John had called the studio the day before to make an appointment. They'd been more than happy to meet him. Apparently, models were getting harder to come by. Especially omega models. He was still hesitant as he waited outside the small, unassuming black door. It was hidden down a side street, which was raising a few alarm bells. It's not unusual for businesses to have small entrances like this…SPR is just a small door up a few stairs…With that in mind, he finally grasped the handle and stepped inside.
There was a worn sign pointing the way up what seemed to be a barely used set of stairs. They were old cement steps, covered in grime and dust from lack of use. He felt a shiver run down his spine as he headed up. The door to the main office was loud as it creaked open. Inside were two middle-aged men. One of them was a beta, and the other was an alpha. They both snapped their heads round when they heard and smelled him enter. It wasn't his heat, but the sweet scent of an omega was hard to miss. The alpha's gaze sharpened slightly when he caught Lin's spice mingled with the sweetness.
"You're mated already…A pity," he murmured in regret as he turned fully to face him. John was timid as he stepped further inside. It was an unassuming room so far. There was a wardrobe, a changing area, and a curtained off section. There was a desk by the shuttered window, and camera lights and equipment scattered all over the place. The thing that sent prickles running down his spine was the slightly musty scent that hung in the air. It's…familiar…Whatever it was, it made his omega raise its hackles in displeasure. "Don't be shy. Let me get a look at you," the alpha said invitingly, interrupting John's train of thought. He must have been very handsome in his younger years. Not that he wasn't handsome now, but the grey hair and beard showed his age. He was still strong and toned beneath his worn grey suit. His beta assistant wasn't wearing so well. The hair on his crown had thinned, and he'd put on some weight over the years. He looked friendly though, as he eyed him over the top of his rounded glasses.
"I like his eyes," the beta piped up as he toyed with one of the cameras, catching John off guard as he snapped a shot and looked at the screen. "His hair, too. I must admit, I thought you were Japanese when we spoke on the phone yesterday. You have quite the southern accent!" he added jovially as he continued to play with the camera. John hovered awkwardly, a little nervous as he walked a circle around him. He felt like an animal at a farmer's market as the alpha's eyes examined every inch of his clothed body.
"Is it a problem?" John asked awkwardly as he followed the beta with wary eyes. Part of him hoped that it was. Something didn't feel right, despite his apparent kindness. The beta shook his head, snapping yet another picture. John's omega was skittish. Its instincts had been set off by the unknown alpha and the dimly lit, enclosed space. There's still that scent…What is it? He still couldn't place it, and that was a big part of what irked his omega.
"No-no, not at all! Our clients love foreigners!" the beta replied brightly as he looked at the shots he had so far. The word clients began to make John wonder what he'd walked into. His omega was on the cusp or a fight-or-flight response. The alpha seemed satisfied as he stepped in front of him. Somehow, the approval in his calculating gaze didn't make John's omega feel any better. If anything, it felt worse. Why is it so unsettled? What is it trying to tell me?
"Well, shall we get started? First, take off your shirt." John's cheeks flushed as a wave of obedience washed over him. He's…ordering me…John panicked as his hands automatically rose to the zipper of his light hoodie. His body didn't even think of disobeying. He was already tugging it off by the time he managed to make himself stop. "Take it off. I need to see how bad your bonding mark looks," the alpha added in explanation, making the request seem slightly more reasonable. John felt awkward, but did as he was told, wrapping his arms around himself timidly. He felt horrible. He'd never been topless like this around anyone besides Lin and a few doctors. He was usually quick when changing clothes around other people.
"Please don't…" John said timidly as he closed his eyes against a bright flash. The beta was still cheerfully snapping photos. He apologised, but still snapped a few more, saying how cute he looked when he was blushing like that. John felt his heart thump nervously in his chest. The alpha stepped closer and gripped his chin, gently tilting his head to the side before leaning down to eye the deep, still barely healed bite on his throat. John's jaw tightened. Another alpha was touching him. Another alpha was leaning in towards his mate's mark. He twitched, fighting down the urge to push him away. He'd never felt like this before. As a beta, he'd never been so skittish of people being in his personal space. As an omega, he almost felt afraid.
"That looks nasty…Think you can cover it?" the alpha asked as he turned his head. John shuddered as the beta touched the scarring skin with plump fingers. It felt wrong to let them get so close to the mark. His omega side was rattled. John stood firm. They hadn't done anything to him. They were just going to take his picture. Then why do I feel so nervous? He was still wary as he looked between the men, who were having their own conversation. "Sit down." John almost collapsed onto the chair that had been placed behind him.
"You're lucky I keep so many shades around," the beta exclaimed as he crouched before him with a makeup kit. John tried not to squirm as he worked with gentle fingers, sponging various foundations and powders onto his neck and shoulder to conceal the bonding mark. When he was done, he stepped back and allowed the alpha to survey his work. He was clearly satisfied as he waved at the white wall at the side of the room.
"We'll take some test shots, to be sure." John obediently walked over to the wall and stood awkwardly as the alpha picked up a camera. He took a couple of test snaps before nodding to the beta. The beta's role was finally revealed as he smiled brightly and tried to put John at ease. He kept his arms wide and low. It made him seem gentle and calming. It helped to settle John's nerves a little, though he couldn't help eyeing the camera that was pointed his way.
"Just ignore him and look at me! Can you hold your arm like this? Good! And now give me a smile…Come on, you can do better than that!" The beta's warm, teasing nature made John smile despite himself. It was hard not to laugh as the larger man struck his own poses and pulled faces to get what he wanted from John, who felt silly and uncomfortable standing half naked against the cold wall. "This is going to feel really silly, but go with it." The fluffy handcuffs set off alarm bells as he dangled them on one finger. "I know-I know, pretty dumb, right?" the beta chuckled as he gently cuffed one of John's wrists. They did a few poses with just the one cuff. One wasn't so bad. He was still free. He wasn't in danger. After a few shots, his omega almost settled enough to tolerate it.
"The other wrist too, behind his back," the alpha instructed gruffly as he checked the shots he had so far. John faltered a little as the beta stepped closer. He assured him it would only be for a couple of shots. His tone seemed so kind and reasonable that John soon found himself standing with both hands cuffed behind his back. He felt suddenly shy and uncertain again as he was turned to face the wall. The beta positioned him with his legs apart, arching his spine until his stomach was against the cool surface and he was looking back over his shoulder timidly. "The shy look is really working for you, but…maybe try something a little more…" the alpha trailed off with a wave of his hand, leaving it to the beta to explain.
"Ok, how about being a bad boy? You know, the one the all the girls fall for. Cheeky! Confident!" That was quite impossible for John. In the end, they worked more towards timid and almost distressed look. Those were feelings John could well understand as he was eased down to the floor. He was on his knees, legs far apart as he leaned back, using his fingers for balance on the floor behind.
"He has a wonderful curve to his spine," the alpha murmured as he bent down for more pictures. John flushed at the words of praise, and more pictures were snapped. He was finally pulled to his feet, but the cuffs weren't coming off. He was about to mention it when the alpha nodded towards the curtain. John's mouth suddenly felt dry as the beta led him across and pulled back the curtain. He was stumbling forward onto the bed before he could catch his breath. This scent! John almost shuddered as he realised the musty smell was coming from the mattress. Now that he put the two together, he knew what the smell was. I'm in real trouble…
"Don't worry about it! Just a few more of the same, but on a more comfortable surface, right?" the beta assured as he positioned John's body, making him look as vulnerable as possible. He didn't need to give him any facial directions this time. John was the picture of vulnerability as he sprawled on the bed. The beta tugged his shoes and socks off. Since he was on a bed, it made sense. John winced as he was forced onto his back with his legs open and his spine arching upwards. His brow pinched in discomfort, but that didn't seem to bother the alpha, who was happily snapping away.
"Take his trousers off," the alpha ordered in an almost disinterested tone. John's whole body stiffened at the order. He struggled as the beta straddled him. No gentle words could calm him as he wrestled and whimpered. The metal of the cuffs was biting his skin where he was pulling so hard against the fur. He bit back tears of shame as his black slacks were slipped down his legs. The alpha hummed in approval as he snapped pictures of John as he tried to curl himself up. His omega was screaming, and for once, John agreed. Help…Lin, help! He continued to struggle as he was turned onto his front and pulled to his knees. His weight rested on one shoulder on the bed as he looked back. He sobbed quietly as the alpha continued to snap pictures with fresh enthusiasm. The beta wondered quietly whether they should stop to clean his face a little. He was crying a lot.
"He looks good like this…Okay, take his pants off." The alpha brushed off John's verbal objections as the beta grasped at the tight black material. John cried loudly, trying to shake him off. He writhed and kicked out, but any hits he landed didn't even seem to register on the beta. He was stronger than he looked, despite his plumpness. The alpha was still taking photos. John's cheeks flushed in humiliation. He'd fallen sideways from his kneeling position, his knees curled to his chest as he tried to squirm away from the beta's firm touch. His hands remained soft and gentle. He didn't want to bruise his pale skin.
"Hey! It's alright, just relax…" John's eyes snapped wide in mute horror as a firm hand gripped the back of his neck. My submission point! His whole body fell limp as tears trickled down his pale cheeks. No way…This isn't…They can't…He squeezed his eyes shut in denial as he felt his boxers slide down further. A warm hand caressed his limp shaft, making him tremble. "I'll help you relax," the gentle voice assured as plump fingers kneaded his bare flesh. No! Please…Lin…A terrified whimper escaped as he felt his shaft gradually hardening in the man's grasp.
John gasped as the beta twisted and pulled the hardening flesh in encouragement. He was mortified as he let out a small gasp that ended in a whimper. The beta praised and soothed him gently. His hips rocked into the man's pumping hand as pleasure buzzed through his pelvis. No! I don't want this! Please…His blue eyes widened as the office door was kicked open with such force that it almost flew off its hinges. John almost fainted at the strength of the scent that washed through the room. The beta's hands froze. John's pants were already halfway down his creamy thighs. The alpha turned, ready to accept the challenge of the younger man in the doorway.
"Lin!" John's small voice choked. Lin's eyes burned with rage as he took in John's state of undress. His omega was sprawled on a bed like a slut. His omega was nearly naked. His omega was alone in a small room with two other un-bonded men. His omega was absolutely terrified. An almost inhuman sound escaped Lin's lips. It was a sound that made the beta run across the room, tempted to throw himself out of the window. The alpha faltered a little. An angry alpha was one thing. A feral alpha protecting its mate was quite another.
John had never seen anything so terrifying. Lin bared his sharpened fangs in a vicious snarl. His already dark eyes seemed to deepen a shade, sharpening as his scent washed through the room like a tidal wave of chilli and chocolate. The beta couldn't take it. He wet himself as he sank to the floor with his arms over his head in fearful submission. The alpha retreated, standing as far away from John as he could get. Lin cautiously approached the bed and stood in front of him, glaring silent daggers at the two men. They left the room quickly. Lin didn't relax until he sensed them reach three streets away. He could still smell them, even as they retreated. The room was thick with the scent of them. The scent of them mingled with his omega. A growl rumbled in his throat as he turned.
"What are you doing in a place like this?" he demanded as he tossed John onto his back. John's lower lip quivered as he stared up in terror. He could smell his alpha's fury. Both he and his omega cowered at the almost scathing look sent his way. He flinched as Lin raised his hand, expecting a hard slap. Instead, a gentle touch caressed his cheek and slid down to tilt his chin to the side. He growled in displeasure as he noticed his bonding mark was gone. Hidden from view. "Did you let them…" Lin trailed off, sounding both hurt and angry. John choked as tears slid down his cheeks.
"It was a job! Mai found the ad in the paper. I didn't know-they-th-they-" he cut off and sobbed quietly. His whole body shuddered as Lin climbed on top of him. He hadn't grabbed a jacket before leaving the office. He'd felt John's distress. Screaming for help. Screaming for his alpha. He'd lost it. John was dazed and confused as he gazed up at Lin with blurry eyes, shivering in shock, fear, and relief. Lin breathed out as he covered John's almost naked body with his own, letting his scent wash over him. Calming him. He was shaking like a leaf.
"Here…let me," Lin murmured finally as he pushed himself up. He could see the shame in John's pink cheeks as he eased him up. He reached around and popped the cuffs loose. They were cheap. They weren't even locked. If he hadn't been so terrified, it would have been easy for John to pop them open. John gripped his sore wrists and rubbed the pinched, reddened skin. Lin gathered his clothes and found some makeup wipes. He was almost rough as he scrubbed his shoulder. The last thing he did was pick up the camera to pop the memory card. John looked ashamed as he watched Lin pocket it.
"Don't look. Just get rid of it," he almost whispered as he tugged his pants up. He flinched as he felt Lin's hand on his bare spine. He bit his lip. How could I have been so foolish? I should have trusted my feelings from the start! My omega knew there was something wrong with this place! I almost let them…They could have…John shuddered in disgust at the thought. Even if they hadn't violated him, what would he have done once those pictures got out? Anyone could have seen them. He wasn't a sworn priest anymore, but he still had some standing and respect. What if younger members of his congregation had seen him like that?
"Come on, get dressed," Lin encouraged gently as he held John's grey top ready, helping him slip it over his head. He also coaxed him into his trousers and tied his shoes. John's hands were shaking too badly to tie them himself. Lin brought him to the office, avoiding Mai's prying gaze and questions. For now, he wanted him to rest. He didn't have much space in his small office, but he grabbed the large cushions from one of the sofas and made a small bed on the floor by his desk. For once, John didn't argue as he sank down and huddled himself in a ball of shame.
Lin worked quietly, pausing as he noticed John had fallen asleep. It was then that he slipped the memory card out and looked through the pictures. John looked beautiful and vulnerable. He couldn't blame them for taking the pictures. They would have fetched a high price. He could see on John's face as he grew more and more uncomfortable. He winced at the distress in his innocent blue eyes as the clothes were torn from his smaller body. He suppressed another growl. He didn't want to wake John. He'd clearly exhausted himself. Lin's chest burned with fury as he reached the final pictures. He could barely control the feral rage as he saw the beta laying his hands directly on John's most private parts.
"Lin…" The sleepy voice was enough to tug Lin down until he was kneeling beside the makeshift bed. He said nothing as John pushed himself up, blue eyes still unfocused as he rested gentle hands on his large shoulders. "Thank you for saving me." Lin's dark eyes widened as John pulled him down and pressed their lips together. It was a chaste kiss. Sweet and gentle. Then, John was nuzzling into his arms, sleeping again. Lin held him almost awkwardly, knowing he would never have done such a thing while fully awake. Despite that, it was a small step. The rage melted away as he breathed in John's sweet scent and reminded himself that he was safe.