Chapter 30
"So, you're telling me that the reason we can't blackmail is due to the fact that Doflamingo has blackmail on the Celestial Dragons?" Sabo groaned. "That's why everything we keep trying to post up online keeps disappearing instantly? Because the Celestial Dragons probably have CP-0 deleting everything or covering it up?"
"Yes to all those things," Law said, frowning deeply. "I never would have thought that my father had such connections, or such a history."
Law, Kidd, Sabo and Koala were in a meeting room, hidden away from all the frantic rush outside in the revolutionary base. Law and Kidd had been blindfolded when they had been brought here, much to Kidd's irritation, but Law had managed to keep him harmless to the Revolutionaries.
Barely.
"Yeah, blackmailing Celestial Dragons is one thing, but being one originally?" Koala growled lowly. "That's even worse. It makes me twitchy that we're even helping one right now... But I suppose Rosinante is a good man so far..."
Sabo walked over, rubbing his mate's back. Law leaned heavier in his seat, while Kidd poured him a glass of water. Law frowned at it, but sighed and drank it. He knew that his coffee allowance was cut off. That his mate would tackle him if he saw him trying to reach for another cup.
Law didn't see why it mattered. His heat was due in a day or two,. His lazier self would sleep. Although at this rate, he was going to end up like Sanji. Too stressed out to even have a heat. Sanji told him he was going to visit a doctor soon, that he had booked an appointment already, providing things remained calm.
"Law, we shouldn't stay here for too much longer," Kidd grunted. "I know you want to stay by your Uncle, but your heat is really starting to build up."
"He's right," Sabo said, apologetically. "We don't even have any spare suppressants you could take. We can keep Rosinante safe here for now, and once he feels capable, he can go wherever he likes."
"Hopefully to somewhere safer," Law sighed. "But you're right. I'm actually amazed you managed to sneak in suppressants though."
"It isn't easy," Sabo admitted. "Which is why we have no spares to give you."
"Alright, I'll say goodbye to my Uncle and head off," Law said, climbing out his seat. Kidd instantly at his side. "Eustass-ya, you don't need to be clingy."
Kidd huffed. "My Alpha is feeling protective since you're close to your heat. Don't worry about it."
"You tried to follow me into the bathroom this morning." Law reminded, even as he headed out the meeting room.
"It's a public bathroom." Kidd winced. "I was worried your heat would go off?"
Law shook his head, sighing. "You're just as bad as Zoro-ya."
"He's sticking to Sanji like glue." Kidd snorted. "I'm not that bad."
"Sure you're not, Eustass-ya."
"Why did that sound so sarcastic?"
.::.
Ace stirred. He was buried in warm, thick blankets, cuddle against Marco, and because of that, it took him some time to wake up. His heat had finished not too long ago, and now he was letting his senses ease back to normality so he didn't get overwhelmed by his family.
Ace blinked up at Marco, who was watching him with a big, goofy smile, and bright, warm eyes. Ace whined and buried his head back down against Marco's chest, groaning in protest. Marco chuckled, pressing a kiss to his hair.
"What's wrong yoi?"
"You're watching me sleep," Ace complained. "It's weird..."
"How is that weird?" Marco laughed.
"It just is!" Ace huffed.
"I can't help it yoi," Marco cooed, stroking his hair back, laying more kisses on his face.
Against his forehead, his nose, his cheeks, and then his lips. Ace softened against Marco instantly, and let his mate claim a few more kisses against his lip. It was so relaxing, having Marco against him like this, being tender and gentle.
"I'm still marvelling over the fact that I get to wake up to you in my arms every morning yoi." Marco smiled.
Ace flushed, and groaned, burying his head back in against Marco.
"You're being so corny!"
Marco grinned. "Only for you."
"That makes it worse." Ace laughed.
"Well then," Marco purred, and instantly Ace was on his back. "I guess I'll have to convince you otherwise yoi."
"Oh?" Ace grinned, wrapping his arms around Marco's neck. "And how are you going to do that?"
"Kiss you senseless," Marco said, pressing their lips together once more.
Ace allowed the kisses for a bit longer, before pulling away, wrinkling his nose. "We both have morning breath."
"True yoi," Marco sighed. "Shower sex instead then?"
Ace snorted. "You're a monster."
"I'm just satisfying my Omega's desires yoi," Marco purred.
"Uh huh." Ace smirked.
"You like it when I pin you up against the wall."
Ace groaned. "It's horrible when you say it like that."
"You were begging for it a couple of days ago yoi."
"I've unleashed a monster." Ace laughed, rolling his eyes. "How about we just cuddle for a bit longer? Then you can try persuade me in the shower?"
"Deal."
.::.
Thatch loved Marco, truly he did. Marco was patient, always willing to help and would ensure that he got his own payback if Thatch got into mischief. He would also defend his family to the death, just like the rest of them would. But dammit did Thatch want to strangle his brother right now.
Marco was a protective guy by nature, and now since he was newly mated, his Alpha was insane. Everybody agreed, even Ace himself. All except Marco, because the idiot was in denial, and didn't want to look like a psycho.
He hardly allowed anyone near Ace. It didn't matter their age, or gender, primary or secondary. People just weren't allowed to be touchy feely with Ace, and if they did, they would risk Marco's ire.
Like the morning after Ace's heat had ended:
"Ace!" Thatch cheered. "My sweet, baby brother. It's good to see you!"
"Hello, Thatch." Ace smiled.
Before Thatch could even throw himself at Ace to embrace him, a certain blonde got in the way, glaring sharply at him. Thatch tried to squeeze by Marco, only to get kicked in the shins.
"Ouch!" Thatch scowled. "Rude. I only want to see Ace."
Or when Thatch had tried to sit next to Ace on the couch.
"You look comfy! It's the best couch in the house, right?" Thatch said.
Just as he had been about to sit down next to Ace he was shoved on to another couch face first. When he looked up, it was too Marco taking Thatch's rightful place by Ace's side, and Ace snuggled into him, happy as Larry. Marco didn't pay Thatch any attention, he snuggled into Ace, and god dammit they looked comfy.
It wasn't fair. He wanted to hug Ace too.
But noooo, the only ones allowed to embrace Ace were Marco himself and Pops. Marco was greedy. Ace should be free to hug who he wished. Although Ace did seem to encourage Marco's hugs. The little firecracker usually ended up laughing at those who failed to get a hold of Ace.
He was so adorable when he laughed, but it was mean. How could anyone find this cruelty amusing? All Thatch wanted to do was hold his baby brother and comfort the Omega.
Was that too much to ask?
.::.
"Guarararara, you've been upsetting your siblings, Marco." Whitebeard grinned.
It wasn't just Marco's fault that he was so clingy. Ace was encouraging it. The Omega's scent changed, turning more soothed and relaxed when Marco sat close by, and that in turn soothed Marco's Alpha.
The pair were egging each other on.
Right now they were lounging on the couch, Ace lying against Marco's side, who had once again chased off his siblings.
Marco rolled his eyes. "They should realise that my Alpha is protective at the moment. It will take time for me to get over it-"
Ace snorted.
Marco eyed him, nudging him gently. "What are you snorting about yoi?"
Ace grinned up at Marco. "You're always protective, Alpha or not, so you can't just blame him."
Marco kissed his nose, earning a twitch. Ace blew some air into his face, so Marco brushed his hand over Ace's side, earning a strangled bout of laughter.
"Blowing air in my face yoi?" Marco teased, blowing hundreds of messy kisses into Ace's neck, earning a shriek.
Marco's hands kept tickling Ace, and Whitebeard couldn't help but smile at the scent of joy coming from his sons.
Seeing Ace smiling and playing was a perfect sight after all the years of Teach holding him hostage. The fact he only had gotten to see his youngest once a month was killing him. But finally Ace was home and safe.
Safe and happy.
Ace slapped Marco's hands away and retreated to his side instead. Whitebeard grinned and allowed Ace to get comfy at his side.
"Guarararara, you've made him retreat to my side, Marco. Now I get to keep him!"
Ace stuck his tongue out at Marco. "Yeah, no more hugs for you."
Marco dramatically threw himself over the couch. "Oh no! I can't stand it. Come back and save me!"
"You're so dramatic," Ace laughed. "Being mated has made you go crazy, huh?"
"Of course, I'm crazy in love!" Marco sang.
Ace groaned, burying his head into his side. Whitebeard laughed, ruffled his youngest child's hair, then handed him back over to Marco. Ace protested, but Marco instantly had his arms around Ace, kissing him senseless.
Life was perfect. His mother-hen of a son was distracted with Ace, and Ace was finally happy and home.
Now Whitebeard could feel at peace. Marco would nag him less, and Ace could enjoy his freedom once more. After everything Teach had put Ace through, he was finally home.
.::.
Two weeks flew by. Ace enjoyed his time with his family, but started to grow worried when he heard nothing from his brothers. He knew they were busy in East Blue, but they had been at least texting him constantly. Now for the past week, things had grown quiet.
That was when they heard the news from Buggy.
The Revolutionary base had been found by the Blackbeard gang and destroyed.
Ace immediately tried to call Sabo, pacing the study's floor. Pops pulled him on to the couch after about five laps, while the phone continued ringing. The call got hung up on, and Ace frowned, confused. He didn't understand why Sabo would hang up on him, unless he needed to keep quiet?
That made him worry even more. Sabo could be getting hunted right now, and Ace didn't know where he was, or how he could help him. He could be imprisoned and had hidden his phone, and Ace might have just ruined whatever plans Sabo had-
"Ace," Pops hushed, petting his head. "Stop. You're getting yourself worked up. We don't know what the situation is yet."
"I know, but what if something happened and he's hurt-" Ace protested.
"Your brother is the second in command of the Revolutionary Army," Pops soothed. "He'll be alright. If Dragon or Sabo were defeated, Teach would have advertised it ages ago."
That was a good point. Teach wouldn't have held back. He would have paraded his victory. That was when Ace's phone buzzed, and he looked down.
Sabo says:
I take it you heard about what happened then? Sorry, Ace. I didn't bother telling you because I didn't want you to worry. I'll be fine. So there's no need to worry about me.
Ace scowled. Pops chuckled, nudging him.
"See? All good."
"Not good!" Ace huffed. "Asshole didn't tell me there was a problem."
"Guararara, angry now are you?"
Ace rolled his eyes, slumping against his father. "Sabo deserves a smack."
Ace says:
You jerk! You should have contacted me. I would have tried to help you. I'm glad you're alright though. Teach is ruthless when it comes to trying to achieve his goals. When I heard your base was found I freaked.
Sabo says:
Sorry! Sorry! It's just been so chaotic, moving all the Omegas we rescued while under attack was a nightmare. I swear I'll make it up to you. How about we meet up? I'll treat us to some dinner.
Ace perked up, and Pops grinned.
"Sounds like a good idea," Pops said, ruffling his hair.
Ace smiled.
Ace says:
Sounds good. Want me to ask Lu if he wants to come along?
Sabo says:
Oh jeez, you're making me pay for him too? Cruel. But nah, I'll contact him. I should probably reassure him that I'm fine. You know how he gets, he doesn't hear anything until the last second.
Ace says:
Yeah, that's true. Alright then, where are you? Let's meet up!
Sabo says:
I'm a bit stuck in East Blue right now unfortunately. Will you be okay coming here?
Pops frowned. "I don't like the idea of you going back there, but I suppose if one of your brothers gives you a lift, and picks you up afterwards, we should be all good."
Ace grimaced. "Yeah. We'll just have to be careful. I guess I'll need to go get my damn collar back."
"Thatch has already set it on fire," Pops chuckled. "We'll see if Izo can make you something nice and comfortable. Or even if one of the girls can make you some kind of cream to suppress your scent."
"That would be nice," Ace grinned.
Ace says:
Alright, but you owe me. I didn't want to go back there anytime soon after all.
Sabo says:
I'll buy you plenty of food to make up for this. I promise. So, how about tomorrow night? At seven? We'll be with the crowd, sure, but it'll help us blend in.
Ace says:
Sure. Where should we meet up?
Sabo says:
How about at the Meshi restaurant?
Ace says:
Cool. I'll see you then!
Sabo says:
See you then!
.::.
"Sam?" Ace called out, knocking on the door to the medical bay.
Marco controlled the medical division, but as the second in command of the Whitebeard gang, he tended to hand over many of the medical duties over to Sam. Sam was a red haired woman with a strong, fierce spirit. She had learned how to command under Marco's guidance, and ruled the medical division with a kind smile, and an iron fist.
"Ace," Sam smiled. "Thanks for dropping by. Marco's already filled out the medical file on how your heat and his rut went, and how your mating mark is all healed up. So I won't bother asking any questions on that. I hope you had a good time."
"Yeah, it was amazing," Ace grinned.
Sam chuckled. "I can't believe you're twenty-two already. It doesn't feel like that long ago that you were a pup, causing havoc in the manor and trying to take Pops head."
"Fun times," Ace laughed. "Oh yeah, Pops said you had some kind of cream here for me? For when I go out?"
"Yep," Sam said, reaching down into a cabinet. "It will suppress your scent, so most people will automatically think you're a Beta. It also dampens the mating bite mark, so Marco's scent won't come through either. It might feel a bit uncomfortable because of that. I know Omegas find it reassuring to have their mates scent but-"
"But it's safer this way?" Ace finished.
"Exactly." Sam smiled, pulling out a decent sized bottle of cream. "Alright, just rub this on to your mating gland twice a day and that should cover up your scent. One in the morning, around breakfast time, and then one at night, around dinner. That should do the trick."
"Thanks, Sam," Ace grinned. "I'm glad you managed to make this. Otherwise I might have had a bit of a struggle going to see Sabo."
"You should have a collar made as a precaution, but I doubt you'd need it," Sam said.
"Izo said he'd make me one." Ace nodded. "One that I can actually take off myself."
"That's good. It's better to be safe than sorry after all."
"Thanks again, Sam. Actually, do you want me to get you anything while I'm out?" Ace asked.
"Nah, I'm all good." Sam grinned, ruffling his hair. "Go enjoy yourself, pup."
Ace snorted. "I'm not exactly a pup anymore."
"Guess not. You're all grown up and mated now after all," Sam agreed. "Although, Pops would beg to differ."
"Yeah, but everyone's a pup in Pops' eyes half the time," Ace laughed.
Sam conceded. "That it true. Anyway, enjoy your night out tomorrow. You can bet Marco will be fretting over you from the moment you leave, until the moment you get back."
"Yeah." Ace winced. "I'll try have him calm down before I go."
"Good luck."
My book cover reveal for my fantasy story 'The Wardens of Strar' will be released next Tuesday! I'm so excited :D