As soon as Jak woke up the next morning, he was highly aware of a very warm, heavy weight on his body.
At first, he was a bit confused as he tried to focus his sleep-fogged eyes in the darkened room.
Then he heard Torn's strong sleep purring.
He lifted his head up slightly and saw his larger Omega draped across him, his body laid flat on top of him while his head rested on Jak's pillow.
He glanced to the place where Torn should have been sleeping and found that this time, it was Torn who broke through their barricade to snuggle up to him.
Like a giant wild Hawkat, the older Omega was pinning him down with his dead weight and Jak could feel the vibrations of his purrs against his chest.
As uncomfortable as he was right now, Jak couldn't help but see this as an opportunity to dote on his sleeping mate without being growled at or scolded.
He reached up and gently laid a hand on Torn's head, testing to see if he would wake before gently stroking his hair and the nape of his neck.
His fingers pressed against the warm skin and gently massaged up and down the back of Torn's neck. Torn must've been enjoying the attention subconsciously, since his purrs grew louder. Slowly, Jak moved his hand up through his mate's soft dreads to his ears, where he gently stroked the base of the one he could easily reach.
This drew a higher pitched purr from the other man.
Jak smiled to himself and thought, Wow...he's a pretty heavy sleeper.
He watched as Torn's broad back and shoulders rose and fell in time with his rumbling purrs. To Jak, it sounded like thunder rolling in a distant storm, threatening, yet calming at the same time. He felt like he could easily fall asleep again listening to it...
...but then his teeth started to ache again.
Typically, they always scented right about now...but usually, Torn always woke first. For once, Jak was the first to wake up, and his body was already used to scenting and grooming his mate first thing in the morning.
He eyed Torn's now lightly bruised neck and almost totally healed mark.
His mouth watered and he felt his own mark throb.
He wondered...
...just how heavy of a sleeper is Torn?
Would he wake up if Jak sneakily tried grooming him?
He shook that thought from his head. This was wrong. Torn couldn't give his consent right now...and even though they are mated, and this was something they always did in the morning, Jak felt his conscience berating him for even entertaining the thought.
But as time went on, and Torn's scent became thicker, Jak felt his control waning.
He was only 17 after all...and with the object of his affection so tantalizingly close...
It was torture.
Torn's neck and shoulder were so close he could already smell his lovely masculine, yet slightly feminine, pheromones slipping out.
He couldn't resist it anymore.
He pressed his nose down in the dip where Torn's neck met his shoulder. After taking a deep lungfull of the sweet smell, he pulled back slightly to press his lips against the soft, warm skin once before sliding them a bit lower to his searingly hot mark.
The gland pulsed under the skin and Jak felt a small whine slip out of him at the feeling. He smashed his nose right against the teeth indents and huffed the intoxicating scent. Every intake of Torn's scent made Jak salivate.
He slid his tongue over the mark, feeling the indents on his tongue as well as tasting the rich scent.
As he swept his tongue over Torn's still-bruised neck, he heard the purrs hitch up a bit higher and tasted the air around them as it began to permeate with Torn's strong Omegan pheromones.
While he was busying himself with a nice, uninterrupted and very thorough grooming, Jak indulged himself in lightly caressing the planes of Torn's bare back. He pressed his fingers against the strong muscles and delighted in the sensation of Torn's almost-feverishly hot skin.
The man was always so warm...like a furnace.
Jak felt his grooming session get a bit more heated as he began to growl possessively against his better judgement. He sucked and lapped at any skin he could gain access to in this position, teething every now and again as his inner Alpha pressured him to bite down and stake his claim on the sleeping Omega.
But Jak didn't want to wake Torn up and end the session early.
Or worse...be caught doing something so morally dubious.
His inner Alpha would just have to be satisfied with the heated grooming.
Once Torn's mating mark had been polished to a satisfying degree, Jak began rubbing his face and neck against it, plastering Torn's sweet, manly scent all over his face and neck. Once he finished, he began grinding his own marked neck against Torn's, spreading his Alpha scent over him as well.
Jak only found his Alpha nature sated after he'd successfully covered both his and Torn's necks in their intermingled scents.
And surprisingly, Torn stayed asleep through it all.
Wow...he really sleeps like a log, Jak mused.
Then the guilt of what he just did started to creep in.
Torn wasn't aware of what had just been done to him...without his knowledge or permission. Jak felt sick as he remembered that Torn was also a victim of assault.
Jak felt that he was no better than these Haven Alphas whom Torn despised...
As he tuned back in to Torn's peaceful purrs, Jak reluctantly decided that he should probably get Torn back on his side before he woke up.
He tried not to wake Torn as he slowly tried to roll the sleeping Omega off his body and back onto his side of their bed. Before he was able to begin to push, he saw Torn's eyes flutter open. Immediately, he expected the older man to chew him out or shove him away, but to his surprise, Torn just sat up and rubbed at his eyes.
Jak wasn't sure if he was more relieved or confused at the lack of reaction, "Um...morning?"
"Mornin'." Torn grumbled. He turned to inspect the damage to their barricade, "I'm guessing you managed to break through again?"
"Actually...it wasn't me this time."
Torn paused as if he were trying to see if Jak was fucking with him. He then realized that he wasn't on his side of the bed...and judging by the position they were in, Jak wasn't the one who had taken on the behavior of a fungus, "...shit...I did this?"
Jak nodded slowly, surprised that Torn wasn't trying to argue the opposite, "Yeah...when I woke up you were laying on me. I was trying to roll you off me and then fix the wall...but you're awake now, so I guess its pointless."
Torn sighed and frowned at the pillows that had failed to keep them on their respective sides, "Yeah...much like the damn wall itself." He rubbed at the bridge of his nose and pinched the top before grumbling, "Whatever...I guess the wall's not gonna work after all. Not if we keep destroying it during the night. So, I guess..." He paused, pursing his lips.
Jak raised a brow, "Are...you suggesting we alternate using the couch? Or are we going to just share the bed and suck it up?"
"We're not fighting over the damn couch again." He crossed his arms and sighed, "I guess it really isn't that big a deal if we end up stuck to each other in the night. It's less of a pain then building the stupid wall."
"Yeah...that's cool with me." Jak felt his heart skip a beat.
Torn gave Jak a look that screamed, Of course it is.
Jak then felt like maybe he should be honest with Torn, "Um...so I have a bit of an apology to make. When you were on top of me, I lost control and-"
"You groomed and scented me." Torn stated in a deadpan tone, "I can smell it in the air kid, you aren't that slick. Plus, I can still feel your slobber all over me."
Jak shrunk a bit in shame, "I never meant to do it without your permission...I'm sorry..."
"For what?" Torn raised a brow, "It's your right as my Alpha remember? And frankly, it saves us valuable time. We needed to get it done anyway, and this way you can get your jollies and I don't have to suffer your whining."
Jak's eyes widened a bit in shock and mild horror, "But...you were asleep! You couldn't reject me, how are you ok with that?!"
Torn narrowed his eyes as if he were speaking to a small child, "Because, you're my Alpha...and we do this shit every single day."
Jak frowned, "Thats...Just because I'm your Alpha doesn't mean-"
Torn interrupted him, "For fucks sake! Will you stop acting like you violated me?! It was just scenting, kid. I'm telling you...it really doesn't bother me. You didn't do anything more than what we've already done, and-"
"That's not the point, Torn!" Jak argued, trying his best to stifle a growl, "I'm your mate, not your owner! I hate treating you like you're my property!"
"You forget that while we're here, I AM your property, dumbass." Torn stated it so matter-of-factly that Jak visibly recoiled, "When we get back to Spargus, we can go back to our usual dynamics, but until then, we BOTH need to act like how people expect us to. You did pretty decent yesterday, but today we'll be in public for a longer period of time. You need to make sure to keep your...unique urges in check."
"No! I'm not acting like that again! I hated it!" Jak argued.
"Too bad. This is how it has to be if you don't want people getting a negative opinion of you...and of Spargus."
"I told you, I don't care what they think!"
"Well, this isn't just about YOU, so you better care!" Torn roared, his voice carrying a stern growl.
Jak looked away from him in submission, his brow furrowed in shame and frustration.
It was obvious to Torn how upset he was by this.
Honestly, it was ridiculous! He really felt so guilty over scenting Torn while he was sleeping...when he couldn't give explicit consent. Though, Torn felt a bit touched by the fact that the kid was agonizing over scenting him without explicit verbal permission.
He's met Alphas who unapologetically date-raped Omegas and then joked about it with their friends, and here was Torn's little Alpha...agonizing over starting their morning scenting while Torn was still sleeping.
Maybe Jak was being overly sensitive about the issue because he knew that Torn was a victim of assault.
Still, Torn felt an obligation to comfort his upset mate, so he gave an exaggerated sigh before crawling over to the younger male and getting on his knees behind him.
Jak tried to look back at him in curiosity, but Torn growled lowly and grabbed his head, pulling it to the side to expose his mark.
Torn leaded down and gave the bite a hard lick before he growled, "If it'll make you feel better, I'll just even us out."
He watched as a red flush bloomed on Jak's face and heard the younger Alpha give a small whine as he tried to tilt his head even farther.
Torn released a soft laugh before he got to work. He decided it was time Jak got a proper grooming from an Omega. He expertly swirled his tongue, circling Jak's mark before giving the gland a hard suck, pulling out the Alpha's scent.
To his embarrassment, Torn couldn't contain a moan at the taste of Jak's Alpha's scent coming directly from the source. He tried his best to keep his teeth from pressing down on it as he licked and sucked a path up and down Jak's shoulder and neck, effectively polishing his pulsing mark.
He listened as his dutiful grooming pulled out loud whimpers and small growls from his eagerly submitting Alpha. It didn't surprise him when a purr started up in his chest.
After he returned the equally thorough grooming that Jak had given him, He was stopped when Jak made a request.
"Torn, can you mark me?" Jak requested as he gave a low growl.
Torn pulled back a bit, feeling anxiety pulse in his chest, "Thats not a part of grooming."
"Don't care...I just really want to feel your teeth on me. I...I can't really explain it."
Torn clenched his jaw and stared down at Jak's mark. The deep indents of his teeth plainly visible...tempting him to cut into him again and reopen the wounds.
But this wasn't the behavior he needed to indulge in, not with him...not here...
...not ever.
He instead started rubbing his neck along Jak's shoulder, giving him a rather clinical scenting before he pulled away, "No, we need to get going."
As Torn tried to move off the bed, he was shocked when Jak suddenly turned around and grabbed him, giving him a sad look as he asked, "It won't take long, just a quick bite and we can go."
"I told you already, Omegas don't bite their Alphas!" Torn growled louder, "Stop trying to get me to do weird things to you."
"It's not weird to me, and I know you like doing it!" Jak stated defiantly, "If you're that worried about people seeing the bite, then do it on my shoulder where it'll be covered."
"We're done with scenting, Jak." Torn firmly asserted, "I'm not fucking biting you. Now stop whining like a child and get ready to go."
Jak opened his mouth to retort, but instead he emitted a frustrated growl and slid off their bed, obediently stomping over to their closet to gather his clothes.
Torn watched the fuming almost-adult and tried not to feel too bad about rejecting him.
Despite his better instincts, he wanted to mark Jak...so badly. Wanted to sink his teeth in his flesh and tear wounds so deep they would never heal.
Which is why he must NEVER...ever do it.
He knew what a relationship that spurred those behaviors felt like. He never wanted to be like that again...
...not with Jak.
As promised, Tess's assigned squads escorted Jak and Torn to the Bazaar.
Within minutes, Jak was already overwhelmed with the bustling crowd and the cacophony of sounds and smells dancing around him. Seemingly having forgotten about his and Torn's rather rough morning.
There were dozens of people taking pictures and videos of them as they moved from stall to stall, but Jak found that he was having so much fun, he barely even noticed at all.
Meanwhile...Torn was not having as good of a time.
Something happened the second they entered the bazaar that hasn't been an issue since the day of the Peace summit weeks ago...
...the scar on his cheek was starting to sting.
Ever since that initial warning before his life was turned upside down, Torn hadn't felt any bad omens from the damn thing. And it wasn't like there weren't any times where he could've used a warning.
That time when Jak, Keira, and him were attacked by marauders would have been a great opportunity! But for some reason, getting shot at and almost abducted wasn't worthy of a little supernatural warning.
Come to think of it, though it didn't feel so at the time, the last "prophecy" turned out to be not that big a deal. Sure, it was a life-changing event, but it wasn't life-threatening.
Every other time Torn's had a scar omen, it's been because his life was in danger.
So why now was the criteria suddenly changing?
He absently scratched at his cheek, wincing from the annoying stinging as he watched Jak poke and prod at the various fruits displayed on a fruit stand. The vender was excitedly explaining the qualities of the different exotic fruits while Jak picked out ones he wanted to try.
Torn regarded the shopkeeper...they didn't seem dangerous at all. Sure, they attracted a bit of a mob, but the guards were currently surrounding them in shield formation, so even if there was a threat, Jak would be well-protected.
Plus, even if they managed to somehow bypass the guards, they would have to deal with Torn himself.
Façade or not, if it came to protecting the little idiot he called his mate, Torn wouldn't hesitate to expose his atypical attributes if Jak's life was in jeopardy.
But still, there was no reason for his damn scar to be ringing a warning bell.
Torn was brought out of his thoughts when Jak turned back to him after paying the fruit vender, "Dude! When we're in charge, we HAVE to set up some kind of trade system where we can import this stuff! I can't believe how many cool things you guys have that I've never even seen!"
Torn looked in the bag Jak was holding and raised a brow, "Apples, pears, strawberries, and...oranges..." He gave Jak an incredulous look. It amazed him how the simplest things that Torn grew up with astonished the little Alpha. He opened his mouth to comment, but decided against it, "Fine...we'll put the idea of 'international fruit trade' on the back burner...I'm sure some of the people here would go nuts over the weird fruits Spargus produces."
Jak smiled eagerly as he whipped his head around, "There's so many cool stalls! I don't know where to go next!"
Torn glanced around before he noticed a familiar stand and smiled, "I have a suggestion." He pointed over to the inconspicuous stand and said, "Ever had pickled metalpede peppers before?"
"I've never even heard of a metalpede pepper. What's it taste like?"
"It's really good, I promise. Actually, it was my favorite thing to snack on when I was in the guard." Torn led Jak over to the stand and picked up one of the red jars, inspecting the long, thin peppers floating innocently inside.
"I thought you didn't eat junk food?" Jak mused as he peered at the jar Torn help.
"These aren't junk food. They're actually pretty good for you." Torn took out his credit chip and let the shopkeep scan it before she thanked him for his purchase.
Jak glanced back at the other jars and then back up at Torn, "So... you really like these, huh?"
Torn gave a nod as he opened the jar, "Hell yea! One of the very few things I've dearly missed the past few weeks." He fished out a pepper and bit it in half, chewing on the sour and extremely spicy treat, "Fuck...that's the stuff. Gotta figure out a way to make the jar last though."
Jak looked between Torn and the jars of peppers on the stand. Upon seeing Torn's smile, he came to a conclusion...
...that one jar was not going to last until Jak's coronation.
"Ma'am, I would like to purchase your entire stock." Jak whipped out a credit chip and slammed it on the wooden table, "Feel free to run the chip; I'm good for it."
Torn's head slowly panned over to Jak, his expression matching the shopkeep as he tried to figure out if Jak was making a weird joke.
He absolutely was not, the look on his face was deadly serious.
"HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?!" Torn screeched in disbelief before he remembered they were in public and lowered his voice, "You can't buy her entire stock idiot!"
"Why not?" Jak raised a brow like he didn't understand why anyone would question this great idea.
"First of all, what the FUCK are we going to do with over 200 jars of pickled metalpede peppers?!"
"Um...eat them?" Jak scrunched up his nose like he really didn't understand why Torn was so against this.
"You didn't even taste them yet, you don't even know if you'll like them!"
"I'm not getting them for me."
"That's even worse! What the fuck am I going to do with so many jars?!"
"You said you wanted to make that jar last, well now you won't have to."
"Jak, this is an extremely irrational-"
"Will you just let me do this for you?!" Jak flushed lightly as Torn got quiet.
Jak turned away and muttered with a slight pout on his face, "When we go back to Spargus you won't be able to get them anymore...at least not until we open a trade route..." He blushed a light pink before mumbling, "I thought maybe I could get a bunch to tide you over until we did. I...I like making you happy."
…
Torn sighed and dropped his head in defeat.
This kid was absolutely going to be the death of him.
"Fine, have it your way. Just get like, 20 jars then. Buying out her whole stock is just overboard."
Jak perked back up and regarded the shopkeeper again, "Ma'am, we would like 50 jars of metalpede peppers!"
"20!" Torn corrected.
"You heard the man, 60 jars please!"
"For fucks sake, Jak!"
"What was that? Did I hear 70?"
"I WILL LITERALLY KILL YOU!"
After much debate, they agreed on 40 jars.
The shopkeeper offered to have them delivered to the palace for them, and Torn gladly took her up on the offer.
There was no way in hell they were going to lug around 40 glass jars.
Torn was fine just carrying the one he originally bought.
They just got a couple bottles of refreshing peach water, and were currently sitting in a secluded alcove, their guards keeping them successfully obscured from all outside eyes.
Torn, in the meantime, had finished about half of the original jar's contents when Jak suddenly leaned over and peering into the jar.
"Can I try one?" Jak asked, already reaching into the jar.
Torn quickly stopped him, "Hey! Careful dumbass, these things peel paint off walls!"
Jak rolled his eyes, "Please, I've had spicy shit before!"
Torn look doubtful, "I get the feeling you've never had something this spicy before though..."
"C'mon you selfish prick! I literally bought you about three months' worth of peppers! You can spare one."
"I'm telling you, I really don't think you're gonna like it."
"And I'm telling you, I'm from the fucking DESERT! There's nothing in this prissy city that could possibly be more intimidating than HALF the shit I've eaten."
Torn raised a brow, and without saying anything, he offered the jar to Jak and just sat back as the unsuspecting Alpha happily fished out a smaller pepper.
Jak smirked at Torn and purred, "Thanks babe!" Before he cockily popped the entire pepper in his mouth and began chewing.
He kept the smile for a moment...
Then he frowned...
Then he spat out the pepper and began hyperventilating, "WHAT THE FUCK?! AHH?! MY MOUTHS ON FIRE!"
Torn couldn't contain the evil snicker as he watched Jak down his entire drink...cooling the heat for a moment...before it came back full force.
By the time Jak had also gulped down Torn's drink, he was sweating profusely and panting like a crocadog.
"HOW THE FUCK ARE YOU ALIVE?!" Jak screamed as he fanned his mouth.
"I tried to warn you." Torn chuckled as he sent off one of their guards to retrieve more drinks for Jak, "I said those peppers can peel paint."
Jak whined in pain as tears started forming in his eyes, "Oh my fucking gods! It's literally like fiery POISON!"
Torn almost felt bad for the idiot...but then again, he brought this on himself, "Hey don't feel too bad...not everyone can handle the heat. I'm just that awesome."
Jak growled and glared at Torn through his sweat and tear-filled face, "You're inhuman."
Torn replied by fishing out another pepper, leaning into Jak's face and popping the whole thing in his mouth as Jak backed away, yelping in terror.
Once Jak's mouth no longer felt like the inside of a volcano, they continued on their shopping adventure.
As they continued strolling around the bazaar, Torn kept himself entertained while Jak browsed by chomping down the last of the addictingly tasty peppers. The comforting burn in his mouth took his mind off the persistent stinging coming from his scar.
As he swallowed the pepper, his eye caught something in the distance, across the bazaar.
His heart stopped for a moment before rapidly crashing against his ribs as anxiety pumped through him...his fight or flight response kicked in instantly.
The flash of bright orange hair triggered a visceral reaction as long-buried memories resurfaced.
Then...golden eyes met his.
Jak was mid-purchase when Torn grabbed him roughly by the arm and began dragging him out of the bazaar at a full sprint.
Their guard escorts were left in the dust with Torn's sudden and panicked exit.
As Jak yelled protests and confused exclamations behind him, Torn ignored the shocked looks of civilians trying desperately to move out of his way. He ran as if hell were chasing him...
...and in a way, it was.
He glanced behind to check if they were safe...
They were not.
He once again met those golden eyes filled with anger and hatred...he was pursuing them...
...hunting them like a predator stalks its prey.
Torn ran like he'd never run in his life, all the while dragging his alarmed mate behind him.
He did not want to have this confrontation now...if ever.
He could NOT let them meet.
When they finally exited the bazaar, Torn yanked Jak into a side alley, sprinting as far down it as he could until they hit a dead end. It was only at that point did Torn release his hold on Jak. He panted heavily and leaned against a wall, trying to slow down his still racing heart and adrenaline filled limbs.
Jak caught his breath a lot faster, and immediately he rounded on Torn, "What the FUCK was THAT?!" He paused, however, when he got a good look at Torn's face.
He'd never seen the other man so spooked...
His eyes were wide and his face was paler than normal...as if he'd just barely outran a hungry Metal Head beast.
"Torn?" Jak inched closer to him, holding out a hand as if he were trying to calm a defensive animal backed into a corner, "Are you...ok?"
Finally, Torn managed to calm himself enough to answer, "Yeah...I...", he paused, wondering how much he should tell Jak. The last thing he wanted to do right now was tell Jak that they were desperately trying to avoid his ex.
That would open a whole can of bullshit that Torn really did not want to delve into now.
"I'm good...just thought I saw something suspicious."
Jak gave him a weird look, "Huh? Like what?"
"I dunno..." Torn stated, "...just...something."
"Why didn't you tell the guards then? You broke formation when you dragged me away." Jak continued to unravel Torn's story, "In fact, you ran so fast we left them in the bazaar still! I'm sure you could protect me all by yourself, but we were safer back there." Jak narrowed his eyes as his voice lowered a bit, "What's wrong? Please, just talk to me."
"I told you, I thought I saw something sketchy." He looked away from Jak, trying not to meet his eyes, "I guess it was a false alarm, let's just...go to the transport."
"Torn, you're doing that thing where you're trying to shut down the conversation." Jak turned his head to try and meet Torn's gaze, feeling a pang of hurt when the Omega averted his eyes again. "Did something happen? You're acting as if you're..." Then he saw it.
In Torn's eyes, when he managed to meet them, he saw an emotion that he's never seen the other man express.
Not even when Jak had turned dark for the first time...
Fear.
Not anxiety...not anticipation...not even panic...
Actual, tangible fear.
Torn...was afraid.
At that moment, Jak decided to say "fuck it" to the entire city of Haven. His mate was standing here in front of him, trying so hard to hide the fact that something in that bazaar scared him so badly he ran like hell was at his heels.
What kind of Alpha would he be if he just ignored this?!
He slowly walked up to Torn so as not to spook him, and gently wrapped his arms around his waist and back, pulling him tightly against him in a strong hug.
At first, Torn tensed like Jak expected him to...but quickly, he melted into the embrace. He didn't return it, but Jak smiled when he felt the other's head drop against his shoulder. He started up a low growl for Torn as he slowly rubbed little circles on his back.
When he felt Torn relax in his embrace, he moved his lips over Torn's mark and started slowly, gently, grooming him.
Just as he expected, he managed to wring out a tiny purr from Torn as he slowly moved his head over to Jak's scent gland. Eventually, he felt the other man wrap his arms around him as well.
Jak savored every second his mate allowed him to hold him like this. Planting small kisses and licks against Torn's mark as he tried his best to calm him down.
He had no idea what could have scared his mate so badly, but he wanted Torn to feel safe with him.
Eventually, Torn pulled away, the fear finally vacant from his eyes as he cleared his throat and looked away sheepishly, "Um...thanks. We, uh...we should get going. The stadium isn't too far, but we have about 30 minutes before the race."
"Ok." Jak didn't press the issue anymore, having been satisfied with being allowed to comfort Torn just a little, "Lets get going, then."
The roar of the crowded stadium was nothing compared to Jak's excited cheering.
Their private box was stationed in the very front, right at the finish line. It was always reserved for very important individuals, and Torn had actually sat in this very seat several times before. He didn't care for the races, but Ashelin and Jinx loved them, so occasionally they would drag him down here to watch a few.
However, watching Jak enthusiastically jumping out of his seat and grinning like a small child was worth the headache he would absolutely be getting later.
He was glad the little idiot was enjoying himself.
Torn casually sipped on a cold soda as the race entered the final lap.
Jak literally sat on the edge of his seat as the lead racer made the final turn and sped towards the finish line.
As soon as the blue and yellow zoomer sped across the checkered line, the entire stadium roared in applause and Jak joined them, his voice just barely audible above the crowd.
Torn shook his head and allowed a small smirk to grace his face. As he gave a respectful clap for the winner, he froze when the winning racer removed their helmet.
His heart leapt to his throat, then dropped to his stomach as the racer turned to the crowd and gave a victory wave.
And of course he would...
Erol always did love attention.
Torn felt his mind screaming with unanswered questions.
Why the fuck was HE here?!
Why was he racing?!
Didn't he take Tess's place as a Captain?! When would he even have the time?!
Why is he here?!
All these queries disappeared when Erol spotted him in the box. Time froze as icy blue met fiery gold.
And this time...Torn couldn't hide.
Erol dashed for the track exit, and Torn knew he and Jak needed to leave NOW!
"Jak, RUN!" He grabbed Jak's arm and yanked him away from the railing, once again dragging him through the entrance of their box and down the hall to the stadium's exit, leaving their assigned squad to once more play catch-up.
"What...TORN?! AGAIN?!" Jak yelped as he tried not to stumble.
Torn didn't bother to answer Jak, his only concern being getting as far away from the stadium as he can. He entered the lift that would take them up to the entrance hall, feeling a pang of guilt when the doors shut before their squad could enter with them. He shouted out, "Take the next one, we'll be fine!" before the doors closed completely.
Once the lift opened, he turned a corner, mere feet from the exit, and immediately screeched to a halt when he saw who was standing between them and escape.
"Now, I know you're not exactly a tactful person, but is this any way to greet an old friend, Torn?"
Erol stood blocking the exit, his arms crossed over his chest as a smug smirk stretched across his face. He looked exactly as Torn remembered...and the sound of his voice grated on his nerves and incited something visceral inside him.
And even worse...another familiar feeling appeared. One that he wished wouldn't reappear upon their eventual reunion...and yet despite everything...it did.
Despite everything...Torn still felt a bond to Erol. Something he knew he couldn't allow Jak to notice.
Torn narrowed his eyes, subconsciously pulling Jak to stand behind him as he growled, "We're not friends, Ackerman."
Erol raised a brow and tsked, "Last names, then? Alright, Reista..." He gave a smile that seemed friendly, but in his eyes, there was only distaste and spite present. "It's been a while since we've last spoken. I watched the wedding on the holovid. Quite the...interesting event. You certainly caused quite the stir."
Torn narrowed his eyes, lips curling up in a sneer, "Not the first time I've heard that. I doubt you chased me down just to congratulate us."
"I'm just curious how mated life has been treating you." The question, though stated in a very neutral way, was meant to be mocking.
"None of your fucking business. And you know why we don't talk." Torn spat back.
"No need to be so touchy. I'm honestly wondering how you're doing...you know, after being pawned off to the Spargans." Erol bit back, his smirk growing slightly more cruel, "I guess you finally found your true purpose as a good little bargaining chip."
Torn kept his face neutral, trying not to show how Erol was affecting him...but it was proving very difficult to do. He wanted nothing more than to stomp over to the smug asshole and put him in his place under his boot.
But there was also that small, wounded part of him that wanted to bark, bite, scratch, and mark his former lover. He wanted to tear into flesh, not out of love or possession...but out of spite and regret.
Instead, Torn returned the nasty smirk and huffed, "And I guess you finally managed to weasel your way into a Captains position. Tess told me your father made a very large donation to the council, and you had to promise a few...favors to the other Captains. Didn't know daddy approves of his son sucking Alpha dick to get a promotion."
He smirked when he watched Erol's eye twitch, the smaller Omega's face heated slightly as raw anger flashed behind his eyes briefly...before they focused on something else, "Speaking of Alphas, is this cute little guy your new master?" Erol peered at Jak, who was glaring back in both confusion and caution.
Torn felt his growl growing stronger and moved to shield Jak a bit more, "My husband...and we were just leaving. So, will you kindly move the fuck out of our way."
"What's the rush?" Erol moved to stand in front of Torn, keeping him from leaving, "Don't you want to tell me all about how this pup made you his bitch?"
"Excuse me?!" Jak barked from behind Torn, giving Erol a sneer.
Torn interrupted Jak immediately, taking back control of the conversation, "Even if I wanted to, I'd have nothing to tell you. Now MOVE!" Torn growled.
Erol laughed mockingly, "Oh really? So, it's still a work in progress?"
Another feral growl worked its way out of Torn as adrenaline pumped through his body.
"I must say, I'm shocked you're not already filled with his pups. I had a bet going to see how long it would take for you to get bred."
Torn grit his teeth, urging his muscles to move. He wanted to just shove past the other man and leave this fucking place, but Erol's piercing eyes had him pinned.
He could do nothing but glare and growl...desperately trying to hide how much Erol's presence and words affected and brought out parts of himself he hated...all the while fighting back the urge to pounce.
"Though, I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised." Erol sneered as he scathingly spat, "You're not exactly a desirable Omega. The poor kid probably has no idea what to do with someone like you."
"Who the FUCK do you think you're talking to!?" Jak roared as he pushed past Torn to growl in the other Omega's face.
"Jak!" Torn hissed as he grabbed at the seething Alpha's shoulder.
"No! I'm not letting this go! Why are we letting this asshole say whatever he wants about you?!" Jak kept his burning glare on the other Omega, who just raised a brow at him, as if he were watching an amusing performance.
Torn pulled Jak back slightly and ordered in a firm voice, "Drop it, Jak. Let's go." He leaned forward and whispered, "Trust me, he's not worth it."
"Quite a feisty little Alpha you got there." Erol mused as he smirked at Jak, "Maybe I misjudged. Seems perfect for you, Torn." Erol gave Jak a Cheshire grin and mocked, "Tell me, sand rat, does he still bite when he gets worked up? He would leave marks on me that lasted for weeks."
…
Jak's eyes widened a bit.
This man was insinuating that he and Torn...
But that meant...
If what this guy said was true...that would mean...
"Wait..." Jak glanced back up at Torn, "Is this him?! This is that guy you made a heat pact with?"
Torn's face took on a darker look filled with shame, anger, and remorse. That was all the confirmation Jak needed. He growled low in his throat and moved in front of Torn fully, almost in a protective stance between the two Omegas.
Erol looked a bit surprised by the news, "Oh? You told him about that silly deal we made? I'm touched that you still hold me so fondly in your heart."
Torn sneered in disgust, "The only thing I told him, is that I made a desperate attempt to deal with my heats. Though I should've added that I would've been better off asking Jinx for help sooner."
Erol's smirk waned a bit as he scoffed, "Funny, you didn't seem to think the same during the seven years we spent together."
Jak growled at Erol, enraged by the new information. Torn really spent seven years with this guy?
Torn grit his teeth, unable to hold back the growls he felt bubbling up from his chest, "Seven years wasted on your cold-hearted ass."
"Oh, my dear," Erol mocked, "We both know who the real cold-hearted one is. If our deal wasn't such a convenient one, I wouldn't have wasted seven years on a prick like you." He stepped forward to growl in Torn's face, "I feel so sorry for your little friend. Being mated to you must be a fate worse than death-"
Erol was cut off when Jak threw a right hook and cracked him right in his cheek.
"MOTHERFUCKER!" Erol screamed as he barely caught himself from falling back on his ass from the force of Jak's punch.
Torn grabbed Jak's arm, holding him back, "JAK! What the fuck?!" Torn caught a glimpse of Jak's eyes...
...the ocean blue was nearly consumed by the black.
Jak completely ignored Torn, moving closer to Erol with the intent to do much worse than a single punch.
As great as it was to finally see someone put Erol in his place, Jak was close to losing control, and that was something that absolutely could not happen!
Erol was already stomping back over to them, drawing his pistol.
Torn did the only thing he could think of and rushed around in front of Jak, standing between him and Erol. He gave both of them a firm growl that was far louder than he intended, but it seemed to do the trick. Erol froze and barely tilted his head, and Jak stopped to look up at him. The blue slowly started to overtake the black again and soon the light came back to his eyes.
When he got the young Alpha's attention, he lowered the growl and calmly stated, "Let's go."
"But he-"
"You made your point. That's more than enough. He may be an asshole, but he's also a Captain of the guard. Prince or not, you can't go around assaulting officers." He grabbed Jak's hand, "Let's just go. We have a dinner reservation anyway."
"LIKE HELL YOU'LL-" Erol screamed, but was instantly cut off by Torn's very angry and authoritative growl.
"If you want to arrest him, you'll also have to explain to Tess what you did to earn that bruise." As if on que, their assigned squad finally caught up to them. The leader gave Erol a salute while the rest formed a defensive stance.
Erol paused. After a moment, he lowered the pistol with an annoyed tsk, "Just take your sand freak and leave, Reista."
Hearing Jak start to growl again, Torn gave his hand a squeeze and said, "Let's go."
Jak paused, locking eyes with Erol's fiery golden orbs. He gave the older Omega a murderous look before threatening, "If you ever talk to him like that again, I won't stop next time. You're lucky he's a nice enough guy to stop me."
Erol snarled right back at him, "I'll pay you back at a later date, freak."
Jak allowed Torn to lead him out of the stadium, making sure to bare his teeth at Erol one last time as they brushed past him.
Erol watched them leave, and when they were finally out of view, he growled out a curse and slammed his pistol against the wall.
This was not how he expected his reunion with Torn to go.
"That bastard...who the fuck does he think he is?!" He holstered his pistol and grumbled to himself, "Acting all high and mighty, like he didn't just lose everything he's ever worked for."
Because isn't that what happened after all? Not only did Torn lose his dream job, but he also was forced to do the one thing he swore he would never do. Erol lulled himself to sleep thinking about the misery his ex-flame must've been experiencing.
It would serve him right after the way he betrayed him all those years ago.
But here he stands, unhindered and unchanged...as if he never left!
And that little freakish Alpha of his...
It irked Erol greatly when he replayed the image of Torn possessively shielding his "mate" from view.
Never once in their seven years together had Torn ever showed such possessive behavior around him. Erol wasn't stupid, he'd long-since learned that the bites and scratches he'd received from their many couplings were not because the other man was trying to mark him. They co-existed...never needing to feel possessive or protective of the other.
And yet...for this aggravating pup from the desert...
...
Erol sneered at the ground before pacing back down the hall to his garage.
He would deal with this new information later.
...
And he promised there would be a later.
Ever since they left the stadium, Torn hadn't said a word to Jak.
And to be honest, Jak was still livid from the confrontation with Torn's ex-lover. That man rubbed him the wrong way in so many ways.
His mind replayed the disgusting things the other man said about his mate, and his inner Alpha wanted nothing more than to march back to the stadium and defend Torn's honor.
Even now as he sat across from Torn at their private, curtain-enclosed booth in the Golden Grove restaurant, he wanted nothing more than to grab the other man and show him just how wrong Erol was about him.
But...Torn wouldn't be happy about either of those options, so Jak just sat there, staring down at the menu that he didn't even bother reading.
He looked at Torn, watching as the other man idle scanned his menu. Though Jak had a suspicion he wasn't truly looking either.
He wanted to say something, but he honestly didn't even know where to start.
Yesterday seemed so magical...it seemed like they took another step forward in their relationship.
Today, it feels like they took one step forward, and one step back.
"Torn." Jak started, relieved when the other man looked up from his menu at him. He swallowed around the lump in his throat before asking, "So...what-"
He was interrupted when an elderly-looking waiter suddenly pulled aside the curtain that separated them from the rest of the restaurant and chimed, "Welcome to the Golden Grove!" The man smiled a little too eagerly at Jak as he continued, "Will you be requesting any of our fine wines or champagnes for you and your Omega, your highness?"
Jak paused, trying his best to ignore how the waiter just called Torn "his Omega", and glanced down at the menu again, "Um...I'm not sure what's good here."
Torn scanned the menu again and addressed the waiter, "I think we'll take a bottle of Chateau Milon on ice."
The waiter didn't even look at Torn...instead expectantly waiting for Jak to reply.
Jak gave the man a confused expression, "Um...what he said."
That seemed to be enough for the waiter since he gave Jak a respectful bow and exited the booth, making sure to close the curtain behind him.
Jak gave Torn a confused expression and Torn simply rolled his eyes and sighed in annoyance, "Guess they haven't caught up with the times yet. Might as well tell you what I want before he comes back, otherwise I might not get to eat tonight." He phrased that in a dismissive joking way, but Jak felt sick at the very suggestion.
He pushed his feelings aside, for now, and after a long moment of silence, attempted to restart their conversation, "Torn, what the hell was that whole thing with Erol?
Torn frowned, immediately looking away from Jak, "It was nothing. Just petty squabbling."
"That was more than a petty squabble and you know it." Jak stated firmly, "The things he said about you...you know they aren't true right?"
Torn gave him a weird look, "The fuck you talkin' about?"
"He said that being mated to you is a fate worse than death. That's not true!" He couldn't hold back his emotions and felt an angry growl slip into his voice, "You're an amazing mate! I wanted to tell him just how great you've been to me, but I got so angry and-"
"Here you are, your grace!" The waiter pushed aside the curtain again, lugging a cart with a gold ice bucket and their bottle of wine sitting neatly inside.
Jak sat back and looked away in mild irritation. He hoped the waiter didn't make a habit of interrupting him.
Torn nodded at the waiter and said, "Thank you, you can just put it on the table."
Again, the waiter looked expectantly at Jak with that same stupid grin on his face, "Would you like the cart to remain, or would you prefer your bottle on the table, sir?"
Jak narrowed his eyes at the waiter, "He just told you what to do with it. Why are you asking me?"
The waiter seemed a bit taken aback, but kept that smile on his face as he said, "Terribly sorry, your highness. I wanted to be sure what your wish was." He then quickly placed the wine bucket in the center of the table, near the far edge, and expertly poured two glasses, placing both in front of Jak before pulling out his note pad and cheerily asking, "Now, are you ready to order?"
Jak looked between the waiter and the two glasses before Torn just reached over and grabbed one of them, bringing it to his side of the table before telling the waiter, "I'll have the yakow steak, medium-rare with the seared portabellas on the side."
Once more, the waiter ignored Torn and waited for Jak to answer.
Jak gave the waiter a glare and motioned to his notepad, "Well? He ordered, write it down."
The waiter raised a brow in confusion then said, "Er...if you approve of your Omega's selection, I will do so..." He then quickly jotted down Torn's order before looking at Jak again, "And for you, sir?"
Jak felt his blood start boiling with anger at how this asshole was treating Torn. He regained control of his emotions long enough to grit through his teeth, "Same thing."
The waiter nodded, "Excellent choice, your highness!" He wrote down Jak's order and left the booth, closing the curtain behind him.
With their privacy once again restored, Jak released his held in growl, "Is it a Haven custom to ignore people who are trying to order food?"
Torn just shrugged, "If you're an Omega, it is. Though I'm surprised the Golden Grove is still practicing those customs. The O.R.A would be all over this place if they knew."
"What's the O.R.A? Tess mentioned them yesterday too."
"Its the name the public gave to the Omegan Rights Activists...or O.R.A. The main group goes by AOE, though." Torn picked up his wine and downed it in a few big gulps before pouring himself another glass, "Its an acronym for Alpha Omega Equality."
Jak picked up his glass and took a sip. Hoping the alcohol would help calm him down a bit, "So, do you think they're gonna change the weird customs like this one?"
Torn pursed his lips in thought before musing, "Honestly? Not if they keep things peaceful. It's shitty to think about, but the higher ups only listen when they're sent a message. If they want to get the ball rolling, protests aren't enough."
"You think they should riot?"
"Oh, fuck no!" Torn gave a humorless laugh, "I just think they need a more invasive strategy. All they've done so far is peacefully protested outside the palace. If they want results, they should fight smarter instead of harder."
Jak caught on, "So, they should do what you did?"
"Bingo." Torn tipped his glass to Jak before taking another swig, "The problem is who we have in leadership. All Alphas from the same generation calling the shots. Arippa would be a fantastic head, but Countess Reista would rather let the whole city burn down than let someone of a different mindset take her place."
"That's fucking messed up."
"That's politics, kid."
Jak frowned again, "But Arippa could change that if he took your Grandmother's position, right?"
Torn gave another shrug, "Yeah...keyword if. She's already chosen who replaces her, and it's another fucking puppet."
"Damn..." Jak whispered under his breath. He was quiet for a bit before he changed topics, "But, no one in the bazaar treated you like this."
"People in the Bazaar don't go to places like this either." Torn tsked, "This is your first taste of upper Haven...the land of the entitled wealthy who stick to ancient traditions like flies on shit."
"Well, it tastes like shit too." Jak sipped his wine again and licked his lips, "Well...I take that back...the wine's good and the stadium was awesome! Until Erol showed up." At the mention of the ginger's name, Jak remembered what he actually wanted to talk about, "Hey, Torn-"
The curtain once again swished open and the same elderly waiter rolled a cart through, containing two covered golden plates.
Jak gave a frustrated growl and cursed under his breath as the waiter placed his plate in front of him and uncovered it.
The elderly man gave that same grin and cheerily beamed, "Here you are, sir. Our finest cut of Yakow steak, medium-rare, with a side of lightly seared and sliced Portabella." He then picked up Torn's plate and turned back to Jak, "Would you like your Omega to eat now or after you've finished?"
Torn's face looked briefly annoyed, but quickly switched back to neutral, "I'll be eating now, if you don't mind." He leaned over and reached for the plate, but the waiter swiftly moved it out of his range, still keeping his eyes on Jak.
And that was the last straw.
"ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?!"
Jak's roar cause both Torn and the waiter to flinch.
The waiter's smile was gone, and a look of fear bloomed on his face, "I-I beg your pardon?"
"You fucking heard me!" Jak slammed his fist on the table and stood up, "Let me get this right, according to your bullshit customs, I have to order for him, decide when to give him his fucking drink, and now he doesn't even get to EAT unless I SAY SO?! HOW IS THAT FUCKING OK?!"
"Th-that's...just how we-" The old man's head tilted to the side in submission.
"SHUT UP!" Jak moved and growled in the waiter's face, "I don't want to hear your shitty excuses! I've never seen something so disgusting in my LIFE! What gives you the right to treat him so poorly just because he's an Omega?! THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH BEING AN OMEGA!"
"JAK, STOP!" During Jak's rant, Torn had moved over to him and grabbed his arm, keeping him from getting any closer to the elderly man. Jak whipped his head around and growled at Torn, "WHY ARE YOU DEFENDING HIM?!"
"Jak...scent the air." Torn stated calmly.
Jak paused and reluctantly did as Torn said...then he looked back at the old man.
He was trembling, emitting a small whine,...and excreting the sweet scent of pheromones...
...Omega pheromones.
Immediately, Jak felt less angry and more confused. It would be different if this waiter was just an ignorant Haven Alpha...but...he's an Omega?
Why the hell would an Omega be supporting social rules that were specifically designed to control people like him.
Torn gently pulled Jak to sit back down and gently titled his chin up to look at him, "Calm yourself down. We're leaving." He then addressed the still trembling waiter, "If you know what's good for you, you better listen to me now, despite my secondary gender. Bring two to-go boxes and put the bill on Governor Praxis's tab." He then grabbed the bottle of wine sitting in the ice tub and ordered, "Do this in the next three minutes if you want a tip."
The waiter ran with his tail between his legs as soon as Torn was finished speaking. He left the curtain open and Torn winced when he saw the many different guests all staring at them. He groaned when he noticed one of them had her com out and was most likely filming. He quickly shut the curtain and looked back at Jak.
The kid was glaring down at the table, clear frustration on his face...and the start of angry tears in his eyes.
Torn felt his heart skip a beat.
He wasn't sure if he should feel guilty that he enjoyed watching Jak scream at someone who was so ignorantly rude to him.
Jak had really gotten so upset over treatment that Torn had long since gotten used to. It ignited feelings that he had thought died with his last relationship.
Though, these feelings stayed mere embers before...now they were strong enough to grow into a small flame.
And the strongest thing he felt right now was something he'd never felt before with anyone but Jak.
They needed to walk out of the damn restaurant, and they couldn't when Jak looked like this. He needed Jak to calm down and perk up.
And he knew exactly what would do it.
So, he swallowed his pride and anxiety.
Torn gently cupped Jak's cheeks and lifted his head. As Jak's frustrated face changed to confusion, Torn leaned down and chastely pressed his lips against Jak's.
He felt Jak go completely still against him and decided to increase the pressure slightly. Pretty soon, Jak melted against him and Torn felt the younger man's hands grab at his arms as Jak tried to deepen the kiss.
But this was as far as Torn was willing to go, so he broke away and pulled back, gently stroking his thumb along Jak's cheekbone and under his eye.
That seemed to do the trick as Jak had an expression that made one think he's just taken a hit of the most relaxing and euphoric drug. He nearly laughed as a goofy grin stretched across Jak's face and asked, "Better?"
Jak nuzzled against Torn's hands and gave a low growl that was almost like a purr, "You kissed me!"
Torn rolled his eyes and smirked, "Yeah, don't get used to it. Just thought I'd let you know that I appreciate you standing up for me...even if it's not necessary."
"Can I have another kiss?"
"No, stop being greedy." Torn released Jak's face, but the smaller Alpha immediately grabbed his wrists and returned them to their previous arrangement, rubbing his face against Torn's palms as he gave a small whine.
Torn felt that damn warm fuzzy feeling in his chest again, but masked it by groaning, "Fuck, you're impossible. Just get your ass up so we can go back to our room."
Jak pouted like a child and Torn tried his best not to find it cute.
With an exaggerated sigh, the blonde Alpha grumbled, "Fine...but only if you promise to let me groom you later."
Torn rolled his eyes again, but couldn't help the fond smile that graced his face, "Whatever floats your boat, pup."
"And..." Jak paused, "I really need to talk to you when we get back. I want to know about what happened with you and Erol. Can you promise to tell me?"
Torn paused, thinking it over before saying, "Not tonight...but I promise, I'll tell you the whole story tomorrow. Deal?"
Jak smiled and kissed the inside of Torn's hand, "Deal."
The ride back to the palace was quiet and uneventful, but Jak didn't stop holding Torn's hand the entire time.
And shockingly, Torn allowed him to without complaint.
Upon exiting the lift to the floor their suite was located, Torn immediately started feeling his scar act up again.
He didn't need to wonder what it meant for long, as someone barred their path to the suite.
Torn stopped in his tracks, freezing to an almost stone statue when he saw who it was. He squeezed Jak's hand involuntarily as he glared at the shadow-shrouded figure...though they were a mere silhouette, he knew who it was, "Countess Reista."
The older Alpha Congresswoman stepped out and allowed the moonlight from a window illuminate her. She stood tall, only about an inch shorter than Torn, though her presence seemed larger than her body allowed, "Good evening, Torn." She gave a serene smile that Jak remembered seeing at the beginning of the wedding...
...the one that looked more befitting a predator wearing the skin of prey to blend in.
Torn narrowed his eyes and huffed, "I didn't think you'd waste precious time visiting us. What's the occasion."
"I always have time for you, Grandson." The older woman hummed as she stepped closer, looking them up and down with an unreadable expression, "You haven't stopped by yet to see me, so I thought I'd extend an invitation to you and your Alpha to attend a small get-together at Reista Manor."
Torn let out a small growl, but composed himself quickly, "I'm afraid we'll have to decline. We already have plans."
"No, you do not." She bluntly stated, "I'll be expecting you at 12:00 sharp." She gave Jak a fake grin, "We have much to discuss." She then brushed past him...subtly nudging Jak with her elbow before striding down the hall like she was haunting them.
When he could no longer hear her footsteps, Torn hissed, "Fucking hag! Guess tomorrows booked."
Jak gave Torn a confused glare, "We're seriously going?! After she basically threatened us?!"
Torn shrugged, "What choice do we have? The bitch runs this city. It'll be safer for us to just do as she asks for now. Besides..." he turned away as he mumbled, "It's an opportunity to show you my childhood home."
Jak's eyes widened, "Well, in that case, it doesn't sound as bad anymore." He gently grasped Torn's hand again, giving it a firm squeeze, "You better give me a great tour."
Torn glanced down at their intertwined hands and chuckled softly, "Yeah...why not."
