Chapter 3

Sanji felt a wave of fear suddenly rush over him. That booming voice was the sound of an angry alpha. Sanji wasn't normally one to cower, but after what he went through tonight, he couldn't stop himself. He was grateful to Luffy who moved in front of him to shield him. The chamber door swung open and Teach came in. Sanji did not want to go back with the alpha. He feared Teach would pull him away and take him back to that hellish room. Teach would have to pull him kicking and yelling from this room. He wasn't sure what Luffy could do to help.

"He left the chamber without my permission!" Teach said.

"Sanji needs some time to rest," Luffy said. "He's going to stay with me the rest of the night!"

"I want him in my bed!" Teach protested.

"He's better off here right now," Luffy continued to shield Sanji. "He's going to be one of my grooms!"

Teach crossed his arms. "Groom? You need another one?"

"Yeah, I do," Luffy answered. "Little Luffy is getting more demanding, so I need a bit of help."

Sanji had to turn away from Teach's gaze, but he could still feel those dark eyes watching him. He was surprised when he heard Teach give permission for him to become a groom for Luffy. That meant he wouldn't have to stay in the harem. However, he knew that nothing could protect him from Teach if the alpha wanted his way. He would not be free from Teach's demands. But he was grateful for Luffy's protection.

"Fine!" Teach said. "But I have him tomorrow night! If I have to lock the chamber doors, I will!" He left the room, leaving the door open.

Katakuri was standing there, waiting for Luffy's orders. "My duty for tonight is almost up, unless you want me to stay?"

"No, you can go to bed," Luffy told him. "We'll need you tomorrow morning when we go shopping in the market!"

Katakuri nodded and closed the chamber door.

Sanji let out the breath he was holding. "Luffy…thank you,"

"No need to thank me," Luffy said, settling under the covers. "Time for sleep," he yawned and rolled over. "Goodnight, Sanji."

"...goodnight, Luffy."

Sanji remained awake as he lay in the bed, staring at the ceiling. He dreaded having to be with Teach another night. Who knows how long Teach would take him before he grew tired of him? The thought haunted him. Luffy was sleeping beside him but he rolled over, halfway on top of him. Sanji didn't push Luffy away but welcomed the weight. If there was one thing omegas did different from alphas it was their ability to get along with each other. Omegas could usually live in groups, unlike alphas who need to establish territory and dominance. Luffy was an omega who had a group of people following him, and they all appeared to be loyal. He himself already pledged his loyalty to Luffy.

Finally, he felt his eyelids getting heavy and he started to fall asleep. He couldn't move because he didn't want to wake up Luffy. He was usually a belly sleeper, but he would have to accept sleeping on his back. Once his eyes were closed, he fell asleep.

Zoro yawned loudly and rolled over in his bed, not wanting to get up. It was hard for him to wake up early as he preferred to sleep in on a regular day. But he couldn't today because Usopp woke him up about having to escort Luffy and the others to the market. Usopp kept shaking him until he couldn't stand it anymore he got up, threatening to cut Usopp in half. He wasn't a bodyguard, but he would escort Luffy.

"Sanji is going with you too," Usopp said. "Luffy just made Sanji one of his grooms."

Zoro raised a brow. "Really? He barely knows Sanji."

"Well, you know how Luffy is. He'd let a house plant be a part of his crew."

Zoro smirked at that because it was true, in a way. "Are you coming?"

"Not this time. I have to watch Little Luffy. Besides, it's my turn anyway. Nami babysat last time."

Zoro yawned again and wiped the tired tear from his eye. "Alright, I'm getting up."

Zoro got dressed and took his swords, placing them on his belt. He left the barracks and went to the main part of the palace. He asked some servants if Luffy was up yet and none of them knew except for one. Zoro decided to wait by the main palace door for the group to come. Zoro wondered if Sanji was going to be part of today's trip to the market. The main reason he is going is to keep an eye on Luffy. He knew Luffy could take care of himself with no issue, but he still wanted to stay by his side. He would keep an eye on Sanji, though. They don't know Sanji very well, and Luffy can be too trusting at times. He felt certain that Sanji wasn't against them, but there was still a little doubt.

He crossed his arms as the group came towards him. Zoro noted that Sanji was with Luffy, along with Nami and Katakuri. Luffy greeted him warmly, but Zoro's gaze was on Sanji. The man wore a white sleeveless tunic with puffy pants and simple shoes. Sanji noticed he was looking and Zoro quickly turned away. Zoro was attracted to that yellow hair for some reason. He wondered if it was as soft as it looked.

Luffy led the way to the market with Katakuri following the others in the back. It wasn't that far of a walk to the market, and the first place Luffy hit was a food booth. Nami always carried the money for shopping trips, and she often kept Luffy from spending all their money on food. Nami also reminded him that this trip was to get some new clothes for Sanji. Luffy whined about wanting meat, so Nami finally gave in and let him buy what food he wanted. Luffy bought them all some roasted meat on a stick. Nami handed some money to Zoro and told him to take Sanji shopping.

Zoro grunted and rolled his eye. He hated shopping, although he liked looking at weapons. Sanji didn't appear to be thrilled about it either.

"Come with me, Curly Brow,"

"I didn't know Moss-Heads could talk," Sanji snapped back as he walked next to Zoro.

"Who are you calling 'Moss-Head'?!"

"Who are you calling 'Curly-Brow?!"

"There's a hundred things I'd rather be doing than taking you shopping!" Said Zoro.

"As if I want to go shopping with you!"

"I don't know why Luffy sent me off here with you! We clearly don't get along!" There was something about Sanji that both thrilled and irritated him. Sanji was a head-strong omega who challenged him with just a look alone. They barely know each other yet they don't get along.

"I don't know either! But I don't need your help or your protection," Sanji said. "If my ankles weren't chained, I would show you a hell of a fight and prove just how strong of an omega I am!"

"Strength or not, you're still bound by the laws of omega," Zoro said. "You're weak to heat cycles and bear children. Alphas are the protectors."

Sanji grit his teeth. "You're just a pig-headed alpha like all the others! I'm worth more than just an omega!"

Zoro didn't look at him. "Not in this royal world," he said. "I'm just stating facts. You're part of Teach's harem, and you have one job- to give him children. You've entered the world of noble alphas, and there are different rules to abide by here. Be grateful that Luffy made you his groom. You have a better chance being with Luffy than Teach. Believe it or not, Teach often listens to Luffy."

"Luffy is a strong omega," Sanji said. "So, what makes you think I'm not strong?"

"You don't have the strength to fight someone like that bastard, Teach. You're stuck in this life now,"

"Until we escape,"

Zoro looked at him and raised a brow. "Escape? What has Luffy told you?"

"That as soon as you get that Shanks guy free, we're leaving."

Zoro nodded. "That's the plan. Say nothing to no one outside of Luffy's trusted circle."

"I'm supposed to help Luffy find the key to Shanks' cell."

"We're all doing that," Zoro said. "Hopefully, we find it. We've been here for a little more than a year, and that's a long time to be in prison."

"HEEEY! ZORO!"

Zoro looked ahead to see Franky walking towards them. He told Sanji that this guy was one of their friends and was a carpenter as well as a blacksmith.

"What brings you out this way?" Franky asked. "And who's this?"

"This is Sanji, he's new to the harem."

"Oh," Franky looked at Sanji and held out his hand. "Names' Franky!"

Sanji shook his head. "Nice to meet you."

"He's one of Luffy's grooms now," Zoro added. "I'm stuck taking him shopping for clothes."

"It's me who's stuck with you, Moss-Head!" Sanji countered.

"There is such a thing as omegas should be seen and not heard!" Zoro snapped back.

"Get these chains off my ankles and I'll show you how an omega can kick an alpha's ass!"

"I would like to see you try!" Zoro got in Sanji's face.

"Hey, hey now! Calm down you two!" Franky said, breaking up their fight. Sanji and Zoro looked opposite ways and crossed their arms. "Just try to have a good day and enjoy the market. I had to pick up some more ores to make nails for…you know what,"

Zoro nodded. Franky meant the escape ship he was building for all of them. Franky promised that it wouldn't be a big boat, but it will be a fast one, and speed is what they really need. Franky said he would see them later and walked away from the pair. Zoro looked back to Sanji and told him to follow.

They remained quiet until they approached the garment section of the market. Sanji didn't want anything too alluring because he wanted to keep Teach's advances on him minimal. If he looked dull, the Teach might not want to spend time with him. Sanji looked through the clothes and it was difficult to find dark colors or basic prints. He finally found an area that sold solid color tunics and pants. Sanji bought one green, one blue, and one white. He bought two pairs of black pants. They were all sleeveless and showed off his chest, but it could be buttoned. Sanji was proud of his purchase and paid the merchant. He still had some money left over. He shoved the clothes into Zoro's arms and went to a stand that had kitchen supplies.

Sanji wished he could work in a kitchen cooking. It was his favorite hobby, even though it wasn't allowed at his home in the Germa Kingdom. His father always expected him to find someone rich that would elevate their family, and that servants could do all the cooking. Sometimes, Sanji would sneak into the kitchen and secretly cook some food, feeding it to the servants who loved it. Maybe once Teach gets tired of him, he can ask for a job in the kitchen. It would be something to look forward to.

"Hey! I'm not your servant boy!" Zoro said, still holding the clothes. "Carry your own damn clothes!"

"I thought alphas need to do all the 'alpha' work, that means carrying things that are too heavy for poor little omegas,"

Zoro narrowed his eye at Sanji. "I hate you."

"The feeling is mutual. Now let's find the others."

They found Luffy at a meat carving stand with Katakuri standing by. Nami wasn't with them and must be shopping. Sanji's stomach growled. He was hungry. But he was used to fresh, clean food on plates. He saw how messy the stand was with piles of dripping meat. He didn't want to eat such food, but he didn't get much at the palace. Zoro suddenly shoved the clothing into Sanji's arms and went to the stand to sit by Luffy. Sanji went over to the stand and Katakuri took the clothing from him, saying he would hold it. Sanji thanked him and sat next to Luffy, who had a pile of meat on the wood of the stand. Zoro also ordered nothing but a pile of meat. Sanji shook his head. They needed to eat more vegetables. Sanji ordered as well, asking for some meat and cooked vegetables, which luckily came in a bowl.

"What's that green stuff?" Luffy asked, one cheek full of meat.

"These are vegetables," Sanji answered. "They're good for you, and both you and Moss-Head should eat more of them. It's not healthy to eat only meat. Your body needs a balance of meat, vegetables, and fruits," He noticed Zoro drinking ale. "And too much ale or wine is not good for a body, either."

Zoro smirked and asked for another cup full. "If I ever stop drinking, that means I'm dying!" he joked and it made Luffy laugh and spit out bits of food.

"That was a good one, wasn't it, Sanji?" Luffy asked.

Sanji wiped his cheek of Luffy's meat spittle. "Yes, it was humorous."

"Where's Nami?" Zoro asked.

"Still shopping," Luffy replied. "Hey, Katakuri! You can eat some too!"

"I eat at the palace," Katakuri said dutifully.

"Aw, come on! Eat with us! We won't tell!" Luffy got off the stoll and held out some roasted chicken on a stick. "Here! Eat this! It's really tasty!"

Katakuri took the stick and looked at it, then glanced at Luffy, who was grinning. He was very hungry, and he was not supposed to do anything other than watch Luffy. He slowly ate the chicken pieces.

Sanji asked the merchant if they had any wine, but they only had ale. He ordered a cup and regretted it. His palette was too used to fine wines. He drank some but it made his lip curl.

"Give it here," Zoro said. "I'll finish it. I guess you're a lightweight," he smirked.

Sanji glared. "I'm not a lightweight you lush! I just have a more sophisticated palette! Enjoy drinking your warm piss!"

Zoro took a drink and said, "I guess you must have drunk warm piss then?"

"Get over here and say that again!" Sanji challenged.

"I'll say whatever I want, Curly-Brow!"

"Stupid Moss-Head!"

They started pushing, shoving and grabbing each other. They were the same height, but Zoro was just a little bulkier than Sanji.

"Should I stop them?" Katakuri asked Luffy.

"Nah! This is a good show!" He laughed and stuffed more meat into his mouth.

"Hey! What are you two doing!" It was Nami coming back with a wrapped box at her side.

Sanji stopped first when he saw and heard Nami. "I hope we didn't startle you, Nami-Swan?"

Zoro rolled his eye and took the seat next to Luffy, going back to his food.

"Stop making a ruckus in the streets," Nami said, handing her boxes to Katakuri. "And we've stayed long enough. It's time we head back."

"Just one more meal!" Luffy said and ordered another serving. Everyone else sighed.

When they returned to the palace, Sanji went to the bath in the harem. He stripped and got into the warm water, letting out a small sigh. The smell and feel of the water helped to ease his mind and body. His thoughts, however, were on Zoro. Arguing with the alpha was irritating, but Sanji found a small part of him liked the bickering. Despite being forced here as Teach's plaything, the palace has given him more freedom than his own home. No one bothered him here, and his family was not here either. He didn't miss them at all, and if he never saw them again, he'd be fine with that.

Sanji's thoughts turned to Teach and the horrible night they shared. His insides still hurt, and he hoped Teach won't call on him tonight. He doesn't think he could do it again so soon. And it didn't help that the alpha was fat and smelly. That combination only added to the disgust he felt. Nothing about it was pleasurable. He hated every minute of it. It was more rape than sex, and he didn't have a choice in the matter. His family sold him to this alpha and put chains on his ankles so he can't run or defend himself. Sanji sank further into the water. Everything in his life was a mess.

After relaxing as much as he could, Sanji dressed and walked around the palace. He found the royal garden which smelled like a hundred of flowers. The garden was big with many flowers, bushes, shrubs, and even a few fruit trees. The garden was surrounded by a huge stone wall. It was getting dark too. Sanji approached an orange tree and plucked off a full, ripe orange. He took a seat at the base of the tree and started to peel. But something fell onto his head, and Sanji touched his head to see what it was. He found a part of an orange peel. Sanji looked up and saw Zoro lounging on a branch while eating an orange.

"Do you mind?" Sanji said.

"Hm?" Zoro looked down and saw Sanji. "What are you going on about?"

"You dropped an orange peel on my head!"

"Maybe your head shouldn't be in the way of my orange peel." Zoro dropped the rest of the peel and they landed on Sanji's head. "You really didn't see that coming?"

Sanji angrily wiped the peels from his head. "That's just rude!"

"Then you should have moved," Zoro finished his orange and jumped down from the branch. "I'm off duty right now, but I'm on full duty tomorrow for the masked ball and the fighting arena. I fight tomorrow as well, and I was hoping to have some quiet time until you came along."

"You're fighting in the arena?

"Yeah. I'm Teach's prized fighter. I haven't been beaten before, and Teach makes a lot of extra money gambling on me."

"Do you use your swords or your fists?" Sanji asked.

"Depends on the opponent," Zoro said. "I'm not sure who I'm fighting tomorrow, but it doesn't matter because I always win."

Sanji scoffed and crossed his arms. "You're awfully full of yourself. It's amazing you can get that HUGE ego through a door,"

"It's very hard to carry around," Zoro smirked.

"Whatever. Just let me eat my orange in peace."

"Suit yourself."

Sanji stared at Zoro's bare back as he walked away. Zoro had a lot of muscles, and Sanji blushed at the thought of touching them. He blamed it on his omega instincts wanting to be with a strong alpha. It was a feeling that he hated to have. His omega side hated Teach, but it liked Zoro. Sanji wasn't sure if he was allowed to sleep with someone else. What was he thinking? Sleeping with Zoro? What was wrong with him? Sanji crushed the orange in his hand out of frustration. Looking at the juice splattered on his hand. It reminded him of his omega slick. Maybe it was the power of suggestion, but he felt a stirring in his groin when Zoro came back into his thoughts.

His peaceful time was ruined by thoughts of Zoro and he tossed the crushed orange, whipping the juices on his clothes. Now his hands were going to be sticky.

Zoro went back to the barracks to get ready for bed. He stopped at the kitchen area and got himself a mug of ale. He liked an ale before bed. Zoro noticed Katakuri sitting at one of the tables. Zoro went over and took a seat with him.

"Hey." Zoro said in greeting.

Katakuri didn't say anything but just raised his hand slightly from the table.

"Where's Luffy tonight?"

"With the king. They're having dinner together right now."

Zoro sipped his ale. "Must be nice to have a night off,"

Zoro knew that if Luffy was with Teach for dinner, Luffy would stay there the rest of the night. It would give Sanji some time to rest up. But why was he thinking of Sanji? It had to be the golden hair and blue eyes, such a rare pairing. It would be nice to shut Sanji up with a hard kiss. He smirked. He can visit the harem and have an omega, but only after the king gets tired of them. If he wanted to pursue Sanji, he would have to wait for Teach to get tired of him. He was slowly becoming aroused, but then Law approached them. Zoro forgot about his arousal.

"You missed training today," Law said to Zoro.

"Yeah, I was out shopping with Luffy and the others."

Law moved his long sword to the other shoulder. "Tomorrow night you're expected to fight for the guests' entertainment."

Zoro nodded and took a big sip. He wondered if Sanji was going to be there. He could show off his alpha skills kicking ass. Nothing pleased an alpha more than showing off and being adored by omegas. But he was different.

"Luffy is with the king tonight?" Law asked Katakuri.

"Yeah."

"I could use an ale myself," Law said, walking off to get a cup then joining them. "I hate these masked balls. I don't like parties and I don't like dancing."

Zoro smirked. "You're so boring. You sound like a cranky old man!"

"Shut it," Law snapped. "You have to go too, and you hate it as much as I do."

"I do, but I still like parties. When we all party in the barracks, that's a lot of fun."

"Just focus on your match tomorrow," Law said. "Don't disappoint the king by losing."

"I never lose." Zoro said and finished his ale. "I'm turning in for the night."

Law scoffed. "Talk about an old man- going to bed early."

"I need to rest up for tomorrow." Zoro told him.

Sanji wasn't sure what he was supposed to do when Luffy went with Teach for the night, so he took a bed in the harem. The bed was comfortable enough, but he did miss his bed back home. Some of the harem omegas were chattering about the masked ball tomorrow, what they would wear, and which mask they would choose. Sanji couldn't care less about a masked ball. Would he have to go? Then, he overheard some other omegas talking about Zoro. Sanji listened to them, curious to know.

"He is an omega's dream!" said one. "I can't wait to see him fight tomorrow!"

"No one fights like him," Said the other. "It wouldn't take much for me to get into his bed!"

"I got to see him naked one time," Said the first. "He's VERY impressive, if you catch my drift?" They started laughing.

Sanji rolled his eyes. They may swoon over Zoro, but he wouldn't. The alpha was an egotistical jerk. Somebody like him needs to get beat down by an omega. If only his ankles weren't chained! He put his head under the pillow to drown out their chatter and hoped sleep would come for him.

Luffy escaped from Teach's hold and snuck out of the room. He hurried back to his own, took a candle, and entered the secret passageway. He hurried down the stairs, hoping to find Law. He had Nami send a secret message to Law to meet him here. He grinned when he saw Law, holding a lantern.

"TRAFFY!"

"Shh!" Law shushed him.

Luffy covered his mouth with both hands, then jumped and latched on to Law.

Law sighed. "You can get off me now. We need to work fast."

"I know. I'm just happy to see you," Luffy freed Law from his hold. "Let's go!"

Law accompanied him to the palace dungeon where Shanks was being held. Luffy knew what to do when they got close. He would hide behind the large ceramic pot while Law dismisses the guards. When the guards walked by, Luffy waited a few more seconds before coming out from behind the pot. He ran past Law to Shanks' cell. Despite being a cell, Teach granted Shanks a real bed, a chair and writing desk, and some other things to keep him comfortable and alive. It was a small mercy that Teach granted him.

"Shanks! Wake up!"

"Mmm…Luffy?" Shanks sat up in his bed, wearing the same clothes he had on when they were captured. "I haven't seen you in a while,"

"It's been hard to get away," Luffy said. "Did you find out where the key might be?"

Shanks shook his head and got out of bed. He went over to the bars and let Luffy take his hand. "I know that bastard has it somewhere."

"We have a new omega here named Sanji, and he's going to help us find the key!"

"Can we trust him?"

"Mmhm!" Luffy smiled. "I already made him one of my grooms!"

"How is the ship coming?" Shanks asked.

"Franky is working hard on it," Law answered. "Chopper is still making sleeping potions. Nami is sneaking some treasure from the treasury for us. Tomorrow at the ball, Brook is going to walk around playing his violin and try to listen in on people's conversations. Usopp is busy making ammunition. Robin is plotting the best route for us to take from the palace. Zoro is just Zoro, he'll be bringing up the rear with Kid . Katakuri watches over Luffy, so we're putting him in the back as well. I plan to lead the front. We'll keep the others safe between us. But there's one thing we need to worry about, and it's not the king. It's the looming war that may be coming. Teach may have gained Germa's territory, but there's two more territories. Teach isn't going to stop at the Germa kingdom."

"So, we need to escape before the war starts, if it starts. On the other hand, if we can escape while there is a battle, no one would be focused on us. The rest is a good plan…I can't wait for all of us to be free again."

"Don't worry, we will be!" Luffy grinned. "Just leave it to me!"

"We need to get going," Law told Luffy.

"Aww! Can't I stay a little longer?"

"It's best you go," Shanks said. "Thanks for stopping by."

They said their goodbyes and left the dungeon. Law took Luffy back up to his room, but Luffy had to go back to Teach's bed. They shared a kiss before parting ways. Law left the secret passageway and someone was standing right by the door. Law was startled for a moment, but calmed when he saw it was Eustass.

"Sneaking around like a mouse?" Kid said to Law.

"Luffy and I had business to discuss."

"I still don't know what you see in him."

Law ran a hand through his black hair. "We broke up, Kid. Alpha and alpha relationships are rare, but we're meant to be with omegas. We were drifting apart anyway."

Kid scoffed. "You just wanted to be on top, so you took an omega."

"That's not true," Law said. "I don't appreciate these accusations."

"I should just tell the king what you and the others are planning on doing." He smirked.

Law narrowed his eyes. "You wouldn't."

"I would. Stop messing around with these guys. You're captain of the guard! You let yourself get swept up in these guys. This isn't your fight. But I know why you're doing it."

"You won't betray us," Law said.

"...I don't want something to happen to you. I'm only going along because I'm tired of being Teach's errand boy."

"We could really use your help," Law said.

"Yeah, I know." Kid grumbled a little. "I guess I'll see you around."

"See you around." Law said and walked away. He mostly believed that Kid wouldn't betray them. But there was a little bit of doubt. He would have to watch Kid closely.

TBC