From Alfa to Omega

Chapter XXXVIII – A for Abduction

… God hates me.

Yeah. That must be it. Karma, Odin, God, Allah, Zeus, Santa Claus, Flying Spaghetti Monster … Someone (or everyone ) up there hates me! Because if not … why is this happening again?!

Arthur groaned in pain as he woke up. The numbness in his muscles and the sharp headache when he moved too fast told him that he had been drugged. It wasn't the first time but it's always uncomfortable. Usually, he'd be kidnapped for a ransom. It's not every day you can extort money from a Kirkland. Although, the number of times Arthur got kidnapped can be counted on one hand … with fingers cut off. And every single time, it failed thanks to the intervention of his clan. Kidnapping = No big deal.

However, this time, Arthur could tell that it was a big fucking deal. Simply because he knew who had kidnapped him. The vague memory of that voice whispering to his ear before he blacked out still made him shiver and have nightmares at night. He hated that voice. Almost as much as he hated the person it belonged to.

Focusing his hazy vision, Arthur willed the headache away and tried to make sense of his surroundings. He was in a bedroom that seemed to belong to a hotel. The open window led out into the empty air of the 15th floor. A soft breeze brushed over Arthur's messy golden hair and slapping him in the face awake. The effects of the drugs still in his system, Arthur knew for sure that he could not use his magic in his condition. Hell, he can't even think straight or move coherently! The door was shut but probably unlocked. That person has no need to lock doors since Arthur can easily unlock it. Arthur could very easily walk out of the room. He knew it. And the very thought terrified him. If he dared to walk out … what would he find? What would happen?

A bell resonated in the quiet room as Arthur sat up. He looked around, the jingle sounding out with every move he made. Suddenly he realised … lifting his hand to his neck, the young man paled in horror as the metal choker clasped around his neck with a small bell hanging from it, like a cat's collar. So even if he ran … he couldn't escape, is that it? He's a pet?

On the desk a tray of food laid waiting for him, inviting his starving appetite. But Arthur knew better than to eat this. It might also be drugged and anyway, it would be a sign of submission which the proud Omega would not subject himself to! Instead, Arthur got up and instantly tumbled to the floor, his knees shaking and his legs unable to carry his weight. Bloody drugs …! Clawing the carpet, Arthur forced himself to move even if he'll have to crawl to the door. He noticed he was wearing different clothes from when he was kidnapped. So the bastard had thought he could play doll and dress him up?! Why did he leave him in only a night-shirt?!

"I'm going to kill him … why is he still alive anyway?!" Arthur cursed in a heavy breath, his hand reaching up for the door handle. He didn't care if it was a trap. He wanted out. He needed to get out and far away from this man.

"Ah! I see you're up, Princess!" the sweet purring voice spoke and Arthur's eyes widened in horror and fear.

The anger the Omega previously felt suddenly vanished to be replaced by terror. Seeing this man … the memories of this man … Arthur couldn't even pretend he didn't fear him. And there he was, at the mercy of his nightmare. His entire body trembled and he backed away as fast as he could. Dull and heavy in his movement, his panic must have amused the older man since he was chuckling lightly. Advancing casually toward the scared blonde, he picked up the Omega like gentle glass and carried him back to the large bed. Too scared to move a muscle, Arthur didn't even dare resist the older man. The Omega felt disgusted with himself but the fear ingrained in him was to traumatic that he could not resist.

Arthur felt him stroke his cheek fondly and run long fingers through his golden hair. He hated it. He hated that touch. Arthur couldn't even understand why he used to crave this touch in the past. Now, the idea to be touched and carried by that man made Arthur want to vomit. If anyone had the right to touch him, it would be …

"Feliciano. That's his name, isn't it? The little Alfa you replaced me with."

Arthur froze, his breathing rapid and short. He gulped down silently and looked away, pray that he misheard the murderous intent in that voice.

"Don't worry your pretty little head, Princess! I'll keep you safe from the big bad wolf! He won't come anywhere near you!" The cold voice purred and dropped down a tone with his next words. "I won't let a mediocre Alfa like him soil you. I'll destroy him. You won't even know he ever existed."

"N-No …! L-Leave him! He's …!" Arthur croaked but was cut short a large hand strangle him and made him unable to breathe properly, coughing violently.

"He's what? He's your mate? That's impossible! I watched him. While I was watching you, I also kept watch over your friends. That little Alfa is anything but an Alfa! He's pathetic! He doesn't deserve to be alive, let alone to befriend you! How dare he steal you from me?! Are you saying that this pathetic weakling is stronger than I am?! Are you saying that he could defeat your brothers?!"

Arthur felt his eyes roll as he passed out from lack of breath.

The man looked over the unconscious body of the omega. He had grown even more beautiful than ever before. Licking his lips, he pulled the blonde into his arms and under the covers. It didn't matter who came at him, even if it were to be Alistair, nobody will take Arthur away from him a second time.

Especially not that pathetic failure of an Alfa!

"… What?"

Feliciano felt his entire world crash down. These words cannot be true. That's impossible. And yet, there he was, begging Matthias to tell him where Arthur had disappeared to, only to find out that … he was kidnapped? That cannot be true.

"There's no way … ve …! Arthur is too strong to get kidnapped!" He argued, convinced that this was a mistake. After all, Arthur is the strongest person he knows! Stronger than Alfas! There's no way …!

The self-loathing eyes of the Kohler in his hospital room did not lie. Matthias hated himself to still be alive after letting someone take away the one person he should be protecting. In the quiet hospital room, Feliciano, Peter, Mr and Mrs Kirkland, and Merwin were all listening quietly at the broken man's confession.

Matthias should have died. His injuries should have been enough to kill a bear. But stubborn as he was, the man managed to survive until his clan's magician, Lukas, found him and saved him. But by then … it was too late.

"What happened?" Merwin asked gently but with an impatient edge to his voice. Seeing the state in which Matthias was, he couldn't help but fear what kind of monster had taken his grandson.

Lukas looked down at his brother before nodding and spoke Matthias' words. Mind-Reading was his specialty but he never thought he'd have to use it for such a purpose. It made him sick. The images he saw in Matthias' head were terrifying and nauseating.

"Matthias! I'm not some damsel in distress! You don't need to follow me around like a puppy!" Arthur groaned as he felt the familiar presence of his guardian over him, watching from the darkness.

Matthias chuckled and walked out in the open, setting his pace alongside Arthur's as they both headed towards the city centre.

"I'm not allowed to accompany my cousin on his shopping trip?" He asked innocently.

"First, I'm not shopping. And second, I am not having you trail me in secret! So stop acting like you're innocent!" Arthur snapped at him.

"Heh! Artie, you know we can't let our guard down. That guy is around and if he finds you …"

"I know! I bloody know!" Arthur shouted, clenching his fists and glaring into the distance. His voice dropped to a whisper as he continued. "I know that … But I don't want … I don't want to be scared anymore!"

"There's no reason to be scared! My clan and your clan are all looking out for you and hunting him down!" Matthias explained, hoping to appease the worries of the smaller blonde.

"… It's not that. I don't want to rely on you all again … I want to get over this fear. I …" Arthur stopped in his track.

Matthias noticed the Kirkland was no longer by his side and turned around, watching him with confusion and a questioning look. Arthur seemed to ponder on something before he looked up at his guardian with an uneasy look.

"Matthias … Why am I so useless …? I'm a Kirkland but I was born an Omega! I caused trouble for everyone all the time because I can't behave like a proper Omega! I'm never going to get a mate and the potential one turned out to be a psycho now threatening my family! My best friend has gone crazy with red eyes because of me and I … I … I don't know what to do! He won't even talk to me anymore! Or see me! He hates me! I … Because of my bloody heats I went to one of my friend's flat and realised that I also destroyed Antonio's life! Why am I …?! I'm always wrecking people's lives! Why?!"

Arthur felt two strong arms suddenly pull him into a warm embrace such that he couldn't even feel the snow falling on them anymore. Matthias's heavy breath on his hair sounded angry. He could feel the taller man holding him gently yet tightly, like he were reining his emotions. Matthias spoke in a strong deep voice.

"It's not your fault! Don't ever think that! You are not wrecking anybody's life! Being an Omega is not a mistake or a handicap! You are not useless!"

"But because of me … everyone is …"

"It's not because of you but because it is you! We worry because you are precious to us, Arthur! Don't ever doubt that! Feliciano is a bit distant with you because he's concerned he might hurt you. Give him time. And as for Antonio, I understand his feelings and he would never want you to blame yourself! Just like I don't want you to think that you are a hassle!"

He tightened his grip and lowered his voice, gentler as he spoke softly.

"I'm not protecting you because it's my duty. I'm doing it because I want to. Because I care about you. Arthur … I would die for you."

"And die you will."

Matthias' eyes widened in alert as he pulled Arthur behind him and shielded him, looking around for the threat of the familiar voice. He remembers that voice. He loathes that voice.

A tall man wrapped in a powerful Alfa aura began walking towards them. Arthur gasped and clung to Matthias' shirt, feeling he might be sick. His body instantly remembered all of the traumatic torture he had gone through and his knees threatened to drop him. Matthias felt the shivering Omega behind him. He had never seen Arthur show such fear and weakness in front of anyone. The Kohler growled, his Alfa instinct to protect the one he loved kicked in and he glared viciously at the approaching man.

Agon smirked and pointed towards Arthur.

"I will take back what's mine now, Dog."

The "dog" that now looked more like an angry bear, growled in threat, moving closer to Arthur.

"He isn't yours! And you should be dead!"

"I thought I would die too. But when I didn't I realised that it was because I was destined to rescue my love from you people."

"You're crazy! Don't you dare get anywhere near Arthur!"

Agon's smile fell and his cold demeanour instilled a sense of dread into the Nordic. Why could he not move? He couldn't actually feel intimidated? Only a member of the Kirklands could make him freeze like that or overwhelm him with their dominance! This man could not possibly … He was never that strong! How much did he change?! What kind of monster is he?

"Step aside. I'm not interested in pets." Agon tapped the Nordic's shoulder who suddenly realised that he had allowed his enemy to come so close to him and Arthur.

In a rush of panic, Matthias pulled Arthur away and out of reach of the man, taking a few steps back and glaring at Agon. Said Agon smirked maliciously.

"Is this wise? You'll get yourself killed."

"We'll see who kills who!" Matthias snarled angrily, hoping his voice did not crack under the oppressing pressure of the other.

Agon took a step forward, his eyes drifting to Arthur. The emeralds were avoiding him, face hidden behind his faithful dog. Agon smiled fondly. Really … seeing Arthur after all this time still made his heart pound and his blood rush.

"Arthur … I've come like I promised." He whispered to the blonde's ear.

Arthur stared with wide terrified eyes at his guardian's figure falling. Matthias didn't even have time to think than he was already beaten to near-death. It's not that he didn't see the blows … he just couldn't move! He couldn't react! The dominating aura of the other simply forbade him from moving a muscle and thus he couldn't defend himself. Only someone as strong as Alistair could force the Nordic like that. In a blurry vision, Matthias couldn't even protect the Omega he loved as he watched Arthur black out and be carried away. He bit his lip, tasting blood and tried to scream but no sound could escape his crushed throat. His heart was beating abnormally and his body no longer hurt, growing numb in the cold snow painted red in his blood.

He should have died.

"Matthias! I heard you scream! What happened?! Matthias!"

Before slipping into unconscious, Matthias had to tell him what happened. He forced himself to look into the worried indigo eyes of Lukas. This was the first time he saw concern on his emotionless brother. Maybe his brother didn't hate him after all.

He never spoke a word but Lukas heard him loud and clear. Matthias' mind kept screaming and raging, panic flashed in the older man's blue eyes. Lukas witnessed through his brother's memory everything and he himself felt dread and angst wash over him.

"I heard you, brother. I heard you." He spoke, calming the struggling man in his arms. Matthias blinked instead of nodding, and instantly dropped into unconsciousness.

"I heard you both." Lukas looked up in the distance where Arthur's screaming mind had now faded.

Feliciano listened to Lukas, containing all of his mixed emotions. Once the blonde mage was finished, you could see him shaking from the experience of what he had seen.

"Thank you Lukas. Matthias, you did more than enough. Rest and recover." Merwin spoke in the tensed silence of the room.

Matthias shook his head, seemingly trying to argue but he was silenced by Lukas gripping his shoulder and forcing him still on his hospital bed.

"And what would you do in your condition, Stupid?!" The younger Kohler growled angrily at his brother. Matthias looked at him, shocked by the sudden anger of his brother.

"Lukas, take care of your brother. Edward and Peter, you both go home. We'll deal with Arthur."

"Understood." Edward nodded, picking up his youngest son who struggled and argued that he too wanted to help find Arthur. They walked out of the room.

"Bridget, go tell the boys everything we heard. I'll join you in a moment."

Mrs Kirkland nodded and followed her father's orders. Her sons were already investigating and searching the town for their missing brother. Alistair had gathered his whole police department and Patrick had been the one to operate and medically attend to Matthias, saving his life by just a thread of luck. Or maybe it was the Nordic's stubbornness to live.

Merwin turned to Feliciano and motioned him outside, leaving the two brothers alone. Feliciano silently followed the Head Kirkland to Patrick's empty office in the hospital. Merwin sat down behind the desk and motioned for the Italian to take a seat facing him. Feliciano complied, mainly because his mind was still in shock and registering what Lukas had told him.

"Feliciano … Let me be very clear. You are not to get involved in this matter. Go back home and get on with your life. Do not speak to anyone about what you just heard. And do not attempt of finding Arthur. You are not needed so go home and forget what you saw and heard."

Feliciano didn't answer.

Merwin watched as the boy silently stood and walked out of the office without ever speaking a word. The old man frowned. He hoped Feliciano would follow his order but he didn't have time to babysit the Italian. His grandson's life is running out of time.

Lovino looked up when he saw his brother walk quietly into the house. Feliciano is never quiet. And he looked like a mindless zombie! What on earth happened now?!

"Oi! Feli! What's going on?"

His concern went unanswered as his younger brother headed straight for their grandfather's office. Giulio was surprised when he saw his grandson walk in without a warning. The empty blank expression on Feliciano's face was disturbing and never seen until now.

"Feliciano …? Do you need something?"

The grandson didn't even look at his grandfather and simple walked towards his desk. He slammed his hands flat against the wooden surface and finally looked up to face his grandfather's confused eyes.

"Nonno … I need a favour."