The whimpering coming from the cage was tearing at Erick's soul. He growled, tossing the sheet over the cage. Moriarty was watching him through narrowed eyes.
"I don't like the smell of distress. Gives me a headache," Erick snapped, keeping his back to the cage. He kicked it just for show, hating the sound it caused in the distressed child within. His brother, Erick's only living relative, vulnerable and terrified. He needed to think quick to get them the hell out of here.
"I agree, children can be so troublesome. But kick the cage again and I'll rip your heart out." James surprised himself with this statement. Could he be feeling sentimental again? It was a horrible taste in his mouth. Perhaps he should test the theory by shooting another lackey.
"You brought me here. I have no interest in serving an Omega, however I was told the pay would be worth my while." Erick was talking fast. He glared at the brown-eyed omega who made eye contact and smirked.
"Oh, aren't you delicious?" Moriarty took a step forward and his dear Reece growled, taking a step between the Omega and the Alpha cop. "Oh, Reece my love, jealousy doesn't suit you. He's interesting, that's all." The brown eyes focused on the young Alpha. "So you turned down my bribes a few weeks back and now you're willing? Hmm, tell me now, Constable Riley, why should I believe you?"
"I'll prove it," Erick replied, leaning against the cage just behind him, fighting the urge to hold his brother to him, to reassure the young Omega he was safe and secure.
"Oh, now you've my attention." James' eyes lit up. His Alpha was wrapping an arm around the Omega's waist. James couldn't help but giggle pleasantly. Reece was proving to be a welcomed attachment. The cunning Omega wasn't one for touching or cuddles, but when it was Reece he allowed it. Perhaps he should bond with the man. They'd already done everything a bonded couple does except the bite.
Moriarty shook these thoughts off, hating the distraction of his Alpha and loving it all at once. "Go on. How would you prove your allegiance?" Moriarty purred teasingly, relishing the tightening hold of his Reece in response. Ah, perhaps jealousy was something to explore.
"I overheard you talking before I was so graciously ushered in. You have the DI's pup. I've never truly met the man's Alpha, but I find it disgusting nonetheless that he swings that way. I have no love for the man, so I'll shoot Lestrade for you. I'll gladly quit my boring job and join your merry little band for the right price."
"Ooooh, you are fun!" James clapped his hands together.
"I'll go now, if you want. He's probably searching for his kid. Or I can wait until he's at work. Whichever you prefer, but I want to see the money in cash before I do this."
"It can be arranged. Let's let the poor DI and his mate fret over their son's disappearance. I'm sure I can find a nice room for you to sleep in until tomorrow. Then I want you to march into the DI's office, because knowing the man, that's where he'll be, frantically deploying the troops to find his beloved son, nephew, and dear brother-in-law."
"Wait, you're telling me you have that Omega doctor?" Erick hoped the fear gripping him shown through as interest.
"Yes, but he's not for you, naughty boy. You Alphas, always thinking with your Knotts."
"I do owe the little bastard. He nearly got me sacked," Erick growled. "I wouldn't mind saying hello."
"I said not for you." Moriarty reached out and flicked the constable on the nose like one would do a naughty puppy. "Besides he'll be going into heat soon. A lovely little present for my cousin. "
"And his pup?" Erick cursed himself for sounding eager. He hoped he wasn't blowing his cover. His stomach clenched thinking of the small alpha with dark curls and blue eyes. He might be a smart-ass little shit, but he was still a kid, and kids didn't deserve to be treated like pets or lesser humans. They were vulnerable and needed to be protected.
"Aren't you a little sadist?" Moriarty tilted his head, curiously looking over the constable as if he were something new and interesting.
"Like I said, I owe the doctor."
"Yes. However, you won't be able to go near them. The two are hands off. I've gifted them to my cousin and he's a bit possessive of his playthings. He'll probably try to foster the boy, however he looks too much like his father's son. I fear my cousin will only have to put the pup down. He'll of course make more with his Omega doctor. Breeding seems like such a messy thing. Yet Sebby is hard-headed and will not listen to reason."
"Shame." Erick didn't hide his disappointment.
"You help Henry there get the cage to the cellar. Best place to keep the stinky little thing. His reek is giving me a headache. And I do hate crying children. Then Henry will show you to your room." Moriarty gestured to one of the armed Alphas standing at the door.
"Fine by me." Erick lifted one side and the other Alpha took the opposite end.
"Oh, Constable, if you are playing me, I'll have you burned alive after I let my men have a turn with you. Not all are so prudish when it comes to where they put it."
Riley didn't reply. He only continued to carry the kennel out, trying desperately to ignore the sobs within. He took several deep breaths once he placed the cage in the middle of the dimly lit room. "This way constable I'll show you-"
"Give me a minute with the pup," Erick snapped. "I owe his Alpha father." The other man glared at him but didn't protest.
"Fine. Your room is on the second floor, two doors left of the main study. The door is open. It's wise not to enter into any rooms with closed doors. Mr. Moriarty likes his privacy."
"Fine," Erick replied his eyes focusing on the covered kennel. He waited for the click of the door before turning out the light and pulling the sheet off.
"Ssssh, kid. It's me. You remember me." Erick kept his voice steady and low.
Alex didn't reply, his breathing was erratic. "Listen, listen to my voice. Calm down. You're alright. You're not alone. I'm going to get you out of here. Do you believe me?" Still no reply.
He edged around the cage to where the boy was huddled and stuck his hand through, finding the boy's head. This caused the twelve year old to whimper and try to move away. Erick used his other hand to capture the back of the boy's neck through the cage. He kept his voice even and, though his grip was firm, it wasn't rough. He allowed his fingers to comb through the boy's dark hair, wiling him to steady his breathing. Erick was glad his brother was to distracted by fear to turn and look at him, that would cause more problems. This was easier this was better, he needed to be calm.
"Alaric, listen to me. You have to trust me. I'm going to get you out of here. No one's going to hurt you." Not this time, not again.
"You-you lie. You're going to kill my father," came the trembling whisper.
Erick kept his voice steady, and continued to stroke the boy's head. "I said that to gain trust. I work with your father. Remember me? I met you at the hospital. Your uncle saved my life. And I'm going to do everything in my power to get him and you kids out of this mess. But first I need you to be brave. Can you do that for me?"
"You wont hurt him?" Erick couldn't help but laugh. Same old Alaric. He hadn't changed a bit. The boy was more worried for others than his own well being.
"No. I won't. I'll find a way to explain this. He's clever, your dad, well they both are. I'll lead them back here. Do you believe me?" Erick could feel the boy's shoulders relaxing. "I'm going to leave the light on. I do have to get back upstairs before they wonder what I'm up to. You have to be brave. Can you do that for me? "
"Yes." The boy whispered.
"Good. Good. That's a good boy. Try and sleep. I know it's hard, but try. I'll come back to check on you. I'll bring some food."
Alex sniffed and Erick clasped his eyes shut, running his hand through the dark hair one last time. The older Alpha didn't want to leave, he wanted to stay wanted tear the cage open to pull his brother out. He wanted to cradle Alerac, wanted to tell him he was sorry for not being there the first time. Promises bubbled on his lips. Promises he broke long ago, instead Alex pulled himself away his feet unsteady. He was sure to cover the kennel before he turned on the small overheard light leaving the boy in the cellar alone. He vowed to sneak down one more time in a few hours to be sure his brother was alright. He needed to get them out of there. What a mess.
History would not be repeating itself, not again. The cellar, the cages, Erick wouldn't let it happen again. Not ever again. One thing he knew for certain: tomorrow he would be shooting the DI.