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⠀⠀⠀They were like shadows of the night— the way they seemed to prance and slither through the dark, heads low and footsteps hollow. Zack had his hood over his face, only the shape of his maw visible as he sprinted from building to building, hiding briefly amongst the shadows before chasing for the next. Behind him, Rachel tried her hardest to keep up. Usually, the golden-haired female had no trouble at all keeping pace with her friend, but as of today— for some peculiar reason— she was struggling.
⠀⠀⠀For one, she could barely breathe. The oxygen seemed to repel from her lungs, causing her chest to heave as she fought for some proper flow. Rachel attempted to contain the cough itching within her throat, careful not to make too much sound as they escaped from one part of the city to the next. It was only four in the morning, and activity that late during the ‘night’ was considered suspicious. Not to mention, she was feeling really, really, hot. Rachel felt the perspiration coating the nape of her neck, the droplets trickling down with each step she took. Her skin felt like thorns raking across her stomach, chest, and arms, and she could only curse herself for agreeing to wear the clothes she had on to run— but had it always felt this terrible?
⠀⠀⠀But that wasn’t what created this long, tedious run to be such a nightmare. It was the coiling, tight sensation bottled within her stomach that set it all off— the discomfort, the overwhelming warmth, the oddity of something missing. Rachel couldn’t handle it anymore.
⠀⠀⠀Finally had enough, Rachel allowed her knees to buckle before kneeling upon the dust-infested ground, hand to her chest as she tried to catch her breath. This sensation was too new to understand, and she didn’t know whether or not it had anything to do with the fact that she had presented as an Omega just a month prior. Noticing that she had fallen behind, Zack ceased his movements and craned his neck back, visible annoyance plastered on his cheeks. But as soon as he saw Rachel sprawled on the ground like her life depended on it, the feeling of dread caught him by the neck like a hook and dragged him below the dark waters.
⠀⠀⠀Zack jogged back to where she was, he, too, kneeling down to her level. “Oi, Ray, what the hell’s wrong? What happened?”
⠀⠀⠀The scent made contact with his nostrils quicker than Rachel’s response to him, and immediately, that knowing sense of dread blossomed. Zack should’ve put piece-and-piece together that, yes, this was bound to happen at some point in time— hell, he should’ve been lucky enough that she hadn’t presented until the age of nineteen— but after all six years of having the opportunity to plan for this day, he didn’t know what to do. Zack clicked his tongue, watching as Rachel breathed heavily downwards towards the ground, cheeks a lovely shade of crimson due to the heat. She was whimpering, the discomfort at its peak.
⠀⠀⠀“Wh-What is wrong with me, Zack?” Rachel practically moaned, her other hand tightly hugging the base of her waist. “I can’t… I can’t breathe. I feel so… so… so hot…”
⠀⠀⠀Zack hissed to himself. The sweet, honey smell pervading through the air was making his head spin, and if he were to continue standing still, gazing at the young female before him— he was positive he was going to lose his mind. For once, Zack was grateful for his phenomenal self-control.
⠀⠀⠀“Ray… you— we have to get out of the open.”
⠀⠀⠀“No, no… I can’t- I can’t move…” Rachel whimpered, her distress and confusion causing her body to produce more of that lovely, sweet scent. Her cheeks appeared to be getting more crimson, eyes half-lidded and alluringly oceanic. It took all of Zack not to give in to that desire swarming inside him— that part of his nature that just screamed: protection, lust, and possession.
⠀⠀⠀“Ray, come on— get up.” Zack continues to urge, his bandaged fingers pulsing as he fought the need to touch her skin; to feel the warmth that permeated throughout.
⠀⠀⠀“Zack— Zack…”
⠀⠀⠀The way Rachel groaned his name, the delicacy of every letter leaving her parted, heated lips was all it took for Zack to snap out of it. With a grunt, he grabbed her beneath the pits of her arms and heaved her body into his. Repositioning his hands, they found their place underneath her knees and on the softness of her spine before he began sprinting off again, careful of the weight on his shoulders. Rachel’s hot breath against his neck was difficult to ignore. Zack couldn’t remember the last time he was this bothered being near another Omega, and that came with plenty of experiences from his past. Even as an Alpha, slitting the throat of an Omega never seemed to bother him. There wasn’t an ounce within him that wanted to protect them nor cherish them.
⠀⠀⠀But Zack found this to be difficult with Rachel. With the warmth and closeness of her body next to his, he couldn’t fight the sentiment to protect her; to secure her from anyone who got close to her; to call her… his. The male was snapped out of his intrusive thoughts at the sound of the blonde, her fingers burrowing deeper into the cloth of his jacket as she attempted to hold on. She whimpered louder, and Zack instinctively pulled her front closer to his body. “Ray, we’re almost there. ‘Kay? Don’t think of dying on me now.”
⠀⠀⠀A statement like that usually would’ve erupted a laugh from her, but right now, Rachel seemed to have taken it as a sense of perseverance. She responded back with another low whine, her nose finding its way into the crook of the other’s jacket. Zack doesn’t notice the way he purrs lightly in an attempt to calm her down; does not seem to notice the abundance of pheromones he was producing. Hurriedly, he runs faster towards the nearest motel.
⠀⠀⠀There was a motel not too far away from where Rachel had previously collapsed. It wasn’t as run-down as the ones they were used to paying for, and for this, Zack mentally sighed with relief. Rachel would be needing the most of comfort during the next few days. He didn’t waste any more time as he entered through the automatic doors, a young Beta female typing on the monitor in front of her. Upon seeing Rachel, she gasps and pushes herself off the chair in order to inspect the young blonde thoroughly. As if the scent alone wasn’t enough to address the issue.
⠀⠀⠀“Is she alright? Is this her first heat?” The woman questioned, heels clicking upon the floor as she neared. She outstretched a single hand with intentions of feeling Rachel’s forehead.
⠀⠀⠀Suddenly, a deep growl rumbles with Zack’s throat, the sound feral and threatening at the woman’s actions. Immediately, the woman withdrew her hand and backed away. Ducking her head, she spoke softly, “I apologize. But she needs to get comfortable quickly. If you need anything for her, please don’t be afraid to ask.”
⠀⠀⠀Her calm, submissive reaction snapped the male out of his flurries of growls and snarling, his eyebrows still narrowed but significantly less threatening. Zack cleared his throat, wanting to apologize, but the words never came through. The woman seemed to understand, anyway— the situation they were in— and how normal it was.
⠀⠀⠀Zack didn’t even need to ask for a room when a pair of key cards were placed into the palm of his hand. Their room was on the third floor, and even then, he didn’t waste a moment’s time before he was skipping steps along the staircase and sprinting towards their designated room. Rachel was gasping by the time Zack laid her on the bed, her trembling hands embracing her own stomach and face distorted with discomfort and mild pain. Zack hadn’t released the hold around her back as she laid there, squirming restlessly and whimpering loudly. This was new for the both of them— and the male couldn’t deny that he felt nervous for the young blonde.
⠀⠀⠀“What… What do ‘ya need? Water? New clothes? Don’t worry ‘bout the money, ‘kay? We can just kill some rat on the street for more—” Zack wasn’t even thinking as he spoke, his bandaged hands all over her face and sensing the warmth radiating stronger. “Look— I’ll… I’ll be back, ‘kay? I can help ‘ya somehow. I’ll be back—”
⠀⠀⠀Zack removed his hold around her lower back, only to find that it was a mistake. Rachel’s panicked, blown sapphire gaze widened at the lack of contact. Her pale hand shot outwards to grasp his wrist once more, eagerly guiding it back to where it was previously placed. “No— No, you can’t leave me… Zack… it hurts if you don’t hold me… it— it burns.”
⠀⠀⠀If Zack had been in his normal state of mind, he would’ve ruthlessly dismissed ever embracing her. But that was the thing— he wasn’t in his normal state. Needless to say, neither of them were. Rachel’s heat ended up affecting both of them. Zack never felt the need to worry about an Omega; never felt the need to want to hold one in his arms and secure their safety; never felt the need to claim one as his own for all of eternity. But somehow, when he looks at Rachel in the state she was in, Zack couldn’t not feel that way. Rachel was important to him, and he knew he would do anything he could in order to make her first heat as comfortable as possible. Of course, with the lack of mating.
⠀⠀⠀Zack pushed the thought of sexual intercouse out of his mind. No— Rachel needed to want him just the same as he wanted her— and out of the state of her first struggling heat.
⠀⠀⠀Heart drumming within his chest, Zack climbed onto the bed and accompanied Rachel at her side. She was in an almost fetal position, fingers curled into tight, ghostly fists as she fought the urge to whimper. Zack allowed his arms to embrace her lithe frame, feeling the warmth and wanting to bask in it. She was always the opposite of him— so warm, so lively when she forgot about desiring death— while he was cold, both in his heart and his body. Gently, Zack slipped his other arm in order to firmly pull her into an embrace; Rachel’s back was pressed against his chest. Within a few minutes, her whimpering transformed into a soft, delicate purr. Instinctively, Rachel rubbed the top of her head against Zack’s neck, a barely audible moan leaving her lips.
⠀⠀⠀Perhaps, at that moment, Zack understood what it was like to have an Omega of his own.
-
⠀⠀⠀Darkness was all Rachel could make out as soon as she opened her eyes, blinking sleepily and having the urge to stretch her stiff, aching muscles. Her body was warm— less overwhelming than before— and her skin had less of a prickling sensation. Despite this, it did not erase that knowingness of discomfort that would soon return after a moment’s time.
⠀⠀⠀“Geez, ‘ya finally awake or what?”
⠀⠀⠀Rachel stiffened, suddenly realizing the position they were in, and at that moment, also understanding why the warmth she had felt before hadn’t felt this… secure; safe. Blinking, she lifted her head from where it had been settled upon a pillow, vision slightly blurred but not significantly so. Rachel inspected the arms of a familiar someone’s sleeves wrapped firmly around her waist and stomach; inspected the way her back was pressed into the soft yet tenderness of Zack’s chest; inspected the look of exhaustion on his face. With overwhelming embarrassment, Rachel swiftly glanced away, cheeks flourishing with rosy-pinks and colorful reds. “I-I’m awake, yes.”
⠀⠀⠀“Was ‘bout time, too. Gettin’ your pain in the ass here was… well, a pain in the ass. You should’ve known this was ‘gonna happen. Now what’re we supposed to do? You don’t have suppressants.” Zack muttered mostly to her, though also himself.
⠀⠀⠀Rachel suddenly felt like a burden. She sniffed, disliking the feeling of being carried around while also being the issue at hand.
⠀⠀⠀“I… I could go get some.”
⠀⠀⠀“Fuck no, are ‘ya crazy?” Zack hissed, his warm breath hitting the back of Rachel’s ear as he spoke, words heavy and seemingly offended. “Don’t think ‘ya understand the situation you’re in. Ray, you’re going through your first heat— it isn’t ‘gonna be pretty for ‘ya if you leave the motel. There’s ‘gonna be all those horny Alphas just waiting to get a piece of ‘ya.”
⠀⠀⠀“Zack, you’re an Alpha, too.” Rachel said softly.
⠀⠀⠀“I may be an Alpha, but I ain’t a horny one.”
⠀⠀⠀Rachel wanted to laugh at that, but it never came out— not even in the form of a giggle or a smile. For some reason, hearing that only made her heart ache. And she didn’t know why; couldn’t fathom the reason.
⠀⠀⠀“Which brings me to my next point,” Zack starts seriously. “For the next few days, you’re not allowed to leave the room. It’s too dangerous, Ray. Believe me. I know you can wield a knife and all that shit, but take my word for it— if Alphas smell that scent, they ain’t human anymore. Got it? No leaving the room.”
⠀⠀⠀“But—” Rachel tried to offer, her neck craning backwards to face her friend.
⠀⠀⠀“No but’s. You’re not leaving this room. It ain’t safe.”
⠀⠀⠀Rachel stared back at the golden-colored gaze holding her cerulean ones firmly, her cheeks feeling more and more hot. She didn’t know whether this feeling of admiration and affection was affected by the fact that she was in heat, but even she knew that Zack looked more handsome up close. Even through the bandages concealing the reality of his face, Rachel knew he was good-looking. And that wasn’t it— but there was a scent pervading through the air that left her breathless. It was almost so pleasant to the point she was begging for more. Her staring continued on for a solid minute, face leaning further into him, before Zack furrowed his eyebrows; annoyance reflected within his eyes.
⠀⠀⠀“What?” He asked roughly.
⠀⠀⠀Rachel pulled back, realizing her behavior. She gulped down the lump in her throat as she glanced away briefly. “Sorry, Zack. I just— you smell really good.”
⠀⠀⠀Zack seemed to know what she was talking about, and he was quick to pull his arms away from her. It left Rachel with a feeling of emptiness and hollowness, the warmth escaping from her body like the light within a deep, dark abyss. She choked back the involuntary whimper that etched in her throat, unknowing of why she wanted to whimper in the first place.
⠀⠀⠀“Zack?”
⠀⠀⠀“Sorry. It was on instinct.” Zack said lowly.
⠀⠀⠀“What was?”
⠀⠀⠀“The smell. It wasn’t on purpose; was more like a compulsion. I don’t know how to control it right now. Like my body wants ‘ya to know that you’re safe. Like it wants to calm ‘ya down.”
⠀⠀⠀Rachel ignored the thought that, maybe, Zack wanted to truly assist her through this new concept known as her heat, and instead cleared her throat as she changed the subject. “Did you not sleep this whole time?” She was more referencing towards his dark, dull, and drooping eyelids, though the yawn that managed to crawl out between his lips gave reason, as well. Zack rubbed sleepily at his eyes, a stretch of his arms seeming to relieve him.
⠀⠀⠀“Mm, yeah. I was just keeping watch.” Zack said nonchalantly, shrugging.
⠀⠀⠀Rachel smiled to herself. “Thank you, but I am positive that I am okay. You don’t need to do that for me.”
⠀⠀⠀“‘Ya still don’t get it. Your scent’s driving me nuts, and I bet it’s smellable all the way outside. I have to keep watch and make sure no one gets to you.”
⠀⠀⠀“No one will. You’re here.” Rachel hummed confidently. She raised herself into a sitting position and slowly guided Zack down onto the mattress, pulling the blankets over his body. “Besides, you need to rest, too. I don’t know how long I was out for, but you don’t look too well enough to stay awake. Sleep.”
⠀⠀⠀“Huh? I’m fine, Ray—” Zack protested.
⠀⠀⠀Gently, Rachel ran her thin fingers through his sable-hued tresses, each thin and smooth strand dancing lightly across her fingertips. Though her actions were soft and sweet, Zack knew better than anyone else that her eyes were where her words were— not her mouth. Rachel’s cobalt gaze hardened as she spoke, a strained smile plastered on her cheeks. “You are going to sleep, okay? You don’t need to worry about me. If I need you, I’ll call for you. I promise, I’ll be alright.”
⠀⠀⠀Zack knew he couldn’t fight her on the topic any longer; when the girl was solid on something, she didn’t change her mind, and it couldn’t be changed. With a childish groan, he clicked his tongue and relaxed upon the mattress, maneuvering his body so his back was towards the blonde. Another yawn left his lips, and before sleep engulfed the entirety of his consciousness, he muttered lowly, “Don’t do anything stupid.”
⠀⠀⠀Rachel snorted. She wanted to reassure him that she wouldn’t, but the words ended up settling deep within her throat, clogged and stuck. It’s like even her body knew that she would be lying if she told him she wouldn’t result in stupidity. Rachel knew about how Zack felt about lies― he had an everlasting, undying hatred towards them― and as much as she wanted to stay truthful towards her partner, she just couldn’t. The feeling of knowing that she was a burden to another person, someone she held special in her heart, left a bitter taste in her mouth. And she wanted to do something about it; anything that could make Zack’s life easier; anything that could make her seem helpful to him, helpful towards herself. Glancing back at her partner’s back, Rachel bit her bottom lip contemplatively. She was feeling better; the heat and agony she had been forced to endure seemed to have died down and, perhaps, if she was quick enough, she could grab some suppressants from a nearby pharmacy and return before Zack woke up.
⠀⠀⠀Slowly, she pushed herself off of the mattress and quickly put her sneakers on before sneakily escaping through the motel door. It clicked closed with an almost inaudible click, and she was on her way. Rachel played with the strap of her purse out of nervousness, ears perked and eyes peeled out for anything that could hinder her journey to the pharmacy. She didn’t quite know any of her surroundings― after all, they traveled from city to city and barely stayed in one place long enough to know anything of where they were. As anxious as Rachel was, she knew that this would help them as partners, and with this thought in mind, she continued on, chin held high with feigned confidence.
⠀⠀⠀After what felt like hours of roaming around, Rachel couldn’t have felt any more terrified.
⠀⠀⠀Her stomach was churning again, burning and melting. Her movements began to feel sluggish as if she was weakening with every second that passed on; her skin itched achingly so. All in all, Rachel began to feel ill. Breathing heavily, the young blonde ceased her steps and clutched at her stomach, knees wobbling as if she were a newborn fawn. After a few moments of feeling nauseous, Rachel collapsed to the ground and hunched over, forehead kissing the cement. She couldn’t breathe― she felt so hot― her throat was dry, and her lungs felt like they were stuffed with flower petals; tickling her, scratching her, suffocating her. Rachel’s vision went blurry as she tried to lift her head up, eyes squinting in an attempt to understand her surroundings and hopefully maneuver herself into a more concealed area. She came to the conclusion that she had fallen in the middle of the city’s sidewalk, flashing lights gleaming upon her face and the scent of a cigarette filling her nostrils.
⠀⠀⠀Rachel attempted to even out her breathing as she pushed her body into a sitting position on the ground. Arms trembling from the overwhelming weight of herself, Rachel lifted her chin and tried to get moving again― she had to get up before someone got her. Zack’s words echoed in her head― Alphas that smelled the scent of a heated Omega was not human anymore. She didn’t know what that could possibly mean.
⠀⠀⠀And she didn’t want to know.
⠀⠀⠀Suddenly, Rachel’s ears perked to the sound of a low, steady growl from in front of her. It made her skin crawl like spiders along a web, and the sound of it alone only made her head bow down in instinctive submission. The atmosphere around her seemed to suffocate her— the scent the supposed Alpha was emitting was far too strong to resist, but despite her Omega-like nature, she couldn’t help but revolt to it. It wasn’t Zack’s scent. It wasn’t his comforting, calming smell; it didn’t make her feel secure, didn’t make her want to cuddle into the Alpha. It made her want to run for her life.
⠀⠀⠀Rachel’s eyes were blown wide as she stared at the Alpha’s dirty shoes, and only one thought clouded her mind: she should have listened to Zack.
⠀⠀⠀“Oh, what a pretty Omega you are… I could just eat you up and swallow you whole…” The Alpha slurred slowly, taking eager steps to reach her. Rachel tried to turn away and run off, but the man was quick to capture her with one quick pull of her blonde hair, and she was abruptly yanked towards him. “What is a pretty thing like you doing here? I got lucky tonight, huh?” Rachel shuddered visibly as the Alpha stuffed his nose into her neck, rubbing and inhaling deeply as if engulfing the way she smelled. After a moment, his body seemingly went stiff, and a grin reached his lips.
⠀⠀⠀“… And you’re a virgin on your first heat.”
⠀⠀⠀Rachel gasped loudly, caught by surprise once her neck was grabbed roughly and her face was shoved into the brick wall of the alleyway. Panic filled her veins as she struggled with the Alpha, trying to regain her strength and possibly escape. The knife Zack gave her a while back was still kept safe within her purse, but with her wrists restricted by the man’s strong, unmoving hand, she was rendered useless. Rachel growled back when the Alpha tugged hard on her black shorts, pulling them down and exposing her white panties. His other hand groped at her ass roughly, a laugh leaving his lips. “This is gonna feel so good— you’re going to want to come back wanting more like a little whore. Believe me, pretty one.”
⠀⠀⠀A hard sensation rubbed along Rachel’s ass, and it was the last straw before she mustered up the loudest scream she could manage. “Help me! Zack! Please, help me!”
⠀⠀⠀The Alpha smacked his other hand around her lips, and she groaned uselessly. “There’s no point in calling for help. This ‘Zack’ guy isn’t going to get here before I have you for myself. Just sit back, relax, maybe you’ll end up liking my dick better.”
⠀⠀⠀Rachel breathed hard when her panties were moved and her shirt was raised to expose her covered breasts. The Alpha went for another grope around her left breast, grabbing it and squeezing it like it was the most enticing thing in the world. Rachel whined in agony to the roughness, tears prickling the edges of her eyes as she felt the man ready himself at her entrance. With one last effort, the blonde female sniffed and whispered weakly, “No… please don’t…”
⠀⠀⠀“Aw, but you’re all wet for me. You should be lucky that it was just me and not more. A pretty one like you wouldn’t last. But lucky for me— I get your tight, virgin hole all for myself.” The Alpha gave a long lick to Rachel’s neck, tasting her. “And man, you’re sexy as fuck. Young and blonde— the way I like them. I can’t wait to mark those white thighs of yours with my teeth until you’re filled with them. I could come just thinking about it—”
⠀⠀⠀Rachel didn’t even register the way the Alpha’s body went still, a choked and sufferable squeal leaving his lips, before his hold upon her frame went limp. After a moment, the male fell to the ground.
⠀⠀⠀Rachel’s breathing was all that could be heard within the alleyway. The blonde female continued to tremble despite the rough hands that once groped her vanishing, leaving her freed from the assault. She refused to turn around, terror lacing her heart and attacking her lungs in fear that the Alpha was still there, waiting to consume her whole like a feast. But then, there was another sound— the revolting gurgle of what sounded like a sharp weapon slicing through soft, squishy flesh. Rachel perked her ears towards it, also listening to the slight heavy breathing accompanying it; it was an all too familiar sound. Turning her neck, Rachel’s cerulean gaze rested upon her beloved partner, his signature scythe in his grasp as he continued to stab the dead sack of blood on the ground.
⠀⠀⠀“Zack…?” Rachel whispered.
⠀⠀⠀But the call of his name didn’t seem to be reaching her friend, for Zack continued to growl loudly, arms reaching up only to strike back down on the Alpha’s bloody torso. Rachel gulped slightly, trying again.
⠀⠀⠀“Zack?”
⠀⠀⠀No reply— just the same slicing of flesh.
⠀⠀⠀“Zack, that’s enough.”
⠀⠀⠀No reply.
⠀⠀⠀“Zack, I said that’s enough!” Rachel whimpered, her throat mustering up the loudest cry she could emit. “He’s dead already! Just stop!”
⠀⠀⠀Heavy breathing echoed throughout the alleyway as Zack slowly began to die down from his high, his scythe coming to a still in his hands as his amber gaze glared unforgivingly at the corpse. Rachel could not see the expression he was making underneath his hood as he tossed his scythe to the side, a growl building in his throat as he turned to face her— all she knew was that her partner was not happy. Slowly, he made his way over towards the young female, bandaged hands reaching out for her with almost skeletal, twitching fingers. Rachel allowed Zack’s familiar hands to cup her cheeks lightly as if he was a ghost— barely touching her, barely feeling. His touch cascades down to her chin, and he motions carefully for her to look up at him. Of course, she does. Zack’s shoulders have begun to cease the rather erratic rise and fall of breathlessness— as if feeling Rachel beneath his own touch, well and safe, had the same effect as xanax.
⠀⠀⠀“Are ‘ya okay?” Zack asked, voice barely audible even underneath the deathly quiet blanket of night.
⠀⠀⠀“I’m fine,” Rachel hummed, a grin growing on her lips as she subconsciously rubbed her cheek against his bandaged palm. Despite the roughness, just knowing her partner’s touch was just beyond a couple layers of fabric.
⠀⠀⠀Zack sighed deeply. Suddenly, he firmly brought Rachel’s face upwards in a swift motion, amber eyes glaring intensely into beautiful, watery sapphire ones. Immediately, the young blonde sucked in a breath.
⠀⠀⠀“I told ‘ya not to leave the room, Ray.”
⠀⠀⠀“I-I know—”
⠀⠀⠀“Do ‘ya know how I felt when I didn’t see ‘ya in the room? I thought I’d let some shitty fucking Alpha get to ‘ya without knowing it. But I knew that you'd never let them take ‘ya without a fight, and that’s why I came here.” Zack interrupted, worry lacing his tone. “God, ‘yer scent was so strong that all I had to do was sniff your trail of it once, and I was breakin’ in a run. Do ‘ya understand the danger that could’ve happened if I didn’t show up?”
⠀⠀⠀“I thought I would be okay,” Ray tried to protest, the tears in her eyes collecting more before trickling down her pale yet reddened cheeks. “I didn’t— I didn’t want to be this useless burden for you. I wanted to fix this… this stupid heat problem before it got worse for the both of us. I just— I just wanted to save the little money and time we had before the cops got closer—”
⠀⠀⠀“Don’t be stupid, Ray.” Zack practically hissed angrily, his grasp on her cheeks slightly tightening. “I don’t care about the goddamn cops. I don’t care about the money, the food, or if we’ve got a roof over our heads— nothin’ at all. I care about you and only you, so when ‘ya run off like that without me in the state that you were in, it fuckin’ makes me worry— hell, scared even, and I ain’t scared of a whole lot.”
⠀⠀⠀Rachel stared back at Zack with large, vibrant orbs, lips parted in disbelief and a displacement of words. She could feel her heart throb with so much love for this person— her partner, in crime or out. Never in her life has someone seemed to care for her wellbeing, and for someone like Zack— a murderer, a criminal, a man who has committed more transgressions than can counted— to be able to express love, a sense of security, as well as a sense of belonging was more than she could have ever asked for; it was more than she ever deserved. Zack truly put her parents to shame. And with one last sniffle, Rachel allowed the collection of tears to finally escape like a damaged dam, slow at first but explosive as time rolled by. Her small, trembling fingers found themselves gripping for dear life on Zack’s bloodied jacket, and she shoved her nose into his chest as she let out the most broken yet content cries.
⠀⠀⠀It was evident that Zack was taken by surprise to the sudden warm contact, for his hands hovered unknowingly above Rachel’s smaller frame, unsure of where to place them. The Alpha in him, though, seemed to assist him, and his arms came to snake around the blonde’s shoulders, pulling her close and slowly rocking her from side to side.
⠀⠀⠀After a few silent moments, Rachel inhaled deeply before murmuring softly, “I love you, Zack.”
⠀⠀⠀“Now ‘yer saying stupid stuff, huh?” Zack tried to joke, chuckling to himself. He parted with Rachel, leaving a small space in between them as he ruffled her disheveled golden locks affectionately.
⠀⠀⠀Rachel visibly twitched at his comment, and the hurt in her now dull cobalt gaze increasingly evident. She removed her hands, placing them sadly by her sides as if voicing out her disappointment. As soon as the Omega turned her back on him, Zack knew he had said the wrong thing.
⠀⠀⠀“It isn’t stupid.” Rachel muttered. “I didn’t realize that I couldn’t love you. After all we had gone through with one another, I don’t have the right to feel at home with you? To want to spend the rest of my life with you, even if we’re forever on the run? To give a part of myself to you, and you the same?”
⠀⠀⠀“Huh? What’re you talking—”
⠀⠀⠀Suddenly, before Zack could even think to finish his thought, the blonde had whipped around with the most agonized, angered expression he had ever seen her muster. The lack of tears in her eyes was alarming. The emotions she was feeling were nothing close to sorrow or dejection— no, they were filled with rage, a fiery fury that resembled that of a ticking time bomb close to explosion. Rachel curled her fingers to form fists at her side, teeth gritting and eyebrows furrowed. “Why can’t I love you? I read all the time that Omegas are only ever good for loving, and yet, I’m an Omega that has only ever been denied it. It hurts— you know? Don’t I have any worth?”
⠀⠀⠀“Ray, just listen to me,” Zack calmly murmured. Softly, he grabbed Rachel’s cheeks and lifted her face to meet her eyes. The smaller female tried to shove him away, but he kept her where she was.
⠀⠀⠀“Love… it’s a hard word for me to say, okay?” Zack began truthfully, his heart beginning to beat faster. “I ain’t so good at explaining it, but it just isn’t something I am used to yet. I didn’t mean to say that— that ‘ya loving me was stupid— it was just a surprise… because…”
⠀⠀⠀His mind was practically racing. The words in his mouth fumbled uselessly on the tip of his tongue, and he was stuttering like he had something to hide. Perhaps, he did. Zack shut his eyes for a brief moment before beginning again, “It’s because I don’t know how to deal with it. I’ve never been loved before, and it’s… it’s kind of scary, and I—”
⠀⠀⠀“‘You’re not scared of a whole lot,’ I know,” Rachel whispered. She had a small grin on her face, like hearing what he had said before was calming.
⠀⠀⠀Zack let a grin of his own touch his features. “I don’t know a lot about it, but I wouldn’t mind if ‘ya wanted to learn about it… together, Ray.”
⠀⠀⠀Mentally, the older male shuddered at his poor way with words. Zack felt more like a failure than anything. If only he knew what to say and how to say it, then Rachel would know what he was trying to say. His hands lightened, and they fell to his side, limp and lifeless. Rachel deserved better— she truly did. She could be happier if she had a better Alpha to take care of her, a permanent home to live in, and no worries about how life would be treating them the next day. Rachel wouldn’t have to get up in the middle of the night just to travel long distances, wouldn’t have to cover up tracks and evidence, nor would she have to live the life of a criminal. She wouldn’t have to store a knife under her pillow, in her sock, in her hand— she wouldn’t have to sleep lightly with the knowingness that something bad could happen at any given moment.
⠀⠀⠀Instead, Rachel was with him— Zack Foster— a wanted criminal known to slaughter humans as child’s play, an uneducated waste of space, an unloved and unloving human being. An unwanted child, a selfish human, a failure Alpha, and a never-to-be father. All Rachel wanted was love, and he didn’t have any to give her.
⠀⠀⠀Rachel grabbed Zack’s hands, earning his attention. She was no longer angry, for the sentiment in her cerulean pupils said it all— thank you for trying, she seemed to be saying— and the wrinkles of her forehead were nonexistent. She smiled once more, the unfamiliarity of it all evident in the way her lips seemed to tremble and crinkle with effort, but it was still nonetheless a worthy sight to see.
⠀⠀⠀“I’m sorry for being like that. I was being selfish.” Rachel whispered softly, lightly playing with Zack’s bandaged fingers. “I’m happy as we are, but I still want you to know that I do love you. You’re the only person I have, and you’re the only person I need. My parents couldn’t give me anything as close as what you give me today, and I’m grateful for it. Even if we’re just some wanted criminals for the rest of our lives, I’m happy that it’s with you. I love you, Zack.”
⠀⠀⠀Zack didn’t know what to say. “I…”
⠀⠀⠀“You don’t have to say anything.”
⠀⠀⠀But that was the thing— Zack wanted to.
⠀⠀⠀Zack wanted to. He wanted to, so badly, to secure that he shared a similar feeling. He didn’t know it was love, but he was willing to try— for Rachel, he would do anything.
⠀⠀⠀“I don’t know when I’ll start to feel love, Ray,” Zack murmured honestly. He could feel the hesitation clogging his throat, as if it was trying to prevent him from speaking, and his heart was drumming painfully in his cold chest. But one look into Rachel’s mystical oceanic gaze was enough to keep him going. At that moment, the words came out like a mantra, promising and confident. “But I can promise ‘ya, it will be before I kill you. You’ll die knowing someone loved you, and I will make sure of it.”
⠀⠀⠀Rachel remained expressionless for a brief moment before her eyes glimmered with life. Her lips were parted with surprise, the tears beginning to form happily in deep dams. She nodded rapidly, another smile blossoming on her cheeks like it was the happiest thing she’s ever heard. “Thank you, Zack.”
⠀⠀⠀Zack glanced away and clicked his tongue. “Yeah, yeah. You’re welcome, brat.”
⠀⠀⠀Rachel laughed. “I’m not a little kid anymore. Why do you keep calling me that?”
⠀⠀⠀“I’ll stop when ‘ya start acting like an adult. In my eyes, you’re still a weirdo with dead eyes and a sick hobby for sewing dead animals.”
⠀⠀⠀“That’s fresh coming from you. Besides, I’m nineteen now. I have my heat, too, so that should be a clear sign that I am a grown woman.” Rachel pouted, puffing her cheeks out. Zack snorted and pinched a single reddened cheek.
⠀⠀⠀“Look at that: a child.”
⠀⠀⠀“Want to see me act like a woman, then?”
⠀⠀⠀If it weren’t for the bandages on his face, Zack was sure Rachel would’ve seen how red he was becoming. Who would ask a question like that to an Alpha, damn it? And when did she get so flirty and confident?
⠀⠀⠀“You’d better watch out. I’m still a grown man— and an Alpha, at that.” Zack uselessly warned, beginning to feel shy. “Didn’t ‘ya hear what I just told you, or are ‘ya deaf?”
⠀⠀⠀With a hum, Rachel gently grabbed his hands and held them to her chest as if they were the most delicate, cherishing thing. She rubbed her cheek against them, and even through the bandages, Zack could feel the warm heat radiating off of her pale skin. In a way, it was comforting… and for a moment, the male thought that maybe— just maybe— he could get used to it.
⠀⠀⠀“I love you, Zack.”
⠀⠀⠀Even if he couldn’t reciprocate her words just yet, Zack knew that he didn’t need to. He would show Rachel that he loved her. No matter the cost. Bashfully, Zack intertwined their fingers together and gave a comforting squeeze. Almost as if he was saying he would never let her go.
⠀⠀⠀“Yeah, yeah. Let’s go back home now, Ray.”
⠀⠀⠀Little did they know, they already were at home. Together, hand-in-hand.