Otabek found himself falling down the rabbit hole after his initial research into what omega breakers do, why such an occupation became in the first place, and laws surrounding the accountability those who become breakers or hunters or even retrievers face when an omega is injured or traumatized beyond repair. It makes his blood boil in a way he isn't used to. He wasn't taught about these things in school. Through high school most omegas had already presented and were sent to their own learning facilities, leaving the betas and alphas to be taught in a non-distracting omega-free environment. It also meant there was little to no resource for an alpha or beta to find out that perhaps what they were being taught was cruel or wrong.

He finds himself on a forum in a rather discreet portion of the internet. A forum that he's sure would get just about anyone in trouble if a government official found out. He had been raised with such pride for the country he grew up in. What they did to omegas was for the betterment of mankind. They loved their omegas enough to keep them safe, even if it means keeping them safe from themselves. This type of rhetoric was seared into his mind from such a young age through media and school that he never thought to question that maybe omegas do have the capacity to think on their own. That maybe no one knows what's best for an omega other than that omega.

This forum has people from all over the world participating. Not just those who come from the same background as Otabek. To his shock, omegas from the country just north of Otabek's own have far more rights than they would have had they been born just a little more south. They're allowed free access of the internet, they stay with their families, they even get to choose their mates the same way a beta or alpha would. It's rather mind boggling to the raven-haired man. It opens his mind in a way he didn't realize he needed. It opens additional questions, so his research continues.

Omega drop rates are the highest here in America, he learns almost immediately. As are childbirth related deaths and instances of domestic abuse. The thought blows his mind, considering omegas are a rather expensive commodity, but it also twists his point of view. A commodity? How can a person be a commodity? No one would ever refer to a beta or an alpha in such a way. Of course, no one can purchase an alpha or beta in the same way one could an omega here. In the same way Otabek purchase Yuri not all that long ago.

The feeling of shame isn't new to the alpha sitting at the computer. Especially not lately. He had done things the way he was told he should. The way he was raised and taught, although he knows better now that just because it's how he was raised, doesn't mean it's what's right. The statistics on the screen in front of him teach him that. The death rates only seem to rise with every year. Perhaps when the system was initially put into place it was truly for the greater good, but like any system that exploits a marginalized group, it became corrupt until it's twisted into the ugly monster it is today.

He can only gather so much information now, finding blocks in place to keep him from learning much outside of the forums. It would seem things are censored far more than Otabek ever truly realized. He doesn't feel like he can just stop learning, though. Now that he's started, he's committed. He won't just ignore the lives that are lost because a system is taking advantage of a group of people that aren't given the chance to fend for themselves.

He starts close to home. His own omega was raped. He's been told as much. He must seek justice for him. He picks up his phone, quietly looking up the number for the local law enforcement agency. He waits patiently on hold, rather relieved when someone finally picks up. "Hello, my name is Otabek Altin. My omega ran away recently and was raped before being turned into his assigned breaker. I'd like to know the status of his rape kit. I plan to press charges."

There's an almost awkward silence as the person on the other end begins searching up the records. "I'm sorry sir, it shows here that your omega was found unmarked, and his hormones indicated he was in heat. Rape kits aren't performed on omegas in heat, since the laws of consent get rather blurry. For all we know he did consent. You know how out of it they can get when all they can focus on is having pups put inside them."

Otabek's jaw clenches as he struggles to keep his calm. "I was informed it was the hunter who turned him in."

Another small silence follows his words. "Then even if he wasn't in heat a rape kit still wouldn't have been done. Omega's have been known to lie in the past. They have a great deal of resentment towards hunters, especially ones in your Yuri's position. We must protect the hunters' reputations, you see. They do a great service to our country. I'm sorry that your omega was injured, but he really shouldn't have run off. Hopefully his breaker will be able to get him into better shape for you. Have a lovely day, Mr. Altin."

As the line goes dead with the officer hanging up, Otabek feels his blood boil. What kind of country is this if they allow omegas to be so carelessly brutalized yet still feel the need to protect their abuser? Not one the alpha cares to live in. He knows there isn't much he can do here, now. It'll be many more weeks before he has the chance to get Yuri back. So, he books a plane ticket and decides to head to Canada. To learn how the rest of the world really views the country that is so terribly harsh to omegas.

Yuri can feel pieces of him dying. The fight is being quite literally beaten out of him. Everything is so incredibly overwhelming, and he isn't sure how much longer he can hold out. How much longer he can keep his resolve. His inner omega longs for his mate and for soft treatment, and even the talk of carrying pups is starting to sound nice in comparison to his current handling. It would be so easy to just give in and accept his fate. Allow himself to conform to what's wanted of him just to make the suffering stop. He knows that's not who he is. He wouldn't have chosen any of this life for himself. Perhaps if it wasn't being shoved down his throat he wouldn't mind settling down with a mate and having a few children, but the fact that he isn't given a choice in the matter is what makes it so miserable.

He flinches at the sound of the door opening, footsteps approaching the bed he's still tied to. He feels his heart pound in his chest, knowing that more unpleasantness is about to befall him. He's afraid of the silver haired man who can so easily hurt him without remorse. If asked about him, he'd call him a demon of some sort. To cause such suffering to people is unforgivable, and unredeemable.

The hands that are always so cold reach out, stroking over Yuri's thighs softly, pinching softly at the meatier bits. "You seem to be putting on weight well. That's nice at least. Perhaps you'll be in breeding condition by the time you're ready to be given back to your mate. I'm sure that'll make you happy, won't it? Something good to come from all of this at the end. If you're good maybe we'll even invite your mate here for your next heat and see if he can't put a pup in you now. Wouldn't you like that, little one?"

Yuri feels his stomach twist at the idea. The idea of being penetrated at all has him feeling rather queasy. With every passing day he knows he's healing more, and it's only a matter of time before his training turns into how to be the best fuck toy possible. How to present himself in a way that shows his body off and begs for his mate to breed him. Force and training won't heal trauma, though. He won't so easily forget the feeling of being pinned down to the damp forest floor or against the leather seats of the hunter's car. The physical wounds are healing well, but the emotional and mental wounds continue to cripple him.

Tear soak into his blindfold as he squirms a bit, breathing hard but remaining silent. The words of so many circles in his head. Words telling him that the assault was his own fault. That if he'd just behave, he wouldn't be hurt. At what point does he just accept it? At what point does he realize that almost everyone agrees with that but himself. Is he the one in the wrong? Thinking the wrong things, doing the wrong things? He's so confused and hurt and vulnerable.

Victor exploits such vulnerabilities. He leans down, pressing a light kiss to Yuri's forehead. "I can smell your tears, sweetie. Tell me what has you so upset. Perhaps I can help soothe you." His voice is sickly sweet, his scent coming out in heavy waves of comfort, that put Yuri more on edge than helps him. His hands shift to stroke over Yuri's bare sides, up his ribs that don't stick out quite as much as they used to.

Yuri remains silent, shuddering at the touches to his body. He's paralyzed with the anxiety that is ever present now. Before he would have fought or tried to curl up, but Victor is good at his job. He takes in a shaky breath, knowing that saying nothing at all will only cause more trouble, so instead he opens his mouth to speak. "I'm scared…" His voice wavers, almost to the point of stuttering but not quite. "I'm scared of changing. I don't want to be someone else."

Victor grins. It's been almost two weeks by now and he's been waiting for this breakthrough. Yuri lasted longer than he had initially anticipated, but his work is finally paying off. "I know it can be frightening, but this is what will be best for you. Otabek is a good alpha who will take good care of you. All you must do is please and obey him, tend to him, give him plenty of pups to continue his line, and you'll have your every need taken care of. No more running or going without food or a nice bed. Everything you could ever need will be there at your fingertips. You'll be far happier this way." He croons softly, his voice far too comforting for someone who is working to destroy another man's free will.

The helpless blonde shudders with a faint sob. He tries to suppress it, but he's so tired of fighting. "But I won't be me."

Victor lifts his hand, stroking his thumb over the omega's cheek as he cups his face. "No, you won't. That's what must happen though, don't you understand? You won't be who you currently are, you'll be a new version of you. A version that doesn't run or fight. One that doesn't disobey. One that is happy. One that is a mother. One that is loved. Don't you want to be loved?"

Another sob. "I do, but at what cost?"

"Your alpha already paid that cost. All you must do is show gratitude. Be a good boy for me and I can send you back to your alpha who will love you and your pups. Who will take care of you. Do you understand?"

"I understand. Please, please just help me."