There are mentions of assault in this chapter notes have been made its nothing too graphic.

It is marked by capitals bold at the starts here noted and finishes here.

Heat finished

Branch was exhausted, his … everything hurt, he hated falling into heat like this, but it was the price of not having an alpha, he'd suffered for this long, he was so close, and he would never have to face the loss of memories, being alone, the feeling of hopelessness he felt and never understood.

Soon.

Ablaze and Trickee had offered to help him once, or court and mate with him if he wanted, they both cared, and had found him attractive they'd told him as much, they offered him the world, their words he only had to ask, if he wanted it, but he knew them, while he knew they could be happy, it would never be more.

They never pushed when he explained, he loved them, but they would never be more than brothers, they hugged him disappointed, but never demanding anything more, and respected his feelings and answer, it was Boom who came up with a counter, he would be with Branch if Branch would be with him.

Omegas in heat were defenceless against Alphas, but a trusted Omega sibling or elders, would be able to defend them, lucky for Branch and Boom they were the last line, they had three Alpha brothers who we're fiercely protective over them both, and willing to throw hands and had taken chunks out of trolls who dared come near them without permission.

When he finally managed to open his eyes, he saw a glittering yellow chest, Boom had stayed with him. Branch snuggled back under the blanket covering them and rested his ear over Booms heart as he was lulled back to sleep, feeling arms tighten around him.

This was a week ago.

After Floyds very prompt dismissal of signing the contracts over, they had politely been asked to leave Vibe City until further notice.

'I can't believe you did that' Bruce growled, 'did you even listen, I thought you were the smart one after Clay, your boyfriend clearly didn't hit you hard enough.'

Floyd was sat on a log, he'd been listening to Bruce rant at him for the last hour, John had been sat in silence a pensive look on his face, he'd been mulling over what was said, as he used a stick to prod at the fire pit.

Floyd huffed, 'I listened, they want Branchs contracts, so they can use them to bind to someone we don't know.' Floyd adores his little brother, he was a gift to the family, he'd screwed up when he left, the promise to return was a fool's dream, he'd only just managed to get out, getting back, was near impossible.

'I noticed you didn't say anything the entire time.'

'You said enough for both of us, I was worried about Clay and Johnny, no offence, being dumb, but I didn't expect you,' Bruce spat 'we may have lost any hope of talking to Branch, now, those three were practically ready to take our heads'

John had listened to everything, he saw the way Branch had crumbled when Floyd said they wouldn't sign, he wanted, needed to talk to Branch without Floyd

'Enough, Spr, sorry, Bruce is right, no offence taken, you weren't listening or looking, the minute you said no Branch changed colours, he dimmed Floyd.' John sighed, he pulled out the fish charm again thumb running over the scale pattern, 'you were given those contracts because I convinced the family it was best, Branch loved you as a baby, I was so proud when you split it, but if I have to take them as the head, I will.'

Bruce looked a John in surprise, John was stepping up.

'I owe Branch a bigger apology than most I left first, I knew, I was his big brother I should have taken with me' Tears dripping from his teal eyes, 'we are fools, it's always been Branchs choice, that's what we forgot, he's clearly happy with his choice' John remembered the blinding smile when the king and queen told him, his happy smile.

'But'.

'Floyd, we need to listen to Branch, they were right we don't know him' both older brothers looked the pink haired troll in front of them.

'Fine, but if something happens, if there's any other danger, that's it he comes with us, I don't care if he hates us after, I'd rather he hates us and be we're we can see him safe' Floyd stated arms crossed.

John and Bruce looked to each other, and agreed, 'fine' Bruce started.

Two days later Branch asked to speak to them he'd been escorted to them, and left at his request.

To say John was shocked when he saw Branch asleep in the back of his armadillo, would be an understatement.

'Why is Branch here?'

Seven days post heat, two days before Tresillo, Marimba and Tambora got the note.

Grammas old pod was dusty, and vine filled.

Branch he knew he shouldn't be here, but right now he was waiting, he'd managed to get hold of a tracker bug and send a message to his parents that was two days ago.

Tears dripped down his face, JD, Floyd and Bruce had his contracts, Mamma E, Baba Q, Uncle Lownote and had seen them, while one part was missing, they could fulfil everything his parents and grandparents wanted for him, this had made him ecstatic they could call his Tesoro home, their contract would be revised and made whole no one could accuse them of being forced or coerced.

He'd started to thank his brothers.

Until Floyd stopped him and asked what he meant, he explained they weren't going to sign anything over, that Branch would be going with them, his heart dropped, and he'd become frozen in place.

His mamma and baba, and brothers were right when they told them, they didn't know him anymore.

Cooper and Boom had taken him out of the room he was in shock, they weren't going to sign, they were going to force him away.

Two days after his heat, he'd asked for a chance to talk to them alone that was his mistake, he should have never tried alone, folding his arms over his knees he hugged them resting his head against them.

They'd taken him away, using his post heat weakness against him, he'd fought back best he could, and tried to scream, bite, kick, until he was too exhausted to do more than beg, they said it was for the best, they promised him any number of things, stupid trinkets and baubles, whatever he wanted, but Branch wanted none of them, he wanted to go home, back to his family, back to his real brothers, back to where they would listen to him, back to Tresillo, his Tesoro, to feel his arms around him and be able fall into the apple pie scent.

He'd been gone five days, he'd spent two days locked in Johns armadillo bus, he had no idea where he was, one day was spent running and dodging his brothers, somehow, he'd made it to the troll tree, and had been hiding there since.

Constantly on edge.

Feeling as if he was being watched, he didn't even get chance to turn before his instincts reared.

NOT SAFE, TURN AROU…

The last thing he remembered was a voice.

'Mine'

—-

Branch felt woozy, his head felt full of cotton, his ears were buzzing loudly, plush sheets blocked his vision of the room, from what he could see it was lite up in an alarming shade of pink.

GET out, you need to GET out.

'Branch, sweetie your awake' nodding dumbly, as a paw rested on his cheek, get off don't touch me, 'how are you feeling' the paw was caressing his cheek making him purr, nuzzling the paw Branch looked into twin pink eyes, as he was guided from the nest.

NO NO,

He felt something heavy around his neck as he moved, standing in front of the mirror, there around his neck was a thick chain, with a large pink crystal in the centre, faintly glowing.

get it off, you need to get it off childe, there the voice was again,

Before he could touch it, a pink hand clasped around his stopping him, 'do you like it, it suits you so well' the pink Alpha behind him said, he started nodding, let me go, chin resting on his shoulder, 'you look almost perfect Branchifer' the pink troll was nuzzling his neck.

FIGHT IT CHILDE,

Branch growled lowly, forcing the Pink Alpha away, 'Stop' Branch whimpered, he didn't want to, 'you'll learn Branch' the pink alpha caressed his cheek again, 'don't fight me on this, it's all for the best'.

Never stop fighting childe, promise me, don't give in. I promise, don't leave me,

Guiding him to the table at the other side of the room 'one thing I can correct now, sweetie, let's take this silly band off' she raised his arm,

NO, MINE.

Branch pushed himself away from the alpha touched his band, dragging his hand away clasping it in his other to protect, trying to ignore the pink cloud that threatened his consciousness, 'get… a…way from….me Po… pp..y' every word felt like a knife to his heart, 'Branchifer, come hear' saccharin words filled with threat.

Fight Childe

'NO' Branch backed further away, get the necklace off Childe, he started desperately pulling at the chain around his neck, I can't it won't come off, every nerve in his body was on fire.

'Branch stop', pink surrounded his vision, 'sweetie, look at what you've done' pain bloomed across his face, he looked at Poppy he was apologising, no I don't mean it, why am I apologising, 'its okay, it's just a bit too soon' he was being pulled to the nest in the corner.

Laid inside, he was rested against Poppy's chest, forced to listen to her heartbeat, move his body wasn't responding, he wanted to pull away, 'soon sweetie, you'll be mine' her teeth were grazing at the joint of his neck right next to the mating gland, one arm was locked around him keeping him in place, the other was gently petting at his belly.

'You'll wear my bite and be full with my Pups, you'll be so loved, never have to do anything,' he started trembling as tears leaked from his eyes Tresillo, 'don't cry my sapphire' Poppy wiped away his tears, 'you'll love your new life, you'll never leave my side, we'll have such a big family, you won't have time to cry, you just need to rest, now sleep'

Shadows grazed the edge of his vision as he was forced under. The pink eyes watching him.

Promise me you'll fight Branch a flash of blue filled his mind.

I promise.

…..

Branch woke alone, eyes itchy and in the dark, there was no sound in the pod or the nest he realised, the pink haze wasn't as strong, Poppy wasn't near, the buzzing wasn't as loud as it was before.

But the order to sleep was still pulling at him, but he fought against it, the mental argument he was having caused his head to hurt, but he was winning.

Good boy

Daring to hope Branch quickly crawled out of the nest and away from the sickly-sweet scent surrounding him.

He didn't fully understand what was happening, all he knew was he felt like he was trapped in his mind, a puppet, and exhausted as he was, he wasn't giving up. He'd promised, he wasn't sure who, but he promised, it was important he knew that.

Looking in the mirror again he saw the necklace reaching up, a strange sensation came over telling him not to touch, it was Poppy's voice, he tried, but every time he got close, pain racked through his body, each time worse than the last.

Looking at it in fear, he dared not try again, he noticed the bruising on his neck over his scent gland, pressing fingers over the mark wincing at the pain, trembling at the fact he didn't remember that was when he smelt it, he'd been scented, the overly sweet scent of almond and marzipan when he realised, he was bathed in it, whimpers escaped his throat, as he rubbed the bruised space where his courting band should have been.

He needed to leave and find some better cloths than what he was wearing, he realised Poppy had redressed him, tremors skittered over him, as he took in the long, navy, sheer night shirt, was sliding off his shoulder, he realised quickly he was naked underneath, tears pricked at his eyes in frustration and fear the thought of someone, anyone he didn't want or trust touching him, made his stomach recoil.

Branch had tried everything, the pod door the windows, they'd been made to open no more than a inch, he searched through his hair for his lock kit he came up empty.

His hair was empty, they'd cleared his hair, panic set in he needed to get out and or to send a message.

Desperately he searched the drawers, on the desk, finding only few scraps of paper and a pencil, in the … bedroom… his stomach lurched more as he looked in the drawers finding more cloths like the ones he was wearing, in various shades of Blue, Green and a single white set.

Mating ceremony the voice supplied.

Shoving the drawer closed before he vomited, he backed away swiftly, putting distance between him and the drawers.

Rubbing his arms as he hugged himself, Branch tried to comfort himself, he could really do with a Coop & Prince D hug, or even a Kismet pile hug, he was stuck, he was scared.

Childe listen to me, you need to trust me.

Branch had no other choices. He listened.

—Starts Here

Poppy was thrilled her omega was back where he belonged, and he looked so beautiful laying in the nest as she knew he would.

She needed to get him out of those silly funk styled cloths and but that could wait, her lost sapphire was waking.

He was slowly learning but it had only been a few hours the crystal would work, slowly turning him more toward Poppy, she shouldn't have struck him, but she wouldn't tolerate him growling and pulling away from her.

Her sweet omega, petting his waist, that was where her pups would rest, 'You'll wear my bite and be full with my Pups, you'll be so loved, never have to do anything,' her sapphire started trembling, 'don't cry my sapphire' Poppy wiped away his tears 'you'll love your new life, you'll never leave my side, we'll have such a big family, you won't have time to cry, you just need to rest, now sleep'

After ensuring Branch was asleep once more, she looked at the, in her opinion, garish, cloths they had to go.

Sliding him off her chest, resting his head on her pillow, adjusting him slightly, she climbed from their nest, looking back, he was perfect.

She'd crafted the plushest nest for him ensuring it was bathed in her scent, the draws full of sheer cloths, he wouldn't leave her pod so no need for him to wear anything more covered.

Making her way to the small chest of drawers, she started digging through to find the perfect outfit, darker colours than she liked filled the drawers, but they would look perfect on her sapphires teal skin, teasing her, they'd cover him but still allow her to see hints of everything baggy enough to accommodate a growing pup as well.

A flash of pure white caught her eye, she rumbled in satisfaction, mating ceremony, lifting the set out, she admired the way the light hit the subtle shimmer in the sheer fabric, the thin straps, the lace, she couldn't wait to have her pretty omega in this, this would be the set they would conceive their first pup in, she was throbbing between her legs, she could have happily rubbed the fabric across her cock, scenting it sooner, but she would wait, their mating would be perfect, her Branch would wear this as a symbol, it would be his first time, as dictated omegas wore white.

Placing the fabric carefully back in the drawer lest she ruin it and pulled out a navy blue, sheer oversized sleep shirt.

Taking it back over to the nest she looked over the omega resting within, the ache between her legs got stronger as she thought about what she was going to do.

Climbing back into the nest Poppy left the shirt on the rim.

Kneeling next the soft body of her soon to be omega she smiled as she lightly ran her hand lightly over his arm, watching as goose pimples raised, brushing her knuckles across skin heated metal of the necklace.

Leaning over Poppy pressed her nose into the sleeping omegas neck inhaling the spiced peach scent, moaning she pressed kisses against the gland, lapping at his neck, growls intermingled with the moans.

Whimpers slipped from the sleeping omega, as tremors racked the body caused her to gently hush him, 'sleep my Sapphire, I'm here' rubbing he paw against his cheek, watching as he tried to pull away.

The tremors ran harder throughout the smaller blue body, cooing she peppered further kisses to the soft face, licking away the tears that started leaking from the closed eyes, 'sleep, Branch, ill take care of you'.

Feeling the trembling body slow she continued to her previous actions, of lapping at the tender neck, moving down the pliant body, she unbuttoned the offending shirt, and kissed her way to the soft chest which would feed their pup, lapping at the soft nipples bathing each with her tongue, suckling gently, imagining the soft chest filling with milk, her hips twitched, her cock unsheathing.

Slipping the shirt off his arms she threw it far from the nest, she needed more contact, she threw her cloths from her body, shivers ran threw her as the coolness of the room hit her heated skin.

Sliding to the bottom of the nest she guided her omega slowly to his back and shimmied the shorts over his hips and off, throwing them to join the shirt and dress on the floor.

Seeing him bare below her, had her crawling up his body to press a kiss against kiss lips tongue swiping at the lips, wishing they'd part and allowing her to swallow the moans he'd spill.

Leaning back her paws rested against the wider hips, rubbing slow circles and lightly squeezing, they twitched slightly, as Branch moaned below her, growling, her hands slid to his knees parting his legs allowing her to guide them loosely around her waist, her cock resting against his seam, seeing he wasn't open to her she ran her fingertips lightly at the closed lines, 'come on sweetie open up for me let me make you feel good' she cooed, she switched pressing her cock against the seam, paws back to his hips, guiding a slow rocking motion, as matching the slow pull she had on his hip.

Tremors ran through the body below jerking away from her hold, as the omega mumbled in his sleep, trying to pull away, tears streaming from the closed eyes.

Tresillo, Tresillo that fucking bounty hunter, she gripped wrist tightly as she ripped the stupid band off, it had been hand-crafted, she could tell,

he symbolism wasn't lost on her, the etched tresillo symbol topside, what pissed her off was the underside,

familia, confianza, libertad, amar, four promises.

Poppy would give him this and more, he would have more family than he knew what to do with he'd have pups to dote on, all hers, she adores the little omega, she wouldn't have gone to the amount of trouble to get his colours back if she didn't, trust and freedom would have to be earned but the crystal would see to that.

She could see the appeal this silly band would have to her omega, he wasn't one for fancy, impractical gifts, but he would soon get used to them.

Hearing a whimper of pain she cooed, at the still trembling omega, as she mockingly soothed the bruises she created, slipping the navy shirt one her omega she admired the way it looked against his skin, perhaps dark colours suited her Sapphire better than she thought, she would have to get more.

FINISHES HERE

Grabbing the band she climbed out of the nest, pulling her dress back on. She gathered the funk clothing and left, the pod and her sleeping mate.

She pondered her next actions she needed him pliant, willing, and by the smell of him he had been at least a week out of heat already and it was too soon for the next, unless.

Darkness fell as she returned to her pod to check on her sleeping mate, only to find him, knelt in the nest head cocked, shirt sliding from his shoulder, light from the window behind him showing of the light curves through the sheer material of the shirt, a most enjoyable sight, scenting the air she could smell the sweet peach, lingering around him.

Getting closer she saw the light shakes running through his body, ignoring these she was pleased to see him behaving for a change.

'Alpha' he purred, holding his arms open.

…..

'Alpha' Branch purred his stomach rolling as he said it, arms held open

That's it childe, make her believe.

Entice her that's what the voice said, omegas had been known to be able to control their scents but they were taught from being pups, he didn't remember much and Booms papa, had taught him a little, but when they escaped he was lost to the tunnels, he needed to get the courting band back, as much as the thought revolted him after finding her scent on his body, he listened to the voice.

The only way to draw his scent out and make it as sweet as possible was to think of his dream of Tresillo holding him and their pup.

You have to convince her that you want to be with her alone, you need to return the band with her scent.

Crawling forward, he lent against the edge of the nest, secretly glad Poppy didn't come closer, 'Alpha, Poppy' he cooed, scent pouring heavier from him, he could see Poppy's pupil blowing wider, watching as she inhaled.

Grinning internally, the voice was right, he knew he could control his scent like this, and now how, 'Alpha' he cooed as she came closer, she moved as is she was drunk, her pink paw rested on his cheek, nuzzle it, his own hand covered hers as he brought his nose to her wrist trying not to gag as she sugar and almond was thick, she was watching him, pressing a small kiss, she rumbled, her eyes bored into him, he kept his eyes downcast.

He was nervous he didn't want to slip up and looking at her would definitely give him away.

Childe, you need to trust me, as much as you don't want to, you need to kiss her.

Branch felt his body go cold, I can't, you need to. Branch felt his body stiffen slightly, relax, Branch you need to relax, your scent.

She was pulling away, DO IT, Branch gripped her wrist and pulled, his lips crashed against, gasping as she bite his bottom lip, he fought back his tears, praying this would work, he felt Poppy pull back and look at him with a smile on her face, 'Omega'.

'Alpha, mine' he whispered, fighting back everything before he changed the plan, she was talking and showed him the broken courting band, he choked back his anguish when saw his broken band.

Placing his hand over the top of her hand he looked up, 'I'm yours, my Alpha, I'll tell everyone to leave us alone, that I want to be here with you' he forced a smile onto his face, watching as she lit up,

Good childe keep going,

Offering his paws he 'let' her help him up a fake eager smile on his face as he pulled her to the desk, showing five sealed scrolls, taking the band he, fought back the urge to vomit as he rubbed it on her wrist, tying it around the one he wrote for his Tresillo.

Poppy was watching him, closely, 'Alpha, to make them leave us alone' his hand rested on his belly, it had caught her eye, Good, away from his face, rubbing his belly he watched as her eyes followed, walking closer, his other taking hers 'Alpha, if I send them, they'll leave us alone' he rested her paw over the one on his belly, shivers of disgust ran through him, while he felt this, it worked in his favour, as he pressed closer into Poppy's side, nuzzling her cheek to keep, her eyes from him, he whispered, 'Alpha, please'.

He stiffened as she pressed a kiss onto him again, 'send them' he felt a arm slide around his waist guiding him to the door, her arm tightening as they drew closer, make sure he wouldn't run, watching as Poppy whistles three bugs came, they were blue, he need them faster, 'Alpha' pressing into her side, hiding his face in her neck, 'faster, we need them to leave us alone' a sharper, high pitched whistle was heard five red bugs came.

Tying four of the five letters to the bugs, he watched as they set off, the last sat buzzing impatiently as he picked up the letter it felt heavy, this was the most important letter, he prayed as he watch, hurry Tesoro, please, watching as the bug picked up the undertones of Tresillo's scent.

Seeing Poppy watching him closely again he offered his paws to her, as he pulled he to the nest at the other side of the room, climbing in, he looked away as she changed offered his paws again, as she joined him, pushing her to lay he looked at her, tremors ran through again.

He could see Poppy though it was for her, and she liked it, forcing a smile onto his face Branch swallowed and let Poppy wrap her arms around him, as he placed his against her chest, forcing his body to relax, feeling her hand press against his belly rubbing circles.

Closing his eyes Branch prayed the bugs would get there quickly.

Blue flashed around the crystal.

I'm sorry childe it's the only way, you'll get your chance to be free, I promise.

The bitch had his mate, red tinted his vision.

Help me, Tesoro!

Those words were seared into his mind he tied Branch's courting band to his wrist above the woven blue gift of his spitfire.

She was dead.

Growls echoed around the wood, as three blurs of orange, green and Blue, bolted trough the tree line.

His Branch needed him, and screw his brothers, he'd find them an tear apart later.

Tresillo's lungs burned, he'd been gone from Branch's side for a month and in that time, the bitch somehow got him, when he found out how heads were going to role.

Starting with hers, a feral grin spread across his face, as he ran he imagined his fangs sinking into to her neck his nails ripping into her.

The trio had been running non stop for almost two weeks, Marimba and Tambora knew their brothers cycle as well as their own, he would be going into rut, soon.

The longer the anger burned through him the more dangerous he would become, they hoped Branch was safe, in the short time they'd known him, he'd made their brother the happiest troll alive, they hadn't seen Tresillo smile so brightly since they lost their parents

They were close to the meeting point, Vibe city was hovering above, four brightly coloured trolls stood by the waters edge.

Kismet were waiting, Hype and Ablaze was pacing, while Trickee was stood next to a stony faced Boom who held a sapphire blue wrapped package.

The trio could smell them which caused the girls to slow, Cinnamon burned around them , this was not good, Tresillo had started his rut early, and the alphas in front of him were pissed, their scents drifting from the breeze, was gearing Tresillo as there was the faint under tone of Branch.

The girls were prepared to pin Tresillo to the floor if need be especially when they saw Boom moving towards them.

Stopping a short distance away, he placed the parcel down in front of him before stepping back, they all caught the spiced peach scent coming off it, 'Branch wanted to give it to you, he made me promise, if you got back before he could see you to give it', he said before backing slowly away making sure their brother had him in sight.

The girls watched as Tresillo crawled over to the gift pulling it back towards them, he pressed his nose into the scent allowing it to sooth him slightly.

Tesoro, I found this and I give you my promise, ti amo Branch xxx

Tearing one of the corners, he saw a flash of green and... gold, he tore more of the paper revealing a green and gold baby blanket, tears pricked his eyes, you need to scent Tres, another note, Our pups will use this amore mio my promise to you.

Tears pricked the corners of his eyes, familia Branch had promised him family, and he was shocked he'd seen this blanket before, how had his spitfire known, ' he dreamt about it' Tresillo's head snapped up, looking at Boom's pale green eyes, 'so did I', he buried his nose in the blanket, Branch,

'Tambori' looking back up he 'what?' he didn't understand 'Tambori and Soli' Boom was looking at the blanket, he looked down 'Tambori and Soli' the names rolled across his tongue, a grin pulled at his face, looking at his sisters and future brothers in law, 'our pups' they nodded.

The hunters grin turned dark, too many teeth, seeing it mirrored back to him on six faces should have concerned him, but it set the Alpha, growling a low deep consoled growl, three pissed alphas and two pissed omegas bowed their heads and the dominant, skilled Alpha, he was the head of their little pack, they differed to him.

Ablaze head bowed walked forward and kneeled, as the eldest of the knights, he set president his brothers knelt behind him, 'Alpha of our brother we offer our services and follow you' he didn't know ow where the words came from, but he heard the statement echoed, looking up he saw Tresillos green eyes glowing, 'stand and be my second brother'.

Taking the offered hand Ablaze stood linked to Tresillos he own, he looked at the girls whose own eyes glowed and was willing to bet his own purple were doing the same, 'For Branch, our brother' the group said, looking to Tresillo, ' For Branch, My Mate'.

None of them realised they had been joined, nor that something greater had happened, far in the reggaeton home nation, a crystal tomb glowed bright blue, and in a pod two bands lit up the tree, two souls would be untied again.