Chapter 38

The carpet was blood splattered. Ace and Law sat on the couch, Law rubbing soothing circles over his back, while Ace leaned heavily against him, trembling. Ace's Omega was anxious and stressed out, while Law let his own sooth it. His scent wrapping around the pregnant Omega. Ace had begun to panic, overwhelmed and confused as Doflamingo started cutting people down. Reluctantly Law had lowered his weapons and worked on calming Ace down instead. Despite Vergo marching their way, eyes cold.

Law had settled Ace on the couch, giving Vergo his sword and gun so he wouldn't hassle them.

Law was a doctor before being a gang's boss. Healing took priority over fighting.

Vergo stood before them now, still as a statue, while Doflamingo finished off the last whimpering Alpha. He chuckled, wiping off the strings with a cloth, before drawing the strings into whatever contraption he had on his wrists.

The thing always fascinated Law. He hated it with a passion too though. It made his father even more dangerous than he already was.

"Ace, it's alright," Law said. "Just take a deep breath."

Ace obeyed, wide eyed and stunned. "I-I don't know why I'm-"

"It's your pregnancy," Law explained. "Your senses have all started changing, and there was a sudden build up in the room. It's all a bit startling for your Omega to take in at once, especially if you haven't seen a lot of people in a while."

"O-Okay..." Ace said, breathing shakily. "Right... Makes sense..."

"All you need to do is relax," Law urged, glancing up at his father. "I don't understand why you're here."

Doflamingo grinned sharply. "It took me a bit of time to clean up the mess your friends left me, Law. Weeks in fact. It was so much hassle. A home wrecked, factories destroyed, and family members to bury."

Law startled. "What?"

"We'll talk about that later," Doflamingo growled. "Instead, I'll tell you why I'm here today. You see, Teach hasn't managed to get rid of any of these pests yet, and I'm getting really fed up of Straw Hat and the mutt interfering in my life. So I was here to tell him I'll be shutting down a few gangs in his territory."

"Teach won't like that," Ace said, frowning. "You'd be risking a gang war."

"Teach is becoming quite the pain lately, and a bit too full of himself," Doflamingo said, scowling. "A lot of us are fed up of him at this point. A shame he isn't here though."

"Yeah, how are you going to explain murdering people in his club again?" Law drawled.

"I'm not," Father chuckled. "Let's just say there's a little helper on my side here. She's a young pretty thing, and really good at managing away any hassles."

"Now," Doflamingo said, pointing at Ace. "Law I'll be taking home with me. But what do I do with you? Lock you in your room?"

"If you could let him go-" Law tried.

Father snorted. "A lone pregnant Omega in East Blue? He'd be swarmed by concerned citizens and taken back here inside of a minute."

"Ace-ya is stressed out enough as it is. If you hand him back over to Teach, who isn't his mate, it will hurt him, and hurting him will only damage his baby," Law said. "He's a young Omega, he shouldn't have to go through all this. Show him some mercy. Hand him over to the Whitebeards. Generate some good will. Don't leave him locked up here."

"You're not in the position to be asking favours, Law." Vergo scowled, but tilted his head at Doflamingo. "But he does speak some sense. What do yo think, Doffy?"

Doflamingo remained silent, before sighing.

"Alright, I hear you," Father said. "I won't leave him here. Fufufufu, he can come with us instead."

"And what exactly are you going to do with me then?" Ace asked, raising a brow.

"You can keep my son company," Doflamingo said. "And help me keep him out of trouble."

"Using Ace-ya as a hostage? Really?" Law huffed.

"Fufufufu, I may as well get a use out of him," Father grinned, pulling them both up to their feet. "By the way, if you struggle against me at all, I'll knock you out. Got it, Fire Fist?"

Ace scowled. "I got it."

"Good boy."

The halls were eerily empty as they made their way out. All the cameras were offline, and Doflamingo strolled his way on through. Vergo right behind Law and Ace. Law didn't try anything. There was no point. It would only annoy the Alphas and cause Ace more undue stress. The moment they were all in the car, Law was cuffed, his hands secured to the door, while Ace sat beside him, leaning against him. Law's father was immediately on the phone, talking to someone.

"Teach wasn't here. I did find my son though, trying to break out Teach's Omega. Fufufufufu, yeah I took Portgas with me," Doflamingo said, before startling, his brow furrowing. "You want me to? For yourself? Ah, I see. Of course. I'll head right on over."

Law tilted his head. That earned him a chuckle as his father hung up, leaning back in his chair.

"Change of plans, my sweet Omegas. We're going to go to Wano," Doflamingo said, leaning back to knock on the darkened window between them and the driver seat. "Hear that, Senor Pink?"

The window rolled down a crack. "Yes, Young Master. I'll change directions at the next turn off."

"Why Wano?" Ace asked, baffled.

"Probably a meeting with Kaido," Law said, shifting in his seat, getting a bit more comfortable.

"Sort of." Father wrinkled his nose. "You've got that disgusting mutt's scent on you, Law. Seriously? One heat and you mated yourself to him?"

"Quite happily I would say," Law chuckled, but scowled. "And I have a bone to pick with you two actually, dearest Father."

Doflamingo raised a brow, chuckling. "Fufufufu, and what would that be about?"

"Uncle Cora."

Doflamingo stiffened.

"I can't believe I trusted you," Law said bitterly, laughing. "You experimented on your own brother after having him raped and birth seven children. All of whom you sent away. Do you know how disgusting that is?"

"He what?" Ace growled, curling his arms around his stomach.

He sent the pups away? He couldn't touch Ace's pups. They were his-

"Calm down, Portgas. I'm not after your baby," Doflamingo hushed, before snarling at Law. "And what was disgusting was that he stole you from me. He kidnapped you, Law. Right after your Mother and Lami died. How cruel do you think that was for me? It was cruel to you too, we were both grieving."

"What your father did was punishment for a traitor," Vergo said coldly. "You don't understand what your father went through when you were kidnapped. You aren't a parent."

"Thank god Law isn't. He and the mutt mated." Doflamingo grimaced. "He could have easily ended up like Portgas over here."

"It's not like you're a parent either, Vergo," Law replied. "But nice work on trying to pry some sympathy out of me."

"He's apart of our pack, Law. He was there when you were born," Father reminded sharply. "Diamante, Trebol, Pica, Vergo-"

"And Uncle Cora," Law finished. "Uncle Cora was also there when I was born."

His father fell silent, then sighed. "He was, and I love Rosinante for the child he was. Not the man he became. He broke my heart, Law. No matter how kindly he treated you, he still kidnapped you from our home. We were both grieving."

The separation had been horrible, but Law didn't regret it. Especially since it helped him to grow into who he was now.

"I would feel more sympathetic," Law admitted. "But, then again, you ran the Omega Factory. You tore babies from their parents arms after they were born and deemed healthy enough to separate. You put the babies in orphanages and kept your eye on them for any potential gang members. So go on, tell me how traumatising my kidnapping was for you, as you go ahead and do it to hundreds of other people. I'll try to hold back my disgust."

His father remained silent.

"You're a hypocrite. Just because you used to live in Mariejois as a child doesn't mean you can get everything your own way," Law mocked. "Most people learn that during their childhoods."

"Wait!" Ace gasped. "In Mariejois? Then does that mean-"

"That my father was a Celestial Dragon? Yes."

"You're being a brat, Law. I just saved you from those Alphas in Teach's club," Doflamingo said, frowning. "You should be more grateful."

"Grateful? You're one of the ones who have put it into their heads that they can do that kind of stuff to Omegas, and let them think they can get away with it! Most do," Law snapped. "You don't even see anything wrong with that, as long as they aren't in your 'precious family' of course."

"Nobody outside of our pack matters, Law. You used to agree with that," Vergo said, scowling.

"Yeah." Law smirked. "And I bet you can figure out who helped me get out of that mindset."

.::.

For Ace, it was a long drive. Law and Doflamingo argued the entire time, while Ace remained snuggled up to Law. Ace enjoyed Law's scent, a fellow Omega's soothing smell, and dozed quietly against the other. Law remained relaxed, but his voice was full of anger.

It took about an hour to arrive.

That was the worst part. He could have been heading safely to Sphinx by now if Doflamingo hadn't taken him prisoner. If he had just let him and Law go Ace could have gone home today. He could have reunited with Marco and told him he was pregnant, share the news with their family if they had wanted to.

He wanted to tell Marco so badly.

"Pink, keep an eye on Law. I'll be back later," Doflamingo said, getting out the car. "Come along, Fire Fist. Kaido doesn't like to be kept waiting."

Ace hesitated. "What does he want from me?"

"I'm not sure. I guess we'll find out," Doflamingo said, holding out his hand. "Come on."

Ace felt Law lean against his back. "Kidd knows you're pregnant and he knows we were both at the club. He will tell the others that something has happened if need be," Law whispered, before raising his voice. "Just keep calm, Ace. Stress isn't good for you right now."

Ace threw a look back at Law, but eased himself out the car. He didn't take Doflamingo's hand, stepping out himself. Doflamingo chuckled, and headed for the mansion with Vergo walking right behind Ace. Ace vaguely remembered it, and he fought the urge to snigger when he saw the missing statue piece. The dragon he and Yamato wrecked. Ace faltered, because what if that was the reason he was here? For challenging Kaido? Was this an execution, or was he going to be a hostage?

"Law told you to try keep calm," Doflamingo said, startling him. "Fufufufu, but you really are having quite a bit of trouble following that instruction. Aren't you?"

"I don't exactly know what's going to happen to me..." Ace admitted, scowling. "I don't know if I'm being executed or being held hostage."

"I guess we'll find out soon."

Ace reluctantly followed Doflamingo into a lounge. Kaido sat right at the back, drinking away on a couch, while King murmured to him. Black Maria was cuddled against Kaido's side, but smiled when their eyes met.

"Ah, and here's the gift," Maria purred.

She slipped away from Kaido's side, going over to nuzzle Ace. Ace tried to ignore her scent, but it soaked into him, and he instantly grew weak. His Omega crooned, happy that they found another comforting Omega who wanted to help him relax. Ace softened against her when her hand stroked his hair.

"He really is pregnant then," Kaido said. "I can smell the change in scent from here. He's very soothing at the moment."

"Are you sure I can't keep him for myself?" Maria chuckled. "I promise to take good care of him. How about it, Ace? I'll be gentle with you."

"He's not a gift for you, Black Maria, so stop hovering over him," Kaido scolded, and their eyes met. "You're lucky, boy. You challenged me as a pup, and now you're back as an adult. I would have accepted the challenge you issued, here and now. But you're pregnant. You wouldn't put up a good fight anymore in this state."

"Then why am I here?" Ace asked, trying to keep his voice from wavering.

He didn't like any of this.

"You're a gift to my son."

Ace blanked.

"Yamato has kissed you and shared heats with you," Kaido said. "He wants you to be apart of his pack. So you're good incentive to keep him well behaved."

"Fufufufu, I forgot about that. Fire Fist had the same shocked look on his face as he does now. Well, without the blush of course," Doflamingo laughed.

Kaido smirked, but before he could speak, the doors opened. The scent of honey brushed Ace's nose, and Ace turned around, watching as Yamato stormed into the room.

"What do you want?" Yamato scowled.

"I've had a gift brought in for you," Kaido said, gesturing to Ace.

Yamato paused, going blank, before sniffing. Yamato marched forward, and shoved Maria's hands away with a warning, sharp growl. Black Maria conceded, pulling back. Yamato tugged Ace close, breathing Ace's scent bland in deep. Ace laughed when Yamato tickled his neck, before the other Omega pulled away.

"You're pregnant," Yamato whispered, shocked.

"Enjoy your new Omega and pup," Kaido said. "That should keep you happy, and busy."

"You mean out of trouble," Yamato huffed.

"Including that. Now, we have business to discuss Doflamingo. There's an important event coming up," Kaido said.

"There is?" Doflamingo paused.

"I got the invitation today. Linlin is hosting a wedding, and we've got quite a few events going on during it," Kaido said, but his eyes landed on them. "This is not something to be discussed in front of the two troublemakers though. Escort Yamato and his new pet back to their rooms."

"I can escort myself," Yamato snapped. "And Ace isn't my pet!"

Ace's wrist was snatched up, and Yamato dragged him out. Ace stumbled along after Yamato, who was grumbling. Once they were safely in Yamato's room Ace was pulled into a gentle embrace.

"I can't believe you're really pregnant," Yamato laughed, pulling back to cup his cheeks. "Oh Ace, you look brilliant."

Ace flushed, shying away. "I'm not even showing yet..."

"A baby with Marco." Yamato grinned. "That must be such a relief. Here, you sit down. Get comfy."

Instantly Ace was led to a corner filled with blankets and pillows. A bookshelf sat next to it, and Yamato happily told him that this was the reading corner. Yamato's room was large, and luxurious. The double bed was dog piled with blankets and pillows, all smooth and silky. Ace preferred soft and fluffy, but during his heat with Yamato the bed had been extremely comfortable nonetheless. The furniture was all a dark wood, but the wide open windows brought plenty of light into the room. Just how Yamato liked it.

"Do you want something to eat?" Yamato asked. "Any cravings yet?"

Ace paused. Apple juice. He had definitely noticed his Omega going after apple juice. Ice cream popped into mind, along with cookies. Especially both of them together, that made Ace's stomach rumble.

"Apple juice, cookies and ice cream. That's what I've been craving lately," Ace admitted, grinning, but he faltered. "You don't have to get me any of that, Yamato-"

"Nonsense. I want to." Yamato smiled. "I just can't believe you're here. I can help keep you safe until your family rescues you. They must be so excited for the baby."

"Yamato, none of them know yet."

Marco didn't know he was going to be a father. Pops didn't know he was going to have another grandchild, and Ace's brothers and sisters didn't know they were going to be aunts and uncles.

Teach had kidnapped him, and now he was being held prisoner once more.

Bloody hell, he wanted to go home. Ace had barely settled back in and he had been kidnapped once again by being an idiot. He shouldn't have went back to East Blue-

But he thought it was for Sabo, and he'd do anything for his brothers.

"How not?"

"Teach caught me before I even knew," Ace admitted. "I don't know what to do. Marco doesn't know he's going to be a father, and I know nothing about taking care of pups. This could be a disaster!"

"You've always been good with children, from what I heard," Yamato reassured, softening. "And you pretty much raised Luffy. I think you'll do fine, Ace."

"That's not the same thing though. This is a baby!" Ace protested.

"And we'll help you. For now you're with me, and if we get a chance, we'll let your mate know," Yamato said, brushing Ace's hair back.

"I want my nest, Marco, his scent and cuddles," Ace rambled, curling up on his side. "And cookies. Lots and lots of cookies."

He really wanted some cookies right about now.

Yamatoo cooed softly at him, and much to Ace's (and his Omega's relief) cuddled in beside them. Ace clung to Yamato, burying his face into the crook of Yamato's neck. This felt much better. Ace actually felt safe lying at Yamato's side. This was nothing like being held prisoner at Teach's side.

Sure, he was still a prisoner, but a much happier one.

The Wardens of Strar, my upcoming fantasy book, will be released this Tuesday! It's all happened so suddenly o.o Wish me luck, hopefully it will all go well :)