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45. Penelopes Presentation

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Rating:

Explicit

Archive Warning:

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Category:

F/M

Fandoms:

Bridgerton Series - Julia QuinnBridgerton (TV)

Relationships:

Colin Bridgerton/Penelope FeatheringtonColin Bridgerton & Penelope Featherington

Characters:

Colin BridgertonPenelope FeatheringtonMarina Thompson

Additional Tags:

Alpha/Beta/Omega DynamicsAlpha/OmegaAlpha Colin BridgertonOmega VersePolinHEA

Language:

English

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Published:2024-10-07Updated:2024-11-30Words:20,417Chapters:11/?Comments:295Kudos:1,151Bookmarks:197Hits:25,268

Penelope's Presentation

Youtrydrivinginplatforms

Summary:

Colin's engagement to Marina causes Penelopes omega to act

Chapter 1: Burning

Chapter Text

Penelope's entire body was burning up, she had a strong urge to scratch her neck, and suddenly the fabric of her yellow dress felt itchy and rough against her skin. But…no, no, she needed to focus on Colin, who was standing in front of her. It was the first time she had been able to speak to him alone since the engagement. He needed to know the truth, Marina didn't love him, he was heading straight for a life built on lies. Penelope knew she didn;t have much time, she needed to focus.

But oh Colin was being infuriating! He wasn't hearing her.

"I've seen their love letters Colin, sir George Crane she still loves this man," beseeched Penelope.

Colin just smiled sweetly at her. His wonderful eyes softening at her words fo warning rather than picking up on her alarm.

"You really are very good," he said full of his usual kindness.

God he was maddening! She was getting hotter and hotter. It must be her frustration. Her blood felt like it was boiling and then running throughout her body causing every cell to burn.

"Who am I to judge when I have flirted with half the women in London?"

"Colin you don't understand, this wasn't a flirtation!"

The pain and heat in Penelope's body was agony. She wanted to crawl into a corner and cry in a ball. But part of her was willing to push through the pain to focus on Colin. Her body seemed to understand this conversation was more important than the cramps and hotness that made her want to fold over in anguish. Finally she couldn't resist and she gave her neck the slightest of scratches to relieve the itch.

The air started to smell different. Thick but dreamy. She suddenly realized she could smell Colin, whose attention was now on her fully.

He moved closer to her and a flaming wave of his sent entered her lungs calming her momentarily. Cardamom, cedar, and syrup. Oh it was glorious, the most wonderful thing Penelope had ever experienced. Waves of satisfaction and calm replaced her white hot blood for a passing breath.

She gasped as the smell hit again, stopping her in her tracks. Each note was strong and all of them wonderful together. Colin looked at her with interest.

"Pen?"

Suddenly the alpha inhaled deeply. Colin's eyes darkened. He leaned forward, his breath quickening.

Raspberry, lavender, and sweet cream.

"Colin," murmured Penelope the pain returning to her body.

That seemed to wake the alpha up. He took a giant step back. A mix of fear and intrigue on his face, and, as Penelope realized she could now detect, in his scent.

Penelope tried again. "Colin….Marina she's.." but she couldn't finish, the waves of pain returning to her body.

Suddenly Marina appeared in the foyer. She stared at Penelope, her eyes full of fastenation and anger.

Colin looked back and forth between the two omegas, his attention torn between Penelope and Marina.

"Marina, go get Lady Featherington and get Penelope to her room!" Colin bursted out panicked.

For a brief moment as he looked at Penelope, he appeared in as much pain as her.

"Pen, I cannot, I'm sorry." he managed before fleeing the room in record speed.

A voice came into Penelope's brain. One she had never heard before, but she realized was partly her own and had always been there, never quite speaking, but occasionally humming when Colin was around. For the first time it spoke clear words to her.

Alpha upset.

~

Colin paced back and forth in his room. Even though it had been two days he had smelt Penelope, he still felt on the verge of a rut.

Mine. Mine. Mine.

Something had been very, very wrong. Watching Penelope present, that wasn't a normal presentation. He knew presentation for Omegas was uncomfortable, especially when they started their first heat. But Penelopes was special, a type of presentation only brought on by extreme distress. It was the worst thing he had ever seen, she had looked so small and in so much agony. Now she was across the street alone and afraid, going through an especially painful heat.

And it was his fault.

The moment he smelt Penelope's delicious scent, his entire world had changed. His mouth watered at the memory of each note, especially the buttery sweet cream, a bottom note he knew only he was probably able to smell. The scent was for him, designed for him. Her omega had made the scent especially for his alpha. To get him and his stupid alpha to hear her warning. Because she was his friend and she cared about him.

When Marina entered the room, he knew whatever Penelope had been trying to warn him of had been true, even if she wasn't able to get the words out. Marina's gardenia and honey scent no longer appealed to him, not after Penelope's omega had designed such a delightful feast for his senses. The memory of Marina's scent now disgusted him, he was no longer sure what he ever liked about it.

It took everything in him, not to stay with Penelope, to not take her upstairs and knot her and mark her for his own. But he was a gentleman and he exited the Featherington house quickly. Just as any alpha should when an omega is in heat. He hoped Marina didn't detect the change in his scent as he fled.

The next morning when his mother presented him with the Whistledown that confirmed his suspicions and Penelope's warning he sobbed. Not for himself, but for Penelope. Marina was pregnant and Penelope had been trying to warn him. She had presented to save him. Her designation was designed to help a fellow alpha she was close to… that had to be it. Her inner omega was distressed especially since they were lifelong friends, and he was the cause of her pain.

He wasn't sure exactly how it worked, distress presentations were rare. But he knew he had caused his friend suffering due to his foolishness. His foolishness had put her at risk. She was in heat now alone with no alpha to comfort her.

Even worse was his alpha wouldn't shut up.

Omega in distress. Go to her. Knot her.

No. He couldn't. She was his friend and she had done something very kind to save him from a bad match. Unfortunately, it got his alpha confused. Her omega was sending out specific scent to appeal to his alpha so she could save him from a life of misery. But it wasn't because she was his mate, this was something else.

But she wasn't his omega, this was just biology, due to their close friendship. Overtime, her scent would change, to attract her real alpha. Her true mate. She deserved the best, not a fool like him.

Omega! Help Omega!

His alpha would quite eventually. He was sure of it.

~

Penelope's heat was agony. For days she screamed and clawed at her neck. Her mother and sisters were both betas and unsure how to help, nor had they ever seen a heat before so they did not realize the special circumstances of Penelope's .They had expected Penelope to be a beta. For once Portia was being a good mother. She was as distressed as Penelope, not sure how to help her daughter, and hated seeing her baby in so much pain.

Her new omega brain now wouldn't shut up, wailing nonstop for Colin.

Alpha. Alpha. We need Alpha.

Eventually Penelope dug a hole in her mattress, burrowed herself inside and spent the remaining four days of her heat sobbing, dreaming of Colin.

~

"Thank you Pen," Colin said to her, taking her to a secluded corner of the ball room, his voice low and even.

Somehow, Penelope had survived her heat, but she still looked rather ill, like she had survived a bad flu.

However, her mother had insisted she attend the ball that night. Portia had been distressed during Penelope's heat but was now overjoyed to have an omega daughter to parade around.

"I'm not sure I did anything." she murmured, I'm sorry you had to see that,"

Colin tenderly took Penelope's hand in his. His eyes filled with regret.

"I know that your designation came as a surprise but you have nothing to be embarrassed about and I'm very grateful for you Pen I will always be indebted to you." he imparted with sincerity. "I hope you feel proud of your designation. I wish very much for your happiness and I hate to think that my foolishness has done anything to prevent that."

"What are you talking about Colin?" she asked, the alpha wasn't making any sense to her.

"It is most improper to speak about, but, I am afraid that my foolishness is what caused your rather harsh presentation, our friendship probably caused your omega to act," he replied sheepishly.

"I do not think you are a fool Colin, you simply thought yourself to be in love," she exclaimed.

"But I was a fool because I hurt you, I forced this painful presentation on you," he replied.

Penelope looked confused, she wasn't versed in the world of alphas and omegas having presumed to be a beta. But what Colin seemed to be implying now was even more foreign to her.

"I know it's rather forward but do I smell good to you Pen?" he asked.

"Very much so, it's quite overwhelming," she admitted timidly, not meeting his gaze.

"You smell overwhelming to me as well, I smell three separate notes when I'm around you, all of them wonderful," he confided, his tone also bashful. "Your omega would only make a scent that strong to attract a specific alpha. In this case. I believe my stupidity caused your omega to create such a scent, but overtime when this is all behind us, your perfume will change to attract your real mate."

Penelope's heart dropped.

Alpha is rejecting us.

Penelope didn't know how to tell Colin she nor her omega couldn't bear the idea of another alpha.

"I think it's best I get away from London for a while, so we can both move past this," he continued, "it was actually you who encouraged me to travel"

Alpha is leaving, alpha doesn't want us.

"That's wonderful Colin," she replied, "good luck on your tour."

Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Summary:

Colin tries to have a hot boy summer.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Colin knew that getting out of London was the best thing for him. For him and Penelope.

He had been a fool. Acted like a boy. Anthony had been right, his engagement to Marina was a sign of immaturity, he had been too foolish and stubborn to see it. So foolish that he had hurt his dearest friend. He was a sorry excuse for an alpha. A sorry excuse for a man.

He was thrilled to be traveling the world, a dream he'd had since he was a boy. He wanted to take in as much of the world as possible, to be a man who had really experienced life. But even as he saw sights beyond his wildest imagination, he couldn't stop thinking of Penelope.

He thought of her almost constantly. Her witty words, her sweet smiles, and now her delicious and intoxicating scent.

But no, he had to stop.

She was his best, most selfless, and loyal friend. And she had saved him from a life of loneliness and betrayal. He owed it to her not to be as immature as he was at the beginning of the season, to not act hastily as he had done with Miss Thompson. It would be easy to assume that because her scent was so intoxicating that he was her true mate. It would be so easy to take her back to her room and knot her and mate her without a second thought.

But then he would be denying her happiness, and the chance to find her true mate. The mate her scent would change to attract when her omega was no longer acting under duress.

Any alpha should be honored to have an omega such as her. He couldn't truly say he'd never thought about it, she was beautiful, even when she was a beta, and he found himself thinking about her even more now that she was an omega.

But he couldn't let his immaturity keep Penelope away from her true mate. He couldn't be selfish and give into his alphas impulsive desires.

She was a wonder. A wonder who's omega had done an extreme act to protect him from himself. She deserved a strong alpha who would protect her, not cause her pain, like he had done. He felt ashamed, he could only imagine what she must think of him, omegas weren't supposed to protect alphas.

He was determined to become a better alpha on his trip. He was going to gain more experience with women so he would no longer act so green, so he would not make the same mistake he had made with Miss Thompson again.

In each city he visited he explored the local sights and the city's omegas, both at the local brothels and windowed omegas he met socially. He even sampled a few pretty knot chasing betas for a night or two.

All of them were pretty and womanly and desirable. But nothing satisfied him, not even all nighters with groups of omegas he paid to touch him deep into the hours of the morning. After each encounter he left feeling hollow and lonely. Although the other omegas all had their own unique scents, with notes of rose or cinnamon, or (when he visited a region of Sicily) blood orange, none of them smelled as wonderful as Penelope had that day.

He spent a great deal of his time sampling sweets at bakeries seeking out buttery and sugary desserts that reminded him of her delicious sweet cream note. Truthfully, the desserts were the closest he felt to satisfied all summer.

A particularly delicious cream puff he tried from one cafe had made him feel insane. It was so close to Penelope's scent. He'd bought a dozen and taken them back to his room at the inn he was staying at, and spent the afternoon imagining parts of Penelope he shouldn't as he licked the delicious center of each pastry clean.

He was determined to be a stronger alpha in other ways as well. Despite his hearty appetite for sweets he worked hard to build a strong physique. One that showed he was no longer a foolish boy, but a man, an alpha. He hoped his new appearance would signal to others he was an alpha to be taken seriously.

Finally, a letter from Penelope arrived. It was glorious to hear from her, his inner alpha purred as he read her witty words and tidbits about her days. But as he read he was distracted by the omegas' delicious scent coming from the parchment.

Soon he was sniffing the letter and rubbing the parchment over his face and neck. His alpha purred more at the scent. It really was perfect for him so fruity and calming and sweet all at once. He wanted to sink his teeth into the pretty little gland on her neck that produced such a fest for him.

But no, it wouldn't be right. That would just make everything worse. Her scent would soon change, he was sure of it.

At a street market in Athens he came across some delightfully soft muga silk cushions in a sapphire blue. They were plump and plush and the color reminded him of Penelope's eyes. He imagined her red hair fanned out across the fabric as she lay on them, feeling safe and comfortable, and ready for his knot.

No! He couldn't think these things about his friend.

He wanted to get them for her. She would need comfortable cushions for her painful heats now that she had presented, which he reminded himself, was his fault. Maybe the soft cushions could make it a little easier for her? Still it was an awfully forward and suggestive gift to give unmated omega.

Omega need for nest.

He shushed his alpha. What was he thinking? He couldn't buy the cushions for Penelope, even as a courting gift it was too intimate, it would be against every rule of propriety to give them to her.

Omega need.

He bought the cushions anyway, unable to help himself, blushing as he instructed the merchant to have them sent to his new bachelors apartment in Bloomsbury. His alpha hummed happily as he counted out the coins.

Penelope's letters only made it worse. He loved her insightful and encouraging words. But the wondrous smell always made his alpha so loud the only thing he could do to calm it was find something else soft to buy.

In every city he visited he seemed to pick up a new velvet blanket or cashmere pillow case, all nesting materials in various soft fabrics and shapes and colors. He knew he shouldn't be buying the Egyptian cotton sheets and goose feather pillows, but it was the only thing that calmed his inner alpha.

With each purchase he imagined how Penelope would carefully arrange each item in her nest. He wondered what items she would like best and beamed thinking how safe they would make her omega feel so she would be primed and ready for his knot. But he knew that wouldn't be right. It was a shameful habit he had adopted, but it brought his alpha tremendous pleasure to find things he hoped would delight and comfort the omega.

Embarrassed as he counted out the coins to the merchants, he gave instructions to send the items to his Bloomsbury home and returned to wherever he was staying. He couldn't help but take himself in hand after each purchase imagining Penelope and her delicious scent in the nest of objects he selected, each time a different arrangement of cushions and blankets, but everytime a perfect haven for them to find privacy to create pleasure and hopefully pups.

Return to Omega. Knot Omega in nest.

No. He had to stop this.

He felt dirty thinking of his friend in such a way. He promptly visited a brothel, finding distraction from his alphas endless urging. He left in the brothel in the early hours of the morning feeling so empty he wanted to cry.

~

Penelope tried to make sense of Colins words. He believed she had presented to protect him. Her scent would change to attract her real mate.

Her omega did not like the idea of that. After he had left, her omega had wept, begging him to come back and claim them, to see that she was his.

But Colin was probably right. He was more experienced in these matters. Of course she wasn't Colin Bridgertons mate. It was foolish of her to think so.

She was distressed about Marina's plan to entrap the alpha she had loved since childhood. She had begged her cousin to choose someone else. Anyone but Colin. But Marina had refused.

"Colin sees me as a woman, as an omega. He sees you as a beta, not even a woman."

Even as Penelope remembered Marina's words she felt her scent gland itch. It had been Marina's harshness that had caused her scent gland to form on her neck she realized now. She had felt it open for the first time as they spoke in her room that night.

"If I have to be the executioner of these childish fantasies, so be it."

Colin was right. Her omega had presented to save him. That was the reason he smelt so good, why her omega was so confused. Nothing more.

When Colin left in a rush he seemed so afraid. She didn't realize what was happening to her and their conversation felt so unfinished. When Marina interrupted she was afraid the omega would find a way to manipulate the situation to her advantage. Penelope was so desperate despite her heat she had managed to get an issue out to her publisher via a secret letter slipped under the door to her maid and exposed the omegas scheme in Whistledown.

By the time Penelope's heat was over Marina was gone and Colin was safe. That was all that mattered.

Now she just had to get her omega to accept it.

Notes:

what a nest. I mean mess.

Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Summary:

Hang on to your hats kids, things are about to get bumpy

Chapter Text

Portia Featherington always wanted the best for her children. But she hadn't expected to become the mother of an omega, coming from a long line of betas, this was uncharted territory. She wasn't exactly sure what to do with Penelope, her daughter had always been a wallflower, and now she would be at risk to alphas wanting to take advantage of her.

She wanted to give the newly presented omega some time to find her footing on the marriage mart before making any rash decisions. So when Mr. Sharp, the omega matcher came by for a meeting; she told herself she would only consider having Penelope matched as a last resort. She would at first see if an eligible alpha would court Penelope this season. Omega matching was only an option to find an alpha to mate and protect her if absolutely necessary.

But when Mr. Sharp explained how high a sum the especially young omega would get, Penelope had presented a year earlier than normal, Portia couldn't deny she was tempted. Her late husband had left the Featherington estate drowning in debts, if Penelope could fetch a high price, it could make things much easier for the Featheringtons.

Still Portia couldn't take away her daughter's chance at a true mate. She would see how the season went before she continued the conversation with Mr. Sharp.

"I understand Lady Featherington, but the sooner you act the higher the price." Mr. Sharp had warned before exiting the Featherington house.

~

Colin returned to his home in Bloomsbury the evening before the first ball of the season. After a quick stop at Bridgerton House to greet his family and have tea, he was happy to be home at his bachelor's apartment. His alpha would not stop screaming at him to return to London. His hive brain had been so loud he was only able to sleep in short bursts on the ship. He was looking forward to finally sleeping in his own bed chambers with hopefully a quiet alpha.

When he opened the door he found all the blankets and cushions he had acquired stacked nicely by his staff in his chambers. Looking at them all together now he felt guilty, each item was evidence of improper thoughts about Penelope. His inner alpha on the other hand cooed and flipped around at the sight of the nesting materials all in one space.

Omega will love. Omega will create perfect nest.

It was so improper of him to have purchased all these things. Not wanting to bear witness to his lack of control, he moved them all in one of the other bedrooms himself, so the staff wouldn't be bothered with his mistakes. He shut the door, he would figure out how to dispose of the items later.

Colin was looking forward to seeing Penelope, her letters had been so encouraging and he missed his friend dearly. But he still felt a sense of trepidation, he clearly was still having trouble controlling his alpha. He only hoped her scent had subdued while they had been apart.

~

Penelope was nervous about attending that evening's ball. Technically it wasn't her first ball as an Omega, she had attended the last ball of the previous season the day after her heat had ended, but she had still been recovering and hadn't danced with any alphas.

This would be her official debut as an omega. She knew alphas would be studying her, maybe even trying to get a whiff of her scent. She wasn't used to the idea of so much attention, no one paid attention to presumed betas. She was also nervous more attention would prevent her from being able to gather the necessary gossip to keep her column going.

Her mother had insisted on a yellow dress. It was not what Penelope wanted and it made her feel hot and itchy, her Portia had insisted that alphas liked happy colors.

She was also nervous about seeing Colin. She had seen him from her drawing room window as he entered the Bridgerton house for tea the previous day. The alpha looked slim and muscular and oh so handsome in a long brown coat. Her omega had nearly fainted at how strong and distinguished the alpha looked. It took everything in her not to run across the street to him and rub the scent glands on her wrists all over his new coat, marking him as hers.

She wondered what Coin would smell like. His last few letters had smelt the same as he had the last time she saw him. The delicious notes of cardamom, cedar, and syrup made her mouth water and she rubbed the letters on her face and neck before hiding them away in her under her floorboards next to her Lady Whistledown earnings, the where spot she kept her most precious possessions.

She dreaded the day his scent would change and she would have to wake up and face the reality he was not her true match.

~

Penelope was not enjoying the ball. All night her mother had been trying to get her in front of eligible alphas who were doing their best to avoid Lady Fatherington at all costs. Whispers of "overly ambitious mama", and "alpha chaser' were heard throughout the ballroom.

At first the alphas were curious about the new omega. Penelope could see their interest as they sniffed the air as she walked by as her mother paraded her around. But she saw many of them make faces as if they smelt something putrid after the scent hit their nostrils.

She heard echoes of "too fruity" and "I guess there must be some alpha out there who enjoys that" from the groups of alphas around the room. Some even straight up started laughing after they got a hit of her smell.

Eventually Portia gave up and returned her focus to Prudence for the evening, who was being courted by an eligible beta. Penelope managed to slip away into a corner for a few moments, hoping for a few seconds of peace when her omega started acting up.

Alpha?

"Pen," Colin beamed, rushing to her, "It is good to see you."

"Colin," she echoed, "It is good to see you as well, you must tell me about your tour.'

Alpha came back to us.

Penelope tried to remain steadfast as her nose got a hit of Colins intoxicating scent. He smelt as lovely as ever and her omega howled in delight.

"Surely you must be sick of my stories, you replied to more of my letters than anyone," Colin replied kindly, "Tell me are you enjoying your first official ball as an omega?"

"Oh it's quite overwhelming," Penelope murmured, "all the smells and whatnot."

Colin nodded patiently, "I understand and I know you did not attend omega education, but listen to your inner omega and let her guide you, she will help you find your match."

Penelope nodded shyly. If that were the case, her omega would not be yelling at her that Colin was her match. "Thank you, Colin," she managed to get out.

Colin suddenly looked up from Penelope and glanced around the ballroom. Once he was sure no one was watching them, he slowly took Penelope's hand in his and dragged them into a more secluded corner of the room.

"Pen," Colin started, "I don't want to keep bringing it up, as I know it was difficult, but please know I thought of you and your sacrifice often during my travels."

Penelope looked up at the alphas' faces unsure where he was going with this confession.

"I want you to know I am committed to being a better alpha, a better man, because of you," he continued, "I want you to know I've sworn off omegas this season."

Penelope looked into his eyes inquisitively, "But I am an omega," she questioned.

"You are not an omega, you are my friend," he replied, his sweet smile never leaving his face.

"Your friend, how good to hear."

Penelope's heart sank. Marina had been right.

Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Summary:

Oh dear.

Chapter Text

"Brother! I would like to congratulate you on all your new admirers," Anthony beamed at Colin, raising his glass in a toast.

After his conversation with Penelope, Colin had found himself surrounded by omegas, all fluttering their fans in his direction and inquiring if he was planning on asking any ladies to dance that evening. He took the opportunity to flirt, although rather casually, with a few of them, hoping the new scents and attention would quiet his alphas focus on Penelope.

After his brothers had seen the new flock of omegas, they had saved him from the ambitious mamas of the ton and fluttering eyelashes and whisked him to Whites for a drink.

"As if that is something to celebrate," Colin groned at his brother while Benedict smirked at the two of them.

"I know you regret what happened last season with Miss Thompson," Anthony coaxed, "But I can already see a change in you brother, I can see that you are growing into a wise and honorable alpha."

Colin couldn't help but give a small smile. He was proud Anthony was starting to recognize his growth, and the control he now displayed over his hive brain. Of course, Anthony and Benedict had no idea about Penelope's surprise presentation and Colin's role in bringing it on. His brothers had simply assumed, like the rest of the ton, that Lady Whistledown was what had alerted the alpha to the scheme of his former betrothed.

Colin had missed his brothers and was glad to be back with his family. Not as much as he'd missed Penelope, but still it was good to be home and at their familiar watering hole.

The brothers caught up on Colin's travels and Benedicts and Anthony's adventures deep into the evening, all three of them growing deep in their cups.

As much as he was enjoying his brother's company, he found himself distracted by an older alpha, Lord Tubley, boasting loudly across the club.

The almost ancient alpha was being so loud and obnoxious., even Benedict and Anthony turned their attention towards him.

"The mother says if the omega can't find her mate in a few weeks, she will be matched, and I will make sure Mr. Sharp matches her with me. I have been waiting to mate a young omega."

The other alphas at Lords Tubley's table cheered out words of congratulations.

The three Bridgerton alphas shuttered. Lord Tubleys words were disgusting. Omega matching wasn't really matching, it was a sale. The omegas' desires were not taken into account, they weren't even given the comfort of a nest, during the mating. After the "match" the omega would be given to the alpha willing to pay the highest price during their next heat and bitten and knotted against their will forcing them to be tied to the alpha forever.

No reputable family would ever hand over their omega daughters to a matchmaker. Matchmakers usually preyed on the omega children of betas, who didn't know any better about their children's natural designations, or feared alphas would hurt their omegas. And no honorable alpha would mate an unwilling Omega. Alphas were fierce protectors by nature, born to secure the safety and comfort of their mates, to hurt or force an Omega went against everything an Alpha was made for.

"Despicable." hissed Benedict.

"Absolutely vile excuse for an Alpha," agreed Anthony, "I only wish we knew of whom he spoke so we could assure the Omega had the protection of an honorable Alpha."

"Why do we still allow such business to occur?" asked Colin furiously.

"Mr. Sharp preys on vulnerable Beta parents who do not realize what they are getting their daughters into," Anthony said solemnly "Unfortunately, the parents agree to it, there is little we can do."

Colin signed. His brother was probably right, he just hoped the Omega would be lucky and find a more suitable match.

Eventually Lord Tubley settled down, and the Bridgerton brothers returned to their business. They were so deep in their cups by the end of the night that Colin stayed at Bridgerton House in his old room, rather than traveling out of the way to him home in Bloomsbury.

He was so exhausted after the ball and the club that he tore off his cravat and threw it off to the side not thinking. He fell onto his bed dreaming of Penelope and her intoxicating scent that had filled his nostrils. Oh how he hoped it would change soon.

~

"How was your first ball? Tell me everything, was it horrible?" demanded Eloise.

It was the first time Penelope had been over for tea at Bridgerton House since the start of the season and her friend was dying for details. Eloise was expected to present later that year, as she came from a long line of Omegas.

"It was overwhelming at first, but honestly not much different than when I was a presumed beta," replied Penelope.

"Oh come on it must have been a little different? Did you have to dance with any of those awful Alphas?" Eloise asked with a frown.

"Come now, Eloise, maybe Penelope wants to find an alpha of her own," smiled Lady Bridgerton.

"Surely not," Eloise interrupted, "Penelope and I don't need alphas, we are going to be spinsters together, just as we planned when Penelope was going to be my beta companion, nothing has changed."

In her passion for their future spinsterhood, Eloise had begun to wave her teacup around, promptly spilling the entire cup of brown hot liquid on Penelope's foot causing the redhead to utter a little yelp.

"Oh my! I beg your pardon Penelope," Eloise apologized hastily.

"Oh my dear!" uttered Lady Bridgerton, "Upstairs to Daphne's old bedchamber, she should have some extra stocking in her bureau, we don't want these to stain, you know where it is right next to Eloise's." The Viscountess turned her attention to her daughter, "Eloise, you will clean this up yourself."

"Thank you Lady Bridgerton," Penelope replied hastily making her way up the stairs as Eloise got to work wiping up the spilled tea.

Penelope had been to Bridgerton House many times, and spent a great deal of time in her best friend's chambers. But as she walked down the hall of doors she paused at one she had never dared even look at before, Colins. She knew the alpha didn't live there anymore, he had moved to his own lodgings since her return from Greece, but she felt drawn to the room.

Alpha?

Her omega purred as she ran her fingers down the smooth oak of the door. And she felt her body slowly enter the room, as if on its own accord. The room was empty, but the alphas smell was everywhere. Penelope breathed in the wonderful cardamon, cedar and syrupy notes feeling the scent travel through her lungs before looking around. It was a simple room for a young alpha, but soft and inviting, much like Colin himself.

She knew she shouldn't be in any alphas room, that she should leave, but she couldn't help but linger a second longer taking in the alphas scent. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed a piece of discarded white fabric. As she inspected it she realized it was one of the alphas cravates, seemingly forgotten. She couldn't help but hold it up to her nose, taking in the alphas scent and then rubbing the fabric on her face and neck. Waves of the familiar calm and contentment rippled down her body. She shoved the cravat in her pocket as her omega flipped in delight, before closing the door quietly and finding extra stockings in Daphne's chambers.

.

That night when Penelope returned to her own chambers she rubbed the piece of fabric across the pillows in her bed. The alphas' scent filled her nostrils as she slept. For the first time since her painful presentation, she was able to sleep soundly, Colin's scent helping her to feel safe enough to have long pleasant dreams.

Dearest Gentle Reader,

They say once a wallflower, always a wallflower, and it is most certainly true for Miss Penelope Featherington. Although the presumed beta presented as an omega, much to the delight of her ambitious mama Lady Portia Featherington, the wallflower of the ton has not changed much. Alphas were seen holding their nose when confronted with the omegas' strong berry scent. It seems that the omegas scent and citrus colored dresses have one thing in common, both remind this author of over ripe fruit.

Meanwhile, Mister Colin Brigderton has returned from his tour abroad to the delight of the tons omegas. Although the third Brigderton son doesn't seem keen to find a mate this year, he most definitely has his pick of any omega, with many fans seen fluttering in the alphas direction and ambitious mamas hoping to get their daughters in front of the wealthy and attractive Bridgerton.

So far in the game of courtship no worthwhile matches have caught this author's eye. But the season and the game are still new. Hopefully with a fresh season comes a fresh set of alpha and omegas ready to play the game of love.

Lady Whistledown's Society Papers

~

Colin could not believe the no good gossip writer had come after Penelope. He was angry at the anonymous author, both for the vile things she said about his friend, and for the unwanted attention he had also received in her latest issue. She made him sound like he was some kind of rake. He would love to find the woman responsible and give her a taste of her own medicine.

It irked him to hear about Penelope's smell. The omegas scent was the most intoxicating and delicious thing he had ever everpieced in his entire life, surely the author was wrong about the other alphas' opinions.

He saw the redheaded omega at that evening's ball, this time in a delightful pink frock with floral embellishments. He thought she looked rather sweet in it. Her hair in the candlelight was crimson and he saw bits of it reflected in the silver decorations Lady Danbury had chosen to adore her ballroom in for the night's soiree. He didn't resist the urge to dance with Penelope, wishing to see how she was doing, much to his alphas delight. She would need a friend after such an upsetting Whistledown.

"Come Pen, we are dancing," he said, offering her his arm and taking her to the floor without a second thought.

"Do not mind that Lady Whistledown, I want you to put her words out of your mind at once." he said as they began their dance.

"You don't need to stick up for me Colin," she replied hastily.

"I'll always look out for you Pen," he said as she twirled the omega around the floor, "because you are special to me."

"You are special to me as well," she responded, moving effortlessly with him.

"Don't worry Pen," he smiled, "I am sure you will find your mate, your alpha, soon enough and prove that horrible Whistledown woman so wrong she has to eat her own foot."

The omega smile lit up her entire face. It warmed Colin's heart. He was happy to reassure her.

~

After leaving Penelope at the refreshment table, Colin ventured outside the ballroom into the garden. Penelope's sweet scent was getting him drunk and silly and he needed fresh air to quiet his alpha.

Once outside he came across a group of alphas.

"You looked rather taken with the Featherington girl, Bridgerton," said the Lord Fife, an alpha Colin had never particularly cared for. "Are you courting the girl?"

Colin surveyed the group of curious alphas. What if one of them wanted to court Penelope and he was preventing them because they assumed he was interested?

Yes, My Omega. Mine.

He ignored his greedy alpha. He couldn't prevent another alpha from courting Penelope. What if one of these gentlemen were her true mate?

"I would never dream of courting Penelope Featherington, never in your wildest fantasies Fife," Colin replied to the group of listening alphas.

Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

I would never dream of courting Penelope Featherington……

Penelope was careful to escape the gardens undetected, hiding between edges of greenery. Her omega was so distressed and howling she was barely able to hear her own thoughts.

She slowly made her way to Lady Danbury's library, and was able to let the tears fall in private. She knew Colin didn't love her, but she couldn't stop her omega from feeling rejected. She doubled over in sorrow and silently wept as her omega whimpered.

Alpha doesn't want us. What did we do wrong?

She tried to quiet her omega, but it was no use.

Alpha is rejecting us.

After she had cried all her tears, she carefully exited the ballroom, found her mother and claimed illness so she could depart early. As she lay in bed that night she wished she had never found the cravat with Colin's scent, now the alphas strong cardamom top note, which still covered her pillows, made her stomach hurt. Her omega felt dizzy and empty. She took the piece of fabric she'd hidden inside her pillowcase and threw it into the fire, as she watched the fabric turn to ash she hoped to never smell the alpha again.

-

I would never dream of courting Penelope Featherington……

Even as he said the words Colin's alpha shook within him. He left the ball immediately, worried he would lose control of himself and accidentally carry Penelope into a secluded corner to calm his alpha.

He couldn't keep letting his hive brain take control. He needed to grow up and learn to control himself. He would never forgive himself if he compromised Penelope or kept her from her true mate.

~

For the next several days Penelope tried her best to focus her attention on anything other than Colin Bridgerton. She managed to stay clear of him at the Hastings Ball , despite it taking place at the home of his sister, the Dutchess. Before Colin could approach her she found Eloise. She was happy to spend the evening in the company of her oldest friend, knowing Eloise would shu away her sibling so she and Penelope could discuss books and Eloise's distaste for the rules of society in peace.

When the Alpha made his way towards Penelope later in the evening when he saw Eloise had abandoned her at the lemonade table, she made the rather bold move, striking up a conversation with Lady Danbury who was standing nearby.

"Are you enjoying the party Lord Danbury?" she asked, eyeing Colin more than listening for the mature woman's answer.

"Oh another splendid ball, and you Miss Featherington?" Lady Danbury responded.

"It's a rather boring one I'm afraid," she replied before she could stop herself.

The words left her mouth before she could stop them. Luckily Lady Danbury just laughed.

"Well I think it is about to get more interesting my dear," she mused, subtly pointing at the Viscount Bridgerton who had just started dancing with Miss Kate Sharam, the sister of the Viscount's former betrothed.

Penelope gave a little gasp and Lady Danbury chuckled. The room seemed to come to a screeching halt, and Penelope lost sight of Colin.

Slowly, the Duke and Duchess took to the floor and other dancers joined in with the Viscount and Miss Sharma. The party quickly returned to normal. Lady Danbury beamed at the astonishing couple and Penelope took it as an opportunity to slip out undetected.

She bribed the Featherington carriage driver to take her home quickly, as she had done many times before, and then rushed upstairs for fresh parchment and her disguise before returning to the street to flag down a hired hack.

Once she'd given the hack driver directions to St. Brides church, she settled into the carriage to finish the rest of her column. News of the Viscount and the older Miss Sharma would be the talk of the ton, and it was Whistledowns job to comment. Penelope felt rather proud of Colins brother. Anthony had looked so peaceful with Miss Sharam, a word she didn't think she'd ever use to describe him. She wanted to use Whistledown to hush any naysayers, she would hate for anyone to say anything unseemly about any Bridgerton.

~

Colin had been trying to speak with Penelope all evening but Eloise always seemed to be dragging the redheaded omega around the ballroom. It irked him, he didn't like Eloise capitalizing the omegas time when she could be finding a suitor. Eloise didn't have Penelope's best interest at heart, his sister seemed to think the omega would be happy as her life long companion. Colin knew Penelope deserved a strong alpha, one to give her a happy life and pups. Why his sister didn't want this for Penelope he didn't understand.

Colin finally had a window where he saw Penelope free from the musings of Eloise. He waited patiently for her to finish a conversation she seemed to be having with Lady Danbury, but as he made his way over to her, he noticed her quickly slip out of the ballroom.

His alpha perked up in curiosity and he found himself unable to resist as he followed Penelope outside and watched her climb into the Feathering carriage alone.

Follow omega.

He quickly called for his own carriage, and gave his driver instructions to follow Penelope. When they arrived at the Featherington residence he felt like a fool, clearly the omega was just tired or not feeling well, he had no business following her home. He sat in his carriage for a moment feeling like an idiot. But just as he was about to retire across the street to Bridgerton house for the night, he saw Penelope emerge from the servants entrance.

Only now she was now wearing a dark blue cloak for some reason. It was definitely Penelope though, he would have recognized the omegas small frame anywhere.

What was she doing?

He felt his jaw clench and his stomach turn when he saw the omega head to the street and wave down a hired hack. What on earth did she think she was doing? Did anyone know she had left the ballroom?

"Follow that hack!" yelled Colin to his driver, and they quickly departed, barely catching Penelope's hack as it turned the corner.

Omega in danger.

Colin looked out the window nervously as they traveled down the street. He was hopeful they were just returning to the ball, although why Penelope was doing so in a hired hack he had no idea. As they journeyed further Colin had a harder time seeing where they were going as it had started to rain.

But then they started going deeper and deeper into London. So far that the streets became unfamiliar. His heart was nearly beating out of his chest in anxiety. Where was the Omega going? Who on earth could she be meeting? He knew one thing for certain, he was going to put a stop to it, whatever it was.

Eventually his carriage rolled to a stop outside a church. From the window he watched the omega slip inside.

Colin approached the hack she had been riding in.

"Do you know the penalty for kidnapping a gently bred young lady?" he growled at the hack driver.

"She flagged me down sir," the hack driver replied rather fearfully, "said she would just be a moment and asked me to wait to take her back to Mayfair."

"There is no need, I'm here now," grunted Colin, slipping the driver a few coins, "and if anyone asks you've never seen either of us before in your life."

The hack driver nodded and fled quickly into the stormy evening.

Colin entered the church slowly, trying his best to prepare for whatever he might see. Had Penelope taken a lover? Was she being blackmailed? Whatever it was, the omega better have a pretty good reason for being in this area or town alone at night.

The church was lit up by candlelight, but completely empty. Colin entered just in time to watch as Penelope slipped an envelope into a hymnal. Delivering whatever was inside the envelope must be her reason for her secrecy, because as soon as she deposited it she turned to leave, coming face to face with a very angry looking Colin.

The omegas rasberry top scent turned sour in fear. Colin didn't mind, her sweet cream note was still as delicious as ever.

"Colin," Penelope stuttered.

"Yes, Colin," replied the alpha curtly.

"What are you doing here?" she asked before she could stop herself.

"What are you doing here?" he replied, moving to the pew where he saw her drop the envelope and picking it up, "or should I really be asking, what is this?"

"Colin please!" Penelope pleaded.

"Do you have any idea how dangerous this is?" He asked, now focusing his attention back on Penelope rather than the offending envelope, "For a gently bread woman? For an unmated omega?!"

"I've been here before," she started.

"What?!" bellowed the alpha,

"You aren't my alpha Colin, I don't have to listen to this!" stated Penelope rather resolutely before turning to exit the church in a sprint.

Colin followed after her, his alpha perking up at the sounds of her tiny feet hitting the floor.

Chase!

But Colin didn't have to chase her, the moment Penelope got outside, with Colin not far behind, a carriage sped by through a giant puddle that had formed. Dirty London street water splash on the omega in a downpour, completely soaking her from head to toe.

Colin roared with laughter. Served her right, he thought.

"Do not laugh at me Colin Bridgerton," fumed Penelope, the dirty water dripping off of her.

"You should be glad I am laughing," Colin warned, "If I am laughing it means, for a moment, I am not scolding you for your absolutely abhorrent behavior."

Penelope huffed before turning to the empty spot where her hack had once been.

"Oh damn!" she started but Colin cut her off.

"I sent him away, it is not safe for you to be riding in unknown hacks," he stated resolutely.

"Colin, you had no right!" she argued.

"Let's just get going," he replied, this time in a much lighter tone than he'd used in the church, "if you're out here like that any longer you're going to freeze."

~

"Where are we?" asked Penelope, who had rather reluctantly agreed to let Colin take her home, "I thought you were taking me home?"

"My bachelor's apartment," Colin replied, "like I said outside the church, if you remain soaking wet you are going to freeze to death."

Penelope thought about arguing, but realized she didn't have a leg to stand on.

She followed Colin inside rather hesitantly. It wasn't proper for her to be alone with any alpha, but really what was she to do?

"I don't have a ladies maid on staff, being as it's only me and all," Colin started, "but I will have my butler bring you some hot water to clean up and you can wear one of my old dressing gowns while we dry your dress and cloak by the fire."

They both looked at each other rather shyly for a moment. Although she was certain Colins dressing gown would cover her thoroughly, the alpha was larger than her, it felt rather intimate for him to see her in it.

Colin broke through the awkwardness when he focused again on the envelope he was still clutching. "And then once you are warm and dry you can meet me in my study and we can discuss your behavior tonight and whatever this is."

Penelope nodded. There wasn't much she could do now. Colin was going to find out her secret, there was no way around it.

Colin sensed Penelope's fear and the subtle change in her scent.

"Pen," he reassured, taking her tiny hand in his, "you are my dearest friend and I am still in your debt, I promise whatever this is, it will not make me any more angry than the danger you put yourself in tonight."

"I'm not sure that's a promise you will be able to keep Colin," she replied nervously, ripping her hand away.

"Let's just get you dry first," he said softly, "everything you need is upstairs in the guest room on the left.

~

Penelope thanked Colin's butler who had brought her a bucket of warm water with a fresh cloth and a candle for the dark room. She washed her dirty face and arms and removed her soaking wet dress and cloak before putting on one of Colins old dressing gowns over her undergarments. Luckily, they would dry quickly outside the confines of the dress. She then left the wet dress outside the door so the butler could dry it.

The dressing gown probably looked silly on her, Colin was over a foot taller, and she tried not to trip as she moved around the room. She brought the collar to her nose and she caught a wisp of his faded cardamom and cedar notes.

Now refreshed and fully out of her wet clothes, she surveyed the room she was in. The room was mostly empty besides an old wardrobe and some stacks of items in the far corner of the room. Penelope moved closer to inspect further, using her candle to light the larger candlesticks on the walls, fully illuminating the room.

The far side of the room was filled with piles of what appeared to be fine cushions and expensive bedding all in different shapes, sizes, and fabrics. She ran her hand over a pair of pretty pink silk pillows and her omega purred in delight.

What could all this be for? Surely this was enough linen and blankets to furnish an entire estate, more than was needed for every bedroom in Aubrey Hall.

She found she quite liked the pink cushions, they felt good on her skin, but she didn't like where they were. They would be much better next to the jade green velvet blanket she saw in the corner. The textures would work nicely together. But then the egyptian cotton sheet was lush, but light, it should go on top.

Before she knew it, Penelope had removed every item from the stacks and was arranging them in a large hexagon like shape in the middle of the room. She built walls of cushions and arranged blankets in a specific order that took her several tries to get just right. The entire time she worked her hive brain hummed in delight.

Once she was done she took off Colin's old dressing gown and dragged it inside with her before lying down next to it in her undergarments and covering herself with a piece of soft silk. Now comfortably inside, she felt her body relax, as if every care she had ever had didn't matter now. She was no longer even worried about Colin who she knew was still waiting in his study and about to discover her secret. Nothing seemed to matter as long as she was in this room lounging on the plush cushions.

"Penelope," called Colin from outside the door, "you aren't going to avoid speaking with me. If you won't come to the study I'll just speak with you.."

The alpha's voice broke as he opened the door and took in the sight of Penelope laying back encased in the cushions and blankets.

For a moment Penelope's hive brain cooed at his eyes on her, before the embarrassment set in.

"I..I'm sorry Colin, I didn't.." she stammered, trying her best to cover herself with more blankets.

Colin looked away flustered, "No, that's quite alright Penelope, it's my fault, it was improper of me..."

"I'll meet you in the study in a moment," she declared. The idea of revealing her secret identity suddenly seemed preferable to the conversation they were having now.

"Right," Colin replied, "I'll wait for you there."

Notes:

Well well well. Play stupid games win stupid prizes.

Chapter 6: Chapter 6

Chapter Text

Colin returned to his study trying not to panic. Seeing Penelope in the nest had been the single most beautiful, and erotic, thing he'd ever seen in his life. His heart was beating out of his chest and he was trying to wrangle his hive brain who was screaming at him to return to her.

Return to omega. Mate omega.

Sweat dripped down his back as he tried to maintain control. He could barely hear himself think, not to mention he was currently hard as a rock.

He wanted so badly to take himself in hand, he desperately needed release after seeing the omega so sweetly nuzzled in between the cushions and blankets he had purchased. Her beautiful body had looked so relaxed and inviting, all ready to take his knot. Was slick forming between her thighs to make it easier for him?

Ugh. He couldn't. He shouldn't. This was Pen. His FRIEND Pen.

Colin had honestly forgotten about his secret stash when he'd instructed her to go up there for his old dressing gown. He never would have even imagined he would have found her like that, so gorgeously laid out and covered in a piece of pink silk he'd picked out in Volos, every curve of her luscious body visible. Poor Pen, he didn't want her to feel embarrassed, her omega must have taken over and caused her to create such a beautiful haven. It wasn't her fault, she probably was so confused right now, she knew little of her designation coming from a family of Betas.

After he exited the room, he'd managed to murmur something about leaving the nest as is through the door and to join him as soon as she was dressed. He didn't want to cause her omega stress by taking the nest apart. It was too beautiful to destroy.

Just as he had managed to calm himself down, Penelope slowly entered the study, trying her best to not trip on the extra fabric from his dressing gown. He quickly sat down behind his desk, trying to hide his erection from view. She sat down across from him, the dressing gown touching the floor, she was so tiny inside it.

For a moment they just stared at each other, the air thick with tension.

"Colin..I," she finally stammered, "I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me."

"Pen," he started, attempting to reassure her, "it was my fault, I shouldn't…I should have known your omega would take over."

She looked up at him confused. "Take over what?" she asked.

He briefly looked down at his breeches, before moving to sit next to her. He was fairly certain his arousal was no longer visible.

"Pen," he said, taking her hand, "when presented with the opportunity to do so, your omega will build a nest for you and your alpha to find recluse and comfort, so you can well…well, I shouldn't have left you alone in that room, it is only natural that your omega would see the materials and start to nest."

Penelope took a moment to take it all in. Colin could tell she had more questions but was hesitating.

"There is no need to feel embarrassed, Pen," he said sweetly.

"Colin, why do you have all those things?" she asked, looking up to him inquisitively.

The blood drained from Colin's face. He was not expecting her to ask why he had collected all the materials for the nest.

"I only mean…well do you have an omega who…um,' she stammered, now looking at the floor.

"No!" he replied resolutely.

A small "oh," was all she managed to respond.

"I collected those items during my travels for..." he replied sheepishly, "...well for the omega that will be my wife."

As he said the words he realized, it was better to claim he was saving them for a future mate than tell Penelope the truth. That his confused alpha had been collecting them for her.

"Oh I'm sorry Colin!" she burst, "I hate that my omega took gifts intended for your future wife."

"It's quite alright, I told you to always listen to your Omega, Pen," he said softly, "nesting is a beautiful practice and you should be proud you omega compelled you to do so. You'll make your mate very happy one day"

Penelope smiled up at him awkwardly.

"Now," he shifted, rather resolutely, holding up the envelope, "are you going to tell me what is inside this that is so important that I caught you roaming around London all by yourself, in a bloody hired hack no less!?"

Penelope hesitated for a moment, but understanding there was no way out of it now came out with it. "Well, I needed to deliver it to my printer."

Colin just stared at her for a moment before clarifying, "your printer?"

"Open it," she said, blankly.

Colin wavered for a moment, before breaking the seal and pulling out the parchment.

Penelope watched him as he read, his expression at first scrunched in concentration.

Then he looked up, his lopsided grin wide across his face.

"Are you angry?" she asked, his expression confusing her.

"Am I angry?" he nearly chortled, "I do not know how I didn't guess!"

"You're not….you're not upset?" she stammered, surprised at Colin's reaction.

Colin just huffed, "Of course I'm not, well at least not about you being Whistledown. Although I am not pleased about what you wrote about yourself this season, or you running around London by yourself."

"You're…you're not?" she asked, not quite believing him.

"No!" he retorted, "if anything I am impressed, and once again thankful for you for saving me from marrying Miss Thompson. How I did not put two and two together I do not know."

Penelope let out a sigh of relief, "I thought you would be angry," she said quietly.

"Oh I am angry!" barked Colin, his voice raising again, "but not about you writing Whistledown. I'm angry you've been running around at night, and keeping a secret identity is very dangerous. Why didn't you ask me for help?"

"Ask you? she gasped, "why on earth would I have asked you?"

"Why not?" replied Colin rather offended, "I can keep a secret! If I would have known you were running around London all night I would have been happy to deliver your column myself."

Penelope just stared at him. She never imagined telling anyone, let alone Colin, about her secret identity.

"Well I am going to start now!" he declared, as if the matter was settled," from now on I will deliver to your printer."

"You most certainly are not!" she objected.

"Oh yes I am," he countered, "I owe you a debt and as your friend it is my duty to keep you safe. I will hear no arguments."

Penelope thought for a moment. Colin did have a point, and there was no way he was going to let her slip out to St. Brides again. She didn't really have a choice.

She thought some more. It would be better to have an alpha deliver now that she had presented. And Colin could keep a secret.

"Very well, Lord Whistledown." she grinned.

Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Summary:

I was tired of getting yelled at so you can have another chapter as a treat

Chapter Text

Colin was rather pleased with himself after sneaking Penelope back into the Featherington house later that evening, and then returning to St. Brides church to return the envelope he had taken. Helping Penelope with Whistledown was going to be tremendous fun, he was able to go all kinds of places the omega wasn't. Who's to say he wouldn't be the one to discover the tons next great scandal? She did call him Lord Whistledown after all.

It was a perfect way to repay his debt. She had saved him from himself, he would make sure she stopped putting herself in danger.

After he returned home he headed upstairs, intending to go to his study to pour himself a celebratory drink. But as he walked down the hall he saw the door to the spare room still slightly ajar.

Slowly, he opened the door to the room where Penelope had built her beautiful nest. Even gazing upon it now it sent a shiver down his spine. In all his fantasies, he had never imagined it like this. The omega seemed to know exactly where everything should belong, each cushion and blanket was arranged just right.

Unable to resist, he removed his clothing and laid down inside. To his delight, he found the spot next to where Penelope had lay was the perfect size for him, encasing him comfortably. The cushions now smelt like her, and a sling strand of her red hair was still clinging to one of the pillows. He took himself in hand as he breathed in her raspberry, lavender, and sweet cream notes. With each pump he breathed in deeper, imagining Penelope beside him. How glorious it would be to have her with him, her luscious body pressed against his. He came quickly, imagining the omega was the one touching him.

Afterwards, as he lay in the nest, guilt washed over him. Why wasn't he able to let Penelope go? Hopefully once his debt was paid, his alpha would calm.

~

Mr. Sharp sat patiently in the Featherington house drawing room. When Lady Featherington finally arrived, he had been waiting well over a half an hour.

"Mr. Sharp," Lady Featherington said rather loudly as she entered the drawing room," I already told you, I want to give my daughter some time to find her footing this social season before we consider match making."

"I understand Lady Featherington," replied the Mr. Sharp, his beady little eyes staring greedily at her. "But I came to inform you that an alpha from a good background has become available, a Lord who is looking for an omega much like Miss Featherington."

"Is that so?" questioned the Beta matriarch with intrigue, taking a seat across from Mr. Sharp.

"Yes," he replied, "and since I have it on good authority your daughter has not even been asked to dance by an eligible alpha this season, I thought we might not delay the inevitable."

"Who is this Lord?" Lady Featherington asked, her interest sparked, as she gestured for her maid to serve tea.

"All our matches are done anonymously" continued Mr. Sharp, "once matched the alpha and the omega will meet during the omegas next heat, but I can assure you want only the best mates for everyone involved."

"And these matches..,everyone is happy after?" inquired Lady Featherington, picking up her tea cup.

"I know these things can be hard to understand for beta parents, but I assure you Lady Featherington, we only want the best for any Omegas we match." Mr, Sharp said assuringly.

~

Colin's alpha was driving him nuts. For the past two days his hive brain had been howling nonstop, begging him to find Penelope.

Omega need us.

He had spent several hours that morning rolling in Penelope's nest, taking himself in hand over and over again, unable to think of anything else.

He had decided to skip the next ball to find company at the brothel, hoping some of the omegas working there could calm his hive brain.

When he arrived, he was surprised to find Madame Crowley, the owner of the establishment, a rare female alpha for whom Colin had immense respect. Unfortunately, rather than invite him in, the alpha turned him away at the door.

"I'm sorry Mister Bridgerton, we are full up for the night," apologized the alpha. Madame Crowly had clearly been a magnificently beautiful woman in her prime. She stood six feet tall, with strawberry blonde hair styled neatly down the side of her face.

"That's quite all right Madame Crowley," Colin replied, looking a little put out.

The bawd eyed Colin up and down suspiciously, "Your alpha is in an extreme state of distress Mister Bridgerton."

Colin wasn't quite sure what to say to the other alpha. "Yes, well an unfortunate series of events I believe has confused my instincts," he murmured.

The bawd eyed Colin suspiciously.

"Come into my office," she beckoned before Colin could protest, her request more of command than an invitation.

Madam Crowley took Colin deep into the brothel back into a part of the house he'd never been before. The bawd's office was a spacious but cozy room with stylish and comfortable furnishings. Hundreds of books lined the walls on various topics. Colin was impressed, Madame Crowley was clearly a worldly and intelligent woman.

Madam Crowley gestured to a chair and poured Colin and herself a drink before sitting down across from him.

"An alphas instincts are our greatest power Mister Bridgerton," she said solemnly, "only by ignoring your designation's design, can an alpha enter a state of such extreme distress."

"Well, I'm afraid my alpha is mistaken," replied Colin, feeling suddenly sheepish in front of the older alpha.

"An alphas instincts are rarely mistaken," Madame Crowley stated in a matter of fact tone.

Colin hesitated, but Madame Crowley looked at him with kindness rather than judgment, waiting for him to continue.

"I'm afraid my alpha has mistaken an omega who I have known since childhood as its mate," he continued.

Madam Crowley's face turned to form a strange expression.

"And why do you feel your alpha is mistaken that this omega is your mate?" she asked.

"Well, I believe my own foolishness caused the omega to present to stop me from making a mistake," said Colin with regret, "it was a painful presentation and I regret causing the omega pain but believe our closeness caused her omegas rash and early presentation."

"I assume this omega presented to prevent your previous betrothal from continuing," asked the bawd.

"I.. yes I believe so," said Colin, now feeling even more embarrassed.

"And your alpha now feels that this omega is his true mate?" the bawd continued.

Colin just nodded.

The other alpha was silent for a moment just starting at Colin. Finally, she put one of her hands on Colin's.

"Mister Bridgerton, an omega cannot act in the way you describe out of friendship, they would only do such a desperate act out of love. Only if they felt their mate was threatened." advised the bawd.

Colin's heart began to beat faster in his chest. Love? Did Penelope love him?

"Tell me Mister Bridgerton how does the omega smell to you?" asked Madame Crowley.

Colin didn't answer her, he was suddenly too embarrassed to reveal something so intimate as Penelope's smell.

After a while Madame Crowley seemed to understand.

"I can't say I'm happy for you Mister Bridgerton," the bawd smiled, "I will truly miss your business."

Chapter 8: Chapter 8

Summary:

Colin gets a tiny taste of his own medicine. Portia is duped.

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Penelope was tucked into a corner of the ballroom, the usual for a wallflower. She was already bored, but at least her dress was a dark emerald color this time rather than the usual bright yellow her mother liked.

It was well into the evening and Colin was noticeably absent this evening. The rest of the Bridgertons had already arrived, including the Viscount and his new bride. Penelope found the way they beamed at each other deeply touching. Kate's necklace covered most of her new mating mark but Penelope could spy the outline of teeth on the new Vicountesses neck.

She sighed. She was growing rather restless, nothing of note had happened this evening, and she hoped wherever Colin was, he was at least gathering a piece of interesting gossip for the next Whistledown.

She was still angry at Colin. His words had been cruel, but he was also honest. He'd been clear from the moment she presented as an omega he never intended to court her. It hurt, but what else did she expect? Colin Bridgerton would never love Penelope Featherington. She was only his friend and that's all she could hope for.

Just when she was considering asking her mother if they could retire from the evening she noticed Lord Fife approaching her.

"Miss Featherington," the alpha bowed, "may I sign your dance card?"

Penelope looked across the ballroom to see her mother giving her an approving grin.

"Very well," Penelope said, letting Lord Fife sign her card for the next dance and then escort her to the floor.

The dance started and Lady Featherington beamed as Lord Fife led Penelope through the dance.

About half way through the steps, Colin approached, suddenly emerging from the side of the room to cut in between the couple.

Penelope looked bewildered at his sudden arrival and the way he was suddenly towering over Fife looking like me might kill him.

"May I cut in?" he grunted at Fife.

"You can wait your turn Bridgerton," Fife scowled back.

"Let go before I do something unbecoming of a gentleman that will end with you on the floor," Colin threatened.

Fife let go of Penelope's hand in a huff.

"Fine, Bridgerton dance with the chit, she smells awful anyways," Fife replied, leaving the floor in a huff.

Penelope reluctantly took Colin's hand as she watched the crowd begin to take notice of them.

"Colin, you have no right!" She whispered the anger rising within her. Her scent souring around them.

"Don't tell me you like dancing with Fife," Colin grunted.

"At least he signed my dance card," she protested, "the only alpha who has ever done so, after you announced you would never court me."

Colin stared back at her in shock.

"Pen..I," he stumbled, trying to find the words.

"I overheard you," she said, trying her best to keep her voice low, "laugh at the idea you would never court Penelope Featheringthon. And now you prevent me from dancing, you say I need to find my true alpha but you insult me every chance you get in front of every eligible bachelor in the ton."

The dance ended and Penelope curtysed politely, faking a smile which prompted most of the curious bystanders to turn their attention elsewhere.

"Goodnight Mister Bridgerton," she said curtly as she rushed away from the floor, quickly leaving the ballroom.

Colin followed, calling out to her not far behind.

"Pen!" he choked out, "Pen, wait, I've been a fool."

"And I've been a fool for ever thinking you're my friend," she seethed back, stepping up into the awaiting Fetherington carriage and slamming the door shut.

-

The previous evening

"I will pay you a portion of the sale if you dance with her," Mr. Sharp, offered to Lord Fife, ordering the alpha another drink.

The two men were in a private room at Whites and Lord Fife could see Mr. Sharp was growing desperate.

"The mother insists the omega have time to find a mate on her own first," Mr. Sharp continued, "but I think we can show her there's little chance of the girl finding someone on her own."

Lord Fife grinned, "once a little wallflower always a wallflower, and an incredibly pungent smelling one at that. I can't imagine any alpha being interested in her."

"Lord Towley is willing to pay top dollar," Mr. Sharp replied.

"While I suppose the omega does have a rather unique beauty, and presented and young." Fife noted.

"Yes, I believe that is Lord Towleys primary interest in the omega," replied Mr. Sharp.

"Well then, let make sure the mother agrees the omega needs a match, but only if I can half" grinned Fife holding up his glass in a toast.

Mr. Sharp hesitated a moment, before reluctantly clinking his glass with Fife's.

-

Colin was unlike himself. He was not cheerful or charming or even curious in those surrounding him. When he wasn't lying in his bed feeling sorry for himself (and trying to calm his alpha), he had been walking around London hoping the fresh air and exercise would help his foul mood.

He'd sent Penelope three notes, discreetly through the servants of course, but she had not responded. She had not sent a new Whistledown for him to deliver, and there had not been any balls. He had not seen her at all since their heated exchange. She wasn't even at tea at Bridgerton House, that he attended just for the chance he might see her. His heart broke that he'd hurt his omega, that he'd made her feel rejected. But now he was having a hard time feeling too sorry for himself, even as his alpha howled and moped about, since he knew he was getting a taste of his own medicine.

After three days of agony, his brother Benedict had called upon him and insisted on taking him to Whites for the evening. Colin had no excuse, at least none he felt like sharing with his brother, and reluctantly agreed. Anthony had managed to peel himself away from his new wife and joined them as well.

Just as the alphas had settled into the evening and Colin was starting to feel the tiniest bit of enjoyment conversing with his brothers, they were interrupted by the loud boasting of Lord Tubley.

"The beta mother had finally agreed to the matchmaking, she signed the papers this morning," the Lord hollered to all who would listen, "now we just have to wait for the lass to start her next heat and I will have her knotted and bitten before she knows that happened to her."

Anthony's jaw twitched in repulsion and Benedict looked rather pale, exchanging a look with Colin in disgust as the other ancient alphas at the Lord's table hooted and hollered loudly.

"By the end of the week, Penelope Featherington will be mine." declared Lord Tubley waving his glass of brandy around spilling half of it onto the table.

Before Lord Tubley could finish his boasting Colins alpha had taken over. Colins entire body grew hot with rage and he barely felt himself move. Benedict and Anthony had not even had time to restrain their brother, before he leaped across the bar and delivered Lord Tubley a clean right hook, knocking the ancient alpha on the floor.

Through his rage, Colin could barely see the ancient alpha laying on the floor beneath him even as the blood dripped off his knuckles onto the lord's face on the floor. "You will not lay a finger on Penelope Featherington,' Colin seethed, before steeping over Lord Tubley's body and rushing out of Whites and into the night.

~

Penelope sat on her favorite bench in her mothers garden staring into the moonlight. She knew it was improper to sit outside in the dark, but it had been the only thing that gave her any peace lately.

She'd not been able to sleep for days and the night air was rather soothing. But this evening she felt hot, and she'd noticed her neck had begun to itch. She knew her heat was coming, her omega was already crying out for Colin, although, only slightly worse than usual. Her omega had not been able to settle since she'd run from Colin at the ball. Nevertheless, she was still so angry with him. Who was he to say who she could and could not dance with?

Suddenly he heard footsteps entering the garden. Penelope stiled for a moment before she recognized the familiar silhouette.

"Penelope?" called her mother, "what are you doing out here?"

"I'm burning up mama," Penelope replied, "I think it's coming again."

Penelope felt a twinge fear run through her body in anticipation of having to return to her room alone for another painful heat. She longed for a nest and alpha and her own. She wished she was with Colin in the comfortable nest she'd built in his spare room. But that nest with its exotic fabrics and plush cushions was meant for his future wife, not for her. Nothing at the Bloomsbury town house was meant for her.

Portia Featerington looked at her daughter rather inquisitively.

"I'm going to lock myself in my room Mama," Penelope said, rubbing her neck, that she could feel getting hotter by the second.

"Just stay right there a moment," Portia said, her voice shaking slightly.

Penelope was confused. It was not safe for her to be outside in heat, any nearby alpha could smell her.

"But mama," Penelope protested.

"I said stay there Penelope,' Portia yelled, quickly returning inside the house and saying something hushed to one of the servants.

Penelope lay on the smooth stone of the bench. The cool stone helped to cool her skin which now felt aflame.

A few moments later she heard a sound. Through the garden window she saw three men she'd never seen before enter her mothers drawing room.

'She's in the garden, it just started,' she heard her mothers say, her voice carrying through the window into the night air.

Penelope's omega perked up in alert.

Danger!

She got up from the cold stone, lifting her skirts in a panic, trying to think which way made the most sense to run.

But before she could retreat she felt two large arms encase her tiny frame, a firmilar hand muffling her scream.

Notes:

Relax it's Colin.

Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Chapter Text

Penelope had felt fear before. Fear of the unknown in the dark. Fear as a child, when she and her sister Phillipa went swimming in the country and accidentally came upon the lifeless body of a servant who had accidentally drowned the previous morning. Fear when she first presented in front of Colin and didn't understand what was happening to her. Fear when Colin proposed to Marina and she thought the alpha she had spent her entire life loving was lost to a life of deception. But nothing, nothing compared to the fear she felt now in her mothers garden, as she watched the outline of three unknown men slowly walk out the back door towards her.

She tried to let out a scream when she felt arms encase her, but a hand muffled it. She breathed in Colin's scent as he pulled her out of the garden. His carriage was already waiting nearby and he lifted her inside and his driver took off without a word.

Colin sat her down on the carriage seat across from him and he leaned forward lessening the space between them.

"Pen, I'm sorry, your mother, I'm afraid she has sold you to the matchmaker," Colin burst. The alpha was out of breath and panicked as he seemed to check her person for injury.

Penelope didn't understand what he was saying, unable to focus as Colin examined her. "Stop Colin! I'm alright no one has touched me,' she assured him before she felt her body temperature spike and started to panic herself, "Colin I can't be in here with you I am in heat!"

"I know Penelope, I am taking you back to your nest," he replied softly, looking a little vulnerable.

Penelope felt her anger at him return. How dare he act so casually, as if he was taking her for tea.

"You cannot, soon your alpha will take over and you won't be able to stop yourself!" she yelled, "I am not your responsibility Colin, you are not my alpha."

Colin looked at her, he appeared to be gathering the courage to say something. Instead he got up from his seat and kneeled on the floor of the carriage in front of her.

"What if I wanted to be your alpha?"

"What?" she asked, unable to process what he was asking.

"My love, I was a fool. A fool for not seeing you sooner, for not seeing that there couldn't be anyone else but you Penelope. You're my true mate, I was made for you. My whole life I have wandered, seeking you, waiting for you, and I almost lost you because I was too blind to see what was in front of me. You've been the one person I've been unable to stop thinking about, the one person who I always come home to, the one omega whose smell I can't get enough of." Colin professed, his voice pleading and pained.

"Colin, you said your alpha was confused, that I wasn't your mate," Penelope replied, seeming to doubt him.

"It was me who was mistaken," Colin pleaded, "I should have never questioned my alpha's instincts, my instincts that never wavered that you were my mate. Your smell was made for me, just as mine was made for you. But if you do not wish for me, I'll control myself, and my alpha, I'll take you to Brigderton house where my mother can protect you until your heat is over. I'm at your mercy Pen. I'll do whatever you want."

The alpha's eyes were wet with tears that had yet to fall. He looked so vulnerable, humbling himself before her.

"Colin, we are friends," Penelope replied evenly.

"Yes, but," Colin started to plead, leaning towards her as his heart dropped into his stomach. He wanted to beg, but managed to stop himself, "My apologies I do not know what I was thinking, I'll escort you to Bridgerton house where you will be…"

Penelope cut him off, "But I would very much like to be more than friends. Oh Colin, my Alpha."

Before she could finish Colin caught her lips in a kiss. He kissed her for every time he'd sewed doubt in her mind, for every time she felt rejected, for every time she felt lost. Kisses that felt like home because Penelope had always been his home. Their scents mixed together forming a sweet and woodsy aroma they could both taste as they explored each other's lips.

She held onto his arms and neck for grounding, fully trusting that he would keep her safe, that this was real, and he would never hurt her again.

She pulled back from him as a wave of painful heat cramps caused her to grasp at her abdomen in agony.

"Colin…Colin please make love to me," she asked quietly, feeling slightly shy at her request and dropping her gaze to the floor.

Colin pulled her closer to him, his face hovering slightly in front of hers. "You're mine omega. You've always been mine, I want nothing more than to sink into you again and again and take care of you during your heat, but first I need to get you safely back to your nest first so you'll be comfortable and relaxed enough to take my knot."

"But Alpha it hurts," Penelope whined clutching her stomach as a release of slick coated her thighs.

Colin sat back into his seat and pulled her into his lap, their size difference a stark contrast as she lay in his arms.

"I know Omega, Pen, my love, just a bit longer, trust your Alpha." he cooed trying his best to calm her by releasing his scent from the glands in his wrist as he purred.

Penelope inhaled as his scent filled the carriage that seemed to distract her for a moment until another wave of painful cramps caused her to fold over in his lap.

"Come here," he said, loosening his cravat so it hung open and arranging her body so she could nuzzle into his neck and suck on his mating gland,"

She suckled hungrily and he felt her tiny canines nip at his tender skin in her hastiness. "Thats it my love, all for you," he praised, as he pulled down her bodice began to caress her tender breasts, then gave her nipple a firm pinch causing the omega to gasp into his neck.

He chuckled slightly. "Did you think your alpha wouldn't touch you like this?" he mused, before abruptly pinning her down on the carriage seat and taking one of her nipples in his mouth.

"Oh! Please, Colin, alpha," she moaned, running her fingers through his thick tresses of chestnut hair. Colin briefly lifted his head to meet Penelope's gaze, they smiled at each other. He loved the way her voice sounded, Penelope calling out for him, calling him her alpha. He would never get enough.

"My greedy girl," he moaned into her now hard and pink peak. He moved his mouth to the other breast and started using his free hand to travel up her leg, making sure to tease the omega by letting his fingertips touch her skin starting at the ankle and slowly moving up until he felt the slick between her thighs.

He paused at her entrance as he removed his mouth from her breast, and brought his lips to hers, before pulling alway to watch her face as he inserted two fingers.

The omega gave a grunt of surprise and relief as he began to slowly work his fingers in and out, feeling her release even more slick. He was getting more aroused watching her face as she received pleasure from her alpha, from him, for the first time. He couldn't wait to get her back to the nest and strip her bare.

He felt her breath quicken and she began to squirm on his lap and he increased his pace slightly, "Let go Pen, I've got you."

She did and he held her tight through her orgasm as her entire body shook in relief before pulling her back up into a seated position on his lap and kissing her mouth softly at first and then letting his tongue explore her mouth as she whimpered into him.

They kissed for a while, enjoying the tenderness of their first encounter and the momentary relief from Penelope's cramps as the carriage came to a rolling stop. As much as Colin's alpha was riding him to knot and mate Penelope with haste, he knew they would only get to do this for the first time once.

"Nest. Now." Colin said, mostly to himself, taking her in his arms and carrying her out of the carriage and through the front door without a second thought.

He transported Penelope up the stairs and placed her gently in the nest before planting a soft kiss on her lips. She whined a little bit as he pulled away, but then became distracted.

Her omega hissed in disapproval. The nest was all wrong, not how she had left it. Her hive brain took control, she had to fix it.

Colin gave her a knowing smile. "Take your time omega, I need to see to a few things before I join you," he said removing his already loosened cravat and handing it to her in reassurance.

She took his offering and looked up at him for a moment, thinking about protesting, but then got to work fixing her arrangement of pillows and blankets.

Colin lit a fire and turned back admiring Penelope now eagerly fussing with the cushions. His alpha beamed with pride at the omegas dedication to perfecting their nest.

"I'll be right back sweetheart," he assured her before heading downstairs to give instructions to his staff to leave trays of food and water outside the nesting suite and making sure he and Penelope wouldn't be disturbed for the reminder of her heat. Afterwards, he rushed back upstairs with water for Penelope.

The omega had removed her dress in his absence and finished her nest and was now nuzzled inside much like she was the day he'd accidentally discovered her.

He couldn't help but smile, "so beautiful omega, did you make this nest for us?" he beamed, setting the water just outside the wall of cushions.

She nodded up at him. "I bought each one of these things for you Pen, unable to stop thinking of you while I traveled" he whispered, "it's always only been you."

He got to work removing his clothing. She watched with interest as he removed each layer, staring at him hungrily.

"Like what you see omega?" He asked with a slight shyness and the redhead responded by moving up and pulling him into the nest by the forearm.

He took advantage of the moment to unlace and remove her corset and stockings, admiring the goosebumps forming on her skin. He slowly laid her down, pressing her into the cushions on her back so he could look at her. She trembled under his gaze.

He pulled her onto her side and pressed their naked bodies together, "don't feel nervous omega, " he whispered, " you are so beautiful and your alpha is very pleased."

More slick formed between Penelope's legs at the praise and Colin gently pushed her back and spread her thighs, positioning himself above her.

"Here's how it's gonna be omega," he said, his face hovering above her so their noses were nearly touching, " I'm going to knot you and mate you and get you so cock drunk that by the end of your heat you'll be filled with my pups."

"Yes please alpha," Penelope begged, her cramps were returning with a vengeance but Colin was sentimental, savoring their first time together.

"Then I will spend the rest of our lives devoted to you, protecting you, and worshiping you so completely that when we die in each other's arms at one hundred and eight you will have forgotten it was ever you who loved me first."

Penelope started to wiggle beneath him, desperate for him to fill her. Colin just chuckled and wet his throbbing erection with her slick which was now pooling at her thighs.

Penelope gasped as Colin entered her, her body releasing even more slick, giving him easy access even as he felt her stretch around him. He looked into her eyes for encouragement as he started to move. She pressed her tiny hands into his back as he pumped into her in steady yet forceful movements, all the time watching her face for any signs of discomfort.

"You're so perfect around me Pen, such a good girl taking every inch of your alpha."

Once she grew accustomed to the new feeling, she started to explore the rest of her alphas body, running her hands along every inch of him that she could reach. His thrusts grew more spirited in his delight at her touch.

They breathed heavily in unison, their scents filling the room, Penelope started to clench around Colin, involuntarily letting out little whimpers causing him to lose himself, his seed filling her up. At the same time, she screamed out his name falling with him and his knot expanded rapidly within her, encouraged by her orgasm.

Colin looked down admiring the flush that speckled across her alabaster skin. "So beautiful cumming on my cock Pen." Colin mused as he flipped the tiny omega on top of him and sat up so she could ride his knot continuing to milk his seed while using his shoulders for balance. He felt her delicate hands push into his skin to steady herself and relished in her touch.

He cupped her soft cheek in his hand tenderly, "Will you be mine forever omega?" he asked, wanting her full consent before creating the unbreakable bond.

"Yes, please Colin, I was made for you," she moaned, bouncing steadily on his knot.

He groaned distracted momentarily as he watched her large breasts move as she bounced. The omega brought his focus back by tipping her head to the side giving him access to the tender skin of her neck. He ran his tongue around the smooth flawless skin one last time before sinking his teeth into her tendon. The omega cried out beneath him and his mouth filled with blood. He lost sight seeing only white while entire body felt fizzy and bubbles of euphoria bursted within his blood causing ripples to move throughout his body

In his mind's eye, he could almost see something, but couldn't make out what. A strand was forming but he couldn't quite see anything.

He came to, for just a moment to lick Penelope's neck clean before he felt her tiny hands on either side of his face. She looked into his eyes in a way she never had before, like he was the entire universe, and it took him a moment to realize she was crying. He moved his hand up to wipe the tears away, but before he could, she'd pushed his head to one side and dug her fangs into his neck.

He screamed out in pain but it was quickly replaced with the bubbly euphoria he'd felt earlier. For a moment he saw only white again, until his focus returned to the vision in his mind's eye. Suddenly, the earlier haze was lifted and he saw it, it was their bond. Silver strands of his and Penelope's soul braided together into a single string of steel and moondust. Then he noticed it only appeared silver, as he looked closer he noticed it was made up of a billion tiny pieces of each of them, their memories, emotions, and dreams woven together to create something stronger than titanium and more powerful than anything he'd ever known.

Alpha.

Omega.

He began to weep as well, their bond overwhelming him. It was beautiful, the closest thing to magic he'd ever seen. Tears fell down both their faces as he and Penelope held each other close, these chests heavy from their shared devotion, still intimately locked together.

He'd meant everything he'd said before, but now that they'd mated it felt like more than a promise. Protecting and cherishing Penelope was his purpose, as an alpha, and as a man. He would never care about anything more than Penelope, his mate.

After he had a moment to bask in his overwhelming emotions, he wiped the tears from the omega's face and kissed her over and over again as his knot deflated.

"I'm yours omega, always," he promised as he pulled out and laid her back down tenderly against the cushions. His seed spilled out of her mixed with her slick and he pushed it back in before licking his fingers clean.

Penelope whimpered a little as he shifted his body away from her, grabbing at the muscles in his arm as he moved out of the nest.

"Just getting you some water sweetheart, I need to keep you hydrated, and I'm going to feed you dinner before your heat starts up again." Colin said coming back to touch her reassuringly and covering her still warm body with one of the thin Egyptian cotton blankets.

He tore himself away from her briefly, but just as he returned to press a cup to the omega's lips there was a pounding knock at the door.

Penelope yelped in fear and Colin hissed at the disturbance.

"Colin!," came Anthony, for outside the door, "do you by chance have Miss Featherington in there with you?"

"My mate and I are busy brother," Colin growled through the door, covering Penelope with his body.

Colin could hear the distinct sigh of the Viscount through the door. Even though he couldn't see it, he was certain Anthony's jaw was making a frustrated twitch.

"We don't mean to disturb you brother, but unfortunately we must," came Benedict's voice, softer than the Viscounts.

"We do not wish to intrude on you and your new mate, but it is paramount for Penelope's safety that you speak with us. We will wait for you, in your study." Anthony demanded.

"My omega is safest with me in here," Colin replied angrily, his alpha fuming at the idea of moving away from Penelope.

"We don't want to alarm you Colin," Benedict tried again, "but you must speak with us."

Colin sighed, "fine I will join you a few moments when I finish caring for my mate."

Colin turned to Penelope, the omega looked frightened and her heart was beating rapidly. Colin let out a purr to calm her.

Omega nervous.

Colin offered her his neck, which now bore her mating mark. "We are mated now Penelope," he said as the omega began to suckle at his scent gland for comfort, "no one can take you away from me."

Colin's alpha however was still unsettled about leaving his omega even briefly. He got to work scenting the nest with the glands in his wrist, the fabric getting a fresh dose of cardamom, cedar, and syrup. It was mostly a precaution to appease his hive brain, the entire room stunk of them from their coupling, and Colin found he quite liked the sweet cream and syrup notes together.

When he was done, he returned to Penelope who still looked uneasy, holding onto him tightly. "I'll just be a moment," he promised, kissing her lips softly.

Penelope wasn't sure what compelled her to do it, but she found herself gathering some of her slick from between her thighs and rubbing a trail of her wetness down the alphas chest.

Colin just chuckled at her marking him, "Yes, I'm yours, all yours omega." He took her hand and licked the reminder of her slick from her fingers. "You taste so good," he purred. Penelope felt relieved now that she was certain he smelt like her and finally released him.

Chapter 10: Chapter 10

Summary:

Lord Tubley has a death wish

Notes:

HI hi. I wanted to post this before I went to the gym so i will look for typos later as its about to close.

Chapter Text

"What on earth could be so important?" Colin asked, impatiently storming into his study his shirt still halfway unbuttoned where his brothers were already seated.

Despite his anger and fuming alpha, Colin realized felt rather vulnerable. He'd just shared his first moments of intimacy with Penelope, and his heart felt heavy leaving her alone with her thoughts (and painful heat cramps) so soon after. He should be holding her in his arms and his temper stirred that these moments were taken from them. He felt a pain of guilt, as he thought about Pebelope in pain, promising himself to teach her how to touch herself so she could find her own release if they were ever parted again.

"Colin, you know Lady Featherington sold Penelope to the match maker?" asked Anthony.

"I don't see why that would matter now?" Colin replied, rather unsubtly showing off his fresh mating mark, "Penelope is my true mate, I have bitten and bonded with her and I will repay whatever is necessary to resolve the matter."

"Unfortunately Lord Tubley isn't giving up so easily," Anthony said solemnly, "he has paperwork that Penelope is his property and he is on his way here to take her back."

"Take her back?!" bellowed Colin, "as if she was ever his to begin with."

"We know," Benedict sympathized. "We came to help reason with him, surely he will see once he arrives that you are the omega are bonded and give up, but we wanted to be here so he didn't do something foolish like barge in here and rile up your alpha. It would be just like him to want you punished for harming him."

Colin let out an involuntary low growl, his alpha was already riled up. It was dangerous to threaten removing an omega from her alphas care, especially when the omega was in heat.

"Luckily we were tipped off in advance,". Anthony added, "but the Lord was boasting about hurting you if necessary to take Penelope."

Suddenly Colin was very aware Penelope was alone in her nest and how far away he was. He didn't like not having his eyes on his omega, especially now that his alpha sensed a threat. He closed his eyes and touched their glowing bond for a moment feeling Penelope's warmth from her end to calm himself. He sent back little pulses of devotion, worried she would be able to sense his fear from her end of the bond.

Colins butler announced himself with a small knock. "A Lord Tubley and a Mister Sharp are here Mister Bridgerton,"

Colin snarled. He felt out of control so far from Penelope and was worried about his mate all alone. Benedict seemed to understand and took pity on his brother.

"I'll guard the outside of the nesting suite," Benedict said, placing a reassuring hand on his brother's shoulder.

Colin hesitated for a moment. His alpha didn't particularly like the idea of any other alpha so close to Penelope, but at least he was certain his brother wouldn't let anyone disturb his mate or take her from the safety of her nest.

Benedict sensed Colin's trepidation, "with all due respect brother, nothing besides a threat to Miss Featheringtons person could convince me to enter that room, you two stink."

Colin nodded at Benedict, feeling a little smug at the evidence of his and Penelope's mating as Anthony addressed the butler, "We will see them downstairs in a moment."

"Colin," Anthony continued as Benedict left to man the door, "It will be alright, you and Penelope are bonded mates, but these men are going to try to upset your alpha. Please let me take the lead on this." he said, placing a hand on his brother's back.

Colin nodded at his brother before following him downstairs to the drawing room.

-

When they arrived in the drawing room the ancient alpha and the beady eyed Mister Sharp were already seated.

Colin's alpha hissed at the men in question, while Colin himself couldn't resist walking into the room rather proudly, with his mating mark from Penelope on display.

Anthony squeezed his arm, slighting reminding him of his promise to let him take control.

"Lord Tubley, Mister. Sharp." Anthony greeted giving polite bows to each of them.

The two men stood up to face the brothers head on, this was not afterall a social call.

"Let's just cut right to it, Viscount." Lord Tubley gruffed, "your brother had stolen from me."

"How dare you imply my destined mate ever belonged to you," Colin growled.

"I have a contract signed by the mother," Lord Tubley stated firmly.

"You know that is an outdated practice and you know it,"Anthony retorted, "In fact I will see to it that the House of Lords moves to ban it entirely."

"I'm prepared to take it to the courts to decide," Lord Tubley replied, his anger steadily growing.

"Where it will never hold up and the judge will laugh at you," Anthony stated, his voice steady but tense.

Lord Tubley looked back offended, he knew Anthony was right, but the old Alpha was starting to get even more riled up.

"I still intend to marry Miss Featherington and break the bond," he bellowed.

Both Anthony and Colin let out a growl and the old Lord's words.

Colin's blood began to boil and only Anthony's firm hand on his arm was able to keep him grounded. His alpha wanted to attack the old lord. Such a threat could not go unpunished, what was being suggested was beyond reprehensible. His alpha was begging him, but Anthony was right, getting his alpha to takeover was clearly Lord Tubley's intention.

Bonds could be broken in theory, but it was dangerous. It was only done in extreme circumstances, like if a mating was forced, or when one mate abandoned the other. Plus it was a lengthy and little attempted process that was known to go wrong. To attempt to break a bond, especially a strong one made out of love, could hurt or even kill Colin, Penelope, or both of them. Worse if they survived, it could leave them shells of who they once were, it was a hollow existence without one's mate.

Breaking a bond as strong as theirs would take years if it was even possible. What Lord Tubley was suggesting was dangerous and experimental. If the Lord were to get his way it would expose Penelope to the equivalent of physical and emotional torture from doctors claiming to be bond specialists.

Lord Tubley seemed not to notice that he was in grave danger and continued his rant while Mister Sharp, who was much more attuned to the situation at hand, rightfully looked afraid for his physical safety.

"I'll have Mister Bridgerton sent to jail for kidnapping!"

"Kidnapping?" Colin growled. Anthony moved to place his body more directly between his brother and the offending Lord.

"Lady Feathering will agree you abducted her daughter," Lord Tubley huffed, continuing on his belligerent rant.

"And Penelope herself will say she came willingly," spat Colin,

"You removed an omega in heat from her home. She was not in her mind to agree to that." Mister Sharp started, before realizing he was on the receiving end of deathly stares from two Bridgertons and resuming to his previous position of cowering slightly a few feet back from the rest of the group.

"And what do you know of her and her mind?" snarled Colin.

"Lets, be reasonable," Anthony started, "my brother and Miss Featherington are childhood friends, he would never do anything to hurt her. I would go as far to say the conversation at hand proves my brother has remarkable control over his alpha."

Colin felt rather touched Anthony noticed his restraint, because it was hanging by a thread.

"He can return me my rightful property that I have paid for or I will see that he is arrested!" Lord Tubley yelled again.

At that, Colin had heard enough. If he listened to any more of this, he was indeed going to be arrested. Although it would certainly be for homicide rather than kidnapping.

"How dare you come into my home and threaten me and the safety of my mate," Colin hissed dangerously. His voice became a bizarre mixture of his human ire and his alpha bark, even Anthony looked slightly perturbed by it.

Lord Tubley tried his best not to show fear, but was giving a poor performance of strength.

"Now, if you gentleman will excuse me, I must return to my mate." Colin continued turning to make his way out of the room.

He had to leave now or he wouldn't be able to resist violence.

Unable to resist himself he turned back slightly, to rather smugly bid the old Lord farwell, "My brother will see you out, my mate is in heat, and what kind of alpha would I be if I didn't make sure she had a pup in her by the morning."

~

Upon his return up the stairs Colin came face to face with Benedict who had no doubt heard at least some of the shouting.

Benedict tried to calm his fuming younger brother, "It will be alright Colin, just don't do anything rash. Anthony will know who to speak with. You and Penelope are bonded, tt will be alright"

Colin just walked past Benedict without acknowledging him. He could smell Penelope through the door, and right now his alpha required his focus to return to his omega who was still very much in the middle of heat.

Colin entered the nesting suite to find Penelope whimpering in her nest, his previously abandoned cravat back in her hand for comfort.

Guilt filled Colin's chest, his omega looked so small and scared, hunched over in pain.

"Oh Pen, my love," He rushed to her side to aid her, pulling her into his arms and presenting his neck to her. She began to suckle at it hungrily, like it was her first drink of water in years.

His alpha instincts torn, between wanting to help Penelope and whisk her away to safety.

They couldn't stay here. Lord Tubley was a daft fool, but he was unfortunately rather well liked by other daft fools. A sheriff could be called to collect Penelope and hold her until a judge could make a decision on Lord Tubley's insane request.

He had to get them away to safety.

"Pen, I'm sorry but we have to leave." he told her, feeling guilty even as the words left his mouth. He lifted Penelope up and started, although rather clumsily, to help her dress.

She looked back at him, the fear on her face all consuming.

"What is it? Is it my mother?" she asked, panic starting to set in, as Colin tried to figure out the mechanics of getting stays on a woman rather than off.

Colin let out a purr to sooth her as he continued on his task, "don't worry my love I will keep you safe, I promise."

He just hoped it was a promise he was able to keep, taking Penelope out of the house smelling this intoxicating was risky. Luckily they were mated so only a completely immoral Alpha with a death wish would even attempt to get near them.

"The last thing I want to do is take you out of this beautiful nest Omega," Colin cooed, facing her and rubbing the crease of concern between her brows. "But I am afraid it can;t be helped. Take your favorite pillow sweetheart and I'll wrap you in whatever blanket you choose for the carriage ride."

"Are we going to Gretna Green ?" she asked as Colin helped her into her dress.

Colin had considered this. But he thought it was too obvious, surely Lord Tubley would assume that's where they were going and try to hunt them down. Additionally if the old Lord was willing to try to sever a bond he wouldn't bat an eye trying to annul a marriage.

"No," Colin stated rather resolutely, "do you trust me omega?"

"Of course," she replied, looking up at him inquisitively.

"I think, I think I might know someone who can help us." Colin whispered as he quietly opened the window and pointed to the nearest tree branch.

Penelope just stared at him like he'd gone mad.

"If there is one thing I believe Omega, it's that one should always know how to sneak in and out of one's own house.'

Chapter 11: Chapter 11

Summary:

:)

Chapter Text

Once Colin had helped Penelope down and out of the window, he'd managed to climb down the side of the house, while also carrying both her favorite cerulean pillow and jade green velvet blanket.

They then quickly made way to his carriage where after Colin quickly gave instructions to his driver, his attention returned to Penelope and her mouthwatering scent.

"Oh omega," Colin purred as Penelope felt another ripple of pain shoot through her stomach.

Penelope to her credit looked taken aback by her alphas quick change in demeanor rather than focused on her cramps. A second ago Colin had been determined and focused on their predicament, where as now he looked overcome with desire.

"Colin, where are we going? What is happening," she asked, as Colin pulled her into his lap and started to lift her skirts.

"Let's just focus on making you feel better Omega," Colin replied. Penelope could see as his eyes darken and his inner alpha instincts took over. Slick dripped down her thighs onto his lap at the sight.

He caught her mouth in his and before she knew it he had released himself from his breeches and was helping her lower herself into him.

Penelope moaned in pleasure and relief as he helped her bounce taking upon his lap. He peppered her neck and face with kisses and dug his hands into her hips. Her orgasm came quickly and Colin quickly pushed her up and pulled out before his knot tied them together.

After, Penelope relaxed into Colin's arms in temporary contentment and as she watched beads of sweat fall down the alpha's face. The carriage rolled along and they stared at each other in silence as the uncertainty hung in the air.

A few minutes later the carriage came to a rolling stop. Penelope looked out the window to see she was in a part of London close to her printers shop but at a building she did not recognize.

Colin helped her out of the carriage after he wrapped a large cloke around her covering her hair and obstructing the view of her face from any onlookers before rushing her inside the building.

Colin didn't bother to knock before entering the large residence and Penelope realized they were some place he was familiar with. Once inside they were greeted by several women and she realized where they were, they were at a brothel.

"Mister Bridgerton, it's so good to see you," greeted a tall blonde omega. She was touching Colin's arm before he could pull it back all while looking Penelope up and down suspiciously. Penelope's omega hissed at the site and she felt a sense of overwhelming jealousy. She wanted nothing more than to cover Colin in her slick and mark her territory. Only her view of the mating mark on Colin's neck was keeping her from attacking the other omega.

"Please," Colin urged the blonde omega, "I need to speak to Mada Crowley, it's urgent."

Before the blonde omega could respond, someone she could only assume was Madame Crowley appeared from the hall and Penelope looked upon her in shock. She had heard of female alphas before but never seen one. Despite Colin's firm grip on her hand, Penelope's omega reacted the same as if any alpha was near her during her heat. She found herself both fearful of and wanting to please the woman in front of her. Although she realized the instinct to please was very mild now that she was mated. Still her fear remained.

"I could smell her from my office," Madame Crowley scolded Colin.

"Please, I need your help," Colin begged.

Madame Crowely looked at Penelope taking in the fresh mating marks on her and Colin's neck and nodded. "She is in heat, you need to attend to her first, I will give you two a room and then we can talk."

~

For the next few glorious days Colin was able to help his mate through her heat. It gave him so much joy and purpose to be able to care for her. Although the circumstances were not how he would have imagined, he tried to make it through Penelope's heat as best he could. The room at the brothel was comfortable, afterall he had spent plenty of time there before, but it wasn't their home and he could sense his omegas fear and uncertainty.

He was able to get Penelope's favorite pillow and blanket from the carriage and she made due with a few extra sheets to build a new, although much less luxurious nest. Colin seethed internally when he thought of the beautiful nest Penelope had built at home. If it wasn't for the awful men trying to steal his omega away they could be in their house in her perfect nest, the same nest where they would raise their perfect pups.

Still he was able to keep Penelope's omega relaxed enough that he was able to knot her many times. His alpha preened each time, he was hopeful she really would be with pup. That would show that awful lord. Then Colin felt guilty at the thought. He wanted he and Penelope to be able to make their child out of love, not to keep another lord away from her.

As Penelope's heat ended Colin slipped out of the room they had been hoarded up in for the last few days and made his way to Madame Crowley's office. He was thankful for the sanctuary she had provided them hopeful the older alpha would know about precautions they could take to make their bond unbreakable or what could be done about Lord Tubley and Mr. Sharp.

"Enter," Madame Crowley yelled in response to Colin's knock on her office door.

Colin entered to find the bawd at her desk again.

"Ahh Mister Bridgerton," said the alpha, giving him a small smile, "I take it your new mate had a pleasant heat."

"Yes, and thank you again for being so accommodating, especially on such short notice," said Colin sheepishly.

"I assume there is a matter you wish to discuss with me considering you brought your new mate here when your family is known to have several properties capable of accommodating you," the alpha responded, pouring Colin a glass of whiskey and gesturing to the same chair he found himself in during their last conversation.

As soon as he sat all of the fear and anxiety Colin had been putting off for the last several days returned. He explain the situation as Madame Crowley listened intently, the other alpha hissing in anger as he explained Lord Tubley's vile plan to break their bond.

Once Colin had finished Madame Crowley starred back at him a look of distress on her face that left him utterly hopeless.

"Mister Bridgerton," the alpha finally responded, "I think it would be in everyone's best interest if you let Lord Tubley take you to court."

"But I could lose and he could take Penelope!" Colin protested, wondering what on earth Madame Crowley could be thinking.

"I know someone who could provide testimony that would make sure you win your case," the baud responded calmly.

Colin stared back at the baud confused.

Mademe Crowley simply poured Colin another drink and then excused herself. Colin sipped his whiskey unsure what on earth her plan was. The baud returned a few moments later with a very petite and skittish looking omega only a few years older than Penelope.

"Mister Bridgerton,' Madam Crowley said, "this is one of my girls Jane."

"Good day." Jane replied, curtsying to Colin while not meeting his eye. Colin was able to see an old mating mark on her neck. Colin felt sad, her mate must have died leaving her without means leading her to work for Madame Crowley.

"Jane came to us about two years ago after she was matched by Mr. Sharp and her mate abandoned her after breaking their bond." Madame Crowley explained taking Jane's hand in hers and giving it an affectionate squeeze.

"I felt no affection for the alpha that mated me, so I survived the bond breaking, even so it was painful and I still feel the effects. But I'm still glad it happened." Jane said shyly, still looking at the floor.

"Jane, I know it's hard to talk about but can you tell Mister Bridgerton the name of the alpha that abandoned you," Mademe Crowley asked.

"Lord Tubley," replied Jane quietly.