scared. So distressed.

 

Didn’t Way deserve to feel the same?

 

Once the pack had dispersed to their rooms for the evening, Way began to prepare for his night with Jeff. He showered and cleaned himself carefully, using both soap and an anal douche. He redressed in fresh clothes, picking basic items that did nothing to heighten his sex appeal (though he made sure his underwear was tight and black).

 

After a moment of hesitation, he added a leather collar - which he had purchased specifically for these activities. He then picked up a length of rope, clutching the rough jute tightly in his hands as he made his way to the master bedroom.

 

Normally, Jeff shared this room with Alan; it felt like sacrilege to sleep with someone else’s mate in their bed, but if Alan had agreed to it, could Way argue against the order?

 

“Khun Jeff,” Way greeted when he stepped inside the bedroom.

 

“Shut the door,” Jeff said in response, flicking his hand at Way dismissively.

 

He’d be so good for Jeff tonight. Jeff had shown him kindness, been a benevolent Master since he had entered the pack’s service. If Jeff wanted Way’s hole, he’d give him unrestricted access.

 

But if he wanted Way’s knot… no, that felt wrong. That truly would feel like taking Alan’s place. He also couldn’t risk getting Jeff pregnant.

 

(Tony would be thrilled if Way fucked up like that. Vibrating with joy in his fucking grave).

 

The door clicked into place and Way approached the bed, placing the rope down on the soft sheet which smelled like a heavy mix of Jeff and Alan; secure, comforting. The sage which dominated Alan’s scent was present, mixing pleasantly with Jeff’s lemongrass.

 

Way shrugged his black overshirt off, revealing his plain white t-shirt underneath.

 

Jeff raised an eyebrow, but didn’t say a word.

 

In one swift move, he tugged the t-shirt up and over his head, discarding it on the floor beside his shirt. He was left bare chested, still in his jeans and leather collar.

 

“A collar?” Jeff questioned, his tone unreadable.

 

Sonic was a much easier Omega to understand; Way had known him for years and he was loud, excitable, and often let his emotions have free reign. Jeff was his opposite – reserved, analytical, and while he had warmed up considerably from his initial coldness, he didn’t shower the pack with affection.

 

“I thought you’d like it.”

 

Jeff remained silent, his lips pressed together as if in dissatisfaction. Maybe the collar was a stupid idea; weren’t they supposed to be sexy for some people? And didn’t it indicate his status?

 

“And…” Way hesitated before mustering up the courage to continue, “the rules state I must be tied up. I brought this for you, Khun Jeff.” Technically he was speaking without permission, but he couldn’t help it as he entered this new territory. He’d take the punishment. It couldn’t be worse than whatever was about to happen.

 

“Oh,” Jeff said, eyes flickering to the coil of red on the bed beside him. He picked it up and began to run it through his fingers. “Of course.”

 

“If you want me to take a more direct role, I- I’ll need to use my hips and mouth. Apologies, the rules make it easier for me to submit.”

 

“P’Way,” Jeff breathed, his body trembling – though Way couldn’t figure out why. Was it from some sort of Omega desperation?

 

Maybe Jeff was scared to do this. While it was his idea and Jeff seemed so confident in his text message, he could be having second thoughts. Perhaps Alan didn’t know about Jeff’s plan, though the idea of an Omega inviting another to his bed without his mate’s permission baffled Way. Why would Jeff do this without Alan’s knowledge?

 

“You don’t need to use Phi. You probably shouldn’t,” Way found himself pointing out, unsure of what else he could say in this situation.

“It’s not in the rules. I can call you that if I want to,” Jeff said, a little stubborn, a little bratty even. “Hands.”

 

Way lifted his hands up, holding them out for Jeff to take and bind. Earlier they had touched accidentally, and Jeff had clearly seen some sort of vision of their future. He was certain Jeff wouldn’t want to repeat that, so he anticipated touch being non-existent between them.

 

Jeff began to wrap the rope carefully around Way’s wrists, weaving it between them to create a criss-cross pattern. Somehow Jeff managed to create the pattern without holding onto Way’s wrists or hands, his thumb pressed firmly against the rope’s bite.

 

As Jeff knotted the rope, Way realised Jeff had avoided touching him altogether with his hands. Figures, he wouldn’t want to risk Way’s powers being activated.

 

Way had expected him to tie it too tightly, constricting and imprisoning, but instead it was the opposite. There was enough give that Way’s circulation wasn’t cut off and Way could see that the knots could easily be unravelled by him if he were to use his teeth.

 

It was skilful and carefully done, which only made Way wonder what Lhung and Noo got to behind closed doors.

 

“Come up here,” Jeff commanded, as if he had found his voice after weeks of hesitancy.

 

Way crawled up onto the bed, using his hands to help propel him upwards. He settled down in the spot next to Jeff and waited for him to take the lead.

 

Gentle hands pushed his chest until Way was laying with his back against the mattress and then the Omega was pressed against his side. Jeff draped a leg over Way’s to lock him in place, while his hand sought out one of Way’s now-healed bullet scars.

 

Way hissed, his entire body tensing. He hadn’t taken Jeff to be cruel, but really, how well did he know the newer members of the pack? Jeff was raised by Tony, after all. Tony’s worst traits had seeped into Way’s mind, warping him into the perfect minion, and maybe Jeff had developed similarly.

 

“Shh, shh Phi. I just wanted to-” Jeff began, then he demonstrated his intention – he began to softly trace his finger across the scar, the pressure minimal, non-intrusive. At the same time, he leaned in and pressed his face into Way’s neck.

 

Way expected a hot mouth on his skin, or sharp teeth. Instead, Jeff’s nose bumped against him, and he heard the gentlest inhale.

 

“I just wanted to spend time with you. Outside the garage, without you having to follow all those rules.” Jeff’s breath felt warm on his skin, though he shivered as if hit by a cool breeze. The youngest Omega began to nose at his neck, breathing Way in as if he smelled comforting, and not like the pack traitor he was.

 

“You’re scenting me,” Way realised a little too late.

 

“Mm.”

 

“Why?”

 

“I want to,” Jeff said as if the answer was obvious.

 

Way’s eyes fluttered shut. The last time he had been properly scented was when Babe had doubts about his relationship with Charlie. Way had used his powers to gently encourage Babe that Charlie was dangerous, and Babe had reciprocated by nuzzling his neck and taking in Way’s scent. Babe hated the stench of most Alphas (and Enigmas) but put up with Way’s scent due to familiarity.

 

“You shouldn’t- this is wrong- Jeff- Khun Jeff,” Way stuttered out, though he made no move to push Jeff away with his bound hands.

 

“Please. For me,” Jeff replied, injecting his tone with an Omega sweetness that no Alpha or Enigma could resist.

 

Way responded by obediently lifting his chin up to allow Jeff more space to scent him. He wasn’t immune to the charms of Omegas, especially not one as pretty as Jeff was. And while Way wanted to return the gentle bonding activity, he knew that would be breaking the rules. That was something he didn’t deserve.

 

But if one of his Masters wanted to use him for this then who was he to say no?

 

Every little touch from Jeff’s nose, forehead, and fingers gently tickled Way, and a calmness slowly began to wash over him, soothing his aches and anxieties. Way’s breathing shifted from heavy and laboured, to a more even rhythm.  

 

It felt like his lungs could properly take in air again.

 

“Jeff,” Way whispered when he felt plump lips pressing directly on his scent glands. It was too intimate- something Way didn’t deserve.

 

Way’s eyes filled with tears, the water causing his vision to blur, and his lower lip quivered as he desperately tried to take back control of his emotions. He couldn’t let the dam burst. If he did, he might never stop crying, and the pack would no doubt accuse him of crocodile tears.

 

“You should use me,” Way prompted quietly.

 

“I am. Stay still, P’Way.”

 

Later, Alan found Jeff curled around Way on their bed, the pair both fast asleep, Jeff still burrowed in Way’s neck. Way’s hands were no longer bound, and the rope was messily coiled at the Omega’s side.  

 

“Ah,” Alan said, spotting the contract on his nightstand. He supposed Jeff had managed to slip off the bed unnoticed by a sleeping Way, so he could sign his name.

 

Servant signature: Way Ponrawat Wachirabantoon

Pack signatures: Alan, Charlie, Jeff, North, Kim, Sonic, Babe.

Pack signatures for release: Sonic,  North, Jeff ___________________

 

“Nobody will know,” Alan said, closing the door behind him. He could sleep in the guest bedroom tonight; he didn’t want to intrude on such a sweet moment. “I won’t let them find out about the broken rules.”

 

 

 

Notes:

Thank you for reading! Let me know what you thought!

CWs:
- hospitalisation
- fainting/collapsing
- non-graphic injury
- blood (jeff nosebleeds)
- mentioned car crash
- mentioned abuse
- non-sexual kink (bondage)

Chapter 5: Chapter Five

Summary:

The Pack Alpha and Pack Omega reflect on the choices they've made.

Aka we find out how the conversation Way overheard actually went.

Notes:

Hellooooo I'm back after being away seeing SKZ, and I'm back with a bang (and 4.6k words!!)

Shockingly, this is another angsty chapter!

CWs in the end notes!

 

 

“It was strange sleeping without my mate last night,” Alan said, draping himself over Jeff’s side like a weighted blanket once he got into bed. His arms slipped around his waist as he began to spoon him.

 

Their bed still smelled like a strange mix of Jeff and Way, fresh lemongrass mingling with smooth dark chocolate. It made Alan’s heart beat faster, his instincts screaming at him to fix his pack.

 

It had been a while since Way’s scent had been so pleasant. The notes had remained overly bitter, with no room for sweetness since the Enigma had returned home. But one scenting session an Omega had brought Way’s aroma back to being rich and comforting.

 

Alan’s own Alpha instincts screamed at him to keep his packmate close, to shower Way with the affection he was depriving himself of, and to even cross the line like Jeff did the night before.

 

“How many rules did you break?” Alan asked Jeff when his lover turned around in his arms. He brushed Jeff’s hair back from his face, spying the innocence on Jeff’s expression, which Alan found deeply endearing.  

 

“A few,” Jeff said sheepishly. “But it was all me. You can’t blame P’Way.”

 

Alan was painfully in love with his Omega.

 

“I know very well whose fault it was,” Alan replied, giving Jeff’s neck a playful nip, targeting his mating bite. The dark mark contrasted beautifully with Jeff’s skin, large enough that Alan could see it peeking out of Jeff’s clothes when they worked in the garage. Alan wore a matching mark on his own neck with pride.

 

“But my question is why?” He followed up, rolling them over so Jeff was laying under him.

 

“Why what, Lhung?” Again, Jeff’s eyes sparkled with innocence as they looked up at him. Alan could devour him with ease.

 

“You made him sleep beside you last night. You scented him,” Alan said, gazing down at Jeff, searching his face as if a shift in expression might convey the reason. “Why?”

 

Jeff fell quiet for a moment.

 

“I had a vision.”

 

Alan stiffened. A vision? Jeff hadn’t had a vision in a long time now, his powers having settled since he was finally freed of Tony once and for all, and safely integrated into the pack.

 

“I thought those were done?”

 

“They come and go,” Jeff shrugged. He looked far too unbothered about the status of his powers for Alan’s liking.

 

But then something in his expression shifted, his brows pulled together, and his teeth worried at his lower lip.

 

“And… I suppose the vision was about Way?” Alan asked, slower than before, continuing to gauge Jeff’s responses.

 

“Mm.”

 

The nonchalance was gone completely, leaving behind a clear discomfort.

 

“Want to tell me what happened?”

 

Jeff averted his eyes, finding a spot on their bedroom wall fascinating.

 

“Noo?” Alan prompted, his hand warmly pressing against his cheek.

 

“We won’t care for him enough. He will be hospitalized from malnourishment and exhaustion,” Jeff whispered, the words barely loud enough for Alan to pick up.

 

The mental image was one Alan quickly sought to banish. And the notion? He would dismiss that too.

 

“That would never happen. I wouldn’t let it.”

 

“Well clearly it did! And the police got involved, you got taken-” Jeff’s voice grew more and more agitated as he spoke, his fingers curling around the soft blanket on the bed as if he were clinging to safety.

 

“I won’t let it happen,” Alan repeated, injecting a little of his Alpha tone into his voice, hoping it might soothe his Omega.

 

It did the opposite.

 

“You did. In my vision you did!” Jeff snapped.

 

Alan’s eyebrows rose at Jeff’s response, giving Jeff a challenging look. “So, you think I’m a neglectful pack Alpha?”

 

Jeff had the audacity to roll his eyes. But then he sighed, and spoke quieter, “I didn’t say that.”

 

No, Alan supposed he didn’t, but it was very much implied. If Way were to be hospitalized, then Alan clearly would start to neglect his needs in the future.

 

Jeff bristled at Alan’s silence, the stress returning to his voice. “He’s not pack, Lhung! He doesn’t have pack status! Of course he ends up an afterthought. We’re all  guilty of that.”

 

Maybe Jeff might end up forgetting Way; he was newer to the pack and never properly connected with the Enigma (at least until last night). But Alan had known Way for ten years; he had relied on Way through difficult times. The pack was built from the ground up with Way as one of its main architects.

 

When Alan eventually spoke, he attempted to keep his tone placating. The conversation had already gotten too out of control; he rarely fought with his mate, and he felt uncomfortable. 

 

“He was one of my best friends.”

 

“Then act like it! This needs to stop.”

 

Jeff, on the other hand, was clearly not ready to calm down yet, which in turn made Alan’s jaw clench.

 

“Need I remind you that you supported the contract?” Alan said, his eyes glinting with barely concealed irritation. 

 

“Shut up, P’Alan,” Jeff hissed, clearly pissed off that his past decision was being thrown in his face. He had even dropped their playful ‘Lhung’, which revealed everything about Jeff’s headspace. “I was wrong.”

 

If Alan was any other Alpha, Jeff would have been scruffed by now for talking back, perhaps even spanked or punished in some way. Most pack Alphas didn’t tolerate insolence, but Alan? Alan was patient, loving, and while he could be strict when needed, he rarely imposed harsh rules unless it was for pack safety.

 

Except for Way. Way got his own special set of horrible rules.

 

But Way had requested it personally – Way had written out the contract. Alan simply agreed to it, and had worked hard with the pack to ensure the conditions of the contract were much less extreme than originally presented. 

 

“Yeah. We both were,” Alan said quietly, deflating. 

 

Alan didn’t want to fight anymore. It was too much for him. He felt the tension bleed out from Jeff’s body and in response, he dropped his head to kiss Jeff’s temple, reminding them both that they were okay.

 

 

---

 

 

“You can’t be serious,” Charlie hissed, standing defensively in front of Babe, whose arms were crossed over his chest as if protecting himself from the conversation.

 

The room reeked of overpowering scents, from an angry tartness which rolled off Charlie in waves, to distressed sourness which floated like a cloud around North and Sonic.

 

“Lhung!” Sonic protested, glaring down at the papers in front of them – the chaotic contract which had fallen onto Alan’s desk by a contrite Way.

 

“Way- he can’t think we’d agree to this,” Sonic continued.

 

“This is stupid,” North added, slinging an arm over his mate’s shoulder, pulling him close to his chest. As usual, they were in complete agreement, a harmonious pairing.

 

“Who does this?” Jeff muttered, picking up one of the pages of the contract, pinching the paper between his forefinger and thumb as if he wanted as little contact with the document as possible.  

 

“A desperate man,” Kim spoke up, his nose scrunched up in a way that Alan would normally coo at.

 

There was no time for cuteness aggression with his pack members right now, not when they were in the middle of an arduous pack meeting.

 

“I don’t like it,” Sonic announced, as if his opinion hadn’t been clear.

 

There was a silence among the group as everyone continued to digest the proposal in front of them.

 

It was Jeff who broke the silence, his voice steady. “I don’t think it’s necessarily a bad idea.”

 

“I thought you were against it!” North asked, just as Sonic opened his mouth to argue again.

 

“I simply asked who thinks of it,” Jeff replied, somehow managing to stay calm. His scent was the most neutral of them all, remaining similar to his standard, daily fragrance. “I think it’s… not unreasonable.”

 

Alan needed to step in and mediate. He had to take back control before a proper argument broke out – his two Omegas looked like they were ready to fight (or rather Sonic looked ready to pounce on Jeff, the way his teeth were bared).

 

Two Alphas in a fight was scary. Two Omegas? Alan shuddered at the thought. Especially when the Omega at risk of getting a chunk bitten out of his neck was his mate.

 

“I think we should look at the terms he laid out,” Alan stressed, gesturing to the first sheet before him. He tugged at Jeff’s wrist, subtly pulling him away from Sonic, keeping him tucked into his side.

 

“Good idea,” Jeff agreed, allowing himself to be moved, not taking Sonic’s bait. He passed the document page back to Alan so he could gather them up.

 

But before they could begin a reasonable discussion, North shouted, incredulous: “Not to speak until spoken to?”

 

“Shut up, you’re being too loud!” Sonic admonished, directing his attention back to his partner. 

 

Alan had warned them all to speak in quieter tones, given Way was in the room next to them, waiting for an answer. At least Sonic was attempting to adhere to the rule, but his mate had a booming voice that carried throughout the house.

 

North nodded and brought his finger to his lips, sheepishly shushing himself. Cute. Alan’s pack was so cute. 

 

“There’s no article about us using his ass?” Charlie spoke up from his spot on the sofa, his normally friendly smile twisted into one of discomfort.

 

“Next page,” Alan replied, hating the fact Way felt the need to include that clause.

 

“Ah, perfect.”

 

Charlie’s tone dripped with sarcasm.

 

“Does he think we’re all like him? Ready to use a friend-”

 

“ Charlie,” Babe interrupted in warning, his voice extremely low – so low Alan barely caught it.

 

“Everything here requires careful consideration. What is safe, what might damage him. But clause eight?” Alan paused, pinching the bridge of his nose. When he spoke again, his voice was firmer than before. “We should seriously consider that. The implications. The harm it may cause.”

 

“I just don’t get it,” North muttered, and Alan didn’t catch the way he clung even tighter to his mate. Those two smelled the most distressed about the contract.

 

“Could this be a fetish thing?” Kim asked, glancing around the room, looking for insight into Way’s psyche.

 

Just like Jeff and Charlie, Kim was newer to the pack. The ones who understood Way best were Babe, North, Sonic, and Alan himself.

 

“No.”

 

Babe hadn’t spoken much – just to admonish Charlie when he got too snarky about the sexual clause.

 

“It’s not a fetish,” Babe whispered. “I told him he couldn’t run away from us and - fuck, that’s what his dumbass brain cooked up?”

 

“Speaking of cooking… certain things are kind of helpful?” Jeff suggested, wanting the conversation back on track, perhaps sensing his mate’s agitation. “Maybe we put him through his paces for a while.”

 

Because Alan was stressed. He wanted this conversation done and he wanted Way to get his answer.

 

“Cooking… cleaning… I mean it would make our lives easier,” North eventually said, an uncomfortable laugh falling from his lips. He flinched when Sonic shot him a harsh look, perhaps angry about him attempting to make peace with it. “I was just agreeing with Jeff!”

 

“Babe and I like to cook,” Charlie pointed out, a little pout on his lips.

 

“And we still can,” Babe said, leaning in to kiss the pout away.

 

“So, he cooks, he cleans, he works around the garage, and he tries to make amends? Seems reasonable to me,” Kim sighed, wiping a hand over his face.

 

Maybe Alan wasn’t the only pack member who needed this conversation to be done.

 

“Clause 11,” Alan said firmly. “I want you to all think about clause 11.”

 

“Does he really think he should be around his pack and not receive any affection? At all?” Sonic said, trying to discreetly wipe tears from his eyes (not that it worked. They all saw).

 

North hugged Sonic tighter.

 

“We can change that, can’t we Lhung? We can propose amendments?” North suggested quietly.

 

“Yes.”

 

“How about he can’t request affection?” Jeff proposed. “It’s a loophole for you, Sonic. Sure, he can’t ask for comfort, but if you feel like he needs kindness, you can still give him it.”

 

Sonic nodded, satisfied.

 

“There’s other shit in there we need to change,” Babe spoke again.

 

“Right. Let’s be sensible. What if the pack house or garage catches fire. I’d like him to speak up, in that case,” Kim said, trying to be the voice of reason.

 

Alan made a note of that. “He can speak if there’s an emergency. I also propose he can touch us if there’s an emergency.”

 

Babe made a face.

 

“Have we forgotten his powers? How he likely manipulated all of you for years?” Charlie pointed out.

 

“Say you collapse and need CPR. He’s the only one around. You want to die?” Kim muttered, shooting Charlie a look.

 

“I agree,” Jeff said quietly. “No touching unless it’s an emergency.”

 

“Fine,” Charlie replied, jaw clenched. “Well, I want to be able to cook with Babe. He can’t monopolise the kitchen.”

 

“I’ll add that too,” Alan said, making a note next to clause one.

 

“I have a proposal,” North said, raising his hand as if he were in school, waiting for his turn.

 

Alan glanced to North and nodded, prompting him to speak.

 

“We’re humans… we can make mistakes. Especially when we’re given power. You know?  With great power comes great responsibility. Spider-man. Yep,” North began to ramble, clutching onto Sonic a little tighter as if to ground himself.

 

“So…?”

 

“If we don’t decide on a suitable punishment, one of us could take it too far.”

 

At least North had the decency not to shoot an accusatory look at anyone, though Babe and Charlie both seemed offended, nonetheless.

 

“Great suggestion,” Jeff said, and Alan had to agree. It was sensible to create parameters now, because god only knows how creative their minds could be if in a vengeful mood.

 

“How about something like caning his hands? Bitch of a punishment.”

 

Alan shook his hand as if it had been caned itself. It was a little old-fashioned, but it would keep everything controlled.

 

“We don’t exactly have a bunch of canes around here,” Jeff reminded Alan. “Any standard implement will do.”

 

“Okay. And while I reckon nobody will use it… we need to show him some care. If he’s sick or injured, he shouldn’t be getting used or worked to death. Yes?”

 

All the pack members nodded. Good. That… that was something.

 

“I don’t like the kneeling thing,” Sonic whispered. “It’s so cold.”

 

“Maybe you could have him kneel at your feet, like a loyal dog,” Charlie muttered. “What? He's basically proposed that he becomes our pet.”

 

Sonic scowled. Alan absently wrote down that amendment too. If Way was against furniture, at least he could join them in some strange form of companionship. Sonic, North, and himself would maybe use that to include Way if the pack were relaxing together.

 

‘No’, Alan reminded himself. ‘He’s not pack. Not right now.’

 

So, with no other amendments, they would need to make their choice.

 

“Are we all in agreement?” Alan asked, scribbling his own name next to the space for pack signatures.

 

“Yeah,” Jeff said, jumping in instantly, ever the diligent pack Omega, always ready to support his Alpha.

 

But before Alan could pass the pen for Jeff to sign, Charlie plucked it from his hand and signed his own name.

 

“Yes.”

 

Then Charlie passed his pen to his adoptive brother. Jeff signed the document, then gave the pen to North.

 

“… I guess,” North muttered, adding his name.

 

Before Sonic could take the pen from him, Kim spoke up, his tone somewhat hesitant.

 

“Should I get a say?”

 

Alan supposed Kim was the newest pack member and hadn’t been integrated into the pack until after Way betrayed them. No wonder he was questioning if he got a say – it wasn’t as personal for him.

 

“All pack members do, Kim.”

 

“Even-”

 

“Yes, even you,” Alan’s voice was final.

 

Kim bowed his head and accepted the pen to scribble his name. Then he passed it to a teary-eyed Sonic, who reluctantly nodded his head and added his signature.

 

Once he placed the pen on the table, he turned to hide his face in North’s broad chest, hiding himself away from reality.

 

The last person to decide… Babe. The remaining members of the pack turned to look at him, Alan carefully assessing his expression to see if it betrayed any emotions.

 

Alan swore he saw a flicker of pain cross Babe’s face, before he hardened his gaze and nodded.

 

“Fine.”

 

And with that, he signed his name.

 

They called Way back in and watched as he knelt and signed his life away, the air remaining filled with sourness.

 

Their pack was already fragmented, and Alan had just allowed it to get so much worse.

 

“I’m sorry, Way,” Alan mouthed. Everyone’s attention was on Way, their new servant.

 

Except for Babe. Babe was staring at Alan, his expression unreadable.

 

It wasn’t often Alan felt like a failure as a pack Alpha, but tonight? Tonight, Alan would wrestle with his guilt, his pack scattered around his home in varying levels of anger, pain, and fear, as they began the next chapter in their lives.

 

 

---

 

 

“Were you cleaning the downstairs bathroom again?” Alan asked, as Way exited their downstairs washroom with a bucket filled with cleaning supplies.

 

“Yes, Khun Alan,” Way said, ignoring the itch the residual chemicals had left on his skin. He had tried to scrub it off, but he must not have done a good job.

 

“Didn’t you clean it this morning?”

 

Alan’s tone wasn’t accusatory; no, he just sounded curious. But regardless, it made Way tense up all the same.

 

“Khun Sonic was sick again,” Way said, hoping that would end their conversation. He was starting to get a little concerned that Sonic’s sickness bug hadn’t shifted. There was something in Alan’s expression which revealed he had similar thoughts.

 

“It’s strange… isn’t it?” Alan said, sounding just like he used to when he would consult Way on X-Hunter or pack matters. Once upon a time they had been close, really close; he had counted Alan as one of his best friends even before they tentatively began forming their pack.

 

“I think so.”

 

“I should be worrying now. It’s not going away.”

 

Way nodded. Yes, yes, if he were Pack Alpha, he’d be ushering Sonic to the nearest clinic to get tested.

 

“I’ll book him an appointment. Get him seen as soon as possible,” Alan said, as if he read Way’s mind. Thank God he couldn’t – if Alan had been a telepath, his life would have been over long ago.

 

“I think that would be best,” Way replied quietly. Sonic hated Doctors and avoided going to even the most basic and routine check-ups. Alan had been known to drag Sonic by the ear to see medical professionals when he was sick.

 

Way’s ‘Alpha’ voice had never worked on Sonic when it came to encouraging him to visit the clinic. Neither had Babe’s. Even his mate North, who didn’t love imposing his Alpha tone on anyone, tried it with Sonic in the hopes he might get him to a Doctor - and failed miserably.

 

Alan just didn’t bother commanding him; it was far more practical to drag him by the ear or wrist, or steer him using his shoulders (and on one memorable occasion, Alan literally picked Sonic up and tossed him over his shoulder like a bag of flour).

 

No wonder Alan’s back was playing up , Way found himself thinking. Not only had he clocked Sonic’s increased vomiting, but he’d also noticed Alan’s muscles seizing up more often.

 

“Can you go tell North we’re taking Sonic to see a Doctor? I’ll make the call.”

 

Way bowed his head at the order. Yeah, North would need the heads up that he’d have to handle a stroppy Omega for the rest of the day.

 

 

---

 

 

“You could look me in the eye!”

 

Way’s gaze snapped up from the kitchen counter, where he had been chopping onions and garlic in preparation for the pack’s evening dinner. A pot bubbled away next to him.

 

Sonic sounded distressed. More than that, his usual calm and soothing Omega scent had soured so strongly that it was overpowering the cooking aroma.

 

“It’s a good thing, North!” Sonic pressed.

 

“I think you both should take some time to process.” Alan’s voice interjected. Alpha tone. Something was very wrong.

 

Way abandoned his task, quickly rinsing off his hands, and approached the trio who were standing at the front door.

 

All three of them looked tense. Alan was in a defensive position, his hands raised as if attempting to calm his pack members. North looked terrified; he was pressed against the wall like a cornered animal, brows furrowed, and jaw clenched.

 

Sonic… well, he had tears in his eyes. And a hand resting on his stomach.

 

Oh.

 

Oh.

 

Slowly, from all corners of the home, pack members surfaced to investigate the noise and off-putting smell.

 

Babe even had a hand covering his nose and mouth, his sensitivity to intense smells sticking around even after losing his powers to Charlie. North’s stench was so strong, almost like rotting wood compared to his usual comforting firewood. Not pleasant for anyone’s nose, let alone Babe’s.

 

“What’s going on?” Jeff asked, using his power as Pack Omega to intervene. He pressed up behind Alan’s back and wrapped his arms around his stomach, hooking his chin over his shoulder.

 

“He’s-” North was barely able to manage that word, his voice faint.

 

“I’m pregnant,” Sonic said, a smile growing across his face, until he seemingly remembered the situation and shot North a glare.

 

“Pregnant!” Charlie gasped. “Congratulations!”

 

“Oh shit!” Babe added, helpfully.

 

Jeff let go of Alan so he could approach his fellow Omega and gently scented his neck. “I’m happy for you,” he whispered, the affection evident in his tone. 

 

“Well, that makes someone,” Sonic said, his tone harsh as he threw another dirty look to his mate. Still, he stroked Jeff’s hair, accepting the tenderness from the younger Omega.

 

(Way always wondered how Sonic felt about a younger Omega crashing into his life and taking over as Pack Omega. Once upon a time, Sonic had been the only Omega in the pack, and now a younger one was above him in the hierarchy).

 

… Not the time, Way, he chided himself.

 

“North, do you have anything to say?” Sonic pressed. “I gave you the car ride home to process. Talk to me.”

 

North paled. His mouth opened, then closed, then opened again as if he wanted to push some words out - but nothing happened. No words came.

 

Eventually, North made a high-pitched whine, a noise unusual for Alphas unless they were injured, and he turned on his heel and bolted upstairs.

 

“Well, fuck,” Kim muttered.

 

“I’ll go talk to him,” Alan said, casting a glance to the stairs, his expression worried. “Jeff, get Sonic settled on the sofa.”

 

“No!” Sonic snapped, baring his teeth the moment Jeff attempted to put pressure on him to guide him to sit down. Jeff was in tune enough to know not to push it, and took a few steps back, hands held high.

 

“I’m going to- well, not my room. Since he’ll be in my room,” Sonic said, his grip tightening on his still-flat stomach. “Everyone leave me alone.”

 

And with that, the Omega fled the scene too, leaving behind a room of stunned pack members.

 

“Sonic was happy. Really happy when he was told,” Alan told the pack quietly. “He’s about two months along now. Wants to keep it. But North shut down during the appointment. At first, we thought it was from shock, but then… he just got increasingly agitated.”

 

Alan wiped a hand over his face. He looked exhausted. Way really wanted to shake Alan and tell him he needed to take care of himself too. Alan always needed a firm reminder; as someone who used to have seniority in the pack hierarchy, Way often used to step in.

 

“Sonic is so in tune with him. He knew there was something wrong. We got home and- yeah. You saw what happened.”

 

“They never spoke about kids?” Charlie asked. As one of the newer members of the pack he was likely less aware of the conversations they had when they initially began to form their little family.

 

“As a pack we were open to our members having kids. Sonic said he would like to eventually, but North? He always just laughed it off,” Babe explained, expression unreadable. He was always unreadable to Way nowadays, their easy, synchronised friendship long gone.

 

“Guess North always thought it was “future North’s” problem,” Charlie said, tucking himself into Babe’s side.

 

“Mm. Just like Way thought getting me pregnant was “future Way’s” problem.”

 

Babe’s eyes flickered to meet Way’s, almost challenging him. Way exhaled sharply, his heart rate starting to pick up.

 

Was it finally time? Would Babe finally confront him and give Way whatever punishment he deserved?

 

The air felt thin - too thin to take any proper breaths. Any coherent thought in Way’s mind switched to pure static; dark spots even appearing in his vision.

 

Way needed his meds. He still hadn’t picked up his meds, even though Alan had scolded him for neglecting them. Did he even deserve his meds? Way always told himself was too busy to swing by the pharmacy, but really, he could have carved out the time.

 

Or perhaps it's another method of getting attention – it worked with Alan, after all. Maybe he hoped that the pack would eventually notice he had stopped taking his meds, so they’d feel sorry for him. Because Way was a manipulative bastard.

 

“P’Way?” Jeff’s voice cut through the haze. “Can you hear me?”

 

Way’s eyes came back into focus, and he saw each member of the pack staring at him, judging him. He didn’t have a right to freak out like that, to make a scene.

 

Babe made a valid point.

 

Babe terrified him; the shame he felt whenever he glanced at his ex-best friend was overwhelming, twisting his stomach in knots.

 

Way wrapped his hand around his forearm, lightly digging his nails into the skin there, in the hopes it would bring him back to reality, or at least shock him out of the spiral.

 

“I have to finish cooking dinner,” Way eventually choked out. What a fucking coward – he couldn’t even face up to Babe now, even after months of serving the pack.

 

“P’Way, you should sit down,” Jeff said quietly.

 

“Is that an order?” Way asked, an erratic laugh bubbling up from within him. He had duties, but if he received an order that would create conflict for him – he’d need to choose which rule to break. Not to mention he couldn’t actually sit on the furniture. 

 

A nice little test. He could get punished so hard.

 

Which, given Jeff spent the previous evening cuddling and scenting him, felt extra cruel on the Omega’s part.

 

“No,” Alan interrupted, placing a steady hand on Jeff’s shoulder. “No, you may go cook.”

 

“Thank you, Khun,” Way whispered, and turned on his heel and fled. Thankfully, the food he had been cooking hadn’t burned.

 

Behind him, he heard a distressed, “Lhung!”

 

And somewhere in the distance a door slammed.

 

Notes:

Surprise! Nobody mentioned in the comments whether they were suspicious with Sonic but the hints are all there!

My wife, while proofreading, said: "how did none of the pack think 'this omega might be pregnant'??? that would be the first thing I'd think!!'

CWs:
- mpreg
- negative reactions to pregnancy from one parent
- self-hatred
- self-neglect
- references to canon non-con

Chapter 6: Chapter Six

Summary:

The pack deals with the aftermath of Sonic's pregnancy announcement.
Way comforts Sonic and breaks a bunch of rules in the process.

Notes:

So this chapter was originally 5100 words! Massive! Maybe a little overwhelming because there was a LOT of difficult conversations!

After some discussion with my lovely beta reader lonely_tea_drinker, I decided to chop it in two, so you'll have more chapters overall and it'll be easier to digest!!

This chapter is kind of a love letter to Sonic and Way's friendship. (Or Supanut/Topten's).

Sonic is Way's baby!!

Also speaking of my beta readers:
lonely_tea_drinker just published a sub!kim kimchay fic and dedicated it to me! would highly recommend
softpetal also updated/finished her minsung fic after 2.5 years! would also highly recommend

shout out to my beta readers!

 

 

Half the pack didn’t appear for dinner, and those who did show up sat in a mostly strained silence. 

 

Way knelt on the hardwood floor, close to the table in case anyone needed him to serve them - but nobody called on him. By this point in the evening, his stomach would’ve normally started rumbling, but the tension made him feel queasy.

 

Occasionally Kim or Charlie would try to strike up a conversation, as two of the more gregarious pack members. Jeff and Babe would give one-word answers, then fall back into a quiet state.

 

Alan retreated to his office, citing work, though Way suspected it was stress from seeing their steadiest couple fighting. The pack was constantly in conflict now and it must be taking its toll on Alan.

 

Of course, North didn’t join. Neither did Sonic.

 

None of them even came by the kitchen to collect their plates of pad kaphrao, no matter how tempting the basil aroma was.

 

“Okay, I’m just going to say it – North’s reaction was weird,” Charlie eventually blurted out, causing Way’s head to snap up.

 

Charlie placed his spoon on his plate with a clink and glanced around, as if daring the rest to actually have a conversation with him.

 

“An unplanned pregnancy is always a shock. He has every right to process,” Jeff said just as quickly, and Way caught the look he shot his brother.

 

“I’d be delighted if Mama-”

 

“Not now!” Jeff interrupted. “It’s not about you. You’re not North.”

 

Way found himself grateful for Jeff in that moment; as much as he tried not to have opinions on the inner workings of the pack, the Mama and Papa dynamic from Charlie and Babe got under his skin.

 

Besides, the last thing he needed was Babe making another comment about his almost pregnancy. The last one had caused him to spiral and he wasn’t sure he was strong enough to handle Babe’s ire. 

 

“I just feel bad for Sonic,” Kim spoke up, his brows drawn together. He had stopped eating too and now sat with his hands steepled below his chin.

 

Kim was an unmated member of the pack. Way often wondered if being around solid, happy couples ever grated on him. Before Way’s betrayal had been revealed, he had existed in a state of uncomfortable jealousy as Alan courted Jeff, and Babe and Charlie became the most obnoxious couple to walk the earth. 

 

If anyone from the pack could read his mind, they’d be horrified by how jaded Way was. He should just be grateful he’s allowed anywhere near the pack; he shouldn’t complain about the state of their relationships.

 

“Me too. I mean, what if Alan reacts like that when I announce-” Jeff said, quickly correcting his words when he realised what he almost said. “If I announce it, I mean.”

 

The light dusting of pink across Jeff’s nose was visible even from Way’s spot on the floor.

 

“Alan would never,” Charlie said firmly, reaching over the table to place one hand on top of Jeff’s.

 

“I agree,” Babe said, glancing at the staircase which their absent family members had disappeared up earlier. “North will come around.”

 

“I’m just… so curious,” Charlie said.

 

He seemed to follow Babe’s gaze, then they exchanged a glance, having a silent conversation just as easily as Babe and Way used to.

 

Way was never Babe’s mate, but Charlie replaced him all the same.

 

“Does anyone know anything about North’s parents?” Kim asked, ever diligent at seeking out the potential roots of problems.

 

Charlie and Jeff shook their heads. Just like Kim, they were newer members of the pack - they hadn’t learned every single detail of their packmates’ personal lives and histories.

 

But Babe instinctively sought out Way, their eyes locking for a moment, which caused Way to drop his gaze to avoid eye contact.

 

He understood why Babe glanced in his direction though; both of them knew a little bit more about North compared to the others.

 

“Let’s just say, Tony wasn’t the only asshole out there raising kids,” Babe muttered, downing the rest of his bottle of beer, before standing. “I’ll talk to North.”

 

“You? You don’t exactly have great bedside manners,” Kim countered, earning a scowl from both Babe and Charlie.

 

Way also glanced irritably at Kim. Babe could be blunt, rough around the edges too, but he had a huge heart, and Kim wasn’t there when North first arrived at X-Hunter. He didn’t see Babe take an eager North under his wing.

 

“Yes. Me.”

 

Babe spoke with such an air of authority that everyone promptly shut up and returned to eating. Not long after, the pack dispersed, leaving Way to clean up the dining room, collecting dishes to put in the dishwasher.

 

His evening duties were nearly complete. Way had kept himself busy since his near-panic attack, throwing himself into work out of fear that someone would converse with him.

 

He couldn’t handle criticism tonight. Not after what Babe said.

 

But he really couldn’t handle the idea of someone praising him either. He didn’t deserve that.

 

When Way reached his bedroom to retire for the evening, he was met with the strong scent of distressed Omega.

 

The door was ajar and when Way peeked in, he spotted Sonic sitting despondently on top of Way’s bed. Sonic’s legs were drawn to his chest with his arms wrapped around them; his chin rested on top of his knees and his hair fell over his eyes, obscuring his face.

 

‘I can’t speak first ,’ was Way’s first thought. But Sonic’s shoulders were shaking, and a second thought entered his mind: ‘ to hell with that.’

 

“Oh Sonic,” Way said as he stepped inside his bedroom. He shut the door behind him to give them both some privacy - he suspected they’d need it. 

 

“Phi.”

 

Sonic’s voice cracked as he forced out that one word, the honorific that Way usually banned him from using. He wouldn’t do that tonight. Not with Sonic this heartbroken.

 

It was unusual to see Sonic cry. Despite being an Omega, he wasn’t the type to shed tears (his mate was far more likely to be caught crying at a movie). The only times Way had seen Sonic upset was when they thought Charlie had died - and then when he first visited Way in the hospital. 

 

“I’m just so happy you’re alive, Phi,” Sonic had said through his tears. “But you’re in pain!”

 

Normally Sonic was happy-go-lucky, eager to be on camera in the garage to promote X-Hunter’s activities to their vast social media following. He and North would bounce around, getting in everyone’s way until Alan scolded them. And then at home, Sonic was a soothing Omega scent – once the only Omega in the pack – for them all; familiar, friendly, comforting.

 

Way had always felt protective over Sonic. The younger had taken a strange liking to him when he first showed up at the garage looking for work. And just like Babe with North, Way had taken him under his wing.

 

While Sonic primarily had been employed by Alan to run their social media channels, they all felt having an extra pair of hands around the garage was useful. Way had taken one look at those big, round eyes and decided it was his job to make sure Sonic didn’t hurt himself.

 

Which led to Sonic kind of imprinting on him. While Sonic clearly was destined to be North’s mate, he followed Way around the garage like a little duckling.

 

(Way never wanted to think about how much his betrayal must have hurt Sonic. The young omega didn’t deserve a mentor as selfish as him).

 

With a sigh, Way crossed the room to his bed, perching on the end of the mattress. He supposed the no furniture rule didn’t apply here – this was his room after all, his one sanctuary in the entire pack home.

 

Distance wouldn’t help Sonic. He owed Sonic too much to let him suffer alone.

 

“A baby, huh?” Way began carefully.

 

Sonic nodded, still hiding his face from Way. His only audible response was a little sniffle. 

 

“Want to tell me what happened with North?” Way asked, his voice gentle, speaking to Sonic as if he was a spooked animal.

 

“He’s angry. He doesn’t want it.”

 

“Oh.”

 

What could Way even say to that? He understood that maybe it wasn’t the right time for them, but it would bring joy to their lives, right? Warmth to the pack?

 

“And maybe he doesn’t want me,” Sonic choked out, finally glancing up at Way, his eyes red from what was likely hours of crying.

 

“Well, I know that’s not true. He adores you, pup,” Way said, the pet name falling easily from his lips. While Sonic was a grown ass omega, who was about to have a baby of his own, Way was still his Phi and he reserved the right to use cute nicknames. In moments of softness or vulnerability, Way used to call Sonic ‘pup’.

 

Sonic’s breath hitched. He held out his hand, beckoning Way closer.

 

“Can you come here?” He asked, his voice wobbling.

 

“I really shouldn’t. The contract-”

 

“Please. Please, Phi, I need you.”

 

Way had already broken a handful of rules since stepping into his bedroom. He supposed he could break one more.

 

He shuffled along the bed so he was sitting next to Sonic and drew him into a hug, his arms wrapping tight around the Omega. He moved them so he was sitting with his back against the headboard, allowing himself to be a steady base for Sonic.

 

Fingers curled into his shirt and seconds later, he felt Sonic’s nose against his neck.

 

“Dark chocolate… smooth red wine,” Sonic practically purred. “My favourite.”

 

Not your favourite, Way thought fondly, though he didn’t correct Sonic. Your favourite is firewood.

 

“I’m scared,” Sonic whispered suddenly, moving the conversation from Way’s scent back to the more pressing matter.

 

“He’ll come around,” Way said, using his hand to encourage Sonic to look up from his neck, his fingertips pressed gently against Sonic’s jaw. He wanted to look him in the eye – he wanted to show him how serious he was. “I promise.”

 

“You didn’t see his face.”

 

“No. But I watched your love grow. I’ve been with you throughout the whole journey,” Way replied, brushing his thumb slowly along Sonic’s cheekbone. Like this, it would be easy to use his powers to calm Sonic down, to use influential words to force Sonic into believing a truth that he couldn’t yet stomach.

 

He wouldn’t take that choice from Sonic, no matter how much it might calm him down.

 

“It’s too much. It’s too far. I’ve ruined us.”

 

“No,” Way stressed, doing everything in his power not to let manipulation bleed from his voice into his fingertips. He would use his touch for comfort only, not his abilities - never again.

 

“Babe is going to talk to North. Knock some sense into him,” Way added, brushing a tear from the corner of Sonic’s eyes.

 

“He’s good at that,” Sonic laughed weakly.

 

At least there was a laugh. Way was doing something right, it seemed.

 

“Phi, it’s all so fucked up,” Sonic whispered, and Way wasn’t certain they were still talking about the pregnancy.

 

And then Sonic clambered up, shuffling so he was sitting side by side with Way. He placed his head on Way’s shoulder like it was the old days – before Way was a servant and before Sonic was pregnant.

 

“It’ll get better,” Way said, reaching for Sonic’s hand. He held it tightly with his own, his heart hammering fast as he banished thoughts of punishment from his mind. 

 

Tonight was an exception. Sonic needed him, and he wouldn’t want to punish him for helping like this.

 

Sonic clung onto Way’s hand in response. Their scents would be mingling now, so strong that the room must smell like a mocha – Way’s chocolate with Sonic’s sweet latte scent.

 

“I’m really pregnant, Phi.”

 

Way could sense him smiling. Good. He deserved to feel happy about this.

 

“You are.”

 

“Maternity clothes are so ugly,” Sonic laughed wetly.

 

“You’ll accessorize - make them look good.”

 

“Goodbye fashionable wardrobe. Goodbye tight jeans,” Sonic’s voice turned dramatic, causing Way to laugh along with him.

 

When was the last time he had laughed? Way realised he couldn’t remember.

 

“Yeah… yeah. You’ll be fine - we’ll go shopping,” Way assured Sonic.

 

“Promise?”

 

“Promise.”

 

 

Notes:

I hope you enjoyed! Consider this part 1 of 2 of the gang processing the pregnancy!!
Up next- North, who is Not Doing So Well.

Thank you to everyone who has commented so far! Each comment is so appreciated! I would love to read your thoughts on the new developments!

CWs:
- Mpreg
- mentions of canon abuse
- mentions of abusive parents

Chapter 7: Chapter Seven

Summary:

Babe confronts North about his freak out.
Alan and Jeff discuss their roles as Pack leaders - Pack Alpha and Pack Omega.

Notes:

Surprise! Early chapter seven upload!

This was originally supposed to be half of chapter 6 but I realised it had gotten a little too long! So we're separating them.

This fic is mostly Way POV however I do enjoy exploring everyone's perspectives. Today you get Babe's (finally!!) and Alan's!

I hope you enjoy. There's quite a lot of angst in this one - CWs as usual are in the end notes!

 

Even though Charlie had taken Babe’s powers from him, his sensitivity to smells had lingered. Generally Babe enjoyed all his pack’s scents, but when their moods soured it became a struggle for him. Right now North’s comforting firewood had shifted to a burned rubber scent that made Babe’s nose scrunch in displeasure.

 

“North?” Babe tried, knocking on the door to the bedroom North shared with Sonic.

 

A few doors down, he heard the sound of pitiful sobs. Sonic and North had to get their shit together; their pack was barely hanging on by a thread.

 

“North, open up.”

 

Babe didn’t want to intrude without permission; it was a courtesy the pack all gave each other – something which made living together easier. 

 

But he’d barge in if North didn’t grant him access - the situation was dire enough to call for some rule breaking.

 

“It’s open,” a small voice finally piped up, just loud enough for Babe to hear through the door.

 

Babe walked in and saw North sitting on the floor next to his bedside table, legs drawn to his chest. His usually well styled spiky hair was sticking up in all sorts of directions, like he had been running his hands through his hair.

 

“What the fuck was that?” Babe began, not exactly eloquent with words, as usual. He never needed to be; he was always blunt and to the point, even with Charlie and his pack members.

 

“Don’t, I already feel like shit,” North said tiredly, resting his chin on his knees. 

 

“And whose fault is that?”

 

North’s scent soured further, and Babe brought his hand to his nose. Goddamn it.

 

“If you say Sonic’s-” Babe began, his tone a warning.

 

“I’m not! I wouldn’t!”

 

North glared at Babe, though his lower lip wobbled. His angry facade was about to break, giving way to heartbreak.

 

“Did you come here to yell at me?”

 

As North spoke, his voice cracked. He bowed his head, eyes squeezing shut.

 

“No. I came here to help.”

 

It was clear to Babe that he would need to switch tactics. Sometimes tough love worked with North, but he was so obviously on the defensive that even if Babe didn’t intend for words to be taken as an attack, there was a high risk they would be.

 

“And you’re doing so well.”

 

“Don’t be sarcastic to your Phi,” Babe chided. So much for a tactic change.

 

“I can’t help it. He’s… he’s-”

 

“Pregnant,” Babe supplied, sinking down onto the floor next to North, leaving a gap between them. North could elect to close it. Up to him.

 

Was it just the case that it was too soon? A shock? Or was Kim right with his suspicions that strained parental relationships may be playing a part?

 

“Your father-”

 

“I don’t want to talk about him,” North said fiercely.

 

Bingo.

 

North hadn’t revealed a lot about his childhood to his pack, but Babe, Alan, Sonic, and Way had all been aware it hadn’t been the happiest.

 

“You’re not him,” Babe tried, causing North to bare his teeth, a move the younger Alpha never pulled with his Phis.

 

Babe growled in response, pushing out dominant pheromones so he could keep control of the situation.

 

“Don’t talk about things you don’t know,” North hissed.

 

“You think I don’t know about shit fathers?”

 

“Tony wasn’t your actual father!” North yelled, tears of frustration gathering in the corners of his eyes. “You weren’t a disappointment to your real father like I was!”

 

Babe reeled as if he had been slapped. Yes, he had managed to reunite with his real father, and found out the depths of Tony’s manipulation, but the pain was still there. He had been raised by Tony, under Tony’s expectations. He had been torn away from a normal childhood, from the love and affection that every child deserved.

 

“You want to rethink that?” Babe rumbled, raising an eyebrow at North. He normally didn’t bother about pack hierarchy, but the words cut deep.

 

North whined in response and bowed his head.

 

“I’m sorry,” North said instantly. “It’s just…”

 

Babe exhaled slowly, his own anger dissipating. “I know.”

 

North shifted so he was sitting cross legged and turned to fully face Babe. Babe mirrored his position, though he kept his arms by his side, purposefully choosing open body language.

 

It seemed like North was struggling to form words. There was no rush; they could sit here all night if they had to. They were pack and North was struggling; Babe wouldn’t force him to explain before he was ready.

 

Babe glanced up at the bed and spotted the collection of plushies that the pair kept nestled on their pillows. While Babe didn’t have much patience for cutesy things, Sonic loved to collect fluffy little animals and characters from movies that any child with a normal upbringing would have watched. North claimed he indulged Sonic, but really Babe had seen North running to purchase toys for himself too.

 

Babe reached up and snagged a wolf plushie and a cat-bear-type thing, and brought them down for North. He kept the wolf on his own lap – because they’re badass, of course – and he passed the strange creature to North.

 

“The hell is that supposed to be anyway?” Babe asked, glad to see a small smile forming on North’s face in response to his question.

 

“A binturong. Sonic loves binturongs. He fell in love with them when we went to the Wildlife Friends Foundation for our first anniversary trip!” North rambled, his eyes sparkling in a way that made Babe laugh.

 

“Oh yes, I remember. You bought him that toy, right?”

 

“Yeah! He loves animals. And did you know they smell like popcorn?”

 

Babe shook his head, a small smile forming on his face due to how cute North was. He could easily imagine North holding a small child, sharing all sorts of facts.

 

“You’re going to be a good dad,” Babe said quietly; he knew they couldn’t keep dancing around the topic, and this would be a good segue.

 

The noise North made in response was that of a wounded animal.

 

“I’m not ready,” North whispered, crossing his arms over his chest, tucking the binturong in tight, as if protecting himself and the plushie.

 

“Is anyone truly ready for that?”

 

Babe certainly wouldn’t be if somehow Charlie managed to get Babe’s alpha body knocked up.

 

If Charlie was an Enigma , Babe’s mind supplied. Like-

 

Nope. Not now.

 

“And I doubt Sonic is either. But he’s willing to figure it out with you,” Babe continued, sighing as North’s shoulders hunched.

 

“Sonic will be an amazing parent. A natural. He’s got great parents.”

 

Sonic was the only pack member with warm, kind parents who were there for him fully from birth to adulthood, and who lived locally. 

 

Alan’s were distant; they were decent enough people but nobody in the pack knew them personally. Kim’s were in Korea (Incheon, Babe remembered). Dean was gone, so his parents – who were nice and generally supportive - didn’t count.

 

And, then there was the rest… Babe, Charlie, Jeff… Way…

 

Way’s not pack. Not right now , Babe reminded himself.

 

God, he was getting a headache.

 

North’s parents did live in Thailand – Krabi. The pack had met them once, years ago, and they were cordial, but North’s attitude to his father had been tense. Especially because North’s father had been dismissive towards Sonic and Dean – the pack members who weren’t Alphas.

 

After they left, Babe and Way had taken North drinking and North confessed his father was ‘a jackass’. He looked down on Omegas (and Betas), though he kept pushing North to get one of his own because a good Omega was a status symbol.

 

That night North had also drunkenly confessed to his crush on Sonic. Way had cooed delightedly, and Babe had slung an arm around North’s shoulder and teased him until he blushed.

 

Thus, the unhappy memory of North’s father’s visit had become a happy memory for the three of them.

 

“I want Sonic! But not because he’s a status symbol! Because he’s pretty and smells like a cosy coffee shop, and he’s bubbly and fun to be around and doesn’t judge how loud I am!”

 

“Awww, our pup is growing up,” Way teased, clutching his hand to his heart like a proud parent.

 

“They grow up so fast!” Babe replied, his grin matching Way’s.

 

“Now, we need to make sure he uses protection!”

 

“Shall we give him the talk?”

 

“Shut up,” North groaned. “And I’m not confessing!”

 

Way patted North’s arm and winked at him. “You should! Before he gets another Alpha.”

 

Babe banished the memory, finding it tainted now. How could Babe trust that Way never used his powers when he touched North; did he manipulate him to chase after Sonic?

 

Babe forced himself back to the present. He needed to help North work through his anxieties.

 

“We all like Sonic’s parents. Yes,” Babe began, petting the wolf toy that was sitting on his lap. “But you can have a bad relationship with your parents and still be a good parent.”

 

“The generational shit though,” North muttered, reaching up to scratch the back of his neck. “I learned from the best.”

 

“North…”

 

“No, listen to me, P’Babe,” North said, his voice shaking as he spoke. “My father taught me I had to be perfect, or I was nothing. He taught me that I was too loud, too boisterous. That children should be seen, not heard. Those aren’t lessons I want to pass on!”

 

“But you’re aware of them, right? So you know you won’t,” Babe replied, keeping his voice calm. He emitted soft, soothing pheromones into the air, hoping it would calm the younger Alpha.

 

“But what if I forget myself? What if it’s so ingrained I just… act like that?”

 

North bowed his head and squeezed his eyes shut.

 

“What if I hit them?”

 

“Oh, North,” Babe whispered. He felt his heart shatter into tiny pieces.

 

“I don’t want to lose myself. I don’t want to lash out in anger.”

 

Babe scooted a little closer to North. He didn’t close the gap between them, but he wanted to remind him of his presence.

 

“Have you ever done that? With Sonic… or Jeff even?”

 

“No, never,” North said, his head snapping up to stare at Babe in horror. “I could never.”

 

“What about-” Babe inhaled deeply, centering himself before asking the question. “ Way ? You’ve got free reign to hit him if he fucks up. Have you been using that?”

 

“No. Fuck no, I hate that clause so much,” North spat.

 

That… made two of them. The first time he had seen someone hit Way’s knuckles, Babe had quickly averted his gaze so he wouldn’t need to see his friend’s face contort in pain.

 

“So, you don’t exhibit those behaviours with our omegas or servant ,” Babe said, forcing the word out his mouth with a grimace. “Why would you do that with your own kid?”

 

“I don’t-” North began, taking a deep, shuddering breath. “I don’t know. I just don’t… I don’t want to be my dad.”

 

“You won’t be. You’re the sweetest Alpha I know. You’ve got a huge heart, and you adore your pack. You adore your Omega.”

 

It was true. Even before North and Sonic officially became mates, they existed in their own special universe, their mutual adoration pulling them into each other’s orbit.

 

Babe had seen North grow from a cocky, foolish young Alpha, to one who, while still silly, was able to show a remarkable maturity, offering an unyielding support to their whole pack. 

 

He had seen the lengths North would go to for Sonic. He had easily been able to achieve strong connections with the pack members - connections that Babe had struggled with for years, despite being the elder of the two. 

 

Babe had been closed off for so long because of Tony, barely letting anyone besides Way and Alan in (though North had chipped away at Babe’s cold exterior, and he had forced himself to show affection to the rest of their initial pack). 

 

Charlie had changed that.

 

Charlie had taught Babe that he was more than what Tony had molded him into. Babe finally believed he was capable of giving love in all forms.

 

“You know, leaving Tony behind was scary for me,” Babe said suddenly. 

 

“I’ll bet. You were so young. He had kept you prisoner in that foundation,” North replied, a look of disgust crossing his face. “I’m sorry for what I said earlier. Of course he was basically your father and-”

 

“No, don’t stress,” Babe interrupted, holding up a hand. “That’s not why I’m bringing it up. I just…”

 

How could he phrase it? He knew he would need to speak carefully with North, that this topic was delicate.

 

“Of course it was scary being out on my own. But it was also scary knowing Tony taught me a very specific perspective on love.”

 

Love came with conditions. Love was something which needed to be earned. You couldn’t just be a normal person; to deserve love you needed to be extraordinary.

 

“I was scared Tony fucked me up so badly that I wouldn’t be able to love anyone,” Babe confessed, fidgeting with the wolf plushie’s t-shirt, rolling it up, then back down again. 

 

“But you love Charlie fiercely.”

 

“It took me a hell of a long time to get there. To trust myself,” Babe said, exhaling slowly. “I had no role model to show me real love. I had to learn from scratch.”

 

“With P’Alan? And us?”

 

“Precisely. And then Charlie came at the perfect time for me,” Babe replied, his smile slowly returning. His eyes softened as he memories of his early days with Charlie surfaced. Charlie chased him and Babe resisted - until he couldn’t anymore.

 

“You guys are perfect together,” North said, his own smile forming on his face.

 

“We had to work at it. It didn’t come easy. Nothing does, really. We learn from each other, we make mistakes, and we grow,” Babe explained, petting the wolf’s head. North meanwhile hugged the Binturong tighter.

 

“Just like me and Sonic,” North said with a little nod.

 

“Do you… understand what I’m saying?”

 

North nodded again, this time more assured.

 

Once again, Babe shuffled closer to North, wanting to be physically supportive for his junior. But he didn’t need to make the decision whether to close the gap. The younger Alpha slammed into him, throwing his arms around Babe in a crushing hug.

 

“Sonic’s going to hate me,” North said, his voice tiny as he spoke into Babe’s ear.

 

“He could never.”

 

“I ruined it. I ruined him finding out.”

 

“Maybe. But it’s just one day. You’ve got, what, 7 more months to go?”

 

North laughed weakly and nuzzled Babe’s neck, scenting him. His fragrance had sweetened considerably, no longer causing Babe’s stomach to churn. Thankfully, Babe could handle his fellow Alpha’s scents while they were content, and he pressed his own nose to North’s hair.

 

“Still think I’m going to be a terrible father,” North whispered.

 

“You’ll teach the kid about binturongs. More importantly, you’ll teach them how to drive,” Babe reassured him. “You and Sonic are going to be great.”

 

“You promise?”

 

North sounded so young himself, so vulnerable. Oh god, the babies were having babies now. That was a terrifying thought.

 

“I promise, pup,” Babe said, ruffling North’s hair.

 

 

---

 

 

“Lhung?”

 

Alan glanced up from his computer, the frown on his face relaxing when he saw his mate.

 

“I don’t mean to interrupt, but you didn’t eat dinner,” Jeff added, shutting the door to Alan’s home office behind him.

 

“I’m not hungry,” Alan said with a shrug. He glanced back at his laptop, where the unsent email to Pete was waiting. It was time to renew X-Hunter’s sponsorship deal, and tonight he had signed and scanned the paperwork.

 

“That’s not like you.”

 

As he spoke, Jeff approached Alan’s desk. Alan then found himself with a lapful of Omega, and he settled his hands at Jeff’s side to keep him steady. 

 

“I’ve just got a lot on my mind,” Alan said, leaning in to kiss the crook of Jeff’s neck.

 

“They’ll figure it out,” Jeff murmured, carding his fingers through Alan’s hair. Alan tipped his head back, chasing the gentle sensation, and he looked up into Jeff’s eyes.

 

“What if they don’t? Our pack’s kind of broken,” Alan sighed. Every day he felt more like a failure of a Pack Alpha – he couldn’t keep his members happy; he couldn’t keep them from fighting. And then there was Way.

 

“It’s healing. It’s taking time, but it’s healing. I promise you,” Jeff spoke, then Alan felt soft lips brush against his forehead.

 

“You really are the best Pack Omega, you know that right?” Alan said, offering Jeff a smile. He had no idea what he would do if Jeff wasn’t by his side. Jeff kept him strong and steady, offered the support he needed, and showed an incredible amount of care for every member of the pack.

 

“I try,” Jeff chuckled softly. “You know, I never expected to find a pack, let alone become a pack Omega.”

 

“I know,” Alan said seriously.

 

Jeff had once confided in him that when he and Charlie escaped Tony, all they hoped was they could find peace and stop Tony from terrorising Babe and his other children. They would have stuck together, but two wasn’t enough for a pack, and neither had been certain they’d be able to build enough trust in others to join one properly.

 

“The pressure you feel? I feel it too. I feel responsible for everyone’s happiness,” Jeff admitted, looking a little sheepish.

 

“It’s not your burden to bear.”

 

After all, Jeff’s role was more supportive and nurturing, than the leadership and discipline that Alan undertook. It was perhaps an archaic way of thinking, but Alphas had to keep the peace, and the burden of pack safety fell on their shoulders.

 

“Isn’t it?” Jeff said, then he flicked Alan’s forehead, the spot he had kissed moments prior. “Lhung, our whole pack cares for our safety and wellbeing. It’s all our responsibility. You can lead us, but you don’t control us, right?”

 

“Right,” Alan confirmed. He only had certain rules in place for everyone’s safety, and he refused to take on an authoritarian approach. He wouldn’t abuse his status as Pack Alpha; he wouldn’t harm his pack in the name of discipline.

 

And he would let his pack Omega help make decisions with him.

 

“I still don’t want you feeling guilty,” Alan said.

 

“As long as Way is enslaved, I’ll feel guilt, Lhung,” Jeff replied, his voice firm.

 

Alan’s expression shifted to one of surprise. Everyone, Way included, had been very careful not to call it ‘slavery.’ Alan justified it by saying Way was still getting paid for the work he did, and that his lifestyle at home was voluntary.

 

“Jeff…”

 

“I’m sorry,” Jeff whispered.

 

“Can we discuss North and Sonic?” Alan asked, wanting to change the subject. The word ‘enslaved’ continued to ring in his mind, and he wanted to shift his focus.

 

“P’Babe seems to think it’s because of North’s father.”

 

Of course.

 

How could Alan be so stupid?

 

Had Sonic made that connection yet?

 

“I- I think Babe is right,” Alan said. He really should go talk to North; he knew the Alpha had needed space, but it had been hours, and the poor guy probably needed him.

 

“Babe went to talk to North,” Jeff said gently, as if reading his mind.

 

“Oh.” Another way Alan failed. He didn’t act fast enough.

 

“What about Sonic? Is he alone?”

 

“He wouldn’t talk to me. I found him in Way’s room,” Jeff admitted, looking forlorn. “He kicked me out… said he’d only talk to Way.”

 

Alan couldn’t help but laugh. “I wouldn’t take it personally. Sonic imprinted on Way when he first arrived. Old habits, it seems.”

 

“Don’t laugh! As pack Omega-”

 

“I think you and I take our titles too seriously,” Alan interrupted, their lips crashing together as he shut Jeff up with a kiss. 

 

“Lhung?” Jeff gasped after they broke apart.

 

“Sometimes the pack needs to work things out among themselves,” Alan said, sliding his hands under Jeff’s ass, so he could manoeuvre him.

 

“Lhung!” Jeff scolded, embarrassed, though he didn’t protest as Alan moved him until he was straddling Alan properly.

 

Alan smirked and leaned in again. This time his teeth caught Jeff’s earlobe. He tugged playfully, causing his Omega to whimper in that delightful way that always sent heat pooling to Alan’s stomach.

 

“You’d look so hot pregnant,” Alan growled in Jeff’s ear, causing his Omega to shudder.

 

“Lhung!”

 

“In fact, it’s been a while since I’ve bred you.” He sucked a mark just below Jeff’s jaw. “Pretty Omega.”

 

“ Alpha ,” Jeff moaned, squirming beautifully on Alan’s lap.

 

“Let’s go unwind, hmm? We’ve been too stressed lately.”

 

Jeff nodded his head, already grinding down against Alan. “I honestly didn’t mean to interrupt you for this,” he panted.

 

“Interrupt- oh shit. Yeah, I should finish this,” Alan said, realising he had promised to send over the updated X-Hunter contracts to Pete by tonight.

 

He hooked his chin over Jeff’s shoulder and scanned the email he had written to proofread it; yep, yes, that all makes sense. Khun Pete couldn’t judge him for not being professional.

 

“Don’t tease,” Alan groaned as Jeff simply rocked his ass against Alan’s groin harder. He clicked ‘add attachments’ and opened his file explorer.

 

He selected the Contracts folder.

 

Double clicked X-HunterContract2025 .

 

Jeff bit down on Alan’s neck, causing him to jolt.

 

“Alpha, hurry. I’m so wet.” Jeff’s voice was raw, animalistic. Whenever he got in the mood like this, his quietness disappeared altogether, leaving behind a feisty Omega.

 

Alan choked and slipped one hand into Jeff’s hair, tugging it as a warning.

 

“Behave, baby.”

 

And then with his free hand, he clicked ‘send’.

---

Sent 10.08pm

From: [email protected]

To: [email protected]

Subject: X-Hunter Contract

Attachment: 1 file; WayContract2025

 

Dear Pete,

I hope you are well and my apologies for the delay in getting this contract to you.

Please find a signed copy attached to this email. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

I look forward to another year of collaboration.

Kind regards,
Alan
X-Hunter Team Manager

 

Notes:

Ow. What did you think of that conversation - and the insight into Babe's mind?

And of course, did you spot the error in the email?

Let me know your thoughts!! Comments are always deeply appreciated, as are kudos!

Fun fact, the wolf plushie Babe holds is actually a Wolf Chan (for SKZ fans!)
Another fun fact, the Wildlife Friends Foundation is a real place in Thailand which is an ethical wildlife rescue reserve!

CWs:
- mentioned abusive parents (Tony, but also North's father)
- mentioned violence
- mentioned canon abuse/non-con
- discussion of the situation as slavery
- sexual content (Alan/Jeff)

Chapter 8: Chapter Eight

Summary:

Sonic and North finally talk.

Pete pays X-Hunter a visit.

Notes:

Hello all!! Longest chapter yet because I am not capable of shutting up!

First we return to our North angst arc, before we get the PETE INTRO!!
Everyone welcome Pete to the verse!

Thank you to all who have commented, kudo'd, bookmarked/subscribed, and read so far! I've reached over 2000 hits, exciting!!

cws in the endnotes as usual! there are a few heavy ones for this chapter!

 

2.02am, Pack House

 

 

North knocked quietly on Way’s bedroom door.

 

He knew it was likely that Way and Sonic would both be asleep, but North had to try. It had only been two hours since Babe had left his side to go to sleep, but those two hours had been filled with immense loneliness.

 

Laying alone in the darkness, it had become increasingly clear: North couldn’t sleep without Sonic by his side.

 

Knowing he had caused pain to his pregnant mate, that Sonic was suffering because of him, had kept North awake and restless, unable to wait until morning to approach him.

 

“Come in.”

 

A gentle voice called in response to his knock, just loud enough to be heard through the bedroom door.

 

North opened the door, and his heart squeezed at the sight before him. Way’s bed had been turned into a nest, blankets and t-shirts and sweaters all artfully arranged into concentric circles. Neat and tidy, exactly the way Sonic usually created his nests.

 

In the centre of the circles, Sonic sat cross legged, his hair falling limply around his face. Beside him, Way was curled up into a ball, using one of Sonic’s thighs as a pillow. His eyes were shut and his lips parted, allowing soft little snores to escape.

 

Way looked peaceful, for once.

 

“Please… don’t yell at me,” Sonic piped up, keeping his voice a whisper so he wouldn’t disturb Way. As he spoke, North noticed that he was slowly stroking Way’s hair like the enigma was a lap cat.

 

“I’m not here to fight. Can I… join?” North asked, glancing at the nest. Intruding on an Omega’s nest without permission, even if you were their mate, was a surefire way of getting your head bitten off. It was seen as an invasion of their privacy; nests were a sacred space and any Alpha who had permission to enter should consider themselves lucky.

 

While Sonic didn’t answer, the look he gave North showed that he wasn’t welcome. His eyes were sharp, narrowed accusatorily, and his lips were pursed in a small pout.

 

“Alright,” North accepted, standing before the bed though giving a wide enough berth that Sonic won’t feel like he was under attack. “But can I talk to you?”

 

This time Sonic nodded.

 

“Quietly,” Sonic said, his hand stilling on Way’s hair. “I don’t want to wake P’Way.”

 

North understood Sonic’s caution regarding Way; it was clear to all that Way’s sleeping cycle was irregular at best. Half the time, Way appeared to have not slept at all, walking around the pack home or garage in a zombie-like state.

 

“I’ll be as quiet as I can,” North replied, knowing that he would need to be careful – he was known for being one of the loudest pack members. While he didn’t expect this conversation would be loud or excitable (the topic was rather painful after all), he knew sometimes he raised his voice without thinking.

 

“And I’m sorry, Sonic,” he added, keeping his voice intentionally low.

 

“Oh?” Sonic tilted his head.

 

Sonic placed one hand on his stomach, as if he wanted to make a point. At least North hoped that was why; he prayed that it wasn’t a reflex, an action which Sonic did to defend himself and their baby.

 

If North had made his Omega feel that unsafe, he would be a failure as an Alpha and as a partner.

 

“I’m-” 

 

Oh god. This was terrifying. Fear bubbled up within North with every word he spoke. “It’s not that I’m unhappy, I just-”

 

North couldn’t quite say he was happy: maybe some joy was there, buried under the huge pile of dread he felt. But between his anxiety finding out the news, and the knowledge he had hurt his mate, he just couldn’t allow himself to feel anything positive right now.

 

“Well, I’m happy,” Sonic interrupted. “I’m really happy, North. I’m delighted. I want our baby so badly, you can’t make me get rid of them.”

 

North whined in response, a piercing sound that made Way stir, rolling over with an arm thrown against his head to protect his sensitive ears.

 

“I would never,” North gasped, horrified at the implications of Sonic’s words. “It’s your body. I would never tell you what to do or force you-”

 

“If I have to raise them on my own I will.”

 

Stop interrupting me, North pleaded in his mind.

 

“I would never abandon you,” North choked out. It smelled like burned rubber again, his warm firewood scent fully sour due to his stress.

 

“Don’t dismiss my worries! You abandoned me this evening.”

 

North squeezed his eyes shut, feeling an overwhelming wave of guilt rise from within him. He was already ashamed of his behaviour and hearing Sonic speak so plainly about it – he felt awful.

 

“I’m sorry,” North repeated. He was the worst. The worst Alpha. The worst pack member. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

 

He took a few steps back, tripping over nothing and falling on his ass with a thud.

 

“What’s- huh?” Way’s voice mumbled in response, and North looked up at the bed in time to see Sonic caressing Way’s cheek, shushing him, telling him to go back to sleep.

 

Sonic would be the perfect parent. And North would fuck everything up. He couldn’t do this, look at how much he had destroyed Sonic tonight with his actions.

 

A familiar figure materialised in front of him; a stern man with cropped hair staring down at him, shaking a finger in his direction.

 

“Pa, I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” North choked out.

 

“No son of mine fails his University entrance exams.”

 

“I didn’t mean to! And- and I got an internship! At a racing company called X-Hunter! They’re on the Thai circuit.”

 

“That’s no substitute for an education.”

 

The slap to North’s face made his ears ring.

 

“North.”

 

“North!”

 

“Ai’North?”

 

“Phi, help me get him up here.”

 

That wasn’t his father’s voice. That was Sonic’s.

 

As North’s vision came back into focus, he saw Sonic kneeling in front of him, Way standing sleepily a few steps behind Sonic.

 

“I’m sorry,” North choked out another apology.

 

North fucked up. Way was awake. The one thing Sonic asked for him not to do – wake Way – and he had fucked up.

 

From North’s haze, he heard Way say, “I shouldn’t touch him.”

 

“I don’t care, I’m- please. I’m asking. Take it as an order,” Sonic said, his voice sounding distressed in a completely different way.

 

Sonic reached out to touch North’s cheek and when he pulled his hand back, his fingers were wet.  

 

Why were they wet?

 

“Why did he flinch?” Sonic choked out.

 

Did North flinch?

 

He felt two pairs of hands on him, gently easing him into a standing position, though North’s legs shook when they straightened out. Mere seconds later, he found himself sitting in the centre of the nest, which he noted was mostly made up of Way’s clothes.

 

Made sense. He had kept Sonic out of their bedroom. Like an asshole.

 

“You’re not an asshole, baby. I’m an asshole,” Sonic said, his voice cracking as he spoke.

 

Had North accidentally spoken his words out loud? He hoped to god that wasn’t the case.

 

North found himself pulled against Sonic’s chest, his head tucked under Sonic’s chin. His Omega cradled him like he was the most precious thing alive.

 

“I didn’t think. I never… your father,” Sonic choked out. The top of North’s head felt damp; North wasn’t sure why.

 

“I’m going to get you both some water,” Way said, his voice soft yet steady. He excused himself quietly from the room, leaving North to let Sonic’s words sink in.

 

“Thank you, Phi,” Sonic whispered, hugging North tighter. “I’m sorry. Of course you’re freaking out.”

 

“Sonic… I don’t want to let you down. I don’t want to let the baby down.”

 

“You could never.”

 

Sonic’s arms constricted again, so tight that North’s circulation was at risk of being cut off.

 

“I didn’t think. I just yelled. And then you started apologising to your father and I- I realised-”

 

“I didn’t mean to make you feel bad,” North burst out, squirming in Sonic’s arms so he could get free enough to look up at him. “I wanted to talk about it calmly!”

 

“I didn’t allow you that!”

 

“It’s okay,” North said quickly, cupping Sonic’s cheeks with his hands, cradling his face.

 

North could see everything clearly now. He knew where he was, he knew that it was his mate in front of him, their mating bite proudly standing dark against Sonic’s neck.  This was their pack house. It was their pack member’s room. Way had gone to get water for them, presumably allowing them space to talk too.

 

The worst of the panic was over.

 

“There you go, comforting me again,” Sonic chided softly. “It’s my turn to comfort you, teerak.”

 

North laughed, a choked, garbled sound that was so unlike his usual laugh. “But I’m-”

 

“If you say you’re the Alpha, I swear to god…” Sonic said, mock threateningly, a teary smile on his own face.

 

“I wasn’t going to say that. I was just… I’m sorry. I am. You deserved better than earlier,” North whispered, brushing his thumbs across both of Sonic’s cheeks, catching a few stray tears.

 

“You were wrestling with your past. With your memories,” Sonic murmured in response.

 

“I know,” North said, inhaling deeply, then exhaling nice and slowly. “When the Doctor said you were, you know, pregnant…” The word still felt foreign to North. “I began thinking about what he taught me. It certainly wasn’t how to be a father.”

 

Sonic nodded his head in response, his own breathing shaky. His lips remained shut however, not interrupting North as he explained himself.

 

“I saw all the ways I could fail. All the ways I could become him. But- but I know I’m not him.”

 

“Of course you’re not,” Sonic said emphatically.

 

“Babe talked me off that particular ledge,” North whispered.

 

“Of course he did,” Sonic smiled, glancing towards the bedroom door. Way’s bedroom door. He supposed Way did the same for Sonic that Babe did for him – just like the old days.

 

“Way too?”

 

Sonic confirmed with a nod.

 

“You’ve got a baby in you, Sonic,” North said, finally allowing himself a moment to take that in. His mate kneeling before him on the mattress, his body not yet changed from pregnancy, but glowing all the same.

 

“I do,” Sonic said, his smile growing larger. “A little version of us.”

 

North’s first thought was ‘god help X-Hunter’, which was quite a promising sentiment. He wasn’t dwelling as much on his father or the ways he could fuck up anymore. He was just picturing a tiny terror, with the volumes that both Sonic and North were capable of, running wild around the garage.

 

“We’ve got a lot to learn,” North said warily. “Or else they’ll run circles around us.”

 

“We’ve got time,” Sonic whispered, his big eyes growing teary again. But this time, North could tell it was from raw emotion – pure joy. Sonic’s eyes sparkled.

 

 “And we’ve got a family to help us. Of people who are all loving,” North said, using his words to remind himself too. Their family would make sure the baby was raised well; they would make sure Sonic and North were supported.

 

They would never struggle.

 

“I’ve got your water,” Way said, announcing his presence again.

 

North scooted over, making room on the bed for Way to join, and he patted the bed. He wasn’t going to kick him out of his room, and he had a feeling Sonic would scold him if he even considered it.

 

Way looked surprised but nodded, and moved to set the water down on the nightstand.

 

As he did, North and Sonic exchanged a look. They had stopped being in sync for an evening, but the world had righted itself and North knew exactly what his mate was thinking. 

 

He was thinking the same thing: 

 

We cannot bring a baby into this world while Way’s still locked in that contract.

 

 

---

 

7.01am, Pete’s Apartment

 

 

Pete had slept in. After finishing up work the previous evening, a crushing wave of loneliness had hit him, causing him to polish off a bottle of Pinot Noir (which smelled suspiciously like a certain Enigma who wouldn’t leave his mind).

 

He had fallen asleep later than usual, his head swimming with thought of the man who would not return his calls.

 

Usually, Pete was ready to take on the day by 5.30am, but this morning, he had hit the snooze button several times, his head still heavy from the wine. 

 

Sitting down at his desk after 7am was unusual for him, but at least he was semi-alert. He was dressed in smart-casual clothes, and his hair was damp from the fastest shower of his life.

 

A steaming mug of black coffee sat on a coaster next to his keyboard. It would be the first of many today.

 

He opened his laptop and went straight to his inbox. Sitting waiting for him was an email from Alan, the contents of which conveyed the Alpha’s thanks for another year of sponsorship and highlighted the attached file.

 

Attachment: WayContract2025.

 

Way contract? 

 

Pete frowned as his pointer hovered over the open attachment button. Perhaps Alan sent him the wrong file; did this mean that Way was back on the team again? Had he signed back on to race for X-Hunter?

 

Contracts were confidential and if this wasn’t the correct one, he really shouldn’t open it. 

 

But when it came to Way… Pete never acted sensibly. 

 

He opened the document and began to scan it, at first his brows furrowing in confusion before realisation set in.

 

Ten years of servitude, voluntary.

The Enigma Way Ponrawat Wachirabantoon agrees to serve the X-Hunter Pack for a period of ten years or until all active members of the Pack sign in the designated space overleaf.

 

He will not be acknowledged as a member of the Pack during this period.

 

“What?” Pete choked, his blood running cold. 

 

“What the fuck?”

 

Pete sat frozen in his seat, unable to move while he processed what he had just read. 

 

Servant. Way. Clauses. Ten Years. Kneeling. Sexually available. Punishment. Ten years.

 

And then white-hot rage set in.

 

 

---

 

7.45am, X-Hunter Garage

Way was in an unusually good mood, though he was all too aware he had no right to be.

 

But last night was the most he had slept in months. Even with the interruption – North sneaking into his bedroom to talk it out with Sonic – Way had experienced a deep sleep.

 

Maybe it was having an Omega curled up beside him. Maybe it was having two pack members in his room for the remainder of the night. Maybe it was being allowed into a goddamn nest and having his clothes and blankets used for said nest. 

 

Regardless, his night with Sonic and North had been healing. 

 

It had been one night off from the rules; one small (undeserved) reprieve. 

 

Even if Way had to return to his normal routine, the comfort he had given and received would feed his soul for a while.

 

Way had woken up tucked between North and Sonic, using North’s chest as a pillow while Sonic had all four limbs wrapped around Way like a koala.  

 

Why did the mates place him in the middle? Way had no idea. Perhaps they had all reshuffled during the night, or in the deepest point of their sleep cycle they had each confused Way’s warm body for their partner’s. 

 

Regardless, waking up in the tangle of limbs had made Way smile to himself. It had been so warm, so cosy, and his nongs had looked so sweet curled up asleep, so peaceful compared to the previous day and their argument.

 

Way could just picture them snuggled up like this, but with a little baby between them. 

 

It sucked extracting himself from the nest, but rules were rules, and he had to get to the garage before P’Alan.

 

No, not Phi. Khun Alan.

 

Way had to get a grip. He was unravelling. He still had well over nine years of servitude to go, and he couldn’t afford to let his walls come down any more than they already had.

 

Maybe he should push thoughts of North and Sonic’s sweetness from his mind.

 

The smile fell from his face as he reached the door to the garage. He punched the code into the keypad and reached out to grab the handle.

 

A hand snatched his wrist before he could.

 

“What the fuck?” Way gasped, turning around to face his assailant, raising his other hand to strike if need be. 

 

In a split second, Way’s mind supplied it was one of Tony’s allies here to get his revenge, to hurt Way or to take Way away from X-Hunter to sell on the black market.

 

After all, Way was an Enigma with hypnosis skills – highly valuable. If someone wanted to carry on Tony’s mission, Way would be a great start.

 

The cloud cleared and Way realised that standing before him was the only other person he was terrified of facing.

 

“Khun Pete.”

 

“Now, now. We’re closer than ‘Khun’ aren’t we?” Pete said, tightening his grip on Way as if afraid Way would run. 

 

Pete’s eyes flashed dangerously, his pupils dilated wildly, and Way shrank back against the door to the garage. Why was he here? And why was he this furious?

 

“Pete,” Way amended, wriggling to try and get his arm free from Pete’s vice-like grip.

 

Pete’s eyes went blank for a moment. His body stilled, breathing evening out as he entered focus mode. He was reading Way’s mind, Way realised in horror.

 

If Pete saw anything from the past few months, the pack’s lives would be in danger. Pete could accuse them, could use his contacts to send them to prison, could even beat the shit out of them if he so desired.

 

“It’s true,” Pete breathed. He let go of Way abruptly, as if burned. 

 

“What?” 

 

Play dumb, Way. That was the best he could do right now – even if his world would come crashing down in mere seconds.

 

“10 years servitude.”

 

Way’s eyes fluttered shut. And there it was. 

 

“Pete.”

 

“What have you done?”

 

Way shook his head quickly. He had to defuse this before Pete went into attack mode. Especially as the rest of the pack were due to arrive to start their workday.

 

“Pete, it’s not what you think.”

 

“Do you value your life at all?” Pete interrupted, fixing Way with a serious look, his jaw locked.

 

“I-”

 

No, Way didn’t. He hadn’t cared about his life in a long time, honestly, and since surviving the bullets to his shoulder, he knew he was living on borrowed time. 

 

“You’re not staying here.”

 

What? 

 

No, Way didn’t want to be taken away from the pack. Once upon a time they were his family, and as selfish as it was, he didn’t want to be ripped away from them.

 

Babe’s command to not run away had given Way the opportunity to sneak back in with them, at least in some capacity.

 

“You can’t take away my autonomy!” Way hissed between his teeth. 

 

“They did!”

 

No. No, you clearly didn’t dig enough in my mind, Way thought, though Pete was no longer reading his thoughts. If you had, you’d know they didn’t do shit – it was my idea. It was all me.

 

Pete grabbed Way again, though this time he took his hand between his own. He drew Way close, his gaze softening as if realising that aggression wasn’t how best to convince him.

 

“You deserve better.”

 

No, I don’t, Way thought desperately. 

 

Pete clearly heard that passing thought because he shook his head slowly, his tone growing even more gentle. 

 

“You do, Way.”

 

“Pete…”

 

“I’ve missed you,” Pete said, and oh his eyes were so earnest and hopeful. 

 

Pete clearly thought of himself as a goddamn prince who could whisk away the troubled Cinderella – take him to a better life. 

 

Except this Cinderella adored the little family he had found. He’d serve them until they sent him away. 

 

Way was fond of Pete. Really fond of him. Maybe in another life, Pete could have found him earlier and saved him from the path Tony had forced him down. Maybe Pete could have stopped his crush on Babe in its tracks, with his charming smile and genuine attraction to Way.

 

Maybe…

 

“I need to go back to work,” Way said carefully, pulling his hand back from Pete’s grasp. He wasn’t sure how many thoughts Pete had managed to catch, but he hoped he had granted Way some privacy.

 

“Or what, you’ll be punished by Alan?” Pete challenged, the dangerous glint returning to his eyes.

 

Way ignored that. He slipped inside the garage, hearing Pete shout for him. 

 

Coffee machine. He needed to start the coffee machine before the pack arrived. Alan, Charlie, Babe, and Kim all went straight for coffee before they started their respective tasks for the day. 

 

“Don’t- don’t just walk away!” Pete’s voice filled the garage.

 

“I have duties!”

 

“Fuck your duties, Way!”

 

Pete caught Way’s arm before he could stride any further to the break area. He pulled him into a tight hug, holding Way like he was made of glass; his touch was careful, not constricting. 

 

“Pete,” Way pleaded with him. 

 

“I miss you,” Pete repeated, his voice shaking with every word he spoke. “You have to know that.”

 

“I miss you too,” Way eventually said, returning the embrace. He rested his chin on Pete’s shoulder and breathed in the bitter scent which was emitting from the Enigma. 

 

Just like Sonic, Pete had a distinct coffee smell to his pheromones, but if the Omega was a sweet latte, the Enigma was a robust, rich espresso.

 

It was funny how Way responded so positively to coffee scented people. He had practically adopted Sonic when he began mentoring him, and Pete… he was attracted to Pete.

 

Pete’s nose pressed against Way’s scent gland, his hands roaming Way’s back, as if touching Way made him more real to Pete. 

 

“I could bite you now. I could take you as my mate and all of this could go away,” Pete murmured, making Way shiver in response.

 

Nobody had even considered being Way’s mate before. Way… wasn’t used to being wanted like that.

 

Before he could respond – and he knew he would respond with ‘no’ – he heard voices chattering outside the building. 

 

“Pete, you have to go,” Way whispered quickly, as he felt the Enigma stiffen in his arms.

 

“So, when is your next hospital appointment, Phi?”

 

“Don’t remind me. I’m happy about the baby, but the medical stuff sucks,” Sonic’s voice filled the air.

 

“I’ll be there, teerak, I promise –” North cut off when his gaze landed on Way, still being held by Pete. “Oh. Fuck.”

 

Jeff and Sonic walked in, arm in arm, behind North and stopped in their tracks, both sucking in sharp breaths. 

 

Alan stepped inside next, just ahead of Babe and Kim and Charlie. He quickly schooled the surprise on his face and spoke with a neutral tone.

 

“Khun Pete, it’s good to see you. Was there an issue with the contract?” 

 

Pete growled in response and with one firm swoop of his arm, he pushed Way behind him, taking on a protective stance. 

 

“You tell me, Khun Alan,” Pete spat, looking ready to kill someone – Alan, probably. 

 

The thought made Way’s stomach churn with anxiety. He really had to start taking his medication. 

 

“I received a contract. Not the one I expected,” Pete continued, standing with his back straight and shoulders squared, as if trying to make himself look as imposing as possible. “One about Way.”

 

Shit. Shit, shit, shit. 

 

“Oh fuck,” North muttered, his whole face paling. Sonic next to him looked like he was about to throw up – a real possibility, given his condition.

 

Charlie and Babe came to a stop beside Alan, each flanking him as if ready to join a fight alongside their pack Alpha. Way understood, it was in all their natures – even Way was responding to the challenge that Pete seemed to be issuing. As much as he was attracted to Pete, Way’s loyalty to Alan made him want to rush to his side. To show he’d help in a fight.

 

“You received Way’s contract?” Alan eventually spoke, his voice somehow steady despite being confronted by a murderous Enigma. 

 

Way had never seen Pete look this furious. Not earlier when he demanded Way explain what was going on. Not even when they confronted Tony at his auction.

 

“You’re keeping him as a slave?” Pete spat in response; a confirmation that yes, he had received and read the contract.

 

“Slave’s a… strong word,” Alan said slowly, unable to mask the horror he felt at the situation. His scent had soured, clearly anguished at the accusation that was thrown his way. 

 

As Alan spoke, his posture grew more defensive, ready to ward off an attack.

 

North and Kim both guided Sonic and Jeff to the back of the pack without being asked by Alan; everyone’s nature had kicked in it seemed. The instinct to protect the pack’s Omegas was strong. Except the Omegas weren’t the ones at risk.

 

Pete only had eyes for Alan. He was ready to rip Alan’s throat out.

 

“You don’t know what Way did,” Charlie spoke up from next to Alan, his voice somehow calm despite the intensity of the situation.

 

“I do,” Pete hissed. “And I also know he’s got matching bullet holes in his skin. Was that not enough for you?” 

 

As he spoke, Pete turned his attention from Charlie to Babe, giving him a harsh look.

 

“Do you not remember him unconscious in your arms?” 

 

Babe recoiled. 

 

Charlie bared his teeth.

 

“Wasn’t that enough?” Pete pressed, scowling at Babe, before casting his gaze over the whole pack. “He nearly died, was that not enough for you all?”

 

“It wasn’t enough for me,” Way said quietly, speaking without thinking. Every single head in the room whipped around to look at him.

 

Now that the pack was present, the rules had shifted; he had spoken out of turn. One of them should punish him- who was closest? Alan, probably, but Way was still half-covered by Pete, and he doubted Pete would let Alan anywhere near him.

 

“I’m glad you’ve still got your voice,” Pete said before anyone could grab an implement. “I thought you couldn’t speak unless spoken to?”

 

Way felt shame well up within him, his stomach twisting uncomfortably. He had spoken freely with Pete earlier, but the pack’s presence had reminded Pete of all the rules Way should be following. 

 

“I will accept my punishment when you leave,” Way said, his voice strained as he addressed Pete. 

 

“No, you will not,” Pete growled in response. 

 

“I will. Because I wrote the contract. I- I need you to know I chose this. Not Alan, not Babe.”

 

“Why? God, Way, it’s bad enough allowing that, but to write it?” Pete asked, his eyes fiery as he gazed into Way’s eyes. 

 

“Khun Pete, we’re sorry,” Sonic choked out, before being shushed loudly by North. 

 

Way looked over at Sonic, meeting his gaze, and he shook his head. No. Now wasn’t the time to get involved. 

 

“Pete,” Way whispered, reaching up to cup his cheek. “I have to do this.”

 

“Do you not realise what you are to them?” Pete scoffed. “You’re a slave.”

 

“I know. I realise-”

 

“I don’t think you realise what he is to us,” Jeff interrupted from behind Alan. 

 

Way flinched. He knew exactly what he was to the pack; he knew his place.

 

“Read my mind again, Khun Pete. Deeper this time. Read everything,” Way said, extending his hand for the other to touch. “I don’t want you fighting with Khun Alan or anyone else. I chose this.”

 

“Way-”

 

“Please. Read my mind.”

 

Pete took Way’s hand within his own, lacing their fingers together. Whatever thoughts Pete found – whether he skimmed the surface to verify that Way chose this or dug deeper – made his eyes oddly misty. 

 

The Enigma was empathetic to a fault. Way… was so fond.

 

“Way,” Pete breathed.

 

“I’m sorry. I have to do this.”

 

To Way’s surprise, Pete nodded his head. He raised Way’s hand to his lips and kissed his knuckles gently.

 

“If… you change your mind, call me. If you want out, I’ll get you out,” Pete said, his voice tight, like he wanted to start crying. Way never understood why Pete felt so deeply towards him of all people. “It’s not a legally binding contract. They can’t keep you here.”

 

“I know.”

 

“You can have a better life, Way. You don’t- fuck, you don’t need to give up ten years for this.”

 

Way shook his head, then whispered, “I hurt my family.”

 

Pete kissed Way’s hand again, turning it over to scent the gland on his wrist. Way did everything in his power to ensure his pheromones smelled pleasant, that they weren’t tinged with worry or anxiety.

 

“I’ll be going,” Pete said, gently lowering Way’s hand, giving it one last squeeze. 

 

He took a few steps towards Alan, fixing him with a look. “Send me our actual contract over, signed. I will be in touch.”

 

Somehow his words still sounded like a threat. Maybe they were.

 

The pack held their position, kept their ranks closed off, until Pete had exited the garage. The sound of the door slamming was the only noise heard in the usually bustling environment. 

 

Way glanced around the room, taking in the expressions of his ex-pack. Some looked actively guilty – probably because they had been caught and blamed for the contract. Others just looked uncomfortable.

 

“Who’s going to punish me?” Way eventually spoke. He wanted to get that part over with, especially because he had duties to get on with. He was behind schedule – the coffee machine hadn’t been turned on after all, and pack members needed it. 

 

“For God’s sake,” Babe muttered, turning to Charlie, his expression unreadable, “I’m going to the track.”

 

“I will,” Alan spoke up, sounding exhausted. Being challenged by another wasn’t easy, especially when that person was an Enigma and therefore ranked higher than you. No doubt Alan felt incredibly drained. 

 

There wasn’t even coffee to help. Goddamn it.

 

“No. I will,” Jeff countered, stepping forward. His hands went to his waist, and he unbuckled his belt. 

 

“Ai’Noo,” Alan said in protest. 

 

“Let me. Please, Lhung,” Jeff whispered. 

 

“North,” Sonic’s voice was quiet, but a tremor could still be heard. Way watched as North wrapped an arm around Sonic’s shoulders, to steady and comfort him.

 

Jeff approached Way holding the belt, which was doubled over to create a makeshift implement. Way was honestly grateful – it wouldn’t be anywhere near as painful as one of the metal workshop tools. 

 

Way held out his hand and braced himself. The belt came down sharply across his knuckles and he managed to stifle the cry which bubbled up.

 

Silence. Silence meant no repeat punishment.

 

“There. It’s done,” Jeff said, jutting his chin up as he tried to appear strong in front of them all. 

 

Way cradled his smarting hand to his chest, and he dropped his gaze to avoid the pack’s intense looks. 

 

“May I start work?” Way forced out.

 

He had to distract himself; thoughts of Pete’s disappointed expression were etched into his brain.

 

Jeff nodded his head, brows knitting together, jaw clenched. 

 

When Way turned away to go to work, he missed the little sob which came from the youngest Omega. 

 

 

Notes:

I hope you enjoyed Pete's introduction!! And thank goodness North and Sonic have worked things out!

CWs:
- panic attack
- past physical and verbal abuse (North has a flashback to him failing university entry exams and being slapped by his father)
- corporal punishment (Way gets his hand hit with a belt)

Let me know your thoughts on the new chapter!
You can also chat to me on bluesky at augustwriter! I'm always talking about something!

Chapter 9: Chapter Nine

Summary:

Kim Minsu looks after Way.

Pete and Alan have a talk. Privately.

And a little more of an insight into Charlie's mind.

Notes:

Okay not much to say in the author's notes today other than there's a few fluffy moments in this chapter to give you all a break from the angst!! But of course I can't stay away from writing angst for too long.

I am very sleepy as I publish this. But I was determined to get it up tonight. 1am, here we go!
Thank you to my amazing beta readers!!

And CWs in the end notes!

 

 

Kim Minsu tried his best not to feel like an outsider in the pack.

 

It was difficult though, because everyone was interconnected already – either by joining the pack much earlier, by being mates, or from being adopted siblings.

 

Alan had formed the pack originally with Babe, Way, North, Sonic, and once upon a time Dean, the beta who was in prison. Charlie had later joined alongside Jeff; they had each other, having already formed an unbreakable bond.

 

Dean had abruptly withdrawn from the pack after his betrayal. And while Way had officially left too, he returned to serve them – us, Kim reminded himself – to atone for his own betrayals.

 

Kim, on the other hand, joined when they took him under their wing after his kidnapping and torture by Tony. Alan gave Kim a job; a new beginning and exciting opportunity to stay in Thailand.

 

Minsu was half-Thai on his Omega father’s side. His grandparents moved for a job opportunity when his dad was a child, and while he was raised in Incheon with Korean as his first language, his dad and appa had encouraged him to learn Thai.

 

He had always felt drawn to Thailand’s vibrant racing scene and had eagerly followed exciting developments, including Alan’s early career, and Babe and Winner’s respective rises to fame. With racing as his career goal, Minsu first gained some fame on the Korean circuit, before being poached by Red Racing. He uprooted his life and moved to Bangkok, chasing his dream.

 

Kim Minsu had made a name for himself before it all went to shit.

 

The care X-Hunter showed Kim was enough to draw him in as beloved packmate, as opposed to just an employee. They practically demanded he move into Alan’s pack home, gave him his own room, and pulled him into frequent pack piles.

 

But the pack was made up of pairs of mates – Alan and Jeff, Babe and Charlie, North and Sonic. While they did include him in pack bonding activities, it could get still lonely knowing he didn’t have his person by his side.

 

Sometimes he missed his friends back in Korea, the ones who said they’d build a pack with him. The ones who called him Minsu-hyung. Who cooked Samgyeopsal and Kimchi Jjigae with him.

 

And sometimes he missed the strange, quiet man who wore tight black t-shirts and who saved him from being butchered for the black-market organ trade.

 

Kim wasn’t alone. The pack made sure he remembered that. But he wasn’t as integrated as he hoped to be by now.

 

Then there was Way.

 

A man who was once Kim’s competitor in racing, a man whose career he had also followed for years. A man who now acted like Kim was his Master.

 

If Kim Minsu felt alone, he couldn’t begin to fathom how Way must feel.

 

A few days after what Kim called the ‘Pete Incident’, he stood in the empty kitchen, all ingredients he needed for gimbap at the ready – including some freshly cooked rice and pre-cooked beef. He was craving some comfort food and whenever Way or Charlie cooked, they tended to favour Thai staples.

 

Way appeared in the kitchen not long after, a box of cleaning supplies in hand.

 

“Oh,” Way breathed, then snapped his mouth shut, clutching the box tighter in his hands.

 

That rule. That goddamn rule. 

 

“You may speak,” Kim said quickly. “Am I disrupting your routine?”

 

“I was just going to clean the kitchen. But I can wait until you’re finished- I mean I should cook for you, please step aside and let me-”

 

“Enough,” Kim ordered, holding his hand up. “I’m cooking because I want to, not because I have to.”

 

Way nodded his head, falling silent.

 

“But you could come cook with me?” Kim said, the gears turning in his mind with every word he spoke. Kim was lonely. Way was no doubt lonely too. And cooking… was kind of a love language for Kim.

 

“If you learn to cook, you’ll win the heart of a pretty omega,” Halmeoni said to 7-year-old baby Alpha Minsu.

 

“Really?” Kim gasped, his big eyes wide and full of hope.

 

“Yes, really. Let me teach you how to roll gimbap,” she added, ruffling his hair, before guiding him over to the sink to wash his hands.

 

“With you? I don’t think that’s appropriate,” Way said, frowning in response at Kim.

 

“Why not? If I’m asking you for your help?”

 

Way couldn’t argue with that logic – it wasn’t quite a command from Kim, but it was clearly not something he could refuse either.

 

“Go wash your hands,” Kim said, jerking his head towards the sink. “We’re going to be rolling some gimbap.”

 

“I’m sorry I don’t make enough Korean food, Khun. I keep forgetting,” Way replied instantly, anxiety clearly bubbling up within him. He began to wring his hands, as if preparing himself for a scolding.

 

“I’m perfectly capable of making my own food,” Kim said with an eye roll.

 

Just like his Halmeoni did with him, Kim gently took Way’s hands and pulled him towards the sink. He could see a dark dusting of bruising along his knuckles, probably from Jeff’s belt the other day. The sight made Kim wince.

 

Kim turned on the tap and grabbed the soap. He carefully rubbed it across Way’s skin, lathering up the bar, before using his own hands to scrub Way’s gently.

 

“I’m not a child,” Way protested, but he let Kim continue to clean his hands for him.

 

“I know, but you don’t take care of yourself very often, do you?”

 

“Do I deserve-”

 

“Yes,” Kim interrupted before Way could even get the sentence out. “Yes, you deserve it. You’re a human being. You’re living on this earth just like the rest of us, just trying to get through life as best you can. Of course you deserve to take care of yourself.”

 

Way pulled away from Kim, grabbing a towel so he could dry his hands.

 

“So gimbap?” Way asked, glancing down at the ingredients before them. “What do you need me to do?”

 

“Grab the seaweed and lay it out on the bamboo mat, then spread the rice on it,” Kim instructed, keeping his voice gentle. He didn’t want Way to think he was barking orders.

 

Way nodded and got to work quietly.

 

“Yes, that’s good. Just… flatten it a bit more evenly?” Kim said, demonstrating with his own rice and sheet of seaweed.

 

“Okay, I think I’ve got it,” Way replied, his hand hovering over the danmuji. “This next?”

 

“Yeah, we’re going to pack it with veggies. You need nutritious food,” Kim teased Way, who looked at him with raised eyebrows.

 

“The pack, you mean?”

 

“Sure,” Kim said, reaching for a pair of chopsticks. “We’re also going to add beef. See?”

 

Kim picked up a few strips and neatly laid them along the rice. “Beef, carrot, spinach. We’ve got some eggs too. And that stuff is danmuji, pickled radish.”

 

Way followed Kim’s instructions, copying each step to create a matching gimbap. They worked in relative silence, creating a few rolls each.

 

“I’m going to cut these rolls up and put them in tubs for the pack. But can you cut up your one and put it on a plate for me?” Kim asked, offering Way a small smile.

 

“Yes, Khun.”

 

“You know, I’d say call me Phi, but I’m younger than you. Right, P’Way?”

 

Way tensed in response; apparently the bonding activity hadn’t quite been enough to make the man fully relax.

 

“If Phi doesn’t suit you, maybe I should call you ‘Hyung’,” Kim pushed, his tone light and soft. While he wanted to make a point, he was nervous of pushing Way too far.

 

Way tilted his head in confusion.

 

“You’ve not seen many K-Dramas, huh? Hyung in Korea is like Phi - for addressing older male friends. It means older brother. I don’t get to call many people Hyung over here.”

 

“I don’t think you should be using any term of respect for me, regardless of language,” Way said stiffly, plating the gimbap while Kim placed the last of the rolls in a tub.

 

“Hungry?” Kim asked, instead of correcting Way for arguing with him. He placed the tubs in the fridge for the pack to find later.

 

“I’m sorry?”

 

Kim snagged two sets of chopsticks. “Grab the plate and follow me.”

 

Kim sat down at the dining table and placed the chopsticks in front of him and the chair beside him.

 

Way hesitated when he stopped in front of Kim with the plate. He had clearly guessed what Kim was up to and was resistant to it.

 

“Khun Kim.”

 

“Way-hyung,” Kim countered. “Take a seat.”

 

Getting Way to cook with him was the easy part. Getting him to sit down and have a meal with him? That would be much, much harder.

 

“The contract…”

 

“I won’t tell if you won’t.”

 

Who would Kim tell anyway? Who would reinforce the rules for Way other than Way himself?

 

“Look, I just want some company. It’s a little lonely here with all the mates. I want to sit and eat Korean food with a friend. Can… can you do that for me?”

 

Maybe it was unfair to turn puppy-eyes on Way, but Kim wasn’t above using dirty tricks; Kim wasn’t even lying, he truly felt alone sometimes, and he wanted someone to enjoy the gimbap with.

 

Way sighed and sat down next to Kim, picking up the chopsticks.

 

“Eat up,” Kim smiled, encouraging Way to take the first bite. 

 

“ And please let us free you soon ,” he added, switching to Korean.

 

“Sorry?” Way said, looking perplexed. Way didn’t know any Korean, at least as far as Kim knew, and while the smile remained on Kim’s lips, it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

 

“Oh, I just said enjoy the food. Standard table manners,” Kim lied.

 

Way shrugged and then popped the first gimbap piece in his mouth. His eyes lit up as the inevitable burst of flavour hit his tongue. For a moment, he looked genuinely happy.

 

Kim pinched the next piece between his chopsticks and brought the roll to his mouth, wanting to indulge in the taste himself.

 

“Remind me to teach you how to make your own kimchi,” Kim said between bites.

 

“Okay, Minsu,” Way murmured in response, helping himself to another roll.

 

Minsu beamed.

 

 

 

---

 

 

 

“Thanks for coming by,” Pete said tersely as Alan walked into his office alone.

 

This time he wasn’t flanked by his entire pack, and this time they were in Pete’s territory– Pete would have the home advantage if things went south.

 

“Thank you for meeting me,” Alan replied, clearly feeling just as tense as Pete did.

 

Pete wasn’t quite ready to kill the Alpha, not like the previous week. Being able to have a window into Way’s mind was the one thing which saved Alan’s life.

 

Because what he found there disturbed him… but also reassured him.

 

Clearly the X-Hunter Pack didn’t want the contract which Way had devised himself. He had seen Way’s memories of writing it. He had also seen the original version in Way’s mind which was admittedly so much worse than the final version which Alan had emailed to him.

 

Someone in X-Hunter had proposed changes which softened everything.

 

He was disturbed by the way the pack treated Way regardless; especially when it came to hitting his knuckles and ensuring he was kneeling away from them, unable to eat dinner with them, and carrying out his servitude.

 

But he had also seen at least half the pack break or bend the rules.

 

Maybe Way had shown him those memories so he wouldn’t target them. Sonic had refused to repeat a punishment after the first one had caused him distress. North had invited Way to join the pack for a bonding activity, touching him gently as he guided Way to kneel by his side. Jeff had made Way sleep in his bedroom with him.

 

Alan hadn’t technically broken any of the rules, but the memory of him trying to get Way to take his anti-anxiety medication had appeared for Pete to review. That had been the point Pete had stopped wanting to tear Alan’s throat out.

 

“I’m sorry,” Alan said instantly. “For sending you the contract. For being rude when you came by the garage. For… agreeing to it all.”

 

Pete watched as Alan tipped his head to the side, subtly, revealing his scent gland. It was an act of submission from the Alpha, offering up his most vulnerable spot.

 

“I know you’re sorry,” Pete said, studying the Alpha’s expression. He had always found Alan a strange Pack Alpha. While he was the eldest of the group and the work boss, he wasn’t the stereotypical dominant type, and an Alpha as strong as Babe could easily challenge him for the Pack Alpha title.

 

But Alan was fiercely protective of his pack, incredibly loyal to everyone involved, and the type who would self-sacrifice if needed.

 

He made a much better Pack Alpha than Tony ever did.

 

“I love Way,” Pete said simply.

 

Alan smiled briefly and ducked his head.

 

“Good,” he murmured in response. “Way deserves it.”

 

They fell into an uneasy silence, both souring the air with their pheromones. Pete’s Enigma pheromones overpowered Alan’s basic Alpha ones, which no doubt contributed to the discomfort Alan was feeling.

 

“When do you think the contract will be over?” Pete eventually asked, fixing Alan with a challenging look. If he pumped more pheromones into the air, it was purely coincidental, not at all an attempt to get the X-Hunter Pack Alpha to submit.

 

“I can’t say for certain.”

 

“Who has signed?” Pete asked, raising an eyebrow. “You?”

 

“Yes. I signed not long after my mate did. Sonic and North have signed it too.”

 

“None of your main racers then?”

 

The three that would be on the circuit, the three that Pete was mainly sponsoring – those were the ones who wouldn’t give his Way freedom. Why should he keep sponsoring?

 

“We rely on your sponsorship funds, Khun Pete,” Alan said softly, as if he were the telepath and not Pete.

 

“I know you do,” Pete replied, his jaw clenching in anger. 

 

How dare those assholes prance around in their high-quality suits and drive expensive cars and use Pete’s money, while keeping the one Pete loved in captivity?

 

“But why should I funnel money into those three?”

 

“Because like it or not, they’re all Way’s family. X-Hunter is Way’s family and his livelihood,” Alan said, fixing Pete with a hard stare.

 

“Khun Alan, I could provide Way with a better life here. I could ensure he wants for nothing.”

 

“Did Way agree to go with you?” Alan said, his tone practically issuing Pete with a challenge.

 

Pete had to close his eyes and count back from five, to calm himself.

 

Because as much as he hated it, Alan was right: Way chose submitting to X-Hunter to pay for his sins over taking his place – and his freedom – by Pete’s side.

 

“One year. I will honour the contract for one year – that should give you enough time to find a replacement sponsor,” Pete eventually said. And perhaps in that year, Way would come to his senses and get the fuck out of there.

 

“One year?” Alan said, looking a little sick, which wasn’t particularly fair in Pete’s opinion: he was showing incredible generosity by not pulling the plug on the funding stream now.

 

“I owe Way that much. Besides, you already signed the contract, Khun Alan.”

 

Alan nodded his head. He pushed his hands on the arms of his chair and used them to propel himself up.

 

“Oh – one last thing,” Pete said, leaning forward. “Tell Charlie to check his emails. The lab is fully operational.”

 

Pete didn’t love that he would still need to work with Charlie, especially as the young Alpha hadn’t signed Way’s contract yet.

 

Way had been very careful not to think about Charlie when Pete had skimmed his mind. He had seen a few flashes of Charlie giving him orders, but nothing more. Pete was admittedly worried about what Way may be hiding… but the drug was something desperately needed by Alphas across the world.

 

Alan seemed to have similar thoughts.

 

“You’d still work with Charlie while all this is going on?”

 

Pete nodded his head.

 

“The skill nullifying drug is important; it needs to exist. Regardless of any… personal grievances.”

 

 

---

 

 

A few weeks later, Charlie had completed several sessions at the lab - some days as a test subject, and others as an observer and adviser.

 

The skill nullifying drug wasn’t doing much for him and it was getting frustrating, not to mention stressful.

 

Seeing Pete shoot him the occasional judgmental look was also unsettling.

 

It wasn’t like Charlie didn’t understand why there was tension between them. Pete clearly had feelings for Way, and Charlie… well, he wasn’t quite ready to forgive Way.

 

Charlie had supported the contract, though he agreed parts of it were extreme. They all did, being a group of decent human beings. However, he had taken to ordering Way around like a duck to water. 

 

Perhaps it was some perverse sense of justice. Charlie didn’t like to examine it too much – when he did, he began to feel guilt creep into his mind.

 

Charlie was exhausted when he stepped back into the pack home after a long day at the lab. He had been poked and prodded with needles and strange medical instruments that he couldn’t decipher the purpose of.

 

The sight which he was met with made him smile: his little brother Jeff hanging out alone with his fellow Omega, Sonic.

 

Jeff and Sonic had the strangest bond; naturally they were drawn to each other as the Omegas of the pack, but in reality, they didn’t have much in common.

 

Sonic liked fashion and pop culture, especially Kpop. He was loud and extroverted, his energy only matched by his mate’s. And Jeff was soft spoken and an introvert; he had spent so long hiding in the shadows, on the run from his past life, that he was still finding himself.

 

Jeff had his degree, sure. And he had his boyfriend. He had his place in the pack… but he didn’t have many hobbies beyond tinkering with mechanics or tuning cars.

 

What the two Omegas did like was beer. And Sonic had gotten Jeff into video games.

 

It was clear they had been playing one of those video games, some sort of multiplayer racing game (Charlie was sure Babe had made him play that particular one once or twice). But the game was paused, abandoned by the pair in favor of gossip.

 

Yes, the sight of Sonic and Jeff sitting chatting on the sofa was sweet – but both had beer bottles in hand. And that was not okay.

 

“Hey, Jeff!” Charlie yelled at his brother, causing the young omega to straighten up. “What the hell are you doing?”

 

“Talking to Sonic?”

 

“No. Drinking with Sonic!”

 

Sonic. Their pregnant Omega who really should not be drinking.

 

It wasn’t really Charlie’s place to reprimand anyone in the pack – he didn’t have status as a Pack Leader, nor was he one of the older members. (Sonic was older than him, after all, he had no seniority there, and they didn’t subscribe to archaic notions that Alphas could control any Omega in their pack).

 

But Jeff? Jeff was his baby brother, and he could scold him easily.

 

“Phi!” Jeff protested, holding up the bottle as if to show Charlie something. He didn’t care what brand it was.

 

“No, you cannot be irresponsible! Sonic is pregnant!”

 

“It’s true, I am,” Sonic said, a small smile playing on his lips.

 

“You want me to tell North?” Charlie turned to address Sonic fully, quirking his eyebrow challengingly.

 

“That I’m drinking 0%?”

 

“You-”

 

Oh. Oh god.

 

Charlie’s cheeks went bright pink, and he brought his hand up to his face to hide behind.

 

The laughter which burst out from the sofa only increased his embarrassment.

 

“That’s what I was showing you, P’Charlie,” Jeff said, tapping his bottle loud enough to make Charlie peek up and confirm that, yep, Jeff was also drinking non-alcoholic beer.

 

“He’s going to tell North,” Sonic said, choking as he laughed harder.

 

“A terrifying prospect really. Threatening your big bad Alpha mate.”

 

Yeah, Charlie was glad that Jeff had Sonic. That even though they were so different, they had struck up a friendship, had bonded over their subgender. Jeff had grown up the only special Omega among a bunch of special Alphas (most of whom he hadn’t even been allowed to meet). It was important he was socialising like a normal 20-something.

 

“Go on, laugh at me. It’s fine,” Charlie rolled his eyes, plopping himself down at the edge of the sofa.

 

“Aww, nong,” Sonic said, sitting up and scooting closer to Charlie. “You were just looking out for me and the baby.”

 

“I just want it to be safe,” Charlie replied, shaking his head at how sweet Sonic was presenting himself to be. The little Omega was usually a demon.

 

With a huff, he leaned in and gave Sonic a friendly, platonic sniff, and smiled as he felt the Omega scent him right back.

 

“You smell sweeter nowadays, Phi,” Charlie commented, pulling back to smile at Sonic.

 

“If you start saying I’m glowing, I’ll smack you,” Sonic warned with a big grin. “It’s too early for that.”

 

“No smacking my mate,” Babe’s voice chimed in, and Charlie looked up to see his mate shirtless, with a towel wrapped around his waist. He was glistening from an early evening swim in the pool, his hair pushed back from his face.

 

“I would never!”

 

“I would,” Jeff muttered, shooting Charlie a look which could only be described as one of brotherly affection.

 

“How was the lab?” Babe asked, walking over to steal a quick kiss from Charlie.

 

“This lab rat is still powered up,” Charlie said, flashing Babe a cheerful smile, though the results made him feel anything but happy. It was frustrating getting negative results over and over.

 

“You can’t get another lab rat in? I’ll do it!” Jeff asked, though the idea of going through the procedure made him uncomfortable.

 

“Aren’t your powers gone?” Charlie asked, curiously. Jeff hadn’t had a vision in a long time, after all.

 

Jeff simply shrugged in response.

 

“Would Khun Pete do it?” Sonic said, tilting his head.

 

“Nah, he likes his. He also tries not to come by the lab when I’m working,” Charlie said with a wince. The tension he had with Pete right now made working towards their mutual goal difficult.

 

“I guess we could put an ad online. Lab rats wanted: are you a freak with scary powers? Want them gone?” 

 

Babe’s words earned him a middle finger from Jeff.

 

“Better not do that,” Sonic said, grabbing Jeff’s wrist playfully. “Or Charlie will tell Lhung.”

 

The peals of laughter from the Omegas were enough to have Charlie standing up. “Alright, you two are giving me a headache, and P’Babe looks like that . I should help him dry off.”

 

Charlie crossed over to Babe and leaned in to kiss his cheek.

 

“Missed you today.”

 

“Me too. It’s strange seeing you split your time between the track and the lab,” Babe replied, taking Charlie’s hand, lacing their fingers together.

 

“I promise we’ll get the drug developed and I’ll be all yours, mama,” Charlie said, lifting Babe’s hand to his mouth so he could kiss it.

 

“If you guys call each other that around my baby, I’m moving out,” Sonic called over to them. “Can’t have them calling you mama and papa.”

 

There was a soft chuckle from the staircase, an unfamiliar laugh to Charlie, followed by a choked gasp.

 

Charlie lifted his gaze and rolled his eyes when he saw Way descending the stairs, his head bowed like a martyr. He seemed to have a habit of making himself look as small as possible, perhaps to gain sympathy.

 

Most of the pack forgave Way; they seemed to forget his deceit, his toxicity, the assault, and how much he had relied on his hypnotism.

 

Babe was suspicious that Way had influenced the past ten years with his abilities. Around a month ago, Babe had confessed to Charlie that he wasn’t sure what was authentic human interaction between them and what was magical influence anymore.

 

Charlie was even more sceptical of Way and Babe’s past.

 

After all, hypnotism was a dreadful power. Way could easily control the whole pack’s actions, leaving them nothing more than mindless drones.

 

“Were you eavesdropping?” Charlie called over to Way, giving him an irritated look.

 

“Charlie, don’t,” Sonic said through his teeth.

 

Sonic was far too comfortable around Way. Sometimes Charlie wanted to shake him.

 

Or had Way used his powers on Sonic and Jeff? Targeted the Omegas and encouraged them to have sympathy for him?

 

“No. I was just walking downstairs… I couldn’t help overhearing.”

 

Charlie ignored the response, his stomach churning in discomfort.

 

“P’Babe, let’s go upstairs, get you dressed,” he encouraged instead, wanting to get the hell away from the sour scent which was permeating the air.

 

He wanted to get away from Way’s guilty expression, like he was expecting one of them to strike him at first opportunity.

 

Babe tugged his hand, prompting Charlie to leave the room with him.

 

Honestly, you deserve to feel guilty. You should be punished, P’Way, Charlie thought, glancing at him as he and his mate walked past.

 

Perhaps he was being harsh. Charlie had always been a happy-go-lucky person, he had always sought to see the positives in life, even when life had dealt him cruel hand after cruel hand.

 

But Charlie just wanted what was best for their pack.

 

Way was the last piece of Tony’s puzzle: the one who had somehow escaped prison. He shouldn’t be here; he shouldn’t be terrorising them still.

 

But he took bullets for Babe.

 

Babe mourned Way when he thought he died.

 

Way’s a starring character in Babe’s nightmares.

 

He’s a victim of Tony’s, just like they were.

 

Way should be punished harsher.

 

As they ascended the stairs, Charlie’s shoulders hunched, and he clung harder onto Babe’s hand to steady himself.

 

Charlie didn’t always love the person he became around Way.

 

 

Notes:

Thank you so much for reading! I'd love to know your thoughts!

(Also I learned when watching Boy's Journey a few days ago that Kim is half-Thai! Which is helpful because I was writing an insight into past!)

Also I'm a disaster in the kitchen. I'm Plawan at the start of Long Beans level of bad. So apologies to anyone who reads my gimbap making and goes ????

CWs:
- mentioned canonical attempted assault
- mentioned punishment

Chapter 10: Chapter Ten

Summary:

Jeff has another vision.

Charlie has a special task for Way.

Notes:

Surprise early upload! I'm both extremely excited to share this chapter with you and incredibly nervous.

All I can say is I'm sorry!!

This chapter has some pretty big content warnings, so please check the end notes if you need them.
I've also added new tags to the fic (medical experimentation and non-con drug use). If you feel uncomfortable with the direction of this chapter, please be kind to yourself. There is no pressure to read!!

Thank you to all who have commented and given this fic love!

 

 

“You’ve been so quiet lately, Lhung,” Jeff murmured as he climbed into bed beside Alan.

 

His mate was sitting propped up against the headboard, his laptop on his knees.

 

Jeff tutted and reached over Alan to assess the heat radiating from the keyboard. Just as he expected: it was hot to the touch, and the fans were whirring overtime to try and keep it cool.

 

“I’ve told you time and time again, don’t put your laptop against the bedsheets. It fucks up the ventilation,” Jeff chided, though he kissed Alan’s temple in greeting.

 

Alan closed his laptop over and placed it to one side. “I’ve had my laptop for years, since my early twenties. It’s survived this long, it’ll be fine.”

 

“They made laptops in the stone age?” Jeff asked innocently, then cackled as Alan reached behind him to playfully slap his ass.

 

“Ai’Noo,” Alan said in a chiding tone, before smiling and claiming a proper kiss. “How was movie night?”

 

“Someone decided Alien was a good idea,” Jeff replied, rolling his eyes. That someone had been Babe; what a little shithead.

 

Alan quirked his head for a second, before realisation set in.

 

“Oh no.”

 

“Oh yes. I had to deal with hyperventilating parents-to-be after the stomach bursting.”

 

Alan shook his head fondly, a small smile forming on his lips. Jeff realised he hadn’t seen Alan smile much the past month.

 

Jeff reached out to gently trace Alan’s cupid’s bow with the pad of his index finger.

 

“You’ve been working a lot of extra hours. Why?” Jeff murmured, casting a glance at the discarded laptop. “You never miss a pack movie night.”

 

“It doesn’t matter,” Alan said quickly, a clear lie. Jeff could see right through his mate; he knew something had been bothering Alan, and Jeff had let it go unsaid for too long.

 

“Yes, it does,” Jeff replied, leaning his head on Alan’s shoulder. “Your problems are my problems, Lhung. Our life, our livelihoods, our pack… I’m here for everything.”

 

Alan stared at Jeff for a moment, then reached for his hand, lacing their fingers together.

 

But before Alan could say anything else, their bedroom began to blur and Jeff felt like he was being yanked backwards.

 

The warmth of their sanctuary disappeared altogether, giving way to a clinical hallway, complete with linoleum floors and mint green paint. A few notice boards adorned the walls, decorated with brightly coloured posters which informed the reader of everything from a new suppressant drug to symptoms of various diseases.

 

The hallway was empty, except for a doctor and nurse standing at the far end, their hushed whispers too low for Jeff to decipher.

 

The smell of bleach made Jeff’s stomach turn; he missed the calming sage which permeated every fabric and surface in his bedroom.

 

But the quiet atmosphere was broken quickly when a door slammed behind him.

 

“P’Alan, I’m sorry!”

 

“I have nothing to say to you, Charlie. Go home.”

 

Jeff whirled around and he was faced with his mate, who appeared angrier than he had ever seen him, and his brother, who looked like hell.

 

Charlie’s eyes were puffy and red, and his skin was also blotchy. His hair was uncharacteristically messy, and he was holding his glasses in his hand so he could easily wipe his tears.

“P’Alan, I didn’t mean-”

 

“Save it,” Alan growled, the Alpha tone blatant in his voice.

 

Charlie fell to his knees before Alan, bringing his palms together in a wai. He touched his forehead and then bowed low.

 

“I’m sorry, Phi. I’m so sorry.”

 

Jeff watched the vision unfold, his body trembling in anxiety; if there were two people he never wanted to see fight, it was his mate and his brother.

 

Alan lashed out and grabbed Charlie by the neck, forcing his head down further while digging his fingers into the nape, scruffing him.

 

But this wasn’t a gentle scruff given as a reminder to behave, or to calm an unruly pack member down from stress.

 

No, Alan was punishing Charlie.

 

“Lhung,” Jeff mouthed, watching as Alan’s grip only grew rougher; it would create five small, dark bruises on Charlie’s skin.

 

“You are not to go near him again. You will not touch him,” Alan commanded.

 

“I won’t. I swear, I’m sorry.”

 

Charlie’s voice was shaking so much. Jeff rushed to kneel next to him, invisible to the pair in the vision. As he looked closer, he saw tears streaming down Charlie’s cheeks.

 

“And no garage time. No racing practice,” Alan growled out the additional punishment.

 

What the fuck had Charlie done?

 

What had he done to Way?

 

Because it had to be about Way, right? Why else would sweet, loveable Charlie get on Alan’s bad side?

 

“But Phi, I need to- the season isn’t far away-” Charlie stuttered out between choked sobs. “I need to stay in good shape.”

 

“At this point I don’t even know if I’ll let you race this season,” Alan said, sounding less agitated than before, though his voice remained dark and commanding.

 

“Phi!”

 

“Go home, Charlie.”

 

Alan gave Charlie’s neck one last hard squeeze, and the young Alpha went limp, eyes glazing over as he lost his remaining resistance to his pack Alpha.

 

Before Charlie could say anything else, Jeff was thrust back into the present, his mate’s smiling face materialising before him.

 

“Jeff? You spaced out there,” Alan murmured, reaching up to brush Jeff’s bangs back. “You good?”

 

Jeff’s mouth felt dry. His tongue darted out and he anxiously licked his lips.

 

“Jeff?” Alan prompted, his expression shifting to one of concern.

 

“I’m good. Just tired, Lhung. I think Alien will give me nightmares too… you know I’m not good with horror,” Jeff said, the lies heavy on his tongue.

 

Alan leaned in and captured Jeff’s lips in a sweet kiss.

 

“I could either tell you about my boring work problems, or I could distract you in another way?” Alan prompted, pressing his nose against Jeff’s cheek, nuzzling him playfully.

 

“Work problems,” Jeff said instantly. He couldn’t sleep with Alan after witnessing that .

 

He didn’t even know what that was.

 

“Well… Pete pulled his funding. After this season, we won’t have Beyond Group as a sponsor,” Alan confessed, booting his laptop up again.

 

Jeff’s heart hammered in his chest, the anxiety bubbling within him.

 

No sponsor. Money problems for X-Hunter.

 

Alan and Charlie fighting. His mate punishing his brother.

  

Why?

 

He discreetly touched Alan’s hand again, hoping to be pulled back into the vision, but his powers didn’t seem to want to activate.

 

That was another reason to be anxious: his powers were slowly returning.

 

---

 

 

 

Way was locking up the X-Hunter garage for the night when his phone buzzed. He pulled it out to see a message from Charlie, which was unusual given they didn’t communicate unless absolutely necessary.

 

‘Pick me up from the lab.’

 

That was also atypical. The past few weeks, whenever Charlie was working in the lab, he drove himself. But maybe he had felt woozy after one of the drug trials, or maybe his car had broken down.

 

Still, it was odd Charlie would ask Way to collect him and not Babe; Babe could easily swing by after his training session and Charlie would no doubt love getting chauffeured around by his partner.

 

Then again, Charlie never bothered trying to pretend Way was anything but the pack’s servant – so it made sense he’d command Way to drive him around.

 

Way arrived at the lab around 20 minutes later, and after waiting 10 minutes for Charlie to appear, he made his way upstairs to drag him home.

 

The air inside the lab smelled sterile, void of any pheromones. Even Charlie’s inoffensive lavender scent wasn’t prominent.

 

It was too bright, the white walls and steel equipment illuminated by the fluorescent lights. The sight was jarring and it instantly caused a dull throbbing behind his eyeballs.

 

He reached up and pinched the bridge of his nose.

 

Charlie sat in front of a laptop, clacking away at the keys, a pen caught between his teeth. With his soft, preppy clothes and his glasses, he looked warm and appealing; a cute little nerd.

 

A question sat on the tip of Way’s tongue, though he knew he wasn’t allowed to speak without Charlie prompting him. Instead, he gave Charlie an irritated look, hoping he’d understand the signal to hurry up.

 

Charlie scoffed in response, his own gaze hardening as he glanced back at Way.

 

“Come here.”

 

Way probably looked as surprised as he felt but he stepped away from the glass entrance of the lab, moving further inside. Why was Charlie calling him over? Did he need Way’s opinion on something?  

 

Just as Way shuffled closer, Charlie stood and moved out from behind his desk towards the centre of the room.

 

“Our sample size is too small,” Charlie said slowly, his long fingers brushing against the back of what Way could only assume was the test subject chair. “We’ve not had many volunteers. And we’re not making any progress.”

 

“I’m sorry to hear that,” Way said, before clearing his throat awkwardly. “We should go home. Everyone will be waiting for me to make dinner.”

 

“They can wait. I need your help.”

 

Way hesitated. “My help?” 

 

And then Way’s eyes widened; he was an intelligent man, and it took mere seconds for him to realise what Charlie meant. If the participant pool was too small, Charlie would be looking for other people to join the group. People with disposable powers.

 

“Khun Charlie…”

 

Charlie rolled his eyes and patted the chair as if inviting Way to sit down. 

 

“It’s not like you’re using them anyway,” Charlie said, giving Way a hopeful smile. “Right?” 

 

He looked more like the young, bright-eyed man who had appeared one day with Babe and instantly became a thorn in Way’s side. Annoying, but not menacing. His gaze didn’t carry its usual malice.

 

“By giving yourself to the cause, you’ll be really helping us.”

 

“I’d rather not,” Way replied slowly, glancing between Charlie and the reclining chair. He supposed Charlie had become acquainted with it in recent weeks, but Way had no intention of joining him in that.

 

Charlie ran his fingers through his hair, appearing stressed, and maybe a little conflicted.

 

“Way.”

 

“No, thank you.”

 

Way tried to make sure his voice was firm; as much as he allowed the pack to boss him around, helping with drug trials wasn’t stated in the contract. It crossed a boundary that Way hadn’t been aware he held. 

 

“I’m not asking,” Charlie eventually said, before delivering an order, his tone harder than Way had ever heard: “Sit down, now. Unless you want to disobey a pack member’s orders?”

 

“I don’t. I really don’t, but Khun-”

 

“You put in that clause about us using your body,” Charlie interrupted, all his fake niceties gone in an instant, leaving behind the person who deeply hated Way.

 

“Khun Charlie.”

 

“I need your body. Just not sexually.”

 

A chill ran down Way’s back upon hearing Charlie’s words. He glanced over his shoulder at the door, considering just sprinting away from the laboratory, letting Charlie take a goddamn bus home. 

 

“Come on.”

 

Way heard the Alpha voice seeping into Charlie’s command. While Way was an Enigma, growing up with Tony as his father had left him susceptible to Alphas when they used that voice to order their underlings around. 

 

Charlie wasn’t Tony’s biological son, but it seemed he had learned the voice from his ‘daddy’ nevertheless. The way in which Way’s knees buckled was eerily similar to how he’d react to Tony’s commands.

 

Way was temporarily disarmed by Charlie’s Alpha voice. His body moved to obey before his mind could stop it.

 

Charlie reached out to beckon him to the chair. 

 

“It’s not that bad. I’ve been doing the trials,” Charlie said softly, crooking his fingers in a ‘come here’ gesture. “You’ve followed all our other commands. Why not this one?”

 

“Because-” Way began, managing to shake off the order. 

 

What reason could he give Charlie? He had said the pack could use him however they wanted, but medical experimentation… being forced to participate in something he did not want to do…

 

It reminded him of Tony.

 

There were padded cuffs attached to the chair – for patients who writhed so much during testing that they became a danger to themselves and the staff. 

 

If Way sat down, Charlie would no doubt wrap them around his wrists to keep him locked in place.

 

No. No, no, no.

 

The room was shrouded in darkness, save for a tiny line of light which crept from the space underneath the closed door; a chain connected Way’s ankle to a defunct radiator.

 

There was no furniture in there. Way was granted a ratty old blanket and a lumpy pillow, but otherwise he’d sleep on the stained, scratchy carpet. In the corner, there was a squatting toilet and a grimy sink, neither of which had seen bleach in years.

 

The men who came in to give Way his meagre breakfast and dinner always stopped within arm’s reach. It was expected that Way would grab one by the hand and order his release.

 

If his hypnosis was strong enough, the cuff would be unlocked, and Way would be allowed to leave the shadowy chamber and return to his regular bedroom at the foundation.

 

If his powers weren’t strong enough… well, he would submit to another night chained up, cold and alone.

 

“Daddy, I want Daddy,” he sobbed throughout the night (at least he thought it was nighttime). Truthfully, the hours bled together and lack of access to the sun meant he could be receiving his breakfast at 9pm.

 

Let me go , he tried to command each time the men came in. And each time, he wasn’t strong enough.

 

“Please don’t,” Way pleaded, his heart rate quickening as he shoved the memory from his mind.

 

“Get over yourself,” Charlie muttered, finally closing the gap between them, grabbing Way by his forearm.

 

Way did everything in his power to not lash out or try to fight Charlie off him. But when he glanced at the chair and its attached cuffs again, Way’s chest tightened, and his hand flew out in defence. 

 

His free hand fell on Charlie’s shoulder, latching on so tightly his nails dug into Charlie’s skin through his shirt.

 

“Charlie, stop!” Way commanded, and the decree reverberated through Charlie’s entire body. Each muscle responded to it, freezing in place, and Charlie’s mouth remained open, the ghost of his next sentence on his lips.

 

“Oh my god,” Way gasped, letting go almost instantly, a wave of terror crashing over him.

 

What had he done?

 

Way had finally broken one of the most important rules of his contract. He had used his power on a pack member.

 

He recoiled from Charlie, but the other was lightning quick. Charlie grabbed a pair of forceps from the table next to him with one hand and snatched Way’s free wrist with the other. He swung the instrument down across Way’s knuckles, the metal splitting the skin upon impact.

 

Blood seeped out of the open wound; Way howled in response.

 

What had he done?

 

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry Charlie,” he rushed to say, his breath hitching as his anxiety only spiked.

 

Charlie simply responded by giving Way a cold look.

 

Way was fucked.

 

 

---

 

 

 

The cry Way gave in response to the strike was disproportionate with the level of pain delivered; it was almost pathetic.

 

If Way really was one of Tony’s kids, he’d surely have received much worse pain from the man. He’d be hardened. He should be able to take pain without crying out.

 

The rule was if Way made a noise during his punishment, he should receive a second hit. But Charlie didn’t have time to deliver another strike to Way’s knuckles. That could be easily dealt with later, but right now he was concerned with carrying out the experiment.

 

That, and he had to force the memory of Babe trapped under hypnosis out of his mind. The idea that Babe had experienced the horror which he just felt – complete paralysis, unable to make even a muscle twitch – made Charlie’s stomach churn. Bile gathered in his throat, and he swallowed to stop it from flooding his mouth.

 

When you were caught in that type of paralysis, you couldn’t even cry for help.

 

Way truly was a spider, catching innocents in his web, immobilizing them so they would be easy to devour. Babe was nearly his prey.

 

No. Charlie couldn’t think about that. He had to focus on continuing the experiment.

 

If he thought too much about Way and Babe, Charlie would lose control of himself; he’d no doubt dissolve into tears, trembling like the kids facing Tony’s tests. All strength would leave Charlie and the drug trial would fail once again. 

 

Admittedly, it was risky doing this without Touch, but Charlie had participated in numerous experiments and helped with countless others. He knew each stage like the back of his hand, and more importantly, he understood how to mitigate the risks.

  

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to use my power,” Way whined, his voice purposefully small, a manipulation tactic. All Way had done since he had taken on the role of pack servant was pretend to be pathetic to earn sympathy from the other members. Charlie was sick of it.

 

“I’m sure you didn’t. But can you just allow me to do this? We need more subjects.”

 

Way’s expression was still fearful, but to Charlie’s relief he managed a nod, giving his consent to the testing.

 

“Alright,” Way whispered, taking a few shaky steps towards the chair. 

 

He sank down and laid back, wriggling a little bit until he got comfortable. 

 

“Please don’t put the cuffs on me,” Way added, glancing down at the cuffs in terror, like they were made of barbed wire, or had spikes lining the inside.  

 

Charlie felt a strange pang of sympathy and he nodded in agreement; maybe Way’s manipulation was working on him now. Or perhaps Way was genuinely afraid.

 

It was easier for Charlie to believe the latter.

 

“Good. You’re doing good, Way. I won’t give you a repeat punishment for the noise, okay? Since you’re complying, I’ll let you off.”

 

There; nobody could say he wasn’t good to Way.

 

Charlie had never considered himself a cruel person. In fact, it was in his nature to be upbeat and sunny, to encourage his loved ones and support them however they needed.

 

A few things had worn him down. Way had brought this harsher side out of him.

 

“Am I going to lose my powers?” Way asked with a childlike voice, glancing up at Charlie with wide eyes, his pupils blown. 

 

Oh, he must be using his hypnotism to manipulate everyone, Charlie realised. To gain sympathy and be babied by them. Why else would Way be fearful of losing his powers?  

 

Charlie noted that if the serum worked, Way would no longer have anyone under his control. The spell that Way had cast across the pack would be broken and nobody would protest him leaving. 

 

They could rip up that godawful contract and Way could go live with Pete.

 

Everyone would win.

 

“Likely yes, if this batch works,” Charlie said, placing the wired helmet on Way’s head.

 

Way’s body was trembling and Charlie exhaled slowly, reaching down to place his hand on top of Way’s shoulder, not giving him direct skin contact, but some comfort all the same.

 

“It’s not painful. It’s really not so bad,” he said in a small effort to reassure Way.

 

Charlie wasn’t a monster after all.

 

Way had the audacity to flinch.

 

“I’m sorry, Way. This isn’t a punishment, you’re… well, you’re just… the perfect candidate for the skill nullifying drug.”

 

Charlie expected to see a fire in his eyes, defiance at the idea of losing something that was clearly so precious to him.

 

But all he saw were tears.

 

Way’s jaw clenched and he tilted his chin up, the tremor wracking his body growing more obvious the longer Charlie studied him.

 

The first tear slipped down Way’s cheek, wetting the soft skin. Another bead rolled from the corner of his eye down to his plump lips.

 

“I didn’t mean to use my power on you,” Way whispered, closing his eyes in an attempt to stop more tears falling. “It was an accident.”

 

“I know,” Charlie said, though he didn’t actually believe Way’s words. He supposed pretending to understand him would be a kindness. 

 

“Don’t tell P’Babe what I did,” Way pleaded.

 

Way wasn’t really in the position to make requests like that, but Charlie found himself nodding all the same.

 

“I won’t,” Charlie promised, grabbing a clean hypodermic needle and a vial with the serum Touch had produced at the end of his shift – the thing which prompted Charlie’s out-of-hours testing.

 

“I’m going to administer it now, okay? Just a little prick.”

 

Charlie didn’t love giving or receiving injections, however working in the lab for the past few weeks had increased his comfort levels. Touch had him assisting with some of the test subjects; nowadays he was used to finding veins and piercing skin.

 

Way thankfully stayed silent while the drug entered him.

 

(He did better than Charlie, who always had to stifle a little cry whenever he received his doses).

 

“The helmet is next, okay? We’ll turn it on, it’ll track the drug’s interaction with the part of your brain which produces your special skills,” Charlie said, trying to make sure his voice was soothing. He had already shouted at Way, he had already disciplined him, and now that Way was cooperating, the least Charlie could do was be gentle.

 

Charlie switched on the machine which the helmet was hooked up to and he watched as everything buzzed to life. A dull hum from the machine showed it was doing its job right, and the helmet’s lights flashed cheerily.

 

It was all running fine.

 

Until it wasn’t.

 

The machine began to rapidly beep, alerting Charlie that Way’s brain was protesting the intrusion of the drug. That was fine, that was normal; Charlie’s tests often went in that direction.

 

And then Way wailed: a loud, guttural sound which made Charlie freeze in place.

 

“Way?” He said softly, moving to check his vitals. They looked steady enough. “You’re okay.”

 

Way’s response was a high-pitched scream, ear-splitting and shrill.

 

The machine’s response thundered across the previously calm lab. It screeched out more warning beeps, and the helmet threw sparks into the air.

 

Way began to twist and turn in the chair, thrashing so wildly that Charlie regretted not using the cuffs. One leg kicked so high, it connected with Charlie’s side, sending him sprawling back onto the floor.

 

Charlie winced and his hand rested on his ribs, attempting to soothe the throbbing pain. 

 

“Help! Please, please…” Way whimpered, before letting out a series of garbled words which were wholly incoherent to Charlie.

 

“P’Way!” Charlie scrambled to his feet, finally making the decision to yank the helmet off Way’s head. 

 

“Antidote… I’ll get you the antidote,” Charlie said, his voice strangled, his stress levels rising as more sparks erupted from the machine, and the scent of smoke filled the air. 

 

Where did Touch keep the antidote? Usually, he laid one out for easy access, but Charlie had forgotten that step. 

 

The fridge! It had to be in the fridge!

 

“P’Way, hold on.”

 

Charlie’s vision blurred as reached into the fridge and snagged a vial of antidote serum. He himself had reacted like this to a drug test once, and he knew the dose would bring Way back to reality once administered.

 

He could barely find Way’s vein through his tears; his heart caught in his throat as panic set in. What if he couldn’t do this? What if he wasn’t good enough?

 

But by the grace of Guanyin, goddess of compassion, Charlie was finally able to empty the syringe’s contents into Way’s body. Way stopped thrashing almost instantly and slumped back against the chair.

 

“Phi?” Charlie’s voice was small as he placed the needle to one side. He reached up to push Way’s hair back from his face.

 

The antidote would be pumping around Way’s system now. All he needed was a verbal confirmation that Way was okay, or perhaps a thumbs up.

 

It had to work. The antidote worked on Charlie and the other test subjects. It… it had to work. Because if it didn’t…

 

What would he do?

 

The pack would hate him. They would never forgive him if Way didn’t pull through.

 

And Charlie wouldn’t forgive himself either. 

 

“What have I done?” Charlie whispered out loud, his heart hammering excessively in his chest. “What the fuck did I just do?”

 

Since when was Charlie this person? Yes, Way had fucked up immeasurably with Babe and the pack, but did that give Charlie the right to be his judge and jury? To wrench away the last of Way’s autonomy?

 

They say absolute power corrupts absolutely. Charlie was no exception.

 

At this point, he was no better than Tony. 

 

The thought made Charlie’s anxiety spike, his palms growing clammy as he reached out to cup Way’s cheek.

 

“P’Way? Can you hear me?” He prompted, assessing Way’s face, which was sallow and covered with a sheen of sweat.

 

Way’s eyes were shut.

 

“Way. P’Way,” Charlie shook him gently, hoping to revive him. But he didn’t move a muscle. His expression was peaceful.

 

A quick check confirmed what Charlie feared the most.

 

Way wasn’t breathing.

 

 

Notes:

Well. Hi.

I need to state for the record that I love Charlie! Charlie is such a sweet character, but he's also complex and I wanted to explore what would happen if he gave into his deeply possessive/protective instincts.

But this fic is all about redemption and I really wanted to look at what would happen if, during a person's quest for forgiveness, someone crosses a line and does something to them that is difficult to forgive. Will the cycle continue?

Anyway, please don't shoot the author! (Of course I'd love to know your thoughts!)

CWs:
- dubious/unsafe medical experiments
- forced medical experiments
- needles/injections
- tony abuse backstory
- blood
- coercive behaviour

Chapter 11: Chapter Eleven

Summary:

Way recovers in hospital.
The pack deal with the fallout of Charlie's fuck up.

Notes:

Hi guys!! Sorry this chapter is a little late- I had a very busy weekend which is when I'd normally write!

Thank you for your amazing comments on the last chapter - I was really touched by the reception, especially as I was nervous to reveal what Charlie did!

We're on the home stretch now... but I've added two more chapters to the total count. Because I can't shut up and there's too much ground to cover.

Hope you enjoy today's! Remember to look at the CWs in the endnotes if you need!

 

8 Months ago

 

The hospital room was quiet except for the gentle beeping of the vitals machine.

 

No pack member dared speak up.

 

Alan stood protectively at the door, as if anticipating an attack from one of Tony’s men. The only people he’d let into the room were Doctors or Nurses with badges clearly on display. Or direct pack members, of course.

 

Babe was kneeling next to the bed, his cheek laying on top of Way’s hand. Charlie hovered behind Babe, offering him silent support.

 

Jeff quietly entered the room, followed by Kim. Both were holding cup holders filled with an assortment of coffees from the cheap dispenser. 

 

“We thought we’d bring some fuel,” Kim said quietly, passing a black coffee to Alan, and a much lighter coffee to North.

 

“P’Babe, do you want any?” Jeff called softly as he handed one to Charlie. “I’ve got an Americano with your name on it.”

 

“He’s not responding to anyone,” Charlie informed Jeff softly, taking one of the cups for Babe, placing it down on the floor next to his legs.

 

“Still?” Jeff whispered back, earning a little nod from Charlie.

 

“The last thing P’Babe said was ‘it should have been me’. Those bullets were meant for me,” Charlie murmured, his voice too quiet for Babe to pick up.

 

And yet, Babe flinched before them all the same.

 

Jeff squeezed his brother’s shoulder and then moved to take a seat next to Sonic. He silently offered one of his hands up, slowly getting used to touching the other members of the pack he had integrated himself into. 

 

He had gone so long with just himself and Charlie. Then came Alan. And then he joined the pack, who were all very tactile with each other.

 

Sonic laced his fingers through Jeff’s and squeezed his hand in thanks.

 

It was strange having a family beyond Charlie. It was also strange having a loud, proud Omega to look up to now. One who didn’t have powers to give validity to his Omeganess. (Tony had always told Jeff that he should be grateful for his powers; having special abilities raised him from a lowly Omega to something to be treasured).

 

“What if he doesn’t wake up?” Sonic said to nobody in particular. “He’s our Phi. I know we were all pissed at him but…”

 

“He helped us,” North finished for Sonic, turning his puppy-like eyes to Alan. “Right? He helped us and Jeff is now safe and Tony’s dead.”

 

“I’m not going to force anyone to forgive him before they’re ready,” Alan responded, glancing around the room from Jeff to Charlie, then finally settling on Babe. “But yes, he did help us.”

 

“Can you all leave?” Babe spoke up suddenly, though he didn’t bother raising his head to address them properly.

 

“I want some time alone with my friend.”

 

The beeping of the machines remained steady as the pack shuffled out of the room, one by one.

 

 

---

 

Present day

 

The first people to arrive at the hospital were Alan and Jeff.

 

Alan didn’t bother to glance at Charlie as he passed by him in the hallway. He was furious and afraid that if he traded words with Charlie, it would turn into trading blows. That wasn’t the type of Pack Alpha Alan was.

 

The car ride from the garage to the hospital had been tense.

 

It was unusual that Alan and Jeff were the only two left working in the garage, as Way had been contracted to be the last one to leave. But Way had left earlier due to an errand request for a pack member, and the rest had thought nothing of it.

 

Jeff had received a panicked call from his brother and listened to garbled information that something had gone wrong and that he had taken Way to hospital. The call had descended into Charlie repeating the phrase ‘I’m sorry’ over and over.

 

So, Alan had found himself grabbed by Jeff, the phone still pressed to his mate’s ear.

 

“Charlie fucked up,” Jeff choked out once he hung up the phone.

 

It was clear that there was more Jeff wanted to say to Alan; guilt was evident across his delicate features, but Alan didn’t press. He didn’t want to delay getting to the hospital.

 

They quietly drove, Alan’s grip on the steering wheel unrelenting, while Jeff stared out the passenger window with glassy eyes.

 

“Lhung?” Jeff tried to speak up when they were nearing the hospital.

 

“Yes?” Alan asked, his tone harsher than intended as he hissed through his teeth.

 

“Never mind.”

 

There absolutely was something Jeff was keeping from him, but Alan didn’t have the energy to interrogate him.  Not when he was falling apart at the seams waiting to know if Way would live through this.

 

“He stopped breathing. The paramedics saved him but-” Alan had overheard Charlie cry on the phone.

 

Alan’s hands had trembled as he reached for his car keys.

 

Now they had reached Way’s room in the ward, Alan strode ahead, determined to see his nong as quickly as possible. His hands continued to shake uncontrollably, tremors coursing through his limbs.

 

He cracked the door open and peered inside, seeing Way hooked up to a machine and IV with wires. Wrapped around his knuckles was a bandage, indicating that he had recently been punished.

 

Why? What could he have possibly done?

 

Way never broke the rules, honestly. The rest of the pack did, however, and then Way would bear the brunt of the consequences.

 

Way’s eyes were shut, lashes casting shadows over his cheeks, and his lips were parted as he snored gently in his sleep. A nasal cannula sat in his nose to help get more oxygen into his lungs.

 

“What happened?” Alan breathed.

 

Jeff came to a stop by his side, bringing his hands up to cover his mouth as he surveyed the scene in shock.

 

Then a Nurse appeared at Alan’s other side.

 

“Excuse me, Khun, are you the patient’s pack Alpha?”

 

“I am indeed,” Alan forced out, his voice weak and shaky. The Nurse didn’t comment on it.

 

“Khun Way was admitted to us by his packmate after a voluntary scientific experiment went wrong. Khun Charlie informed us that he had been carrying out plenty of experiments with other volunteers, but this one had failed due to the incompatibility of the drug and the delay in the antidote entering his system.”

 

“I see,” Alan forced out. He felt Jeff clutch his hand, the tight grasp grounding. It helped him from rushing to grab Charlie by the throat.

 

“Khun Charlie called for an ambulance when he realised the antidote wasn’t doing its job right. Khun Way collapsed; he was unconscious and stopped breathing temporarily. Khun Charlie successfully administered CPR to get Khun Way’s breathing started. You should be very proud of your packmate.”

 

“Mm,” Alan said, trying not to scowl. It wasn’t the Nurse’s fault he had only part of the story.

 

“The paramedics took over. Once Khun Way was under our care, we were able to regulate his breathing and monitor his blood. The antidote has successfully settled in his system and we’re just waiting for him to wake.”

 

“Thank you,” Alan sighed, wiping a hand over his face. A thin layer of sweat had gathered on his forehead, despite the air conditioning keeping the room at a comfortable temperature.

 

“You may notice a bandage on his hand. He slammed it off lab equipment when he fell.”

 

“Okay,” Alan said, his heart rate quickening at the final piece of information.

 

Alan supposed he was anxious that the hospital would see through Charlie’s lies or find out what the pack had been doing to Way.

 

“I’ll leave you with your packmate now.”

 

“Lhung,” Jeff whispered after the nurse stepped outside the room and shut the door behind himself.

 

“God-fucking-dammit,” Alan snapped, slamming his palm against the wall. “Jeff.”

 

“I know, I’m sorry,” Jeff said hastily, his voice trembling as if he had a hand in it.

 

“What did you do?” Alan demanded, grabbing Jeff by the wrist in an uncharacteristically rough move.

 

He gazed at his young mate, seeing tears gather in his eyes. Had Jeff really helped Charlie with this? After all he had been through?

 

“I’m so sorry, Lhung,” Jeff stammered, his body rigid as Alan clutched his arm. “I didn’t mean-”

 

“He didn’t do anything,” a weak voice spoke up. “Lhung, he wasn’t there. He didn’t. ”

 

Alan let go of Jeff and rushed to Way’s side, kneeling in front of him.

 

“Oh, thank god,” Alan choked out.

 

“Apologise to your mate. He did nothing,” Way said, trying to put more power behind his words, though his tone remained raspy, like he had been screaming for hours.

 

“That’s not true,” Jeff said, hesitantly making his way over to the bed. He perched on the end, instead of taking the floor like Alan.

 

“Lhung, I know Jeff. Jeff would never-”

 

“I didn’t, of course not. But I knew something was coming. I saw it in a vision,” Jeff choked out, reaching up to wipe his tears away. “I saw Lhung punishing Charlie.”

 

Way and Alan remained silent, letting Jeff’s confession wash over them both.

 

“Another vision?” Alan eventually said, turning to look up at Jeff.

 

“I didn’t know how soon it would happen. I thought I’d have time to stop whatever it was from happening. Stop Charlie from doing something that warranted a punishment.” Jeff rambled, his hand seeking out Way’s. He held it carefully between his own, afraid of jostling the IV wires.

 

“I failed you, Way.”

 

“No. You didn’t.”

 

“I’m going to kill Charlie,” Alan muttered under his breath.

 

“No, you’re not!” Way countered, this time managing to put force behind his words. “He saved me.”

 

“After risking your life first!” Alan said, his jaw clenched as he barely concealed his rage.

 

“Apologise to your mate!” Way replied, jerking his chin towards Jeff. “You were hard on him for nothing.”

 

Way was right. Alan had been rough with Jeff, driven by his anxiety and fury around the situation. He turned to Jeff and leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead. 

 

“I’m sorry, Noo. I shouldn’t have raised my voice. I shouldn’t have grabbed you.”

 

Jeff nodded once, his eyes huge. It was like he was the spooked intern all over again, uncomfortable with any attention. Prickly so he could push people away.

 

“Truly. Jeff. I’m sorry.” 

 

Before Way or Jeff could reply, North, Sonic, and Kim burst into the room.

 

“P’Way!” Sonic yelled, horror evident on his face. He barrelled past Jeff, sitting himself up near Way’s shoulders.

 

“Charlie explained everything outside. Babe is waiting with him,” Kim supplied, standing near the door with his arms crossed, as if playing security guard. Meanwhile North moved to sit below Sonic, rubbing his mate’s legs which dangled off the side of the bed.

 

Alan easily noticed the flicker of hurt on Way’s face when he realised Babe would rather wait with Charlie than come in to see him. That only served to infuriate Alan further.

 

“Did he lie to you too?” Alan demanded. “Because he told the paramedics and hospital staff some bullshit about Way being a volunteer. Consenting to it.”

 

“I did,” Way said quietly.

 

“No. You didn’t,” Sonic replied, brushing Way’s hair back from his face. “To answer your question, Lhung: Charlie told us the truth.”

 

“We know you only consented to it because he made you ,” Kim finished for Sonic, his warm brown eyes brimming with concern.

 

“I should talk to Charlie,” Alan growled, clenching his hands into fists.

 

“No!” Way gasped, reaching down to clasp Alan’s shoulder with his free hand. There was no tension behind his grip, his body was too weak after its ordeal, but the gesture was enough to root Alan in place.

 

He let go fairly quickly, as if burned. Or, as if he'd be accused of using his powers to manipulate Alan. Powers Charlie nearly extracted from Way’s body.

 

“I beg you. I do not want Charlie punished,” Way said resolutely.

 

“He crossed the line,” Sonic replied, keeping his voice gentle.

 

“So did I. That’s what got me into this mess,” Way muttered, pulling his hand from Jeff’s grip. He brushed away Sonic’s loving touches.

 

“You’re getting out, Phi. You can’t expect us to keep the contract after this,” North said, peering up over the side of the bed.

 

“I want to rest. Can you all leave?”

 

Alan knew deflection when he saw it. After all that, how could Way think any of them would want his contract to be active?

 

“Even me?” Sonic asked, his eyes huge and sad. North tugged at his hand, encouraging him to follow.

 

The pack filed out the room one by one, respecting Way’s wishes. Alan was the last to leave the room, and when he saw Charlie, red flooded his vision.

 

“P’Alan, I’m sorry!”

 

“I have nothing to say to you, Charlie. Go home.”

 

 

---

 

 

They found Babe outside the hospital entrance, having a smoke despite the glaring signs that warned against smoking on hospital grounds.

 

“Where’s Lhung and Charlie?” Babe asked, the cigarette dangling from his lips.

 

“Having a conversation upstairs,” Jeff said, feeling a stab of guilt for allowing it to go ahead. But he knew exactly what words would be traded and he knew that Alan wouldn’t hit Charlie. He’d scruff him roughly and scold him, but that was it.

 

Ultimately, though, he trusted Alan not to hurt his brother.

 

“This is all fucked,” Sonic shouted suddenly, kicking the brick exterior of the hospital. North’s arms wrapped around him, and he held the Omega in place.

 

Jeff felt panic bubble within him at the idea of his fellow Omega being injured, especially with the baby developing within him.

 

“Don’t hurt yourself,” North warned in his ear, though it was loud enough for the rest to pick up. “This stress can’t be good for-”

 

“For the baby? No shit!” Sonic yelled, his legs flailing as he tried to get out of North’s grip. “I swear to god, if you don’t let me go…”

 

North held him regardless of the threat.

 

“I’m not letting this affect my baby,” Sonic hissed, shooting scowls at every single person. “If Babe and Charlie don’t sign his release tonight, I’m leaving the pack.”

 

“Baby…” North said quietly; the depth of the threat made him loosen his grip.

 

Sonic used that opportunity to bat North’s hands away.

 

“I’m not joking. I’m done. I am not raising my baby with a pack that condones this shit.”

 

Sonic threw a scathing look at Babe.

 

“I don’t condone it,” Babe said softly, dropping the cigarette stub, putting it out with the toe of his boot.

 

“No, you just sit to one side and let the rest of us suffer. You leave when there’s punishment. Even I’ve punished him, Babe! And I hated it!”

 

The group looked surprised at the way Sonic dropped the honorific.

 

“It went too far,” Jeff began placatingly, pushing some of his pheromones out, hoping it would soothe his fellow Omega.

 

It worked for a second, before Sonic rounded on Jeff, approaching him and stabbing his chest with his forefinger.

 

“Pack Omega Jeff. Always so sensible.”

 

“Sonic,” North warned, his tone teetering on the edge of Alpha voice.

 

“Well, you were one of the first to agree to Way’s punishment, remember? You were instrumental in convincing me to agree! I never wanted to agree, I was forced into it!”

 

“Sonic! Take a breath. Walk away!” North ordered, but Sonic ignored him and continued.

 

“It’s not like others haven’t fucked up. Charlie faked his death causing Babe immeasurable trauma, and you, Jeff! You helped! You lied to us all. Both of you. Is that not a pack betrayal?” Sonic hissed.

 

Jeff felt like he had been stabbed in the heart. All his soothing pheromones soured and he recoiled, wrapping his arms around himself.

 

“North, never use that tone on me again,” Sonic added, rounding on his mate. “I’m not the pack’s slave.”

 

“Sonic-ah,” Kim said quietly, holding his hands up in a feeble attempt at mediating.

 

“You didn’t sign until recently. Shut up,” Sonic snapped.

 

Jeff took a step forward, standing in front of the gentlest Alpha of the pack.

 

“Enough, Sonic,” he said, trying to use his best ‘Pack Omega’ voice.

 

Being a leader still didn’t come naturally to him. At the foundation he had been taught that authority was for Tony and other Alphas only. Jeff was to follow. Jeff was to let father and his teachers train him. Jeff was to be a good little Omega and eventually allow an Alpha to get him pregnant and produce extra powerful grandchildren for Tony.

 

“We fucked up. You don’t need to yell at us. We’re all aware that we fucked up,” Jeff kept his voice steady as he spoke, his pheromones a delicate balance of authoritative and firm, without crossing a boundary into punishing.

 

“But you-”

 

“We did what we thought was best at the time. It wasn’t. We know it wasn’t now. We shouldn’t have said yes to the contract. We should have taken him in and shown him mercy. Reminded him that he was pack.”

 

Sonic’s shoulders sagged, his expression softening. He dropped his hand down to his mostly-flat stomach and then glanced apologetically at North. But seconds later, he seemed to remember himself and he shot a glare at Babe.

 

“And what about you?” Sonic pressed.

 

Babe took a step back automatically, like a cornered wild animal looking for an out.

 

“Are you done ?”

 

 

---

 

 

 

“At this point I don’t even know if I’ll let you race this season.”

 

“Phi!”

 

“Go home, Charlie.”

 

Alan gave Charlie’s neck one last hard squeeze, and Charlie went limp, unable to resist the punishing touch of his pack Alpha.

 

If Alan would indeed remain his pack Alpha. Charlie wasn’t so sure anymore. And honestly, he didn’t know if he deserved his pack right now.

 

As he considered that thought deeper, he realised it must be what prompted Way to propose such an extreme loss of autonomy as self-flagellation.

 

Way must have felt what Charlie was experiencing right now – the terror of losing his loved ones. The desire to stay by their sides, no matter what cost.

 

Alan left Charlie on his knees and stalked off down the hall, no doubt going to track down his mate. He had told Charlie to go home, and he would, but he knew he’d need to face his fears first.

 

He’d have no other opportunity to talk to Way one-on-one.

 

The thought made his heart race frantically.

 

Charlie pushed himself up from the cold hospital floor and adjusted his glasses out of anxiety. He considered bolting for just a moment, before forcing his feet to carry him to Way’s room.

 

When he entered, he saw Way was still awake, his gaze focused on the window. The car park the room overlooked wasn’t that interesting.

 

“You heard everything, right?” Charlie began.

 

Way flinched.

 

When had Charlie become the person who made people flinch?

 

“Can we talk?” Charlie said quietly. “Lhung said I wasn’t allowed to see you but…”

 

“But you felt guilty?” Way spoke, keeping his gaze fixed on the view outside.

 

“Yes,” Charlie replied. He was shaking. Why was he shaking so much? He felt like a little kid again, standing before Tony, pretending like he hadn’t developed any special powers because he knew what fate would fall on his head if he told the truth.

 

“I consented. These things can go wrong, but I received the antidote and I’m now in the hospital recovering. You have nothing to feel guilty about.”

 

“Bullshit. It’s just us here. I forced your hand,” Charlie said, reaching up to touch his glasses again, though all he did was adjust them so they were sitting off centre.

 

Way shrank back against his pillows, pulling his sheets a little higher.

 

“You didn’t consent to it.”

 

Way bowed his head, his hair falling into his eyes.

 

“My body is yours to use,” he whispered out. “You made a valid point. You used my contract well.”

 

When Way said it like that, Charlie felt chilled to the bone. He wasn’t Tony. He would never be Tony. He would never allow himself to be Tony.

 

“If it helps, I hate myself right now,” Charlie said eventually, his voice plain.

 

He was an abuser, like Tony. How could he face the pack? He wanted to indulge in cowardice and hide from them all, fade into obscurity, nothing more than a blip in the pack’s history.

 

“Wonder what that feels like,” Way muttered in response, still not lifting his head to look at Charlie.

 

Charlie snorted humourlessly.

 

At least they hadn’t pushed Way so far that he had lost all his dryness and sarcasm. 

 

Still, Way kept his eyes glued to the plain white blanket draped over his body, demure and submissive. The perfect servant.

 

“P’Way,” Charlie said, his heart racing in his chest. He hated feeling like this – like a live wire, open and exposed and dangerous to those who came close. “I’m sorry.”

 

That did make Way lift his head.

 

Their eyes met. Two men – one Alpha, one Enigma – who had fucked up in the eyes of their pack. Who had overstepped boundaries. Who were both paying for it.

 

Way’s expression softened.  “I know.”

 

“I don’t deserve your forgiveness – or theirs.”

 

“Then the cycle will continue,” Way said suddenly.

 

“Huh?”

 

Way beckoned him closer with the crook of his fingers. Charlie took a few shaky steps towards him, like the floor was ice and if he didn’t tread carefully, he’d slip and bruise himself.

 

“If you believe you don’t deserve forgiveness… you’ll seek punishment. Perhaps even join me in servitude. Then how long will it be until the next pack member accidentally abuses his power?”

 

Charlie blinked and wrapped his arms around himself, hanging onto Way’s every word like it was the early days and all he wanted was to impress P’Babe’s best friend; to get the stoic man to like him.

 

“Maybe Alan punishes you too harshly. He’ll step down from his position as pack Alpha. The cycle will just keep continuing. We fuck up, we’re disciplined, we won’t accept forgiveness, we punish ourselves harder. We remain vulnerable to those still with power.”

 

The beeping of Way’s heart monitor filled the room, the steady beeps picking up, revealing a spike in Way’s heartbeat.

 

“Break the cycle, Nong Charlie,” Way eventually finished, holding his bandaged hand out for Charlie to shake.

 

Instead, Charlie grabbed it and clutched it tightly between his palms. He brought it to his face and rubbed his cheek against Way’s palm, scenting him for the first time ever. 

 

Finally, he brushed his thumb along the edge of the bandage, his heart clenching tightly in his chest. There would be cuts under those bandages - cuts Charlie dared to create. But cuts which would be healing as they spoke… a new barrier of skin would be created.  

 

When he pulled Way’s hand away, it was wet.

 

Oh. Oh, he was crying.

 

“I’m going home to sign the contract,” Charlie said, his voice thick. 

 

“You don’t have to. That’s not why I said any of this,” Way protested, offering Charlie the smallest smile.

 

“I’m going to sign it,” Charlie said forcefully, as Way’s confusion grew, his brows furrowing together.

 

“P’Way, I want you to be free.”

 

 

Notes:

Way wants to break the cycle! He could be vindictive back, but he's tired and he wants his family desperately. So he shows Charlie kindness.

CWs:
- hospitals and medical equipment (IV mention, breathing aids)
- aggression from partners (I replicated when Alan got a little aggressive with Jeff in S2 in this chapter when he suspects Jeff was involved with Charlie's scheme).
- referenced injury (Way's hand in particular from the punishment)

Chapter 12: Chapter Twelve

Summary:

Way recovers in hospital, some pack members keeping him company.

He receives a special after-hours visitor.

Notes:

Hello! Sorry this is a little late - a few personal things going on delayed the publishing by a day or so!

Thank you for all the comments and love you've given me with this fic. I've been in self-doubt mode with my writing so seeing the responses helps so much.

This chapter has some ups and some downs. With people around, Way's doing well! But when left alone with his thoughts...

CWs in the end notes!

(Also I know there's a lot of anticipation for Babe. No Babe in this chapter but he's coming VERY soon!)

 

 

Way knew he couldn’t keep kicking the pack members out of his hospital room. They were persistent and overly protective; Way had no luck in being able to hide away alone.

 

A little while after Charlie left, Alan came back and sat quietly with Way. His duty as Pack Alpha meant he needed to play sentry, alert to any threats that may appear.

 

They didn’t speak much. Alan asked if Way was okay, Way confirmed. He checked that Way was comfortable, and Way had nodded. If Alan had noticed the lingering lavender scent left by Charlie, he didn’t comment on it.

 

Once upon a time, Way had hated that floral scent: he had known the lightness of the lavender had appealed to Babe, who often found other Alphas’ pheromones far too overpowering. Lavender was more of a Beta or Omega scent; it didn’t have much power behind it that was typical of Alphas.

 

Now, he found there was something soothing to it. Maybe because for once, there wasn’t a twinge of bitterness mingling with the smell. He and Charlie were at ease – kind of.

 

A few hours later, North and Sonic switched places with Alan. The pair were more subdued than normal, sitting in an anxious silence. 

 

(At least the pack had honoured Way’s wish for one or two members at a time in his room, he didn’t want to be overwhelmed).

 

North was fidgeting next to Sonic, his eyes downcast in an uncharacteristic manner. Sonic, on the other hand, was gazing straight at Way, eyes boring into Way’s soul. It was as if he was trying to analyse all the injuries – physical and mental – that Way had sustained.

 

“Have you thought of any names yet?” Way eventually said, breaking the silence between them. He needed to distract them both.

 

North glanced hesitantly at Sonic – again, strange, had they fought? – and then smiled weakly at Way.

 

“I’ve got some ideas, but Sonic keeps shutting them down.”

 

There was a hint of humour in his voice, which caused Sonic to first stiffen, and then suddenly relax a little.

 

Sonic’s hand came to rest on his abdomen, and he rolled his eyes.

 

“I don’t want a car name.”

 

“Porsche is a classic name!” North said, his smile growing.

 

Way had found a solid way to break the ice.

 

“It’s too common. Plus, cars are our day job, our pack’s livelihood. We need a break from them.”

 

“If Porsche is too common, how about…”

 

“Don’t say it,” Sonic said, placing his head in his hands.

 

“…Lamborghini!” North finished.

 

“We are not naming our baby ‘Lamborghini’.”

 

“I’m on Sonic’s side,” Way spoke up hesitantly. It was rare he expressed an opinion nowadays, but given he was in the hospital recovering from quite an intense ordeal, he figured nobody would be enforcing the contract.

 

“No, P’Way!” North whined in response, turning big puppy-eyes on to Way.

 

“I think they’re a girl anyway,” Sonic replied, patting his stomach.

 

“Firstly, you can’t know that for certain,” North countered quickly, “and secondly isn’t it sexist to say we can’t name a girl baby after a car?”

 

“I’m getting a headache,” Way groaned jokingly.

 

“P’Way!” Sonic said, standing up from his chair. “How can we – do you need more medicine – a nurse, we could get a nurse?”

 

Way simply smirked and nodded at the chair.

 

“Sit back down, Nong. I was joking.”

 

“Oh,” Sonic blushed, sinking back down onto his chair, his hand reaching instinctively for North’s.

 

“I like that you’re joking with us again,” North said quietly, his voice growing a little more serious. “Please don’t stop when you come home.”

 

Way’s eyes softened and he cast his mind to the contract – it would resume when he got back to the Pack home. Babe still had to sign.

 

Had Babe asked about him? Way knew Babe wouldn’t have come to the hospital, but maybe he asked Charlie… maybe just a quick ‘how’s Way?’

 

Or maybe Way was allowing himself to dream too much about his friendship with Babe that was fractured beyond all repair.

 

“Mn.” The noise was the best Way could do to appease North and Sonic without outright lying to their faces. Before they could question him further, he decided to press on with the topic at hand.

 

“What about something from the fashion industry?”

 

“Oh!” North exclaimed.

 

“Not Gucci,” Sonic interrupted, before North could say anything else.

 

“Coco? After Chanel?” North asked, looking like he was quite pleased with himself for that idea.

 

Sonic shook his head, making a face of discomfort. “Uh. Might want to check a history book.”

 

“Birkin! Like the bag!”

 

“We’ll figure it out,” Sonic said kindly, holding his hand up to silence his partner. Then, he leaned in and gave him a soft peck on the lips. “You’re doing so well, Alpha. I appreciate your ideas.”

 

If North’s face had fallen at Sonic’s continuous shooting down of his ideas, it wasn’t for long. He perked up at the gentle praise from his partner and stole another quick kiss.

 

The moment was soft, sweet, and it made Way’s heart ache from utter loneliness. In the past, he would have given anything to have been in their position, holding his mate lovingly as they bickered playfully over baby names. He still would.

 

Way realised in surprise that the fantasy mate in his mind was no longer Babe.

 

Oh, how he still loved Babe, agonisingly so, but he wasn’t in love with him.

 

If Enigmas could get Alphas pregnant, could they get their fellow Enigmas pregnant? Could either Pete or himself manage to…

 

“Oh,” Way breathed.

 

Well. That was a development.

 

“Oh? Are you okay, Phi?” North asked, breaking Way out of his thoughts.

 

Way offered him a little smile and nodded.

 

North and Sonic exchanged a look, one that only mates would be able to read. Way sure couldn’t. Were they annoyed or hurt that he didn't give more insight into his mind? Or were they accusing him of something? Neither looked angry, at least.

 

Before either could speak up, the door opened, and Alan stepped inside.

 

“Visiting hours are finishing,” he informed the room, giving Way an apologetic look.

 

The hospital was pretty much open for visitors during the morning and afternoon, but Way had been informed during a check up earlier that after 6pm, they closed off the wards to everyone apart from next of kin to allow their patients some rest.

 

Next of kin could be mates, parents, or in Way’s case, his registered pack Alpha.

 

“I’ll drive these two home and then come back for a while, okay? Or the night – I could sleep here?” Alan added, his eyes cautious as if saying the wrong thing might send Way into a spiral. As if Way hadn’t been strong throughout the entirety of the contract.

 

“You don’t need to. You’ve been here all day,” Way pointed out. Because even if Alan hadn’t been in the room the whole time, he knew he had remained planted in the hospital grounds.

 

“It’s my responsibility,” Alan countered, crossing his arms over his chest.

 

I know, but that’s the problem, Way thought, narrowing his eyes at the stubborn Alpha before him. It’s not something you want.

 

“You’ve been very responsible. And now the pack needs you,” Way said instead, frowning as he heard the squeak from Sonic.

 

“I don’t want to go, Lhung,” Sonic protested, just as North rose to his feet. “Can’t I stay?”

 

“Next of kin only, Sonic, I’m sorry,” Alan said, his features and tone incredibly kind as he addressed the Omega.

 

“I just want to rest tonight. I’ve been social all day,” Way piped up, forcing himself to sit up in bed a little. “It’s the most I’ve talked in months.”

 

And that was true. He had gotten out of the habit of talking due to the clause in the contract. The contract he’d resume tomorrow because Babe wouldn’t have signed it because Babe hadn’t forgiven him, not even enough to come by to visit.

 

“That’s not funny,” Sonic muttered.

 

“Come on,” Alan sighed, opening his arms out to Sonic. “Let’s get you home. Doesn’t your nest sound nice now?”

 

Sonic tugged at North’s hand, as if encouraging him to stay. North dutifully sank back down onto the seat beside Sonic.

 

“Pups…”

 

“You can’t call us that. We’ve got a baby on the way,” North said, an uneasy laugh bubbling in his throat. He was glancing around the room, from Alan, to his mate, to Way, as if looking for guidance on how to handle the situation.

 

“I can call you that all I want. You’re my Nongs, you’ll always be my Pups,” Alan said, though as he spoke his gaze shifted from Sonic and North to Way.

 

Way’s jaw clenched and he stared down at the blankets covering his lap, his eyes burning.

 

“It’s hospital rules, Sonic,” Way said instead, forcing the words out. Why did Sonic want to stay so bad? Hospitals were unpleasant places, and Sonic hated medical settings. He already had to spend enough time in them due to the baby– he shouldn’t have to spend even a second more inside a hospital.

 

“You’ll be alone tonight,” Sonic whispered back.

 

“Just for tonight. Why don’t you come with Lhung tomorrow morning for my discharge?”

 

That seemed to appease Sonic, though his gaze remained filled with a strange melancholy, one which didn’t suit the usually effervescent omega.

 

Alan ushered North and Sonic out of the room after they both said their goodbyes and then hesitated at the door.

 

“You sure you don’t need me? I can sleep on the chair there.”

 

“I’d fear for your back if you did that,” Way said, shooing him away with a shake of his hand.

 

The door shut as the last of the pack left for the evening.

 

He was alone.

 

 

---

 

 

 

Being alone meant spending quality time with your thoughts. When Way had sent Alan home and told him not to return, he hadn’t considered that.

 

While he had the television on, playing reruns of an old lakorn from the mid-00s, he could barely concentrate on the narrative. He had eventually muted it, just using the bright colours to comfort himself.

 

Along with the TV, he had a bedside lamp which bathed the room in a clinically cold light. Coupled with the lemony smell of bleach that overpowered any lingering pack scents, it was a depressing atmosphere.

 

It wasn’t conducive in creating a peaceful, settled mind.

 

Way’s brain would not shut up.

 

If Way just gave up the contract – non-legal, non-binding as it was – he could escape and be with Pete.

 

Kind, patient Pete who had seen Way at his worst, had read his deepest, most horrifying thoughts, and still somehow wanted him. Who had peeled a drunk Way off the ground, who had taken him home and made sure he was safe.

 

The perfect gentleman. The perfect Enigma. Pete was the one who got out of Tony’s grasp, who made a name for himself separately and ensured he was untouchable. He escaped before he got used as a breeding stud.

 

For perhaps the first time ever, Way felt a surge of jealousy swell within him regarding Pete. If Pete hadn’t escaped, then maybe Daddy would have split his attention equally between them. Maybe wouldn’t have been tasked with getting Babe pregnant.

 

Or maybe that would mean more special Alphas would have been lined up like lambs to the slaughter, prepared for Pete and Way. Maybe it would have been a competition to see whose sperm was more potent. Maybe they’d have both been force given rut inducers and suffered.

 

(Way had seen the plans. He knew if he hadn’t been successful with Babe, a forced rut would have been imminent).

 

The idea turned his stomach.

 

“He got out,” Way reminded himself. If Pete hadn’t gotten out, Tony would still be alive, and God knows where the rest of them would be.

 

They wouldn’t have been able to save Jeff.

 

Would the quiet, secretly sensitive Omega have survived the ordeal? Way closed his eyes and his mind conjured up Jeff, naked and chained, trembling as he begged his leering Master not to use his body or mind.

 

“Stop,” Way groaned, bashing the heel of his hand against his forehead to knock that thought out of his mind.

 

Jeff was someone Way never expected would forgive him. Loyal to his big brother to a fault, and sensible and analytical, why would he look at a threat like Way and see someone worth saving?

 

Yet, Jeff saw the best in Way. He fought for Way’s comfort and safety.

 

Maybe Jeff loves me, Way thought, though his brain was quick to supply the answer. No. How could he?

 

Sonic seemed to think he loved Way, which baffled Way deeply. Maybe that was pregnancy hormones. Or maybe it was Jeff and Sonic’s Omega nature which ensured they were emotional, forgiving.

 

No. No! The Omegas of the pack were some of the strongest people Way knew. He had to get Tony’s prejudices out of his head.

 

Tony’s claws had sunk so deep into Way’s mind that he was unsure he would ever be able to shake them off. Maybe the grip had eased, but fragments remained scattered through Way’s psyche. Tony had been his father and master for almost as long as he could remember. He had shaped Way into who he was today.

 

There was no Way without Tony.

 

“I hate you,” Way whispered, hitting his forehead again, a dull throb instantly blooming under the site he had struck.

 

Was he talking to Tony or was he talking to himself?

 

Of course he hated Tony for all he had done to Way. But Way could have fought harder for his autonomy, right? He could have ripped himself from Tony’s grasp before it was too late.

 

If people like Pete, Babe, and even Jeff and Charlie could free themselves from Tony’s control, why couldn’t Way?

 

If nothing else, Tony had driven Way to Babe and the pack. If it hadn’t been for Tony, Way would never have found them and gotten to experience ten years of belonging. Of being someone valued, not just for his powers and status as an Enigma. Hell, the pack hadn’t known those facts about him yet had accepted him without question.

 

It hadn’t been all lies and deceit. He had experienced joy when he had practiced racing with Babe, the pair determined to level up from league to league together.

 

Sonic and North, the two youngsters who had joined after him, had been insistent on scenting him. They pinned him down and giggled as they playfully stuck their noses in his neck.

 

Dean… poor Dean. If anyone had been failed by the pack, it was the beta who had been perhaps lonelier than Way. He had been looked over, hadn’t had his skills cultivated nearly as much as North, or even Sonic. Way had failed him; he could have mentored him more.

 

And then there was Alan. Perhaps his best friend after Babe; someone who saw him clearer than Babe ever did. He never discovered Way’s lies, but he could read Way’s soul; he could see the way it ached whenever Babe took another boy in.

 

Way hadn’t wanted to leave them all behind when he survived the bullets, so he wrote that stupid contract. But time was up. They wouldn’t enforce the contract after his stint in the hospital.

 

If Way didn’t have his place as pack servant, then he would need to leave permanently. He couldn’t live with them. Not if he wasn’t a member of the pack.

 

Way’s hands began to tremble, and in response he curled his fingers into his palms, making two fists. His nails dug into his skin, but he found he didn’t mind the spark of pain.

 

He loved them all. And tomorrow morning, he would lose them.

 

Unless he begged them not to rip up the contract.

 

Now, that would be selfish.

 

“I could hear you thinking from outside the room,” a voice interrupted, trying to sound light, but there was a shake in the timbre.

 

Way startled and glanced up, his eyes growing huge as he realised his intruder was…

 

“Pete,” Way gasped, his voice cracking, which he would normally find mortifying, but right now he was too exhausted to care.

 

Did Pete read his mind? His powers weren’t that strong, right? He needed skin-to-skin touch like Way did. If he had seen some of the thoughts that had plagued Way tonight, he’d probably be disgusted.

 

Pete was over at his side, quick as a flash.

 

“Way,” he breathed, his voice thick with emotion too. “I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner, I-”

 

“It’s fine,” Way said quickly, reaching for the TV remote to turn it off completely.

 

“I received a report of an incident gone wrong in the lab but- but I didn’t know-”

 

Way reached for Pete’s hand and squeezed it, wanting to offer some comfort to the Enigma.

 

“How did you find out?”

 

“Alan and Charlie came by this evening. Charlie said he wanted to confess.”

 

As Pete spoke, he managed to school his features, not giving Way a hint regarding the outcome of that conversation.

 

“You didn’t hurt him, right?” Way blurted out, not wanting any more secrets.

 

Pete shook his head.

 

“I thought about it. My primal side wanted to tear him to shreds,” Pete confessed, turning Way’s hand upside down in his palm. He began to trace Way’s life and love lines, pausing when he saw the marks caused by Way’s nails.

 

“But?”

 

“But I saw what you said to him. He gave me, ah, unfiltered access to his mind.”

 

Way rolled his eyes. The idiot. Did Charlie want to get punished or hurt? Because letting Pete see all the horrible things Charlie thought about Way would certainly earn him a beating.

 

“It was a messy place. A lot of complicated thoughts to unpack,” Pete supplied, as if knowing what was racing through Way’s mind. “I saw all he’s done to you over these past months.”

 

Way stiffened, then drew his knees to his chest, curling up into a protective position.

 

“Please. Please be with me,” Pete said, bringing Way’s hand up to his mouth. He began to kiss Way’s rough skin: the scars left behind by the instruments used to strike him. The calluses from years of work as a mechanic and driver.

 

“Pete…” Way whispered, regarding the man before him; so earnest, so ready to give Way things he did not deserve.

 

“You deserve a life,” Pete pressed.

 

Way’s eyes filled with tears and before he could stop them, they were spilling down his cheeks; tiny sobs built in his chest, and he gripped onto Pete’s hand tighter to ground himself.

 

“I want my pack,” Way finally allowed himself to say out loud.

 

“Way…”

 

“I want my pack, Pete. I love them so much.”

 

Way began crying harder, pressing his face against his thighs so Pete wouldn’t see his face.

 

“I want my family,” Way spoke again, the choked whisper barely loud enough to be heard.

 

The mattress shifted and a warm body pressed against Way. Gentle hands encouraged Way to unravel himself and he repositioned himself against Pete’s chest.

 

Way shakily reached out and dragged the blanket over Pete, so they’d be both tucked under it.

 

“I think you can have your family,” Pete murmured, his warm breath tickling Way’s ear.

 

“I think it’s too late for that.”

 

Pete laced his hand with Way’s, the other remaining firmly attached to Way’s shoulder, keeping him drawn in close.

 

“It’s never too late.”

 

“They forgive you,” Pete said, nuzzling Way’s temple with his nose.

 

“I don’t forgive myself.”

 

Pete sighed and kissed the top of Way’s head, a gentle and comforting gesture that stirred butterflies in Way’s stomach.

 

“You can’t live the rest of your life hating yourself. You can’t punish yourself until you die. That’s no way to live your life.”

 

Way hiccupped in response, as his tears wet Pete’s shirt. The poor man would soon be soaked to the skin thanks to Way’s stupid tears, but he refused to let go of him.

 

“I just want to be good enough to stay with them.”

 

“In my eyes you are.”

 

Way felt pressure on his hand as it was squeezed and that prompted him to look up at Pete. The usually composed Enigma had red rimmed eyes, sparkling with unshed tears.

 

“I’m not worth any of this,” Way told Pete, reaching up hesitantly until his fingers were resting on his cheekbone.

 

“You’re worth more than you’ll ever know,” Pete replied, his voice firm, no-nonsense, and yet somehow still brimming with love.

 

“I’ll stay by your side,” Pete continued. “If you’ll have me. I’ll wait with you until they accept you back in their fold. Then I will ask Alan if I can join too.”

 

“Pete…”

 

“Or if you change your mind, I’ll go with you. I will follow you wherever, Way.”

 

“Pete!”

 

Way found his protest had no heat behind it, though his cheeks were now radiating with warmth. He must look like such a sight, tear stained and splotchy yet blushing hard too.

 

Pete let go of his hand so he could brush away any remaining tears from Way’s eyes and cheeks. His touch was tender, soothing away Way’s tension like a balm.

 

“I told the staff I’m your mate to see you out of hours,” Pete murmured, his gaze intense as it met Way’s own.

 

“Liar,” Way laughed weakly.

 

“Dreamer,” Pete corrected.

 

Way rolled his eyes again, though the smile remained on his face. Pete truly did dream of him, and he was starting to dream of Pete too.

 

In the sterile, lifeless hospital room, Way decided to allow himself something he craved. His bitter scent slowly began to soften until the room smelled of the richest dark chocolate, with notes of smooth red wine.

 

He closed the gap between his lips and Pete’s.

 

They kissed slowly, sweetly, while entangled in each other; with each kiss, they sealed their fate as mates.

 

 

 

Notes:

Thank you for reading! It's starting to get a little romantic?? Way deserves, obviously.

And what should Sonic and North name the baby??

CWs:
- self-hatred/depressive thoughts
- references to canon abuse
- self harm in the form of hitting (Way hits his head to stop a thought) and using nails (Way purposefully digs his nails into the palm of his hand).

Chapter 13: Chapter Thirteen

Summary:

Babe pays Way a visit. Finally.

Notes:

Hi! This was maybe the hardest chapter to write so I really, really hope you all enjoy!

We're finally getting Babe's full reaction to everything, his internal struggle! Babe was a tough POV to write so I hope I did him justice!

We're coming to the end of this fic. I added one extra chapter because I realised I couldn't round up in just one! Thank you so much to everyone who has read along and supported me. It means so so much.

Huge thank you to Pip (lonely_tea_drinker) for listening to my anxieties around this chapter and helping me when I was stuck!!

cws at the end!

 

 

Babe’s thumb followed the thin curve of metal, tracing the rim of the little steering wheel charm which once lived around Way’s neck.

 

“Even I’ve punished him, Babe! And I hated it!”

 

Sonic’s words continued to ricochet in Babe’s mind, even hours after their confrontation. The omega’s sharp tone had dug out the feelings of guilt and anxiety that Babe had tried so hard to keep hidden in the recesses of his brain.

 

"And what about you?”

 

“Are you done?”

 

“Of course I am,” Babe said to nobody in particular. “I’m so fucking done.”

 

He was alone in the hospital cafeteria, a now-cold cup of coffee sitting abandoned on the table in front of him. The auntie who worked the counter had given him a pitying look as she cashed out her register, not daring to shoo him out. 

 

Babe supposed you had to have a certain level of compassion to work in a place like this. Half your clients were anxious visitors, stressed about the fate of their loved ones. One wrong look and you could send them hurtling over the edge.

 

The hospital cafeteria had likely seen many tears.

 

Throughout the day, various pack members had sat with Babe, trying and failing to distract him with conversation. Sonic had been noticeably absent after making his opinions towards Babe quite clear, and Charlie… 

 

Charlie had been banned from the hospital by Alan. 

 

Charlie was sorry. Babe knew Charlie was sorry. When his mate confessed what he had done, his eyes had been huge, watery, and brimming with fear. As if Babe would hit him in response. 

 

But Babe had felt nothing. Not anger, not betrayal, not even disappointment. It was as if his body had gone into shutdown from the moment Alan called to say Way was in the hospital and that he should ask Charlie why.

 

He had walked like a zombie into the waiting room, looking at Charlie with empty eyes when he came bounding up to him and began babbling about how sorry he was.

 

The shutdown had lasted from the phone call, to Sonic’s explosion, all the way to Alan squeezing his shoulder, telling him to come home when he was ready.

 

Babe hadn’t been ready all evening. He knew he couldn’t leave the hospital without paying a visit to Way, but visiting hours had long passed and any attempt to slip into Way’s room would require sneaking around.

 

Babe never made things easy for himself. But he had always marched to the beat of his own drum and run on his own schedule.

 

Eventually Babe decided to be brave. He dragged himself to the emergency staircase, figuring he was less likely to run into hospital staff while ascending the heavy concrete steps. 

 

Eventually he reached Way’s ward. The smell of dark chocolate was strong, even from the corridor, and it was sweeter than normal. Almost like Way was happy. 

 

Maybe spending time in the hospital without all those awful rules hanging over his head was good for Way. Maybe the hospital was like an oasis to him, quenching his thirst after months of deprivation. 

 

Babe hovered outside of Way’s room, his heart hammering in his chest. He had evaded the Nurses on their evening patrol thus far, but he knew he couldn’t linger in the hallway. If someone caught him here… well, he wouldn’t be in any danger, but security would likely be called, and he’d be escorted out.

 

Everyone else in the pack had visited Way today – even Charlie. It was only right that Babe checked on him too. After all, while Alan was pack Alpha, and Babe was incredibly influential within the pack dynamics: he was second in command, number one on the track, and everyone looked up to him.

 

A cursory visit. The polite thing to do.

 

But the very thought of setting foot in Way’s room caused his stomach to churn and his palms to break out in a cold sweat. He trembled at the thought of seeing Way in a hospital bed again.

 

(His jittery body had to be because of the 4 coffees he had drunk over the course of the day. Right?)

 

Way had taken those bullets in Babe’s place all those months ago, stubbornly clinging to life though death was trying to whisk him away. He had lain unconscious in that hospital bed for months, but he had kept fighting, as if he knew he had unfinished business in this life. 

 

When Way’s eyes finally opened, Babe had shattered, his whole body shaking as tears streamed down his face. It had been so similar yet so different from processing that Charlie hadn’t died in that godforsaken crash. 

 

Thinking he had lost his boyfriend and then nearly losing his best friend less than a month later had fucked with Babe’s mind. His stress levels had spiked and whenever he had visited Way’s unconscious body he had remained frozen, near-catatonic while his mind worked through a myriad of heightened emotions.

 

First came the terror: Babe had nearly lost him. The world would be a darker place without Way’s presence; his wry humour and quick wit, his charming smile, his affection for the youngsters in their pack. Then came the anxiety. Because he and Way still hadn’t discussed the incident, and could Way even be trusted around any of them now?

 

Heartbreak hit him fast and hard. Had his friend ever truly been a friend? How much of their relationship had been a lie? How much had Way manipulated Babe to get nice and close and cosy with him?

 

And then there was love. Because despite it all, Babe still held Way close in his heart; Way had been precious to him, one of the first people to truly understand Babe and his strange quirks.

 

Babe was loyal to a fault; once you gained his loyalty, it was practically impossible to shake him off. While he had tried to cut Way out of his life, he had soon found it to be impossible; taking down Tony required them both working together, and the more he spent time with Way, the more he saw remnants of his old friend.

 

It seemed like every time Way was in danger, Babe became immobilised, his mind and body unable to cope with seeing his friend suffering. It was easier to be aggravated by a walking, talking human than a frail figure hooked up to life support machines.

 

Even when Way had regained consciousness, Babe had struggled to say anything – both to Way, and to anyone else who had come to visit that day. 

 

When he finally figured out what he wanted to say, the words stuck in his throat, coming out as a challenge for Way to stay in Bangkok and face the mess he had created when he agreed to be Tony’s mole. 

 

And today, he hadn’t said anything, yet again. Hadn’t dared to go near the room until now, just as the clock approached midnight.

 

He clutched the necklace a little tighter in his fist and steeled himself.

 

Babe opened the door just wide enough to slip inside and then shut it behind him.

 

Way was laying on his back, though his head faced the door as if he had fallen asleep while watching someone leave.

 

His plump lips were parted, and gentle snores could be heard, ones Babe was intimately familiar with. As young packmates they would often stay up late playing video games. Back in those days, Alan would find them the next morning curled up together on the sofa.

 

Babe had struggled to get to sleep in those days, whereas Way seemed to sleep more peacefully with him than in his own bedroom. So, he’d settle Way on his shoulder, draw a blanket over their bodies, and lay and listen to his friend’s steady breathing.

 

His throat was dry. He cleared it faintly, the words sticking in his throat nonetheless.

 

“Charlie said you stopped breathing,” Babe began, approaching Way’s bed cautiously. He stuffed the necklace in the front pocket of his jeans.

 

The snores continued, the drugs keeping Way in a deep sleep.

 

“He wasn’t trying to kill you. Please believe me,” he added, feeling the need to defend his boyfriend. Yes, Way and Charlie had come to some sort of strange, mutual understanding. But Babe couldn’t keep silent, not when his whole pack thought Charlie was the bad guy.

 

“He’s sorry. He’s so sorry.”

 

Maybe Way’s subconscious would hear and retain Babe’s words. Maybe it would help him forgive Charlie.

 

And what of Babe? Would Way ever forgive him?

 

Where had that come from? Way was the one who was supposed to be earning Babe’s forgiveness.

 

“We took it too far,” Babe whispered, allowing himself to state what he had been avoiding admitting for months.

 

“How did this happen? How did we get here? How did… how could I allow this?” He murmured to himself, taking in Way’s unconscious form. Asleep like this, Way looked angelic, like he had never done a thing wrong in his life.

 

“How much was real? Would you tell me honestly?” Babe said, taking Way’s hand with his own, gently lacing their fingers together.

 

If Way revealed the extent of his manipulation, Babe could choose to believe him - at this point, why the hell would Way lie? He had nothing to lose, after all. In Way’s opinion, he had already lost the pack and Babe.

 

Way stirred before him, his eyelids slowly opening to reveal bleary eyes. He yawned, small and kittenish, before blinking a few times.

 

“Phi’s here,” Way mumbled.

 

Babe felt his heart squeeze, his chest growing tight at Way’s words. It had been a long time since Way had called him ‘Phi’ and he had forgotten how pleasant it was to hear.

 

“Holding my hand, must be dreaming,” Way added, gazing around the room as if he were trying to decipher what was reality and what was a product of his imagination. 

 

Babe looked down at their joined hands and his brows furrowed - perhaps that was inappropriate, especially given they barely interacted anymore. 

 

“Don’t let go,” Way interrupted his train of thought, as if his power was mindreading and not hypnotism. 

 

Fuck. Hypnotism. They were touching, Way could easily hypnotize…

 

“Stay. Hold my hand, Phi. Please.”

 

Despite Way’s words, Babe didn’t feel a command echoing through his mind; his fingers could twitch, not locked in place, and he realised there really wasn’t anything stopping him from pulling away if he so desired.

 

Babe gazed down at Way, searching his face for a sign that he was unwelcome, but he was met with an eager, earnest expression, like back when Way first befriended him. 

 

“I love when my dreams give me my phi. Especially when he’s being kind like this,” Way whispered, the sweet smell of chocolate strengthening the more Way stared at him.

 

Babe’s scent grew bitter in response. Way thought Babe was only capable of kindness in his dreams? 

 

“I’m always kind,” Babe countered weakly, his agitation growing as he felt Way’s weak grip tighten. 

 

Way shook his head.

 

“No, Phi. But it’s understandable why you aren’t.”

 

It was as if a bucket of icy water had been dumped on Babe’s head. He felt shocked to his core, his body trembling uncontrollably. 

 

“Ai’Way,” Babe forced out, his breathing shallow as he stared down into Way’s eyes, something he hadn’t done since the younger returned to his life.

 

“I’m sorry, Phi. I never wanted to see you harmed. I tried to protect us from Daddy but I fucked up.”

 

“Way.”

 

“When I wake up and come home, I’ll keep serving you. I’ll serve you every day for the rest of my life if that’s what it takes to show you I’ve changed.”

 

Of course you’ve changed, Babe thought desperately, tears stinging in his eyes. You’re a shell of who you once were.

 

“P’Pete wants to take me away. He wants to mate me. But my loyalty is to you. He may have my heart, but you own my soul. It’s yours to keep or throw away. Just… just don’t hurt it too bad, okay?” 

 

Way was rambling, his eyes growing more unfocused with every word he spoke. 

 

“I’m tired of being in pain.”

 

The sentence alone was enough to cause Babe excruciating agony, his whole body twitching with phantom aches as his brain conjured up images he had tried to cast out of his mind. Ones of Way kneeling alone, eating alone, facing punishment, rushing to obey cruel commands. 

 

“You don’t need to be in pain anymore,” Babe said, the words tumbling out of his mouth. He reached up to touch Way’s cheek with his free hand, gently encouraging him to look at Babe properly. 

 

Way, in his sleep-addled state, let out a soft laugh and gazed into Babe’s eyes.

 

“I forgot how pretty your eyes are, Phi,” Way whispered, as Babe’s vision blurred, unshed tears building in the very eyes Way was praising. “I’ve missed looking into them.”

 

Babe held Way’s stare, not wanting to look away himself.

 

Babe loathed that rule. The one which was a special addition for Babe and Babe alone; the rule which served to further dehumanise Way, casting him to the lowest rung possible.

 

Way gazed up at him for a moment, before allowing his eyes to slip shut. Babe allowed a tear to slip out.

 

“Pete will wait for me. Isn’t that nice, P’Babe? I think he loves me. And I think I love him back.”

 

Everyone in the pack knew Pete was gone for Way, but nobody had been able to suss out Way’s feelings in return. Way held his cards close to his chest, especially after years of being ignored by Babe.

 

“I’ll always love you though, Babe. Not in that way though, not anymore. But I can’t not love you.”

 

“You know you’re awake, right?” Babe said quietly, gripping onto Way’s hand a little harder, wanting to use the pressure to ground Way in reality. It wasn’t fair that Way was spilling his innermost thoughts to Babe, thinking it was safe because as far as he knew none of this was real.

 

“Not awake,” Way countered, his eyes still closed. “You wouldn’t be here if I was.”

 

Babe wanted to claw his skin off, tear away at himself until the aches finally subsided. His cheeks were wet with tear tracks, the dam having burst the moment Way said he loved Babe.

 

“Rest, Way. Please,” Babe choked out. 

 

Babe wanted Charlie. He wanted Alan. He wanted his entire family to throw themselves into a big pack pile with him buried below them, the weights of their bodies giving him steady comfort. 

 

And he desperately wanted Way in his arms; wanted to stick his nose against Way’s neck, inhaling the sweet pheromones directly from his scent gland.

 

Above all, Babe wanted to believe that Way had used his powers minimally on Babe, that all their memories together were real. That their friendship was as strong as they both once thought. 

 

Babe wanted to free Way. He wanted to get home and sign that motherfucking contract.

 

Gentle snores began to fill the air again, as Way drifted off to sleep again. 

 

Babe never let go of Way’s hand.

 

 

---

 

 

“You ready?” Alan asked, turning to Way who was pressed against the passenger seat. Way’s eyes were wide as he observed the pack home through the car window.

 

No, of course Way wasn’t ready. For two whole days, he was treated as a human, an equal, and the moment he stepped into the pack home everything would return to normal.

 

Way knew he had his duties; he should serve the pack. And he should be grateful because serving the pack meant being in the vicinity of his family, if nothing else.

 

But he was exhausted. Maybe he was spoiled but he wanted to joke around with North and Sonic, he wanted to cook and eat with Kim. He wanted to scent Jeff, be Alan’s right-hand man, talk to Babe –

 

Babe. Babe who never visited him in the hospital.

 

Way dreamed Babe crept into his room after hours and sat and spoke with him in an affectionate manner. He dreamed he had a chance to ramble out all the things he desperately wanted to admit to his phi.

 

They even held hands, Babe’s fingers laced tightly with his own – something Way would never expect from any pack member, not when they knew the nature of his powers.

 

Then he woke up and the room was empty.

 

“As I’ll ever be,” Way eventually mustered up, turning his head so he could meet Alan’s gaze.

 

“I’ve warned Charlie to stay away from you,” Alan said, his jaw clenching as if even the thought of Charlie was enough to enrage him.

 

“Not necessary. I just want to pretend that didn’t happen,” Way replied, picking at the skin around his fingernails.

 

“I think it is necessary. Do you not realise what he did to you?”

 

“I’m aware,” Way said, noticing wetness blossoming on his thumb, drops of blood escaping the tiny cut he had created with his nails.

 

He brought his hand to his mouth and licked away the excess, the tangy metallic taste bursting on his tongue.

 

As Way exited the car, the front door opened, and Kim popped his head out.

 

“Lhung! Way! I thought I heard your car.”

 

Kim rushed to Way’s side, taking him by the arm as if he were older or frailer and needing assistance walking. 

 

“I’m fine.”

 

“Let me help, hyung,” Kim said firmly, injecting a hint of his alpha-voice into his tone.

 

“You know I’m an Enigma, right? Alpha posturing doesn’t work on me,” Way muttered, though he let Kim help him to the door.

 

Kim looked thrilled. He exchanged a smile with Alan over Way’s head.

 

“Yes, yes, fine! I’m sorry, hyung,” Kim said quickly, a grin settling on his face.

 

Way didn’t quite understand what had made Kim so delighted, but he didn’t comment further. He just let Kim guide him to the sofa.

 

Way settled down against the plush cushions and his eyes fluttered shut for a second. Home, with its chaos from the many bold personalities. Home, with its blend of comforting scents, each distinct to the person they belonged to, and yet each complementing the rest.

 

How sage, lemongrass, latte, firewood, lavender, orange blossom, and leather all mingled together to create an enticing scent, Way would never understand.

 

“P’Way, you’re back!” Sonic’s voice broke the quiet and mere seconds later, Way had the Omega tucked against his side, his nose pressed deep in the crevice of Way’s neck.

 

“P’Way!” North spoke next, because wherever one of the pair was, the other would surely follow. “You’re on the sofa!”

 

North sounded pleased, but the actual words he spoke made Way tense.

 

He was on the sofa. He was using pack furniture outside his bedroom, which was a huge NO according to the contract.

 

“Oh. Oh god,” Way whispered. It was starting already. He had to go back to his servitude.

 

“North,” Kim scolded instantly, his scent sharpening out of irritation. Was he angry at Way because Way had sat instead of knelt? But Kim was the one who placed Way on the sofa.

 

“I’m sorry,” Way said instantly, gnawing his lower lip with his teeth as his anxiety spiked.

 

“No. Don’t be. Just –”

 

“Stay there,” Jeff interrupted, stepping into the room with a cup of tea in his hand.

 

Jeff sat down next to Way on the opposite side from Sonic and then reached forward to place the mug on the coffee table right in front of Way’s spot.

 

“Lhung, I don’t think your plan is going to work,” Jeff said, glancing at Alan who was hovering near the staircase, as if waiting for more of his boys to materialise and cause further chaos.

 

“Nhu, don’t.”

 

“P’Way, Alan and Kim had the idea to treat you like a regular pack member when you got back. To show you that you don’t need to go back to the contract,” Jeff began to explain, hesitantly placing one hand on Way’s shoulder.

 

For a split second he looked anxious, but it shifted to relief. Maybe because he realised Way couldn’t hypnotise him from his shoulder; Way needed to directly touch someone with his hand to use his powers.

 

Then Way realised that perhaps Jeff had been worried his own powers might activate if he touched Way; that he might see into the future.

 

Were others as anxious about their powers as Way was?

 

“But the contract is still in effect,” Way replied carefully, forcing himself back to the present, to the situation at hand.

 

“As pack leaders, Alan and I think we should nullify the contract now, Phi,” Jeff said, his tone soft, just as cautious as Way’s had been.

 

“I’d rather not.”

 

“Almost everyone has signed it, Way,” Alan spoke up, crossing the room to stand in front of the trio on the sofa. “And I think what Charlie did to you was punishment enough. You don’t need to earn anyone’s forgiveness.”

 

“Yes, I do,” Way said, his eyes narrowing as he realised he was trapped. He had Sonic to his left, Jeff to his right. The coffee table and then Alan were in front of him, and Kim was still near the front door.

 

None of them would let him slip out of the room and avoid the shitty conversation they all seemed desperate to have with him.

 

“Who hasn’t signed it?” Way continued, his voice sharp as he dared them to answer. Why did nobody understand? “The one I hurt the most. Until he signs it, I’m going to–”

 

“He signed it.”

 

A new voice entered the conversation. Charlie stood near the top of the stairs, a ghost haunting the pack, just like Way. From the looks on the pack members’ faces, it was clear Charlie wasn’t welcome to participate in the discussion.

 

“Charlie, go to your room,” Alan said, his voice clipped. He didn’t bother to look up at the young Alpha, his irritation palatable.

 

“I’m sorry, P’Alan. But Way needs to know,” Charlie said, the lavender scent growing stronger as he descended the stairs, each step hesitant.

 

Way froze.

 

“Babe signed it?” Sonic asked the question Way couldn’t force himself to voice.

 

“Last night. When he got home,” Charlie confirmed, gripping onto the handrail.

 

“No,” Way breathed.

 

No, no, no. Because if Babe signed it, then that meant everyone had. And if everyone had signed it then he no longer belonged to the pack.

 

And if he no longer belonged to the pack…

 

Way sprang to his feet.

 

“Where is he?” He managed to ask, his entire body trembling as dread washed over him.

 

“Our room,” Charlie said, a small, almost serene smile forming on his face. “Go see him. Please. He wants to talk, but he’s scared, he’s–”

 

Way shook his head and rushed to the stairs as fast as his unsteady feet would allow. He barrelled past Charlie in a rude manner that would no doubt get him punished later.

 

Stumbling up the stairs, Way’s heart pounded in his chest. When he reached Babe and Charlie’s room, he burst in without knocking.

 

Babe looked up from his phone from his place on the bed, a strange mix of emotions on his face. Way couldn’t comprehend any of it – his eyes were shining and the corners of his lips turned up, and yet there was clear trepidation present within his gaze.

 

“You’re home,” Babe said simply. “Charlie and I thought we heard Alan’s car–”

 

“Remove your signature. Cross it out,” Way interrupted, his heart pounding in his chest.

 

“Way, what?”

 

“Take back your signature.”

 

Babe sat up straighter in bed, placing his phone on his bedside table.

 

“I signed last night after–”

 

“I don’t care. I know what Charlie did was bad, but it’s not enough to erase the shit I did,” Way said through his teeth, his eyes wide. Panicked.

 

“But–”

 

“I want to serve you and the pack. I want to pay for my crimes!”

 

Way’s voice grew more desperate with every word he spoke. He even met Babe’s gaze, then flinched, realising he had just broken a rule.

 

“No,” Babe said, his voice growing a little harder. “Enough, Way.”

 

Way dropped to his knees, whispering a soft apology because he knew better than to look directly at Babe.

 

“Punish me, Khun Babe. I didn’t mean to look–”

 

“I’m not going to punish you!” Babe snapped, running his hand through his hair, messing it up from its usually perfect styling.

 

“Please!” Way begged. He couldn’t lose the contract. Losing the contract meant losing his pack which meant losing his family.

 

“This stupid experiment is done.”

 

“No. No, please.”

 

Way bowed his head, bringing his hands to a wai and touching his forehead. How else could he show respect? Show he was serious?

 

“It’s over, Way.”

 

“I’m begging. Don’t send me away, let me stay with you. In the shadow of the pack. Please.”

 

Don’t send me away. Don’t take my family away , Way thought, tears stinging in his eyes.

 

“Way, Ai’Way.”

 

The earthy smell of leather filled the room, rich and comforting. A sharp contrast to the soured wine and bitter chocolate, which rolled off Way in waves.

 

“Please, please,” Way said, his voice breaking as he found himself unable to say anything more. He stared at the ground, tears rolling freely down his cheeks and falling from his chin to the floor.

 

"Pup."

 

Way felt a firm hand grip his chin and guide it upwards.

 

He wasn’t sure when Babe had left the bed, but his best friend was now crouched in front of him, one hand keeping a hold of Way’s jaw, firm enough that Way couldn’t pull away, yet still somehow gentle.

 

“Pup,” Babe repeated, forcing Way to look into his eyes. Their gazes locked and for just a moment, the world went quiet – the turmoil in Way’s mind fell away.

 

Only Alan called the pack members pups and only when he was being sentimental and affectionate. It was a way to remind the pack to respect their elders, while retaining a softness. Generally, they laughed it off, but it always secretly made them feel precious and loved.

 

Even though Babe was the second eldest, he never called any of his nongs ‘pup’.

 

“It’s over, pup. Come back,” Babe whispered, and Way saw Babe’s eyes shining with unshed tears.

 

He brushed his thumb along Way’s cheek, his touch tender.

 

And without any hesitation, Babe took Way’s hand in his own, their fingers locking as they had in Way’s dream the previous night.

 

“You’ve suffered enough. Too much,” Babe continued, squeezing Way’s hand tightly in his own.

 

Way lowered his eyes, finding it impossible to keep staring into Babe’s intense gaze; it was brimming with raw emotion, so much pain, hope… and love.

 

Way couldn’t. How could he accept? There was so much still unsaid between himself and Babe, so much agony he had caused. And why had Babe changed his tune now? He hadn’t even bothered to visit Way in the hospital – perhaps this conversation was born out of guilt.

 

“I… I forgot how pretty your eyes are too, Way,” Babe breathed, his hand encouraging Way to look up again. “I’ve missed looking into them.”

 

And oh. Weren’t those the exact words Way had said to Babe last night? When he was dreaming?

 

That extremely vivid, painfully realistic dream where he and Babe had held hands and whispered apologies and regrets and confessions.

 

Way looked at Babe searchingly, seeking answers to the unspoken question: was that really you last night?

 

As if Babe could read Way’s mind, he nodded once. A confirmation.

 

Babe really had visited him.

 

“Come back to us,” Babe tried again, his voice rough. “Your family wants you. We need you.”

 

It was as if all the words hit Way at once; he let out a loud cry and his body crumpled. Babe caught him easily and drew him into his lap, arms encircling Way tight enough to keep him from collapsing to the ground. They kept him safe. Secure.

 

“It’s done, pup,” Babe said in Way’s ear, his voice thick with tears.

 

“P’Babe. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” Way cried, gripping onto Babe’s shirt like it was a lifeline.

 

“Me too. Way – I’m sorry.”

 

A pair of lips found Way’s forehead, pressing a slow, gentle kiss to the damp skin.

 

“We’ll find a way to fix it. All of us.”

 

As Babe spoke, the room was flooded with fresh scents. Alan’s grounding sage, which always seemed to mingle with Jeff’s fresh lemongrass. The warming scents of Sonic’s latte – milkier than normal due to the baby growing within him – and North’s firewood. Kim’s floral and citrus orange blossom.

 

And finally, Charlie’s gentle lavender which used to turn Way’s stomach, but now smelled specifically like pack.

 

“It’s done?” Sonic spoke up, hesitancy evident in his tone, as if ready to be disappointed.

 

“Way?” Babe prompted, nudging him a little.

 

Way didn’t bother to look up to address his pack. He kept his face firmly pressed to Babe’s shoulder.

 

Yet he spoke up. Way confirmed what the pack had been desperately hoping, craving.

 

“It’s done.”

 

“Rip up the contract,” Babe ordered, placing another kiss on Way's head.

 

The scent of lemongrass grew stronger first of all, and Way let out a soft “oof” when the youngest Omega – the pack Omega – practically threw himself against Way’s back, sandwiching Way in between himself and Babe.

 

“Careful!” Alan chided, but followed his mate, sitting down next to Babe, looping an arm over Way and Jeff’s shoulders.

 

“Phi!” Sonic’s voice filled Way’s ears as the Omega who had never once given up on him tucked himself in tightly. Then his mate came and found a space to slot into the pile too.

 

Kim shuffled over and awkwardly tried to find the best position, finding his head on Alan’s lap. Way peeked down from Babe’s shoulder and made eye contact, the newest member of the pack smiling up at him.

 

Kim hadn’t figured out his place in the pack still, Way was acutely aware, but he could see the young Alpha was figuring it out day by day.

 

Way dropped his hand to Kim’s hair and stroked it softly, offering him a small smile right back.

 

“Pack’s not complete yet,” Way murmured, speaking directly to Kim, though his words were for everyone.

 

Way forced himself to look up, seeking out Alan first. “No more punishment. For anyone. Yeah?”

 

Alan hesitated, before nodding once, firmly.

 

“Nong?” Way called carefully, meeting the eyes of the Alpha he had once hated; his heart pounded in his chest because if his olive branch was accepted, then it really would be over. The pack really would be able to recover.

 

A fresh wave of lavender rolled over them all as Charlie approached the pack pile.

 

“Welcome back, phi,” Charlie choked out, finding a space to settle into.

 

“Welcome home,” Alan spoke, the scent of sage suddenly overpowering as the pack leader realised the pieces of the puzzle were clicking in place; the picture was forming once again.

 

Their broken family was healing. 

 

 

 

Notes:

Phew. Big emotional chapter! I got a bit teary writing it, I'll admit!!

We're nearing the end of the main story! Just some things to wrap up, some people to bring back. Some people to get happy endings!!

Let me know your thoughts! And remember, you can always come yell with me on bluesky @augustwriter

CWs:
I don't think there's any major cws for this chapter beyond what has already appeared (hospitalisation, self-loathing, discussions of canon abuse). If I've missed anything, please feel free to let me know and I can add it!

Notes:

I hope you enjoyed!! Follow me ‪@augustwriter.bsky.social‬ to chat and watch me be unhinged!

Regarding the contract: Way wrote it all himself, they're all his ideas. The only things the Pack contributed to were the amendments.

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Forgiveness Verse