Chapter 3

Law had never heard his inner wolf howl like this before. He wanted desperately to transform, to approach Luffy and meet his wolf. Law knew he couldn't transform because of his stitches, and he had a lot of healing to do. But his wolf wasn't listening to him. He had to take another step back and really force his wolf to remain inside of him. There was an old tale that shifters would know their fated mate when their wolves met. Luffy was looking at him with wide, innocent eyes and cheeks stuffed with cherries. If his wolf weren't fighting to be let loose, then the whole scene with those cherries would be funny.

He watched as Luffy expertly chewed the cherries and spit out the seeds in a straight line. Law was impressed. Luffy looked at him with a bit of a flush, pulling his straw hat down to cover his eyes. If Law heard his wolf, then Luffy heard his, which is why he is likely blushing. But Law never wanted a mate. It's not that he couldn't get one if he wanted; it just wasn't something he thought he deserved. Protecting his pack was his top priority, and a mate could hinder that.

"Nice day, huh," Luffy said, making conversation.

"Yeah," Law replied.

"Um…it's good to see you up. I bet it feels good to be out of bed?"

"It does. I was getting restless," Law looked around, trying to find words to say and silence his wolf. "So, this is your cherry orchard?"

Luffy grinned and proudly placed his hands on his hips. "Yup! Feel free to have as many cherries as you want!"

Law could see now why Luffy smelled like cherries. The whole area smelled like it.

"Oh, and if you want really big and tasty ones, you have to climb to the top!"

Law watched as Luffy jumped up onto a branch and, like a monkey, climbed the tree. Law went over to the tree and looked up to see Luffy perched on the highest branch. He smirked and said, "You're not a wolf. You're a monkey,"

Luffy just laughed and jumped down the branches, landing easily on his feet. In his hand was a branch full of thick, plump cherries. "See what I mean! Nice and big! I like big," Luffy suddenly blushed with embarrassment because he said he liked 'big' and Law was tall and broad. Not as broad as Zoro, but broader than himself.

"I think I would like to try one," Law said, plucking a cherry and holding it by its skinny stem. He popped it in his mouth. "Mm. It's good. I guess the ones up high really are better."

"Yup! Sanji prefers only the best cherries to use for baking! Just wait until you taste his cherry pie! Oh, and the cherry wine! You'll be coming to dinner tonight, right?"

Law nodded. "Yeah,"

"Great! We'll be happy to have you," Luffy said, not knowing what to do about his wolf. It was almost pining and even whining to be with Law. Luffy wasn't sure what it meant, but his wolf sure was bossy. Then, Law started to sway a bit. "Hey, you okay?" he asked.

"I'm suddenly really dizzy," Law said, holding his head and swaying again. "I need to sit down,"

"I'll help you!" Luffy guided Law to the ground to rest his back against a cherry tree.

"That feels better," Law said. "But I think I should go back to bed. I'm not fully healed yet," he gave a little smile and said, "I want to be well enough to come to dinner."

"I can help you get back," Luffy would turn into his wolf form to make it easy to carry him, but he didn't trust his wolf right now. "Let me know when you feel like you can stand again,"

They waited in silence for a few minutes, and then Law nodded his head. Luffy helped him up and slung Law's arm over his shoulder. Law was impressed by Luffy's strength to hold him up this easily. He was taller than Luffy by far, but the other guided him through the orchard as if he weighed nothing. Law's entire body started to hurt, and maybe it had been too soon to get up out of bed and do this much walking. They said nothing while making their way to the medical tent where Chopper came running out to them.

"There you are!" Chopper said, rushing over to them. "You shouldn't be out of bed yet!"

Law smiled softly at the young doctor's face; the deer shifter looked ready to cry.

"I was worried when I saw you weren't in bed!" Said Chopper.

"I didn't mean to make you worry," Law said, sliding his arm from Luffy's shoulder. "But I think I'm able to make it back to bed."

"That's right, you will!" Chopper commanded. "You need to stay in bed and rest! You don't want to stress yourself too much and reopen your wounds!"

Law chuckled lightly. "Yes, sir." He turned to Luffy and said, "Thanks for helping me back,"

"No problem," said Luffy. "How about I bring you some food? You must be really hungry by now!"

"I could eat," Law said, going into the hut with the two following him. He settled himself back into bed. "I might want a nap first, though."

"I already brought you some soup," Chopper said. "Hurry and eat it before it gets cold!"

Law started to eat the soup, which was lukewarm. He could feel Luffy's eyes on him, but he didn't dare look up. His wolf was getting restless.

"We should let him sleep," Chopper said to Luffy. "Let's leave him alone."

Luffy nodded. "Okay, that's a good idea. He needs rest," he said. "I'll go find Zoro and ask him to spar with me!"

'Zoro,' Law repeated the name in his head and thought about the green-haired swordsman. His wolf growled. 'Stop it!' He told his wolf. 'That's enough out of you!'

Law watched as Luffy left the cabin, and then he turned his attention to Chopper. "I still have a lingering fever," he said. "But it should finally be gone with one more dose of that fever medicine,"

Chopper nodded. "Yes, I agree! I'll make some for you right now and mix some sleeping herbs into it as well. Right now, good rest is all that you really need."

"I agree." Law waited patiently for the herbal tea. He thanked Chopper and drank it quickly. The liquid was luke warm. He handed the empty cup back to Chopper and settled under the covers. "If I'm not awake by dinner time, then wake me up. I promised I would be there."

"Only if I think you're up for it," Chopper wagged his finger at Law.

Law let a little chuckle escape from his throat and thanked Chopper for his medical help. In less than five minutes, he was already asleep with the lingering smell of cherries.

When dinner time rolled around, Chopper had to wake Law up to see if he was well enough to go. Law needed some good food if he was going to get better. Chopper figured that if Law weren't able to get out of bed, he would bring food for him. Luckily, Law woke up when Chopper shook him, and he appeared well-rested.

Chopper gave Law the 'okay' to leave the bed. Law followed Chopper to the center of the village, where a large wooden table and wood seats stood. The table was littered with food. Law looked at all the meats, fruits, vegetables, and desserts. Seated at the table were some other pack members he hadn't met. One was very tall and broad with blue hair done up in a stylish fashion. The other had full curly hair and a long nose. He recognized the two women from earlier. There was Luffy sitting at the head of the table with Zoro on his left and Sanji on his right. The omega leader had a plate full of meat and was already eating.

Law took the empty seat at the opposite end of the table from Luffy. He was told to take what he wanted, so he gathered up some meat and vegetables. The woman named Robin offered him some cherry wine, which he took. Sanji insisted that he try the cherry pie, so Law also took a piece of it. His plate was full of delicious food. His pack didn't really have a cook, and most of the food was hunted among smaller groups in the pack. Rarely did his pack have group dinners like this. There was always food should someone come back from an unsuccessful hunt, and there were always the gatherers who collected the vegetables, mushrooms, and other items from nature. But they were all wolves in the end, and wolves need meat the most.

Law wondered how Chopper dealt with his pack eating the meat of another animal. He noticed that Chopper only took vegetables and sweets. Law wondered if eating deer meat was allowed in this pack. Shifters don't hunt each other, but often, their non-shifting creatures were fair game for food. Chopper's herd of shifters only ate vegetables and grains. But a non-shifter herd that was for the carnivores. Everyone here was a wolf except for Chopper.

The food smelled delicious, and when Law took the first bite of meat, he became ravenous. He chewed and sucked the meat right off the bone. It was cooked so well that the meat just fell off the bone and those flavors! The meat was flavored with some kind of herbs or spices. He tried the cherry wine next, and he loved every drop. No one seemed to notice how he was gobbling up his food. The only one like him was Luffy. Just like in the cherry orchard, Luffy's cheeks were full of meat. The omega never seemed to swallow. Law wondered if Luffy ever choked on his food.

The next food he had was a slice of cherry pie. He was curious to experience just how tasty this cherry pie was, and it lived up to expectations. The pie was tart and sweet, with a perfectly baked crust. Law gobbled up the pie, making a mess of his mouth. He was suddenly embarrassed by the mess he made with his mouth and fingers but played it stoic. He then took another large gulp of cherry wine and hiccuped. All eyes turned to look at him.

"Excuse me…" he said softly.

"How are you liking the meal?" Asked Robin in a calm, cool, friendly voice.

"Everything is delicious," Law replied.

"Dats becuuff of Sun ji ooking!" Luffy said with his mouth full of meat.

Shockingly, Law was able to understand Luffy's words. Law remained silent as the rest of the pack talked amongst themselves but his eyes would always end up back to Luffy. His inner wolf started to whine again, and Law pushed the feeling away. Luffy was an omega in the role of an alpha, though he seemed so innocent and childlike. To Law, it seemed that Luffy was just too trusting of people. Luffy was lucky that he wasn't the type of person to do harm or cause trouble. He was grateful for this pack and their acceptance of him. But that's when he noticed Zoro glaring at him. Zoro must have noticed he was staring at Luffy. Law's eyes went to Zoro's swords as the alpha unsheathed one with his thumb. Zoro didn't pull the sword all the way out, but just the top. It was a warning to Law to stay away from Luffy. Law's wolf started to growl, seeing Zoro as competition.

"So Law," started Nami. "Have you had any idea how you want to win your pack back?"

Law took another sip of cherry wine and answered her. "I need to defeat Doflamingo. He's the alpha who took over my pack. I was already sick when he ambushed us, so I wasn't at my strongest, and I failed them," He lowered his head, staring at his empty plate. "I need to get better and get stronger, or I stand no chance of defeating him." He lifted his head then and looked at Luffy. "Your Omega Prime said he could help."

"And I will!" Luffy said after he swallowed a bunch of meat. "If I'm going to be the Supreme, I need to defeat those who want to take it!"

"We really should think more about this," said Usopp, a beta male that Law hadn't officially met yet. "With the way things are going, more packs are joining together. Our pack is still fairly small."

"We can fix that," Law said. "My pack will stand and fight with me, so long as they know I'm there. As far as they know, I'm not even alive."

"And you're in no position to fight right now," said Franky. "You have a long recovery ahead of you."

Law nodded. "I know. I'm grateful to you for taking me in,"

"I'm the one who found you," said Sanji, lighting up a cigarette. "I couldn't leave you there to die."

"I already made the decision that we're going to help Traffy win back his pack!" Luffy said. "I know we can take them! And if Traffy's pack joins us, it should be easy!"

"But the issue of one pack is not our business," said Zoro, turning to look at Law.

"He's expanding his territory and strength in numbers," Law said. "He could very well set his sights on your pack next, with or without me here."

"He's got a point," Robin said calmly. "We may still be too small of a pack to attack someone like this Doflamingo."

"If my pack helps, which they will, we'd have enough power to take him down," Law said. "I want my pack and territory back. And maybe…after all this is over, we can join packs."

"We're happy just the way we are," said Usopp. "We shouldn't have to fight at all."

"It's not our business," Zoro reminded them.

"But it will be unless we take care of it now," said Nami. "If we can get Law's pack behind us, we can stop the alpha's expansion of territories."

"Then it's settled!" Said Luffy. "We're going to help Traffy win his pack back and beat Doflamingo! The Omega Prime has spoken!"

"Thank you, Luffy," Law said, sincerely touched by Luffy's decision.

After dinner, Law excused himself to go back to bed for a bit. He took a quick nap and woke up to darkness. It was nighttime. Stretching, he sat up and looked for Chopper, but the young doctor wasn't there. He got out of bed and decided to go for a nighttime walk. His wolf wanted to be free, but he couldn't risk transforming and opening up his wounds. All he could do was suppress the urge to transform.

The moon was bright in the sky and his wolf wanted to howl at it. Law placed his hands in his pockets and strolled through the small village. Everyone must be sleeping. He made his way to the tangerine orchard and walked its rows. Eventually, he came upon a pond, and he saw a wolf there. Law froze, not making a sound. He couldn't be sure who the wolf was, and it was definitely a shifter. His inner wolf cried out, and Law knew at that moment that it was Luffy.

Law stared in awe at Luffy's wolf form. He was sleek but strong, with dark brown tinted fur. Luffy drank some water from the pond, and then stretched, first his front legs, and then his back legs. His movements flowed with all the grace of a wolf, and Law was enamored. Or rather, his wolf was. Law's wolf cried to be free, but he still couldn't risk it. He stayed out of sight, so he could observe Luffy.

Luffy suddenly transformed back into a human and immediately started to strip. Law turned away and felt his cheeks heat slightly. When he heard Luffy step into the water, he returned his gaze to the omega. Luffy let out a sigh and pushed himself through the water. Law remained still, out of Luffy's sight, and the other couldn't see him. Law's wolf started to whine again. Then, Luffy suddenly stopped swimming and looked confused.

"Someone there?" Luffy called out.

'Damn! Did he see me?' Law thought.

"I know someone is there! Come out!" Luffy demanded.

Law sighed and finally stepped into view, shoving his hands in his pockets. "It's just me," he said. "I was taking a night walk."

"Oh, it's just you, Traffy!" Luffy swam over to the dock and lifted himself up onto it. Law kept his eyes everywhere but at Luffy. The omega was naked, though Luffy didn't seem to notice or care. He didn't even try to hide it. "I was out for a run," he said.

"I wasn't spying on you," Law wanted to make that clear, even though he had been spying. "I just happened to come across you."

Luffy grinned at him. "That's fine! We're both guys, so it's okay! Now if it were Nami or Robin, that would be a problem."

"Yeah. It would."

"Hey, why don't you share a swim with me?"

"I really shouldn't get my wounds wet,"

"Oh, I see," Luffy said with a nod. "Well, I guess continue on your walk then! I'm going to keep swimming! Swimming at night is the best!"

"I don't think I ever swam at night," Law said. His wolf wanted to stay with Luffy. "You're not afraid to be out here alone?"

Luffy looked at him quizzically. "Why would I be?"

"It's just been, in my experience, omegas tend to travel in groups or take trusted alphas with them."

Luffy laughed at that. "Nah, I'm not worried. I'm a strong fighter!" he flexed his arms. "I can take on any alpha, even an Alpha Prime!"

Law smirked and said, "I'm an Alpha Prime,"

"And I could beat you," Luffy replied. "When you're better, and we defeat that flamingo guy, we should totally spar!"

"I would like that," Law said, and it was true. But he had to get away from Luffy because his wolf was going crazy. "I'll see you around, then,"

Law heard Luffy go back into the water and he looked over his shoulder to see the omega splashing around merrily. His inner wolf whined again, and Law told it to hush under his breath. He walked away from the pond but couldn't resist looking back at it. He was out of Luffy's sight, and he found himself continuing to watch. Law watched Luffy for a long while until the omega finally climbed out and onto the dock. This time, Law did not turn away from Luffy's naked body. The omega had a slim frame but sported muscles just the right size for his body. His wet skin glistened in the moonlight and Law could tell that Luffy's skin was smooth, even if he had some scars. The wolf in him grew aroused. He shouldn't be doing this, but he couldn't look away. His wolf was getting harder to ignore.

Then, Luffy dressed and left the pond. Law let out a silent sigh. He was starting to think that this fated mates thing has some truth behind it. He waited for Luffy to be further away before he walked back through the orchard and to Chopper's hut.

Law found that he was still alone and got into bed. His wolf was getting impatient, and if he was going to get any sleep, he had to take care of it. Slipping his hand under the covers, he pulled out his cock and started stroking himself.

He grew hard instantly and closed his eyes, letting his head drift back into the pillow. He thought of Luffy at the pond, half submerged in the water. Luffy turned to him with an innocent flush and beckoned him to join. Law pictured himself joining Luffy in the water, and he stroked himself harder and faster. He imagined Luffy touching him tenderly, running hands over his chest. He arched his hips and stroked faster. He was taller than Luffy, and the omega's head rested perfectly under his chin. Luffy was slight, whereas he was broad. Luffy's kiss tasted like sweet cherries, and their tongues met in a sensual duel. He envisioned Luffy as shy and naive for something like this. It only took a few more strokes, and then Law came, cupping the tip of his limp cock to catch the cum. He got out of bed and found a cloth, using it to clean his hand.

Suddenly, he felt ashamed of his moment of pleasure. He had never wanted an omega like he did Luffy. He barely knew the man, but his wolf was still pining and howling inside of him, although it was starting to quiet itself. Maybe that swift need for release has helped it. Law then went back to bed feeling exhausted. He tossed and turned for a while before finally falling into a slumber that was met with a sweet face and large grin.

The next morning, Law was awakened by Chopper who had some more medicine to give him. Chopper also changed his bandages, and in good news, his wounds were healing nicely. Law asked the doctor if it was safe to shift into his wolf form. Chopper said so long as he doesn't overdo it, there shouldn't be any issues. Law's wolf was itching to get out.

Chopper told Law that Sanji had made breakfast and if he wanted to get anything to eat, he would have to move soon or Luffy would eat everything. Law made his way back to the center of the village, where he saw all of the Straw Hats eating. They greeted him kindly, and he took a seat at the opposite end of the table. He helped himself to some porridge, bacon, and eggs. Law kept his gaze on Luffy, watching the omega stuff his face full of food. For one who eats so much, it was amazing he was still slim and fit.

However, Law noticed something else at the breakfast table. He felt hard eyes on him. He turned his attention to Zoro, the alpha who is second in command. Law's wolf growled inside of him. Zoro was a threat to him should he decide to pursue Luffy. The Omega Prime didn't seem to notice their hard exchange of glares.

But Law suddenly grew jealous when he heard Zoro say he wanted to go fishing with Luffy. Luffy happily agreed, taking Zoro's hand and pulling him up from the wooden stool. Zoro looked at Law and gave the other alpha a hard look that said, 'Don't follow us.' Law's inner wolf growled again, but there was nothing he could do. Luffy was oblivious to what was happening around him. Law then noticed how Sanji looked at Zoro, and something clicked. The blond omega had a thing for Zoro, but he couldn't say anything because Zoro was with Luffy. As far as he knew, Luffy did not notice this exchange between an alpha and an omega. And Luffy grinned and laughed happily with Zoro as they walked away from the table.

After breakfast, Law returned to Chopper's hut to get some more rest. He was feeling a little dizzy and warm. He hoped he wasn't getting a fever again. And his wolf was bothering him. It wanted to be free so bad that it was driving him nuts. It was making it hard for him to rest, too.

When he realized he wasn't going to be getting any rest, Law sought out Chopper to ask the doctor if he can transform into his wolf. Chopper was hesitant to answer, but he said if he were careful, then his wounds would be fine. That was enough for Law.

Law went to the center of the village and transformed into his wolf. His wolf wanted to howl in relief as it was finally free. Law didn't wait to talk to any of the others that watched him. He just wanted to run. He took off to the woods in the direction of Luffy and Zoro. Law could smell them and followed their scents. Zoro's scent smelled heavily of pine and moss. Luffy's was that sweet cherry smell. His wolf growled in delight at Luffy's scent.

He thought they were going to the pond, but their scents took a different turn that he followed. Up ahead, he saw the two males standing by a stream. They didn't have fishing rods, Law noticed and then watched as they transformed. He had already seen Luffy's, but he hasn't seen Zoro's. Zoro's wolf was big, the same size as him, and was silver in color with some brown mixed in. They hadn't noticed that he was there, and he wasn't going to interrupt them. In fact, he wanted to see how Luffy and Zoro act together.

Luffy was playful, splashing around in the stream. Zoro told him to stop running in the water because he was scaring away all the fish. Luffy's wolf ears folded back in hurt, and he apologized to Zoro. Then, Luffy dunked his head underwater and returned with a trout in his mouth. Zoro dunked his head in as well and pulled out another fish. Luffy was playful, splashing around again with the trout in his mouth. Law still couldn't believe that this playful, happy-go-lucky omega could be strong enough to rule over a pack. Law was concerned that Luffy wouldn't be able to fight a giant wolf like Doflamingo. He would have to see Luffy fight. And the omega appeared confident enough in his fighting skills to take down an Alpha Prime.

Law pushed those thoughts from his mind and continued to watch the two at the stream, his eyes never leaving Luffy.

Luffy splashed over to Zoro and tried to get the other to play with him. He liked to have Zoro chase him around, but Zoro wasn't in the mood to play. Luffy then noticed some movement in the bushes nearby. He paused in his play and alerted Zoro. Zoro growled when he saw the movement as well, going to stand by Luffy. They were both surprised to see a wolf that came out of hiding. Luffy noticed it was Law right away. Law's wolf was almost black with streaks of white. His wolf was big, like Zoro. Luffy felt his heart skip a beat at the sight of Law's wolf. He had the urge to rush over and nuzzle him. His wolf wanted to go to him, so he did.

Luffy rushed up to Law and stopped in front of him. "Your wolf is so cool!" he said.

"Thanks," Law said and stepped closer to Luffy.

Luffy blushed. He wanted to nuzzle Law but wasn't sure if the other would allow it. Law took a step toward him instead, getting closer.

But then, Zoro came between them and roughly shoved Law away.

TBC