Disclaimer: As always I own nothing but the original characters and the situations they all find themselves in. Thanks so much for reading, for reviewing if you did, and know that I anxiously await and read every one you send. Have a great weekend.

More Important Than

Talia was in denial of what they'd done, which was to be expected. Bane understood why and so he listened without comment while she paced and threw out one wild theory after another as she tried to escape the unescapable truth. She had had an omega beaten. Had set him up to be raped and tortured. That she hadn't known he was an omega at the time didn't excuse her behavior any more than it did his own. They had dishonored her mother with their actions. Betrayed her teachings and expectations. And what they'd done she might never forgive them for. They could only atone now and hope that their future actions were enough to appease her should they meet again in the next life.

"Are you listening to me?"

"Of course. But you must accept the undeniable." Bane held her gaze. "He is an omega."

"I know that." She growled. " Do you think I can't smell it on you? Him."

Since he could smell his Robin on him through his mask yes, Bane couldn't see how she could miss the fact that his lover was an omega. Though the way she spoke and looked as she said it, like his omega's scent offended her...offended him. Robin was his mate and his scent was as sensual and alluring as the rest of him. But this display of anger was just another way for her to deny and focus on something other than their crimes. He knew that.

"And of course he's an omega." She continued, whirling around to give him her back as she continued to pace. "He never showed any interest in men before. But an omega, even a male one...no wonder Wayne took him to bed."

"They were not lovers."

"So he told you. And you believe because he's an omega."

"He was living as a Beta in Gotham. Has lived all his life as one." Bane reminded her. Again. "And it is not he we have quarrel with. Wayne is our enemy."

"Which means that your Pet is worthless. That he means nothing to Wayne outside of 'friendship'. Wayne will not come for him and will not care what happens to him. Is that what you think, My Friend?"

He did not like the look in her eyes one bit. "He is not worthless. He is MINE."

"So possessive. And adamant. Unusual for you. But then he seems to be quite skilled at seducing powerful alphas into giving him value he doesn't deserve." Talia stared up into his eyes, moving close to drive her point home. "Tell me something...just how much value does he have to you? I've heard very little about him from our men, and what I've heard suggests he stopped being treated as a Pet long before you knew what he was. Has all your intelligence, like your allegiance to me, been shed so quickly?"

"Have I ever given you cause to doubt my loyalty?"

"No. Until now. You said you intend to take him as your mate. To 'restore' his honor and make amends for your treatment of him thus far. Will I still be first in your affections when that's so? Would you kill him to save me, My Bane?"

"I would never allow him to cause you harm." It was the truth. What he would do if Robin were to try and bring about Talia's end...pained him to think about. He would have no choice but to-but-death by his hands would be quicker than any her father would assign the task.

But Robin would never be so foolish and he would make sure that his omega understood. Obeyed.

At least in this.

"Lucky for you that scrawny little cop would stand no chance against me. Somehow I think you'd be slow to do what once came so naturally to you. Where is he, by the way? I really should congratulate him on his rise in position."

"Talia."

"What?"

Studying her, knowing her, Bane knew her too well to try and steer her in another direction. If she didn't realize it now she would later, her cold rage only becoming that much more ravenous and destructive. Better to let her have her way while he was at least there to mediate.

"Follow me."

)

They spoke not a word as they traveled back to his rooms. It was not a comfortable silence. It wounded Bane deeply, to feel so detached from her. To feel unwelcome in her presence. It reminded him all too well of the times when he'd been torn from her side by her father, sent away to do his bidding elsewhere in the world. But this time it was she who was-but no. No this was not about him. This was about what he was becoming to think was an obsession with Wayne. She was so focused on the Betrayer that she wasn't seeing anything clearly. Otherwise she would never doubt him. Would never question his loyalty to him.

How to make her see clearly though.

Killing Wayne was the obvious answer. While several members of the League of Shadows had been given that task and failed over the years Bane had never had opportunity or the pleasure. Perhaps that was the answer. Have Wayne found and then go to him. End him. End Talia's interest in him once and for all.

Robin's wrath would be considerable, yes. But he'd be alive and of little interest to Talia then.

He'd put Barsad on the task of finding the bat, wherever he currently laired.

"I understand that Hitachi grows weaker and closer to death by the minute."

Relieved, Bane inclined his head. "That is what I've been told, yes."

"And what will you do with the boy once his father is dead?"

"Kei? I will keep him." Killing Wayne would bring about his mate's wrath. Taking the boy Robin considered family from him...

"Why? What use is he to you?"

"His father has never asked anything of the League save for the boy's life to be spared. His last wishes are easy enough to honor. I can afford to tolerate the boy."

"And the fact that your Pet-your mate is so fond of him... Are you so sure you shouldn't worry about that?"

If not for her mood Bane possibly would have laughed at the idea.

"He's a boy. And my mate sees him as such."

"Are you sure of that? Many men in the League have pursued Kei since he was first brought into our midst. He lacks intelligence, that's true, but that matters little to those who are only interested in his body and face. And his would be considered perfection by many. And while you're unquestionably the stronger and more intelligent...your looks are far more likely to scare away men than attract them, My Friend. In your shoes I would not be so foolish as to leave two of them alone the way you apparently do. You do remember that the bitch is only with you because my father gave him to you. He had no say in the matter. I would imagine Kei is more than willing to comfort him when he bemoans his fate."

Her words were meant to wound, which they did. How could they not?

Bane had never been vain. He had never had the opportunity to see his own face before leaving the Pit. And by then his face as well as his body had been scarred and misshapen by his time there. He had never cared what he looked like, and even relishing the way his face and mask inspired fear in others. But he had never had a mate before, and would not if Robin would not accept him. And for all that Robin had praised his body and indicate his desire...how much was genuine and how much was survival was something only Robin knew. And was not likely to tell him.

But regardless, Bane knew that he had nothing to worry about when it came to Kei. The boy was like a little brother to Robin, and Kei showed no sexual interest in anyone, least of all the man who babied and coddled him like the child he so often acted like. Robin didn't see him as a man, that was for certain.

Other men though...he'd kill any that tried to take his treasure from him.

"You must remember how weak and shallow his kind is. How the world in which the pig cop lives corrupted him every day of his life. Physical beauty and meaningless wealth valued more than honor and strength. It's no wonder he would be drawn to an alpha like Bruce. In their world he would be the shiniest of prizes. Even my father once thought Wayne was worthy of me."

Bane's words came out like gravel. "He was wrong."

"Just as he was to give the cop to you. Do you know he actually feels-"

What she would have said remained unsaid as both their attentions had turned to the sound of running feet in their direction. And they were both tense and prepared to defend or attack when the source of the noise came into view several meters ahead of them. And at the sight of them Bane forgot all about battle and Talia as he sprang forward while demanding an explanation.

"He was fine and then he doubled over in pain." Barsad called out in reply. "Serious stomach cramps."

Eyes on his omega, who was being carried in Kei's arms, Bane knew the pain had to be extreme for the other man to be so quiet and still. It was in Robin's nature to bitch and be as sarcastic and verbal as possible when scared or just hurting. The fact that the omega wasn't loudly blaming Bane for whatever was wrong, as was his inclination, spoke volumes.

And as soon as he was in reach Bane demanded that Kei hand him over, the boy showing some intelligence in doing so immediately.

"I'll run ahead and alert the doctor." Kei stated before taking off at a run. Without waiting for agreement or permission.

But Bane couldn't care less as Robin's arms wrapped around his neck and his omega snuggled against his chest for comfort. His little one's breathing was ragged with the pain, the scent of blood reaching Bane's nose. Robin was biting into his lip to still the cries of pain.

"Stop biting your lip." Bane ordered as they all headed in the direction Kei had gone moments before.

"Make me." Robin ground out.

Knowing better than to go there Bane asked Robin if he was bleeding anywhere else.

"No." A hiss. "Fuck. If this is anything like PMS cramps I owe a lot of women apologies."

The snort Talia made seemed to take her as much by surprise as the rest of them.

"Kei's gone to get drugs, right?"

"And you a cop." Talia taunted.

"You can-Fuck." Turning his head Robin decided that rather than bite his lip or tongue he should just bite Bane's shoulder. Hard. While making a muffled noise that Bane imagined would be words the omega wasn't allowed to utter if not for Bane's flesh getting in the way.

Bane accepted the bite without comment, preferring that to having to punish Robin for disrespecting Talia.

Talia of course noticed. "You let him mark you?"

"He cannot hurt me."

The sound that elicited suggested Bane was equally in trouble with Robin as well. The omega's teeth were also now working his flesh punishingly, promising to bruise spectacularly despite the toughness of his skin. But it marked him as Robin's too. That he welcomed even if the omega didn't see it that way.

"If he bites you every time you displease him or he has to hold back a comment he will become a cannibal in no time." Barsad muttered under his breath, though Bane heard him clearly.

Turning Bane loose for the moment Robin spoke to them in a disturbing tone of voice. "Everything in this room is eatable, even I'm eatable! But that is called "cannibalism," my dear children, and is in fact frowned upon in most societies."

"Do we want to know?" Barsad asked, saving Bane from the task.

"No. Fuck. Take me to Kei. He gets my pop culture-FUCK-references." The words ended on a groan as Robin shuddered in Bane's arms, the other man again biting down into his already bruised and bloodied lip.

Thankfully they reached their destination before he bit through it, the doctor coming over immediately with a needle in his hand.

"It will ease the pain."

"Gimme."

Trusting that the doctor knew that his life would be forfeit if Robin's was lost through his negligence, Bane gave the nod to administer the drug.

The drug worked quickly, thankfully. Robin was unconscious in seconds.

"What is wrong with him?"

"My educated guess is that his body is making its displeasure known to him. You cannot suppress one's nature, for it always finds a way to resurface."

Kei, who'd come over to stand close by, piped up. "The actual quote is life will find a way."

The doctor gave him a puzzled look.

"Nevermind. John will get it later."

"As I was saying...your Pet's body is not only undergoing extreme hormone fluctuations, but is under significant stress both physically and emotionally. Add in the drastic changes to his diet, environment, and the strain of his present circumstances...all could cause serious and painful stomach cramps. I will of course examine him now to be on the safe side, but cramping was listed as a side effect of going off Umbra."

"I could not find much information about its use."

The doctor didn't seem surprised to hear it. "From what I've seen little research has been done on the effects of long-term Umbra use. I have made inquiries too, but so far the information they've given me I already know. To better understand what is happening with your omega's body I would advise you to see him examined by someone more familiar with omega physiology. And with equipment designed for that purpose."

"You mean to find out if it can breed." Talia stated flatly.

"He is not an 'it'." Bane said it softly. But firmly.

And when her eyes met his he held it.

"Special equipment will be needed to confirm that, yes." Eyes wary the doctor cleared his throat and asked Bane to lay his Pet out on the examining table. While he did that the doctor explained that without numerous tests and scans being done it would be impossible to say what the Pet's reproductive abilities were at this point. Especially since the omega had used both the cheapest and most expensive versions of Umbra on the market.

"The most expensive?"

"Yes, My Lady. According to the boy the Pet informed him that for the last few years his drugs were provided by Bruce Wayne. Naturally the man could afford the best, and the more expensive versions are much less harmful to the omega's overall health."

Bane turned his attention to Kei, who just blinked back at him. Completely unfazed by the heat in Bane's stare as usual. If he didn't know how simple Kei was about some things he'd take that returned look as a challenge.

As it was Bane just mentally cursed the fact that he was stuck with the boy.

"They really weren't lovers." Kei volunteered, apparently interpreting Bane's look to mean he was supposed to say something. "I mean occasionally the tabloids speculated he went both ways but John says he's just into girls. And apparently ever since he lost some girl named Rachel he's been a real sad panda when it comes to dating and sex. Plus he's not John's type. He'd drive John even crazier than Bane does."

"And why is that?" Bane asked, his eyes never leaving the doctor as the beta checked Robin's pulse and temperature.

"I don't know. That's what he said."

"His pulse is good. His temperature is high, but not dangerously so."

"Rachel? The lawyer?"

Kei didn't look in Talia's direction as he stated that John had said that Wayne had considered Rachel his mate.

"Did he. How unfortunate for him."

"She's already dead." Kei informed her. "So you can't kill her."

Ignoring Kei Talia stated that since she could offer no 'assistance' she'd leave and give the doctor room to work. Would Bane accompany her to her rooms so that they could go over the plans he was to discuss with Singh when he met with him.

"I can look after him." Barsad spoke quietly from his side.

No.

No. Bane couldn't do it. He couldn't leave his omega lying here, defenseless. Yes Barsad would guard him with his life. Bane didn't question that for a moment. But Robin now smelled like the omega he was and his scent still carried the seductive remnants of his heat. And while Barsad could easily take down any alpha save him in the compound...should they come en masse...

"You can brief Barsad now, or I will speak to you later when my omega is awake and well."

"I see. Later then."

A moment's glance, then off she went without a backward glance.

"She will not allow anyone to surpass her in your affection. She will kill him if you cannot convince her that her place is secure."

"She will not kill him."

"Yes." Was Barsad's firm reply. "She will."