So as a little thank you for all the love, here is a second chapter today :D

**Another trigger warning for this one of sexual assault and non-consensual drug use between Jesse and Rose. More description in the bottom author note again.

I gripped the bed underneath me until my hands hurt, both from the fear that was coursing through my body and to keep myself upright. My heat would always hit hard and fast, which was why I liked that it was predictable, I could make sure I was somewhere safe before it started. But I was very far from safe now.

Jesse took a step towards me and I flinched. I needed to get out of here. I needed help. I needed Dimitri.

Dimitri.

My body clenched at the thought of him, feeling warmth flood through me, making my toes curl. Just thinking his name made the craving for him intensify and the haze in my mind become thicker.

I shook my head, trying to focus. I should call for help, this was my chance to have Jesse be caught red-handed. But each time I tried to form a mind link, the connection would slip as the fog took over. My body shivered from the effects of my heat, skin feeling stretched too tight, panting as if I couldn't get enough air.

I have never been so desperate during a heat before, and all for one man.

Find mate. My instincts were taking over, my wolf itching for my mate.

I had to find Dimitri.

I stood from the bed, my legs wobbly, but I was determined. I was quick enough, I could get past Jesse and then to the hallway. There were enough people in the gym, if I screamed loud enough someone would hear, right?

"Where do you think you're going, little omega?" Jesse inhaled again, rolling his shoulders and puffing his chest out.

I clenched my teeth, inching to the side. "Stay the fuck away from me."

"Why would I do that? Especially right now. I can give you exactly what you want." His laugh echoed in the room, the sound making me cringe.

I took my chance, not wanting to be here any longer. I dashed forward, trying to duck around him, but he caught my arm. When I tried to yank it out of his grip I felt something sharp stab me. I looked over in disbelief to Jesse pressing a needle into my arm, a terrifying gleam in his eyes as he pushed the plunger down.

Removing the needle, he tossed me to the side of the room. I fumbled to catch myself against the counter, finding it hard to steady my footing.

"What the fuck –" pain shot through my arm, spreading, it felt like my veins were burning.

"That was wolfsbane," He explained as he stalked closer, "In a few minutes you'll barely be able to move. As much as I appreciate a good struggle, you really make it harder than you're worth."

My hands slipped, struggling to find purchase on the counter as my body shook. Everything was overwhelming, the heat and now the wolfsbane. I had only heard about what it was like, the pain is near unbearable, it leaves a wolf incredibly weakened, unable to shift. Already I could feel it moving through me, everything hurt, even standing was becoming challenging.

I couldn't form a connection to Dimitri before and now I definitely couldn't.

Terror clawed at my heart, feeling it pound so fast I thought my chest would break.

There was nothing I could do.

I tried to breathe through it, clinging on to the last bit of clarity I had. "You can't do this. When people find out –"

"I will just tell them you were throwing yourself at me." He closed the distance between us. Hands cupping my face in an act that was too gentle to be coming from such a monster. "And with how you smell, no one would question it. I bet if someone walked in right now, they would join me rather than help you."

His words made me sob, trying to push him away but my strength was diminishing quickly. He used that same defence before and it had worked. Everyone believed I was just a slutty omega begging to be fucked by an alpha.

His hands ventured down to grip the jacket I wore, pulling it open to expose my red sports bra and exposed stomach. He moaned at the sight, palm at me through the bra. "God I've been waiting for this."

I yelped when he gripped the back of my hair, painfully pulling at the roots as his mouth descended on my chest, sucking painfully at my skin. Even with my heat still raging on, it felt wrong. Everything was wrong.

I was going to be taken advantage of again and I didn't know when help would be coming. This wasn't meant to happen like this, I was meant to be stronger.

I wasn't meant to let this happen again.

I won't let this happen again.

My hands scrambled on the counter behind me, searching until I found something that I could use as a weapon. Finally, my fingers wrapped around a glass jar, it wasn't the best but hopefully, it was enough.

I heard the sound of his belt being unbuckled and a zip being pulled.

Putting all my strength into it, I swung it down into Jesse's face. The glass shattered, cutting my hand and his forehead.

The blow surprised him, making him jolt back, blinking as blood ran down his face. Not taking a moment to pause I brought my leg up, kicking directly between his legs.

Jesse crumbled with a cry of pain, bending in two at my feet. My body didn't move at first, finding it painful to try, but I forced myself.

This was my only chance!

I ran for the door, pulling it open as a hand grasped my ankle and yanked me back. I landed face-first on the floor, blinking away the stars that danced across my vision.

Looking back, I kicked out again, managing to get lucky. Jesse groaned again as my heel impacted his nose, hearing it crunch.

Adrenaline was pumping through my veins, it's the only reason for how I was able to find the energy to climb up to my feet and run. Tears were running down my face as my feet fumbled to keep me moving in a straight line, bursting through the double doors and into the main room of the gym.

I cried out as Dimitri's scent hit, not looking, only following my nose to race towards him. My body was craving his touch even as the pain of the wolfsbane intensified.

Dimitri would make it better. He will keep me safe.

My knees gave out, falling to the ground again and unable to bring my hands up to catch myself. Just as I neared the ground, warm, strong arms wrapped around me. His touch was like a shock to my system, my body becoming alive under his hands.

I looked up, forcing my eyes to adjust, finding his piercing brown eyes holding mine.

Mate.


xXx


Dimitri POV

I glared at Ana's back as Ivan walked her away from the gym. He convinced me to not exile her and her family from the pack for now, but I was still considering it. Once Rose is feeling better I would ask what she wanted to do. As Luna, and the one that was attacked, it was her choice.

I had to take deep breaths to calm myself, knowing my anger was still prominent. Those around me were still avoiding my eyes to show respect and to not have my anger turn on them.

I didn't expect it to affect Rose so much, I didn't like seeing her bow her head at me. We were equals, nothing less.

I needed to get control of myself before I saw her again.

"I'm sorry, Alpha. I never would have suggested she fight Rose if I knew." Celeste apologised, head bowed. As I was yelling at Ana, I had revealed just who Rose was so she knew the severity of her actions.

I crossed my arms. "You weren't aware." I knew taking it out on Celeste wasn't right. Sighing deeply, I turned to her, "May as well go home, I don't think we will be continuing…" my words trailed off as I caught a strong scent, recognising it as Rose before she burst through the doors at the back of the gym.

All eyes turned to her as she stumbled through the room, my eyes taking in every inch of her. Her jacket was open, blood dripping from her hand, lastly, my eyes reached her face seeing her tears and look of pure terror. I raced across the room, reaching her as her knees gave out.

She was trembling in my arms, clutching at me, nails digging in. When I looked into her eyes, they were unfocused, blinking through the tears that streamed down her face.

I wanted to ask what was wrong but then her scent hit me again. It was pure and powerful, my body becoming tense as it reacted to her. I had only ever smelt an omega in heat once before, but I recognised it instantly.

Sweeping the room, I found eyes on us—on her—pulling her close to shield her with my body. "Celeste, get Alberta now." I scooped Rose up, cradling her close and carried her into the back office, slamming the door shut behind me.

If Rose was going into heat then her scent would be drawing the attention of every unmated wolf, be it beta or alpha, around us. I placed her in the chair, crouching down to look her over again. A bruise was forming on her forehead and there were red marks on her chest. I could feel my wolf clawing at the surface.

"Roza, what happened?"

She shook her head, swaying slightly. "He… I was…" Her mouth closed, looking to be trying to focus before speaking again. "Jesse… gave me wolfsbane … and tried…"

My eyes widened, searching her over again until I noticed the small red dot of blood on her sleeve. I gently tugged at the jacket until I could see her arm, inhaling sharply. A deep purple welt had formed, expanding like spiderwebs through her veins.

"Ivan. Find Jesse Zelkos and put him in the cells." I ordered, barely keeping myself from trying to hunt him down. Ivan didn't respond but I knew he would be already searching for him.

I brushed back the loose strands of hair from Rose's face, forcing my voice to be calm, "Roza, did he… do anything to you?" Underneath her intoxicating scent was his.

A powerful sob pulled from her throat, body shaking. "He–he tried… I fought him. I'm sorry… I didn't want– I'm sorry!"

I shushed her, trailing a hand down her cheek. "It's not your fault, Roza. You've done nothing wrong." My words seemed to have little effect as she continued to cry, more apologies slipping from her lips.

When the door behind me opened, I turned, growling low as I protected Roza, easing only once I realised it was Alberta. Her hands were up to show she meant no harm, appearing confused until her eyes widened.

"Oh no."

I lowered myself to crouch again, hand gripping Rose's shoulder to keep her upright. "We need to get her home now, she's in heat and has been given wolfsbane."

"Wolfsbane! How?"

I shook my head, focusing on keeping calm. My anger and my need for Roza were fighting for dominance, but I had to stay level-headed. "Ivan is already handling it. I need you to drive us back to the house and help take care of Rose."

Alberta took a step closer, "I don't mean any disrespect but I need to know if I can trust you to be around her right now."

I bristled at her words, my eyes narrowing, but I knew her main concern was Rose. "I'm in control. I would be less so if I don't stay close." I remembered Rose's words about her heat, that she didn't want to be alone. Until she says otherwise, I won't leave her side.

"Okay. Just let me clear everyone away. I don't need you feeling challenged right now." She slipped back out into the gym, hearing her yelling orders.

I focused on Roza, her eyes squeezed close, a pained expression on her face as she panted. Her skin felt like fire to the touch, yet each time I felt that heat move through me.

We had never spoken about what she wanted to do, thinking we still had a week to discuss it. No matter how much I wanted her, to ease the pain she was in, I didn't want to take advantage of her. She may be begging to be with me now but when the heat wears off, I didn't want her to look at me like I had taken her choice away again.

No. I needed her to be in her right mind before I did anything. No matter how hard it will be to resist her, I won't betray her trust.

"Dimitri…" She sobbed, hand stretching towards me, I caught it, squeezing. "It hurts."

I kissed the back of her hand, rubbing my thumb along her knuckles. "I know. We'll get you home and get you something to help. It'll be okay, Roza."


The drive back was tense. Christian stayed in town while Lissa drove with us, sitting in the front with Alberta, with me in the back cradling Rose. Her hands were clenched around my shirt the whole time, face pressed into my neck as she panted from the pain and the heat.

She continued to apologise, begging me to not hate her—to not blame her. My arms would just curl tighter around her, making soothing noises as I repeated that it wasn't her fault.

I had warned my mother we were on our way and to clear the pack house. I didn't want anyone there that might be a threat to Rose. If anyone so much as looked at her I couldn't guarantee that I wouldn't rip their throat out then and there. All of my instincts were screaming to protect my mate.

I have already failed her once today, I won't do it again.

I was grateful for Alberta being here, she was the only one that had any experience of what Rose was like when in heat, granted that was three years ago. Now I regretted that Tasha had left for a week, leaving to speak to some other contacts while she was in the area. At least we had the pills that she had given us to help.

I carried Rose to the house and then up the stairs, focusing on just getting her somewhere safe and warm, and not on her scent. It was heady, wrapping around me. Having to fight my own instincts to press my face into her neck and breathe deep.

The mark on her neck called to me, to sink my teeth into her again to strengthen the bond, and have her return the bite.

Lying her on the bed, Rose whined as I distanced myself, her strength too weak to maintain her grip on my shirt.

Her jacket was still hanging open, the slight bruising on the top of her breast made me growl. I could scent Jesse, my wolf desperately wanting to find him and punish him for hurting what was mine.

I swallowed, closing my eyes to try to ground myself again. "Can you help Rose wash?" I asked Alberta with a strained voice, feeling her eyes on me. "She has his scent on her."

"Okay. But you should wait outside."

A whine wanted to escape, hating the idea of being away from my mate when she was in pain, but understanding the reasoning behind it. Rose won't be alone, she'll have Alberta and Lissa with her.

Nodding, I dipped down to gently brush my lips against Rose's forehead. "I'll be back," I promised, holding her eyes, even though they were glazed over. I didn't even know if she was listening.

Forcing my feet to move I stalked out of the room and closed the door. I crumbled to the ground beside the door, unwilling to go any further.

Her scent was still so potent out here, clinging to my clothes. It was all too much.

"Dimka." I looked up at my mother, her expression sympathetic. She walked towards me, balancing a tray in her hands, a cup and herbs sitting atop it to combat the wolfsbane. "She'll be okay."

I dropped my head to my hands, "I wasn't there to protect her, Mama. If something happened –" I cut myself off, unable to think about what could have happened without feeling my wolf try to come out.

"You are here now. You will take care of her." My mother tried to console me. With a fond look, she disappeared into the bedroom.

I sat there, waiting until I could go back to my Roza.


xXx


Rose POV

The first thing I became aware of was how warm I felt, it wasn't uncomfortable like it was before, instead, it was welcoming. Warm and safe. The smell of pine surrounded me, easing the worries of my mind.

The next thing I noticed was the large body that was wrapped around me as much as I was wrapped around them. Our limbs were intertwined and my face pressed against their neck.

I knew without looking who I was clinging to like a koala in a tree.

The haze that had taken over my mind had receded, leaving me feeling level-headed, not as desperate, yet being close to Dimitri like this gave a sense of satisfaction. I could almost fall back asleep, floating on this feeling of joy.

Then the memories returned.

I untangled one of my arms, pressing it against my chest where Jesse had been kissing me, feeling it covered by a shirt.

Dimitri shifted beside me, pressing kisses to my hair. "Roza?" His voice was raspy, "How are you feeling?"

I pulled away, trying to sit up but finding it difficult. My limbs were hurting, cramps still gripping my stomach painfully. I licked my lips, my mouth dry. "I… It hurts."

Dimitri rolled away, coming back with a water bottle, uncapping it and holding it towards me. "Take it slow. The wolfsbane is still in your system."

The water was like an elixir, soothing my throat as I drank. Dimitri's hands pushed back my hair, his touch feeling cool against my feverish skin. All I wanted to do was lean into it but I didn't know if I should.

When I had finished the bottle, he took it back. "Do you need anything? Are you hungry?"

I shook my head. The idea of food made me feel sick, it was always a struggle to force myself to eat when going through my heats.

His eyes pinched, sighing sadly. "I'm so sorry, Roza. I should have been there to protect you but I failed."

My eyebrows drew together in confusion. "No… I should have—I promise I didn't want him to touch me. I didn't want it. He was trying to force me again. I tried to stop him!" The rest of my words became lost as tears fell. I had to defend myself, plead for Dimitri to believe me. "I never wanted –"

His arms encircled me again, pulling me close. "I know, Roza. I believe you, none of it is your fault." He repeated the words a few times, the process feeling familiar. Hazy memories of me begging for forgiveness flashed through my mind.

"My heat hit early," I murmured to myself, wincing as I cramped again.

"Yeah. We got you home and Alberta and Lissa helped you shower. We gave you the stuff Tasha gave us."

I pushed down my anxiety about the fact they would have seen my scars, "The pills? Is that why I don't feel as…" I trailed off, unsure how to continue. Desperate? Horny? Craving to rip the clothes off of Dimitri and have him take me?

"It took a while to take effect. We wanted the medicine for the wolfsbane to work first. You've been asleep for a long time." His hand rubbed my back.

I glanced down at myself only just realising I was only in one of Dimitri's shirts while he was topless. I blushed, recognising the shirt as the one he was wearing earlier today. "I'm wearing your clothes."

He huffed, sounding like a laugh, "Yes. It was the easiest way to calm you."

"Was I…" I chewed on my lip, "Was I throwing myself at you?"

"You were definitely being persuasive."

That was a kind way of putting it. Feeling my blush spread until I was sure my whole face was red. "I'm sorry."

This time he did laugh, squeezing me, "Don't be. I would be lying if I didn't admit I liked it. You have many ideas, Roza."

I groaned, burying my face in his chest, feeling mortified. Dimitri didn't release me, fingers drawing patterns on my back. Focusing on his touch helped keep my mind off the pain, easing the need that was itching just beneath the surface.

"You didn't want to do any of it?" I asked in a small voice. His hand stilled, shaking his head.

"No, Roza," He paused, amending his words, "Well, I did. You are very enticing, your scent and everything you were saying… It was difficult to deny you."

"Why did you?"

This time Dimitri pulled back, tucking a hand under my chin and tilting my head until our eyes met. "Because when we are together for the first time, I want you to be you. I want it to be because you want me as much as I want you and of your own choice. Not because your body is driving the need."

Alphas can't control themselves around omegas. It's what my teachers would always say. It was what they told me when I was punished after being caught with Jesse. Alphas were controlled by their instincts and if I was ever taken by one, it was my own fault for putting myself in that situation.

I hadn't realised how much I truly let myself believe those words. Falling for their lies only because it was beaten into me, building my fear until I refused to believe otherwise even when seeing it with my own two eyes.

Dimitri had always been different but I still expected him to give in to his desires when my heat hit. I should have realised that he was nothing like that.

He was nothing like what I thought an alpha would be like.

I could trust Dimitri.

"I have to tell you some things," I started, forcing down the lump that formed in my throat, "About what happened to me, and what happened… I–It's going to be hard to get through, but you deserve to know the truth. I want you to know."

His eyes burned into mine, full of understanding and love. I clung to that look, letting it give me the strength to say what I needed to.

Dimitri nodded. "Okay, Roza. Whatever it is, I will listen."

Taking a deep breath, I opened my mouth, "I met Jesse at the academy when I was fifteen…"

**Jesse tries forcing himself onto Rose and drugs her against her will with wolfsbane. He kisses her but Rose stops him before he is able to do anything else.

I know a lot of people were hoping for Dimitri to come in and beat up Jesse, and that was the plan originally, but I really wanted Rose to show she can defend herself and prove to herself that she wasn't helpless.

Hope you like the chapter :D Looking forward to seeing what you think!