"Yeah, just don't die, alright?"

"M'kay…"

L listened closely for their voices again as Quillish relayed Beyond and Light's location to the police and EMTs.

"Light? Beyond?" L felt panic rise in his chest when he received no response. "Light!"

"Hello? Is someone there?" An unfamiliar voice suddenly responded.

"Who is this?" L forced himself to remain calm and steady as the chatter of the EMT's and officers filled the air of the Yellow Box Warehouse.

"This is Officer Aizawa of the NPA. Who is this ?" The other man snapped back.

"I am L, Officer Aizawa, and I need your assistance," he replied.

"O-of course, how can I help?" Aizawa stammered in surprise.

"First, have you secured Max Volkov?" L wanted to make sure that the Syndicate leader didn't have a chance to slip through his fingers.

He's going to pay for what he's done…

"Yes, he's unconscious, but otherwise appears unharmed," Aizawa explained. "We're restraining him right now and will transport him to a cell at the station."

I'll need to make sure that I'm the only one to question him. L frowned. The last thing I need is him spouting some nonsense or trying to get Beyond and Light in trouble.

"The other two people…one has been shot and the other is-"

A loud growl filled the air, followed by shouting. L's eyes widened in surprise.

Is that-

"Light! Calm down, it's okay. You're safe now," Soichiro Yagami's voice rose up clearly over the din as he tried to comfort his son. "We need to move him, son. He's injured-"

An angry hiss interrupted the Chief.

"Officer Aizawa," L suddenly realized what was happening. It was just like that story Quillish told them about the injured Alpha and his Omega mate from his time in MI6. "Take me off speaker and please put Chief Yagami on the line," L ordered.

"L! What is happening to my son?" Soichiro answered in an exasperated tone as the growling continued in the background. "It's like he's lost his mind-"

"Chief Yagami, I'm going to need you to stay calm and trust me when I say there is nothing wrong with your son," L assured the other Alpha. "I will try to explain later, but right now you need to tell the EMTs to stop attempting to separate them."

"If you have them maintain some sort of skin to skin contact that should be sufficient," Quillish chimed in as strode up behind him. "Even holding hands is acceptable."

"Okay, okay…I'll tell them."

"Thank you, Chief."

xxx

L's forehead came to rest on the doorframe of the master bath. It had been all too easy to follow the scent of distress to its source. He took a shaky breath as he placed his left hand on the door before him.

Why can't I keep you safe? The Alpha gazed at the ring Light had placed on his finger not long ago and sighed. They'd both been so hopeful for their future together.

Maybe I don't deserve the right to call you my mate. L closed his eyes and listened to the steady splash of water as it filled the bathtub. His chest ached, heart heavy with the guilt of failing Light at every turn. I keep disappointing him-

"L?" Light's concern was evident as he cracked open the door. The Alpha took a quick step back in surprise.

"I…I just wanted to make sure you were okay," L murmured as he looked down at the floor. He silently cursed the wavering in his voice that exposed his emotional turmoil. All his carefully crafted masks to hide his feelings were rendered useless.

"L…" Light's bare feet were blurry as they came into view. His mate's fingers were warm as they traced along L's clenched jaw. Light's hands cupped L's face and tilted it upward as he leaned in to press his lips against the Alpha's own. His eyes closed as he melted into Light's touch and breathed in his soothing scent. The faintest hint of jasmine propelled L forward to close the distance, wrapping his arms around Light with a muffled sob. He held the younger man close as the subtle fragrance reminded him once more of everything he could've lost.

I can't lose you. L buried his face in the unmarked side of Light's throat and inhaled deeply as all the pent-up feelings that he'd been holding inside for the last couple of days spilled forth.

"I'm here. I'm okay," Light murmured softly. L nodded in acknowledgment as Light began to run his fingers through his hair in a gentle rhythm. "We're all okay."

"I love you so much," L whispered as he leaned back to meet Light's gold-hued eyes. The Omega smiled and brushed away L's tears with his thumb.

"I love you, too," Light smiled as he took L's hand and pulled him into the bathroom. "Join me?"

L nodded wordlessly and shut the door behind them before taking off his clothes. The Alpha's mouth went dry as Light removed his robe and tossed it aside.

I don't know if I'll ever get used to how beautiful he is.

Light glanced over his shoulder at L, a mirror of the Alpha's growing need reflected in his mate's eyes.

The feelings welling up inside them went so far beyond just desire. It was a primal urge to reclaim each other in the most intimate way, to reassure themselves that what was lost was returned. The Alpha felt the overwhelming compulsion to protect and care for his mate, to keep him close and safe, to show him just how much he loved and needed him. L took one of Light's hands and helped him step into the large porcelain tub.

I'll show you just how precious you are to me.

xxx

L's despair laden scent had been like a punch in the gut when he'd first picked up on it from inside the bathroom. Actually seeing L look so broken and sad had made Light want to do whatever he could to make him feel better.

A bath together, something that had always been relaxing for them, was an excellent first step.

"Thank you," Light blushed softly as he let go of L's hand and sank into the bubble-filled water. He leaned back against the headrest on one side of the large tub and closed his eyes with a relieved sigh as he tried to let his worries float away. Though he knew the danger had passed, he'd been struck by overwhelming fear when Quillish had started talking about bullets and vital organs and-

It's okay. We're all okay. We're safe. Light reminded himself as he felt L's legs tangle with his own beneath the water. The Alpha's earlier scent of distress quickly faded until all that remained was the apples and rain-tinged fragrance he was fond of.

A small smile tugged at the corner of Light's mouth as L's hands wrapped around his foot. The older man's long, strong fingers began to massage and dig in, sending a pleasurable shiver through Light.

"Does this feel alright?"

"It feels amazing ," Light breathed out as his body responded to L's skilled touch. Light peered at L as he lifted his foot from the water. His jaw dropped open slightly as L placed a kiss on the tip of each toe. The worshipful expression on the Alpha's face sent all of Light's blood rushing south.

"Have I ever mentioned what beautiful feet you have?" L's voice was rough and strained with need as he set the foot back in the water and grasped the other one to massage it as well.

Light shook his head slightly, words eluding him as L's thumbs dug into the arch of his foot. His eyes fell closed with a low moan.

How does he do this to me? With just a touch…

Am I affecting him just as much?

Light shifted his free leg and moved it between L's thighs, curiously pressing his foot against the older man's groin. He received his answer as his toes brushed against L's hard, thick length.

"Light…" L responded with a choked gasp.

That sound…

God, the unmistakable desperation in L's voice.

It drove Light crazy…

Made him want.

Light's eyes snapped open as he propelled himself forward into L's arms, sending water sloshing over the sides of the tub in his haste.

Mate.

Light rolled his hips and let out a low growl as his mouth sought out the scent gland on L's throat. His fingers grasped blindly at L's damp skin, trying to pull him closer, unable to feel close enough…

"…-ou need?" Light's brow furrowed as he realized that L was speaking to him. "What do you need, Light?" L repeated quietly.

Need? The young Omega's instinct-driven mind struggled to process the question as his teeth dug into L's skin. Need…

"Whatever you want. All you have to do is ask," L assured him as he ran his hands along the brunet's back and attempted to soothe the wild beast that had sprung forth to take control. Light's head grew clearer with each passing second and he finally released his grip on L's neck.

"I need…I need to feel you inside me," Light nuzzled closer as he felt L's soft, dark hair brush against his lips. He found himself craving every bit of contact he could get.

"It's alright, I'm here," L replied as one of his hands slid down to Light's entrance.

"Please…" Light whined as L's finger teasingly circled his twitching rim. He pressed back, seeking more until a rumbling growl vibrated from L's chest, pheromones coaxing Light to submit to the pleasure that his mate wanted to give him.

I'm his…and he is mine. Light mewled and bared his throat for his Alpha as L's finger slipped inside.

"That's it, just let go…I'll take care of you," L murmured as he languidly pumped his finger into Light's slick drenched hole.

Light whimpered as L began to suck and lick at his scent gland while pressing another finger inside him. It was wonderful and maddening at the same time. He wanted more, he wanted it now, but he forced himself to be patient. There was no question in his desire-addled mind that he could trust his Alpha to give him what he needed. Light buried his face in L's neck again and breathed deeply, mind now blessedly free of any thoughts besides those of the man in his arms.

Two fingers became three and Light released a contented little hum. The steady croon that emanated from L's chest turned his limbs to jelly. He felt like he was floating, drunk on his mate's pheromones.

"Now…I need you, please," Light begged as L's fingers withdrew. The Alpha grunted in acknowledgment as he lifted Light's hips enough so that he could position him above his cock. Light panted eagerly as the thick tip pressed against his entrance, spreading him wide as it slid inside. He slowly lowered himself, relishing every inch as it filled him up.

Light sensed something finally click into place in his mind as the primal need to connect physically was satisfied. The haze that had overtaken him slowly lifted and his head was clear once again. Light leaned back so he could look into L's charcoal-hued gaze and tsk'd in faux disapproval as he brushed his thumbs against the dark circles that lay beneath his mate's eyes.

"You aren't very good at taking care of yourself when I'm not around," Light whispered playfully as he ran his hands down along L's throat. The Alpha smiled softly and leaned his head back, baring his neck in an unmistakably submissive gesture that made the coiling heat in Light's body burst into flame.

"There's an easy solution for that, you know," L murmured breathlessly as Light began to lick and bite and suck marks along the pale column of the older man's throat. "Never leave my side."

"Hmm, maybe you're right," Light practically purred as he nipped at L's skin. "Of course, you could always handcuff yourself to me. Then no one could ever take me away again."

"I'm not sure Beyond would appreciate that very much."

Light burst out laughing, forehead falling forward to rest against L's chest. The Alpha's amused laughter joined his own and everything felt that much closer to normal again.

Normal…

No, what the three of us have together and who we are isn't what you could consider normal.

Light grinned at the thought and lifted his head so he could kiss his mate.

That's okay. Normal is boring.

xxx

Beyond sat up in bed with a pained scowl as sparks of lust traveled through the bond between him and Light. As happy as he was that his mate appeared to be feeling better, he was in no mood for another front row seat to the show.

Nope. Not gonna do this. He decided as he threw his legs over the side of the bed and tried to stand.

"Beyond! You shouldn't be up," Quillish exclaimed as he hurried across the room to prevent him from pulling out his IV. "Stop!"

"Help me bring it with me or I'll yank it out," Beyond growled, giving the other man a moment to secure the tubes and rolling stand before moving again. The Alpha propelled himself forward, only to slump against the door frame once he reached it.

"Beyond, you really should get back in-"

"I'm fine!" Beyond snarled in warning and grabbed the stand away from Quillish. The older gentleman took a step back with his hands in front of him to show he meant no harm. B grimaced as he pushed himself upright again and continued onward. He glared back at Quillish when he got to the living room and realized the man was still following him.

"I'm just here to make sure you're okay, alright?" Quillish assured him. "Is there anything I can get for you?"

"Yeah," Beyond muttered sourly as he headed away from the main penthouse living quarters where Light and L were. "A jar of jam and some distance from the lovebirds. I'm not ready to be quite that mature about things right now. Not while I'm feeling like shit."

"Of course," Quillish patiently replied as Beyond stopped to lean on the table in the foyer. "But first, may I please help you the rest of the way? I assume you're going to one of the office wing's bedrooms?"

Beyond eyed him wearily, forehead beading with sweat from exertion beneath his messy raven hair. Apparently getting shot was still taking a lot out of him, no matter how fast he was healing. He nodded and allowed the Beta to steady him the rest of the way.

Damn it. I was fine just a little while ago. Beyond's legs felt weak beneath him. The short walk seemed like it was a mile long and it was as if he was fighting for every step forward.

Thank God. Beyond sighed heavily as they finally reached the bedroom. He couldn't sense Light like he had before, but instead of being relieved, he felt detached and unsettled. He considered trying to reach out to his mate but managed to stop himself.

I ' m trying to give him some space. I need to be strong about this. I can do this. Beyond grit his teeth as the pain continued to increase. The sharpness of it sent a chill racing through his body. Quillish quickly helped Beyond lay down and pulled the covers over the Alpha. His expression was full of worry as he added another blanket on top of Beyond's shivering form.

"W-who would've thought you'd e-ever be tucking m-me into bed, Quil?" Beyond tried to smile, even as his teeth chattered. Why am I so fucking cold?

"I'm going to get some medicine for you and…I'm going to get Light as well."

"N-no, don't bother h-him-"

"Beyond, you are still recovering from a gunshot wound and something seems very wrong," Quillish responded sternly. "Please trust my judgment in this. I'll be right back"

"O-okay…" Beyond managed to get out before Quillish hurried from the room. He pulled the blankets tighter as his body continued to shake. His heart beat against his ribs in a rapid rhythm. It felt like it was going to leap right out of his chest in search of his mate…whether Beyond allowed it or not.

"Light…"

I'm sorry, but I need you…