Chapter 35: MEETINGS

Sherrinford folded the exam papers. This was the glamorous part of his job. Grading. Boring. Last night had been exciting indeed, catching the thief and discovering more than stolen art was being sold at the gallery.

Although David and Brandon, his Sponsor, did give him an earful. Something about dangerous situations and letting the police handle these things, blah boring, blah. Ford's father didn't try to hide his amusement and pride. Of course Ford wasn't going to admit to anyone having his Father's approval meant a lot to him.

His phone buzzed he smiled seeing the name Davy pop up. Sherrinford loved Davy. Really loved him. He loathed being apart from his soon to be spouse. Ford's cheeks always warmed. David wasn't so shy about allowing him to cuddle at night. They never went farther than heavy petting and shy touching but it was enough for the teenager to just hold David.

David was still very shy about intimacy and though he didn't know the details, he hoped that maybe...someday the younger boy would trust him enough to tell him the things that haunted him. Sherrinford knew that his Uncle Mycroft, cousin Alex and maybe everyone else thought he was too young to consider bonding. They might not understand the love he had for Davy, sweet, loyal, brave, loving Davy. When Ford's thoughts started to become overwhelming, David was his anchor, a light in the dark.

He was going to give David a ring. Ford knew at this point it was just formality. The couple wasn't shy with saying 'I love you.'

Ford knew it would kill him physically and mentally when David changed his mind. Sure they were both young but Ford loved David. He couldn't see his life without the younger man. He would give him this ring and wait until David was ready to marry him. That was fair. And the baby, their baby would have the Watson-Holmes name.

The pending arrival was becoming more and more real with the passing months. Ford spent his restless nights with a hand on his Davy's stomach. His nameless son would respond with several kicks. Sometimes Ford would lay his head down and whisper to the child, simple equations or just reciting the table of elements. (one could never start to early)

Very soon Sherrinford Holmes was going to be a father. Could he do this? He had money and a name (whether he liked it or not). He had family, social and political connections (whether he liked it or not). And now that Sherlock-now that his own Alpha was back, he had more family to lean on. He definitely would never admit to feeling anchored by his father's presence. Maybe he could learn to trust the man again. Maybe he was starting to.

Family was important. His Omega dad had taught him that. This child he would raise would know that and he would feel safe, secure and loved.

Sherrinford never doubted himself in this aspect. He could love this child because it was Davy's. And Ford would love him. He would be sure that no one treated the baby like an outsider.

The Holmes name was known to be descended from the Alpha elite and Ford often wondered if Uncle Mycroft hated the idea that their "noble" bloodline was about to be muddied. Maybe not. Ford tried to remind himself that Alexander was, in fact, adopted as was Lawrence and Moira.

"Excuse me, Mr. Holmes?" A heavily accented voice interrupted his warm thoughts.

Sherrinford looked up. "Are you Sherrinford Holmes?" Ford rolled his eyes. He went by Watson at the University. This Alpha was older, perhaps early forties. He wore a fitted black suit with a pink shirt, the collar open.

Sharp grey eyes narrowed on Ford, causing the younger Alpha to bristle. He didn't know this man with the olive skin and a grin that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Yes. Can I help you?" Ford straightened his shoulders using his height as an advantage.

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were so young. You must forgive my staring. I thought you would be older." The other man offered his hand. After Ford ignored the gesture the stranger smiled again slipping his hands into his suit pockets.

Sherrinford glanced down again at his mobile showing Davy's face as another message was received.

"Oh, I'm keeping you from leaving. My name is-"

"I'm sorry sir but I'm really busy and must be on my way." Ford cut the older Alpha off.

The man frowned, he ignored Sherrinford's insult and instead acted as if he were waiting for some kind of recognition. "I am a fan of your work." The Italian or Greek Alpha, continued rocking on his heels looking around. "I didn't realize you were also a teacher. How nice. A teacher and a detective."

"Listen, whatever it is you need, my office hours are over. I have to return home-"

"Of course. To your family? Your mate?" The posh man looked down at Sherrinford's phone. "I can see the reason you rush. If I had such a delicate mate waiting for me at home, I would hardly ever find a reason to leave the bedroom."

This caused the younger Alpha to growl. The older man took a step back with feigned submission. "Excuse me for overstepping my bounds. I meant no disrespect of course."

Ford didn't have time for a client, even one who looked posh and willing to overpay. He didn't bother to hide his disgust for the other man. No one spoke about David that way. Another message brought him away from his anger. He needed to go. He had an AA meeting and by another text he was being summed to his Uncle Mycroft's house. Ford rolled his eyes. Yeah, he wouldn't do that. However, the next test showed he had a car waiting for him. So he was going whether he wanted to or not. Dammit, this asshole was making him late.

"I wont keep you. Perhaps we can chat soon." Said asshole gave a tight smile. "It's about a missing person. My own dear Omega has run away and I need to find him." He slipped a card into Sherrinford's top pocket, taking note of how the younger man didn't flinch from him. He only continued to hold his own eyes full of challenge. "You should return to your family, Mr. Holmes. Call me when you're ready to talk. Ciao." He received a pat on the shoulder. "We shall talk very soon."

"Oi! Boy genius!" Constable Hart whistled entering the room stepping around the exiting stranger. "Whats the hold up?"

"I am not a dog. Don't whistle at me. And I was on my way out but it turns out I've been called to my Uncle's palace. "

"Oh great. What you do? He gonna chew you out for that shit you pulled last night? And you dragged my brother into it. And who was the posh bloke?" Brandon was wearing his street clothes. Today was his day off and he appeared a lot younger in his jeans and a black t-shirt.

"No. He probably found out I was going to give David a ring. He'll most likely try and talk me out of it."

"Well, let's go together and after we'll head over to the Serenity Hall meeting. Yeah?"

"Fine. Fine." Ford read David's text. "Looks like my Uncle has kidnapped my Davy. We better get going. The bastard's probably trying to divide and conquer."

"I'm sure he thinks he means well. Be glad you have family who cares. I'm not saying he's right but try and see it from his perspective."

"Yeah? He's a pushy control freak. And you have a good family. Your dad keeps out of your business I'm sure. And-"

Brandon's face pinched briefly and Ford thought he had said something wrong.

"There is a lot we don't see eye to eye on but I've decided long ago I can't make him happy and I have my own life to live. Now, come on. Let's get whatever it is over with. "

~0~

Sherlock resisted the urge to throw something or smash every piece of antique furniture in his brother's room.

"I intercepted the package before it reached the boy. David has no idea-"

"That's not the point is it, Mycroft?" Sherlock hissed. "That was too close! You promised us. Swore that you had the best men on this!"

"Sherlock, please calm yourself. This isn't helping. Mycroft has had only had two days since we found out who was after David." John made sure to close the door to Mycroft's study not wishing another repeat of yesterday.

"USELESS! My fat brother is so useless!"

"Now, Sherlock this isn't Mycroft's fault. He's been putting extra hours in to find this bastard." Lestrade tried to defend his tense mate, only adding to Sherlock's anger.

John massaged his temples, the alpha pheromones were making him dizzy. He hadn't found the right time to tell his mate about their unexpected pup and John had honestly no energy.

This package that had the attention of Mycroft and Sherlock was a DVD that had been delivered by some unknown delivery man. The security team had missed it completely. It was Agent Mallory who had pulled it before it reached the pregnant Omega.

Mycroft was sure he would increase the boy's wages for this. Indeed it had been fortunate that Agent Joshua Mallory was with Alexander at 221B.

Mycroft swore under his breath. This was a nightmare. If that package had been a bomb or some kind of poison. More could have been lost. Lawrence, Alex, and David. The older children had gathered at 221B for a surprise. Mycroft knew of Alexander's plans to help decorate the nursery for Sherrinford and his young mate. The elder Holmes had contributed the funds, and he had new furniture delivered for the soon to be modernized flat.

Such a wonderful day nearly ruined by the filth he had stilled on his laptop. Sherlock didn't have the stomach to continue watching and truth be told neither had Mycroft. It was a recording of David with Metaxas. The vile man had sent a recording of one of his encounters with the now pregnant Omega.

The note inside simply said My love, here is a reminder of our times together. We'll be together soon. I have readied our home for you and our pup. -AM.

"This isn't good." John ran a hand through his hair. "David can't know this. He is in a very fragile state. This stress could affect him and the baby."

"This is why we must neutralize the threat and do it now. Mycroft-"

"Sherlock, he's in England." Mycroft waited for the explosion but none came. His brother didn't speak. He didn't throw anything. He just stood frozen in place glaring at his brother.

John felt nauseous. He gulped down the bile that threatened to rise. He needed fresh air and he needed to focus. His family was in danger. The urge to beg Mycroft to ship the whole family somewhere remote and out of reach was so strong, he had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from allowing those words to spill out.

He wanted to find this man, this monster that threatened the fragile repairs made to the family bond. Doctor John H. Watson-Holmes wished to find this man and put a bullet through his head.

"Who else has seen this?" John's voice shook recalling another dvd that had damaged his life.

"John?" Lestrade frowned, "You alright mate?" The DI could see the color draining from the Doctor's face.

Sherlock turned to his mate, the Alpha knew his Omega had been feeling ill of late. "Of course he's alright Lestrade." Sherlock snapped over his shoulder, then whispered low to John. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, it's nothing I can't handle." John took a deep breath.

"John, perhaps we should continue this discussion later-after dinner." Mycroft was rising, bringing a bottle of water to the blond Omega.

"I don't think I have the stomach for dinner after that little porn we just watched." John clasped his eyes shut the room was threatening to spin. Dammit! If he couldn't control his anxious scent...and damn the Alphas in the room for going into hyper protective mode. John would have laughed over the way Mycroft, Greg and Sherlock were all trying to offer comfort. However, John kept his jaw clenched fearing he would lose what little he had eaten for lunch.

"Perhaps we should call a doctor-" Mycroft was cut off when his brother snatched the water from him, only to take the lid off and offer the cool contents to the insipid Omega.

"I am a doctor." John replied cringing. He was going to be sick if he didn't get out of the room. All of the Alpha pheromones fighting for dominance was causing his stomach to clench and head to spin. Poor bastards had no idea it was the scent of a pregnant Omega causing their instincts to go into overdrive. "And, like I said, it's nothing I havent dealt with before. I just need some air." John tried to stand only to feel his legs threaten to give and his vision pushed the water away. "Dammit." John was grateful for his Alpha's strong hands pushing him back into the chair.

"John, I think I agree with my brother on this one. You don't look well and, if I'm not mistaken, you nearly fainted just then."

"I'm fine. I don't need a doctor. I'm not sick. I'm just a little pregnant. And the scent for dominance is doing a number on my stomach and my head. So when I said I need a little bit of air I mean it."

Sherlock nearly fell over, Mycroft and Lestrade took a step back. John was very much aware of the room filling with silence as well as his Alpha's welcomed scent. Oh, the preening bastard. He was going to be unbearable.

"How long have you known? Why didn't you say anything?" Sherlock was on his knees, hands cupping John's face. The Omega heard the hurt in his mate's voice, felt the fear in their bond. Sherlock was afraid he didn't want this. That he was rejecting the baby and his Alpha. Insecure bastard.

"I haven't found the right time. And I just found out myself. Can we please discuss this privately later? Right now there are more pressing issues. Where is Ford right now? I know we all agreed it was best to have a plan before we let him in on this fact that his Omega's rapist is planning an attack."

"Ford will be here shortly. Mallory and Alex decided to escort David here. I believe David has sent a text to Sherrinford to inform him that Alex and Mallory will bring him here. Constable Thomas Hart is escorting our dear Lawrence home. I do have them under careful observation. All very discreet of course-"

"Father, do you want to tell me why the hell I'm being followed around?" Alex burst through the study doors, Mallory on his heels. The Agent winced seeing Mycroft's cool glare.

"Oh, don't glare at him. I've noticed the extra entourage since last week. "

"Security precaution-" Mycroft tried to defuse his son who quickly pushed the generic excuse aside.

"Alex, son. Calm down. " Lestrade stepped forward.

"Forget it." The Omega sighed. "I don't want to know. When you're ready you know where to find me. " Alex sighed turning on his heel and leaving.

"Discreet, my ass." John sighed. Even Sherlock couldnt hold back snigger.