CRAIG

TWO WEEKS LATER

I stretch heading out of the warehouse. I hate working overnights, but this job pays damn good. No, I don't work for Amazon. I work for a furniture warehouse. I pull out some green I rolled up that looks like cigarette at first glance. I light it getting close to my truck seeing someone standing beside it. The fuck. I get closer before speaking.

"Can I help you?" I inquire. Token turns around surprising me. Not only is it 8 in the morning and he looks so damn preppy. He is wearing some jeans shorts and a polo shirt. Not offense he looks like a rich kid. I don't think he will ever be able to shake it. "Shouldn't you be at Harvard or something."

"Very funny," states Token. "I don't even go to Harvard." Like I give a fuck. "I'm back in town for the summer." I puff on my weed before putting my free hand in my jean pocket.

"Let's cut the bullshit," I reply. "What do you want?" Like I said we all drifted apart. I'm sure Token looked up my job. I mean my resume is online. I know I'm not hard to find. Token is a beta. It's not surprising. Alphas are rarer nowadays. I don't care either way. Nothing special about it to me. Same old shit. The numbers started to downslide in the past 5 years or something. I don't keep up with shit like that.

"I want to talk but not here," he replies.

"Really Token," I drone. I'm not in the mood for this nonsense. "Dude, I'm fucking tired…."

"It's about Tweek," he says cutting me off. A curse myself as my heart skips a beat just hearing his name. I brush it off.

"What about him?" I counter.

"Not here!" snaps Token. I growl at him feeling like he is trying to challenge me. I'm sure betas don't think before they act.

"Don't raise your fucking voice at me," I hiss balling up my fist. My alpha pheromones are coming out strongly. Token submits slowly as I quiet myself down before running my hand through my hair. "I am hungry. Buy my breakfast."

"Fine," states Token looking embarrassed. I would be too. He knows if he tried to argue with me, I'm bound to go off. Glad it didn't come to that. "Where?"

"Denny's is fine," I reply. "Nothing fancy."

"Meet me there," says Token getting into his range rover. I shake my head. No one should have a car that big. I get into my dodge ram that has never failed me. She guzzles gas like a drunk whore but I love her. I head over to the Denny's. I beat Token there, but I wait in my trunk until he gets out. I put out weed knowing I will finish it when I get back in my truck. Token huffs. "You're high."

"It hasn't kicked in yet thank you," I state before opening the door. Token walks in and I get a whiff of his expensive cologne. When I say expensive it smells like it cost no less than 250 bucks. People who tell you the price doesn't make a difference with cologne or perfume is a damn lie. "Table for two." There aren't a lot of people in here currently. I sit down already knowing what I want. I put in my order while Token just asks for OJ. "Um so what about Tweek?" He chuckles.

"I at least want to know how you are doing," says Token.

"Meh," I reply with a shrug. "Same old same old. How is Cali?"

"It's nice," says Token. "The people there are so different."

"Different how?" I ask curiously. I have never really left Colorado, so I don't know anything about that.

"Like the kids at my school seem so carefree," he explains. "They spend money like it grows on trees. They party all the time. I mean all the time."

"Minus the money part sounds like my kind of people," I reply. Token shakes his head.

"Going into my junior year of college it is going to get harder," states Token. "I need to be focused."

"Um…." I hum not really caring.

"I can tell you are checking out already," states Token. I smirk.

"You still know me well after all this time," I reply amused. Token nods.

"I heard you mated Tweek," he replies. I shrug my shoulders as our drinks are sat down. I don't want to make a big deal out of this. I honestly haven't stopped thinking about Tweek since that day. Lucky for me no one I hang around really mentions Tweek. Yeah, I got I that bad.

"Yeah," I reply. "He chose me but whatever." I'm downplaying the hell out it. I wonder who was on the other side of that glass. I could smell Tweek sweet vanilla scent. I think a few of the other alpha did to as they appeared just as eager to be selected. I just closed my eyes wanting to tune it out. For the first time if my alpha wasn't picked, I didn't see it ending well. I astounded myself when I held on to a shirt that has his scent still on it. I didn't want to wash it. Sorry, it smells so good. Has helped me get off a time or two as my body remembered what it was like to take him. I clear my throat trying to keep my lust down. Last thing I need Token catching whiff of.

"I know," he replies. "Tweek doesn't discuss these things for the record. He did tell David, Clyde and I. Thank you for taking care of him. This was a really big deal for Tweek."

"I didn't do anything to special," I reply leaning on the table. Token sighs.

"Tweek wouldn't want you to know this," says Token slowly. Yet I am not surprised he is hearing talking to me about it. He wants me to do someyhing. "I know we are all out of touch not super close anymore, but I think you need to know you're his first mate."

"What….." I drone. He has to be fucking kidding me!

"Tweek never got close to anyone after you guys went your separate ways," he explains. "I always believed it was because he was afraid to be hurt or let down again. He would never communicate to us his feelings regarding your breakup. He didn't have to. I know it hurt." What the fuck ever! The shit was mutual. Regardless he was a damn virgin. What the fuck. "Him not dating wasn't a big deal until he presented. However, I know he has to stop taking the suppressants. He knew this was coming. I believe he was looking for someone, but you know how he is. He didn't want to mate with a stranger. I am so glad I don't have to worry about that." Tweek told me that, but he didn't mention he was a god damn virgin. "I can tell by the look on your face and uh scent you didn't know."

"Hell, no I didn't!" I exclaim. No wonder my alpha was drawn to him. An omega at that age, never touch, holt shit. I mean sure he was tight, but I just figured he only mated for his heats and nothing else. Tweek is single after all. I never seen him with anyone romantically or sexually in public at least. This makes me wonder if that was why he was so wet. At least now I know why his body wanted to mate nonstop. It had never tasted an alpha before. "I don't understand how he could not tell me that?"

"It's Tweek," sighs Token. "He probably just wanted to get it over with. He also probably didn't want you treating him any different. He seems to be wanting to spread his wings lately. He has been having little disagreement with his folks."

"His parents do tend to hover," I state recalling they never wanted to leave us alone in the house for a minute. At that stage in my life, I only liked kissing. When I say kissing, I'm talking little pecks. I didn't get into making out until 8th grade. I didn't even care about having sex until I had to when I presented. "We would have helped Tweek but with us all being betas we couldn't help him out. I'm glad you were able to be there for him. I fear for his next heat though." My nostril flare because I don't want anyone else touching him. For the fact I am the only alpha he had. My inner alpha want to keep it that way. I am almost in agreeance. I don't want anyone using Tweek and just tossing him aside. He is not your average omega. "Whoa you okay?"

"I'm fine," I lie shifting my eyes away from him. Please tell me this isn't happening. I never felt this protective over an omega. I didn't care if they mated someone else but this…..this is clearly different. I'm his first. "Why are you telling this?"

"I can't be there for Tweek," says Token. "Not with this. You don't have to do anything you don't want to, but can you keep an eye on him? Make sure no alpha pushes up on him or takes advantage of him."

"I guess," I reply knowing deep down I will. I feel protective of him now. I have a feeling this won't go away anytime soon. "He still living with his folks, right?" My meal has arrived. I order steak and eggs with a side of grits. What can I say, I love red meat. I happily begin to eat this free meal.

"He is," replies Token. "I am afraid he is going to try and secretly take his medicine for his heat. Tweek can be stubborn at times." I know all about that. People think he is so sweet and a push over. Yeah, definitely not. "I know he doesn't want kids but still to purposely take something that is harming your body." I tense hearing that. I don't like the way this feels.

"Yeah…." I reply before focusing on my meal. I have a hard time focusing on Token after that. All I can think about is how Tweek is going to destroy his body. I can be tenacious but so can he when his mind is made up. I don't want any kids either, but I also wouldn't take my option of having them away either. He should just fucking mate but I know he isn't going to want to do that despite the consequences. Token pays the bill with us heading outside to go our separate ways once again. "I have to get going. I will keep an eye on Tweekers." Token chuckles.

"None of us call him that anymore," he replies. "I'll keep in touch with you Craig. Kind of miss you."

"I bet since you are swimming with that trust fund babies," I retort. Token laughs.

"Asshole," he replies. "You're not wrong though." Token gets into his vehicle while I jump into mine going to Tweak Bros. This is not a conversation I want to sit on. My inner alpha is on edge. I don't want anyone else touching Tweek if I can help it. I don't know if he still works for his parents or not. I recall seeing him there throughout high school or whatever. I pull into the parking lot seeing a few cars but not many. I guess I just missed the rush. Usually, it is packed in here. Currently it is almost empty. I take a deep breath walking into the shop.

It's been a minute since I been here. Looks like they changed some things. I like the upgrade. It looks more modern and not so much a mom and pop shop. Lots of brown, beiges, and dark green. They have real plants throughout the shop now. It goes nicely with the smell of fresh bake goods and coffee.

"Craig?" says Tweek. I turn my head seeing Tweek sitting at a table in the corner to my right. He is behind a plant. I would have missed him had he not called out to me. I can scent him the closer I get. I swallow a growl of desire. Tweek is blushing. I can scent his embarrassment. I'm pretty sure he is thinking about the fuck session we had. "I wasn't expecting you to come over." He has his legs crossed leaning on the table. I see an empty cup of coffee along with some thick ass book. He looks so cute in his jeans and casual tee shirt. I got so use to him wearing button down shirts. He had a hard time with those but for whatever the reason wanted to wear them when we were kids.

"I'm full of surprises," I reply shoving my hands in my jean pockets. "You working?"

"No," he replies. "I'm trying to decide what classes to take this upcoming fall semester."

"You going to college?" I ask.

"Well yeah," he replies. "I'm going to school to be an accountant. I like working with numbers. It makes sense."

"God bless you," I snort. "Fucking hate math." Tweek chuckles looking fascinated.

"It's not that bad," He replies. "Did you want some coffee? Tea? Um w-water? I…I can get some for you."

"Oh no thanks," I reply. "I was hoping we could um talk alone?" Tweek appears surprised but nods his head yes closing the school class catalog. He grabs his mug with everything else he had at the table.

"We can talk in the house," he replies. I forgot their home is somewhat behind the shop. I follow Tweek through the back and outside. "My parents are working so we can talk in peace."

"You sound like you don't want them to be around," I note.

"I love my parents," he replies. "I'm just tired of them fucking babying me." I guess Token wasn't exaggerating with that statement about Tweek not being up under his parents.

"I get it," I reply following him into the house. Tweek use to be so close to his parents. I never thought they would not get along. Not a thing has changed about their home. Still heavily scented of coffee. He leads me into the living room sitting his stuff on the coffee table.

"What's going on?" he asks sitting down. He twitches a little. This lets me know he is anxious. Shit I'm fucking nervous too. I sit down knowing if I don't he is going to get frightened after he hears me out. I don't want him to find out I know the truth. Fuck I'm not good at this.

"I wanted to check on you," I reply slowly. Best for me to feel things out. "I know we were just at the center, but you aren't some stranger or whatever." Tweek blushes but I scent he is pleased. He shifts his eyes away from my glare.

"Well, I have been fine," he replies. "No biggie. The staff there is awesome. The only thing I'm looking forward to dealing with for my next heat." He twitches slightly. "S-sorry….I still don't like the idea of going there still." I just nod because I now know for a fact how much he hated being taken there.

"U-uh…um…." I stammer. Fuck. I never stammer. I drop my head in my hands taking a deep breath running my hands over my jeans. "Sorry Tweekers, um if you want me to help you through your heats I can do that." I finally look up scenting Tweek's relief. I'm surprised to see his eyes water.

"Y-you mean it?" he asks. Jesus…

"Yeah, I do," I reply. "We were friends at some point. I know you don't want to go there. I don't mind helping you. It would be no different than an alpha offering to mate you at the mating house. Difference is we won't have to go there. It can be wherever. If you want to, we can if it's easier. I mean we both still live with our parents so….." I already know he is going accept my offer.

"Are you sure you don't mind?" he asks.

"I don't," I reply. "I have been at my job a while, so I know it won't be a problem." Tweek nods his head blinking away the tears. "No need to get all emotional. I know how you were in elementary. I mean you could be a different person now, but I doubt you want to mate someone you don't know."

"I haven't changed in that aspect," says Tweek in between chuckles. "Thank you for wanting to mate me during my heats. I promise I won't bother you." I stare at Tweek hoping he means every single word. I don't want my life to be further interrupted. I'm getting something out of this as much as he is. God I hope I don't regret this.