Chapter 2

When Sanji came to, he saw a bunch of faces above him. He didn't know where he was for a moment, then realized he was at the palace. But what was he doing on the floor? He must have passed out. He remembered seeing gray, but that was it. Luffy, Nami, and Katakuri were looking down at him, but only Luffy and Nami appeared concerned.

"Thank goodness you're okay!" Said Nami. "You fainted!"

"I did?"

"Yeah, you went down fast!" Said Luffy, holding out his hand. "I'm glad you're okay!"

Sanji took Luffy's hand and got up, but he was quickly shoved on the bed.

"You need to sit for a while," Luffy said.

"I'll go and get some water," Nami offered, leaving the room.

"Did she say…I need to go to his chambers tonight?"

Luffy sat beside him and nodded. "Yeah, she did,"

Sanji dropped his face into his hands. He felt like crying, but he wouldn't. He wouldn't show any kind of weakness. He told himself that he had to be strong. He can do nothing about it, but he wouldn't give in, either. He would fight as much as he could. Nami returned with a cup of water, and Sanji drank it all in two big gulps. He didn't realize how thirsty he was. The water was nice and cool in his dry mouth.

"If you're feeling better, we need to get you ready," Nami said.

Sanji felt sick to his stomach again. The thought of being with that beast of man threatened to bring that cool water back up. Maybe if he threw up enough at Teach, he'll find him disgusting and send him away. It could work.

"You'll be okay, Sanji," Luffy said, patting him on the back. "One thing I can tell you is not to fight against it. That's what he likes. He'll get done quicker if you just let go and lay there. You're not in heat, so you don't have to worry about knotting."

Sanji felt like he was going to pass out again.

Zoro sheathed his sword and cracked his neck, letting out a sigh. He had trained all day; now, it was time to rest and eat. As Teach's prized warrior, he was allowed the privilege of good food. Zoro would get chunks of meat and potatoes, along with strong ale. He took his wooden plate of food and found a seat near one of the pillars. They didn't get utensils, so Zoro had to use his hands, which he didn't mind using. The meat was delicious and dribbles of juice trickled out at the corners of his mouth. He had worked up an appetite today. He washed it all down with a few big sips of ale.

Usually, at this time of rest, he would think about his training, but his mind was on something else; the new omega, Sanji. There was a spark between them when they met, something he had never felt before. The omega was snobby and had those weird curly brows, but he was easy on the eyes. He had never seen yellow hair before, nor blue eyes. Teach might just keep Sanji around for a little longer than most. Sanji was high-spirited, and sometimes, their king didn't like a fight when it came to the bedroom. A few times, when he was on guard at Teach's chambers, the omegas would always come out shaking and crying. There was nothing he could do to stop it. Teach preferred to take the omegas when they were in heat, seeding them to make more children. Teach never cared about his children (only girls) when they were ready to marry.

Zoro was fortunate to be born an alpha, and he felt bad for the omegas and betas. He wasn't sure he could live that type of life- he would rather be dead. But he still couldn't get his mind off of Sanji. He's had omegas before, as he was granted permission to enter the harem. He could only be with omegas who weren't virgins. He didn't visit the harem often, but every once in a while, his alpha would howl at him, like a wolf, to go forth and mount. And he never took an omega that was in heat. To seed one of the king's harem omegas was punishable by death.

But Sanji…that omega was different. He couldn't help envisioning Sanji on all fours, presenting himself as he mounted and took his pleasure. He could use the chain around Sanji's ankles to throw over his shoulders, keeping Sanji's legs open and unable to escape. Then, Zoro realized what he was thinking, and he felt terrible. Sometimes, his alpha side went to places his regular side didn't usually go. He highly respects omegas, which must endure a lot, especially here in this palace. His real master was Luffy, his friend and loyal companion. Like Luffy and the others, he was forced to stay here to keep Shanks alive until they could figure something out. But they have been here for a little over a year, and the opportunity has never presented itself. He could have bought his freedom already but he wouldn't leave Luffy. If it weren't for Shanks' capture, Zoro would have fought Teach for all of their freedom. His thoughts were interrupted by Law.

"Hey," Law said.

"Hey," Zoro replied.

"The boss just set a date for a Warrior Brawl as well as a masked ball. You're required to fight in the arena."

Zoro sighed. "At least I don't have to go to the masked ball,"

"Wrong. You need to go to that as well,"

"Why me?"

"Because he said so,"

"Damn…I hate these parties."

"I have to be there as well," Law said. "I'm not thrilled either,"

"Maybe you can catch a dance with Luffy," Zoro offered.

He and the crew knew about Law's feelings for Luffy, and Luffy returned those feelings. But Luffy was married to Teach, so he couldn't be with another alpha. But he and Nami would sometimes sneak Law into Luffy's chambers via a secret passageway from the servants' quarters. A door was hidden behind a large tapestry that Teach didn't know about. There was a rumor that Little Luffy was really Law's child, but Zoro and the others knew that it was just servant gossip. It wasn't clear who Little Luffy belonged to. Both Teach and Law had Luffy the last time he was in heat.

"I don't dance," Law said. "I'm Captain of the Guard. I just have to stand around and watch for trouble. Also, I heard that Sanji is going to be with Teach tonight,"

Zoro looked at him. "You want to see Luffy?"

"Yeah."

"Alright. I'll cover for you." Zoro offered. He didn't have anything to do tonight anyway. "I'll let Katakuri know."

They always made sure to let Katakuri know so he could guard the chamber door. Zoro was often amazed by Katakuri's stamina and strength. Law and Teach didn't know, but Katakuri also liked Luffy. He was Luffy's personal bodyguard but was very silent about his feelings. Zoro just sensed it one day. It must be hard for Katakuri to know that Luffy and Law were secretly together. If he wanted to, Zoro knew the other alpha could tell Teach, but Katakuri was a man of few words and was loyal. Luffy had that effect on people, always gaining their trust and loyalty.

Sanji suddenly found himself on a large bed, naked except for the sapphire jewelry he came with. He was in Teach's chambers, but his mind had been so hazy that he barely remembered coming here. Sanji wanted to hide his nakedness by slipping underneath the covers. All he could do was wait for now, and he still felt nauseous. Even the room was big and pompous like Teach. Lots of gold statues and items decorated the entire room. There were also taxidermied animals, such as a wild boar, a tiger, and a bear. Sanji assumed these were animals that Teach killed, since he liked hunting with starving dogs. The floor had rich red and gold carpets, area rugs, and a bear-skin rug by the hearth. Even the candelabras were big and gold, with dozens of tiny flames dancing, casting big shadows on the walls.

Sanji wanted to run. He couldn't wrap his head around what was happening. He would lose his omega innocence to someone he didn't care about and hated. It's a good thing he wasn't in heat. His heat cycle was never a pattern; it came and left at different times. He couldn't depend on regular cycles.

While he was being prepared, Nami told him to think about someone else to make it easier. Sanji didn't have anyone else to think about. However, the image of Zoro popped into his head. He remembered the strong, muscular body and thick alpha scent. At that time, he didn't really have time to think. But now, alone with his thoughts, he could think more about Zoro. The memory of Zoro's strong alpha scent pleased him and made the nausea go away, at least for a little while. But Zoro was an asshole alpha like many other alphas, and they didn't get along. Who says that omegas can't fight in battle? Sanji snorted. He could run and fight and kick faster than anyone. Still, he had those shackles around his ankles. He hoped that Teach would take them off for tonight. If Teach does it, then he might be able to get away. It was worth a try.

Then, the door opened, and the fear returned as Teach came in.

"What's wrong with you tonight?" Law asked Luffy as they lay in bed in each other's arms.

"You seem distracted." They had just finished making love but Luffy didn't seem too into it. And it wasn't like Luffy to be so quiet afterward. Luffy could be a chatterbox sometimes. But tonight, he seemed distant.

"I'm just thinking about Sanji and what he's going through right now," Luffy answered while drawing circles with his finger on Law's chest. "It can't be easy for him. For anyone,

really. I know firsthand."

"He'll get tired of Sanji soon," Law said. "We've seen it happen a dozen times. A new omega comes to the harem; Teach spends a few sessions with them and then pushes them aside. The same will happen to Sanji, so don't overthink it,"

"I think I really like Sanji! I want him to be my friend! I can tell he's a strong fighter, and you know how much I like fighters!

Law smirked. "Yeah, I do."

"I'm going to make Sanji my friend!" Luffy said with determination.

"Luffy, you'd be friends with a rock,"

"Hey!" Luffy rolled on top of him and puffed out his cheeks. "That's not true!" He yelped when Law pinched his rump. "Ow!"

"Don't put too much trust in Sanji. We don't know him very well yet."

"Yeah, I know," he rolled off but sat up with a stretch. Then, Little Luffy started fussing.

"I'll get him," Law offered, and Luffy thanked him.

Luffy watched as Law carefully picked up the baby and cradled him in one arm. The baby stopped fussing and kicked his little feet. Luffy really hoped that the baby was Law's and not Teach's. He did have them both during his heat, so Little Luffy could belong to either one of them. It doesn't help that Little Luffy looks just like him.

"Bring him over here," Luffy said, holding out his arms. Law handed the baby to Luffy and got back in the bed beside them. "I really wish I knew if he was yours," Luffy said.

"It doesn't matter," Law said. "I accept him as a son," he kissed the back of Luffy's neck.

"And once we get out of here, we can start a proper life together."

Sanji lay flat on the bed on his stomach, panting and still. His body shook not from the cold but the horrible thing he just experienced. Everything on him hurt, especially his backside. He held back tears, refusing to let the bastard see that he was upset. There was nothing good or pleasurable about it. He hated every moment of it. He tried thinking of someone else as suggested but it didn't work. If this is what he would have to endure, then he needed to find a way to escape.

Sanji was hoping Teach would let him leave, but he didn't. Instead, Teach lay next to him and forced him into an embrace. Sanji's aching body was pushed up against his bulk. Not only was his alpha scent rotten, but his whole body smelled sour. It took his last bit of strength not to gag and throw up everywhere. He cursed this man, and he cursed his father and brothers for forcing this life onto him.

He tried to slip out of Teach's hold, but the bastard's big arm was keeping him locked tight. Not only was he smelly, but now he was snoring like a boar. Sanji couldn't take it. He had to get away. Moving as carefully as he could, Sanji moved downward, wiggling his body through the tight grasp. Once his shoulders passed, he waited a moment to make sure Teach was still asleep. The snores confirmed it. He easily slipped his head out, and he was free! His chains made noise, so he would have to walk very slowly.

He stood up but stopped for a moment when he felt something leaking out of him. Sanji knew what it was and almost threw up as it tickled down his thighs. That's when he realized he was naked as well. Nami had taken his clothes! He couldn't leave the chambers naked, and he desperately had to clean between his legs. More dribbled out and he heard them hitting the floor. By this point, he didn't care. He wobbled over to the large wardrobe and found a large, white undershirt. He slipped it over his head and it reached just above his knees. This would have to do. Then, he took a sash from the bottom of the wardrobe and used it to clean himself. He let out a quiet sigh once he felt dry. Now, to make it to the door.

Sanji actually timed his steps with Teach's loud snores, so if he did make a noise, Teach wouldn't hear it. The walk seemed like it took forever, but soon he was at the door. He looked back one more time to make sure Teach was still sleeping. He was. Sanji carefully, and slowly, opened up the door and slipped out into the dimly lit hallway. He was free! At least for a moment. Sanji was surprised not to see any guards. He was in the king's rooms, after all. At least he didn't have to worry about making noise while walking. Sanji wasn't sure where he was going, he just had to go somewhere.

As he walked the hall, he saw a shadow coming up at the turn. Sanji cursed under his breath and looked for a place to hide. There was nothing! He's going to get caught! He can't run the other way with the damn chains! Then, the shadow came around the corner, and it was Zoro.

"Moss-Head?"

"Curly-Brow? What are you doing out at this hour?" Zoro took in Sanji's oversized undershirt and understood what was going on. "You just came from his room, right?"

Sanji nodded.

"You shouldn't have left the room without permission,"

"I couldn't stand to be in there any longer!" Sanji turned away from him. "It was…it was terrible."

"I've been here a while, and I know from Luffy as well as some of the other concubines. He takes only his pleasure and he's never gentle."

Sanji scoffed. "The word 'gentle' isn't in his vocabulary,"

Zoro noticed something leaking down Sanji's leg and knew what it was. "Let me take you to see Chopper."

"Who's Chopper?"

"A physician and friend," Zoro said. "Follow me."

Sanji had to walk a few paces behind him because of the chains. Zoro wasn't slowing down for him.

"Hey, I've got these damn things on my ankles! Don't walk so fast!"

Zoro turned to look at him. "I'm not! I'm trying to walk slow!"

"Well, walk slower anyway!"

"Don't give me orders, Curly-Brow! Keep pissing me off and I won't take you to Chopper!"

Sanji gave a hmph and turned his head away but continued following Zoro. They didn't have to walk too far to the medical quarters. The door was already left open and he followed Zoro inside. Sanji saw that the beds were empty and a young man sat at a desk, sound asleep. The boy had soft, light brown hair and he looked too young to be a physician. He watched Zoro go up to Chopper and shake his shoulder to wake him up.

Chopper sat up and rubbed his tired eyes. "Mm…someone there?"

"It's me," Zoro said.

"Zoro? I'm sorry, I fell asleep…"

"That's fine. I have a patient for you,"

Chopper looked at Sanji first then got up. "Hi, I'm Chopper," He introduced himself with a smile.

"I'm Sanji,"

"He just came from Teach's chambers," Zoro said, and they often used Teach's nickname when they were out of earshot.

"Oh, I understand," Chopper gave Sanji a sympathetic look. "Come over here, and I'll check you over. Zoro, can you wait outside please?"

Zoro nodded and left the room. He rested against the wall and crossed his arms. While he couldn't understand what Sanji is going through, he can sympathize. Sanji's face betrayed how he really felt, and Zoro wouldn't be surprised if he were holding back tears. He could tell the omega had a lot of pride. This must be eating him up inside. He became concerned for Sanji once Teach realizes he's gone.

He heard footsteps coming towards him and he looked down the dimly lit hallway and saw Eustass. Eustass had been on a mission for a few months, but Zoro didn't know that he returned. Despite being a beta, Eustass acted more like an alpha. Zoro has sparred with him a few times and the beta was not to be taken lightly. Before Luffy came, Eustass and Law used to be a couple. Eustass was not happy about Law breaking up with him and going to Luffy. Zoro feared that Eustass would rat them out to Teach as revenge, but he didn't. Eustass stopped in front of him and still had his sword on his belt.

"Waiting your turn for the doctor?" Eustass asked.

"No. The new omega is in there. His name's Sanji, and he's a war prize from the Germa Kingdom. He just had his first night with Teach."

"Where's Trafalgar? With Luffy?"

Zoro nodded.

Eustass sucked his teeth. "I guess I'll talk to him tomorrow. You up for sparring?" he asked.

"Always," Zoro smirked. He liked sparring with strong opponents and Eustass was one of them. "Don't get mad when I kick your ass." He defeats Eustass sometimes but it's really when the beta gives up.

Eustass returned the smirk. "We'll see about that!" He said and walked off.

Zoro had to wait a little while longer for Sanji to come out. When Sanji did, he looked better. Chopper had followed him out.

"He should be okay for now," Chopper said. "Hopefully, Teach will give you some time to rest. I'll see if I can talk to him tomorrow about it."

"Thanks, Chopper," Sanji said. He really appreciated the physician's tender touches and soothing voice. Whatever type of medicine it was that Chopper pushed up into him helped numb the inner walls. Chopper had given him some more to take when needed.

"Come on, I'll escort you to the harem," Zoro said.

"I don't need an escort," Sanji protested.

"Don't be an ass," Zoro said. "I'm not looking down on you for anything,"

"I'll be fine!"

Zoro was ready to shout at him when he saw tears welling in Sanji's eyes. Sanji's whole body was trembling with his fists clenched at his sides. The tears started to fall, and Zoro's first instinct was to wipe them away. He couldn't poke fun at Sanji for this. The man was betrayed by his own family and given to a cruel man who really did nothing other than rape him. As an alpha, he felt like comforting Sanji. He did try, though. He tried to nuzzle Sanji's neck but Sanji panicked and pushed him away. Zoro wasn't hurt by the rejection, especially after what happened to Sanji tonight. An alpha is the last person Sanji wanted to be around. He decided to take Sanji to Luffy, as omegas can comfort other omegas in ways an alpha couldn't.

"I'm taking you to Luffy," Zoro said and he saw Sanji nod in agreement.

Zoro made sure to walk a few feet in front of Sanji so he doesn't feel threatened. They were silent all the way to Luffy's chambers. Zoro wasn't surprised to see Katakuri standing by the door, sound asleep. The alpha rarely left Luffy's side unless ordered. Zoro shook Katakuri's shoulder, startling the man awake. Katakuri jumped and nearly stabbed Zoro with his trident.

"Watch it with that thing!" Zoro said.

"...Sorry." Katakuri lowered it. "Why are you here?"

"Let me in. Sanji needs to see Luffy."

"This late at night? He's…with Law."

"Law will have to leave," Zoro said. "Come on, let us in."

Katakuri stood quietly for a moment, then nodded and opened the door for them.

Sanji followed Zoro inside, feeling terrible about having to split them up. But he really, really needed another omega right now. He looked at the pair lovingly wrapped in each other's arms. He could smell the lingering scent of omega arousal, which means they had mounted. He watched as Zoro woke up Luffy first. As Luffy untangled himself from Law's arm, he smacked his lips and didn't open his eyes. Law had the baby sleeping on his chest.

"Mmm…Zoro?" He finally opened his eyes, though they were still heavy lidded. "Why are you here?"

Sanji listened to Zoro explain, without detail, the reason he was here. Luffy woke up Law and told him he had to leave. Law didn't understand why they were here, and Luffy said he would tell him later. Law silently got up, placed the sleeping baby in the crib, and exited the room from the secret passage.

Luffy smiled at Sanji and told him to come over. Sanji didn't hesitate to climb into the bed and lay next to Luffy. He instantly felt better sensing Luffy's calming omega scent. It was surprising how a very active man could also be calm and collected. Ideally, an alpha mate would be much better, but he was happy with what he has right now. The other way he knew he was safe was Luffy standing up against Teach for his sake. He wouldn't get in much trouble if he was only with Luffy. He looked at Zoro and mouthed 'thank you' and Zoro just gave him a nod.

"We're all good, Zoro," Luffy said.

"I'll see you later," Zoro said and left them together.

Now that Zoro was gone, Sanji freely let his tears fall onto the pillow. He hated his life. He wanted to just crawl into a hole and die there.

"Let's do something fun tomorrow!" Luffy said, trying to cheer him up. "Let's go to the market! There's some awesome food there! And we can buy you some new clothes!"

Sanji blinked the tears from his eyes and looked at Luffy. "New clothes?"

"Yup! I'm making you part of my crew!"

Sanji's eyes widened. "P-Part of your crew?"

"Yeah! That's Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Robin, Chopper, Franky, Brook, Traffy, Katakuri, Kid and Shanks! Oh, and Little Luffy, too!" Luffy was counting on his fingers when he reached ten. "That makes you thirteen and me…uh…" He scratched the top of his head like a monkey. "What comes after thirteen?"

"...fourteen."

Sanji wondered what kind of education Luffy had without knowing how to count without using fingers. But, he also figured that Luffy was the rough and tough type who would rather be playing, exploring, and causing trouble rather than sitting in a class all day. He hated the family classroom. The teacher always sat him in the back, away from his siblings. It was just another way of showing how he was beneath alphas.

"Yeah! Fourteen!" Luffy noticed that Sanji still had tears in his eyes. "Hey…you don't have to cry anymore."

"I can't…stop myself," he rolled his face into the pillow, crying harder. He felt Luffy rubbing his back, and it brought him some comfort.

"Hey, things are going to look up! You'll see," Luffy said.

Sanji finally sat up and rubbed his eyes, wiping away the tears.

"Don't worry, Sanji," Luffy said. "I'm your friend. One day, when we find a way to save Shanks, we'll all run away, hop on one of Franky's ships, and sail away from here!" He pointed to the far wall by the wardrobe. "You see that straw hat? Shanks gave that to me. After Little Luffy, I love that hat. But I won't put it on until we're ready to leave this place!"

"You really think we can escape? What can I do to help?"

"Hmm…" Luffy gripped chin as he thought. "We need to find the key to Shanks' cell. Maybe you can help look for it?"

Sanji nodded. "I can do that. Is it a big key? A small key?"

"Not sure," Luffy said. "But Teach said he hid it somewhere I'll never find it. If it wasn't for Shanks being captured…we would have never been here. You asked how I deal with all this. Yeah, so, it's pretty hard. But, I do it for Shanks. So long as I behave and do what omegas do with alphas, then Teach won't torture Shanks."

"You must be very loyal to Shanks,"

Luffy grinned and nodded. "Yup!"

"Were you two together?"

"No, that's not the kind of relationship we have," Luffy said. "He's like a father to me!"

The baby started fussing and Luffy got up to take him from the crib. He wrapped the blanket tighter around the baby and gently rocked him.

Sanji couldn't understand how Luffy was not upset over giving birth from an alpha he didn't like. Sanji also didn't think Luffy would make a good parent, since he's wild and reckless. But Luffy was calm as he rocked the baby. Sanji wondered what would happen if he had to give birth to that bastard's baby. Would he…love the child or hate it?

"Luffy…?" He felt terrible asking this. "You had Little Luffy by force. Isn't it…hard to look at him knowing who the father is?"

"It's not Little Luffy's fault," Luffy said. "He did nothing wrong. Well…I don't know if he's Teach's baby or Law's baby. I hope it's Law's, but I love Little Luffy anyway," he put the now sleeping baby back in the crib.

Sanji rested his hand on his flat belly and for a second, he thought of Zoro. He didn't want any alpha, and even if he did, what alpha would want him after being with a man like Teach? He doubts the bastard would ever let him go. Luffy got back into bed with him and he placed his head on Luffy's shoulder. Everything was calm and quiet for a moment until they heard Teach's booming alpha voice.

"WHERE IS HE?"

TBC