Chapter 1: You don't mean?
Chapter Text
Marina knew that her nosy cousin was not going to allow her to marry Colin so she came up with a plan. Maybe it's a little cruel But life had been pretty cruel to her and after all she did everything for her child. A week after announcing their engagement, the Bridgertons invited the Featheringtons and other families to Aubrey Hall, the perfect opportunity to rid themselves of her beloved cousin.
In the afternoon after tea she would begin her plan for her and by evening Penelope would no longer be a threat to her happiness ,but first she had to get her away from Eloise, the two seemed attached at the hip. That was the challenging part, but as fate would have it, Violet had required everyone's help to prepare for the evening's dance. Although Eloise had no choice but to obey, she knew she didn't have much time until she managed to find an excuse to escape.
Penelope was sitting in her room reading when Marina came in with a tray of eclairs and tea as a peace offering. She waited for Pen to drink all the tea and a few minutes later the potion had already taken effect, her nosy cousin was entering her first Heat and The perfect alpha to take her was just a few moments away, Marina had chosen him herself.
She didn't want her cousin to cause a battle of the alphas over her in her fiancé's central house so she had made a deal with a gentleman to take care of Penelope, she didn't need her cousin to get married, she needed her gone and for Penelope to run away as far away as possible, she must have been ruin.
Everything was going according to plan, Lord Fife was meters from the door when someone hit him on the head so hard that he fell to the floor, luckily Pen's heat had just started and her scent was not so strong yet.
After Eloise screamed for help, two footmen dragged Lord Fife away But nothing could have prepared her for what she was about to witness: Inside the room was her friend trembling and struggling to tear off her clothes, the desperation was so great that she didn't even notice Marina standing there until she felt her running after her but take another direction . Eloise repeated that she would go and get help and instructed the maid to stay at the door and not let anyone in.
Once in the drawing room, Eloise stopped to breathe, luckily all the men were on the hunt except her brother-in-law the Duke who was already mated with his sister. In the room were Violet, Lady Dambury, Simon and Daphne who were stunned seeing the state of EloiseHer mother tried to calm her down by putting her arms around her.
Violet- Eloise, calm down, what happened?
Eloise- Penelope entered her first heat, Lord Fife was about to enter his room But I managed to stop him, the footman removed him
Violet- Oh my god! We must find her and quickly, the men from the hunt will soon arrive.
Everyone ran to Penelope's room but found it empty, Violet took Penelope's clothes in her hands, horrified.
Violet- Someone took her
Simon- All the gentlemen are in they hunt, I'll go and see if Lord Fife managed to get in
Simon had not yet left the room when Marina entered with Lord Fife.
Danbury- Well, we know it wasn't him.
Marina- Where is Penelope?
Eloise- What is that man doing here? I won't let you get close to my friend!
Fife- We'll see, the hunt has just begun.
Simon took him by the shoulders against the door and called the footmen who would take him away and tie him to a tree if necessary.
Simon- With that settled, we need to think, was there another alpha in the house?
Violet- No, everyone is gone and our staff are just betas
Danbury-- Well, not all alphas
Eloise- Do you know something?
Danbury- The scent is not just Penelope's, maybe a scent that you are already used to to notice it
Simon- Sandalwood and sea
Eloise- Oh no! I'm going to kill him!
Marina- You don't mean..?
Daphne- Colin
Chapter 2: I'm sure nothing will happen
Chapter Text
Daphne- Colin
Marina was livid, her cousin had managed to take her fiancé away from her again, The next time she saw her she would make sure to make her pay, but now she could only hope that the Bridgertons would sort out the situation.
Marina- Lady Bridgerton, we must do something! Colin must marry me!
Violet- I know my son made a promise to you but Penelope's well-being is our priority and we should not jump to conclusions, maybe he took her to protect her
Eloise- I hope so or he's a dead man walking
Violet- We'd better go to the drawing room, Lady Dambury would be so kind as to fetch Lady Featherington?
Everyone started to head back to the drawing room when Simon pulled Violet aside and waited for the others to be a few steps ahead before speaking softly to her.
Simon- Lady Bridgerton, I don't want to scare anyone but Miss Penelope's scent in the room was not strong enough to attract Alpha in such a short time and Colin's scent was mixed with hers. Could it be that something else attracted him to her?
Violet- I don't know, Colin seemed sure that Miss Thompson was his mate, but he and Penelope always had a special bond.
Simon- Do you think Antony could calm his alpha down?
Violet- It has always been possible, but the truth is I'm not sure of anything, Colin has always been gentle, he would never take a lady like that, he would have come to seek help
Simon- Maybe it was like that, maybe he's hiding her from other alphas
Violet- I hope so
Simon- Me too, but now we must act. We have a mouse to catch, I don't think Miss Penelope has come into heat by chance
Violet- Me neither, I will get the truth out of Portia one way or another
Simon- I'm sure my aunt and Daphne can help with that.
And so they parted. Simon began to investigate with the staff while trying to think of how to break the news to his brother-in-law, god knows Antony didn't have the best temperament for bad news.
Once with Lady Featheringthon sitting in the drawing room, no one knew what to say.
Eloise worried about what would happen to her friend if someone got close to her and thinking of ways to hurt her brother if he dared to touch her but she had some faith, Colin and Penelope had never been more than friends, like brother-sister even.
Daphne was more perceptive than her headstrong younger sister and was not so surprised by the situation, she had seen how her brother was always attracted to the little redhead, how his mood lit up when he was with her. Before Penelope was introduced as a beta she was sure that the current situation would happen one day, but now she was just afraid of the repercussions.
Marina sat silently, thinking what to do, her ideas to inflict pain were not directed at Colin like Eloise but at Penelope. She had the perfect plan, the perfect prey but now it all seemed to be falling apart. She wouldn't allow it, her engagement had to be worth something, she would marry Colin Bridgerton even if it ruined her cousin.The law of survival indeed.
Violet looked at Portia sitting in front of her with no idea what happened, but she couldn't say a word. She loved Penelope like a daughter, she would not imagine the fear of your daughter being taken away in a heat and now it was her own son who had taken the daughter of the woman in front of her and Violet didn't know whether to beg for forgiveness on her knees or start praying.
Portia- Is anyone going to say what's going on? I'm not easily scared, but you're all doing it.
Fortunately for her, Lady Dambury decided to take charge of the situation with tremendous calm.
Danbury- Lady Featheringthon, I'm afraid what I'm about to tell you is of great concern but I ask you to try to remain calm, we need answers and only you can give them to us.
Portia- Of course, but please don't delay any longer, Lady Danbury
Danbury- It seems that your daughter Miss Penelope has gone into heat, Lord Fife tried to enter her room but luckily Eloise managed to hit him and he was removed from the place.
Portia's face turned white, her eyes filled with worry.
Portia- What? No, that can't be possible, she's on suppressants and she knows better than not to take them
Danbury- I'm afraid that's the case and believe me we don't wish to criticize your parenting decisions but can we know why the hell Penelope was presented as beta when she clearly isn't?
Portia- We found out she was an Omega a few weeks before the season started, her scent attracted an Alpha near our house in the countryside, Luckily my husband and two loyal servants managed to stop him and I was able to hide Penelope before he managed to take her.
Eloise- Pen must have been so scared
Portia- she was and the truth is that we were too, seeing our daughter so weak, knowing what the wrong alpha could do to her was not easy.
Portia- My husband is not the best of men but he protected her and didn't want anyone to hurt her, he always had a soft spot for her so we decided that she would be a beta and we would find her a good husband who wouldn't hurt her
Danbury- I understand you want to protect your daughter but she is an Omega, you should have known that the suppressants wouldn't last forever.
Portia- I know, the plan was to take the time necessary to evaluate the suitors, that's why I pushed Penelope so much, to have more options.
Portia- But I guess all that is lost now so tell me, who took my daughter?
All the ladies exchanged glances and then Violet found her voice.
Violet- We're not sure but there's a chance Colin took her, we hope it was just to hide her from the other alphas.
Portia- Why do you think it was him?
Violet- When we went to her room she was no longer there and... Well…
Danbury- Colin's scent was also in the room, mixed with hers.
Portia- So there is a chance that she's safe, If he is used to your scent there is no reason to fear.
Daphne- I thought Penelope was on suppressants since before the season
Portia- It is, but we don't know exactly when it started so there's a chance her scent has reached him.
Eloise- How? They didn't see each other before the queen's presentation.
Portia- Excuse me, Lady Bridgerton, I thought you were aware of this information but it seems that Penelope and Colin have been sending letters to each other, scents tend to stay on objects that you touch
Violet- I'm sorry, Lady Portia, I assure you that I had an idea.
Eloise- How long has this correspondence been going on?
Daphne- Since Colin went to Eton
Eloise- You knew?
Daphne- I saw one of the letters two years ago, Penelope is very good with words
Danbury- Daphne, do you know where they could be? We need to know if any of them have the scent of Peneloe.
Daphne- Sure, he keep them in a box, I'll go get it, Eloise, come with me
And so the two of them left, leaving the room in silence again, everyone's minds lost in possibilities and fears until Marina decided to take matters into her own hands.
Marina- I know this looks bad but I'm sure nothing bad will happen, Colin has always seen Penelope as a little sister
Danbury- I hope you are right, Miss Thompson, or I fear you will have to find another husband.
The fear of not knowing what would happen to her completely swept through her.
Marina- What do you mean? Colin will marry me no matter what!
Violet- Believe me, I wish with all my heart that my childen marry without scandal, but we must be realistic about all odds
Marina- No matter what happens, Colin made me a promise and he must keep it.
Violet- Not if that leaves Penelope ruined.
At that moment Antony, Benedict and Simon entered the room
Antony- Let's not jump to conclusions, mother, we don't know what happened.
Violet- Sons , I'm glad you've arrived! We don't know what to do
At that moment Daphne and Eloise entered the room, Daphne with a wooden box in her hands, they both sat next to each other. Daphne opened it to reveal well-preserved packets of letters wrapped in yellow ribbon.
Daphne- we got them! Luckily Colin seems to have them organized.
Ben- Colin? Organized?
Everyone approached them, watching as the two sister. They opened the letters and passed them to Simon to sniff them.The strong alpha could tell if any of them had a scent and were already mated so there was no risk. After finishing them all, none of them had any scent.
Daphne- That was the last one, I guess we have our answer
Antony- Yes, we must find them before something irreparable happens.
Eloise- Do you think Colin…?
Benedict hugged Eloise, seeing the fear on her face.
Ben- Don't worry, Eloise, I'm sure Colin won't hurt her.
Daphne- Yes, Eloise, we are talking about Colin, he cares a lot about Penelope.
Marina- And what about me?Who will take care of me while my fiancé probably knot my cousin?
Eloise- Would you rather Lord Fife have Pen?
Marina- Lord Fife is not my fiancé! She can choose any gentleman but not Colin, he is mine!
Antony- My brother is a person, Miss Thompson, not a prize for you to claim.
Marina- Of course not, My Lord but I love Colin, surely you understand my fear of losing him.
Daphne- Then you have nothing to worry about, Miss Thompson, as we all know once an alpha finds his mate everything changes, my brother will be able to control himself perfectly if you are his mate.
Marina- Believe me, Duchess, Colin belongs with me.
Antony- If we end this silly discussion, we have to find them.
Ben- Eloise, you know both of them, you surely know where they might be hiding.
Eloise- I have several ideas but it depends
Daphne- It depends on what?
Eloise- Who is hiding who, Penelope is smart, she wouldn't stay here knowing that several alphas will soon return from the hunt but if…
Daphne- If Colin is hiding her, then what?
Eloise- He wouldn't risk taking her far, he knows they wouldn't get far by any means.
Portia- Do you think they're still here?
Simon- Miss Penelope has come here several times?
Violet- Since she was little
Simon- If both know the property, it would be best to stay here.
Antony- Yes, but where? One of the servants must have seen them.
Simon- I questioned everyone, no one saw them leave the room.
Antony had known his friend for years and knew there was something he wasn't saying.
Antony- We will go and question again, maybe someone will remember something. You must stay here and pretend that nothing happened, prepare some activity in the garden, do not let anyone approach the property.
All the women agreed and the three men headed to the studio. After confirming that no one was listening, Antony closed the door and turned to his friend.
Antony- What do you know?
Simon handed the brothers some drinks and took a long sip from his own glass of whiskey.
Simon- The maid who was with Penelope said that Colin appeared and ordered her to leave... With his alpha voice
Antony- And that's not all, right?
Simon- She stayed hidden to see what was happening and saw Colin carrying Penelope in his arms, the poor girl trembled clinging to his neck.
Antony massaged his forehead, about to have a heart attack.
Antony- Fuck! Damn Colin!
Ben- Do you think we can get them on time?
Antony- I honestly don't know what the hell Colin can do, the poor girl must be scared.
Ben- I don't know if scared is the best word, she always had feelings for him
Simon- And after seeing those letters we can't deny that he too
Antony- What are You two talking about?
Simon- Antony, please tell me you're not that blind.
Antony- Believe me, I would be much better off if I believed there was something between them but I'm pretty sure they are just friends or at least Colin only sees her as his friend.
Simon- How many friends' letters do you have saved with a ribbon in your personal box?
Ben- And with how many friends have you danced each dance?
Simon- And when they dance the waltz! Even I couldn't dance so close to my wife without being indecent.
Daphne was into the study and closed the door behind her as Antony considered the words of the other two men, looking at him expectantly.
Daphne- And let's not forget that at every social gathering Colin seems drawn to Penelope like a magnet, always in the corners gossiping.
Ben- Or the adorable nickname that only Eloise and him use for her
Antony- I hope all you are right or we're going to be dealing with one very angry Lady Portia.
Daphne- So we must find them before she kills Colin.
Ben- Do you have any suggestions?
Daphne- Any game we play Colin always strikes when you least expect it, If he's hiding her they're probably where he knows we'd never look, the most obvious option.
Antony- And that would be it?
Daphne- If you wanted to be alone with someone where no one could interrupt you, where do you go?
Ben- The isolation room
Simon- Why would he lock himself in a place where you want to put him?
Ben- Because he knows that anyone would think that it is the last place he would go.
Antony- Let's not waste time then
And the four of them headed to the isolation room, everyone standing at the door noticed something strange.
Ben- Something is not right
When Simon finally opened the door, all four were stunned by the scene in front of them: It was already late. Colin was lying in bed with a sleeping Penelope in his arms stroking her red hair and kissing her forehead. Both with marks shining on their necks, Their bond is now impossible to break.
Who the hell would explain to Miss Tompson that she no longer had a fiancé?
Chapter 3: Alpha and Omega in charge
Chapter Text
When Simon finally opened the door, all four were stunned by the scene in front of them: It was already late. Colin was lying in bed with a sleeping Penelope in his arms stroking her red hair and kissing her forehead. Both with marks shining on their necks, Their bond is now impossible to break.
Antony tried to enter the room when Simon stopped him and closed the door behind them again.
Simon- Are you mad? We don't know what state they are both in.
Ant- We need to separate them before it's too late!
Simon- Didn't you see their marks? It's too late!
Ant- I know but if someone finds out what happened it will be the scandal of the season
Daphne- It's already the scandal of the season, brother! But as Simon said, we don't know what condition they are in, they won't want to separate without a fight.
Ben- You know they're right, Antony, I love this family but I'd like to keep my pretty face in the future
Ant- We're talking about Colin, I can control his alpha
Simon- No, you could control Colin's alpha before but if you walk into that room and try to take his mate away from him, how do you think he's going to react?
Ben- We've seen Colin fight over the last cookie, I don't want to find out what he would do for his Omega.
Ant- What do you suggest we do then? Wait for them to decide to come back while both our reputations are ruined?
Daphne- How about we call the doctor? Maybe we can give them something to calm their impulses.
Ant- Fine, But you will explain to Miss Thompson why she should look for another fiancé.
Daphne- I hadn't thought about that
Ant- Of course not, as Colin surely didn't think twice before tying himself forever to his fiancée's cousin!
Simon- What do you think will happen when they both come down from their euphoria and realize what they did?
Ben- I'm more worried about what Eloise will do
Daphne- Another reason to keep them here, we don't want Eloise to commit Fratricide
Simon and Antony retreated to find the doctor unnoticed while Daphne and Benedict stood guard at the door.
Ben- You know? I always suspected there was something between them.
Daphne- Me too! He's always so happy around her, it's like the old Colin is still there.
Ben- I don't think anyone else has noticed how attracted they are to each other, Eloise is going to be furious
Daphne- I know no one pays attention to the familiarity between them but I always found it strange that Eloise never noticed it.
Daphne- Do you think she doesn't want to see it?
Ben- Daph, we all saw the letters wrapped in a ribbon, organized and kept inside that box as if it were his most precious treasure, Eloise is covering her eyes with both hands
Daphne- It's the box that dad gave him, you know?
Daphne- I wish he would have realized his feelings before he was involved with someone else, but I can't be mad that he's going to end up with who he should.
Ben- You know him better than anyone, do you think he'll accept the feelings he didn't know he had?
Daphne- No, he's going to lose his mind and blame himself for what he did to his friend for at least a day or two, but I guess they'll have the rest of their married life to figure it out.
Ben- But don't forget Miss Thompson, do you think he can handle the guilt of breaking his promise to her?
Daphne- At least Miss Thompson doesn't have his bite and is possibly carrying a pup
Ben- Not even an enraged Eloise and Lady Featherington calling for his head
Daphne- Yes, I don't think our brother has thought about what he would have to face.
Ben- It's good that you managed to give him a break, he's going to need his strength to dodge Eloise's blows.
Daphne- And all of us, starting with Antony
—--
What the hell happened?, Well…
That afternoon Colin had decided not to go hunting in order to rest, but suddenly his alpha appeared: Omega is in danger, find her, protect her.
Suddenly he found himself running into a room, the maid at the door looked at him scared but with his alpha voice he ordered her to leave.Once in the room his blood began to burn and he could barely keep the alpha inside.
And then he saw her: Penelope was sitting on the floor hugging herself, trembling.
Colin- Pen, are you okay?
She stood up abruptly and stood in front of him, her blue eyes shining, she said ""alpha, you came" And then she dropped her nightgown.
Colin stared at her, lost in her curves, it was like seeing Aphrodite descend at his feet.Fighting his impulses, he managed to take off his shirt and put it on her. But when he got closer to see her face, she kissed him and there was no turning back, his alpha had taken control.
Finally in the isolation room, his alpha was about to take her when he managed to take control and put some distance between her. Almost trembling he managed to regain some power.
Colin- Sorry, Pen, I'm really trying…
Colin looked away, this was his friend, a naked young lady in front of him But Penelope had already lost control over her Omega.
Pen- Alpha is not pleased with me?
Her bright eyes looked like they were about to cry And his alpha seemed to be struggling within him, he wasn't happy to see his Omega feeling rejected.
Colin- No, Pen, listen, my alpha is going to take over soon and I don't want to hurt you, I need... i need you to let me take you.
Pen- Always alpha, I'm yours
And that was all it took for Colin to hand over control, there was no way out of this and deep down he didn't want to either.
He took her in his arms and began to kiss her desperately, her lips were soft and he was losing himself in them. Kissing her neck he found special spots that made her moan, the sweetest sound coming from her lips and he was already addicted. With his hands he began to lift the shirt until she was naked again. He looked at her as if she were unreal, a fantasy too perfect to be real. Her breasts so full and pink between his fingers as he kissed and sucked them while alpha kept telling her how beautiful and perfect she was. Suddenly alpha ordered: "Lie down" And she complied, lying back on the bed, him covering her small form with his large body, holding onto her hips as he went back to worshiping her body.
Colin- Perfect little Omega, you are mine
Pen- Take me, Alpha
He began to slide inside her, both moaning lost in pleasure.
Colin- You feel so tight, so warm
Colin- You take me so well, I'm gonna fill you up
Pen- Yes, alpha, I want all of you
Colin- I'm gonna put little pup in you, Omega, you'll only be mine
The images of Pen carrying her little pups from them triggered something else in him and without realizing it he was biting her and ordering her to do it. They both reached their release fainting, drunk on the mixed scent until Colin finished leaving every drop of his seed inside her and stepped aside hugging her as if she were the most precious thing in his life. With his head buried in her hair
Colin fell into a deep sleep, not knowing what awaited him when he woke up and realized what his alpha had done.
Chapter 4: What the hell did you do to make Penelope angry, you idiot?
Chapter Text
Once they found a doctor, he had decided that it was best to wait a few hours for the couple in the isolation room to calm down before giving them a sedative. Meanwhile everyone except for Lady Dambury, who was busy entertaining the guests and keeping them out of the house. was in the drawing room talking to the doctor to get more ideas on how to proceed. Luckily Dr. Wickam was an older man who had a lot of experience and a couple of scandals in his past that ensured that his discretion could be bought, it was fortunate that he was available for such an unusual situation.
Doctor- Lady Featheringthon, I'll need you to answer a couple of questions about your daughter
Portia just nodded knowing what was going on in his mind, there was only one reason why the doctor was there and not checking on her daughter.
Doctor- I was told that your daughter was on suppressants, do you know if she took them today?
Portia- Yes, doctor, I gave them to her myself for breakfast, she took them in front of me.
Doctor- Do you know if she ate anything before going into heat?
Everyone looked at Marina who pretended to think and then answered with complete innocence.
Marina- I don't think so, we had just had tea with Miss Eloise.
Doctor- Well, maybe-
The doctor was interrupted by Rae's voice, she had recently started working at the Featheringthon house but she was already very loyal to Miss Penelope.The youngest of the family had shown her great kindness from the beginning despite having to endure mistreatment from others.
Rae- That's not true!
Everyone turned to look at her and her face filled with shame and fear, but Portia looked at her gently and nodded to allow her to speak.
Rae- Lady Featheringthon - she nodded to her boss- When Miss Eloise ordered me to stay with Miss Penelope I saw a cup of tea at the small table
Doctor- How much do you think she drank?
Rae- Not much, the cup was barely half full.
Doctor- Thank you, Miss, it has been very helpful.
Rae nodded and walked away again.
Portia- Is that good, doctor?
Doctor- Indeed it is, Lady Featheringthon!
Doctor- You may have to send people home before the wedding, but that's nothing a couple of scarves can't fix.
Portia and Violet held hands as their faces grew pale and they fell wide-eyed on the couch as Benedict took a trembling Eloise into his arms who couldn't speak among so many tears but the award for the most dramatic reaction went to Miss Tompshon, whose face went from surprise to anger in a second and she began making demands, pointing fingers at everyone while shouting.
Marina- What the hell are you talking about?! The only wedding there will be Colin and I's! He made a promise to me and he will keep it! I won't let some ugly, selfish, little girl ruin me!
At that moment Eloise wiped away her tears and with her face full of hate she jumped to her friend's defense, Benedict had to take her by her arms to prevent her from hurting Marina.
Eloise- Don't you dare talk about Penelope like that! Thank God my brother ended up with such an amazing woman like her and not with a damn two-faced witch like you!
Eloise- I'm warning you, Marina! You better not be behind this or I will strangle you with my own hands!
Marina- Do you think I would plan for my own cousin to steal my husband?!
Eloise- She didn't steal from you, it was my stupid brother who took her! But don't worry, I'll bury you two together after I kill him!
The ladies watched the interaction not knowing what to say as Benedict and Antony forcibly removed Eloise from the room to calm her down.
Marina feigned distress and approached Violet, taking her hands.
Marina- Lady Bridgerton, you have to help me! You want your children to marry for love, you can't allow Colin to marry her when he loves me.
Violet's gaze followed her eyes showing the conflict within a lost mother but finally she let go of Marina's hands and firmly answer her
Violet- Miss Thompson, I understand your pain but it is obvious that Colin's alpha has chosen and he did not choose you, although I am sure that with your youth and beauty you will be able to find happiness with someone else
Marina was surprised by the cold response of a lady who had always shown her so much sweetness and kindness. She kept pushing, she wasn't going to give up after everything she had accomplished.
Marina- Maybe Colin is confused but I'm not, he belongs to me and I'm not going to let him go that easily.
Marina- We must give him time to calm down and then he will choose and believe me, Lady Bridgerton, I am sure that he would choose me a thousand times before her.
Daphne who had been wrapped in her husband's arms couldn't help but intervene.
Daphne- Miss Thompson, perhaps we have not been clear about what happened, what we found.
Portia- Did you find them?where?
Daphne and Simon shared a look and then Daphne continued
Daphne- Yes, we found them but I'm afraid it was too late, they are already…
Portia- He knotted her, right?
Daphne and Simon nodded but the guilt was still on their faces, it wasn't the whole truth.
Violet- But that's not all, or is it?
Simon- We saw the bites on their necks, they are mated
Portia and Violet touched their heads, realization dawning on them.Although they had a strong suspicion of what happened, nothing was the same as hearing it.
Portia- There is no turning back now - tears streaming down her face - I couldn't protect her, my baby girl
Violet took her hand trying to comfort her.
Violet- Everything will be fine, Portia, you know my Colin, he will treat her well.
Marina, who had fallen into an armchair massaging her temples, spoke nervously massaging her hands.
Marina- I'm sure we can come to an agreement, I know that many men in the ton have lovers and Penelope always loved the countryside, it's not perfect but it could work, yes, it could work
Everyone looked at her in disbelief at what she was proposing and Daphne studied her, she knew there was something else that didn't fit but it was Portia who defended her daughter.
Portia- There is no way any of my daughters will be the mistress! We are a respectable family, Miss Thompson, unlike you! Let me remind you that I accepted you into my home and in the same way I can send you back to the village where you come from!
Marina- You wouldn't dare! It would ruin you!
Portia- Maybe but there's nothing I wouldn't do to take care of my daughters and no spoiled little girl like you is going to hurt them!
Portia- And I hope Eloise's suspicions aren't true or that heaven helps you because no one touches my Penélope without paying for it!
Marina- Do not threaten me, Lady Featheringthon! You and I made a deal and I kept my end of the deal so now you're going to make sure your daughter stays as far away from my husband as possible!
Then a small voice stopped the discussion and everyone turned to look for the source.
Pen- None of this is necessary, I will not marry him
And there she was, wrapped in just a shirt that reached her knees, with her hair disheveled, her eyes red from crying, her whole body shaking. Portia ran to her daughter and hugged her tightly massaging her back with more tears falling as if making sure she was real, full of fear that someone was going to take her from her arms again
Portia- My baby, I'm sorry I couldn't protect you, I'm sorry, I failed you, Penelope
Pen- I'm sorry, Mamá, I should have been stronger but I couldn't help it, she took control - Then she look at violet- I'm sorry, Lady Bridgerton, I swear I didn't mean to hurt Colin, I'm so sorry.
Portia hugged her tighter as they both cried at the same time as Daphne hugged her mother heartbroken over the situation. Then Colin appeared shouting Pen's name but before he could get close, Portia put her daughter aside and Ben and Antony's hands took him, leading him backwards.
The image in front of him broke his heart once again and it was all his fault. He had been weak and let his alpha dominate him and take something as innocent and sweet as his best friend, the little girl he had so often protected from other kids who wanted to hurt her but what he had done was nothing compared to his words once he found out what had happened, although he was confused he could have been more sensitive with his response.
His alpha's internal dialogue doesn't help the situation.
Look what you've done, you hurt Omega, you broke her
Fix it or you'll regret it
In a second Miss Thompson tried to throw herself into his arms but he moved to the side and Ben managed to grab her by the shoulders before she fell to the ground. Marina tried to get closer again but he backed away, a face of disgust while one hand covered his nose and the other in front of him to keep her away.
Colin- Don't come closer! You're making my alpha angry.
Marina was in shock and for the first time all afternoon her voice was small and fearful.
Marina- What do you mean? You love my scent, Colin
Colin- I'm sorry, Miss Thompson, there's no subtle way to say this but you will understand that I must break our engagement.
Marina- what?
Penelope intervened, responding, her face sad but rigid.
Pen- I hope it's not because of me, Mr. Bridgerton, because I will never marry you!
Colin felt his entire insides shake, on the verge of tears.
Colin- Pen… You're not serious
His face begging her not to but she didn't give an inch.
Pen- I am, I never want to see you again, have a nice life, Colin
Pen left the room without looking back, when Colin tried to follow her, Portia stood in front of him.
Portia- I think you've done enough damage to my daughter for one day, Mr. Bridgerton.
And then she walked out after her daughter while Colin just stared frozen at the ground, his chest tightening as Marina once again tried to get her way.
Marina- Well, I guess that settles everything but don't worry, Colin, I assure you that I will be a more suitable wife than she is, after all she is only Penelope.
Everyone backed away when Colin turned to look at her and his eyes turned dark, she shouldn't have said that, his alpha wasn't happy with those words criticizing his mate so he addressed her with his alpha voice in case there were any doubts.
Colin alpha - Let this be the last time I hear you talk about her like that, I won't let anyone disrespect my mate.
Marina- But she just declared that she will never marry you and you made me a promise!
Colin alpha- Penelope has always been mine and always will be, she just have to accept it! And let me make something clear - He looked around at everyone and returned to Marina- She will be my wife even if I have to lift her over my shoulder and drag her to Greta Green myself
Everyone stood there in shock trying to digest what had happened: Penelope's pain, Portia shielding her daughter, Colin still confused but determined to marry the girl, Marina desperate to marry him only to be brutally rejected, Penelope running away from him and finally Colin's firm voice demanding.
The men followed Colin as he left the room and Daphne and Violet sat on the couch in silence not knowing what to do. Marina fled to her room overwhelmed, she had everything in the palm of her hand, she had Colin right where she needed him and in less than a day everything had vanished.
At the beginning of all this disaster Antony was furious with his brother but when they found him outside Penelope's room shaking with pain he could only feel pity as did Simon and Ben. The three of them took him to his own room to be examined by the doctor, but the diagnosis was clear and discouraging: His Mate was rejecting him and begging for him at the same time, this was what his alpha meant when he told him he was going to regret it if he didn't fix it.
So Antony asked the question that needed to be asked: '""What the hell did you do to make Penelope mad, you Idiot?"
Chapter 5: Marina Who?
Summary:
Hello, beautiful people! This chapter took me a while, I actually rewrote it several times and I'm finally happy with the result. I'll read them in the comments! By the way, Colin is becoming more and more obsessed and we love it!
Chapter Text
So Antony asked the question that needed to be asked: '""What the hell did you do to make Penelope mad?"
When Colin woke up in an unfamiliar room the first thing he noticed was his dearest friend in his arms naked and suddenly images of what happened began to come back to him.
What have I done? I ruined Pen, sweet, innocent Pen. What kind of man am I? I let my alpha take control. I took Pen's chance to find love.How could I be so cruel? She has always been so kind to me, she doesn't deserve this. Colin thought as he got out of bed to think clearly
In the middle of her crisis, Penelope woke up and, even more confused and looked at him.
Pen- Colin, what happened?
How do I explain to her that my lack of control ruined her?That the one she thought was her friend, the one she trusted, took the most precious thing she had? Colin thought desperately
Colin- Pen, I'm so sorry, I don't know what happened- tears falling down his face- I'm sorry, please forgive me
Of course he regrets it, don't be silly Penelope, he's in love with Marina, stop with your silly childish fantasies. Penelope thought As she got out of bed
Pen- It is fine, I'm sure we'll find a way out of this.
They both suddenly noticed the state of their nakedness and Colin couldn't take his eyes off her even if he wanted to. Penelope quickly took his shirt and put it on while Colin looked away still not knowing what to say
Colin- I'm really sorry, I always complain about my brothers' nature and now I'm the one who... ruined you.
Of course he feels guilty for ruining poor Penelope without any suitors or proposals. Penelope thought
Pen- Alright, It was both faults, can we figure out how to get away unnoticed before someone notices what happened?
And now she is afraid of being alone with me and how can I blame her? what a beast I am Colin thought
Colin approached her slowly and took her hand.
Colin- I don't want to scare you, Pen but we need to talk about what we will do when we see our families
Pen- What do you mean?
Could it be possible that she lost consciousness when her Omega took control? But I remembered everything, every detail of her body and her kisses, how it felt to be inside sweet, warm Penelope. God, no! These thoughts have to stop! But seriously How could she forget the best moment of my entire life? Colin wondered internally
Colin- You don't remember what happened?
How could I forget the best moment of my life? She thought while blushed and looked at the floor.
Pen- I remember
I don't know if I should be relieved or scared Colin thought
Colin- So you know we're bonded now, this - pointing to the bite on his neck - It can't be undone
He knew there was no turning back and he really didn't want to undo it, he would be a happy fool tied to his best friend for the rest of his life but now she was in pain, he knew he had taken away her chance to fall in love.
Colin- I know I should have controlled my alpha from taking you, I'm sorry, I know you always dreamed of a love match but if you let me, I know I could be a good husband, please Pen, you have to marry me, I can't leave you ruined.
Colin and his damn codes of honor!I can't stay locked in a loveless marriage, I can't become my mother just to appease his guilt Pen mentally decided offended by his words
Pen- I don't have to do anything, I won't marry you, you're engaged to my cousin for God's sake!
True, Marina, I had forgotten about her and who can blame me? After all, Penelope is the most beautiful woman in the world. Colin thought
Colin- I hadn't thought about that
Pen- Of course not, like all men you only take
And she wasn't wrong, the guilt even stronger in Colin's eyes.
Colin- Pen, please, we're in this together, you know I would never hurt you.
She just wanted to get out of this situation, go back to the day before reading with Eloise, when her only problems were deciding which of her detestable dresses would be the least offensive to the eyes.
Pen- What will happen when you fall in love with someone else? What will become of me? What if I want to have children? What about your dreams of traveling? What will we tell our family? You know that everyone will laugh at us, at me. How could someone like me marry someone like you? Everyone will think I seduced you or worse!
Colin opened and closed his mouth trying to process everything she was saying.
Pen- I'm sorry, Colin, but I can't marry you. You must marry Marina. You're in love with her and I won't stand in the way of your happiness.
God, Penelope! I love you! God, I love you, I'm in love with You, Pen, MY Pen. The truth hit Colin inside and the desperation to not lose her rose.
Colin- And what about your happiness, mind you?! Who will want to marry you now that you have lost your innocence?!
Pen's face changed to complete hurt and he knew he had made a mistake but before he could speak again she did.
Pen- Don't worry, Mr. Bridgerton! You don't want to save me and I don't need you, I'm capable of being completely happy without you! I don't want to see you ever again, go be happy with your fiancée!
And so she ran out of the room.
—--
Colin- That's all that happened, I don't know what I did but I need to fix it
Simon- You better do it, your alpha is punishing you and he's not going to stop.
Ben- How do you know?
Simon- The same thing happened to me when I tried to deny my feelings for Daphne.
Colin- How do I fix it?, it's she who doesn't want to know anything about me - He turned to his older brother-Antony, maybe you can talk to her mother, make her see that we should get married.
Ant- Of course, brother. Maybe she need some persuasion but I'm sure mother can help me
Simon- I don't think it's necessary, Lady Featheringthon nearly ripped Miss Thompson's head off after hinting that she would accept Penelope as Colin's mistress.
The three brothers stared at him with their mouths open.
Ant- She said what?
Simon- Oh, not only that, we think it was she who brought Lord Fife to Penelope's room.
Colin- What? Lord fife?! I'll kill him for trying to touch my wife! How dare he!
It was Ben who took him to calm him down.
Ant- This situation is becoming more and more critical, we must find a way to break the engagement quickly before she finds a way to force it - Looking at simon- And we have to find out what's going on, I don't trust that lady, there's something we don't know.
Simon- Don't worry, Daphne is on it.
—--
That night Colin couldn't sleep despite the tranquilizer the doctor had given him; images of Penelope with Lord Fife tormented his dreams. Something inside him screamed for her, his skin burned without her touch. Again he could feel his Alpha wanting to take control so he decided to do something, he couldn't hurt her again. He went through the old secret passages that he and his sibilings discovered as children and suddenly he was in her dressing room.
When he entered the room he could see her sitting on her bed suffocating in heat and crying, he quickly approached her and wrapped her in his arms. Despite her surprise, her body melted into his and her arms naturally went to his neck pressing even closer against him.
Colin- Please, pen, let me have you, I promise not to hurt you this time
His voice so desperate that she just nodded against his chest and he stepped back to take her face and kiss her slowly.A small moan escaped from both of their lips as the kiss deepened. His hands running over her curves, gently placing her on the bed. His kisses trailed lower, tracing their way down her neck as he lifted her nightgown and she ran her hand through his hair making him groan.
Colin- Let me see you, Omega, I want to have you bare before me
She nodded again, lost in the sensation of heat that ran through her body.He slid her nightgown over her head, looking at her perfect breasts, he hadn't seen many but Penelope's were the most perfect. He took them in his hands, rubbing them against her nipples, making her let out the sweetest sounds. He began to kiss and suck them while continuing to play with her center. Her breathing became more rapid and her voice desperate.
Pen- Please, Colin…
He knew it wasn't the gentlemanly thing to do but he was determined to make her his wife one way or another.
Colin- What do you need, Pen?
Pen- Colin..I needdd yyooou…
Colin- I don't know, Pen, will you marry me?.
Pen- Yoouu knooowww I caaaan't
Colin took all his hands off of her and she looked at him with wide eyes.He ran his hand through her hair as he looked at her sweetly.
Colin- You know I can't go on without you accepting my proposal.
Pen- But Colin…
He looked at her studying her, would she prefer another alpha? Why couldn't she see him as her mate?
Colin- Tell me, Pen, would you have preferred it to be Fife who took you?
Pen- What? No, of course not!
His eyes filled with jealousy, he wasn't going to let anyone have her.
Colin- Or maybe one of my brothers?
Pen- No, Colin!
Omega- I'm yours
Without saying anything he devoured her mouth in a kiss and slid inside her. He started slowly, feeling every inch enter her until he couldn't hold back any longer and began to increase his pace, fucking her like a man possessed.
Colin- God, Pen! You're so perfect, taking every inch of your alpha
Once her orgasm hit her, he kept thrusting into her through her realesae. As he felt her walls contract around his cock Colin understood perfectly why his brothers spent so much time in brothels but that was not for him, the only woman he wanted to fuck for the rest of his life was now beneath him, moaning his name in pleasure and he couldn't be more proud of himself.
Colin- I'm gonna fill you up so deep you won't be able to not have my pup
With a couple more trusts he came inside her collapsing to her side joined by his knot.
He wrapped her in his arms and held her against his chest while stroking her hair. After a few minutes they both came down from the ecstasy and he couldn't contain the smile on his face when he saw her beautiful blue eyes looking at him.
Colin- I love you, Pen, I'm not letting you go
She opened her mouth to respond but he kissed her and held her tighter to him.
Colin- One day I will make you fall in love with me, I promise
They both fell silent holding each other, Penelope not knowing what to say. For so long she had wanted to hear those words from him and now here he was, holding her like she was the most precious thing in his life, telling her that he loved her. Colin, he love her, no marina, not just any other lady in the ton, he loved her, Penélope , his Penélope.
Perhaps it would have been nice of her to confess her love and reassure him but then she remembered what she had to endure watching him court her cousin, and decided that maybe Colin Bridgerton needed to learn this lesson.