Chapter 8

Zoro woke up, slowly opening his eye. There was a weight on him, and it took a moment for him to realize that it was Sanji. He looked down at Sanji's sleeping face on his chest. Memories of their night flooded his mind. They were bonded now, though Zoro couldn't remember if he gave Sanji a bite mark. He carefully moved Sanji's head to look at the blonde's neck, but there was no bite. That meant they weren't fully bonded. In a way, he didn't want to be fully bonded to Sanji. Bonding with a mate brings about trouble; it's an alpha's greatest weakness.

Sanji could take care of himself, Zoro knew that. But he would have Sanji attached to him, and others can use Sanji against him. His rut had him blinded, and he was only acting on lust. He seeded Sanji too. He quietly slapped a hand to his face. He had made one huge mistake. However, it was Sanji's first time and maybe he wouldn't get pregnant the first time. It's been known to happen. His thoughts were disturbed when Sanji started to stir. Zoro quickly pretended he was still asleep.

"Good morning," Sanji said as he rolled his body onto Zoro's and traced the scar over his eye.

"...Morning." Zoro replied and 'woke' up. "You okay?"

Sanji stretched against him. "I'm fine. A little sore, but nothing I can't handle."

Zoro sat them both up and they were still naked.

"Thanks for not fully bonding with me," Sanji said. "I don't think I was ready for all that,"

Zoro nodded. "Same. We let our rut and heat take over."

"Do you…regret it?" Sanji asked, his voice a little hesitant. He was afraid of the answer.

Zoro shook his head. "No. Do you? I did take your virginity,"

"No…I'm good. It was my choice," Sanji said and crawled into Zoro's lap. He wrapped his legs and arms around Zoro's hard, strong form. "Just hold me for a minute."

Zoro wrapped his arm around Sanji's waist and held him. He didn't take Sanji for the clingy type, but he did like Sanji's arms around him. It was a quiet, tender moment between them. Then, Sanji unlinked himself and got out of bed. Zoro let his eye linger on Sanji's naked form. He quickly got out of bed to dress and avoid getting an erection.

They dressed in silence, their backs to one another. They didn't say a word to each other as they left the room.

A week had passed with Sanji and Zoro barely interacting with each other. Sanji came to Zoro's bed one night but all they did was sleep. Their avoidance of each other did not go unnoticed. Law eventually asked Sanji what his relationship was with Zoro. Sanji had told him that all they did was sleep together but they didn't bond. Luffy asked Zoro the same question, and Zoro responded as Sanji did.

Then, one morning, Sanji woke up at dawn feeling sick to his stomach. He went to the water closet and threw up a bit. It didn't taste or smell sour like regular vomit. This was more just spit up. He felt better after that and went back to bed, but he couldn't fall asleep. He decided to get up and go cook for the castle. But the moment he stepped into the kitchen, he felt sick again. This time, it was the smell of whatever stew the one cook was stirring. He had to excuse himself and rushed to the kitchen's water closet. Again, he threw up some bile but then felt better. He reentered the kitchen, but the smell was still making him sick. He couldn't stay in the kitchen with that smell.

He pressed his back against the wall and took in some deep breaths. Now that he was away from the smell, he felt better. But what was the reason for being randomly sick like that? He placed a hand on his stomach where the slight ache was coming from. Then, he felt all the color drain from his face and his blood ran cold. Now he understood what was happening. There was no doubt in his mind that he was pregnant with Zoro's child. He clasped a hand to his mouth as he felt sick again, but he held down the bile. He didn't know what to do. The only person he could talk to about this would be Law, so he quickly went to find the other omega.

Sanji found Law in the library reading a book with none of his children around. Law was the only one in the library, and he looked up from his book. Law was the first to speak.

"I know that look," Law said. "It's Zoro's, isn't it?"

Sanji just nodded. Law bookmarked his page and placed it on a side table.

"You're still in the early stages, so you need to be careful," Law told him.

"I…don't know what to do," Sanji said. "I guess I should tell Zoro…"

"You didn't bond, right?"

"No, we didn't." Sanji answered.

"I can give you a doctor's name that will help you…get back to normal if you wish?"

"No. I don't want to do that," He didn't know what he wanted to do. "All my life I was told this was my only purpose, but I don't feel that way,"

"I don't know where you got your information from, but I have a feeling you've been taught the 'old ways' of looking at male omega pregnancy." Law got up and went to one of the bookshelves. He dragged his fingers along the spines until he found the right one. "This is what you should read," He brought the book over and handed it to Sanji. "Whatever previous lessons you were taught, erase them from your mind and only read this," he tapped the book with his finger. "This is truth, not fiction."

Sanji nodded, looking at the leather-bound book. "Thanks…I'm a little…overwhelmed I guess."

Law nodded. "It can be bothersome to think about," he said. "I wasn't much different than you when I first found out I was pregnant. I want you to read that book, cover to cover, and you should tell Zoro."

"What if…Zoro doesn't like it?"

"He'll be fine with it," Law said. "Zoro is an honorable alpha, but don't expect marriage from him. He's not the marrying type."

"Well, thanks for helping me out," Sanji said. "I'll read the book and…I'll tell Zoro later."

Sanji held the book under one arm and returned to his room. He had a lot to think about. He never really thought of himself as a parent, though it was forced into his head that that's all he was good for. His only purpose in life as an omega is to serve an alpha and make babies. But he never believed that. If he had stayed with his family, he'd have been married off when he was much younger. Living in the monastery had been his safe haven.

But how was he going to tell Zoro? Should he just come right out and say it? Would Zoro want him to get rid of it? He had so many thoughts on his mind that he fell back onto the bed and slapped both hands to his face. Then, he moved his hands to his still flat stomach and let out a heavy sigh. He figured he might as well just tell Zoro and go from there.

He got up and left his room to find Zoro. He went to the training hall and that's where he found Zoro polishing his swords. Sanji swallowed the lump in his throat and approached Zoro, trying to look normal. His heart threatened to beat out of his chest. When Zoro looked up at him, Sanji lost his voice. Zoro asked him what was wrong and it took a moment for Sanji to find his voice.
"Can I speak to you alone?" He looked at the few other guards training.

"Sure." Zoro got up and Sanji followed him to a small room away from the others. "What is it?"

"I…I…um…" He couldn't find the words.

Zoro raised a brow and cocked his head to the side as he watched Sanji fumble over his words. He could sense something was wrong, and he could also sense something else. Sanji had a bit of another scent. It smelled like apples. Then, Sanji grabbed his hand and placed it on his stomach. Zoro wasn't sure what Sanji was doing, but then it occurred to him. His eye widened and he pulled his hand back quickly. He knew now what Sanji was going to tell him.

"Are you really…?" Zoro couldn't get the words out either.

"Y-yeah," Sanji replied, flushing a bit and looking away from him.

Zoro couldn't look at Sanji, either. They were both embarrassed.

"Where do we go from here?" Sanji asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Zoro thought about it and he found that his alpha side was thrilled. It is what it is, and there's really nothing he can do to change it. He was responsible for this just as much as Sanji was. When the shock factor was over, Zoro pulled Sanji into a one arm embrace. He felt Sanji's arms encircle him.

"We'll take it one day at a time," Zoro said. He felt Sanji's embrace tighten, and then felt a wet spot on his shoulder. Sanji was crying. Tears were a weakness of his, so he kept Sanji in the embrace until the omega calmed down. Sanji pulled out of the embrace once he was comfortable.

"Are you…sure you're okay with this?" Sanji asked.

"I am…but it's your choice in the end. I'll accept whatever you choose."

Sanji threw his arms around Zoro and brought their lips into a kiss. Being the same height, Sanji felt Zoro getting hard against him. Sanji's cock responded to it and he let Zoro push him up against the wall. They kissed passionately for quite some time before Zoro took Sanji and made him lean over on the table. With some quick prepping, Zoro was soon buried deep inside Sanji and started thrusting. Sanji had to grip the ends of the table as it rocked with Zoro's thrusts. Zoro found that sweet spot and Sanji had to bite his lip to keep from crying out. Soon, Zoro finished inside of him and Sanji felt relaxed.

They fixed their pants and exited the small room together. Sanji was about to say something when a servant came up to them.
"Master Zoro, Lord Luffy needs to see you in his office."

"What's this about?" Zoro asked.

"He didn't say. Only to come and get you,"

Zoro nodded and turned to Sanji. "I'll see you later," he said and made his way to Luffy's office.

Inside the office, Zoro found Luffy playing on the floor with his gaggle of children and Law on the nearby sofa holding the youngest child. A messenger raven sat at the perch by the window. Two of the children ran to him when they saw him and started climbing on him. Zoro allowed it and realized at that moment he will be having a child of his own.

"What's with the raven?" Zoro asked. Luffy got up from the floor and let the kids continue with their wrestling match.

"I got an interesting message," Luffy said, taking a seat at his desk. He propped up his feet and leaned back on the chair. "We get to see some action!"

"Action?" Zoro repeated, removing the child from atop his head.

"From the West Blue," Law said. "They're asking for our assistance,"

"For what?"

"I forget," Luffy said, turning to Law. "You're better at this stuff than I am,"

Law rolled his eyes. "Fine. Apparently, the Vinsmokes called a meeting of all the lords to discuss Blackbeard's rise in power. It looks like we're going to decide if we ally with Blackbeard or fight to take him down. The meeting will be held at the neutral ground."

"I vote to fight!" Luffy said.

"But I sense something is odd about the message," Law said. "We last heard that the Vinsmokes and Blackbeard were to be joined by Sanji's marriage to Blackbeard. Either they've changed their minds…or they have something else they're plotting."

"Sanji's not going anywhere," Luffy reminded them. "Zoro, you can come with me to this meeting and we'll figure out what's going on. Sanji is part of the crew now, and I won't let anyone take him away."

Zoro smiled softly at Luffy. "Thanks, Luffy. I'm ready to go when you are,"

"We leave tomorrow!" Luffy said. "Now I have to go find something to eat. I'm hungry!"

Later that night, Sanji was in his bed reading the book Law had given him when there was a knock at the door. Zoro let himself in and Sanji closed the book.

"Did you come to give me a goodnight kiss?" Sanji teased.

"No, but I do have something to tell you," Zoro closed the door behind him. "Luffy and I are heading out tomorrow for a meeting of the lords."

"A meeting? About what?"

Zoro made sure to keep out the names Vinsmoke and Blackbeard.

"About alliances," Zoro said.

Sanji frowned. "For against or for Blackbeard?"

"We're not sure yet,"

"Do you really have to leave?"

"It won't be for long. A few days, maybe. I thought you would like to come to my bed tonight… since I won't be here for a while."

Sanji got out of bed and left with Zoro, going to the other room. The bed was much bigger and softer than his. Sanji got into bed and watched Zoro undress, admiring the muscular form. He couldn't get enough of Zoro's strong body. His omega pride skyrocketed to know that Zoro belonged to him. Even if they weren't fully bonded yet, it would happen eventually.

They made love again with Sanji on his back and arms wrapped around Zoro. He lightly clawed at Zoro's back as his whole body was alive with pleasure. Zoro's thrusts were rough and fast, forcing Sanji to cling even tighter to get from being pushed back into the headboard. Sanji begged for more and Zoro delivered. Zoro quickly removed Sanji's limbs and turned Sanji onto his side. Zoro threw one leg over his shoulder and thrust back in. Sanji let out some pleasured cries and gasps at the new position and felt himself nearing climax. He came hard and Zoro was right after him.

Sanji's body was pleasantly sore and he let out a soft whine when Zoro pulled out. He felt cold and empty inside. Again, there was no bonding bite. Sanji rolled over so he could rest on Zoro's chest. He hoped Zoro wouldn't stay gone for long. Laying next to Zoro, he felt a warmth in his lower belly where the baby was, and it was a sign that the baby was happy. He was happy being with Zoro. He smiled to himself and quickly fell asleep.

In the morning, Law and Sanji followed their alphas outside to see them off. Luffy hugged all of his children, telling them to be good and to watch over their daddy. Sanji looked at Zoro, hoping for a goodbye kiss. Zoro seemed to read his mind and they shared a chaste kiss. Zoro said he'll be back soon and mounted the horse with Luffy doing the same.

Sanji stood with Law and the children as they watched their alphas ride off. The children all waved bye but one of the girls was crying after him and Law scooped her up. Sanji placed his hand on his belly and rubbed it.

Luffy and Zoro rode the entire day until it grew dark and they set up camp. Luffy was already eating their entire supply of food. Zoro had brought some ale with him, so he was drinking instead of eating. However, for some reason, Zoro was feeling a little apprehensive about this meeting. Something seemed off about it, and it seemed random as well. He was probably just overthinking things. Sanji was pregnant with his child, so he is probably feeling anxious about that. He only ever had Luffy to fight for, but now he has Sanji and their child. When he sees Sanji, he'll make sure to bond mark him.

"You've been quiet, Zoro. What's up?" Luffy asked.

"Just thinking about Sanji,"

Luffy grinned. "And your baby?"

"Yeah,"

"I can't wait to be an uncle!" Luffy said, tearing off a piece of dried meat. "Are you going to have a lot of kids like me?"

Zoro grinned. "Nah, I think we'll be good. Of course, I would have never thought that about Traffy."

Luffy laughed. "He just doesn't show it, but he loves all those kids. He's a big softie for his children. Do you want a boy or a girl?"

"It doesn't matter," Zoro answered. "Whichever is fine. I'll train them with a sword and Sanji can teach them how to kick."

"I can't wait to start training my kids! They're all a bit too young though. I'll start next year, probably."

"Luffy…about this meeting. Do you feel like…something is off about it?"

Luffy blinked. "Off about it? Huh. No, I'm not feeling anything weird. Are you?"

"Yeah…it's just…something doesn't feel right."

"You're just being paranoid," Luffy said, leaning back against a tree. "I'm going to sleep."

"Yeah, you're probably right." Zoro leaned back against a tree as well. He closed his eye and instantly fell asleep.

The next morning, they reached the neutral meeting ground by early afternoon. However, when they got there, the area was empty. No tent was pitched and there was no sign of any of the other lords. Luffy wondered if they had the day wrong. Zoro knew something wasn't right.

"We've been tricked," Zoro said, gritting his teeth.

"What? Tricked? By who?"

"I don't know, but whoever sent you that message was lying! They wanted to get us away from the castle!" It dawned on him then. "Those bastards! It's the Vinsmokes! They're going to take Sanji!"

"Then let's ride back! We'll stop them!" They kicked their horses into a run, both fearful for their mates.

'Don't give in, Sanji! We're coming!'

Sanji was resting in Zoro's bed, feeling exhausted from his morning sickness. He was dozing in and out of sleep, thinking about Zoro. They haven't been gone long, but he missed the big green dummy. At least Zoro's scent was in the bed. He couldn't wait to see Zoro again. Then, there seemed to be a lot of noise coming from outside. Sanji got up and went to the window. His eyes widened by what he saw and his jaw dropped. The number 66 flew on flags as the Germa army surrounded them.

A tidal wave of fear struck his body, and he was frozen in place. His father…his brothers…they set Luffy up! They wouldn't attack if Luffy and Zoro were here, so they made up that meeting. Sanji knew what was going to happen. A tear streamed down his cheek. Law was lord regent when Luffy's away, and Law will hand him over to his family. Sanji rushed to the door and locked it, then returned to the window. He saw his father on a golden colored horse flanked by his brothers. Then, Sanji saw Law walking up to them. He knew what Law was going to do. They don't have the forces to fight the Germa army by themselves.

Law had his sword over his left shoulder as he approached the Vinsmokes. He kept a stern, hard face as he came up to them. Judge Vinsmoke sat atop a large golden horse and he could see the arrogant smirks of the three brothers. Law knew why they were here, and he already knew what his answer would be. He thought their plan was clever, to get Luffy and Zoro away so they can get Sanji.

"Is there a reason why you're here?" Law asked.

"Don't play dumb, Trafalgar," Said Judge. "We're here to retrieve my son!"

"Yeah, hand him over now," Said Yonji.

"Or we'll come in there and get him ourselves." Niji warned.

"We have no issue hurting little kids if you don't hand him over," Ichiji said.

Law's hackles rose at the mention of his children. He wouldn't put it past them to do it. Luffy will be mad at him, but he couldn't risk his children or his home.

"I'll go get him for you," Law said, turning back to the castle and heading towards Zoro's room. When he got there, he tried to open the door but it was locked. "Sanji…come out here."

There was no answer.

"Sanji! Unlock this door!" Law demanded. He heard the handle unlock and Sanji peeked out at him.

"Please don't…" Sanji whispered.

"I'm sorry, but I have a family to protect," Law said. "My children come first. Walk with me, or if you continue to refuse…I'll have the guards pull you out."

"Luffy wouldn't let you do this!" Sanji protested.

"Luffy isn't here," Law countered. "I'm lord regent. I call the shots until he gets back. I will not have your brothers running around my castle. Now come on."

"Law…please-"

"Now! Don't make me force you,"

Sanji hung his head knowing that he had no choice. He felt as if a hole in the floor opened and swallowed him up. He placed his hand on his stomach as he followed Law outside. Sanji finally lifted his head to see his father and brothers. A wave of pure hatred washed over him and he glared at his family. He wanted to kick each of his brothers in the mouth to knock those smirks away.

"I'm not going back," Sanji said firmly.

"You have no choice," Judge said, looking down on him from atop the horse. "You have a duty to fulfill."

"I'm worthless to you now," Sanji said. "I'm no longer a virgin, so any contract you have with Blackbeard, you can rip it up. He won't take an already used up omega. So, turn around and go home."

"He'll make an exception," said Judge. "And how do we know you're even telling the truth?"

"I'm already pregnant," Sanji said. "So, get lost. Find some other omega."

He watched his brothers dismount and they came towards him. Sanji readied himself for a fight. He would have to be careful of the baby, though. He started to attack, using his legs and feet, but he couldn't use full force because of the baby. In the end, his brothers had subdued him. Yonji and Niji painfully held his arms behind him. Sanji struggled to get free, but his brothers were using their alpha strength to hold him. Ichiji came up to him and, without warning, kicked him hard in the stomach. Sanji gasped loudly and hunched over, his eyes wide with pain and fear. His knees almost buckled underneath him.

"That takes care of that," Ichiji said coldly.

Suddenly, Law drew his long blade and rested it against Ichiji's throat. "What kind of a monster are you?"

"Put your sword away, Trafalgar," Judge warned.

Ichiji smirked. "You may be tough, but you still spread your legs in submission just like every omega!"

Law put his sword away and watched as the brothers dragged Sanji to a prison carriage. Sanji was shoved inside and the door was locked.

"You got him back, now leave," Law said to Judge.

"We're already on our way," Judge replied.

Law kept a firm grip on his sword as he watched the prison carriage and Judge start to move away. However, the brothers weren't mounting their horses and following. Instead, they were looking at him. Law felt the same twinge of fear that all omegas have when they are near multiple alphas. He readied his sword to fight, and the brothers did the same with theirs. Law had told the guards to stand down and only protect the castle, now he wished he didn't say that. He knew what the three wanted of him.

Law's sword clashed with all three of them, mostly blocking their attacks. Their alpha strength was overwhelming, but he wouldn't go down without a fight. Eventually, his sword was knocked from his hand and the three brothers took him down. He continued to fight, struggling to get free but they were just too strong. Their alpha auras and arousals were obvious. He was bonded to Luffy, so other alpha scents smell sour. He couldn't let them into the castle or anywhere near his children. He had no choice but to surrender and not give them satisfaction, and he could never tell Luffy.

Sanji couldn't hold back his tears. He had lost the baby and could feel the wet warmth between his thighs. How could this have happened? Everything was going so well, then it all went to hell. He knew why his brothers stayed behind, and, as a fellow omega, he felt terrible for Law. Sanji knew what was happening.

Sanji's only hope is that Blackbeard would not want him since he was no longer a virgin. However, he wasn't bonded with Zoro. Sanji gasped at that realization. Not being bonded yet would keep him on the marriage market. Blackbeard might like that he wasn't bonded to anyone. His only other hope is Zoro. Zoro could come and rescue him. He knew Zoro wouldn't leave him; Zoro would come for him. He just…had to hold it together for now. He was so upset and exhausted that he passed out.

TBC