Burning Edges - knittyknicker - Call of Duty (Video Games) [Archive of Our Own] (2024)

Chapter 1

Chapter Text

When Price got the Alert, he crushed out the cigar he’d been lazily smoking, and picked up the phone on the desk in front of him. Typing a series of numbers, Price transferred the call to his headset and slid the earpiece over his ear. Laswell’s calm voice met his ear, and Price caught the tail end of her sentence.

“- going in now; operatives reported seeing individuals we believe to be foreign nationals being held at the compound. Mexican Special Forces will be overseeing the OP. Price, I believe you’re familiar with Colonel Vargas?”

“Yes, we’ve worked together before. His Vaqueros were a huge asset during the Graves situation.”

“Captain, It is good to hear your voice. How’s the 141 been?” Aléjandro’s voice was warm but focused, dipping in and out a bit as he covered his microphone to speak to his soldiers there with him.

“141 is doing well. Soap asked me to remind you that you owe him a visit.” Aléjandro laughed lightly. “Si, tell him we have plans to come over after this is wrapped up. Rudy has already started packing.”

Price acknowledged with a hum as Laswell cut back in. “Vacation plans aside, Colonel, are your men ready to breach?”

“We are prepared. “

“Copy, Laswell going silent. I’ll be here if you need me. Good luck, Colonel.”

“Price here, going silent. Good luck.”

“Gracias.” As Price listened, he picked up some rapidfire Spanish, and the sound of breecher charges before gunfire erupted. Price was grateful for the automatic volume adjustment built into the headset. He didn’t have the hearing he’d had as a young man and he wasn’t in a hurry to lose any more.

For a few minutes, their comms were quiet, breathing audible as Aléjandro and his men moved from location to location, the muffled retort of weapons fire sporadic and slowing.

“We’re in control. It appears the facility is lightly guarded during the day. We have staff in custody, and have begun mapping the facility. As you are aware, anything beyond the basic shape of the structure is unknown, but agents suspect there may be multiple levels underground. If that is the case, we may lose communication as we go.”

“Acknowledged. Any plans to go line of sight if needed?”

“No, I don’t want my men standing alone as we move forward. It may be that only the top levels are lightly guarded. I’d like to keep my forces large enough to not get easily overwhelmed.”

“Understood.”

Price listened for several more minutes, hearing muffled speech and some small thuds and thumps. But there was no additional gunfire. Nearly an hour later, Price heard Aléjandro’s voice again.

“We found the holding facility. He was breaking alphas.”

Laswell’s voice snapped over the line.

“Colonel Vargas, please repeat your last transmission.”

Aléjandro spoke again, and Price could hear the thread of stress and horror in his voice.

“Repeat: This facility appears designed for the breaking and keeping of alphas.”

Price spoke up. “Any records you or your men have been able to locate?”

“Negative, Captain. We are continuing to search now that we have rounded up all the staff. I’ll advise should we find anything.”

~~~

Ghost didn’t know what was going on, but he’d been pulled from the bays without restraint. And outside of the expected schedule of activity. His schedule had stayed consistent for the majority of his time at the stable. His visits here always were. The structure of the “punishments” was a decent break from the monotony of his apartment.

He knew when to get up, when to expect his handlers with his daily dose, training occurred on the same days for the same lengths of time, meals were consistent, healthy and well balanced but lacking in flavor or variety. “Rec time” was sprinkled throughout the day, but that took place in their individual rooms, and for Ghost meant time spent with his face uncovered.

Aside from the select few of Roba’s highest tier of buyers, no one knew that Roba had bought and kept an “English” for his own pleasure. For Roba, Ghost’s Britishness was part of the draw. A way to get revenge through a proxy, a way to reclaim something another alpha had once taken from him.

Fortunately for Ghost, he sounded and looked enough like the man Roba hated to keep him alive. Unfortunately for Ghost, he looked and sounded enough like the man for Roba to make sure most of his time was spent wishing he hadn’t.

He’d gotten better at hiding his fear and loathing and hatred, but it still bubbled under his skin. When the handlers cut it too close with his next dose and the withdrawal hit, when some of the buyers took things from him that weren’t on offer, when he fought in death matches.

Some days Ghost thought the mask might have been the only thing to keep him sane, providing an additional layer of separation. It had been long enough that he didn’t remember who he’d been before. Only who he was now. And he was Roba’s alpha who wpuld serve at the Omega’s pleasure until he was killed in a cage match or killed himself to get away.

As Ghost made his way out of his room at the gestures of the armed men, Ghost wondered for a moment what was happening. The men directing him were not familiar faces, and as one of Roba’s oldest surviving assets, Ghost knew all of the guards. It was a plush position, being put into service maintaining the alphas.

For the most part, they were broken to the whims of their owner, and outside of Rut, knew escape was unlikely but punishment for the attempt was a sure thing most tried to avoid. Those who couldn’t bend the knee? Well, Ghost had seen a few of them come and go. Mostly they ended up out back feeding the roses.

After the first three months of his time here, Ghost had stopped trying to escape. The soles of his feet still bore the scars of the whipping he’d taken the first time he’d attempted to run, and his wrists and ankles had only recently been freed from the shackles that had been welded in place upon his return.

The bands of scar tissue on his arms and legs were older and silver pink. A glaring reminder for him and those who were trapped here with him of what happened to runners if they were stupid enough to get caught.

So Ghost watched as the men gathered the alphas into the mess, matching faces to pictures, asking questions in rapid Spanish, moving individuals in and out of the room. Some of the other alphas handled themselves calmly, some cried at what they were being told. A few got aggressive, posturing and growling at the soldiers that tried to get closer to them.

Ghost stood, hands carefully kept by his side, eager to not lose the freedom of unrestrained hands. He was approached by a soldier who asked his name. Ghost only shook his head. He didn't have a name anymore. He was a ghost. Ghosts didn’t need names.

The soldier tried again, this time in English.

“What’s your name? Do you have an Omega?”

Ghost shook his head at the man’s question.

“Don’t have a name anymore. And my Omega is the same as everyone else’s.”

As he spoke, he watched the man’s eyebrows fly up. The soldier reached for his radio and spoke in Spanish too rapid for Ghost to catch. He heard the word Ingla-something and the word muerte. The first sounded like it might have been England. The second word he knew. Death.

His muscles tensed as he watched the soldier, waiting for an opening. If these men were here, then none of Robas men could stop him. If there had ever been a better chance to use the chaos to escape, it was now. His freedom probably wouldn't last long, but he wanted the chance to die a free man.

Finally, the soldier turned away from him and Ghost took his chance. He darted back towards the hall where their rooms were, ducking around soldiers and snarling alphas, going for the room at the far end.

Most people that looked inside saw only a linen closet with some cleaning supplies tucked away for ‘issues’ that might arise in the cells. Ghost knew, thanks to a couple guards who weren’t as subtle as they thought, that there was an exit hidden in the closet, rigged to look like a pegboard. What Ghost didn’t know was where it went. But anywhere was better than standing by, docile, waiting for a bullet to the brain.

~~~2

💀

Ghost was running. His feet slipped over cobblestones, rough ground poking his soft soles. He’d been running for hours, hiding from patrols and civilians, working his way to the outskirts of town. He’d had a few close calls with the men hunting him, but he’d managed to avoid them, until that last brush when he’d gotten a little too close and one of them had fired at him.

He’d been hit, the bright flare of pain like a punch. It wasn’t until he was already running again that the pain had registered and now it throbbed violently with each footfall. He could feel the injury tugging at him with each drop of blood. He’d stolen a sheet as he darted down an alley and torn it, wrapping the pieces around his middle to keep from leaving more of a trail.

The blood loss was catching up with him and he was struggling to remember exactly why he was running anymore. At this point, dying might be a relief. At least it would be over. As he slumped against the bricks to try and catch his breath, his brain screamed at him to keep moving. Dragging in a hitching breath, he forced himself to move forward, step after step until he was running again, the beat of his heart in time with the pain in his side.

🧼

“Price, I’m on my way. I don’t know where I'm going, the lighting out here isnae the best and you know I dinna read Spanish.”

Soap felt a little flustered. He’d only just gotten back from leave 12 hours before 141 went wheels up, and he’d gotten sick when they landed in Veracruz. He’d told the rest of the team to go to the hotel, and he’d catch up with them. They’d agreed begrudgingly and only after Alex had spoken up about his plan to stay with him. Gaz had smirked a bit at that, and Soap hadn’t fought it, trying desperately to keep his insides inside him. He’d only been moderately successful.

💀

Ghost ran. Everything hurt and he was so tired. He could feel the blood cooling as the air passed over it. He was bleeding out. He knew it, but he didn’t want to go back. He wouldn't go back. He’d run himself to death if it meant he never had to feel those hands on him again. His vision was tunneling and he knew his time was running out.

He could see the alley ahead and through it, trees and bushes. If he could make it to the woods, he could find a place to stop, to try and patch himself up a little more. Maybe he’d wake up. Maybe he wouldn’t. But no matter what, he wasn’t going back. He just had to make it to the end of the alley. He was almost safe.

🧼

Nearly an hour behind the rest of the team, Soap was on the phone with Price, arguing about whether or not he was lost (he was, he just wasn’t ready to admit it). Finally giving in, Soap handed the phone to Alex who started rattling off the street signs as they passed them.

Price must have been feeding him directions, and Soap made the turns as Alex gestured to them. Soap was busy enough trying to read them and drive that he completely missed the dark shape that darted out of the alley and right in front of their car.

💀

Ghost was close enough to see individual leaves on the trees ahead of him. Once he crossed this last street, he’d be in the woods and he’d be swallowed up. He just needed to make it across the street. He was so focused on his goal, so close to freedom he could taste it.

The headlights of the car coming at him never even registered. He felt the pressure of impact, felt his legs give way, felt something shatter in his chest, tasted blood, saw the ground rush up to meet his face. Then nothing.

🧼

Alex shouted when the car made contact with… something. A person? A really big dog? Something. Soap slammed on the breaks and flung himself out of the car, hurrying to the crumpled mass in the road. It was a man. He’d hit a person. And the man was hurt badly. Soap rolled the man onto his back to check his injuries.

Looked like a broken leg, some broken ribs, lots of abrasions and bruising, old healed burn scars wrapped around both forearms in a four inch swath, and what looked like a clean gunshot through his left flank. He’d wrapped it in torn fabric, but the cotton was saturated and sagging away from the injury.

He was wearing a piece of cloth tied around his face like an old school robber. Soap carefully pulled the cloth down to check the man’s breathing. It was ragged and wet sounding, and the blood that leaked from the man’s cracked lips spelled nothing good. This man looked like he’d been to the wars.

“Alex, come help me, we gotta get him to the hospital.”

“Get away from him! That’s an alpha.”

“Haud yer wheesht. He’s still a person. And he’s hurt. Come help me get him in the car.”

“There’s no hospital anywhere near here. We’d have to get back to the city for that. Price says the closest clinic is about 20 minutes away.”

“f*ck! He won’t survive the trip and he’s gonna need more than a clinic.” Soap tugged at his mohawk, unintentionally smearing blood over his temple as he did. Alex hesitated, chewing on his lip as he debated with himself. After a few seconds, he opened his mouth to speak.

“What about biting him? I know you’ve said you’d only bite someone who agrees, but this guy will never even get the chance. If he’s not ok with it, you can always sever it after, right? Y’all’d feel like crap for a few days, but he’d be alive to feel like crap.”

John thought quickly. He had bitten alphas in emergencies before. He didn’t like doing it, but he’d always had permission before. Biting without consent was tantamount to rape in John’s mind. It stripped someone of their autonomy. It wasn’t illegal, was even preferred in some social circles, but alphas that were force bonded had a hard time finding a place to accept them. Only wild alphas rejected a bond and if it was known that you had to be coerced into accepting one, it made people more prone to assume the alpha was out of control and might need to be put down. He knew it was bullsh*t, knew alphas should have just as much rihjt to deny a bond as anyone else, and attitudes were slowly changing, but it was a slow process, and h

Johnny watched as the blood in the man’s mouth spilled over his lax lips, a rivulet of red snaking its way down his face and spilling off the line of his jaw. As much as John hated it, Alé x was right. If he didn’t do this, the man was dead. John did his best to move the man into his lap, cradling him across his legs and tucking his head onto John’s shoulder. Leaning in close, John lowered his voice.

“The moon has brought us together. I will be your calm, you will be my strength, and together we will be whole.”

John knew the words were old fashioned, but he liked them and they helped him remember that it was an honor to take someone to mate, even if it was only temporary.

John felt something settle in his core, nosing at the man’s jaw to tilt his head back, feeling for the gland tucked an inch or so to the side of his Adam's apple. It was a little soft from blood loss, but John could feel his fangs sharpen in anticipation. This would work, the bond would allow him to share strength until they could reach a doctor. The man would survive, John would apologize. This had to work.

~~~3

John pressed his teeth against the gland gently, just enough to break skin and set up a shallow bond. He felt the bond stir to life at the back of his mind and seconds later he felt his side and leg flare up with the shared agony of the man’s pain. It was intense and John’s stomach rolled. His vision wavered, and he gagged at the overwhelming pain. If this was only a shadow of what this man was feeling, it was a miracle he wasn’t already dead.
~~~
Ghost was dead. He existed in a place where there was no light, but it wasn’t pitch black. There was no weight, nothing hurt, and he wasn’t tired. It wasn’t the fiery hell his father had promised him, and it wasn't the clouds and angels his mom believed in, but it was quiet, and nothing hurt, and he was alone. It was more than he had expected. For a while, he rested, basking in the absence of hurt. Slowly, he became aware that he could hear something. It sounded like men’s voices and he wanted to tense. But nothing happened and he realized he didn’t have a physical body to tense.

So he waited. And again he heard a voice. It was a nice voice, deep and warm, an accent that felt vaguely familiar, or at least close to something familiar. And the words, holy hell, the words.

“The moon has brought us together. I will be your calm, you will be my strength, together we will be whole.”

He’d wanted to hear the words since he was a little boy. HIs mother said they saved her life, kept her from losing herself to the wildness. And he wanted that, wanted to not feel wild, wanted to not feel like he was 30 seconds from splitting out of his skin all the time. And now he got them, and he was dead. But maybe not as dead as he’d been before.

His senses returned like a limb waking up. First was taste, the heavy metal of blood coating his tongue. Then smell, leather, stale air, car exhaust, faded cologne. Touch was next and Ghost wished that one had taken a few more minutes as the pain in his body snapped at his nerves. After a tense few moments, he was able to force his eyes open just in time to see the man who’d bitten him. He was broad and dark and looked tired. And he was gagging. Gagging because he’d bitten Ghost, and it wasn’t really what he’d wanted? Ghost didn’t know and everything hurt and he was pretty sure he was still dying. But weirdly enough the thing that hurt the worst was that he made his Omega gag at the taste of him. Ghost let himself fall back into the black.
~~~
Alex and John had carefully loaded the man into the backseat of the car and John was now sitting in the backseat, stroking his fingers through the man’s sweaty blond hair as he watched his face, hoping to see bruises and scrapes fade, willing the healing to work faster, sharing more of his own strength with the man. His breathing already sounded better, still ragged, but no longer wet. He checked the bandage on the man’s side. The red wasn’t spreading as fast.

His own body felt less like someone had replaced his ribcage with broken glass and his leg was finally moving from pins and needles toward just sore. The ache across his hip was already gone. Something was working. It was something bonded pairs could do, sharing healing. And the more compatible the bond, the greater the benefits for both partners. John continued to send his thoughts to the heavens. He needed this man to live. He didn’t know why exactly, but he did.

John had bonded with a handful of people during his time in service, Alex being one of them when he lost his leg to an explosion. They had weathered the bond until Alex was stable and then gently let it fade. It had been an emotional process for both of them. He still felt some kind of connection to the alpha, but since Alex and Farah had bonded, it was just the gentlest brush of awareness.

He didn’t regret any of the bonds he’d formed to save his fellow soldiers, and he didn’t regret bonding the stranger laying in his lap, but he wanted to have a bond for himself, one he didn’t have to brace himself to lose. A true bond. He wanted someone who wanted him back. Not someone who needed him in a moment of crisis. He wasn't sure why, but he had a feeling that breaking this bond was going to hurt. A lot.
~~~
Ghost woke slightly when they pulled up to the clinic. When he realized where they were, he panicked, thinking they were taking him back. He thrashed and jerked, adrenaline driving the pain back as he twisted to grab the door handle and let himself out to run. The man underneath him was reaching for him holding his hand out in a way that should have meant something, but Ghost saw a hand approaching and growled, low and deep in his throat, a rattling threat that made the other man freeze. Ghost took advantage of his shock and pulled the door open, forgetting for a second about his leg. He made it three steps before it crumpled on him and he sprawled across the asphalt, scraping his chin and hands as he tried to catch himself and mostly failed.

He was spent, the last of the adrenaline leaving him in a wave that had him shaking. He watched with resigned eyes as the man approached him slowly before kneeling beside him. He braced for touch, closing his eyes in anticipation of more pain. He felt nothing. Cracking one eye, he looked at the man beside him. He looked calm, open faced and serious, but not mean. He was younger than Ghost had originally thought, small laugh lines marking him as the kind of guy that liked a good joke, bright blue eyes that were presently shadowed with worry, and a mohawk.

He waited, wary, for the man to speak.

“I dinna know if you know where you are, but my friend and I brought you to the clinic. They can make sure you're stable and call for an ambulance to take you to the hospital. You were right done in, and you don’t have any papers on ya. We’ll pick up the bill since it was my fault you were hurt. Also, I bit you to keep you alive, so you’ll probably want to let them know so they can test you for bond sickness. Unless you want me to stay with you until it dissolves?”

Ghost blinked at him and the man took it as a sign to continue speaking.

“I’m sorry I didn’t ask you first. I wanted to but you were hurt so badly that there was no time to try and wake you up. I-” The man seemed to run out of words, letting the last thought die unvoiced.

Ghost took a minute to detangle the string of syllables and attempted to process. Shakily he raised a hand to his neck, feeling the tender punctures that were in the process of silvering on his skin. Ghost felt his eyes burn, but was helpless to stop it as a tear spilled over the corner of his eye to run ticklishly across his nose before plopping to the asphalt.

“Didn’t want me to die?”

The man nodded at him seriously. “Aye.”
“Actually, I think I was dead.” Ghost said, staring at the pavement. “I was dead and you brought me back. I died, and my old bond broke, and you bit me and dragged me back.”

Ghost looked up and locked eyes with the man, speaking flatly. “But if you want me to stay alive, I *cannot* go into that clinic. And I need something to cover my face. Now.”

The man looked gobsmacked at Ghost’s outburst. “Please, if you would. I’d be grateful.”

The man nodded.

~~~4

John sat for a minute, stunned at the man’s outburst and the polite conclusion. He didn’t know what to do with knowing the man had just suffered through a broken bond only to have a new one immediately layered over the open wound. So he focused on what he could do.

“Can I help you back to the car? Also, my name is John.”

“Ghost. Whatever gets me out of sight.”

John helped Ghost stand and together they made their way back to the car where Alé x stood, leaned against the driver side door.

“I gather we aren’t staying, then?”

John shook his head as he helped Ghost maneuver himself into the backseat. After making sure Ghost was comfortable, or as comfortable as possible, John hurried to the rear of the car, pulling out his bag and digging through the gear until he found one of the thin black balaclavas they all carried as part of their kit. Closing the trunk, John slid into the backseat and handed off the mask.

Turning to Alex, John asked “What’s the plan?”

Alex maneuvered the vehicle back onto the street as he filled John in.

“Talked to Price while y’all were communing with the pavement or whatever. He wants us to meet them at the airfield. Apparently whatever we were here for is in the wind. Laswell recalled us. She doesn’t think we’ll have any luck here.”

John nodded, a little peeved at the wasted trip, but not upset about the possibility of getting back to base.

He turned to look at Ghost

“Any objection to heading to England? You’ll get a pass since we’re bonded right now.”

“You don’t have to do that. Just drop me off at the edge of town. I know you aren't happy about being bonded to me.”

“What do you mean?”

“You gagged when you bonded me.”

“You were awake for that?”

Ghost nodded his head, watching Soap closely, trying to read his face.

“You were in so much pain. It’s a bloody miracle the bond worked as well as it did. But any Omega would have done the same. You think I could have let you die?”

Ghost shook his head, looking at John as if he didn’t know quite how to answer the question. He knew for a fact that there were at least a few Omegas that would not only let him die, they’d actively help him get there. Ghost hated not knowing what his alpha wanted, or how he needed to answer to keep himself safe. Letting the subject drop, he pushed the barest hint of humor into his voice in an attempt to divert attention from the fact that he hadn't answered the question.

“You don’t sound English.”

“Och, awa’ an bile yer heid, am no Sassenach, ya numpty.”

John watched as the mask Ghost had pulled on shifted over his mouth, the shape of his smile visible through the thin fabric. f*cked. Soap was f*cked.

“That’s definitely not English. Speak English, Johnny.” Ghost spoke in a yawn.

John felt his heart squeeze. “Get some kip ya gowk man.”

“English.”

“Go to sleep, you dummy. Better?”

“Better.”
~~~
His body was at its limit, all adrenaline spent, and he could feel the strain of the accelerated healing catching up to him. He didn’t really understand the mechanics of a bond and how it helped share energy, but he understood that the only thing that moved through it was energy, and the calories and fluids needed for healing weren’t included in the exchange.

When his keepers were feeling especially sad*stic, they’d claim that Ghost had gotten uppity and beaten him before locking him in his room, confident his bond would keep him alive and completely uncaring about how much the healing would take out of him. He was pretty sure some of them saw the pain as a reinforcement of the punishment.

He didn’t want to ask, but he’d have to swallow his pride and get some food soon. He could feel his body flag as the healing continued to pull on reserves he didn’t have. The only time he didn’t have to worry about it was the week before a fight, or if an especially important patron of Roba’s wanted Ghost’s company. He’d gotten enough of a reprieve lately as Roba consolidated power that he’d forgotten how much bond supported healing sucked. Closing his eyes, he listened to his Omega and tumbled into unconsciousness.
~~~
Soap was worried. Ghost had fallen asleep moments after they left the clinic and had barely stirred as they made their way over badly paved roads toward the airfield. He’d looked terrible before, bloody and pale, but now he looked like a corpse. His skin was clammy, his color was off, and he looked like he was shaking. Not bothering to try not to wake the other man, John put a hand on his forehead and checked for fever. Ghost was burning up. John spoke to Alex,

“How much longer until we hit the airport?”

“Five more minutes, why?”

“Ghost’s not doing well. He’s got a hell of a fever. Do we have a medic attached or are we going to make the best of it with our medical training?”

“It’s probably the accelerated healing burning through calories.”

“Alex, he’s hot. Like literally hot to the touch. It wasn’t like this with you.”

“I don’t know, man. Price seconded a medic to our team when he got the call from Alejandro. I guess there was some concern about the condition of the target. If he’s still that hot when we get to the airfield, we’ll have him take over.”

“Thank the moon for that. I’m no good for much past keeping the blood in.”

John sat tense next to Ghost for the remainder of the ride, watching the rise and fall of Ghost’s chest in the near dark of the car. He wasn’t a devout man, had spent too much time in the muck of humanity, but he sent up a sincere plea to the heavens. He needed this man to live in a way that felt brand new. If asked why he felt so strongly, he wouldn’t have been able to provide a reason. But he felt it, and in his line of work, gut instinct meant something.
~~~
Ghost snapped awake when the car came to a stop. He felt like he had the flu, dizzy and nauseated. His body ached in a deeply unsettling way, like all his bones were trying to pull away from each other. His head pounded, sparking flashes in his vision. He didn’t remember what he’d been doing earlier, and the strange man sat to his side only looked worried.

“Ghost, do you feel alright? You slept like a dead thing.”

“No; feel like sh*t. I need to eat, and soon. I’m tapped out and with the bond forcing my healing, I’ve got nothing left.”

Ghost watched the man’s face crease in a frown and wanted to reach out to smooth the wrinkles on his forehead. He didn’t know where the impulse had come from, and grabbed his own wrist to keep his hands to himself. What was happening to him? He didn’t touch strangers if he could help it. His brain felt like it was running at half speed, but as the man across from him met his eyes, Ghost finally recognized him fully. John. The man who’d picked him up. The one who had been trying to help him.

“We’re at the airfield. Can you walk? We’ll get you on the plane and I’ll find you something to eat. It won’t be fancy, but it’ll be high calorie at least.”

Ghost cringed internally at the idea of having to move himself. But he’d do it if it meant more distance from where he’d been. Ghost grunted an affirmation. John stretched a hand to him and Ghost found himself taking it, enjoying the cool of John’s skin on his. He took his time, slipping out of the car, bracing himself against the doorframe as he adjusted to being on his feet again.
~~~
John watched as Ghost braced himself on the car door. Of course he’d gotten worse. Somehow, the intense calorie demand of healing had slipped his mind while trying to get Ghost stable. He’d also never had a bond that worked as quickly as this one seemed to. Ghost was healing at a substantial rate. Watching his gait as they moved toward the plane, it appeared to John that Ghost’s leg was already mostly healed if not completely back to 100%.

The blood on his side felt mostly dried, and John took it to mean that no new blood was being pushed out to keep the site damp. But he did look thinner now that John knew to be looking. The shirt he was wearing had been tight on him when they first came across one another but now hung loose across his chest and belly, and the hollows under his eyes were deep enough to look like bruises against his fair skin.

As they got closer, they were spotted by the team and John felt Ghost stiffen at his side, a deep grumble building in his throat as they approached. John shifted closer to Ghost, wrapping the arm around his waist a little tighter.

“That’s the rest of my team. Farah, Gaz, and the man with his back to us is my Captain. He’s most likely talking to our contacts in country.”

John gave himself a mental slap. He was giving too much to a man he’d just met. Ghost could be anyone. He needed to remember that and stop falling into the feeling that he’d know him for his whole life.
~~~
Ghost could feel his hackles raise, the tiny muscles just under his skin drawing tight. He listened as John spoke, listened to the names rattled off. Understood logically that these people weren’t his new captors, were likely completely unaware of who he had been. But the instinct to snap and snarl, to keep everyone away was harder to suppress when he felt himself pulled in so many directions.

He was hurting, he was exhausted, he had a target on his back and his new Omega under his arm. The only thing keeping him from snapping completely was the feel of John’s warm arm wrapped around his back and the fact that only one of the people in the group was an alpha. Hopefully, they’d understand how he was feeling, and would give him space.

One of the Betas in the group approached slowly, hands turned palms out toward John and Ghost as they approached.

“Soap, I see you picked up a friend. We’ve got first aid and food on the plane. If you’re ready, we can get loaded up and in the air. Once we’re in flight, Ramirez can look him over.”

“Ramirez?”

“Yeah, the medic?”

“Ah.”

“No.”

Ghost spoke clearly, not angry or threatening, but Gaz raised his hands again.

“Mate, you need help.”

“Johnny can help me. No doctors.” Ghost glared at Gaz, feelings clear in his dark eyes.

“Gaz, maybe we just do that for now, eh? Get some food in him and maybe have the medic wait a bit. We’ve got what, 12 hours in the air?”

“Yeah, about that.”

“Alright then. That sounds like a plan. Maybe you all go first and Ghost and I will follow you.”

John turned his face to look back to Ghost and saw him give a short nod at the suggestion. Alex was already trailing Farah up the ramp, and Price frowned and gestured to Gaz, waiting for him to step back towards him before they too turned and walked into the gloom of the plane’s belly.There was a figure at the top of the ramp that Ghost thought must have been the medic. As the rest of Soap’s team disappeared into the plane, Ghost glanced down at John and waited for him to take the lead.

“They call you Soap?”

“Oh, aye. Picked it up in boot camp, haven’t been able to shake it since.”

“What kind of name is Soap?”

John co*cked an eyebrow and stared up at him. “What kind of name is Ghost?”

Shrugging, he gave him the best answer he could. “The only one I have.”

~~~5

Soap led him to a row of seats near the bathroom and away from the others. There was a bright orange jump bag and a pile of MREs waiting for them and Soap gently pushed on Ghost’s shoulders until he sat, settling into the seat next to him after dropping the bag to the floor at their feet. Looking across the aisle, he met Ramirez’ eyes and nodded his thanks. Soap grabbed his own belt and fastened it, nudging Ghost to follow suit before digging through the pile and pulling out the two most disgusting options. Ripping open the outer package, Soap pulled the pouch of chicken ala king and handed it to Ghost along with a fork.

“Eat. Please.”

Realistically, he’d need as many calories as he could feasibly eat, but they’d save the half decent flavors for later. Hopefully hunger and desperation would let him choke them down without tasting them too much. Once they’d taken the edge off, he’d give him the decent ones. With any luck he’d be able to pack in enough calories to let him sleep until they landed at Hereford and could get him in to see medical. Though an IV might not go amiss. Worst case, Soap was confident he could get one started. Assuming Ghost let him.

Soap watched as he ate through the mush without complaint and handed him the next pouch, pork in tomato sauce with rice. Soap shivered at that one. Once on an especially hellish mission, they’d worked their way down to just those or veggie omelets. By the third day of having to choose between overly sweet pork mush or solidified vomlets, he’d been ready to rush the target armed with just a plastic spork just to get the mission over with. Even now, years later, he struggled to eat pork.

The rest of the team were strapping in for flight, and Ghost tensed as Price approached, stopping about five feet from them and standing, posture relaxed and hands by his side.

“Welcome aboard, son. I’m Captain Johnathan Price. I don’t know what happened to you, but you’re safe with us. After you’ve had a chance to eat and rest a bit, I need to borrow your Omega for a minute to discuss what happens when we get back home.” A low growl filled the space between them and Soap leaned over to press into Ghost’s side. Price frowned lightly before continuing. “I suppose you’re welcome to be a part of that conversation if you’d like. Do you remember your name? Or how you ended up in Mexico? Do you know if you have any family?”

Ghost stuffed another spork of food into his mouth and shook his head, speaking through his mouthful. “No, Sir. And It’s just me. My mom is gone, so’s my brother.”

“What about your dad?”

Ghost swallowed the bite down and shook his head again. “Haven’t seen him since the day I turned 16 and joined up, Sir.”

“Do you know how long you were there?”

“What’s the date?”

“23 April, 2021.”

“Then it’s been almost 12 years.” Ghost stuffed another bite of pork in his mouth.

Price sighed and set his hands on his hips. “So possibly a missing person who was never reported. Alright. Well, you’re clearly English, so I suppose we’ll have to wait and see if you’re in the system when we get home.”

The pilot announced that they would begin taxiing soon and Price nodded at the two of them before turning away,

~~~

Soap watched as Ghost swallowed down the third pouch he’d given him. It made his inner Omega sit up and purr, providing sustenance, even if it was just handing over pouches of mush loosely disguised as food. He could feel the purr start to rattle in his chest and thanked the moon that the noise of flight covered it up. Ghost scraped the corners of the packet one last time and set the empty bag down beside the others he’d emptied.

Soap watched his face carefully. He couldn’t see much past the mask Ghost had already flipped his back down over his mouth, but before he did, Soap thought he looked a little less drawn. Hopefully when they got back to Hereford, Ghost would take it off. Wasn’t like the people who’d held him were back in England.

Ghost shifted on the bench and Soap reached out, laying a hand carefully just above his thigh, waiting for permission to touch. Ghost dipped his chin the barest amount and Soap smiled, setting his hand down carefully, holding eye contact, and speaking with an edge of a purr in his voice.

“Good boy.”

Ghost jerked and Soap pulled his hands back, raising them in a gesture of surrender while he tipped his head, baring his neck to the startled alpha. Ghost rumbled low in his throat and leaned in, dragging his nose along the line of his neck. Soap looked across the aisle and saw Farah and Gaz with their hands on their weapons, watching the two of them carefully. He knew Ghost was an unknown alpha, and knew the tendency of people to believe the propaganda. But Soap wasn’t afraid. He wanted Ghost to trust him, and he knew it would take time. He waved them down carefully, and when they subsided at his gesture, he couldn’t help the purr that spilled from his chest at their trust.

Ghost flew back at the sound and fought free of the seatbelt, curling his limbs in and freezing. Soap watched in horror as the massive alpha curled himself into a smaller ball than Soap thought physically possible. Johnny forced a purr, the pitch higher than normal, and tried to calm the startled alpha.

“Ghost?”

Ghost didn’t respond, pulling in a bit tighter. Soap kept up the purr and reached a hand toward him. He froze when someone laid a hand on his shoulder. Farah stood behind him and Soap watched as Alex crouched in front of Ghost and hummed, deep and sonorous, to the other alpha. Farah leaned into Soap’s ear and spoke quietly, just above the hum of the airplane.

“He reminds me of some of the alphas I was imprisoned with in Urzikstan. I was Omega, so I was locked up, but they didn’t dare hurt me. But my brother, the other alphas? They were fair game. They'd take them to be tortured and I would try and soothe them before they were taken.”

Farah fell silent behind Soap and he waited as he watched Alex try to soothe Ghost. Soap felt the gust of air on his skin as she blew out a breath through her nose and spoke.

“Eventually they began to associate my purr with the oncoming pain.”

Soap leaned back against the other Omega. “What can I do?”

“Give him time. And try not to take it personally. He’s going to be torn. He’ll be drawn to you while the bond holds, but you’re going to trigger him. His soul craves you but his body is afraid. My brother was pretty similar after we first got out of prison. Your Ghost is probably the same.”

~~~6

Ghost froze at the sound of Soap’s purr. It reminded him of Roba, and all of the sudden he wasn't on a military plane flying him back to England. He was a captured alpha being trained by his captor.

“You’re a good specimen, I’ll give you that. But in my house, when they are around your betters, alphas kneel. If not, it makes me wonder if they’re… feral.”

Ghost shivered at the implication. Feral was a death sentence for an alpha. Feral meant a black stamp on your file and an execute order. If an Omega ever called in a feral to law enforcement, they were dead hours later. And everyone shrugged and carried on. Can’t have feral alphas sullying society with their behavior.

Roba had been doing this for days, a few hours of visits each day, playing on all of Ghost’s instincts, purring to cloud his mind and make him suggestable. He’d made it through 3 or 4 days, but his vision was swimming and he was exhausted. Submission didn’t come easily to him, but after days of being forced to stand with too little food and water and the sharp vibration of Roba’s purr against his skin, he gave, legs folding and he’d gone down to his knees, swaying as Roba circled him, petting him gently and purring. Always purring.

Ghost felt the faint impression of lips at his nape and a pinch as a needle slipped under his skin.

“Good boy.”

Ghost felt his spine go loose and he slumped forward, nearly prostrate at the man’s feet, the warm glow of making his Omega happy and whatever the Omega had shot into his bloodstream burning in his chest while the terror of feeling so out of control roiled through him.

The deep thrum that rattled in his ribcage made him frown, loosening his limbs from their curl. He could smell sandalwood and basil and dust and something chemical-y. Not a scent he recognized, but one that felt comforting. Not quite safe, but not threatening either.

He blinked his eyes open and saw Alex crouched in front of him, humming something in the deep rumble of an alpha that he hadn’t heard in years. He was lying on his side, and when Alex noticed his open eyes, he finished whatever he was humming, drawing it to a close with a final thrum that rattled through Ghost. Extending a hand to him carefully, Alex helped move him to a seated position.

“Y’OK, there?”

Ghost watched him carefully, and nodded slowly. Looking around, he saw his Omega in the arms of the one Alex followed around like a pup. Good, his Omega should have friends he could turn to.

“I don’t know what happened.”

“You were triggered. Looked like a flashback. But you came back. That’s good. Take your time. No one here is upset with you, and we’ve got plenty of time.”

Alex settled onto his butt and wrapped his arms around his knees as he leaned against Soap’s vacant seat and set to thrumming again, that same vaguely familiar melody hidden in the low sound.

~~~

Farah tugged Soap to Alex’s empty seat and pulled him down.

“Sit with me.”

Soap’s ass hit the netting with a bounce, and Soap fastened his belt. Leaning into his friend, he tucked his head under her chin, contorting his spine to allow him to curl into the much smaller woman at his side. He pressed his nose in behind her ear and breathed deeply, pulling in the smell of over sweetened coffee and almonds and old books. Alex and Farah’s bond was so strong that their scents had begun to blend, hints of Alex bleeding from Farah, and Farah sneaking in to wind her way through Alex’s too. Ghost wouldn’t pick up on it yet, but he hoped he stuck around long enough to be able to. He seemed like he could use a friend. Or several.

“I don’t know what I’m doing Farah.”

“You've been trauma bonded before.”

“I’ve never had a bond like this one.”

“How so?”

“I know how to keep a bond shallow, I just barely broke the skin. But the marks silvered almost immediately, and I can feel him. Deep. And he’s healing. So fast. Too fast, almost. He was hot on the way over.”

“Have you seen under the mask then?” Farah bonked her chin gently against Soap’s forehead and he smiled, pushing against her lightly in thanks for trying to lighten the mood.

“I did, but that’s not what I meant, and you know it. But yes, he’s also very attractive.”

“Be easy, John. You’ll care for him enough to help the bond fade softly, like you did for Alex. I am confident in you. I’m pretty sure your Ghost is one of the alphas Rudy and Alé were trying to identify. He might even have been who we were sent to find.”

~~~

Ghost was half asleep as Alex thrummed beside him. The volume fell, but the pitch was deep enough he could feel it even after he stopped hearing it.

“He’s a good Omega, you know?”

Ghost dropped his head forward to meet Alex’ eyes. “Who?”

“John. He saved my life. I joined him on an op a few years ago, and I got caught under a wall that collapsed. I was f*cked. The rest of my team and the 141 got me out, but I was dying. I figured it would be how I went out and I was resigned to it. But I didn’t want to die. Soap wasn’t ready to let me either. He bit me, just enough to keep me stable until exfil got to us. Lost my leg,” Alex said, tugging up the leg of his cargos to reveal the carbide shaft of his prosthetic, “But I made it back home.”

“They let you stay?”

“Yeah. It’s crazy what they can do in prosthetics now. Losing a limb isn’t an automatic discharge like it used to be. Soap helped me see that. He took care of me until the bond faded away and kept taking care of me while I recovered. Met Farah a few months later, and we bonded at her next heat.”

“How many are there?”

Alex co*cked a brow at Ghost. “How many what? Alphas? At Hereford? Dunno. A few thousand? Maybe.”

“No; Farah. How many alphas does she keep?”

“Um. Just me.”

“It’s just the two of you?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh. Didn’t realize that was an option.”

“Dude. That’s generally how it goes. Harems fell out about eight or nine years ago. Some places even made it illegal without contract.”

“So I don’t have to stay with Johnny?”

“Nah, man. You’re free to go wherever as soon as we figure out who you are. But in the meantime, you could definitely do worse than an Omega like him.”

“Yeah. I know.”

~~~

Alex sat in silence beside Ghost until the pilot announced landing in 10. He stood, passed Soap with a clap on the shoulder and retook his seat by Farah, leaning over her and tucking his nose into her hair. Soap stopped a few feet in front of Ghost.

“May I?”

Ghost nodded firmly, waiting for him to sit and fasten his belt. Once he was settled, Ghost reached out and hovered his hand over Soap’s resting on his thigh. Both men watched as Ghost decided and lowered his hand over Soap’s lacing their fingers together until the wheels of the plane touched down and they taxied down the runway toward Hereford, back on English soil.

~~~

Soap watched as everyone stood once the plane stopped moving. Gathering weapons and gear and stretching tired limbs, everyone began making their way out, Ramirez flinching back a bit when Ghost growled at his approach. He pointed to the orange bag by Soap’s feet and Ghost narrowed his eyes at the man, relenting only after Soap squeezed his hand.

“Thanks for your help, Corporal.”

Ramirez snagged the strap and tugged the bag to himself, nodding his thanks. “Any time, Sergeant.”

Soap waited until he’d turned his back and started down the ramp before he pulled Ghost to his feet, bringing an arm around his waist and setting Ghost’s arm over his shoulder. Ghost dipped his head and pressed his covered face into Soap’s neck, huffing over the warm skin of his throat until Soap shrugged lightly, trying to pull back.

“C’mon. You’ve got an appointment with the doctor.“ Soap took a step and froze when Ghost rumbled.

“Och, you big baby. I’ll stay with you. I'll even go first.”

Pressing with the arm around his middle, Soap pulled Ghost off the plane, fully aware that, for all Ghost seemed to hate the idea of seeing the doctor, he was allowing Soap to move him instead of refusing altogether.

~~~7

When they reached Medical, Ghost followed Soap into one of the bays and stood in the corner, a hulking mass with watchful eyes. The nurse walked in and jerked, not expecting a second patient. And certainly not an unknown alpha. She was one that Soap knew well, and he was able to distract her enough to get back to the reason she was here. They went through his usual post mission checks, cracking jokes and laughing as the nurse worked, keeping a subtle eye on his alpha as he watched her carefully, and was quickly released with a smile and a pat on the back. The nurse started to tidy away her supplies and ducked out of the room to collect the second set.

“Alright there, Ghost?” Ghost nodded jerkily, and Soap tried to get him to meet his eyes, but he kept them stubbornly ducked.

“You’re gonna need to raise the mask when they start documenting the bond. Will that be manageable?”

Ghost snapped a sharp nod but remained pressed into the corner. When the nurse came back with a covered tray, he stiffened further, going practically catatonic when an Omega walked in behind her. Soap froze at the realization that he’d never actually watched someone’s eyes go blank until just now. Ghost was almost visibly shaking and Soap watched him carefully, trying to figure out what had him so afraid. Spotting his Omegatrician, he swore and put his back in front of Ghost, spreading his arms and drawing the doctor’s attention away from his alpha.

Soap blinked hard at that. Ghost wasn’t his alpha. He couldn’t make him stay. No matter how much he wanted him, he had to let the bond fade.

“Hey, Doc. Looking for me?”

“Hey, John. Actually looking for the alpha you brought in. I need to collect a DNA sample so we can run him through Aggie.”

“Oh. I thought they were just gonna do fingerprints.”

“They’ll do that too, but considering how long he’s been gone, it’s possible he never got fingerprinted. But they collect alpha DNA after their first Rut. So as long as he wasn’t taken as a child, he’ll be in the AGMC (alpha genetic material collection). It’s just a cheek swab, so I can do that while the nurse collects his vitals and the blood. Then we’ll get a couple scans and depending on the results, he’ll be released back into your care.” Turning her attention to Ghost, she nodded at his mask. “That will need to come off. Please remove your mask.”

No one moved for long seconds, and Soap tried to break the standoff.

“Well, Ghost, what do you think? Could get out of here a little quicker. Or we could take a short break? I’m sure the Doctor would be willing to go grab a cup of coffee or something.”

Soap watched Ghost consider, eyes darting around the room from faces to exits, to their hands and back to the door. He nodded again and pulled himself out of the corner, taking a seat on the table while John crossed to the door and leaned against the wall, watching Ghost settle on the gurney and listen to the nurses.
~~~
Ghost was considerably less comfortable with the situation than he appeared. He pulled his mask off his face and squeezed it in his hand, clinging to the fabric while he tried to get used to the scrape of eyes over his bare skin. His brain associated a bare face around strangers with shame, and usually pain. He felt surrounded, even if it was just one nurse and the doctor.

The doctor swabbed his cheeks roughly, pinching his chin to hold him still. She wasn’t cruel, but she didn’t see him as a fully realized person either, eyes clinical and assessing. She slipped the swab into a glass vial and sealed it, handing it off to the nurse. She used her hold on his chin to turn his face and bare his neck to her gaze. It made him want to pull away, protect Soap’s claim mark from this strange Omega, snap and bristle at her. He looked to Soap, still leaning on the wall by the door, face relaxed as he watched the room. Soap co*cked an eyebrow at him in question, and a hint of juniper bloomed in the air. Ghost’s answering waft of pear followed soon after, and the doctor wrinkled her nose against the sickly smell. Ghost frowned at the response, and pulled his scent back in, leaving just his normal baseline clay scent.

After that, she poked at his bond scar, making note of other injuries as well, verbalizing to the nurse who entered the information into the database. His scars were recorded, the focused attention and touching making nerves creep under his skin at the prolonged contact. He looked up at Soap and hoped he understood that Ghost was at the edge of his endurance.

Soap frowned back at him before his face cleared, understanding what Ghost was asking for.

“Are we almost done here?”

Dr. Houran glanced over her shoulder at him before turning back to Ghost. She was looking at Ghost, but she was talking to Soap. Ghost wasn’t unfamiliar with the treatment, so he just kept his mouth shut and gathered information. As much as he wanted to tune out and just hide in his mind til it was over, he’d never been in any situation where going in blind was the better option, even if he felt stripped bare and scrubbed raw without his mask.

“Almost. We’ll need to take a series of x-rays and an MRI, But we can schedule those for another day.”

She turned back to study the silver scars surrounding Ghost’s gland with intrigued eyes.

“I've never seen healing like this. You said it was a surface bond?”

Soap wasn’t sure who she was talking to, but he answered anyway. “Aye, the one we were taught in field medicine for emergencies. Why?”

She scrunched her nose at him. “I’d rather not say yet. I might be wrong. Just make sure you’re using birth control if you decide to become intimate.”

Soap felt the flush fill his face as fast as the color fled Ghost’s and he stood from the gurney, pushing the nurse aside firmly and heading for the hallway without saying a word, fumbling the mask back over his head. There were soldiers outside the door, and at the doctor’s call of ‘hey!’ they turned toward Ghost. Soap heard the edge of a growl begin as they stepped between Ghost and the exit and Soap hurried forward, hoping to defuse the situation before anyone got hurt.

He made it as far as Ghost before one of the soldiers pivoted and aimed his weapon at Soap and Ghost snapped, pushed too far by the day’s events. The deep musk of an angry alpha filled the hallway and Ghost grabbed Soap, pulling him behind his back before he turned to the soldier and went full threat display, leaning forward and bringing his shoulders out and forward, broadening his ribcage and letting his growl fill the room with a subaudible sound that was more sensation than sound but was 100% a threat. Soap set a hand between his shoulder blades as he continued to growl.

“Ghost, you’ve got to bring it back in.”

He could hear people moving around behind him and he needed to not be here anymore. He needed to keep his Omega safe. It was what he was meant for. Even the instinctual drive to please his Omega by doing as he was told wasn’t enough to curb his need to protect, but the disappointment in Soap’s voice and the thought that he was already disappointing his new Omega had him pulling away before disappointment turned to retraining. The thought of having to experience Johnny retraining him was too much and he bolted. He shifted and leapt forward, bowling through the two guards as they tried to stop him. They couldn't really risk shooting at him without hitting someone behind him, and he was banking on that.

As he tore around the corner and out of medical, he thought he heard Soap calling after him, the faintest tug drawing him back, but he couldn’t stop running. He could feel his vision tunnel as his other senses picked up the slack focused on achieving his objective. He needed to find somewhere defensible, somewhere safe.

He needed to hide.

~~~8

Soap was snapping a command before he even realized why he’d done it.

“Weapons down! Now!”

He barked the order sharply, putting a push behind it that had the other Omegas and the lone alpha flinching away from the blast of Cordite smell that roiled over everyone one. The soldiers didn’t flinch though and he cursed when he realized they were both Betas. The soldiers were young, and clearly uneasy about the unfamiliar alpha if the visible whites of their eyes were anything to judge by. And while Soap was also young, he was far from unfamiliar with how people thought about alphas.

A large section of society looked at alphas and Omegas as genetic throwbacks, just a weird genetic quirk that hadn’t quite disappeared, like wisdom teeth, or appendixes. The vast majority didn’t understand the biological drives of people born with those needs, and very few were willing to make allowances for it. It made the world a dangerous place for alphas, even the well adjusted ones with a solid support system. For alphas like Ghost, with a history of trauma, and a recent upset in their lives, it meant walking the razor's edge.

He was honestly disappointed in the way Doctor Houran had handled that whole situation. She was a good doctor, and usually a hell of an advocate for her patients, but her treatment of Ghost put his shoulders up and Soap throttled back hard on the desire to hiss at her.

By the time he’d gotten the soldiers sorted and spoken to medical staff asking them to keep Ghost’s exit quiet and give Soap a chance to find his missing alpha, Ghost was gone, and Soap set out to look for him, following the faint scent of slightly overripe pears and clay that Ghost had been throwing off since making a break for the doors of medical. The trail faded as he hit the exit doors for medical and he lost him completely at the far edge of the parking lot.

He stood, hands on his hips and considered his options. The barracks were to his left, and probably empty right now. It was nearly dinner time, and Soap could hear the crowd noise at the mess from here. Given how nervous he’d been around just the nurse and the doctor, he doubted Ghost would have sought out a more crowded place. He’d be looking for comfort. Or safety. And so far, he hadn’t gotten much of either.

~~~

⛽: Thought you were still in Medical.

🧼: I was. But Ghost ran. Now I’m looking for him.

⛽: Want some help?

~~~
Soap waited by the barracks for Gaz to join him. He had started a list of places to look, and he wanted to make sure they were searching everywhere without alerting Security that an unknown, unvetted alpha had been in the wind for a while now. His chest hurt with anxiety, and he rubbed his sternum as he glanced down at his phone.

⛽: almost to you, mate.

🧼: See you soon.

Soap typed out a few more places he might want to look for Ghost, only looking up at the sound of footsteps. Farah, Alex, Gaz, and Price. They were all walking toward him.

“What are you all doing here?”

“Gaz said your alpha spooked and ran. We want to help,” Farah said, stepping forward and hugging Soap gently.

“Yeah, man. He liked me well enough on the plane. Though he might appreciate another alpha’s perspective of Hereford. I had planned to swing by his room and invite him to dinner with me. But Farah got Gaz’ call first. So here we are.”

Gaz stepped up beside Soap and squeezed his shoulder gently. “Price and I just didn’t have anything better to do.”

Price scoffed and grabbed for the shoulder straps of his missing tac vest. “Says you, Kyle. Some of us just want to cut down on the amount of paperwork that’ll need to be completed tomorrow.” Price locked eyes with Soap and nodded at him. “You’ll be helping with that tomorrow, eh, Sergeant?”

Soap nodded, maintaining eye contact. “Yes, Sir.”

“So tell me Sergeant, where’s your alpha?”

Soap looked down at his phone with a pout.

“That’s a good question, Sir.”

They divided the base in quadrants and Price and Gaz stayed together, hampered by their Beta noses. Soap let Farah go off on her own, hoping her experiences with her brother and others like him would keep her from putting herself in a position to be hurt. Ghost was a big bastard, and he was spooked. If he attacked her, he’d be labeled feral for sure. Assuming Alex didn’t snap at the attack to his mate. Shuddering, Soap turned away and started checking the buildings in his section of the base.

The group kept in contact through the comms they’d yet to return to the armory, and as each building was cleared, the ache in Soap’s chest deepened. At the furthest point of his search near the elementary school, the ache got bad enough he thought he might have been having a heart attack. When the realization of what was actually causing the pain clicked, he smacked himself in the forehead, straightening up and closing his eyes, letting the tug of the bond pull him along.

He made it back to the barracks, and to the end of the building that the 141 had been assigned, and walked toward his room, frowning at the door to his suite. It had been locked before they left for Mexico, but now it stood ajar, the handle crooked where one of the screws had been wrenched out. Sniffing the air silently, he caught the barest edge of musk, and a hint of pear. Ghost.

Pushing the door open with the toe of his boot, Soap leaned in and glanced around the room. He didn’t see Ghost anywhere, and his shoulders slumped. Fishing his phone out of his pocket, he texted the rest of the group.

🧼: Any luck?

💰 ⛽: Not around motor pool or the PX.

🦿: He didn’t double back to the hospital and Guards say no one has come through the gates near the airfield.

🪶: Does he always scent like spoiled pears?

🧼: Did you find him?!

🪶: He was here. I can catch hints of him. But he’s been and gone.

Soap blew out a breath and growled, deep in his chest. It wasn’t a typical Omegan noise, but Soap didn’t really give a sh*t about being proper right now. Spinning on his heel, he approached his desk and pulled the chair back, frowning when the leg caught on something. It was a pullover he’d worn earlier in the week. He frowned at it and bent to pick it up, wadding it and throwing it toward his laundry basket.

His suspiciously empty laundry basket. That had been full before he left, unwashed after a week of heat leave.

Scanning the room, his eyes returned to the bed where he’d found the first piece. It was dark in the space and Soap couldn’t see far, fumbling the flashlight on his phone on and kneeling down, shoulder pressed to the tile while he scanned the space. He didn’t see anything but a pile of his own dirty clothes and he grimaced. His Dam would have thrown a fit if he’d seen the mess, and Soap reached under to grab the clothes, freezing when a low growl filled the space.

He tugged harder at the wad of fabric and yelped when Ghost pulled it back. The tug was enough to wedge his shoulders under the bed awkwardly and Soap marveled at the fact that Ghost fit at all. Soap trilled gently, carefully at his alpha and the growling died off, fabric shifting as Ghost’s eyes swam into view in the beam of the phone’s light.

“Hi, Ghostie.”

~~~9

“Johnny?”

Soap trilled again, twisting his shoulders free and stretching out on his belly. “What are you doing here?”

Ghost’s shoulders hunched and Soap chirped at him to get his attention. He didn’t expect the confused face at the sound, most alphas brightening at the happy noise from any Omega nearby. Chirping again, he waited for Ghost to meet his eyes before speaking.

“I’m not mad. Just need to make sure you’re ok. Can you come out?”

Ghost’s eyes dulled and he scooted back to press into the wall, dragging the laundry with him.

“Alright, no coming out. Hold tight, Ghostie. I’ll be right back.” Soap squirmed his way out from under the bed, hissing quietly when one of the metal pieces scraped his back as he retreated. Ghost chuffed questioningly and Soap chirped back, texting the group to let them know he’d found him and requesting a few things.

Setting his phone aside, he flipped on his desk lamp and set it on the floor next to the bed before he quickly grabbed some more comfortable clothing and kicked off his boots, heading to the jack and jill bathroom attached to his room. He left the door open and changed quickly, taking the worn t-shirt back out with him but dropping the jeans in the recently emptied laundry basket. Dropping to his knees beside the bed, he leaned forward and scooted head and shoulders carefully under the bed again, stretching his arm out with the t-shirt in hand. Ghost watched him warily and Soap trilled at him, waiting for him to decide if he wanted it or not.

Behind him, a knock on the door sounded and Ghost growled, eyes scanning behind Soap. Turning his face, Soap called for the person to enter and watched over his shoulder as a pair of desert tan boots approached. Ghost continued to rumble, watching the interloper carefully as Soap spoke.

“Hey, Alex.”

Alex squatted, a few feet away from Soap and set a canvas bag on the floor. Meeting Ghost’s eyes, he asked,

“Can I come closer? I won’t touch him. I promise.”

Ghost’s rumbling cut off at that, surprised to have been asked. He nodded carefully, waiting for the reprimand. Alex pushed the bag toward Soap but kept his word, never coming close to touching. After delivering the bag, Alex scooted back again and clumsily made his way to his feet, hopping in place while he adjusted his prosthetic. Ghost felt a twinge of shame for making him do that after remembering his leg, but Alex seemed unfazed, offering a quick wave as he backed toward the door, opening it and dragging the faintest whiff of sunshine and dust into the room. Farah.

The door clicked closed and Ghost watched as Johnny turned back to him, elbows out and fingers laced together under his chin.

“Hungry?”

Ghost nodded again and Soap looked to the side, pulling the bag to himself and tipping it over, bottled water, a few more MREs in decent flavors, a string of battery operated fairy lights, a small fleece blanket, and a couple candy bars tumbled out. Soap pushed two of the MREs toward Ghost.

“Pick one.”

“Omegas first.” He watched Johnny’s eyes brighten as he spoke for the first time in a while, and Ghost let the warmth of his smile settle in his chest.

“I’d like you to choose for me, please. And there are no wrong answers here. I like both.”

Ghost started to push them both toward his Omega and Soap stopped him with a gentle palm on his forearm.

“I can’t eat both by myself. I need you to help me.”

Ghost nodded and studied the pouches carefully as Soap pulled himself out from under the bed and slid back under on his back, fiddling around the edges while Ghost deliberated. Finally, he decided to take the masala lentils and scooted the pouch of chili and macaroni in Soap’s direction.

Soap grinned at him and set the box in his hand down.

“Thanks! This is my favorite.”

Ghost watched as Soap tore the pouch open and stuck the utensil into the packet, working his way through a few bites before he set it aside. Cracking a bottle of water, he took a sip and offered it to Ghost. Ghost accepted the partially drunk bottle and took a sip as well, the faintest hint of tomato and chili on the rim not bothering him at all.

“Dunno if you’re wanting to stay for the night, or just need a few minutes, but if you’re wanting to stay down here, I figured some lighting might not go amiss.” Soap reached for the small plastic box and flicked a switch and the edge of the bed frame lit up, a soft glow filling the space. Ghost relaxed at the warmth the lights provided and pulled a bit more toward Soap, keeping the dirty clothes tucked around his body.

“Alex and Farah sent a blanket as well. If you’re cold. You don’t need my old clothes.”

“I like your clothes. Don’t take them.”

“I won’t.”

Soap poked at his food and took another small bite before looking up again.

“Can you tell me why you ran?”

“Wasn’t safe. And you were upset.”

“Aye, at the doctor and the guards.”

“And me.”

“No Ghost, not you. You did nothing wrong. Do you know how you ended up in my room?”

“Followed the smell.”

“Oh, aye. Would be boggin’. I’ve just com-”

“No, I like it. Smells good. Smells safe.” Ghost blushed under his mask, the barest edge of pink on his cheeks in the soft light of the space.

“Oh.”

Soap couldn’t see his own face, but he felt the heat of a blush on his cheeks as well. It didn’t smell of anything aside from stale heat to him, and the faintest hint of warm earth, but if Ghost was happy, he’d not question it too hard. He did wonder what his own scent was doing, having gone mostly nose blind to it outside of big emotions or during heat.

With everything he was learning about his temporary mate, Soap was more and more sure that when the bond finally faded away, he was going to be a mess. Stuffing a slightly too big bite of chili in his mouth, he watched Ghost finish his dinner. Grabbing for one of the candy bars, he extended it to the man. Ghost’s eyes lit up at the offered treat and Soap felt his chest tighten. Yep. He was absolutely f*cked. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Soap watched Ghost eat the candy bar one small bite at a time, savoring the cheap chocolate and nougat. His eyes grew heavy and he tipped his head to the side, resting it on his arm. He watched Ghost finish the bar, delicately licking his fingertips clean of melted chocolate before he pulled his mask down, dragging the pile of sweats and t-shirts closer and watching Soap watch him. The time between blinks grew longer and longer until the last thing he could remember seeing was the whisky gold of Ghost's eyes.

~~~10

Soap fell asleep on the floor but woke up in his bed, the sound of Price’s alert tone ripping him out of a content sleep. Looking around in confusion, he hung his upper body off the side of the bed and saw Ghost, still asleep under the bed, wrapped in the blanket Alex and Farah had brought last night. He’d refused to give up any of the dirty clothes, but he’d taken the blanket. Soap took the win. Rolling over, Soap swiped his phone off the night stand and winced when he saw the time. Just after 6am. He winced again when he saw the brusk text.

💰: Call me as soon as you get up.

Well sh*t. That probably didn’t herald good news. Soap tapped the phone icon and held it to his ear, waiting for it to connect. When it did, the line stayed silent and Soap pushed himself to a seated position before speaking.

“Hello?”

“We need you to bring Ghost back to medical.”

“Sir.”

“It’s a non-starter, John. Bring him down. ASAP.”

Soap sighed and rolled off the bed, landing on his front and meeting Ghost’s eyes.

“I suppose you heard that?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, then we best be off. Sooner done is sooner begun.”

~~~

Security attempted to take Ghost as soon as they reached Medical and the alpha responded about as well as expected to the attempt. As soon as they forced Ghost out of reach of Soap, he began snapping and growling at the guards, trying to get back to his Omega. Soap could feel himself start to react to the choking musk and rot of Ghost’s distress. He tried to calm Ghost, calm the entire situation, but no one was listening. Price was forced to intervene when Soap began to keen angrily at being so thoroughly ignored.

“Sergeant! Pull yourself together. He’ll be fine.”

Price met the guard’s gazes one by one. He continued speaking to Soap, but he knew Price was actually telling the guards how it was going to go.

“Go with them to get his scans done and then report to the conference room. And Soap,”

Price squeezed his arm harshly and Soap dragged his attention back to his superior officer, the unconscious hiss in his throat dying away.

“Remind our guest how much is on the line if he decides not to cooperate.”

Soap took a deep breath and tried to calm himself, nodded at his commanding officer and turned toward his alpha. He stopped beside Ghost and offered his hand. Ghost laid his forearm under it, and the two led the way to imaging, Soap staying near Ghost as much as he was allowed. Eventually they made their way to the conference room, guards trailing behind. Ghost was directed to a chair on one side, and Soap took the one beside it, letting the guards station themselves around the room.

Soap noticed the large mirror opposite the table and wondered who was planning to be back there. He hoped it was his friends. The light flicked on for a moment and Soap saw Price, Gaz, Alex, and Farah crowded into the observation room. His heart swelled as Farah offered a cheeky wave and flipped the light off, hiding the room from view again.

The conference room door opened again, and the General for the base as well as Dr. Houran and another person Soap thought he recognized as one of the therapists entered. Soap stood at attention with the guards until the General waved them down and started to sit back down.

“You’re dismissed, Sergeant MacTavish.”

Soap looked at Ghost, checking on him. What he could see of his face was mildly reassuring. He didn’t look happy, but he didn’t look like he was close to snapping either.

Nodding, Soap came to attention. “Sir, can I be allowed to remain? I don’t know that the bond-”

“I am aware of the limitations, Sergeant. You can join your team next door. We’ll call you back when you’re needed.”

Soap squeezed Ghost’s shoulder gently in reassurance before he snapped a quick salute and turned, hurrying out of the room and stepping into the room where his team was. Soap watched as the General flipped through his notes and looked up, scanning over the rumpled clothes and balaclava Ghost was wearing. Soap thanked the moon that the man was a Beta, and likely at least partially unaware of the intense smell of Soap bleeding off him from the night before. From Houran’s face, she wasn't unaware and he couldn’t help wondering if that fact was going to bite them in the ass later.

Soap watched through glass and listened when Farah flipped the microphone on as the doctor and psychologist proceeded to question Ghost, poking and digging at the trauma he had endured. Ghost laid out what his life had been like for the last dozen years. He talked of cage matches; fighting to the death at the whims of the rich and powerful. Knowing he had to survive until someone came for him, being sure someone was coming. Catching Roba’s eye early, and becoming his private plaything. Being too stubborn to take the easy way out and die. Being desperate enough to try and feeling the one sided bond yank him back to life. Learning that there was more than one way to die. Being sold off as company for the evening to people being wooed to see things Roba’s way. Soap boggled, swiping for a chair and collapsing heavily into it.

But that wasn’t even the worst of it. On a much more personal and embarrassing level, they discussed his sexual history as well, poking at injuries he’d sustained, any diseases he might have contracted, the things he’d had done to him, things he’d done to others. They asked about his ability to knot, and whether Ghost was able to lock. They wanted to know his plans should he find a future partner he was interested in bonding with permanently. Ghost had reported being caged for the majority of his time with Roba, only allowed to knot when Roba ordered it, or when Roba owed a special favor to someone. He told them he had no intention of looking for another Omega and fell silent.

When their inquiries failed to yield a response, he watched them turn to each other and begin discussing Ghost as though he wasn’t even there. It was invasive and dehumanizing, and Soap felt the sharpness of a hiss build at the back of his throat. None of the people standing in observation were green, and all of them had served in war zones before, been eyewitnesses to atrocity, but if even half of it was Ghost was saying was true, (and what would he benefit by lying, Soap thought) Roba shouldn't be put in prison, he should be executed. As Soap watched Ghost carefully through the glass, he wondered if he could volunteer for that. Farah stepped closer and slid an arm around his waist, laying her head against him as she trilled softly at him.

“Listen to them. They’ve already made up their minds.”

“But he’s still got us. I’m pretty sure none of us would let him be locked away without a fight, and everyone on base knows it. Have faith, John. It will be well.”

~~~11

Ghost was escorted out of the room after they were done speaking to him. He bristled when one of the security officers attempted to touch him, but after a quick glance at the mirror, he allowed them to escort him out of the door and down the hall. Soap stood to follow him, halting when Price pinched his sleeve and pulled him back.

“He needs you here right now.”

Soap shifted his weight, looking toward where Ghost had gone and then back at his Captain.

“Aye, Sir. For now.”

Price nodded and they turned back to the window. The General turned off the speakers in the room and conferred briefly with the doctors before waving the 141 over. The team settled around the table and Soap looked around as he waited for someone to speak. On one of the wall mounted monitors, Kate was seated in front of a beige wall with framed abstracts on it. Her office then. A second monitor showed the interior of a holding room, and Ghost pacing the small space sedately, 8 steps, pivot, eight steps, pivot, around and around the room. Soap was only half paying attention as they provided a rundown of the scan results.

They told a story of brutal, repeated injuries, mostly healed poorly via the bond instead of healed with the assistance of medical treatment, including significant brain injury. Ghost had mentioned some trouble with frequent pain the night before, and the doctors backed that up and more, scans of his body showing poorly healed breaks, malformed joints full of scar tissue and bone fragments from repetitive wear. He was most likely partially blind in his left eye due to repeated injury to his optic nerve, likely as a result of the fighting he’d endured, and the pinna of one ear had been removed (doctors reported that the injury was possibly surgical in nature, but they weren’t sure due to the haphazard healing and thick keloids at the site of the injury.

The most worrisome part though, was that he was currently testing positive for a substance the doctors were largely unfamiliar with. Alex growled low in his throat at the noise, and Soap looked over to see Farah stand on her tiptoes to pull him down, pressing his face to her chest while she spoke quietly into his ear. Ghost was addicted to some co*cktail of drugs that the doctor was only partly able to tease apart. They appeared to impact the bond center of the brain, and theorized that it appeared to work on heightening his production of bonding hormone, keeping the bond strong without the normal interaction that characterized a healthy bond. Soap gagged quietly. Bond strengthening drugs had been around for years, and were usually closely controlled, deployed to maintain bonds when a pair were ill or injured in a way that wasn’t as simple as trauma. For whatever reason, the bond couldn’t solve cancer, or any of the conditions caused by an overactive immune system. It was a problem scientists had been working on for years, but so far, it was more theory than solution. His parents had used them when his sire had been diagnosed with cancer. It had eased the strain of healing that pulled through the bond and had left his Dam able to take care of the children while his alpha was receiving treatment.

For all that Soap had formed the bond to keep Ghost alive, the idea that there was something interfering with the bond’s ability to dissolve on its own made him feel too much like Roba, stripping Ghost of another layer of consent. Given serum concentrations in the last two blood draws they’d collected from Ghost, it appeared the drug was breaking down and would be out of his system in the near future, but their real concern was the fact that he was also addicted to benzodiazepines. They’d probably been mixed in to make him more controllable, more docile. Doctor Houran told them Ghost had said he’d only begun receiving them when he’d begun spending less time in the ring and more time in and out of other people’s beds. If they were going to treat him during the detox, they needed to get Ghost on board, as Doctor Houran warned them that the come down was going to come soon and it was going to be ugly.

Soap focused back on the conversation as the doctor leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers across his stomach.

“He’s a liability.”

The General’s words were curt, but they were said kindly. Soap leaned forward and met his eyes.

“He’s traumatized. All due respect, sir, but you don’t know what he’s been through. And he hasn’t done anything to harm anyone on my team.”

“But that doesn’t take away the liability of having a possibly lethal alpha around so many others. If this oncoming detox is as bad as Doctor Houran expects, he may become more aggressive. I will not put my base at risk for someone who is a danger. Frankly, it might be kinder to let him go.”

Laswell’s pen froze and she looked up, meeting the Doctor’s gaze through the monitor. “What are you saying, Doctor?”

“I’m saying that given the extreme treatment this alpha has been exposed to and the length of time he’s been exposed, it’s a miracle he’s as compliant as he’s been. If Sgt. MacTavish hadn’t bonded him, it’s entirely possible he might have gone completely feral, if he isn’t already. If this drug is keeping him from snapping, we need to have him contained before it wears off.”

The bloom of cordite was enough to make Doctor Houran cough lightly as Soap shot to his feet and leaned across the table at the General.

“Sir! He was a prisoner. This line of discussion is barbaric. You can’t just-”

“I can and I will, Sergeant. And I strongly encourage you to consider your next words carefully. I’m not unfamiliar with your history and a certain conflict at your last posting that nearly cost you your stripes.”

Soap felt the furious blush spill across his cheeks. That hadn’t been his proudest moment. But the man had been a cretin. Soap didn’t regret punching the man and stuffing him in his own trunk, but he didn’t need it thrown in his face either. He straightened up and snapped a textbook salute to the man.

“Permission to go find my alpha, Sir?”

Silence hung in the room for a long second before the General sighed. “Permission granted, Sergeant. You’ll have my decision soon.”

Soap dropped the salute and turned away, slowing only enough to let each of his team mates drag their hand over his wrist as he left the room.

~~~12

Ghost had retreated to under his bed again as soon as they’d gotten back, and if not for the occasional shift of fabric, or the sound of a boot knocking against the wall, he hardly know Ghost was there. Soap tried sketching at his desk to give the man a little space, but when he’d turned and seen Ghost at the edge of the dark space, tawny eyes following his every movement, he’d sighed and collected his pencils and journal, stretching out on the floor where he’d fallen asleep the night before.

They’d existed together in comfortable silence until someone knocked at the door and Ghost drew himself deeper into the darkness, dragging his blanket from Farah and Alex with him. Soap thought he saw the edge of his fleece under the blanket but let it go. If Ghost wanted to hang on to the smelly thing, Soap wasn’t going to fight him on it. It was a little gross, but he’d definitely seen stranger ways to cope. Grunting, Soap pushed himself back to his feet and crossed to the door, unlocking it and pulling it open to see his Captain standing in the doorway. He ushered him into his room and closed the door behind him.

Price looked tired when he settled onto Soap’s desk chair.

“I talked him out of having him locked up. But you two can’t stay on base. He wants the damage contained, and in this circ*mstance, that means elsewhere. The brass doesn’t want an out of control alpha setting off the soldiers.”

Soap felt his hackles rise and knew his scent had sharpened. Taking a deep breath and pulling it back in, he tried to answer his Captain calmly.

“He’s not out of control. He was scared.”

“I’m not arguing with you, Soap, just telling you what they told me. We have an apartment set up in town for you two until the bond fades.”

“Alright. I suppose I’m on stand down then?”

“We all are until we can identify him and get him vetted or we get a hit in Aggie. So far, no record of him. If you’ll pardon the pun, he’s like a bloody ghost.”

“How long do we have?”

“You both need to be off base by noon.”

Soap groaned, and Price stood, walking to the door and letting himself out. Soap sighed and leaned forward, trying to find Ghost’s face in the darkness since he’d declined to turn his lights on.

“Sounds like we’re getting some better digs. Excited?”

Ghost’s scooted out of the gloom and Soap felt his insides flutter at the soft light he saw in Ghost’s eyes.

“They’re not going to take you away from me?”

“No, Ghost. They won’t. It’ll be like a vacation. Do you remember vacations?”

Ghost shook his head before he cleared his throat and looked away, and Soap mourned the loss momentarily. But they had days of time ahead of them now.

“And plenty of time to hurt your own feelings,” a snide little voice in his head whispered.

“C’mon Ghostie. We need to get over to the quartermasters before we get off this base. Can’t have you wearing the same pants for a third day. Gonna show you around Herefordshire. Unless you grew up around here?”

Ghost shook his head in the negative, but he did crawl forward, still clinging to the cozy hoodie Soap wore when he was enduring a solo heat. It was soft and old, and Soap could smell his own peat and juniper pouring off the thing. He made a mental note to ask the quartermaster for two zip front hoodies in Ghost’s size, one to wear and one to wash.

Ghost shimmied free from the space under the bed and surveyed the room, eyeing the open bathroom door carefully. He pushed himself to his feet and proceeded to prowl the room, looking around and raising his hands to touch before shutting the movement down. Soap co*cked his head and stared at his back for a second.

“You can touch my stuff. I don’t mind. Maybe we can find you some things for the top of your dresser.”

Ghost nodded his head absently and Soap watched him run his fingers delicately over the things on his dresser. A photo frame of his grandparents at their last bonding party, cheeks pressed together and freshly deepened bondmarks on display. It was the kind of thing you saw in rom-coms, and Soap envied his grandparents yearly bond renewal. It spoke of a continued commitment, a reaffirmation of love and trust and belonging. Of a bond that meant enough to renew, a bond that spoke of shared experiences and feelings, and emotions. The exact thing Soap sometimes worried he’d never experience.

Originally intended to assist a young Omega in creating a stable environment for the production of offspring, bonds were a living thing in Soap’s world, an amalgamation of science and magic, or just science if you believed the ones that claimed magic was only science we lacked the technology to comprehend. Either way, Soap knew that bonds had to be nurtured to grow, a blend of biology and psychology, the compatibility of scent to tempt each other in. Then the first shallow first bond, offering enough shared space to decide if you liked your partner enough to keep refreshing the bond.

Over time as the relationship deepened, the mark would fade a little more slowly than before but, eventually, the couple would have to choose. Did they feel enough to press the bond deeper, or were they ready to part and seek out a better match? Each time the mark was renewed the bond gained in depth and lasted longer and longer before the silver began to fade toward pink and then back into the unmarred skin over their bonding gland. And for people like his grandparents, eventually the bond renewal parties had stopped marking the actual renewal. By the end of his grandparents' lives, their mark had stayed silver without renewal for nearly 36 years.

Soap wanted to know what it felt like to choose the bond. So far, he’d let each one slip away with only a faint sense of longing, and a few he’d even been relieved to feel them fade away to nothing. Alex had been the closest he’d ever come to requesting permission to deepen the silver, and he often wondered what life would have been like if he’d been brave enough to ask. But he hadn’t, and the immediate compatibility between Alex and Farah had been both a relief and also a bit of a punch to the gut. Shaking the morose thoughts away, he refocused on his current alpha.

Soap watched as Ghost crossed to his full length mirror to examine the photos tacked around the edges. Soap has stared at all the pictures long enough to be able to recall their locations easily and watched as Ghost’s gaze darted around the frame,

Farah and Alex on their bonding day, their lips red with lipstick to represent the blood of the bonding night;

Gaz getting hit on by a big Russian Omega;

Price, Laswell, and her wife gathered around a fire pit,
marshmallow sticks in hand,
Alex in the background with a flaming
marshmallow at the end of his skewer;

Farah, head tipped back in a joyous scream the day she’d heard General Barkov had been hanged;
his parents the day they’d
brought their youngest litter home.

Soap smiled to himself, remembering. He had been in basic training at that time, and he’d marveled that his parents were still in love enough to go for a second litter just as the first was off to college and the service. There were some pictures of the pups mixed in too, and Soap wondered what Ghost was thinking as he moved again, running his fingers over the edges of the frames on the wall, what he needed to find peace and healing until their bond faded, what his neck would look like if Soap was ever given the chance to bite the silver deeper instead of letting it disappear from his fair skin.

Soap shook himself at the thought and refocused on letting Ghost know what to expect today. Hopefully, if he talked it through, he could avoid miscommunications like Ghost thinking he was mad at him instead of just mad at the medical staff who should have absolutely known better.

“You probably heard him, but Price said they’re setting us up with a little place nearby. Should be nice. We’ll go out and see the town, maybe find you something to keep you busy when I’m at work. We’ll collect our clothes and then Gaz and Alex are gonna drive us out there.”

“When will you be checking on me?”

Soap frowned at Ghost’s tone. “I’m not leaving you there alone, Ghost. That wouldn’t be good for either of us. I’m staying until the bond dissolves and you’re ready to decide what you want to do with yourself.”

Ghost nodded sharply but Soap noticed right away that he was avoiding eye contact.

“We can talk about this now or we can shelve it for later, but I’d like to talk about your reaction to what I said just now.

“Later, please.”

Soap nodded and climbed off the bed. “Right. I’m getting dressed and you’re going to go get ready for today.”

Ghost nodded and slunk into the bathroom, shutting the door and turning on the sink. Soap shucked off the sweats he’d been wearing and gathered up as much of the dirty laundry that had been strewn about the room. Soap wondered if Ghost had ever been invited into a nest. He might enjoy that.

Maybe they could talk about it when they got to the apartment. Soap frowned as he listened to the sink run. Ghost had been in there for a while, and he didn’t hear movement. Frowning at the door, he crossed the room and tapped gently on the door. When he got no response, he tapped again and gave a warning before twisting the knob and opening the door.

Ghost was kneeling on the floor, water puddled on the counter and running down the front of the cabinet. He was trembling on the floor and Soap knelt beside him, his own chest feeling a little tight and achy. He dialed base security and requested a team be sent to his room for a possible medical emergency. He ended the call and noticed his own limbs were feeling a little wobbly. He heard the medics come through his door and he turned, vision cutting out like pulling a plug.

~~~13

Ghost woke up in restraints and thrashed against the floor, waiting for someone to tell him what he was being punished for. Last thing he remembered was washing his hands in the bathroom after Soap had sent him to get ready for the day. He couldn’t remember Soap ever giving him any rules for him to break, but he was obviously in trouble if the soldiers surrounding him were any indication. He looked around for Soap but couldn’t see him. He did recognize the man who squatted down in front of him though.

His bald head gleamed in the light and he co*cked his head as he regarded Ghost silently. Leaning forward, he set his mouth next to Ghost’s covered ears. When he spoke, the flat scrape of an American midwestern accent met his ears.

“Do you remember me?”

Ghost shook his head.

“Good. Let’s keep it that way.”

Gesturing to the soldiers, he ordered Ghost to be taken to the brig pending the recovery of Sgt. MacTavish. Ghost heard the words and went limp. What had he done to Johnny?

~~~

Soap woke with a gasp, scaring the hell out of Gaz as he dozed.

“Bloody f*ck, mate!”

“Where’s Ghost?”

Gaz scrunched his nose and toed the tile.

“Gaz, where the f*cking f*ck is my f*cking alpha?”

“Mate, chill. He’s being kept in the brig. It didn’t look great when security showed up to a room where an Omega was calling for help with an unsecured alpha and both were found unconscious.”

“f*ck. No. I think the withdrawal hit. Remember, the Doctor warned us he was going to do this. Looked like what the websites I pulled up said it would, muscle tremors, sweating, nausea, chest pain.”

“He told you that?”

“I felt it. Like it was happening to me.”

“Mate, what is going on with this bond? You’ve never been like this before. You f*cking challenged a General. A General, Soap!”

“I don’t know, OK? I don’t know either. And he’s everywhere. And I can’t stop thinking about keeping him. And I feel like a f*cking monster for it.”

“f*cking hell. So what’s the plan? You two are going to be living cheek to jowl for however long it takes the bond to dissolve. How are you going to keep from deepening it?”

“Dunno. I’m gonna have to be careful, I guess.” Soap sighed. “But I really want to touch him.”

“You need to talk to him about this.”

“I know. But not right this second.”

A quiet tap at the door was followed by Alex poking his head in.

“Mind another visitor?”

“Only if you’ve got news.”

“In abundance, my guy. We have some American brass visiting the base, so the General is distracted. Price and Farah are working on the medics that showed up to your call. So far, they all reported that you were fine when they arrived and collapsed later. Farah stopped by your room and packed up anything that she thought you might need, and a few things for Ghost too. Price has already agreed to pry Ghost loose and meet us at the car. They sent me to spring you.”

Alex turned to Gaz. “Price said your job was to distract the floor nurse.”

“A’right. Who’s on today?”

“Bridget.”

Gaz dropped his head back and groaned. “She’s a pincher. I had bruises for a week last time.”

Soap scooted to the edge of his bed and slid off the mattress.

“But you’re so good at it. Not a single nurse on this entire base that doesn’t love you. Even Imogene. And she doesn't like anyone.”

He turned his best puppy eyes to his friend and pouted, watching as he wrinkled his nose in annoyance before relenting. He pointed a stern finger in Soap’s face, and he dropped the puppy eyes, taking on a suitably serious expression.

“You owe me. So much. Forever.”

Gaz turned on his heel and marched out the door, looking far more like a man preparing to face a firing squad instead of just flirting with a couple nurses to get his buddy out of the hospital a little early. Soap tugged off his gown as the door clicked shut and Alex tossed his clothes to him, unfazed at the casual nudity after years of military service.

Soap dressed quickly, and slid his feet back into his boots, leaning over to lace one while Alex laced the other. Together they approached the door and Alex cracked it open, leaning his ear to the gap to listen. They could hear Gaz’ voice and some female laughter, and Alex signed his plan to Soap before opening the door and slipping out, blocking the view as Soap slipped out as well, making his way toward the stairwell and away from the conversations.

~~~

Ghost had been curled in the corner of the holding room for the moon only knew how long. His mind kept circling around what the man had said. Was Johnny OK? Had Ghost hurt him? Had he blacked out and done what the doctors thought he might? Had he killed his mate? The sick ache in his gut built and Ghost leaned to the side, vomiting up what little he’d had left in his stomach. If Johnny was dead, he would beg them to put him down. He couldn't fathom having to live with knowing what he was capable of.

Outside the metal door, he heard a commotion as chairs scraped on tile and boots trod the hallway, growing louder with each step. Ghost listened carefully, crawling away from the mess toward the narrow gap under the door. Pressing his face to the floor, he listened desperately for the brogue he was starting to associate with comfort and the possibility of safety.

He heard Price order the guards to open the door and scooted back quickly, barely dodging the door as it swung open. Price strode in and looked around, noticing the lack of furniture, facilities, or even a mat on the floor. Wrinkling his nose at the sour waft of vomit that hit him, he turned to question the guard, finally noticing Ghost tucked into the corner nearest the door.

“Ah, Ghost. Your Omega sent me to pick you up. The General is a little distracted with some high ranking visitors, so we figured we’d just take our leave. He did want you off base before 1200. No sense in disturbing the General with a missed deadline, now is there?”

Price raised his voice on the last sentence, and Ghost heard one of the men in the hall suck in a sharp breath. Price smiled calmly down at him and extended a hand, waiting for Ghost to decide. Ghost knew Johnny trusted his captain, so he would trust Johnny with his belief and follow the man. He took his hand and let him pull him back to his feet, ducking his head and following Price as non-aggressively as he could. His shoulders were trying to hackle, but he swallowed it down, letting his mind drift to the empty space he’d spent so much time in during his service with Roba. He still felt weak and shaky and his heart skipped and danced in his chest miserably. He hoped Johnny wasn’t having to feel like this.

They left the building unchallenged, and Ghost watched as Price’s shoulders dropped the further from the building they got. Ghost sniffed discreetly, trying to see if he could find anything to help him but Price’s Beta scent was already faint, and tainted as it was by coffee and cigar smoke, Ghost couldn’t get enough to confirm anything beyond the fact that Price wasn’t actively furious with him. The adrenaline that had gotten him back on his feet when Price came for him was dwindling and he focused on the back of Price’s shoulders, concentrating on putting one foot in front of another.

~~~14

They reached the parking lot, and Price pointed to a large dark SUV waiting in the third row. Ghost watched as Price dragged open the back door and slid in, gesturing for Ghost to join him. He examined his options and watched until Price gestured at the available seats, not flinching when Ghost decided to go with the third row option. Price nodded and dug his phone out of his pocket, typing on the glass for a while before opening another window and starting to arrange colored rectangles in order. Ghost shut one eye to bring the screen more into focus and watched for a while, slumping forward with his chin on top of his fist as he watched.

“Care to try a round?”

“Not sure if it’s something I could do. Lots of pretty similar colors. Not great with those.”

Price poked around the screen for a minute and held it out to Ghost. “They have a higher contrast setting for people with visual difficulties. Or I can switch it to something else?”

Ghost shook his head. He reached for the phone slowly and accepted its weight when Price released it into his palm. It didn’t look like the phone he’d shared with a friend before he’d been taken, but it was sort of familiar. He’d followed the improvements of technology while with Roba, noticing as the devices got thinner and longer and bigger and wider on an indeterminate schedule, but he’d never been allowed to use one.

He was surprised by how sturdy the device felt regardless of the fact that it weighed almost nothing. The screen had gone dark while he was contemplating it, and Price reached back slowly, tapping the screen twice. He pressed his thumb to the glass and the game flared back to life, easy as anything. Ghost nodded, glad that his mask covered his mouth and turned his attention to the game, playing through the levels slowly, nodding along each time he beat a level and the happy tune started. He didn’t even notice when he started to thrum quietly, deep in his chest as the comfort and quiet and peace of sorting through the levels distracted him.

~~~

Soap and Alex almost got caught coming out of the stairwell on the main floor as Bridget walked around the corner, Gaz firmly at her side. Gaz noticed them first and Soap saw his eyes go wide before he took Bridget’s hand and pulled her to a stop, leaning in close to whisper something in her ear. Shoving one another to get out of sight, they walked through the lobby as coolly as possible, trying not to draw attention. Alex couldn’t bite down a giggle that built in his chest and spilled from his lips, setting Soap to chuckling as well. They were just out the front doors when Soap and Alex heard Bridget’s voice.

“Who is laughing like that? Don’t they know this is a place of healing? It’s not a comedy club.”

Alex barked a laugh and Soap shoved him. Alex windmilled his arms, finally able to stop when Farah put a hand in the middle of his back to keep him from toppling.

“Soap, be nice to my husband. He’s unstable.”

“Just like the rest of us,” They chorused, finishing the stupid inside joke that made Price groan every time they used it.

Farah slung a heavy duffle toward him and he shouldered it easily, following his fellow Omega as they made for the car that was waiting. He still felt a little wobbly, but as he approached the car, the uneasy pitch of his stomach slowed until he barely felt the urge to vomit anymore. Soap could see Price leaning over the empty passenger seat, but he couldn’t see Ghost, and he wondered if he hadn’t been able to get him. The bond was calm, and Soap hoped that meant Ghost was as well. Alex and Farah climbed in the front seat and Soap pulled open the back seat, climbing into the space and scenting for his mate. The smell of clay was strong behind him and he knelt up on his seat, peering over the back. Ghost had scrunched himself into the footwell between the second and third row seats.

“Hi, Ghost.”

The bluish light of the phone screen lit Ghost’s face with deep shadow as he looked up to meet Johnny’s eyes.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what, Ghost?”

“For hurting you.”

Soap huffed and climbed between the seats, settling on the bench by Ghost and patting the seat beside him. Ghost made his way out of the footwell slowly and Soap bit his cheek against a laugh when Ghost got hung up on something and had to wiggle himself free. Finally they were on the same level. Soap met Ghost’s eyes.

“Can I touch you?”

Ghost’s eyes flicked over Johnny’s face before he nodded, visibly steeling himself. But Soap didn’t touch his face, instead picking up his hands and holding Ghost’s hands in his own.

“You didn’t hurt me. And neither of us knew when you were going to get sick. You didn’t do anything wrong. You are not to blame, you are not in trouble. I’m so, so sorry you feel like you are at fault when it’s the furthest thing from the truth.”

“If we weren’t bonded, you wouldn’t have gotten dragged down.”

Soap sighed and leaned forward, pressing his forehead to Ghost’s. “Who bit who, here? If I got dragged down, it’s because I think you’re worth it. You don’t have to take the blame. It was my choice. If anything, I should be saying I’m sorry to you.”

“For what?”

“For keeping you alive, for making you come to a new place with no say, to making you justify yourself to powerful bigoted people.”

Ghost looked down at Soap’s hands and smirked, the crinkle at his eye the only indication of his facial expression.

“You know, when you put it like that, it sounds a lot like my last bond.”

The car filled with the burning smell of gin and cordite, and Price coughed and swore, pushing his door open at the concentrated blast of shock and horror. The couple in the front seat were turned around, staring at them wide eyed. Price pulled off his hat and waved it in front of himself, trying to wave the scent out where the breeze could dilute it. Thank the heavens Price had chosen the hospital parking lot to park in. Blasts of strong emotion were far less likely to be remarked upon here.

A quiet voice filled the silent space. “Do you want me to stay away from you?”

Ghost’s eyebrows crinkled and he looked up at Johnny. “What’s wrong?”

“Ghost, you just said I remind you of Roba.”

“No I did not.”

“You said this bond was a lot like your last.”

“Oh. Well, yes. But also no.”

Price cleared his throat and stepped onto the pavement.

“Why don’t Farah, Alex, and I go find Gaz? We’ll be right back.”

The two men barely noticed their friends closing the car doors and leaving, one caught up in horror at his own behavior and the other confused about what had his Omega so upset.

“Would you rather stay with Farah and Alex until the bond dissolves the rest of the way? Would that be less likely to remind you of your captivity?”

“What? No! You promised you weren’t just going to shut me away and only check on me occasionally. I can’t do that again. I don’t want to spend days in silence with only my own thoughts for company. I don’t think I’d survive that.”

“Was that what Roba did?”

Ghost nodded his head, staring down at their joined hands. “After a while, he moved me off site. I had an apartment in the city, and he’d come visit me whenever he wanted to. Or he’d send clients to me. But I was mostly alone. Thought about asking if I could have a dog or something about a year after, but I figured he’d use it against me. He was big on doing that. Giving you a gift and then using it as a weapon. In the beginning, I hated having to live where I was used, but eventually, I was so grateful for the company I didn’t even care.”

Soap tipped his chin back and sniffed, trying to blink back his tears.

“But you? You’re not Roba. You’ve been nothing but kind. You didn’t expect anything, you’re patient and attentive. You ask permission, every step of the way. And you listen. When I say no, or please, or stop. You listen. And that is everything to me. Because you don’t know me at all, but you see me as a person. And no one has looked at me like that in a long time. So please stop worrying that I could ever see you as anything other than a good man.”

“Whoa, bruv. That was beautiful.”

Soap and Ghost turned in unison to look at Gaz where he sat in the row in front of them.

“What? What did I miss?”

~~~15

Soap texted Price that they had Gaz and when the phone chirped in Ghost’s hand, he rolled his eyes and texted Farah next. They were back at the car in a few minutes, and then they were loading in, Alex driving, with Farah on shotgun. Gaz and Price each took a side in the middle row, and Soap settled himself sideways against the seat, watching their six as they drove. Soap shook his head at how easily Ghost fell into the last spot, facing Soap and watching the opposite angles as they drove. No one had raised any alarms, and if they could just get off base, the General wouldn’t chase too hard, more concerned about his base’s reputation than the outcome of one alpha’s behavior. As Soap watched the base pass by, he scoffed a little bit. Who was he kidding? If anything went the slightest bit wrong, he was absolutely sure the General would burn them all to keep his hands clean.

The guard at the gate stopped them as they reached the barrier and Alex rolled down his window. “Afternoon. What do you need, my man?”

“What’s your business off base, Sir?”

He was peering into the gloom of the back seats and Farah leaned across the aisle, blocking his view handily. Soap smelled the warm dust and vanilla fill the car for a second and Ghost shifted lower in his seat.

“Just picking up a little shopping since we just got back. Need a few things and my captain, Captain Price, you know, was nice enough to let me take my alpha shopping before we start gearing up for our next mission. You know how it is, I’m sure.”

She smiled brightly and Soap waited with held breath. The guard relaxed when he realized this obviously wasn’t the alpha they’d been warned about, waiving the tiny Omega through the gate. She held the smile until they were through and let it fall, face going flat. “Idiot.”

“Hey, that idiot probably grew up listening to his parents and grandparents sh*tting on alphas and Omegas.”

Farah crossed her arms and propped her feet on the dash. “He’s still an asshole.”

“OK, yes, he’s an asshole. And get your feet off the dash. Don’t you know that's a good way for you to break your legs?”

Soap listened to them bicker softly for the rest of the drive. Ghost straightened up more and more the further they got from base, and Johnny watched him soak in the people on the streets, and the businesses and all the things that he was able to see. They drove most of the way through the city center and stopped in front of a slightly run down building. There was a small grocer on the ground floor and a narrow door off to the side, painted a cheerful blue and white.

Alex slid neatly into a parking stall and put the car in park, checking traffic before hopping out and circling the car, pulling open Farah’s door. She climbed out and walked around to the back of the SUV, popping the gate and dragging out two duffle bags that were nearly as big as her. Price and Gaz made their way out as well, taking the bags from Farah. Soap stood as best he could and climbed over the passenger side seat waiting for Ghost to join him. Ghost worked his way out of his tight spot and joined Soap on the sidewalk. They looked up at their new home for the next little while and Soap thought he saw a curtain twitch.

“Are we sure it’s empty, Sir?”

“Should be. I keep it up for Kate and Maggie when they come to visit. You know how Maggie feels about Army accommodations.”

“Aye, Sir.” Soap patted his thigh softly, missing his holster, and wished for a moment he’d grabbed his bug out bag from the closet. He reminded himself to never admit that he’d thought that anywhere Maggie could hear, or he’d never hear the end of it.

Price handed him the keys and Johnny unlocked the ground door, walking up the stairs and pausing at the two doors on either side of the landing.

“Which is ours, Sir?”

“Door on the left. Your neighbors are Kim and Felix . Mated couple. Quiet. The Omega has some trouble with anxiety. Never met them in all the years we’ve kept this place. Maybe you’ll get lucky.”

Soap turned around and peered down at his alpha and the rest of his friends.

“Oh, aye sir. Ghostie, how do you feel about a dinner party?”

“Only if we can bring out the good china,” Ghost quipped drily. Alex and Gaz snickered, but Farah made a thoughtful face and Johnny frowned at her. What was she scheming? Shaking the thought away, Soap opened their door and walked into the space.

~~~16

“Boots off, lads, and Farah. Just had the floors redone.” Price pointed to the rug and shoe rack to the side and waited for them to pull off footwear and set them on the rack. Ghost leaned against the wall and stared at his feet, making no move to pull his boots free. Price sidled up to him and leaned against the wall beside him. “Need some help, son?”

Ghost jerked a little when he realized how close Price had gotten, but he nodded his head slowly and met Price’s eyes. “I don’t think I can bend over without falling.”

“Still feeling a little off from earlier?” Price knelt with a grunt and started working Ghost’s laces loose. He waited for Ghost to shift his weight and set the first boot aside before setting to work on the second.

“I don’t think it’s over. I think it was just the bond pulling me through the worst of it. Dunno why it hit Johnny so hard. It never seemed to bother Roba at all. He’d cut me off when he didn’t think I was behaving well enough. Or just because he was bored. I never really could figure him out. I’d be sick as a dog for about a week and just about the time I was feeling better, he’d send men in to start it all over.”

Ghost shook his head and huffed a humorless laugh. He looked up to see the room had gone still. Farah had her face pressed into Alex’s chest, and Alex looked like he wanted to cry. Gaz’ face was painfully blank, and Ghost could see a muscle in Price’s jaw jump fiercely. Soap looked like he’d been hit in the face, hard. He walked toward Ghost slowly, hands open at his side and chin tipped to expose his neck. Ghost looked around the room again. Were they upset? At him? For him? Were they expecting him to lash out? He felt his shoulders round at the thought.

“Ghost. Are you worried that will happen here?”

Ghost co*cked his head at Soap.

“No?”

“Was that a question?”

“No, I’m not worried. I just thought it was a little funny in a pretty f*cked up way that I’m the only one who’s been through detox with this drug and no one even asked me what they should expect. The doctor made it sound like I was going to go rabid and the General acted like withdrawal was contagious. But I’m not worried about any of you. Just figured I ought to mention it.”

Farah turned and settled against Alex’ chest, Meeting Ghost’s eyes. “So what will you need from us?”

Ghost shrugged. “Low effort foods? Preferably stuff that’s on the bland side. And lots of fluids. Probably gonna run through a fair amount of laundry too. Honestly, a cement room and a waterproof mattress would be the easiest. But I’m guessing you wouldn't be ok with that for Johnny.”

Farah scowled at him before softening. “Or for you, you dope.”

Ghost shrugged. “Nothing I haven’t already experienced.”

“Yeah, mate. But just because you survived it doesn’t mean we need to perpetuate it.”

“Gaz is right. Why don’t you and Soap go check out the bedroom. Farah and Alex can help you settle in and Gaz and I will pop over to the shops and pick up some food for the next few days. We’re all on stand down until Kate needs us again, so we’ll take this in shifts. Sound manageable?”

Ghost could feel himself starting to lose the ability to focus on the conversation as the room began to slide sideways. It took him way too long to realize it was him and not the room that was in motion and he heard Gaz gasp before hands were on him. He thought he heard Soap, but he wasn’t sure. He gagged and felt himself lowered to the floor, hands shoving at him and he panicked, thinking he’s back in the stable, smelling concrete and the rancid stench of too many desperate alphas. He was still fighting when he was propped on his side and he felt a hand grab at the bottom of his mask. Jerking his head away, he knocked it hard on the floor and knew no more.

~~~

Soap swore when he saw Simon start to slide, a worried keen building quietly in his throat, and he’s feeling a little woozy himself so his control was looser. His chest didn’t hurt but the nausea was creeping back, and he could feel sweat prickle at his temples and down his spine.

“f*ck, Captain, help me.”

“Oof, he’s a heavy one.”

“sh*t. He’s gagging. Farah, grab his mask.”

He could feel Alex tense from his spot in front of him, and he saw Ghost jerk and go limp. He twitched each time Soap keened and Soap marveled at his mate’s strength. Even unconscious, he’s trying to respond to his mate’s distress. Alex crooned low in his ear, trying to calm him, and the familiar sound helped, but he’s barely able to hold himself up, let alone get closer to soothe his alpha.

“Damnit, he’s knocked himself out. Is he still breathing?”

“Respirations are a little shaky, but his color is OK.”

“Alright, let’s get him off the floor. Farah, you take point, Gaz, help me lift.”

Alex was blocking most of his view where he knelt in front of Soap and he bobbed his head to try and look around him, but Alex shifted to hold his gaze.

“C’mon, Soap. Tell me how you’re doing.”

“I’m fine. Nauseated, heartbeat’s a little funky, but I’m OK. What about Ghost?”

“Price and Gaz have him. Do you think you can walk?”

“What?”

“Sometimes touching makes it a little more bearable. At least it does for me and Farah.They’re moving to the bedroom. We can go join them.”

“Aye. Help me?”

“Of course.”

Having a plan helped him calm himself and the sharp smell of distress that he’d been pushing out relaxed, the warmth of his normal juniper and peat smoke making a comeback. Alex helped Soap to his feet and they made their way down the hall to the bedroom. Farah had the sheets turned down and Price and Gaz were settling a largely unconscious Ghost on his side. Soap tried to climb onto the mattress in front of him, but Alex grabbed his wrist and pulled him back.

“Let them get him settled first. Then you can hop up there.”

Soap waited impatiently for his friends to finish getting Ghost settled and when Alex let him go, he was stripping off his jeans and tshirt, climbing under the sheets and curling up around Ghost as much as he could, careful to tamp down the purr he felt building at the base of his throat, not wanting to trigger Ghost when he was already hurting.

~~~17

The next few days passed in a haze of sleeping, eating, and occasionally being bullied out of bed for a few minutes while sheets were changed out. By day three, Soap was feeling less like death warmed over, only the fading ache of a bad flu lingering in his bones. He could feel the bond pulling on him, but Ghost appeared to have turned a corner in his recovery, sleep seeming deeper and more genuinely restful rather than the empty unconsciousness of the past couple days. Wrapping his arms around his alpha, Soap caught a whiff of himself and grimaced. He needed a shower.

Carefully untangling himself from Ghost, Soap padded across the floor, bending forward to dig through one of the duffle bags by the dresser. Dragging out a soft pair of joggers and one of the oversized shirts and hoodies Farah must have picked out for Ghost, Soap shuffled into the bathroom, yawning and popping his spine back into alignment as he waited for the shower water to heat up. Kicking off his boxers and the t shirt he didn’t remember putting on, he stepped under the heat of the water and gasped in pleasure as the water started working the ache from his body.

Soap slumped against the wall, groaning as the showerhead poured water down his back. Arching his spine to aim the spray at the small of his back where a deep ache lay, he waited for the muscle to release, groaning again as the muscle finally gave. The warm peat smell of contentment filled the steamy air of the bathroom and Soap sighed in relief.

A gust of cooler air was all the warning he got before he was grabbed and a big growly body was plastered to his back.

“Wha- Ghost?”

Clearly still not back to 100 percent, Ghost hunched over him more and Soap dropped his hands as his balance shifted oddly. He could feel wet cotton along the line of his back and thighs and he tried to turn, easing the burn in his hamstrings from the position. Ghost growled at his back as he attempted to shift and Soap sighed, bending his knees instead, wincing when the bulge of Ghost’s half hard co*ck pressed against his ass.

“You have to let me stand up, Ghost. This hurts.”

Ghost growled again and nipped at the nape of Soap’s neck. Jerking away from the contact, Soap swore quietly when Ghost let out a whine at the movement. Soap took a deep breath and pulled away completely, turning to see Ghost looking absolutely heartbroken, still whining quietly under his breath. Trilling quietly, Soap stepped forward and gathered Ghost back in his arms, finally able to straighten up and sighing in relief as the last few vertebrae clicked back into place with a quick burst of discomfort, like a charley horse dissolving.

“Can hold you, you silly man, but not like that. This is better right?”

Soap was careful to keep their hips angled away from each other as he observed the alpha. Ghost looked better. Still drawn and pale, but given the blond of his eyelashes, Soap couldn’t help but wonder if pale was just Ghost’s default. Fingers crossed, he’d have plenty of time to figure that out. Soap pulled back just enough to see Ghost’s face and watched his eyes tighten with concern.

Trilling softly, Soap comforted the clearly worried man in his arms.

“Not leaving. But we should probably get cleaned up since we’re both here. Honestly a bleeding miracle Gaz didn’t just throw up his hands and dump a bucket of soapy water over us.”

Ghost’s eyes flattened and he snarled, turning them on the slippery shower floor to look for anyone who might try and sneak up on them.

“Oi! That’s not actually going to happen. Gaz knows better. Hey, hey. We’re OK, I’m safe. You’re doing such a good job of keeping me safe.”

The vibration of his purr was back, and Soap swallowed hard to kill the noise, picking up a hum that was as close to Alex’s croon as his throat could make. Ghost blinked as the noise shifted and looked around, seeming far more lucid than he had a few seconds ago.

“Johnny?”

“Aye. Welcome back, Ghostie.”

“Why am I in the shower? And why are you here?”

“I woke up and realized I was pretty ripe. I was gonna clean up and then see if you were hungry.”

“Oh. So why am I here?”

“Dunno. What do you remember?”

“I remember waking up cold, and rolling over to find the bed empty. Followed your scent. Heard you.”

Soap thought back to right before Ghost had grabbed him. Had Ghost heard him moan? Had he been worried about him, or had his alpha brain taken the sound for an invitation? Not that Soap minded the thought, but he needed it to be Ghost’s decision. Until the bond dissolved, that was going to stay off the table.

“Well big guy, we’re both desperately in need of a wash. Do you want to let me get out so you can clean up?”

“Stay?”

Soap eyed Ghost carefully. He looked clear eyed and present, and Soap owed it to him to trust what he said. He’d been pretty honest about his feelings thus far.

“Aye. If you’re comfortable with that.”

Ghost nodded and looked down, grimacing at the feel of wet fabric on his skin. Finally letting go of Soap, he yanked his top off and dropped it in the bottom of the tub with a wet splat. His sweatpants followed and Soap kept his eyes up. Locker room rules it was. Turning, Soap picked up a bottle of shampoo and gave it a quick sniff. Unscented, probably left over from Laswell’s last visit. Dumping a small puddle of it in his hands, he scrubbed it through the overgrown strands of his mohawk and ran his fingertips through the shorter sides. Maybe he’d see about finding a barber nearby. He turned back toward Ghost to rinse and tipped his head back, letting the water rinse the worst of the suds away before he started working his fingers through his hair to get rid of the rest. He kept his eyes closed, letting the heat of the water run through his hair and over his shoulders and heard Ghost chuff. Blinking his eyes open, he looked at Ghost and noticed he was a little pink, leaning back against the shower wall while he waited.

“Alright there, Ghostie? Need a seat? I think Alex said something about a shower stool.”

“No. I’m OK.”

“Alright. The bond doesn’t seem to be pulling too hard anymore. Do you think you’re through the worst of it, or do you think this is gonna be a short reprieve?”

“Dunno. But I feel better.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear that.” Soap took a pump of conditioner and worked it through his hair before stepping toward Ghost. His eyes widened at his approach and Soap trilled quietly.

“Just need to switch spaces. Sure you don’t want me to get out?”

“No. I like you being here. It feels…” Ghost let the thought trail away and Soap waited quietly while he decided whether or not to continue.

Ghost looked up and Soap sucked in a sharp breath at the trust in his eyes.

“It feels safer when you’re here.”

Swallowing hard, Soap nodded his head. “Then I’ll stay, but we still have to switch. You could do with a good wash.”

Carefully, Soap and Ghost switched spots, the shower enclosure not built for two large men, and aside from a little inappropriate contact that Soap was going to fantasize about until he died, they managed it without injury or triggering anyone.

Ghost picked up the conditioner bottle and squinted at it, closing one eye to try and read the tiny print. Finally he sighed and held the bottle out to Soap. “Shampoo?”

Soap took the bottle carefully. “Conditioner.”

He set the bottle down and picked up the shampoo. “Shampoo has a dark blue lid, conditioner has a white lid, body wash is in the clear bottle. It’s light pink, so I supposed the bottle looks pink.”

Ghost nodded his head and leaned forward, picking up the shampoo and squeezing a dollop into his hands. He raised his arms and smeared the shampoo over his heads, working it with his fingertips until the pale blond of his hair was completely covered in white foam. He turned to face Soap and Soap snapped his eyes up, meeting Ghost’s eyes.

“You can look. I know it’s ugly.”

Soap shook his head and scanned over the expanse of scarred skin he’d only seen part of the night they’d met. It spoke of a rough life, of hurt and unkindness, brutality and pain. But Soap also saw the beauty in it, the freckles only a few shades darker than his porcelain skin, scars and burns displaying his strength and survival and will to live.

“Oh, Ghostie. Quite the opposite.”

~~~18

Soap checked to see if Ghost wanted any help to finish cleaning up and stepped out of the shower at his denial, wrapping a bath sheet around his hips and rolling the edges to keep it in place. He scrubbed his teeth and ran a hand over his jaw wondering if he dared let his scruff go untamed for another day. The water behind him shut off with a squeak and Soap watched Ghost’s arm peek out from behind the shower curtain in search of a towel. It retreated behind the curtain again and Soap shook his head.

“Ghost, I’m gonna go dress in the bedroom. Want me to bring you a change of clothes?”

“And a mask, please?”

“Alright, I’ll be right back.”

Soap carried his clothes back to the bedroom and tugged them on quickly, kneeling by the second duffle bag and finding more of their clothing jumbled together. He tugged out a pair of soft cotton trousers and a t-shirt and carried them back to the bathroom door, tapping gently on the door and waiting. Soap didn’t hear a response and his heart dropped, remembering the last time he’d left Ghost in a bathroom.

“Ghost, I’m coming in. I’ve got your clothes.”

Pushing open the door, he was relieved to find Ghost hunched over the sink, brushing his teeth, and not on the floor seizing again.

“Bleeding moon, Ghost. Why didn’t you answer?”

Ghost spit the toothpaste out. “Because it’s your house.”

“It’s- Ghost, you’re allowed to have a say about your space. It’s why I knocked. Do you want privacy?”

Ghost wiped the water droplets off his chin with the back of his wrist and shot Johnny a look in the mirror.

“No sense in it now. You’re my Omega for as long as the bond lasts, so you have access to me whenever you want it.”

“What if I wanted you to decide who got to be in the spaces you were in?”

Ghost worried his lip between his teeth, glancing between Johnny and the water swirling down the drain of the sink. The smell of lightly fermented pears began to move through the humid air of the bathroom.

“Please don’t.”

“Can you tell me why?”

The scent grew stronger, a thread of musky defensiveness threading its way through the sickly sweet smell.

“What if I’m wrong? What if someone tries to take me away because they don’t think I’m respectful enough?”

Soap wanted to keep the conversation going, wanted to make Ghost understand that he had a right to decide if he wanted to be around people or not, but he could see the way his shoulders were tensing, and if he’d had a tail, it would have been firmly tucked and he couldn’t bear to keep making Ghost scent the way he was. Blowing out a breath through his nose quietly, he shook his head.

“No one is going to take you away from me unless it’s your decision.”

Soap watched Ghost’s shoulders drop and stepped forward, still clutching the bundle of clothing.

“I got you some clothes, and the mask is one of mine. Might be a bit stale, I think it’s been crammed in my dresser drawers for a while. Don’t usually wear em.”

Soap turned to leave and allow Ghost to dress but was halted by a tug on his hoodie.

“Stay?”

Sighing, Soap settled back against the counter beside his alpha. “Yeah, Ghostie. I’ll stay.”

He watched Ghost drop the towel without a hint of shame, and raised his eyes to Ghost’s neck, the patch of skin at his throat littered with a constellation of tiny silver scars. His teeth, set in flesh. His inner Omega purred at the sight, such a strong mate would make strong offspring, and Soap’s eyes widened at the unprompted thought. He didn’t want pups now, didn’t want to leave the military, wasn’t ready to be a Dam. And he certainly wasn’t going to use Ghost like that.

Grabbing his tricep, he traced a finger over the bar just under his skin, a reminder of his birth control and the decision he’d made early in his career. This had happened every time he’d found himself newly bonded to a near stranger, knew to expect it, had been trained to experience the thought and let it go. It happened nearly every time he’d bitten someone, usually a blip of instinct to urge his mate to mark him back, but he’d never been hit by the visceral punch of picturing their children, his blue eyes and dark hair on a child with Ghost’s pale skin and delicate cheekbones. Or one with warm whisky eyes and a slightly lopsided smirk from his sire. Or a-

Soap cut off the train of thought with a vicious shake of his head. Absolutely not. Ghost deserved a chance at a real life, and he wasn’t willing to take that away because his instincts were acting up.

“Are you hungry?”

Ghost looked up, tugging the mask down over his face and smashing his damp curls flat under the fabric. “I think… Yeah, I think I am.”

“Alright. Gaz and Price dropped off a few meals last time they checked in on us. I thought you were going to sleep a bit longer. We’ll go see what we’ve got then. Alright?”

“Are they here?”

“Hmm, no.” Soap pushed himself off the counter he’d propped himself against and tugged the door open wider. “D’ye want me to call them?”

Ghost shook his head and pulled the mask back off.

“Change your mind on the mask?”

“Don’t need it when there’s no one around.”

Soap saw Ghost’s eyes go wide and he smirked, opening his mouth to tease him when Ghost folded, kneeling on the floor and whining quietly.

“Hey, hey. What’s this all about? You were just teasing, I know it. You’re alright.”

The quiet whine died abruptly and Ghost sat up slowly, watching Soap carefully.

“You’re not mad?”

“That you told a joke?”

“That I said something bad about you.”

Soap laughed lightly, carefully running his fingers over the back of Ghost’s wrist where it lay on his thigh.

“I’m in the military. Was one of the first Omegas admitted to the SAS. Gonna have to try a lot harder to say something bad about me that I haven’t already heard.”

Ghost jolted at Johnny’s touch and he felt his jaw drop a bit as the man rolled his arm over, the pale blue tracery of veins at his wrist appearing, inviting his touch. And his scent. Soap raised an eyebrow at the gesture, but dragged his fingertips across the thin skin, layering his scent over Ghost’s own, the clay and juniper melding beautifully.

Scent stuck best where blood ran close to the skin, aside from a few warm spots that kept scent exceedingly well. The core sites where it was less about blood flow and more about heat, like armpits, or genitalia, were reserved for mates, or prospective mates. Necks, wrists, and occasionally ankles, were all common locations for scenting among friends, so it was probable that he was seeking a friendly comfort. But presenting the unprotected underside of your wrist to someone was somewhere between the two. Did Ghost feel like he owed this to him?

Soap shook his head. No, that wasn’t it. He’d mentioned before that Soap smelled safe. If it helped Ghost feel more comfortable, he was more than willing to blend their scents until no one was sure who it was coming from. It was something Soap did with the rest of the 141 with impunity, creating affiliations of proximity and familiarity. His grand Dam would have called it packbuilding, but the term was frowned upon now, relegated to an occasional talking point on weirdly pointed podcasts and youtube channels. Whatever you called it, it was the least he could do for the man he’d bonded.

Soap helped Ghost to his feet and they left the bathroom hand in hand, Soap pulling Ghost along, stopping by the bedroom to grab the fleece blanket he’d seen stuffed among all the clothing before continuing to the living room. Gesturing Ghost toward the extra deep couch, He told Ghost to get comfortable while he grabbed food. Soap crossed into the kitchen and dug through the fridge pulling out a couple meals and reading the heating instructions printed on the lids. As the microwave whirred, Soap pulled out a serving tray and set two glasses on it, pouring water for both of them. The microwave beeped and Soap pulled the trays out, setting them beside the glasses and silverware he’d set on them. Picking up the tray, he walked back toward the living room.

“Looks like lasag- Oh, Ghostie. Were you building us a nest?”

The man in question froze at the sound of Soap’s voice and turned, wide eyed from where he’d been patting a vaguely familiar knitted blanket on the couch. Soap could see the blanket from Farah and Alex in the furthest corner, near what looked like Gaz’ jacket, one of Farah’s head scarves, and- Price’s hat?

“I’m an alpha. We don’t nest.”

“Anyone can nest. It’s about comfort, not designation.”

“I got used to the smell. From your room.”

“Oh. D’ye want to call them over? I’m sure they’d all be happy to come see you’re awake and well with their own eyes.”

“I don’t want to put anyone out. It’s fine. This is fine.”

Soap set the tray down on the coffee table and turned to Ghost.

“No, we can have them over for a movie. We do it all the time. PJs and junky snacks. You’ll love it. Are you comfortable with them stopping by to see you of their own volition, in your space?”

Ghost eyed Soap carefully and nodded. Swiping his phone open, he tapped the call icon and called Farah to start extending the invitations.

~~~19

Ghost put the mask back on when the first knock came. He could tell Soap was sad to see him cover up, but he needed it to stay relaxed as people arrived. Ghost felt himself hackle slightly when the smell of sugar and basil hit his nose. He dug his spine deeper into the corner of the couch watching carefully when Alex walked up and chuffed at him, swinging a canvas shopping bag in his lap and wandering through to the kitchen.

Farah showed up next with Price, nodding in Ghost’s direction and putting off the smallest whiff of ambergris as she walked around the couch, gently fingering the edge of the hijab she hadn’t seen in months, and Gaz brought up the rear, carrying pizzas and a couple six packs. Ghost listened to the sound of voices and took a deep breath, the movement of the air starting to shift the stale scent out and fill the space with what he remembered from his first night out from under Roba’s thumb.

The pressure of the walls and floor and springs above helped him keep from flying to pieces, the smell of his Omega thick and heavy from the heat pheromones worked deep into the clothing he’d dragged under with him. For all that he'd been weak and half panicked, the scent of his mate’s room had been a balm on his nerves, and he wanted it back. Johnny kept telling him he was allowed to ask for things. Ghost didn’t feel like he was there yet, but when Johnny had offered, Ghost hadn’t fought him that hard on it.

“What are we watching?” Gaz asked, hopping over the arm of the couch and landing on the middle cushion next to Ghost. Ghost grumbled at him in warning and he scooted back, a small nod and smile in acknowledgement of his gaf. Farah plopped down on a pouf cushion she’d dropped in front of the couch and Alex stepped carefully around her, settling on the middle cushion, careful not to intrude beyond what Ghost has claimed as territory.

“Miss Congeniality? Aw, Farah, no.”

Gaz yelped as Price swatted the back of his head. “You know the rule, Gaz, no complaints about the person’s pick. No one complains when you choose the next Fast and Furious movie.”

“But, Sir-”

“Don’t even try it. The answer stays the same.”

No one seemed worried about the fact that Gaz was arguing with Price, or the hit he'd been given, so Ghost tried to convince himself to relax. He did keep a closer eye on Price where he sat in the armchair beside the couch.

“May I join you in your nest?” Soap asked, standing in front of Ghost with a questioning tilt of his head. He had a couple water bottles in hand, and Ghost wondered if one of those was for him. He hoped it was. He was starting to feel a little desperate for something to do with his hands. He put a hand out in Johnny’s direction and he handed over one of the bottles easily, but didn’t make any move to approach. Ghost co*cked his head back at him and then it connected. Johnny was still waiting for an answer.

"Awww, mate. He built you a nest? How are you not already in it?"

"Because it's his space." Soap said, not taking his eyes off of Ghost when he answered Gaz.

"He deserves to decide who is worthy of being in it. May I join you?" he asked, redirecting his question to Ghost.

“Yeah, course. Built it for us.”

Ghost was suddenly even more grateful that he’d been given the mask as he felt the heat of a blush race up his throat and spill across his cheeks. It was almost embarrassing how much he wanted his Omega’s approval. He couldn't put his finger on what made Soap so different from the other Omegas that he’d had in his life prior, but he craved Johnny’s presence and scent in a way he’d not previously experienced.

Soap smiled and slid into place beside Ghost, jostling him against Alex as Soap wiggled himself into the nest. Grunting, he shifted forward and turned his head to watch. Johnny was busily petting his hand over the fabrics that Ghost had used to build their corner and he glanced back at Ghost with a soft smile and a chirp of approval. Ghost felt his alpha thrum at the scent of contentment pouring off his Omega. Small puffs of scent rose off the fabric when Soap touched it, but the heat and movement of Soap’s team around the room had mixed the scents until they were nearly back to what he remembered from that first night. The deepening of the scent of others should have been unsettling given his past, but it wasn’t.

Clearing his throat, he glanced up at the TV screen as the movie started and the menu screen popped up. He recognized the actress in the pink dress and thigh holster and grunted. Soap settled beside him and hmm’d at him in question.

“This came out the year I joined up. Never got a chance to see it.”

Soap wrinkled his nose. “I was in 3rd grade.”

Ghost froze at his words. Johnny sounded almost… disappointed.

“Just a bebe.” Farah said, breaking the tension Ghost could feel rising, leaning over Alé x and Ghost to pinch his cheek while cooing at him through pursed lips. Over her shoulder she asked Ghost. “How old are you?”

“37.”

Farah nodded. “That’s what I figured.”

“How old are you?”

“35”

Soap spluttered. “You’re both a decade older than me?!”

Farah sat up and settled back on her cushion. Ghost just shrugged. Gaz leaned forward from his spot in the opposite corner. “Mate, you’re the youngest one here. You always are. Accept it.”

“Aye, sure, but still.”

Price cleared his throat and they all settled, waiting for Farah to press play. Soap subsided with a sullen pout and Ghost couldn’t help leaning into him, pressing their sides together from shoulder to hip. His hand settled onto the cushion beside Johnny’s. He glanced down at where their hands lay next to one another and he scooted it closer until his pinky was just pressing Soap’s, freezing as he felt him shift at his side.

The hand withdrew and Ghost wondered if he’d pushed too far until a socked foot hit his hip and he felt Soap wiggle his leg past him, tugging him gently back by the hips until Ghost scooted back, settling against the Omega without a struggle. He didn’t know if it was the bond making Johnny want to touch him or if it was his sense of responsibility for his alpha’s behavior, but Ghost was going to enjoy the gentle pressure of his Omega at his back until Johnny got tired of indulging him and pushed him away.

~~~20

Ghost’s stomach ached by the end of the movie, everyone passing snacks and candy any time his hands were empty, and even Price brought him a slice a pizza on a plate when he came back from getting a fresh drink. Ghost took the plate and nodded his thanks, sniffing discreetly to try and read Price. His scent was frustratingly the same as it had been both times he’d been around him before, and Ghost wanted to curse. Betas were so much harder for him to get a handle on, their scent only strong enough to allow him to read emotion when they were in close proximity, and Ghost had enough experience with them to be wary of that blind spot in his already limited ability to interact with the world. Gaz had the same faint Beta smell, but his voice and face were so expressive that Ghost had figured out pretty early on that he was honest to a fault around people he cared about, and in the beginning, Gaz hadn’t trusted him, but he’d trusted Johnny enough to give Ghost a chance. So far, Ghost was willing to extend the same courtesy.

Farah had fallen asleep between Alex’ knees and Ghost watched as he leaned forward and scooped her up, hands under her bent knees as he pulled her easily into his lap. She grumbled a little under her breath at the move but settled against his chest, a quiet purr vibrating her chest in the quiet of the room. Ghost felt Johnny stiffen against his back and saw Price and Gaz exchange a look. Alex grimaced and lifted a hand to wake Farah, freezing when Ghost shook his head at him.

Speaking quietly, Ghost watched her sleep. “It’s fine. Her purring in her sleep doesn’t bother me. When they’re asleep is the only time I know for sure a purr is safe.”

Johnny made a little gut punched sound and Ghost turned to look at him over his shoulder. Johnny shifted his gaze to the space between Ghost’s shoulder blades. The room filled with an awkward silence and Price and Gaz excused themselves to the kitchen to tidy up and put leftovers away. Alex lifted Farah and spoke to the room.

“I’m gonna borrow a bedroom if y’all don’t mind. Let you sort this out in peace.”

When Alex was gone, Soap wiggled out from behind Ghost and stood, taking the short steps to where Gaz had been seated, settling down on the still warm cushion and meeting Ghost’s eyes.

“You know I would never do that to you, right? I’d never use my purr to make you agree to anything?”

Ghost was quiet, watching Johnny fidget at the edges of the couch cushion and bite his lip.

“I know.”

Soap slumped and worried the fabric for a few more seconds.

“I’m going to be really honest here. I have no idea what I’m doing. And I’m so worried that I’m going to f*ck it up.” Johnny looked up and met Ghost’s eyes across the empty cushion that still scented like ambergris and basil. “Please tell me when I’m doing something wrong. I need you to help me get it right.”

The alpha in his chest roared at the idea that this perfect, kind, wonderful Omega actually needed something from him that he could provide, but the damaged man who’d been at the mercy of the worst kind of Omegas and Betas for years was sniffing the air, fearful of the trap he knew lay under the offer. He couldn’t see it, but he knew it was there. Ghost snapped a curt nod.

Both men turned to look as they heard Price’s voice from the kitchen, growing louder as he walked back into the living room, frown dragging the edges of his mustache down as he hummed a response at the phone pressed against his cheek.

“Yes, Sir. We’re enroute now. Sergeant Garrick and I. No, he’s still on medical leave. Unfortunately, no. Yes, Sir. I’ll contact Laswell and see if she can add any context to the situation.”

Price dropped his phone and met Johnny’s curious eyes.

“Apparently there’s been a credible threat identified by some visiting American servicemembers. That was the General. He’s recalling Gaz and I to base. He wanted you as well, but you’re technically on medical leave until the bond starts to fade, or Ghost’s health stabilizes enough not to be a threat to your presence in the field.”

Ghost could feel himself start to hackle at the accusation. Johnny set a palm on his thigh just above his knee and squeezed gently. Ghost felt his shoulders loosen at the gesture.

“Aye, Sir. Anything I can do from here?”

“No. Where are Farah and Alex?”

“Bedroom. Sir, is there any chance-”

“I couldn't say, son. And it’s neither of our places to speculate.”

“Aye. S’pose not. My Dam would smack me round the head for gossiping, too.”

“I’m sure if there’s news we’ll be among the first to hear it. Why don’t you boys take advantage of the break and go catch up on sleep. Don’t think I didn’t notice you quit quoting the movie about half way through.”

Ghost watched a delicate flush crawl up his Omega’s throat and idly wondered what it would feel like against his tongue. He froze at the thought, keeping the movement subtle enough that he thought he’d gotten away with it until Soap wrinkled his nose and looked over at him. Ghost took a quick sniff and caught dry clay. sh*t.

“Alright there, Ghostie?”

“Yeah. Maybe a rest is a good idea.”

“It’ll have to be with me again. There are only two bedrooms. Unless you want to go with Alex and Farah? He’s always liked a good cuddle puddle. Or I can take the couch. If you would prefer to sleep on your own.”

“No!” Ghost said a bit more forcefully than he had intended.

“We’ve been sharing, so we can just keep doing that. No need to sleep out here.” Ghost cleared his throat and fidgeted with the hat he’d found in the duffle Farah had packed him.

He glanced up through his lashes as the three men in the room watched him, Soap and Price both looking a little taken aback, and Gaz behind his Captain, a big grin on his face. Ghost had a sinking sensation that he’d been even less subtle about his desires than he’d thought.

“Alright then. I’ll call when I have an update. I’ve left a text on Alex and Farah’s phones to have them come back as soon as they get up.”

“Aye, Sir. I’ll make sure they see it if I’m up before they are.”

“Appreciate it. Ghost, thank you for inviting us to the movie. Take care of yourself.”

Ghost nodded and watched Price watch him before he turned away, patting Gaz on the shoulder and stooping by the door to tug his boots back on, lacing them quickly with a back and forth motion of his hand that Ghost’s brain struggled to understand. It wasn't long before the men took their leave and Soap and Ghost were left in the silent living room staring at one another.

Chapter 2

Chapter Text

~~~21

“So, should we…”

Ghost cleared his throat. Plucking at the blanket under his thigh, he nodded. Soap wanted badly to see his eyes, to see if he could figure out what was going on in his alphas head. The bond hummed quietly at the back of his mind, feeling almost like it had a layer of batting over it, muting what came through.

“Yeah. Can I..”

“Whatever you need,” Soap was quick to reassure him.

“Can I have a minute?”

“Of course.”

Soap stood and started gathering up wrappers and plates, sweeping into the kitchen with an armful of dishes. He ran the water to rinse them, setting them in the dishwasher and drying his hands on the towel hanging from the oven door. When he stepped back into the living room he noticed that the nest had been dismantled and he smiled, hoping it meant Ghost was working to rebuild the nest in his room.

He knew it wasn't doing either of them any good holding on to their bond so hard. Knew he needed to back off. But there was something about the big, quiet alpha that resonated with him in a way he'd never previously experienced. Worrying his lip, he sighed into the empty air of the living room.

Ghost had been pretty adamant earlier that he wanted him to nap with him, and Ghost was better but still not back to 100 percent. Rest was a good thing. If he wanted Soap to be there to help him rest, then Soap would do that for him. He'd let Ghost recover fully, and when he'd been cleared by medical, Soap would start pulling back and letting the bond wither. His inner Omega keened at the thought but Soap shook it away.

Soap had bonded with Ghost to keep him alive and help him heal. He wasn't meant to keep him. Whoever was out there waiting for him deserved to have him, and Ghost deserved to be happy. Soap never got to keep the alphas he bonded. It was a rule he'd agreed to follow when he'd signed up, a disadvantage of his designation in his chosen field. He kept them alive and then let them go, bonds of need and desperation rather than bonds of affection and love.

He'd known what he was signing up for when he'd first joined, but he'd failed to appreciate just how much the whiplash of short term trauma bonds had left him craving something he could have that was just his, no holds barred, no need for restraint, no expiration date.

Soap set his hands at his hips and drew in a deep breath of the juniper and clay that had seeped into the corner where he and Ghost had sat pressed together for the hour and 49 minutes of the film. He wanted more of that, wanted it for every day. But it wasn't for him.

Surely Ghost had people out in the world somewhere. Hell, maybe he had family out there waiting for him to come home. A mother who knew in her gut that her son was alive, maybe siblings or cousins, or possibly grandparents hoping to see their grandchild one more time before they died.

The tread of socked feet met his ears and Soap looked up, Ghost's slightly worried gaze meeting his.

“Everything alright, Johnny?”

Soap crooked a weak smile back at him. “Everything is fine, Ghostie. Just thinking. Are you ready for me?”

Ghost nodded and turned away. Soap followed him out of the living room, dragging his fingertips across the fabric of the sofa where he and Ghost had been. Maybe he couldn't keep Ghost forever, but he could hold him for today. And that would have to be enough.

~~~

Ghost walked back to the bedroom, listening carefully for the sound of Johnny’s footsteps behind him. Today had been good so far. He was feeling more settled now that the house carried the faint scent of Johnny’s pack, and he appreciated that Johnny seemed willing to let their scents be, not bracing himself for a cleaning team to come in and wipe away any trace of other people the way the cleaners that worked for Roba had done, removing the evidence of any previous clients in preparation for the next. The sterility of the space that should have been his home scratched at him badly, and between that and the crushing loneliness of his captivity, he was lucky to have escaped as unscathed as he had. Aside from the dissociation that kept him from remembering who he’d been before Roba, that is. Ghost waited beside the bed as Johnny walked into the room and looked around.

“I thought…”

Ghost co*cked his head and waited for Johnny to decide what he wanted to say.

“No nest this time?”

“Am I allowed? It’s your bed.”

“It’s our bed until you’re feeling better. But if you don’t want me here, I’m fine to head to the couch until Farah and Alex head back to base. I wasn’t just offering earlier.”

Ghost chewed his lip for a second before tugging the mask off his head. His hair was sweaty and disheveled from being smashed under the fabric while still damp, and he dragged his fingers though it hoping to tame it a little bit. He knew he wasn’t much to look at, broad flat features scared and ruined from his years in the cage matches, but he hoped his Omega saw something that pleased him anyway. As much as he knew that an Omega like Johnny would never want a wreck of an alpha like him, his heart was a stupid desperate thing that wanted to stay with the man who had been so kind to him.

Johnny walked around the bed slowly and reached up, dragging a gentle finger under the skin of his eye.

“Such a bonnie lad. Whoever you end up with is going to be the luckiest person in the world. I know it.”

Ghost felt the heat in his cheeks at Johnny’s words and looked away, reaching out to fiddle with the pile of fabric he’d set on one of the nightstands in case Johnny changed his mind about them sharing the bed. He wanted it to be Soap who kept him, but he swallowed it down. Now wasn't the time.

“C’mon Ghostie,” Soap said, before a yawn swallowed his words, “Let’s get the nest made and get some rest.”

He followed the movements of Johnny’s body as he fluffed the comforter on the bed, releasing a burst of concentrated clay and juniper into the room, layering the blanket they’d been using over it. Soap pulled off the shirt he had been wearing and tucked it at the head of the bed, behind the pillow on what Ghost was tentatively claiming as his side, and climbed onto the mattress, shifting the blankets down and sliding underneath.

“Gimme your shirt.” Ghost watched Johnny make grabby hands at him and shrugged off his hoodie, peeling off the t-shirt underneath and handing it over. Johnny squeezed the fabric in his hand and tucked it behind his pillow before laying back and wiggling into place. He froze when he realized Ghost was just standing there watching him.

“Is this… OK? I can put on a shirt if you’re uncomfortable with me being half dressed. I’m sorry, I didn’t-”

“No. It’s fine. You’re fine.”

“Well, into bed with you. Can’t recover if you don’t rest.”

“Johnny, I’ve only been awake for a few hours. I don’t think I’m gonna die of exhaustion any time soon.” Ghost slid into bed as he spoke, freezing at the feeling of Soap’s hand on his forearm.

“Don’t joke about that. It’s been less than a week and you’ve spent most of it sick or recovering. I want you to get better. To be healthy again.”

“Alright, Omega, alright. I’ll do as you say.”

Ghost settled onto the cool cotton sheets and waited for his body to warm the air under the blankets around him. Johnny was still at his side and Ghost turned his face to look at him.

“Can I..”

“Whatever you need, Johnny.”

Johnny scooted closer, toes bumping as he settled pressed against his side. He was close enough that every breath pressed his bare chest against Ghost’s arm. Cautiously, Soap reached a hand out, hovering it over his chest before he set in on Ghost’s sternum, the barest scrape of his calloused fingers raising goose pimples in their wake.

“Is it too much?”

“It’s not too much.”

It wasn’t too much. It would never be too much. Johnny could ask Ghost to carve himself open so he could climb inside and he would gladly make the incision himself. But Soap just wanted to make sure he was alright. And that would have to be enough for Ghost.

~~~22

Neither man moved during the night, and when Soap finally woke up to the bare edge of the gray dawn light creeping through the window, he didn’t move. They’d scooted closer in the night and he was pressed against Ghost’s side, the sleepy warmth gluing them together where they touched. Soap had his cheek pressed to the warm skin of Ghost’s pec and he grimaced when he felt the dampness under his cheek.

Hopefully Ghost wasn’t going to take offense to the fact that he’d apparently made a comfortable enough pillow that Johnny had drooled on him; Something he only did when he was deeply asleep. Peeling his cheek away, he wiped at the damp skin of Ghost’s chest, trying not to wake him. Ghost was still asleep when he looked up and Johnny huffed a small sigh, scooting back and flipping the comforter off himself.

When he tried to stand up a hand wrapped around his wrist and tugged him back onto the mattress.

“Where ya goin?” A sleep heavy voice slurred out.

“Gonna go start some coffee and contemplate the cruelty of being awake.”

“Sounds terrible. Sleep.”

“Ah, we slept clean through the night, you’ve gotta be starving by now.”

“I’m fine.” The hollow grumble that filled the air between them put paid to that little fib and Johnny grinned at the faint pink shadow on Ghost’s sleep creased cheeks.

“C’mon, Ghostie, let’s go get ourselves fed.”

Ghost groaned but let Soap coax him out of bed, following him into the kitchen. There was a bright green post-it stuck to the coffee pot and Soap pulled it free and read it as he hit the button to start the pot of coffee that someone had so helpfully left ready for them.

“Looks like Alex and Farah headed back to base this morning. How do you feel about bacon and eggs?”

He shot a look over his shoulder at Ghost, who was hovering at the table, just beyond arm's reach. When he realized Soap was waiting for an answer, he nodded, still watching him carefully. Soap took a subtle sniff of the air and got a bare hint of pear and clay. Not thrilled, but not upset. He’d take it.

Soap worked his way around the vaguely familiar space, cracking eggs into a skillet and poking at the bacon he’d set to crisp on a griddle. Ghost stuck close by, bumping into Soap every so often until he finally huffed a sigh and prodded him in the direction of the toaster, handing him a loaf of bread and setting him to work making toast for the two of them.

Soap plated up the eggs and bacon as it finished cooking and turned to see Ghost staring fixedly at the toaster, waiting for the slices to pop. When they did, Soap had to bite back a laugh as Ghost jumped slightly, grabbing the toast and setting it to the side. Leaning past him, he pressed their shoulders together as he scooped up the slices and slid them onto the plate.

“Grab the butter and jam?”

Ghost nodded and followed Soap to the table, settling across from him and picking up his fork. Soap buttered his toast and slathered it with jam, licking the smear off the side of his thumb. He looked up and saw Ghost snap his eyes away, digging into the eggs with gusto. They finished breakfast quickly and Ghost gathered up the empty plates, rinsing them and setting them into the half full dishwasher. Soap grabbed the tablets from under the sink and dropped one in the tray, punching the button to start the cycle as Ghost set to work scrubbing the pans clean and setting them in the rack to dry.

“What would you like to do today?”

Ghost wiped his hands dry on a dish towel and set it aside, shrugging lightly. The smell of pear grew momentarily and Soap wanted to reach out to his alpha, but he wasn’t sure how welcome his touch would be right now. When Ghost finally spoke, he kept his eyes averted, speaking to the patch of linoleum beside Soap’s feet.

“Can we go out?”

Soap nodded. “Sure. Where would you like to go?”

“Is there a book store around here? And then maybe a park?”

He looked like he wanted to vibrate out of his skin while he waited for Soap’s answer. He wanted badly to praise Ghost for asking, but he didn’t want Ghost to think he was being sarcastic. He chirped at him and waited for Ghost to look up. When he did, he offered a gentle smile and answered his questions.

“We can do that. Why don’t you go get dressed and ready and we’ll go find a bookstore and a park. I’m gonna go call Price and see if he has any updates on your identity.”

Ghost nodded and ducked out of the room, obviously excited about the trip. Soap padded back into the living room and scooped his phone up from its spot on the charger. Dialing, he listened to the ringing for a few seconds until Price picked up, obviously distracted.

“What?”

“Hey, Captain. Just wanted to check in. Any word from Laswell, or Aggie?”

“Nothing yet. Listen, Soap, we’re being sent out tonight. The intel we’ve been given is highly volatile and Laswell wants to keep the eyes on it limited for now. I’m taking Gaz and Alex, but it’s been suggested that we leave Farah behind for now.”

“That’s bullsh*t, Sir. She’s an asset in the field.”

Price sighed and Soap wondered if the man had gotten any sleep between last night and now. “I know that, son. But we’ve been requested, and it’s easier not to rock the boat right now. She’s already agreed to stay here.”

“Is this about-”

“It’s not my business. If you want to ask Omega to Omega, that’s your prerogative.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Soap finished his call and heard the sound of boot steps down the hall toward him. He turned to see Ghost dressed in all black, the balaclava bunched in his hand.

“Can I wear this?”

Soap shook his head. “Not without having the cops called on us.” Thinking quickly, he held up a finger and darted back toward the hallway, digging through the closet by the front door. He dug through the assorted items that had found their way into the closet and exclaimed happily when he found what he had been digging for.

“I knew these were in there somewhere. Price stocked up when lockdowns started last year. Honestly, most people around here are still wearing masks when we’re out and about, so you’ll fit in well.”

Soap extended his hand, offering the package of black medical masks to Ghost. He watched Ghost tug one free and look at it.

“Put your hood up and you’re still covered, just a lot less likely to have to explain yourself to the constabulary.”

He left Ghost to examine his reflection in the entryway mirror and pulled a mask free for himself, setting it aside and walking back to the bedroom to get dressed. He quickly tugged on jeans, a t- shirt, socks and a sweater and made his way back into the living room where he slipped on his boots and stood, grabbing his hoodie, the mask, and his keys.

“Ready to go introduce yourself to Hereford?”

“Ready.”

~~~23

Ghost was, in fact, not ready.

The sidewalk outside their little apartment was busy with morning shoppers, and Ghost cringed back against his Omega at the multitude of scents that hit him. He began to rumble quietly, trying to soothe the anxiety twisting in his chest. Ghost flinched lightly when he felt someone touch him, relaxing at the quick burst of peat. Johnny.

“We can go back inside if this is too much.”

“No. I want to go.”

“Alright. But if you get overwhelmed, I would like it if you warned me. Think you can do that?”

Ghost nodded.

“Thank you. Can I hold your hand?”

Ghost nodded again and extended his hand. Johnny laced his fingers through Ghost’s and squeezed lightly, offering a small smile to the alpha in thanks. He glanced down at the Omega who was busily studying a map on his phone and followed docilely when he tugged him away from their front door and up the block.

“The bookshop is this way.”

Soap led the way, pointing out his favorite places to stop for a cup of coffee or a little boutique that had the best heat blankets. They wandered past a florist with a display of potted plants that made Ghost slow his steps, looking at the leaves wistfully.

"Do you want to go look?"

Ghost shook his head, turning away. "No, just remembered I had a window full of plants in my old apartment. Wonder if they're being taken care of."

"Your apartment… in Mexico?"

"Yeah. I couldn't have a pet, but plants were pretty safe. And it was nice to have something alive in the space with me."

Soap stood on the sidewalk, still holding Ghost's hand, and shifted his weight from foot to foot.

"Cmon Johnny, you promised me a bookstore."

He shook himself and grinned at Ghost. "Wait until you see this place. It's one of my favorite places to visit when we're on base for a while."

Ghost followed along behind Soap, focusing on his juniper and peat scent wafting back to him to avoid focusing on the crowd that surged around him. He could feel his shoulders tighten as he was bumped by a Beta walking past him, and he took a couple large steps toward Soap until he was pressed against his back. Soap's steps faltered and Ghost knew his scent was soured, but Soap had asked for warning if he was feeling overwhelmed, and he was rapidly approaching it. He eased up on the chokehold he'd been maintaining on the bond and let the bare edge of his anxiety press against it. He threw out a quick thanks to the moon for giving him such a smart mate as Soap dipped his chin briefly and wrapped an arm around his back, ushering him back toward the florists shop they had just passed.

The tinkle of the bell was jarring and Ghost growled quietly. Soap trilled quietly back at him and drew him into the shop. Soap's juniper blended into the overwhelming smell of green that hit him and he felt his shoulders unknot, looking up and taking in the racks and shelves of plants filling the space. A lightly accented voice called a welcome from the backroom and Ghost turned to see a huge man walk out of the room brushing his hands off on his apron. He was veiled in the style of very conservative Omegas and Ghost felt his hackles rise instinctively, pulling Johnny back into his side.

"Wilkommen. Feel free to look around. Unless you're looking for something specific?"

Ghost caught a whiff of rust and pulled the growl back, realizing the man in front of him was as anxious about his presence as he was about the other Omega. Johnny seemed oblivious to the tension, offering a genuine smile.

"We saw your window display and wanted to have a look."

"Ah, yes. All spring pots are on sale. And they're all varieties that are easy to care for."

Soap nodded at the tall Omega and looked back at Ghost.

"How about it, Ghostie. Want a plant for the apartment?"

Ghost chewed his lip under the mask. He didn't hate the idea, but he didn't want to have to carry a plant around for the rest of the day. Johnny studied his face and turned back to the owner.

"Do you deliver?"

"As long as it's in town. I don't drive."

"Oh, yeah. We're right up the road." Soap rattled off their address and the owner straightened up.

"You live above the grocers?"

"We're staying there for a while. Are you familiar with it?"

"My mate and I live in one of the apartments above it."

"You're the neighbor Price mentioned. I'm John, and this is my alpha, Ghost."

"König. Nice to meet you."

Johnny took a step toward the big Omega and Ghost wanted to drag him back again. He didn't know this person, and while his scent didn't read as dangerous, neither had Roba's. Johnny caught his hand and squeezed his fingers gently.

“We’re going to look around.”

“Alright,” König said, dipping his head in acknowledgement and backtracking to the counter where he picked up a vase and grabbed a bucket of precut stems from the cooler. He turned his back to them and began arranging the blooms in the vase, the snap of snips and his quiet humming the only sound in the shop.

Ghost followed Johnny as he walked around looking at the offerings. Toward the back, a small table sat, an assortment of pots cluttering its top. Ghost stopped when he saw the pot with the broad oval leaves veined with bright pink. Carefully, he ran a finger tip down one leaf. It reminded him of his favorite plant, and he felt Johnny come up beside him, pressing their shoulders together.

“This one?”

“Can I?”

“Yeah, Ghost, of course. Let's go pay for it and have König drop it off by the apartment later. Still want to go to the bookstore, or was this enough adventure?”

Ghost shook his head. “No, I still want to go.”

“Alright. Then we’ll do that.”

Johnny paid for the plant and arranged delivery with König, inviting the man to stop by with his mate sometime, and they left, Soap lacing his fingers back into Ghost’s as soon as they were back on the sidewalk.

“Thank you for telling me when you got overwhelmed earlier. I know it’s probably not easy for you to trust me with things like that.”

“It’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done, and that scares the sh*t out of me.”

~~~24

Both men were silent after that, but Johnny never loosened his hold, and Ghost didn’t let go either. They made it to the bookstore, and Ghost followed Soap into the dim space, immediately understanding what he’d been saying earlier.

The store was full of shelves set in winding rows that disappeared into the back of the space. The air smelled of clover and vanilla and a little bit of iron and Ghost sucked in a lungful, Soap’s own juniper swelling alongside it. There were squashy armchairs stuck into alcoves and between shelves, and he could easily see someone losing track of time as they settled into one of the chairs with a new book and a cup of the coffee he could smell brewing at the front of the store.

“This way is fiction, there’s non-fiction and biographical, there’s romance and sci-fi in the back room, and there’s even a little children’s section under the stairs.”

Ghost turned to look at Johnny and noticed his ears looked pink.

“I like to look at the artwork. It’s usually pretty neat.” Clearing his throat, Johnny looked over at him. “What kind of books do you prefer?”

“I like non-fiction. I was reading a good one about extreme places in the galaxy.”

“D’you like that kinda stuff?”

Ghost smiled under his mask and dragged his fingertips along the spines of the books as he passed.

“Yeah, I wanted to be an astronaut when I was a kid. But when I presented as an alpha, I knew that would never happen. ‘Too emotional’. But I loved space, and the possibility of different places where maybe alpha wasn’t always uttered with a tone of distaste, or avarice. Reading was an odd hobby for an alpha, and my dad hated it. Used to take any books I had and toss them out. But I kept reading. It’s been a comfort and an escape for my whole life.”

Soap took a minute to imagine a much younger Ghost, all blond hair and knobby knees, curled up somewhere with a book about space and he wanted to purr. For a moment, Soap couldn’t help but wish he’d met him when they were younger, before he’d been trafficked. But he had him now, and he was more than willing to give his alpha what he wanted, to help him heal, to make him happy. Ghost fell silent and Johnny watched him squint at the spines, pulling back and leaning forward, the shape of his cheeks under the mask making him think Ghost was frowning.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. It’s just a little dim in here. Hard to read the titles.”

Soap glanced around with a frown. The store was well lit with warm light, and there was a fixture on the ceiling a few feet from him.

“Well, why don’t I read them, and you can point out anything that sounds interesting? I’ve got sniper’s eyes. Was 20/10 at my last exam.”

Ghost huffed, but dipped his head in a nod. Soap rattled off the titles as he walked slowly down the aisle and plucked the ones Ghost indicated an interest in, handing them back to the alpha at his back. He grabbed a couple of books for himself that caught his eye as they passed through the romance section, and he grabbed a kids book about how helicopters worked for Gaz. Walking toward the checkout, he realized the second set of footsteps had fallen silent behind him. He turned around to see Ghost had opened one of the books he’d asked for and glaring down at the open pages.

“Ghost?”

“What’s the point?”

“What?”

“The books. I can’t read this. It’s just a blur. I can’t even read the titles on the spines. How am I supposed to read them? It’s just a waste.”

“Something that makes you happy could never be a waste. Don’t worry, we’ll get you checked out, maybe glasses. You’re my alpha, it’s my job to take care of you. For now, let’s just pay for our books. We’ll go find a park, get some sun, I’ll read you a chapter or two. It’s gonna work out, I promise.”

Soap took the stack of books from Ghost and set them on the counter next to the register. The older woman behind the counter looked up at the pair and smiled, typing in the books codes and rattling off the total while she slipped the books into a canvas tote with the store’s logo that Soap had pulled out of his hoodie pocket.

He handed over his card and accepted the bag back, handing it off to Ghost while he signed the receipt and stuck his card back into his wallet. He wondered if he should have his bank send him a second card for Ghost. Shaking the thought away for the time being, he tucked his wallet away and held his hand out to Ghost again. Ghost accepted his hand easily, and Johnny chirped at him, letting a smile settle wide and bright on his face.

“There’s a park we can go spend some time in. It’s a bit of a walk though. Are you up for it?”

“I’m good.”

“Alright.”

Both men waved goodbye to the cashier and left, Ghost immediately tight on Soap’s six. The sidewalks were clearing out as lunch approached and people took a break to grab food. Ghost was silent behind him, and when they reached a stretch of sidewalk that was deserted, Johnny tugged Ghost up to walk at his side.

“Hungry?”

“I’m fine.”

Soap poked at the bond from his end and watched Ghost jolt at the contact.

“I’m thinking a light lunch might not go amiss. There’s a couple food trucks that hang out around the park. One makes korean tacos that are delicious. Want to try them?”

“If you want me to.”

“But do you want to?”

“Not really.”

“OK, thank you for telling me. I’m gonna get something though. Will that bother you?”

“No.”

Soap let the conversation die as they turned the final corner and were met with a wall of fresh green. The park wasn’t empty, but the people were mainly congregated around the food trucks, fountain and playground near the edge of the space. He knew the part he liked to spend time in was likely pretty empty, as there wasn’t much to see aside from trees and grass. He walked with Ghost to an empty bench and pointed to the crowd around the red and gold truck.

“Are you OK hanging out here while I go grab food? Unless you want to come with me?”

Ghost looked at Johnny and over to the crowd, before shaking his head. “I’ll stay here. Can you just make sure you can see me?”

Johnny set the bag of books down next to Ghost and nodded. “Aye, can do that.”

He walked away and got in line, careful to check every so often that he could still see Ghost on the bench. When it was his turn, he ordered four tacos and an extra side of kimchi, and backed out of the crowd, looking for his alpha. The man was sat comfortably on the bench, arms spread over the back and head tipped back, sun shining over the visible shin of his face.

Keeping his voice low to avoid startling him, Soap called to him as he approached.

“Ghostie, are you asleep?”

Ghost’s nostrils flared and he opened his eyes, tracking Soap as he drew closer.

“No, just enjoying the sun.”

“We can stay here if you like.”

A high, shrill scream erupted from the playground near them and Ghost flinched away from the noise, eyes darting to try and find the source of the keening. Soap set his food on the bench and reached for Ghost, freezing a few inches before he made contact.

“You’re safe, no one is coming for you, it’s just a pup. They look like they’re just fine, probably screaming in excitement. Their parents are watching them. You’re safe.”

Johnny waited, pushing his scent to convey comfort, safety, calm, as hard as he could.
“Let’s go somewhere quieter. I’ll show you my favorite place when I need some peace.”

~~~25
Johnny sighed in relief when Ghost took his hands and let him pull him up, making sure he was steady on his feet before he let go of one hand and turned away, completely forgetting his lunch in his hurry to get Ghost somewhere calmer. Ghost pulled him to a stop and pointed to the abandoned tray of food. Soap squeezed his hands in thanks and took a couple steps back, scooping up the tray and starting down the path to his drawing spot.

Today had already been a lot, and if he wanted Ghost to remember today fondly, he needed to make sure the good outweighed the bad. So, minimizing the triggers and upsetting stimuli was a priority. They walked together down the path, and the noise of people faded until it was easy to forget they were in a largish city just a few feet from other people. They walked in silence for a few hundred feet and Soap smiled when he heard Ghost gasp from his place at his side.

It was his favorite place to come when he was feeling overwhelmed and heartsick, a little piece of nature that reminded him of home, of his parent’s farm where he’d run wild as a child, climbing trees and chasing goats and sheep and skinning his knees swimming in the stream. There was a big tree at the edge of the clearing, old enough that the soil over the big roots had worn away, leaving a hidden depression in the hard packed dirt and knobbled arches of root perfect to sit against. Across from the tree, a small pond collected the water from a tinkly stream that tumbled over rocks and logs, the noise just loud enough to further mask the sounds of the city behind them. There were usually a pair of ducks that lived somewhere nearby, and Soap frowned, hoping they were just out of the water for now and not gone forever.

He’d no sooner thought it than the male popped his head out from the bushes by the pond bank and gave a quiet quack that had another smaller male following him over and Soap smiled at their happy little tail wiggles as they slid into the water. The smaller of the two slowed and turned back, and Soap watched as three little fluff balls skittered down the bank to plop clumsily into the water behind their parents. Soap glanced over to see that Ghost had lowered his hood and was watching the babies with soft eyes. Soap took a couple steps to where Ghost was, digging the small ziploc out of his hoodie pocket and extending it to Ghost while they watched the little family swim around.

“The adults like peas. No idea if the babies can eat em. It’s always been just the two here before. Bought some when I grabbed lunch. Kim sells them out of his truck.”

Ghost eyed the bag and then the ducks. “I thought they liked bread.”

“They’ll eat anything, the little beggars. But bread isn’t great for them. Was talking about it with Kim one day when things were slow and mentioned it was a shame there wasn’t anywhere in the park to pick up a better option. Next time I visited, he had peas.”

“Seems like a lot of work for a couple wild animals.”

Soap shrugged and looked over at Ghost again. “Never hurts to be kind. Why don’t you go see if they’re hungry while I eat?”

Ghost nodded and took the bag from Soap’s hand, walking slowly to the water's edge. He squatted and then sat, opening the bag and tossing a small handful of peas to the parents, who swam away warily from the big thing at the edge of their home. The larger male turned back cautiously and swam to where a couple of peas bobbed in the water, poking at them with his beak a few times before scooping them up and calling to the rest of the family. The peas were quickly scooped up and Soap watched as Ghost unhooked the mask from one ear, letting it hang and speaking softly to the ducks, throwing a few more peas. One of the babies swam to the water’s edge and clambered back onto the grass, making a beeline for Ghost. The alpha froze when the smaller adult quacked in alarm and Soap watched as the larger male charged, waiting to see what would happen next.

Ghost stayed frozen and the adult stopped a few feet from him, corralling the baby back and mantling his wings. The duckling, unimpressed with its parent’s display, ducked under the spread wing and returned to Ghost’s side, tugging the edge of the ziploc until the bag fell over and the peas spilled into the grass. Neither Ghost nor the angry parent noticed until the duckling poked his head out of the bag with a cheep. When Ghost stayed still and calm, the adult calmed and quacked, calling the rest of the family over. Ghost carefully reached down and scooped up a handful of he spilled peas, tossing them to the smaller adult and the other two ducklings. The family settled down to eat, and Soap finished his tacos, folding the tray and tucking it into his back pocket to throw away later.

Carefully making his way to Ghost he settled by his side, knocking their shoulders together gently.

“Never gotten this close to them.”

“Same. Though that one keeps side-eying me.”

“He’s protective.”

“He? Is the smaller one the girl?”

“No, these are both boys. They’ve lived here as long as I’ve been coming to this park. Not sure where the babies came from though.”

“No alpha/Omega ducks?”

Soap laughed quietly. “Nah, that’s strictly a human thing.”

At his side, he could hear a little cheep as the third duck struggled to make his way up Ghost’s leg. Ghost carefully offered a palm and the brave little thing clambered on board, happily riding it up to the top of Ghost’s thigh, settling in with a shake and closing its eyes in pleasure at the heat radiating off the sun warmed fabric under its belly.

“Looks like you’ve made a friend.”

Ghost looked down at the duckling that had chosen his lap for a nap spot and glanced over to the rest of the family.

“Guess so.”

Soap let himself stare at the soft look on Ghost’s face, eyes skipping over the shape of his nose, down to his lips, the arch of his eyebrow, the swell of his adam’s apple. He was a very pretty man, but somehow none of that hit Soap as hard as the expression on his face as he stared down at the tiny creature who trusted his gentleness enough to risk falling asleep. He wondered if it was anything like how he would look at someone he loved.

The men sat with the duck family for another 10 minutes, talking quietly back and forth before the duckling startled itself awake, flailing and slipping off its perch, ending up in the hollow of his crossed legs. The parents quacked in alarm at their baby’s cry and charged Ghost. With a swear, he held out his hands to fend them off, still careful not to hurt them.

“f*cking hell. Johnny, can you fish the baby out? Pretty sure these guys think I ate it or something.”

Soap leaned in, ducking under Ghost’s arms and reaching down to pick up the baby. Ghost was shifting just enough that he felt his arm press against Ghost in a mildly inappropriate way and he uttered a quiet sorry as he chased the panicked baby around before finally grabbing it carefully and pulling his arm back. As soon as he was clear of Ghost’s legs, he set his hand on the ground and let the duckling loose, watching it scramble back to its siblings, the parents following and settling at the edge of the clearing, shooting, what felt like to Soap, mildly accusing looks back at the two men sitting on the bank.
~~~26

“Not sure if you're making any friends today or not, Ghostie. D’you want to stay, or should we head out before those two start plotting,” Soap said, tipping his head at the ducks who’ve ushered their little family out into the water and hopefully out of reach of the big dark thing that just tried to eat one of them.

Ghost chewed his cheek and looked over at the duck family, then back to his Omega.

“Can we stay?”

“Aye, want to start one of the books you chose today?”

Nodding his head, Ghost pulled the tote bag closer and fished out one of the paperbacks Johnny had picked up earlier. There was a couple on the cover, a broad, tall blond man wrapped around a slightly shorter man with dark hair and a stubbled chin, head thrown back while the blond nipped at his neck, eyes focused on the viewer of the picture.

“Really, that one?”

Ghost nodded his head, tracing a finger over the slightly raised title. He handed the book over and scooted closer, pressing them together from hip to shoulder. Soap opened the book, cleared his throat and started reading.

“I'm not in the office today-whatever- you couldn’t find me.”

Ghost felt himself start to relax as he listened to Johnny’s accented voice set the stage. He’d chosen a police novel, and while the Chief sounded kind of jerk-ish, the detective sounded like a promising character. He could hear the quiet sound of the ducks in the water, and the wind through the leaves made the light dance in the little clearing. He closed his eyes and concentrated on Johnny’s voice, enjoying the heat soaking into his skin and leaning more heavily into his side. Johnny’s voice stuttered a little bit and he stopped reading.

“Hey, feeling alright there?”

“Hmm?”

“Feeling alright, Ghostie?”

Ghost pulled away, feeling sheepish. “Oh, sorry. Was I crushing you?”

“No, you’re OK. Why don't you stretch out on the grass and set your head on my leg? That way my arms are free for the book.”

Ghost felt his stomach flip at the invitation and moved to do as Johnny had suggested. He rolled onto one shoulder and pressed his face to the warm denim covering the solid girth of his thigh, breathing in the smell of laundry soap and skin, rubbing his cheek over the denim to leave as much of his own scent behind as he could. Johnny picked up where he’d left off and Ghost unfocused his eyes, letting the sound of Johny’s voice, the smell of him, the heat of the sun, and the overwhelming sense of peace lull him into a bit of a stupor.
~~~
Ghost woke up to the feeling of little points of pressure on his stomach, and he froze. It was darker than it had been before and he blinked hard, hoping to dispel the gloom. He didn’t feel restrained, and he flexed his legs to make sure, drawing his arms across his chest protectively and startling when he brushed something soft and warm. Looking forward, he noticed the edge of something over him and further down, a lump of fluff on his stomach, just below his ribs. Reaching up, he grabbed the edge of the fabric and tugged, the whole thing collapsing lightly over his head. He heard a quiet swear and then the cloth was pulled loose, Johnny’s frowning face the first thing he saw in the bright sunlight as his eyes readjusted.

“Wha-”

“Good morning, alpha. Your friends came back. I’ve been chatting with their folks for a while.”

Ghost blinked again, turning his head to see where Johnny had indicated. Just a few feet from them, the ducks were settled onto the grass, the larger preening the smaller while the smaller watched the men carefully.

“When did I fall asleep?”

Soap co*cked his head and glanced up at the sky through the trees. “Hmm. Probably about fifteen minutes or so after I started reading. We’ll need to go back and reread the second chapter if you’re interested in the book. Pretty sure you were out for all of that.”

“So why did you keep reading?”

“The ducks came back, and they seemed interested. So I kept going. Your friend from earlier brought their siblings, so be careful about sitting up.”

Ghost glanced back down at the lump on his stomach. “What was over my head?”

“My jacket. The sun shifted and your face was in the light. You're so pale and I didn’t want you to burn.” Johnny met his eyes with a soft smile. “Someone might think I'm not a very good Omega.”

Ghost tipped his head to the side and realized he was still lying on Soap’s lap, thigh supporting his head. He rubbed his cheek over the denim that scented like both of them and mumbled into the fabric, “You’re the best Omega I’ve ever met.”

The muscle under his neck flexed and he frowned as Johnny seemed to close off.

Johnny gave Ghost a moment to pull his head up enough to let him slip away and he brought his arms down to cradle the babies on his stomach as he pulled himself up to a sitting position and let them go, two of the babies bee-lining to their parents while the third lingered, nibbling the grass and cheeping up at Ghost. He watched the baby for a second before glancing over to Soap, watching him tuck the book he’d been reading back into the tote bag and shake out his jacket, slipping it on and clearing his throat.

“We should get going.”

“Alright.” Ghost couldn't help but think he’d screwed up. The shift had been so abrupt, and he wanted the softness from before back, not this weird, stilted, awkward thing that had just sprung up between them. Closing his eyes, he poked gently at their bond, rearing back when Soap slammed the connection closed on his end, a mental keep out in glaring red neon. It was obviously something Ghost had done. He just wished he knew what it was.
~~~
Johnny was silent the entire walk home, and he knew he needed to talk to Ghost about it. He was letting the bond convince him that he could keep Ghost, that maybe Ghost wanted him as much as he wanted Ghost. He knew that bonds were designed to encourage them to develop a relationship, and maintain the bond. He knew it was normal, remembered discussing the effects of a trauma bond in training, and again every time he had to recertify. Realistically though, that didn’t make this experience any easier. This bond was easily the deepest one he’d ever experienced, and if he didn’t know better, he’d be really tempted to say it was a-

Nope. Not going there. Not right now. His scent had taken on an edge of cordite, and he was setting Ghost off as well, the scent of spoiled pears following them as they walked back through town. A few people offered pitying looks to Ghost as they passed, but most people just averted their eyes and ignored them completely.

Ghost tailed Soap back up the stairs and waited while he unlocked the door, shutting it behind him and watching Johnny set down the totebag and shed his jacket.

"Are you hungry?" he asked, walking into the kitchen and throwing away the crumpled paper tray from lunch before filling a glass with water. Ghost shook his head and Johnny took a sip of water, eyeing Ghost carefully.

"You haven't eaten all day."

"Not much of an appetite."

"Ghost…" Johnny chewed his lip before sighing. "We need to go back to base. See where you are with your healing."

Ghost was already shaking his head in denial. “If I go back, how do I know the General won't make me stay?”

“He wouldn't.”

Ghost huffed drily. “Johnny, you'd be amazed what people in power are capable of.”

“What about your eyes? We need to get them checked, see if there’s anything we can do to help you. And I'm worried that you never have much of an appetite. You’re a big man, and surely you need more calories than you’re getting right now. I need you to heal, and get better.”

“I'm already better.”

“Better than half dead is a really low bar, Ghost.”

Soap sighed when Ghost’s shoulders rounded. This wasn’t going the way he wanted. It felt like all he was doing was making his alpha feel bad.

~~~

He was making his Omega upset. Before, he'd known how to defuse Omega displeasure, offering flattery, or pleasure. But Johnny didn't seem to want that. Before Johnny, Omegas had only ever taken from him. But his Omega was different. Johnny gave, and Ghost didn't know what to do with that. Swallowing down his apprehension, Ghost offered a compromise.

“If you think I should see a doctor, can we call Price and ask about our options? I don't have any money, but I’ll find a way to pay you back.”

He was good at providing pleasure, and he’d definitely given himself to worse people for less.

“You won't need any. You're my responsibility.”

Ghost worked hard to keep his face neutral. He didn't want to be a responsibility. He wanted Johnny to want him back, to want to keep him, to- He shook his head. He didn’t want that. Didn’t want to become the plaything of another Omega. His inner alpha snarled at him for even thinking about it, and he checked the bond, making sure nothing was leaking through to his Omega.

Soap was already frustrated, and he didn’t want to add his own jumbled emotions to the mix. Ever since they’d left the park, Ghost had gotten little wisps of irritation and anger that slipped through, and he hated the idea of making his Omega deal with anything else today. He still wasn’t sure what he’d done to make Johnny so upset with him, but he would keep his head down and his opinions to himself until he knew how to proceed.

~~~27

The evening was quiet, both men lost in their own thoughts until a quiet knock rang out in the space. Johnny set down the book he'd been reading and Ghost turned away from the window where he'd been watching the movement on the street below.

Johnny stood and unlocked the door, tugging it open to find König crouched down, setting Ghost's plant on the doormat, the pink and green leaves familiar, the small dark green spikes next to it less so.

“König! Care to come in for a drink? We have tea, or coffee, or beer if you’re so inclined.”

“Danke, but no. My mate is going to be home soon, and I have supper in the oven. I just realized I brought your plants home but didn’t drop them off. So here they are, dropped off.”

König cut himself off and ducked his head, obviously blushing under his veil. Behind them, the ground floor door opened and closed and a vaguely familiar voice called up the stairs.

“König? What are you doing out here? Everything OK?”

The man coming up the stairs was familiar to Soap and he smiled when he met the alpha’s eyes. “Hullo, Kim.”

“MacTavish. Why are you in my neighbor’s apartment?”

“We’re staying here.”

Johnny heard Ghost’s approach and opened the door wider, calling over his shoulder to Ghost. “König’s alpha is here. Come say hello.”

Ghost stepped up behind Soap and he could feel the bare edge of Ghost’s growl against his shoulder blades. He reached a hand back and set it on Ghost’s hip, patting once, lightly.

“He’s fine, Ghostie. He’s the one who made me lunch. And he’s the guy we were talking about earlier. The one with the peas for the ducks.”

The vibrations lessened but didn’t completely stop. Soap couldn’t help wondering if the territorial behavior was tied to their earlier conversation and the strain he could feel pulling on the bond at the back of his mind. Turning his attention back to the mate pair in front of him, he offered a small smile.

“Would you like to come in for a drink, Kim? I just invited König in, but he hadn’t answered when you arrived.”

Kim shook his head and reached out for König’s hand. “Not tonight, I think. König has been texting me about the new recipe he made for us to share. Maybe later, depending on how long you plan to stay for.”

Soap nodded, feeling Ghost relax behind him, the sharper musk of his defensiveness mellowing at their refusal. Soap sighed quietly and bent down to grab the plants. He passed the pink leafed one back to Ghost but kept the spiky one, holding it out to König.

“This one isn’t ours.”

König shifted his weight and looked down at Kim before speaking.

“I thought it might be a nice gift for you two. I wasn’t sure if you were aware, but the plant you picked out symbolizes gratitude, so I thought maybe a plant for healing and protection might not go amiss. Your alpha seemed uncomfortable earlier. I just thought…” König shifted again, and Kim took his hand, giving his fingers a gentle squeeze as the smell of rust bloomed in the close space of the landing. “I’m sorry if I overstepped.”

Soap opened his mouth to speak and froze when Ghost leaned forward, head resting on his shoulder and one hand at his hip.

“We appreciate it. What do we need to do to keep it healthy?”

König stood to his full height, eyes bright as he answered. “It’s an aloe. Very easy to grow. Just needs bright indirect light and a little water when the leaves get droopy. And when you water it, drown it.”

Soap’s brows crinkled at the words and he couldn’t help the pinch in his stomach at the interest in Ghost’s voice. He met Kim’s eyes across the welcome mat. Kim shrugged, face hidden behind a mask like Ghost’s, though his normal dark glasses had been removed and hung from the neck line of his shirt in deference to the darkness outside.

“I cook with plants, but I have no idea what that means.”

König scoffed at his mate and clarified for Soap.

“Plug your sink and fill it with water. Stick the whole pot under water and leave it there until it stops bubbling. Then set it on the drain board until it stops dripping. I know it sounds weird, but all my succulents do really well with that treatment.”

Ghost tipped his head, still pressed to Soap’s back. “Not bottom watering?”

König shrugged. “You can, you may just have to water a little more often. It will also depend on where you put it. If there is a good cross breeze, don’t be too surprised if you need to water it more often. I just fertilized everything now that the days are starting to get warmer, but remind me in a few months and I’ll show you how to fertilize it.”

Ghost nodded and stepped back from Soap, reaching around him to take the pot from his hand. He turned away carrying the pots, offering a ‘thanks’ over his shoulder as he went. Soap wanted to turn and watch him, but their neighbors were still standing on the stoop and he didn’t want to be rude. Kim squeezed König’s hand and drew him across the landing to the other apartment door. With a small wave, he pulled his much taller Omega through the door and closed it with a quiet click.

Soap was left standing in the doorway alone, the sound of running water and cabinets shifting from inside, and the faintest edge of music starting up in Kim and König’s apartment.

“Well. At least the neighbors are friendly.”

~~~28

Soap was woken by the shrill ring of his phone, slapping at his cell phone to quiet the ringtone, thinking it was an alarm. When it rang a second time, he groaned and picked up the device, squinting at the screen. The message was short and to the point. Price wanted him on base in 30 minutes. No excuses.

He flew through a quick prep, brushing teeth and hair, tugging on clean clothes and stirring coffee granules into the slightly more than lukewarm water the kettle gave him when he pulled it off the burner as soon as it was steaming. He chugged the mug quickly and made a second cup, desperate for the caffeine to get his brain semi-functional. He knew today was going to be a struggle, both men having spent a restless night in separate rooms.

Ghost had asked if he was allowed to sleep in the spare room and as much as Soap had wanted to say no, he knew it was for the better, wary of breaking the tentative peace they’d found after König’s visit. Soap also figured a little bit of distance to figure out what was going on in his head might not be a bad thing. He wanted to wake Ghost up and take him with him, but he didn’t have the heart to fight him, instead leaving a note written in sharpie on a sheet of notebook paper beside a stack of bills and the spare key.

“Got called in. Nothing is wrong. I’ll ask Price about an eye doctor and should be back around supper time. Feel free to do what you want. There should still be food in the freezer. Please eat something.”

Lacing up his boots and grabbing his keys, he walked past the table by the door and spotted the pink and green plant Ghost had chosen. Its leaves were slightly folded, and Soap ran a finger along one leaf spine. Gratitude, König had said.

~~~

Ghost woke at the sound of the door closing. He was under the bed in the guest room, and he took a moment to gather his bearings. He’d tossed and turned for hours last night, missing the comfort of sharing a bed with his Ome- with Soap. Running his fingers over the scar on his neck, he slid himself out from under the bed and climbed to his feet, making his way to the kitchen after poking his head into the other bedroom and seeing Johnny was already up.

The kitchen was empty and Ghost frowned, backtracking to check the bathroom and then the living room. The house was quiet and still and Ghost felt his stomach drop. Had Johnny changed his mind and left him here alone? Taking a deep breath to quell the burn in his nose, he decided to go shower and deal with being alone afterwards.

From behind him, he heard something clatter and spun on his feet to where he’d heard the noise coming from. Walking slowly toward the kitchen, he grabbed a piece of art off the hall table and adjusted the grip in his hand, carefully rounding the corner into the kitchen and coming face to face with-

Nothing.

The kitchen was empty and Ghost was glad he was alone, slightly embarrassed by his actions. He scanned the room quickly and noticed the mug in the sink, and beside it the aloe König had gifted them, lying on its side, soil spilled into the sink. Frowning, he scooped the pot up and set it upright, gathering up the soil he could and returning it to the pot, patting it gently into place. One of the leaves had snapped when it fell over and Ghost poked it, wondering if he needed to remove it, or if it was better to leave it be. As he was contemplating the plant, he felt something brush his ankle and jumped, a startled expletive leaving his mouth at the unexpected sensation. Looking down, he saw a cat eyeing him disdainfully, tail wrapped around its feet as it regarded him.

Squatting, Ghost held out his hand, rubbing his fingers together.

“You must be the one who knocked over our aloe. Where’d you come from then?”

The cat mmmrrped its answer and Ghost nodded.

“Keeping it hush hush, I respect that.”

Ghost held out his fingers and the cat deigned to give his fingers a sniff before butting its head into his hand and standing up, moving until its back was under his fingers and arching to tell him where they wanted to be scratched.

“You’re a young’un. Are you a boy or a girl?”

The cat moved, flicking its tail as it made a circle and settled back into its original position under his hand for more pets. Ghost huffed a small laugh.

“A girl then. Well, I can’t just keep calling you cat, can I?”

She nipped at his fingers lightly and Ghost gave her a quick scritch under her chin.

“You don’t have a collar, but you’re pretty well fed. Are you chipped?”

Ghost ran his fingers down her neck, feeling between her shoulders for a knot or lump under her skin. He couldn’t feel anything, but that didn’t mean there wasn’t anything there. Maybe Johnny would know what to do. In the meantime, Ghost figured a drink would have to suffice.

“I don’t have anything to feed you. Unless you like lasagna.”

She lowered her ears and growled, and Ghost smiled.

“Not much of a fan myself.”

Ghost rinsed the soil down the drain and then washed out the mug, setting it to drain on the dishmat. Turning to grab a towel to dry his hands, he noticed the paper on the counter and picked it up, smiling at the bold handwriting he could read easily. His stomach unknotted at the words on the paper and he considered the bills and the cat at his feet, who’d begun weaving her way around his ankles, meowing in a rusty voice up at him.

“Suppose I could run downstairs. Surely the grocer would have cat food.”

Ghost walked back to the bedroom and dug clean clothes out of the duffle in Soap’s room. He took a moment to steal one of the dirty t-shirts from the hamper and stuffed it under the bed inside the pillow he’d used last night. After that, he took a quick shower and dressed, scooping up a couple bills and his face mask before walking downstairs to the grocers. It was early still and the shop was fairly deserted, a younger woman behind the counter and a man a few years older than him at the back of the store, breaking down a piece of meat that Ghost wasn’t able to identify. He nodded to the man and started prowling the aisles, looking for cat food.

He’d made the circuit twice before he drew to a stop, a scowl of frustration on his face. Walking back to the counter, he waited for the woman to acknowledge him. When she did, he kept his voice deferential and asked his question. She scanned her eyes over him and tsked, coming around the counter and waving him with her.

She led him back down the last aisle and stopped about halfway, pointing to the lower two shelves. “Wet and dry. We have kitty litter too, over by the charcoal.”

Ghost thanked the woman before squatting, looking over the options. The print was too small for him to have a hope of reading, so he grabbed a few colors of the wet food and the bag with the youngest looking cats on them before making his way to the checkout. The woman rang him up silently and bagged the cans, handing back his change and pushing the bags across the counter to Ghost.

“Thank you for shopping at Riley’s, have a nice day.”

Ghost flinched at the name, but nodded his thanks and hurried out of the building. Maybe that was enough for today. He was breathing hard by the time he made it up the stairs and he ripped the mask off his face, sucking in lungfuls of air in an attempt to catch his breath. The sound of the woman’s voice echoed in his brain, a pulse of Riley, Riley, Riley :Corporal Riley, is it: that made him feel angry and afraid and sad and lonely and desperate all at once.

He set the bags on the table and fished out a can, pulling the tab back and dumping it on a small saucer he found in the back of a cupboard. It was a little dusty, and the edge was chipped, so Ghost hoped no one would care too much if he put cat food onto it. He dumped the can and threw it away, watching the cat circle it warily before settling down and eating, enjoyment obvious in the little nom nom noises she was making. Ghost ran a trembling finger down her spine and pulled back, walking back to the bedroom he’d been kicked out of last night, drawing in a lungful of air that scented like pear and peat and clay and juniper.

Dragging the blankets back released a stronger gust of Johnny’s comforting smell and Ghost only hesitated a second before climbing under the covers, drawing them up and over his head, closing his eyes and counting his breaths until he felt less like he was going to vibrate out of his skin. The cat had made her way under the linens and was curled up in a ball against his chest, purring deep in her chest, a squeaky rough thrum that made Ghost think of Alex. The whole space smelled like juniper, and Ghost ran his fingers through the cat’s soft fur for a few minutes.

“How do you feel about Juniper?”

The cat purred a tiny bit harder and wiggled herself closer to his chest.

“Juniper it is.”

~~~29
Ghost lay with Juniper until the sun shifted on the walls and Ghost knew it had to be going on early in the afternoon. He wasn’t sure when Johnny was going to be back, but he knew he needed to do what he could to keep his Omega happy with him. He hoped Johnny wouldn’t leave him behind while they were bonded, but he knew he was a challenge to be around for long. Roba had never let him forget how disagreeable he could be, and how lucky he was to be under the protection of such a tolerant Omega. With anyone else, he’d surely have been sent away.

So, damage control right now, making himself useful and inoffensive until Johnny was ready to tell him what he needed to work on. That meant cleaning the apartment, putting together a nice meal to show how good a provider he could be, and getting himself ready for whatever his Omega might want from him.

Pushing the sheets off his face, he started stripping the mattress, bundling up the cotton that smelled of both of them and dumping it by the door. He gathered up a few other pieces of laundry Soap had left piled by the dresser and scooped everything up, tossing the sheets onto his bed to add to his nest later. Carrying the clothing into the kitchen, he opened the closet where the machines were and stuffed them into the washer, eyeballing the cup for detergent and then dumping in a good glug of the lightly scented liquid. Ghost curled his nose at the scent, slight as it was, and wondered if Johnny would let him switch it for unscented. He started the machine and set about clearing the kitchen counters, putting a few dishes in the sink and opening cabinets, looking for where Johnny preferred to put his things.

Once the kitchen was tidy, he made his way through the living room and back to the bedroom, making the bed with fresh sheets and crawling under the bed to tuck the old ones into the nest he’d been building in the room Johnny gave him. It’s better with the sheets they’d shared before he made Johnny angry, and Ghost wondered for a minute if he is making things worse by hiding it. Johnny had said nesting was fine for everyone, but he didn’t want to risk being told to stop so he tucked everything out of sight and worked his way free of the dim space.

Dusting off his thighs and belly, Ghost walked back to the kitchen, scooping up Juniper and rubbing his chin gently between her ears.

“What should we make for dinner, Junie? Or do you prefer Juniper?”

Juniper meowed in Ghost’s face and Ghost nodded.

“Right, my mistake. No nicknames for you, young lady. So, Juniper, what should I make for dinner? Do you know what he likes?”

Juniper hopped down from her perch in Ghost’s arms and wandered over to her food dish, settling beside the small plate and wrapping her tail over her paws. Ghost co*cked an eyebrow as his mouth curled into a smile.

“Somehow, I don’t imagine he’d be as impressed with a can of tuna pâté as you seem to be. But I’ll keep it in mind.”

Ghost poked through the fridge and cupboards, finding most of what he needed for a simple dinner, only lacking the potatoes. Shifting his weight, he thought about trying the grocers again, but the tightness in his throat and the unsteady tremble of his fingers said that wasn’t going to work. He didn’t want to disturb Soap while he was busy, though upon reflection, he realized he hadn't seen a landline since they arrived, and he might not even have that option if he wanted it.

~~~

Soap dragged his hand through his mohawk and listened to Price, Laswell and General Sheppard argue with each other. Laswell was asking for more information and getting turned away at every request. Price’s eyebrows were so tightly furrowed that they looked like they were never going to come apart, and the room stunk of aggression, though Soap thought it had to be coming from Sheppard. Price’s familiar mild scent was there, but very much buried, and Laswell had never scented of anything.

It drove Soap mad not knowing what she was, but he valued his life and knew better than to ask such a rude question. Sheppard, though. He was incredibly aggressive for a Beta, and his scent was pungent and overpowering. Soap pulled in a breath through his mouth trying to avoid breathing in any more of the scent and gagged a little at being able to taste the man. Farah had pulled the edge of her headscarf over her mouth and nose. Wrinkling his nose again, he wondered if she'd share. Soap leaned forward and pulled in a breath of her warm scent, letting the familiar smell of stone dust and almond and vanilla into his lungs, feeling his shoulders relax at her scent.

“After we’re done here, want to grab something to eat? And would you want to listen to me rant for a bit? I feel like I’m losing my mind.”

Farah leaned over and laid her head on his shoulder.

“You know I love to listen.”

Soap made a face at her. “I’m serious. It’s Ghost. I feel like I’m taking advantage.”

Farah stiffened and sat up. “What do you mean?”

Soap shook his head and held out his hands.

“Nothing like that. I just... I don’t know. This feels different, Farah. I’m worried.”

Farah nodded, studying his face carefully.

“Yes. After Price cuts us loose, we will go get lunch and talk. Maybe you’re just too close to the situation.”

The tense tete-a-tete in the corner broke up a couple minutes later and Kate turned back to the group.

“We’ve lost contact with a group we sent out to look into allegations of human trafficking brought to light by the raid on the compound in Mexico. Analysts found information that shows the spread of this ring is far wider than we assumed prior. It appears there’s a much more intricate network out there kidnapping alphas and Omegas.”

Soap frowned at her and Gaz leaned forward, bracing his hands on the tabletop. “Why haven’t we heard anything about this previously?”

“Because they appear to be targeting mainly military alphas. The Omegas that are being taken seem to be collateral more than they’re the focus. We never connected the losses before because they always took place during a mission, and were easy to explain away as bad intel and a terrible tragedy rather than targeted kidnappings. Add to it that the militaries of the world aren’t great at talking to one another about missing soldiers and would rather point fingers at each other combined with the fact that the prevailing attitude towards alphas isn’t that positive, it’s easy to see how it happened. Appalling that so many intelligence agencies dropped the ball on this, but not that surprising.”

Farah drummed her fingers on the arm of her chair, the other hand resting on her belt and asked, “So what do we do now?”

“Now, we talk to our contacts, start digging into the information, and we see if we can figure out who’s pulling the strings.”

~~~30

Ghost shifted his weight as he stood on the doormat. Bringing his fist up, he tried to knock, dropped his hand and shifted his weight again. At his feet, Juniper waited patiently. Taking a deep breath, Ghost raised his hand to knock and jerked when the door was pulled open and König was suddenly there, canvas tote bag swinging toward Ghost’s face. Throwing his hands up, he blocked the bag and took a step back, eyeing the other man carefully.

“Scheize! I apologize, I didn't think anyone was there. Was there a problem with the plants?”

Ghost nodded once, then shook his head. Behind the large eye holes of König’s veil, Ghost saw his eyebrows scrunch.

Slowly lowering his hands, Ghost finally spoke, a rush of words spilling out.

“I apologize for bothering you. The aloe broke a blade this morning when someone,” Juniper meowed and König looked down, “knocked it over. Should I trim it off or leave it alone? Also, can I borrow some potatoes to make dinner for my alpha tonight?” Ghost snapped his mouth shut and kept his eyes lowered, waiting for König to process his word salad. It was quiet for a few long moments, and König cleared his throat.

“I see you’ve found Katze. She disappeared a couple days ago. I was worried.”

“She found me this morning. Startled me.”

König squatted and clicked at Juniper, who allowed him to scratch her chin. König glanced up at Ghost and met his downturned eyes.

“Of course you’re welcome to have some potatoes. Or the grocer downstairs carries lovely produce.”

Ghost shook his head. “I… That won’t be an option for today.”

“Do you need money?”

“No. I just can’t do it.”

I can go with you. It’s not a problem.”

“It’s too much,” Ghost said quietly, “I panicked just trying to buy food for Juniper. Not such a great alpha if a grocery store takes me out.”

“Oh.”

Ghost nodded sharply. “Thank you for your time. Sorry for disturbing you.”

He turned away and took a couple steps toward his door before König’s voice rang out in the space behind him.

“Would you like to come in and have something to drink? I’ll be happy to gather up the potatoes you need.”

Ghost twitched at the thought of being in another Omega’s space alone, but he didn't want to alienate the man. He’d been nothing but kind, and Ghost was starting to think that maybe he could give this a chance.

“That would be nice.”

König turned away and left the door open, calling over his shoulder that Juniper was welcome to come in too. Ghost followed cautiously, looking around the space. The furniture was minimal, but clearly carefully picked, the entirety of one wall taken up with a couch that was long enough that it looked like König might actually be able to stretch out. A pair of armchairs sat opposite, and the end tables were cluttered in an assortment of trinkets and fidgets, in a riot of colors, shapes and sizes. It was busy for Ghost’s taste, but König looked calm in the comfy busy space, and Ghost couldn't help thinking that while the busyness would drive him spare, it suited the other man in a way he wouldn’t have ever considered.

“You have a lovely home.” Ghost’s Dam had raised him to be polite, and he wouldn’t be accused of being a bad guest. He waited in the living room for König to return, listening to the sound of the tap running and the click of gas as the stove was lit. A brief clatter, and then the sound of a cabinet opening and heavier thumps as something was moved around. König leaned back enough for Ghost to see his head, and nodded at the little table tucked into the room.

“Come, sit while the water heats.”

Ghost nodded and walked to the table, settling into the chair against the wall. König set a final potato in a string market bag and set it on the table next to Ghost. Behind him, the kettle started to scream and König killed the flame.

“Cream or sugar? I’m out of lemon.”

“Just a little sugar, please.”

König carried the small tray to the table, two steaming mugs of tea and a small cream and sugar set sitting on top of a highly ornate silver tray. The men settled with their mugs, doctoring them to taste and taking a testing sip before settling in their chairs. Ghost clung to the mug, the sting of hot ceramic keeping his anxiety at being so closely scrutinized down with the small pain. He wanted badly to just slip his consciousness and get through this like he had when Roba sent guests his way, but he knew this was different, knew (prayed) that that wasn’t why König had invited him in. He lifted his mask just enough to take a sip of tea, startling when König spoke.

“Do you know why I veil?”

Dragging the mask over his still damp lips, Ghost racked his brain. He knew that veiling was usually only done by traditionalist families that still adhered to the idea that Omegas were semi-sacred and needed to be shielded and protected, and most of the people who practiced it today did it for modesty, as opposed to how it was used to deter theft of omegas by obscuring their scent, historically. König laughed gently.

“This isn’t a quiz. It’s perfectly acceptable to not know.”

Ghost shook his head. “Modesty?”

König took a sip of tea behind his veil and averted his eyes as Ghost tugged the bottom of his mask up high enough to take a drink.

“When I first presented, sure. Then I joined the military. I didn’t have anything to hide. I was proud to serve, proud of who I was. I wanted to be a sniper. I’ve always been fairly skilled. But they saw me and wanted a leader. I promoted up to Colonel pretty quickly and had a team of alphas to care for.”

Ghost sunk in his chair at that. König read his distress as the spoiled pear grew stronger and waved his hand in a dismissive motion.

“Not like that. I wasn’t bonded to any of them. It didn’t seem necessary. But the leadership wasn’t happy I wouldn’t. They sent us on more and more dangerous missions in the hopes of forcing a trauma bond. By our third month of high risk missions, I was so tightly wound I couldn't function. When one of my men was injured, I snapped. Completely obliterated the hostiles we were sent out to find, woke up absolutely drenched in blood and surrounded by corpses. Scared the hell out of my own men. Scared me too.”

König took a sip of his tea, setting the mug down with a click before he spoke again.

“The base doctors said it was PTSD and anxiety. They medically discharged me and I checked into a mental health hospital for a while. While I was there, I found the veil was a good way to diffuse some of that so I could actually function again. When I met Horangi, it got bad again, and I didn’t let him see my bare face until we had been dating for months.” König set his hands on the table top and spread his fingers, waiting for Ghost to look up. “I get being overwhelmed and how much it alters your own idea of who you are.”

They were silent for a few moments and Ghost broke their staring contest, reaching down to pet Juniper where she’d curled up on his thigh.

“If the grocery store is too much for you today, that’s OK, and I’m happy you knocked on the door. I’d like to be friends. Or at least friendly.”

Ghost ran a fingertip around the lip of his mug, thinking. Roba had been bad, and the people who he’d dealt with after Roba had pulled him from the pits were worse. But since Johnny had found him, it had been different. He thought about Farah, and how careful she was around him. Alex, and the feeling of having someone around who understood. Gaz and his neutral support, even Price and his willingness to give him a chance. He hadn’t met Kate yet, but Johnny spoke of her highly, and trusted her to find who he’d been. They’d all been worth the risk, and he thought that maybe König might be the same. Nodding to himself, Ghost looked up and met the Omega’s eyes, only a faint quaver in his stomach signaling how uncomfortable he was.

“That would be nice.”

The men were silent as they finished their tea. Finally, Ghost broke the silence.

“Do you own the flower shop?”

König shook his head. “No, I just work there part time. I do enjoy plants though. I have a decent pension, but I like to stay busy. I work at the florist two days a week and I volunteer at the library a couple days too. I like it there. It’s quiet, and I get to read to the kids. They don’t judge me when I’m anxious, or sad, or overwhelmed. You should think about coming with me sometime.” König eyed Ghost. “As long as you’re ok with that.”

“I’ll consider it.” König stood and gathered up their empty mugs, setting them in the sink to deal with later. Juniper woke up at the clatter and stood, hopping lightly off his leg and wandering back the way they’d come in.

“I do have to be heading out, otherwise, I’d like to stay and talk for a while longer.”

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have kept you from work.”

König laughed lightly and Ghost marveled at the fact that he didn't feel like König was laughing at him. König walked Ghost to the door, picking up the market bag of potatoes and his own tote bag from earlier. Juniper waited by the door, watching the men approach.

“Not work today. Therapy. I still go once a month just to check in. Seems silly, but it makes me feel better. I see a woman who specializes in dynamic specific trauma. Her partner sees alphas. Might be something to think about later. If you’d like, I think I have a card in here somewhere,” König said, handing off the string bag and digging into his tote. Emerging with a small rectangle pinched between two fingers, he extended it to Ghost, careful to keep from touching without invitation.

Ghost accepted the card and stepped back into the hallway. “Thank you. For your help, and the potatoes. And the tea.”

“Mein freund, we are neighbors. Do not worry about it. You’ll have to tell me how dinner goes with your Omega. You two are very good together. Like Hong-Jin and I, a true pairing.”

“A trauma bond. Johnny would never want to saddle himself with an alpha like me permanently.”

“I think you should have more faith in your Omega, but who am I to say.”

~~~31
Soap and Farah were out the door almost as soon as Price cut them loose. Farah was towing him along by his wrist, and if the sounds coming from Farah were any indication, woe betide anyone foolish enough to get between her and whatever the mess had that afternoon. It was late enough that the mess staff were starting to break down the hot tables, and Farah dropped Soap’s arm, beelining to the start of the line and grabbing a tray, loading up her plate with servings of whatever was left. A chicken breast was joined by a pile of steamed veggies and mash, a ladle of gravy dumped over the entire plate. A bowl of curry joined the tray, and Soap watched her fill another with fruit salad, wedging it onto a free corner. Beside a cup of pasta and red sauce. Rolls were added at the end, and Soap picked up one and a pat of butter, dropping it beside his cutlery. Farah nibbled as she walked, settling into her chair while chewing a bulging mouthful of food. Soap watched with amazement as the other Omega worked her way through the considerably larger than normal portions and poked at his own food, barely noticing when Farah finished her plate and started stealing forkfuls of his.

“You ready to talk?”

Soap stopped dragging his fork through the food on his plate and looked up, meeting Farah’s curious gaze as she popped chunks of fruit into her mouth. Dropping the fork to his plate, he dropped his head into his hands and groaned.

“I’m falling for him, Farah. But I can’t ask him to stay.”

“Why not?”

“You know why not.” Soap said, quirking an eyebrow at him.

“Ah, yes, because you’re being stubborn. Of course. Have you asked *him*?”

“No.”

Farah rolled her eyes and waiver her fork around, melon chink spattering juice on the table top next to Soap’s plate.

“Maybe start there. Ghost is a grown man.”

“Who’s bonded to me because he was dying,” Soap said mulishly, stuffing a bite of chicken in his mouth and chewing it angrily. Farah sighed.

“You’re not giving him an ultimatum. You’re asking him a question. And *listening* to what he says. And pass me your carrots. This eating for two is no joke and I only have a few hours before I start throwing up again.” Farah grabbed his plate and pulled it across the table.

Soap choked on his bite. “Are you?”

Farah met his eyes, cheeks bulged with food. “Yesh.”

“And it’s a good thing?” Soap asked cautiously. Farah set her fork down and ran her hand over the flat of her belly.

“With General Barkov dead and Urzikstan free? It’s the best time. To live. To dream. And maybe even to love?” She said, knocking their shoulders together and stealing the rest of his chicken.

“Alright, ye weapon, maybe Ghost and I should talk when I get home.”

~~~

Ghost fixed dinner, seasoning the meat and setting it to cook while he chopped up vegetables and boiled the potatoes and carrots, checking to make sure the carrots weren’t cooked to mush and the potatoes were ready. While he worked, he practiced what he wanted to say to Johnny, looking at Juniper when he got stuck, bouncing ideas off of her when he wasn’t sure how to phrase it. He’d like to know where they stand, and if there was any possibility of what König suggested being true. And he thought it might be a good idea to see if he could meet the therapist König suggested. If he wanted to convince Johnny to give him a shot, he needed to figure out how to be a better adjusted alpha. He had the card that König gave him earlier, and he’d already foxed the edges with how often he’s run his fingers around them.

“Maybe we’ll just worry about dinner for now, and clearing the air with Johnny.”

Juniper mrrpp’d at him and twisted to lick her shoulder blade. Ghost took it for agreement. He carried the card to his nest and wedged it into the bedframe over his head. He wasn’t crazy about the minty flowery smell, but he was pretty sure it would go away soon enough.

The kitchen timer dinged and he hurried back to the kitchen, pulling the baking dish out of the oven, the smell of roast filling the kitchen and making his mouth water. He glanced at the clock, and out the kitchen window. Johnny’s note said he’d be done around dinner time, and it was nearly 7. Surely he’d be home soon.

So Ghost waited. Waited as the sun started to set, as the food went cold, as his ass started to go tingly and numb. He wanted to be mad that Soap lied to him, but all he really was was tired. So he decided to go to bed. He left the food on the table, didn't do more than tuck in his chair and shut off the lights, disappointed but not surprised.

~~~

Johnny made it home to a dark house. After lunch, he had gone back to the conference room, clapped Alex on the shoulder and gone back to digging. While working their way through old files, Alex had found something that needed all eyes, and by the time they’d made the connection, it had been after 10. He hoped Ghost ate something, and wasn’t too bored.

Flipping on the kitchen light, Soap reached for a glass on the drainboard. The cat sitting there scared the hell out of him when it hissed loudly and then disappeared into Ghost’s room. Johnny frowned when he noticed the dishes sitting on the counter, waiting to be served. Everything was cold and congealed, but it looked like Ghost had likely put some effort into the meal.

Turning to look down the hallway, Johnny followed the cat, wondering how she got in. She was on the mattress when he peeked in the open door. Ghost wasn’t on the bed, and Johnny wondered if he was under it. The cat growled when he stepped into the room. He caught a whiff of another Omega and hissed back. The cat flattened her ears but didn't back down, the hair along her spine poofing out defensively. Soap’s stomach sunk at the realization that Ghost hadn’t waited for him, and had apparently been out meeting other Omegas. And for all that he felt like there were eels in his guts, he was absurdly grateful he hadn’t told Ghost how he felt. Ghost wasn’t his. He needed to remember that. John MacTavish was a stop along the way, not a final destination.

~~~32

Ghost woke to the sound of movement. Had Johnny come back, or was Juniper looking for food? No way to know for sure unless he got up. Digging his face into the pillow that smelled of the two of them, Ghost groaned quietly to himself. He didn’t know what to expect, and he hated that. Plus, he’d left his mess in the kitchen last night, and Soap had probably been none too pleased to come home to find that. He felt twitchy and irritable, and the longer he lay there, the more the anxiety in his chest swelled, spiraling him deeper and deeper. Four small pinpricks snapped him out of the spiral and he jerked, opening his eyes in time to see Juniper pull her paw away from his stomach, blinking slowly at him.

Ghost huffed out a breath, grateful she was there. “Alright, I get it. Won’t know til I ask.”

He worked his way out of his nest, tucking the edges back in neatly, before making his way to the bathroom and brushing his teeth and washing his face. Running his fingers through his hair, he wondered if he should shower. He’d showered the day before after his cleaning spree, but it couldn’t hurt to make sure everything was pleasant for his Omega.

Ghost showered quickly, scrubbing himself top to bottom and shampooing his hair twice, guiltily enjoying the fact that he would smell like his Omega for a while longer as he worked Johnny’s shampoo through his hair. Shutting off the water, Ghost grabbed the towel from its hook and dried himself, dressing in clean clothes and gathering up anything that needed to be washed to drop in the machine. It wasn’t enough for a full load, so he left it for now, walking back to the kitchen. Johnny was seated at the table, eating a bowl of cereal and nursing a mug of coffee. He glanced up at Ghost’s entrance but averted his gaze quickly, going back to reading the papers he’d set by his bowl. The room smelled faintly of cordite and peat, and Ghost stopped at the edge of the room, offering a neutral greeting to gauge the temperature of the room.

“Good morning.”

“Morning,” Soap returned, making no move to continue the conversation. Ghost worried his lip and turned away, setting the kettle to boiling and poking gently at the bond, disappointed to find it still completely locked down, nothing sneaking through. It felt more limp than usual and Ghost frowned. He knew Soap wanted the bond dissolved, but he had hoped there would be more time to convince Soap to keep him.

“I’m sorry about the mess.”

Soap swallowed his mouth of coffee and looked up at Ghost. “No problem. I cleaned it up when I got home last night.”

“Oh. Thank you.”

Ghost looked away, moving to pull the kettle off the heat and pouring water over the bag in his mug. He looked over at his Omega and saw he was still frowning down at the pile of paperwork.

“When did you get home last night?”

“Around 1.”

The tension in the room was stifling, and Ghost wondered what had happened to push it this far. Since the park, everything felt off, and Ghost was pretty sure it was his fault, even if he couldn’t quite work out what he’d done. Ghost opened his mouth to ask another question and saw Soap’s shoulders rise. Snapping his mouth shut with a clack, he turned away and scrunched his nose against the burn. Ghost picked up his mug and walked out of the room, returning to his nest with his tea. If Johnny wanted him, he would come get him. Soap was obviously upset about something, and he didn’t think pushing was going to do him any favors.

~~~

Johnny had been stewing all morning. He wanted to confront Ghost about last night, to ask him about his day, and his evening. He’d cleaned up the kitchen and envisioned his alpha wooing another Omega, the scent from the string bag still lingering in his brain. He knew he’d smelled it before, but he couldn’t for the life of him remember where. It wasn’t that unusual, being bombarded with scents in public was part of life, the snips of joy and sorrow and anger and excitement twisted through someone’s base scent made it a process to identify with a single sniff. That’s why they marked each other. So the scent of family/friends/pack lingered and lasted, like olfactory muscle memory. And whoever Ghost had been with last night had left a claim, faint as it was, on his alpha. Soap wanted to huff in the scent, the rust and flowers, and hunt them down, posturing and hissing to warn them away from Ghost, because Ghost already had an Omega.

But that was the rub, wasn’t it. Because Ghost wasn’t his. Not of his own volition. And not for any longer than it took the bond to fade. Soap had to be OK with that even if it kind of felt like tearing his heart out. He was here to support the alpha until he was heAlé d and they’d identified him. That had to be enough. Johnny stared down at the paper by his elbow, the list of eye doctors that Price had found that were able to assess eye damage like what Ghost had described. He’d hoped to see if Ghost was up for choosing someone to visit, but given that he’d been a surly asshole to Ghost, it seemed unlikely the man would seek him out any time soon.

Sighing, Johnny rinsed his dishes and went back to the bedroom, swapping out joggers for jeans and picking up his wallet and keys. Stepping into his shoes, he ripped off a sheet of paper and scribbled a note to Ghost, folding it into a tent and leaving it on top of the table. Rubbing his face, Soap eyed the hallway, wondering if he should go try and say goodbye. Shaking his head, he decided against it and left, pulling the door shut with a quiet click and locking it. Behind him, the sheet of paper fluttered in the wind from the door’s closing and slid off the table, the fold giving the sheet just enough lift to glide across the kitchen, settling to the floor face up, the words in Soap’s copperplate handwriting visible.

{Ghost, I’m sorry about last night. The meal looked delicious, and I’m sorry I missed it. I’m glad you found someone to spend your evening with. Call me with the extra cell phone I left in the top desk drawer if you need anything. I left more money on the counter in case you go out. Please take care of yourself and make sure you eat.

Yours, Johnny.}

The heater kicked on to battle the cold outside air Johnny let in when he left and the draft picked up the paper, slipping it under the refrigerator to disappear without a trace.

~~~33

Ghost listened to Johnny move around, the sounds comforting after falling asleep in a silent home, only the rusty rasp of Juniper to stop him from getting pulled back to memories of his time in Mexico. His footsteps approached a couple times, but his shadow never spilled across the floor, and he never called for Ghost to come out. So he stayed away, respecting his Omega’s unvoiced desire for space. Roba had conditioned him well to read his moods, and Ghost was leaning on those lessons hard right now. The sound of the front door opening and shutting surprised him and he moved Juniper off his stomach, sitting up and then climbing to his feet, walking out to the kitchen to see a pile of bills and a key on the table, but no note this time. Ghost clenches his jaw in frustration and then swallows it down, not letting his desire to punch the wall or scream win.

Juniper wound herself around his ankles and Ghost contemplated his plans for the day. He considered the shape of the light on the wall in the living room and tried to decide what he should do next. He still wanted to work on being a better alpha while he waited for Johnny to approach him about his behavior, but he didn’t have a chance to ask about a phone before he screwed up, so he’d need to adapt. Scrunching his nose, he glanced at the wall between the two apartments wondering if König is home.
~~~
König was home, and more than happy to let Ghost use his phone to call the therapist’s office. He was able to set up an intake appointment for the following week, and when he let them know he was not currently working, they let him know the cost of each session on their sliding scAlé . He thanked them and nearly canceled the appointment. The only thing keeping him from doing so was the proud look in König’s eyes. If he could get that from a new (dare he say it?) friend for just taking the first step, he could only imagine how proud Johnny would look. Handing the phone back to König, he considered money. Soap had been more than generous, leaving him enough cash to get through yesterday and today easily. If he was careful with how he spent it, he could probably cover the first couple sessions before he ran out. König watched him carefully, eyes assessing behind his veil.

“What is your worry, mein freund?”

“I think I need a job. I can’t keep depending on Johnny to keep supporting me.”

“Mmm, that is true. Everyone needs a purpose.”

Ghost scoffed lightly, but smiled back at König, the apples of his cheeks rising above the top edge of his mask. “Not sure about a purpose, mate. I just need money.”

König barked a surprised laugh but nodded. “Fair enough. What do you think you’d be able to handle?”

Ghost blinked at his blasé approach to his anxieties, and he shook his head, not quite sure why he was so surprised. König had told him yesterday about his own issues, so it shouldn't shock him that he’d be willing to talk about their impact on stuff like good places to even apply.

“What about the library? They have a part time position open for a children’s librarian. Or there was a listing for a custodian, and the hours were flexible on that one. I think it may have been closed though.”

“Can we walk there and ask? I don’t really want to be home right now.”

Ghost was taking a risk leaving without a way for Soap to find him, but he didn’t want to be home alone, couldn't stand the idea of being stuck in there right now. His joints ached with a need to move, and he shifted his weight as he waited for König’s answer.

“We can do that. I have a shift there today in about 30 minutes if you’d like to walk with me?”

“Yes, please.”

“Wunderbar. Why don’t you go get your things and a jacket and meet me in 10 minutes?”

“Can do.”

Ghost hurried back to the apartment, pulling on his shoes and grabbing a windbreaker he found in the closet that looked big enough. It was snug when he pulled it over his head, but it smelled like Johnny, and he wanted the comfort, so he kept his arms close to his sides and tried to ignore the way the seam cut into his armpits.

König was waiting for him when he made his way back out to the landing, and Ghost waited for Juniper to decide whether or not she wanted back into the apartment before he locked up. The two men left their home behind and made their way out onto the street, Ghost scooting closer to König to let a woman with a stroller pass them. Wrinkling his nose at the way his friend’s scent stung his nose, Ghost took a step back, shaking his head and ducking his chin until the edge of the collar fell onto his face and he was able to huff in a deep breath of peat smoke, feeling some of the itchy edge fade away. As the sidewalk cleared, Ghost poked at the bond and was met with an overwhelming wave of irritation. Retreating from the sting of the rebuff, Ghost looked up to see where they were.

“The library is at the end of this block,” König said, seeming to understand his glances. As they approached the library, Ghost grabbed the door to pull it open for König, freezing when the sound of tearing filled his ears and he felt a gust of cool air run down his side. Dropping his arm, he tucked his free hand across his body to check and found that the seam under his arm had failed, leaving a ragged opening where the sleeve should have met body.

“Damnit. Can nothing go my way today?” Ghost griped, following König through the door and pulling the damaged jacket over his head, folding it and tucking over his arm.

“Come meet my boss,” König called from the central circulation desk, waving him over. The woman was kind, and not put off by Ghost’s demeanor (surly), his mask (not optional) or his name (Ghost. It’s what he had.).

“Ghost and I were discussing his need for employment and I remembered that we had an opening.”

The librarian sighed, nodding her head. “Two, actually. The person who accepted the custodial position just called to let me know they aren’t available anymore. I don’t know what we’re going to do. We’ve all been pitching in, but it’s not sustainable.”

She looked up, meeting Ghost’s eyes with a smile. “But you’re probably here for the other position, yeah?”

“Actually, the custodial position sounds like it might be a better fit. I don’t know if I’m cut out to be a children’s librarian.”

“You’d be surprised.”

The interview was informal, and Ghost did well, his love of books paying off. The position was offered with a 30 day trial for them both to decide if the job was a good fit, and König’s boss had been thrilled when Ghost agreed to start the following week, asking if she could hug him. König intercepted her with a kind laugh, and cheerfully informed her that Ghost wasn’t touchy, but he would always take a hug. She laughed back and squeezed the taller man, and Ghost nodded his thanks over her shoulder as he hunched down to let her hug him.

~~~34

They set out afterward and König suggested grabbing lunch at the park, buying tacos from his mate while Ghost shifted restlessly for a few moments before ordering a taco and a bag of peas. Ghost told König he was going to go for a walk while he visited with Kim and turned away, trying to remember where the pond had been. He made it after a few missteps, and when he stepped into the clearing, the duck family was floating in the middle of the small pond.

Ghost unhooked his mask and pulled open the bag, flicking a few peas in the direction of the little family. One of the ducklings broke away from the group and swam to the edge of the pond, clambering up the bank and heading straight for Ghost. He eyed the parents carefully, but they didn’t look defensive or worried, so he sat still and let the baby determine how the interaction went. It was as brave as last time, marching straight up to him and tugging at the edge of the bag, gobbling up a couple beak fulls before Ghost could pull the bag away.

“Johnny was right. You’re a right little beggar.”

The duckling cheeped up at him indignantly and he pulled out a handful of peas, scattering them in the grass so they could hunt for them instead of glutting themself. The little thing scrambled after the peas and Ghost watched fondly.

“You remind me of him, you know. Same stupid hairstyle too. Should call you Johnny too. Johnny two? Johnny junior? JJ?” Ghost rattled off, stopping when he felt the little thing peck at his pants.

“JJ? Yeah, that suits.”

Ghost scattered more peas for JJ and flung a handful to the rest who were content to remain in the water, and ate his taco slowly. It was good, flavors he wasn’t super familiar with, but it didn’t make his stomach feel like it was going to rebel, and he knew he wasn’t eating enough, the edges of his hip bones sharper through his pants than they’d been before, so any calories were good calories at this point. The sun was covered by clouds, and the temperature dropped, the jacket he’d torn earlier set aside to keep from making it worse. Behind him, tree branches rustled, and Ghost shooed JJ back towards the water, tucking his mask over his face and turning to see König emerge from the trees.

“I didn’t know this was back here.”

“It’s one of my favorite places.”

“It’s lovely.”

König approached and crouched, watching the ducks. Beside him, Ghost felt a shudder rip through him as the wind shifted direction and blew across the back of his neck. König co*cked his head and considered him.

“Would you like a sweater? I have an extra one that I leave in the truck. It gets surprisingly chilly in there some days.”

Ghost shook his head and thanked him for the offer, but he wasn’t crazy about the way König’s smell had grown so astringent. He wondered if the man was getting sick.

“Mein freund, are you feeling alright? You’re sweating.”

“I- I don’t know. I don’t think anything is wrong.”

“I didn't want to mention it earlier since we’re still new friends, but your scent has been… more today than it was last night. Is it possible it is your time?”

“My time? My Rut you mean?” Ghost did some mental math and tried to remember when he’d last Rutted. It had been hot then, and miserable in his apartment, an endless string of Rut partners flowing in and out of his bed while his inner alpha begged for someone who would just stay.

“I don’t really remember, but soon, probably.”

“I think soon may be sooner than you thought. Come, let us head home. We can call your Omega.” König extended a hand to Ghost and pulled him up, purring softly in an attempt to comfort him.

“Stop it,” he snapped, a growl in his voice. The purr cut off abruptly and Ghost shook his head.

“Sorry. I just-”

König waved off his apology. “It’s fine. Let me escort you home.”

Ghost nodded and let the man lead him home, eyes focused on the pavement under his feet as he counted his breaths and tried to ignore the scents that bombard him, all of his senses turned up to 11 in preparation for an intense couple of days. He’d noticed it earlier, signs that it was coming, but he’d ignored it, put it down to being unsettled by the previous night. He was so focused on just riding out the waves of heat and irritation that pummel him that he nearly walked right past their door, stopped by König’s hand on his bicep. Climbing the stairs back to the apartment, Ghost felt like he'd just run a marathon, muscles tired and suddenly ravenous. He left König at the door and walked into the kitchen, pulling out a container of leftovers and popping the lid off, picking up noodles with his bare fingers and cramming them into his mouth, chewing roughly before swallowing them to make room for more.

Juniper butted against his shoulder from her spot on the counter and Ghost grunted, running the back of his hand over the top of her head while still eating. She got caught by a stray noodle to the ear and backed away, hopping off the counter with her ears lowered and wiggling herself into the space between the fridge and the wall. Sucking the sauce off his fingers, he set the empty container in the sink and moved through the rooms gathering up anything that appeAlé d to him, a knit cap that smelled like their shampoo, a blanket wadded up on the armchair that scented faintly of everyone but mostly like them, Johnny’s torn jacket from the chair in the kitchen.

There was a hint of mint and flower and he wrinkled his nose, considering the garment before he grabbed the sleeve with the torn seam and yanked, the rest of the stitches popping. He dropped the tainted sleeve and added the rest of the jacket to his armful, marching into the bedroom he’s been given and dumping them on the bed. He wiggled under the bed and pulled his nest out, adding it to the pile on the bed. He could hear movement as König opened and closed drawers and he heard the click of König trying to lure Juniper out from her hiding place, but his mind was fogged as his testosterone surged and his brain shoved all the less essential drives to the side.

His brain was caught in a loop of attract, bond, mate, attract, bond, mate, and his senses were locked on the one he wanted to choose him. So, like the puffer fish, he built, fluffing out a corner here, adding a jacket there, making sure the creation was attractive in both looks, scent, and function. The sheets he’d taken from their shared room don’t smell of his Omega like they did before, and he hated that. Pulling open the door, he nearly ran into König, standing with one arm raised to knock. Both men froze in surprise, and König was the first to speak, breaking the tense stand-off.

“Have you called your Omega?”

Ghost shook his head.

“Would you like me to call him?”

The thought of Johnny being here sounds wonderful, and Ghost nodded aggressively.

König eyed him strangely, but didn't comment, asking instead if he knew his number. Ghost’s face fell when he realized he didn't, and he shrunk in on himself, pushing past König carefully and making his way to the room they once shared, taking a deep breath of the lingering smell of his Omega. He considered stealing the sheets off the bed, but he was fairly certain there were only two sets. Though if the linens were all in his room, maybe Johnny would stay with him again.

He split the difference and grabbed one of the pillows and the topsheet, wadding them up and marching back down the hall. They were added to the nest, and he’s unfairly proud of how it looked. Not wanting to drag the scents of his day into a nest that should never smell of anything but pack, he walked through to the bathroom, shedding clothing as he went. He was completely nude by the time he reached the bathroom, and he couldn’t find it in him to be that bothered by it, completely focused on making sure he only scents like he should, a blank canvas for his Omega.

~~~35

The day had been garbage since he’d left the apartment. He hated how he left it with Ghost, and his phone had stayed stubbornly silent, a decent indication that Ghost was still upset with him. Farah kept giving him looks and he was running out of ways to avoid her, not keen to have the conversation about the fact that he never even had a chance to tell Ghost how he felt, the scent of strange Omega on his alpha enough to completely derail his mind. Adding to the feeling of irritation that’s riding him is the fact that they’ve been digging all day, and aside from a headache and a seriously nasty paper cut in the soft web of his hand, they’ve nothing to show for it. Beside him, Gaz’ cell hummed and whistled, and it took him a second to recognize the electronic version of a popular song from a few years ago.

Gaz checked the screen with a frown and answered, Soap only half paying attention as he marked through another possibility on the list he’d been handed that morning.

“Hello?” Gaz sounded confused, but not worried.

“How did you get this number? Oh. Yeah, that makes sense. You’re where? He’s what?” And there’s the concern. Soap set down his pen and focused on his friend’s face.

“Alright, I’ll let him know. Are you alright there, or should we hurry? Alright, thank you for calling.” Gaz tucked the phone away and met Soap’s eyes.

“Did you know Ghost was close to Rut?”

“He’s in Rut? Did he call you?”

“No, that was König? He said he lives next door.”

“He’s with Ghost now?! Alone?!”

Soap was half out the door when Farah caught his elbow, pulling him back.

“Be smart about this. If there was a problem, he would have called you directly.”

“Unless he doesn't want me there.”

“That’s his right. But I don’t think that’s true. Didn’t you two talk last night?”

“No. He was asleep when I got home. And I f*cked it up this morning and he walked away from me without a word. I deserved it though. I was a prick.”

Farah pinched her nose and murmured an imprecation in a language Soap didn’t recognize, tipping her chin up to meet Soap’s eyes. Hooking her finger into the collar of his shirt, she pulled him down until they were eye to eye. Soap watched her dark eyes stare back at him in exasperation and yelped when she raised her hand and flicked him right between the eyes.

“You will be talking to him when this is done, yes?”

Soap hesitated and she raised her hand, thumb over her middle finger, ready to thump him again.

“Alright, alright, ye mad weapon. We’ll talk.”

“For real this time.”

Soap nodded meekly.

“Good. Looks like Price is cutting us loose.” She leaned in and fished his keys from his pocket, flipping them through the air and into Gaz’ waiting hand. “Gaz is driving.”

Johnny let himself be led to the parking lot and into the car, leaning against Farah and letting her purr vibrate through his bones, unknotting some of the anxiety that had been riding him since he walked out the door this morning. He wasn’t thrilled that there was a strange Omega with his alpha right now. Not while he’s vulnerable in his Rut, not wanting Ghost to wake up when the hormone haze had retreated and realize he’d been taken advantage of again. He can’t help but wonder what the Omega Ghost had been out with last night thought about all of this, wondering if their time together had been what led to Ghost falling into an unanticipated Rut. It happened sometimes with especially compatible pairs. Unless he knew it was coming and chose to keep it from him. Maybe he thought he’d take advantage. Maybe he worried that-

Johnny flinched when Farah pinched his side. “You’re stinking up the car with your overthinking. Stop it.”

“I can’t help it. Does he not trust me?”

“He trusts you. This isn’t about you. It’s about him. And what he thinks he deserves. He probably hasn’t ever had a Rut that wasn’t an ordeal. He was already being trafficked by the time he was old enough to hit Rut. This is probably the first time he’s had a chance to choose who to spend it with. And if that’s not you, you have to accept it.”

“Aye, I know that. Here,” he says pointing to his head. “But in here,” he said, laying a hand over his stomach, “I'm having a harder time accepting it. He’s my alpha.”

“Yes, for now. But if you take his ability to choose from him, he may not be. When we get there, you will check on him, listen to him, and if he doesn’t choose you, you’ll respect that. Alright?”

Soap bit his cheek hard, tasting copper and nodding his head.
~~~
His agreement lasted as long as it took to make it into the apartment and see Ghost walking down the hall with nothing more than a towel around his waist. Sucking in a sharp breath, he caught the edge of flowers, and something sharp and cold. The Omega from last night. Soap’s shoulders slump and he took a step back, stopping when he felt Farah’s small hand press into his back. König came around the corner from the kitchen and Soap recognized the scent he’s been jealous of all day.

“You!”

König startled at the aggressive greeting, eyes widening behind his veil. “Yes?”

The fact that König was the Omega he’d smelled on his alpha yesterday did absolutely nothing to make him less irritable, and he stormed through the living room, following Ghost down the hallway, stopping by the door to the guest room. Ghost looked good, skin pink and dewy from his shower, and his hair was wet, curl just starting to spring back from where the water pulled it straight. Soap’s inner Omega was thrilled at the reminder of how virile a mate he had, and he could feel a purr vibrate in his chest, wanting badly to let it slip. He choked it down and opened his mouth to ask how Ghost was feeling. Behind him, he heard König ask a question and the quiet murmur of Gaz’ response. The reminder that Ghost had chosen someone else felt like a knife to the gut and he took a staggering step back, watching Ghost adjust a corner of the nest he had built to share with his partner. The look on Ghost’s bare face was hopeful, like he wanted Johnny’s approval. Taking a deep breath he tried to shove his feelings away, tried to remember what Farah had said. He could be supportive of Ghost’s choices. He had to. After all, a Rut partner wasn’t a mate. Johnny was his mate. He opened his mouth to let Ghost know he respected his choices and sucked in a deep breath of his alpha’s Rut deepened scent. He could be calm. He could do this.

“What were you thinking not telling me you were so close to Rut? You put yourself in danger because you’re mad at me?” Well, sh*t. Apparently he couldn’t do this.

Ghost stopped dead, turning away from his fiddling to look at him. “I’m not mad at you, you’re mad at me. You’re the one in control here.”

Johnny’s stomach clenched and he reared back, offended. “I thought we were equals in this. But I suppose I was mistaken. After you left to pout over this morning, I left you a note asking you to call me and you never did. And when I do get a call it’s from a stranger telling me my alpha is in Rut and couldn’t be bothered to let me know.” Soap’s inner Omega was screaming, the more rational part of his brain standing aside, horrified at how quickly this discussion had gone off the rails.

Ghost sneered and Johnny took a second to appreciate how the expression looked on his face.
“You didn't leave me any way to call you. I’ve been borrowing König’s phone. Who was nice enough to help me out so I could make you a nice dinner that you didn't even show up for. And there wasn’t a note. Also, I wasn’t pouting, you were being an asshole.”

“I was not an asshole!” Soap wanted to slap himself. He knew he was overreacting, knew he needed to take a step back and calm down, but he felt like there was electricity under his skin, and he couldn’t stop himself from baring his teeth at the man across from him.
~~~
Ghost was upset, and a little hurt and a touch embarrassed that his Omega was yelling at him instead of inspecting the nest he’d built, and just hormonal enough to not consider the danger of yelling at his Omega, the Rut fogging his mind as the little irritations of the last couple days all came to a head. Having his nest ignored was the last straw. Ghost stalked toward Johnny, his own teeth bared and finger pointed, the feeling of frustration bubbling in his gut. He was sure his feelings were painted across his bare face as Johnny swallowed hard at his approach.

“König’s not a stranger.” Ghost hissed, the noise almost Omegan in intensity. Johnny took a step back as Ghost’s voice rose as he continued. “He’s my friend. He was helping me. You were the one who wanted the bond broken. You’re the one who sent me away to sleep by myself. You’re the one who left me here alone after you promised you’d stay. Why are you allowed to have friends,” Ghost shouted, waving his hands toward Gaz and Farah who were watching from the edge of the hallway, “but I have to sit in this apartment and try not to go mad talking to a cat all day. I have to find something for myself, or nothing will ever change. I want to be worth something, to have a say in who I invite in, not just end up as a plaything for another Omega. f*ck you for trying to make me feel like I was making a mistake asking for something I wanted.”

Ghost spun on his heel and stormed off, slamming his way into the bedroom and slamming the door behind himself hard enough that one of the framed landscapes jumped from its nail and shattered against the floor.
~~~
Soap stood there in the entryway, jaw dropped at the unexpected fury he’d provoked. His shoulders hunched at the edge of musk seeping under the door, spoiling the baked pear Ghost had scented like when he’d first stood by the bed waiting for him to say something, a look of hope and anticipation on his face. He’d promised to help Ghost, and then thrown it in his face instead. He was an asshole. It was silent apart from the sound of breathing for several long painful seconds, and then the door was ripped open and Ghost stormed back out, shaking his finger at Soap.

“And another thing, he’s mated and happy with just one alpha. f*ck you for assuming he’d be unfaithful. Or that I would if I was yours.”

With that, Ghost turned around and stalked back to his room, holding open the door just long enough for Juniper to walk out and sit in front of the closed door, shooting an incredibly judgmental look his way. Behind him, he heard Farah sigh and Gaz clear his throat. Soap turned and waited for the condemnation he deserved. König co*cked his head and spoke.

“I think Hong-Jin and I will go spend the weekend with his sister. Will you give me your number so you can let me know when we can return?”

Soap clenched his jaw, but offered a short nod.

König took a step closer to Soap and he tipped his head back, looking up at the taller Omega’s eyes.

“I think you two need to be honest with each other about what you want out of this situation. He is afraid; of being wanted, and also of being sent away. And you seem afraid of something too. Perhaps you are both afraid of things that cancel each other out. Go help your mate, and call us when you’re done.”

Soap watched König as he left the apartment, closing the door quietly behind himself.

“You owe that man an apology. You never would have spoken to me like that.”

Soap flinched at the level sound of Farah’s voice. He shook his head, no good excuse for the way he’d acted. Not even the potent pheromones pouring off of Ghost excused his behavior. He was more connected to his emotions, more influenced by the scents the people around him put out, sure, but he couldn’t let himself be ruled by them. It didn’t matter that he’d felt a connection with the man as soon as his teeth had broken skin back in Mexico, or that Ghost smelled mouth wateringly good, in the first flush of Rut, or that Farah and König made him feel threatened.

He didn’t know why he was acting this way, but he needed to get his head on straight if he had any hope of making it up to the man he wanted to choose him. Ghost was in Rut, and Soap had very little idea what to expect. Leaving his friends in the living room, he walked to Ghost’s room and tapped on the door, leaning in to listen. The sound of something solid connecting with the wood of the door had him jumping back, a small gasp slipping free.

Soap leaned his forehead against the wood, no idea where to start. Maybe an apology. “I’m sorry. It was completely inappropriate to snap at you the way I did.”

Another thump against the inside of the door, and he hears something slide down the door. Ghost.

“Yeah, it was.”

“Do you want me to stay?”

“Yes, but you don't want to stay. Go, I’ll be fine.”

Soap chewed his lip. He didn’t want Ghost to stay alone. “I’d like to stay if you’ll let me. I need to go talk to Price, let him know I’ll be unavailable for a couple days. But I'm coming back. Can someone stay with you while I’m gone? Gaz or Farah, or I can go call König back?”

“Not Farah. Gaz can stay though.”

“Alright. I’ll be as quick as I can, aye?”

There was a quiet grunt and Soap watched the shadow under the door retreat. Pushing himself back, he walked back into the living room where his friends were waiting for him.

“He doesn’t want Farah here. But he said you can stay, Gaz. Will you stay with him? I don’t want him going through this alone.”

“Mate, of course I’ll stay. I’ll send you updates, you go round up supplies.” Gaz fished in his pockets and pulled out his keys, slipping a small silver one off the ring.

“Alright, thanks. Farah, are you ready to head back?”

“I think I’m going to stay. I’d like to go check on König. Alé x will come pick me up here. He’s already on the way.”
~~~
Ghost wasn’t sure what to expect. He had always been told that his Rut would be a couple solid days of sex and pleasure, but Ghost’s experience had been different. He’d gotten his first Rut after being in the pits for two years, and that first one had been a haze of blood and violence and exhaustion. Roba had complimented him for his viciousness, and he’d prayed the recollections stayed nebulous, not wanting to remember anything that could make his sad*stic Omega so happy. After leaving the pits, he’d found Rut to be one of his busiest times, partners in and out, but never allowing him the comfort and security of knowing his partner would take care of him, or stay with him. It was always the same. No one ever stayed.

He didn’t want that with Soap. He wanted him to stay, wanted him to keep him. But it was impossible. Soap was just trying to be kind, helping him acclimate, waiting for the bond to finally dissolve, taking the warm spot at the back of his mind with him. Ghost knew he couldn’t take having him so close and knowing he couldn’t keep him, but he wasn't going to pass up the chance to experience a Rut with his mated Omega. Roba had never touched him while he was in Rut, and for the first time, Ghost was glad to have something he could give to Johnny that no one else had ever had. He didn’t have many firsts after everything that had been done to him, but he wanted to give them all to him. Wanted Johnny to understand how much he wanted Johnny to choose him back, not just support him through and wave him off at the end of it all. Another wave of heat licked up his spine and he ground his forehead into the soft fabric of his nest, hips grinding into the sheets as he rode it out.

As much as he dreaded it, he wondered what his first undrugged heat since he was taken all those years ago would be like. Would it be like when he’d first enlisted and older soldiers talked about spending a couple days tossing off until their wrists locked up? Or would it be like before, flashes of unfamiliar faces and snippets of voices and the feeling of being weighed down by your body? Or would it be different, a chance to work himself through it with the warm glow of his partner at the back of his mind reflecting his pleasure back at him, and the security of knowing he wouldn’t take it too far.

He was glad Johnny had agreed when he asked him to come back. He hoped it wasn’t too much, hoped his outburst wasn’t the cause of his agreement. But as the heat died down, Ghost let himself melt into the mattress, trying to nap, trying to rest, knowing the next 36 hours were going to be exhausting for him. He hoped Johnny was quick. Hoped he didn’t change his mind.

Hoped he remembered to grab a guard. Imagined his Omega with a wide strip of reinforced leather around his throat, let the image stoke the heat in his belly, thought about how much he *wanted*. Snorting softly to himself, Ghost had to admit he was a little worried that not even a bonding guard would be enough to prevent him from biting Soap and keeping him forever. Ghost wrapped himself in the sheets he’d taken from Johnny’s bed and let himself fall into the fantasy of being allowed to keep his Omega, of being rebitten to lock the bond, Rut sweeping him under.
~~~
Soap was halfway back to base when the bond flew open and suddenly he was drowning. He’d never shared a Rut with his bonded before, never felt the reflected pleasure like it was his own, and he shuddered as it licked up his spine, forcing him to pull to the side of the road and park, fumbling out his phone and calling Farah for a pickup. He barely made it through explaining before he dropped his phone, grinding his forehead into the steering wheel as pleasure swamped him. There was no way he was going to be able to drive while he was being inundated with Ghost’s need.

Another bright burst of pleasure that set his nerves alight spilled from the bond and he curled forward as his org*sm hit him like a 2x4, bumping the horn with his shoulder and drawing the attention of a cow standing by the fence at his side, eyeing him dolefully while it chewed. Soap swore as another wave hit him and he moaned, panting through the comedown and meeting the cow’s eyes again.

“f*ck off you pervert,” he said, laying his head against the wheel and breathing deeply.

~~~36

Soap flinched at the tap on his window, jerking awake to find Alé x standing beside his car, a concerned look on his face. Soap shifted, grimacing as his pants stuck to him uncomfortably. He killed the engine and pushed open his door, frowning when Alé x grimaced, throwing a hand over his nose and mouth.

“What?”

“Farah said you called her. Is it because you’re in heat?”

“What? I just came off my heat. I’m not due another for a few months.”

Alé x’ eyebrows pinched together and he ran his eyes over him carefully. “You reek of it, man. It’s strong. Like I know what you normally smell like going in and coming out and you definitely didn’t smell this strong back in Mexico. Any idea what caused it?”

Soap co*cked his head and thought, trying to figure out what might have sent him into an unexpected heat like this. Had he done this to himself? All the angst over Ghost and his possessive inner Omega pushing to lay a more permanent claim on him? He couldn’t be sure, but he added a trip to medical to his mental to-do list and climbed out of the car, following Alé x back to the little SUV he shared with his mate and climbed in the backseat. Farah was perched in the passenger seat and turned to look at him, a small frown on her face as she dragged her headscarf across her face.

“You were fine an hour ago. What happened?”

“I don’t know.”

Soap leaned against the window, letting the cool glass sooth his burning face. This felt a lot like the first time he’d gone into heat in high school, and the embarrassing car ride home when his parents had picked him up and explained what to expect. His stomach cramped uncomfortably and he breathed through it, not thrilled to be doing this again so soon after his last one, but it was too late to try and stop it, the damp feel of the seat of his pants giving away the fact that he was already well on his way.

Farah hummed but dropped it and Alé x rolled the windows down, letting the fresh air sweep away some of the overwhelming peat smoke scent that had filled the vehicle as soon as he’d climbed in. Soap grunted when the glass under his forehead lowered, squeaking painfully, and tipped his head back, staring at the beige fabric of the headliner.

“I need to talk to Price, stop by medical, and then supply. Please don’t let me forget.”

“Gaz put in an order for groceries before I left and said he got enough to keep you both fed and watered for at least 72 hours.”

Soap blew out a harsh breath. “That may not be enough if I’m in heat again.”

“Mmhmm. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

Soap closed his eyes and dozed until they reached the base, showing ID and being allowed to move forward by a young alpha security guard who watched Soap with hot eyes. Alé x growled at the man and Soap wanted to laugh at how fast the man snapped his eyes away.

“Should report him for that.” Alé x said, huffing angrily as they drove, watching the guard intently in the rearview mirror. Farah set her hand on his thigh and trilled at her mare softly. Soap watched as the harsh lines of Alé x’ face softened and he chuffed back at her. His stomach pinched at the sight. He wanted that. Wanted someone who wanted him too, who knew they could turn to him, knew he was their safe harbor when things got rough. Maybe if he was lucky, Ghost would let him be that. Soap shook his head and made a face. He’d never been that lucky before, but he couldn’t quite squash the bubble of hope when he thought about the alpha waiting for his return.

Price was waiting at the edge of the parkinglot as Alé x parked, and Soap climbed out to meet him. He was puffing one of his favorite cigars and as Soap nearled him, he pulled in a good drag and held it, tipping his head to the side in question.

“Ghost is in Rut. I’m not goung to be available for the next few days. Maybe longer.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea, son?”

“No. But I’m doing it anyway.”

Price chewed the butt of his cigar as he regarded Soap carefully. His eyes flicked behind Soap and he dropped the cigar, crushing it under his boot just before a whiff of hazelnut and ambergris. She must have told Price then.

“Looks like it’ll be a weekend off for you two. We’re down to just the three of us, and Kate doesn't have anything fresh for us. Since Soap and Gaz will be looking after Ghost, why don’t you two take the weekend?”

“And what about you, old man?” Farah’s voice was light, but Soap knew if he turned around, her face would be stern.

“Think I’m going to hang around. Someone has to keep an eye on things.”

“Do you never take breaks?”

“Job’s not done.”

Soap let the old argument wash over him, closing his eyes at the warmth slowly building in his gut again. He swayed where he stood and flinched a little bit when an arm was wrapped around his middle, steadying him.

“Y’all can argue this out later. I don’t think he’s got much time before we need to have him back.”

Alé x was already directing him towards medical, and Soap faintly heard the sound of boot steps behind them.

“What can we do?”

“He said he needs a bond guard, and he needs to get his birthcontrol checked. Those were the only things he listed.”

“Gaz asked for a couple changes of clothing and his laptop.”

“Alright. I’ll take Soap to medical. Farah, can you go grab his bond guard and anything you think might help him weather this? And Price, can you go pack a bag for Gaz? We’ll RV back at the SUV and I’ll take him home.”

~~~37

Everyone agreed to Alé x’ suggestions, and before he knew it, he was being led into a sterile white cubicle, Alé x’ gentle hands helping him sit on the exam bed. Soap closed his eyes, concentrating on his breathing, and delicately probed the bond. Ghost wasn’t putting off much, just a low hum of arousal, and Soap wondered if he was napping, trying to reserve his strength for the next couple days. Ruts unprompted by a mate’s heat tended to burn out quickly, but the time in between was brutal, often requiring a trip to medical if the alpha didn’t have a mate or another neutral party to check in on them and make sure they were eating and drinking. A solo Rut wasn't deadly, but it wasn’t easy either, and Soap was grateful Gaz had agreed to stay.

The doctor that came in was familiar, and Soap nodded at him, mostly focused on monitoring the bond while Alé x talked to the doctor. A cold hand touched his bare elbow and he flinched away. When had he lost his jacket? Alé x thrummed at him soothingly and the Doctor offered an apologetic smile, leaning in to touch his arm again. He ran a gloved finger over his tricep, feeling the bar under the skin and nodding before making a note in the chart he was holding.

“You just had this put in a couple years ago. They’re good for up to 3 years, so you should be good to go until sometime next year. If you’d like, I can give you a shot as well, considering some of the concerns Dr. Houran noted in your file. This is the first time an alpha you were actively trauma bonded to has hit Rut?”

Soap nodded at the doctor. “Yeah, they usually fade after a week or so, but this time is different.”

“How so?” Soap opened his mouth to tell the doctor that it was because he actually wanted to keep this one, but caught himself, snapping his mouth shut.

“I don’t know exactly.”

The doctor gave him a searching look and nodded at him. “Alright. Stay put and I’ll have a nurse come give you the injection.”

Soap nodded, letting out a groan as the heat that had been simmering in his guts stoked back up. Alé x leaned forward to set a hand on Soap’s knee, and he jerked back, the contact more irritable than reassuring. Soap saw the smallest flash of hurt on his face as he moved to pull back, and Soap leaned forward, grabbing his hand as it withdrew, pulling it toward him until Alé x was forced to scoot his chair closer.

“M sorry.”

Alé x shook his head. “Nah, man. It’s not your fault. You’re settling in your bond. The first paired cycle is rough. Remember how Farah almost broke Price’s wrist when he touched her the first time we synced up?”

Soap smiled at him remembering the way Price had worn the brace with ill grace until Farah and Alé x emerged from their shared cycle fully mated, and Farah had apologized, asking if he was still mad. She didn’t often lean on her Omega wiles, but when she did, no one could resist. Even Soap was an easy mark when she wanted something. Though possibly that was just Farah. She was a compelling person, Omega or no.

Alé x leaned back and braced his shoulders on the wall, kicking up his boots on the edge of the exam table and lacing his fingers together over his stomach. “I think we ought to see if Price can drive you back.”

“Why?”

“Because if you turn up smelling like another alpha, even if it’s me, you’re gonna break Ghost’s heart, and the moon knows Gaz doesn’t deserve to get caught up in you making another hash of trying to talk.”

“Oi! Don’t talk to me about being too chicken to talk to someone. Remind me how you and Farah finally quit dancing around one another.”

Alé x dropped his boots to the floor, leaning forward and pointing a finger at Soap. “That is completely irrelevant.”

Soap co*cked his head, smiling at Alé x’ flushed face. “Alright. If you say so.”

The two men fell silent, and Soap drummed his heels on the side of the exam table.

“Farah told me.”

Alé x looked up and it took Soap a minute to place the look on his face because he wasn't used to seeing it on the normally brash American. Fear. “Yeah.”

Alé x studied his clasped hands and Soap waited.

“Farah is thrilled, and Dr. Houran assures us everything is textbook perfect.”

“You don’t seem happy.”

Alé x snapped his head up, meeting Soap’s eyes.

“Don’t say that. The moon knows I’m thrilled. When Farah told me she was ready to go off her birth control and start trying, I wanted to climb the training tower and beat my chest. I've always wanted to be a dad. But I can’t help but worry. I’ve been reading, and there’s so much that can go wrong. Doc says there’s just two, and that she’s young and healthy and perfectly capable even if she’s a little on the older side for being a first time Dam, but I’m sh*t scared that we’re gonna be out in the field and she’s gonna get hurt.”

“Have you talked to her about this?” Soap twisted his mouth as Alé x shot him a look. “I know how hypocritical that sounded. But have you?”

“Yeah. She’s only gonna keep going into the field until her third trimester starts. Doc and Price already OK’d it. I know everyone is doing everything to make sure they all come through this healthy, I just can’t seem to make my inner alpha believe it.”

“Are you coming back after she has the pups?”

Alé x dropped his head, staring at the tiles between his feet. “We’ve talked about it, both ways, and the honest to heavens answer is I don’t know. With Barkov dead, and Urzikstan free, she’s ready to step away. But she also wants to see this trafficking ring disbanded, and the ringleaders caught and punished. And I’m not ready, but I’m definitely not getting any younger, and I don’t want to miss seeing my pups grow up. So, for now, it’s just been set aside. I suppose we’ll have to make a decision soon, but…”

Alé x tailed off and Soap let it go, watching him twist his fingers together. A tap on the door had both men turning to watch a nurse walk in carrying a tray. She smiled at them and set the tray down, turning to Soap.

“Sergeant MacTavish, I’ve got the injection the doctor ordered. Are you familiar with this one?”

Soap shook his head. “Never needed it before.”

“Alright. So the most common side effects you might experience are going to be injection site reactions, so swelling, a little bit of pain, redness, tenderness, that kind of thing. You might experience headaches, or abdominal discomfort, but those are less common. I’m including a printout with the full list of things to watch for, and if you have any questions, give us a call or just stop by. Now, I’ll need to give this to you in the hip, so if you wouldn’t mind, hop down off the table and lower your trousers on whichever side you prefer.”

The nurse had pulled on gloves and was waiting for him to move into position, cleaning the site with a rough alcohol prep and holding the skin taut. The injection was administered smoothly and they were out the door a few minutes later, meeting the rest of the team in the parking lot. Price looked up from his phone at their approach and nodded. Alé x peeled off and went to Farah’s side, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

“We’ve got everything loaded up, and I’ll take you back. Gaz said Ghost seems to be sleeping, but he didn’t want to intrude, so he’s making a best guess from what he can see from the doorway. I’ve got you on standby for three days. If you end up needing longer, you call me, alright?”

It was times like these that Soap was incredibly grateful he’d been tapped to join the 141. He’d grown up in a tight knit family, and while being in the military had always been a dream, he’d never realized how lonely it could be. Joining the 141 and finding that sense of connection with his teammates had made weathering the long stretches away from family far more palatable. And in a very real way, he considered the entirety of his team as part of his family as well.

Soap nodded, sniffing a little at the burn in his nose and Price sighed, tugging him in and squeezing him, letting him hide his face until the urge to cry passed. It was easily Soap’s least favorite part of his heats, the way his emotional barriers all seemed to crumble. It was embarrassing. He was a highly trained, highly skilled, competent operator. But put him near his heat and he was a mess.

Soap pulled in a final deep breath, Price’s faint scent filling his lungs. Straightening up, he pulled away and dragged his palms over his cheeks, laughing at himself a little bit. Price cupped his cheeks and tipped his face up to examine him closely.

“Alright, son? If this is too much, you don’t have to go back.”

“No, I’m alright. I have to go back, he’s my responsibility.”

“Gaz can stay with him, he’ll get him through it just fine.”

“You don’t understand, Price. I promised him I would, and he’s expecting to be disappointed. It’s all he’s known. I don’t want to be another Omega who says one thing and does something else.”

“You know sometimes the best thing you can do is step back when you’re too close to something.”

Soap averted his eyes and spit out the rest, knowing he owed his team the truth. “I don’t want to give this up. Don’t want to give him up.”

Price’s voice was quiet when he spoke, just a hint of pain in his voice. “Oh, son. You always did have to choose the most difficult paths.” He kept his eyes averted, waiting for the condemnation, for wanting to put his wants over the mission, for- a gentle thump at the back of his neck shook him out of his musings and he looked up at Price in shock.

“Did you just thump me?”

“I did. It always seems to jolt you out of if when Farah does it, so I thought I’d give it a try. Did it work?”

Soap gaped at him for a second before he nodded. “Yeah, but Farah hits harder.”

Price raised his hand, eyebrow co*cked, fingers already in the distinctive circle. “Could try again?”

Soap yelped and pushed out of Price’s hold, scrambling for the car, calling out as he went. “No, Sir. Got places to be, Sir.”

He could hear Alé x and Farah’s laughter, and Price’s rough chuckles, and it warmed his chest that his friends were a part of all this, as mad as it was. As he climbed into the car and fastened his seat belt, he could feel another wave of heat start building, and the bond came alive with the sensation of Ghost awake, needy and waiting. Soap grabbed for the arm of his seat, digging his fingertips in and trying to ride out the sensation. Price slid into the driver's seat, took one look at Soap’s flushed face and tense posture, and drove, getting them moving and off base and back to his alpha as quickly as was feasible. Soap closed his eyes and concentrated on the bond thrumming between him and Ghost. Soon. He’d be there soon.

~~~38

Ghost’s skin felt like it was going to split. He’d woken up a few minutes ago, a wad of fabric that scented like Johnny clenched between his teeth. He whined when he realized his dreams hadn’t been reality and spat out the sodden cotton, patting the mattress, hoping to find another warm body, and preferably one who smelled like a peat fire with a sharp gin bite. The fabric of his nest was empty, and scented disappointingly of his Rut, the other scents getting drowned out as his body pumped out more and more pheromones to try and draw in the mate it wanted. His mate. His Johnny.

Groaning, Ghost rolled over and dragged himself to the edge of the mattress. His legs felt wobbly, and he steadied himself on the nightstand, waiting for the shakiness to pass. If he was already this far in, he had very little time left until the depth of his Rut hit and he was completely lost to it. He’d generally had a few clients at this point, the ones who wanted his drive, but not his aggression, betting on him being happy for any company to treat him kindly. His body had certainly preferred it to trying to knot the mattress, but it was nice to not have the feel of anyone left on him, no tight patches where cum had dried, no stinging scratches on his sides or back, no pain in his hips and thighs.

He was shaky, sure, but that was probably because he’d not really been eating, and he knew he needed to get himself fed. He cracked the bedroom door carefully and took a sniff. Johnny’s scent was strong, but that didn’t surprise him. He’d been there the most the last several days. He couldn’t smell Alé x, or Farah, or König anymore, but he could catch the barest edge of clover- Gaz. That was right, he’d told Johnny Gaz could stay.

He closed the door quietly and tugged on the softest pair of joggers he could find. They were short in the ankles, but they didn’t make him feel like scratching his skin off, and they scented pleasantly of his mate. Tugging the throw Farah and Alé x had given him that now smelled like him and Johnny, Ghost wrapped it around his shoulders and made his way toward the kitchen. Gaz seemed to have been waiting for him, meeting him by the kitchen door, keeping a good few steps back, hands out and empty.

“Alright, there, Ghost?”

“Hungry.”

“Oh, well that makes sense. Warm or fast?”

“What?”

“D’you want something warm to eat, or would you rather just get something in your stomach right now?”

“Can I have both?”

“Yeah, bruv. Of course. Want to sit while I fix you something?”

“Yes.”

“Alright. Soap will be glad to hear you’re eating. Last time I checked on you, you were napping and I didn’t want to bother you.”

Ghost jerked a little at that. He was a light sleeper, usually woke up as soon as anyone got near him. But he’d slept through Gaz opening his door, checking on him, and leaving. He felt like he should be worried, but he just couldn’t drum up the anxiety right now, too focused on Gaz and the plate in his hand. When he got close enough, he set it on the bar and pushed it gently toward Ghost, still careful not to touch.

“And you should drink. I’ve got water, some juice, and that weird vegetable juice Soap likes. Not my thing, but eh.”

There was cut up fruit, a small pile of nuts, a few slices of lavash with what looked like cheese and some kind of lunch meat, and a few carrot sticks. Ghost considered the plate and picked up a grape, popping it into his mouth and crushing it, the pop of the skin satisfying between his teeth. It reminded him of another thing he wanted between his teeth and he glanced up at Gaz.

“Where’s Johnny?”

“Should be back any time now. Is that still OK? That he comes back?”

“Yes!” Ghost barked out, startling them both. “Does… Does he not want to?”

“Oi, nothing like that. Just needed to check and make sure you were still in a good place with all this. I know sometimes it's easier to just agree that it is to fight. So I just wanted to check. No pressure from me either way.”

Ghost watched his face carefully, and then nodded, reaching down to snag a bite of cantaloupe and put it in his mouth. Gaz turned around and pulled open the fridge, digging around for something, the clink of glass hiding the sound of the front door opening. A droplet of juice ran down the side of his wrist and Ghost chased it with his tongue, trying to keep it from getting on the blanket. Behind him, he heard a strangled gasp and turned to find Johnny watching him, bright red and eyes a little wild. Gaz, still hip deep in the fridge, called over his shoulder, “That you, Soap?”

Another strangled sound was his only response, and Ghost watched Soap set down the bag he’d been carrying and thumb over his shoulder, a strangled “Shower” escaping his mouth before he turned and disappeared toward the bathroom.

Gaz set a water bottle down beside his elbow and poured a glass of juice, offering it to Ghost to accept. When Ghost took it, he sipped the juice carefully and set it aside.

“What was that about?”

Ghost shrugged his shoulder and swiped his tongue across the underside of his wrist one last time before turning back to his plate. “Dunno. Said something about a shower.”

“Ah, good. Give you some time to eat. He likes his showers long, that one. How would you feel about an omelet with bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms?”

“And cheese?”

“And cheese.”

As Ghost worked his way through the rest of his plate, he couldn’t stop his mind from wandering to his mate, and the very real possibility that he might want to have sex. Ghost’s stomach twisted at the thought, but it wasn't a bad twist. More of an unsure twist. He knew he could do it, had been used by people who were way less careful with him. Shaking it away, Ghost decided to let himself have this, whatever it was, and trust that Johnny would take care of him. Because that was what a real mate was supposed to do, right?

Ghost finished off the last of the nuts on his plate just as gaz was walking over, skillet in hand, with his omelet. Gaz tipped it carefully over the plate and set a fork beside him, returning the pan to the stovetop to cool.

“Need anything else? Want anything else?”
“More water, please.”

Gaz grabbed a couple water bottles and set one beside Ghost, keeping the other one in hand.

“I’m gonna go check on Soap. Give a shout if you need something, alright?”

Ghost nodded and set to work on his omelet. He had an Omega to get back to.

~~~39

Soap was already under the shower's spray when someone tapped on the door. Soap stuck his head out from behind the curtain and called for them to enter. If he was a little bit disappointed to see it wasn’t Ghost, he certainly wasn’t enough of an asshole to voice that. He was genuinely glad to see Gaz (but he still would have preferred it to be his alpha, his inner Omega groused. Soap swatted it away).

“Alright, Soap?”

Soap let the water run over his head, tipping his forehead back and staring at the ceiling.

“I’m in heat. Again.”

“Bruv.” Gaz set a hand on the vanity and boosted himself to sit on the countertop.

“I know.”

“But you came back. So you’re gonna help him through then?”

“Yeah. Got a bite guard and a birth control shot when I went to clear my heat leave with Price.”

“What happened to your implant?”

“Nothing, Doc says it’s good for another year. The shot was just in case.”

“And I assume Price brought you back, so clearly he’s OKing it.”

Soap poked his head out from behind the curtain, sweeping his dripping mohawk out of his face. “Gaz, he’s not my dad. And I can decide who I want to spend a heat with.”

Gaz twisted his mouth and ran an assessing eye over his friend. “Never said you couldn’t but Soap, is this just you wanting to help Ghost, or is this something else?”

Soap ducked back under the water, shutting the curtain with a snap. “What are you asking, Gaz?”

Gaz stared at the closed shower curtain, staring intently at the fogged shape of his friend. “You want him to bite you back! You sneaky f*ck.”

Soap wrenched the curtain open again, wincing when one of the hooks tore free at the force. “Shh! For the moon’s sake, shut up! He’ll hear.”

Gaz jerked back at the look on Soap’s face, throwing his hands up in surrender. “Alright. But we’re fine. He’s eating.”

“That’s good. He’s not been eating well for a couple days now. Thought it was just his recovery, but I wonder if it was his Rut, and we just missed it with everything else going on. Either way. He’s going to need to keep his energy up.”

“Yeah, man, I know how this goes. Who do you think usually checks in on Farah and Alé x when they sync up? I got this. You take care of him, let him take care of you, and I’ll take care of you both.”

“Yeah, man. I’m just nervous. I don’t want to take this from Ghost. It’s not about me. But I’m in heat. Maybe I should just barricade myself in my room and ride it out. I could give you stuff to take to him.”

“Alright, that sounds super stupid. He doesn’t just want your scent. Trust me, he’s got that. He wants you. He trusts you to see it through. You’re perfectly capable of keeping your head, even when you’re in heat. I’ve seen you hit heat on the battlefield, use it to your advantage, and still manage to complete the mission and make it home. You’ve got this.”

Soap turned the shower knob off as Gaz spoke, the final sentence coming out loud in the now quiet bathroom. He turned to grab the towel from the hook and patted himself dry, wrapping the damp towel around his waist.

“There’s also the way he basically stripped the bed in your room and made off with almost all the linens in this house that aren’t bath towels. So unless you plan to spend your heat on a bare mattress, it looks like you’re with him. Or I can call Price and he can take you back to base.”

“I want to be here.”

Gaz let the sentence hang in the humid air of the bathroom, watching his friend carefully. He still looked lucid, and Gaz was comfortable following the Omega’s lead, but he’d be a sh*tty friend if he didn’t at least check in. “So you don’t feel obligated to be here?”

“No. I want this. So much.”

“Alright. So get out there. Your alpha is waiting for you.

Soap watched Gaz slide off the counter and open the bathroom door, slipping out without letting all the warm air escape. He threw on a comfortable pair of pants and a faded t-shirt he was pretty sure had originally belonged to someone else, the design on the front only vaguely identifiable after multiple washes. Whoever it had belonged to, it was Soap’s now, the cotton worn soft, and the neckline stretched and warped by wear. Padding quietly down the hall, he stopped by Ghost’s door, peering in at the nest Ghost had built for his Rut partner- for *him*.

The obvious care that had gone into the construction made Soap’s chest feel tight. Considering how far he’d come from his first few clumsy attempts, it really was a well built nest just the right size for two. His inner Omega purred happily at the sight and Soap swallowed it down, unable to completely suppress the chirp that spilled from his mouth. Through parted lips, Soap drew in a deep breath, the concentrated scent of his alpha coating his mouth and tongue in the rich Rut deepened scent of baked pears. He’d never scented Ghost like that before, but he wanted to scent it again.

“You can go inspect the nest, Johnny. Built it for you.”

Soap jumped a little bit at the unexpected presence at his back. He was deeper than he’d thought to completely miss Ghost’s approach. At his back, Ghost’s body was a solid line of heat, and Johnny leaned back, his heat pushing him to seek out contact. But the attractively built nest in front of him called to him as well, and he wobbled, caught between the impulses. Ghost set a broad hand across his back, the contact searing through the aged cotton, and Johnny couldn’t quite bite back the purr that slipped from his mouth.

At his back, Ghost went still but didn’t retreat and Soap swallowed, turning to look at Ghost. He looked a little conflicted, but not like he wanted to crawl out of his skin, the faintest flush still riding his cheekbones. Soap poked the bond gently and watched him jolt, eyes locking on his.

“Sorry.”

Ghost shook his head and slid his palm up and over the curve of Soap’s shoulder, squeezing gently. “It’s OK. I’m safe with you. Have been so far.”

Soap turned until he and Ghost were facing each other, toe to toe in a room that was quickly filling with the potent scent of a synced pair.

“Alright, Ghostie. With that being said, what are you comfortable with, moving forward? Ideally, I’d have preferred to have had this conversation before either of us hit our cycles, but needs must, so what’s a hard no for you?”

“No blood, I’d prefer not to be tied down, and if you let me knot, can you just stay until the knot goes on its own?”

Soap bit his lip hard at the requests, and closed his eyes for a second, forcing his scent to curl away from the sharp edge of cordite that was creeping in. Blowing out a breath through his nose, he opened his eyes and met Ghost’s evenly. “Alright. Anything else?”

Soap watched Ghost’s face carefully as the alpha took in a deep breath through his nose, nostrils flaring and jaw clenching. When he spoke, his voice sounded tighter, and Soap noticed sweat starting to bead along his upper lip.

“Can you please cover up?”

The request threw Soap and he took a small step back, the collar of his stretched tee shirt slipping off his shoulder. sh*t. His bonding gland was bare. He’d forgotten the guard.

~~~40
Soap slapped a hand over his bonding gland and took a step back, nodding.

“Sorry! I forgot to grab it before I showered. I’ll go put it on and be right back.” He took a step back and Ghost whined, quiet and deep in his throat. “I’m coming back, promise.”

Soap went to step past Ghost and stopped when Ghost’s hand wrapped around his bicep lightly.

“Before you do, can I…”

Ghost’s voice trailed off and Soap tried to follow where he was looking. He wasn’t sure exactly what Ghost was asking for, but he’d trusted him enough to ask for something, and Soap wasn’t going to start saying no now. So he nodded his head and swallowed, forcing out a hoarse ‘yes’ when Ghost stayed still, obviously waiting for a verbal answer. Ghost stepped up to him and Soap let his eyes slip closed, the scent of baked pears swamping his senses as Ghost leaned into his space.

A gust of warm air skittered across his collar bone and he felt skin touch his neck, low and teasing as Ghost slid the tip of his nose up the side of his neck, breathing deeply just above his scent gland. Soap tipped his head further to the side and stood still, the stretch a small distraction from the warmth building behind his navel. It was silent aside from their breathing for several long minutes, and Soap wanted to moan when he felt something wet swipe across his skin. Behind him, a throat was cleared and both men snapped their eyes open, jumping apart.

“You forgot this when you disappeared earlier.” Something collided with his chest and Soap grabbed for it, not taking his eyes off the alpha breathing heavily half a step away from him. He flicked a quick glance at Gaz, standing in the door frame and then down to the small pile of fabric in his arms, taking a second to put it together. The bonding guard.

Soap dropped it between his feet and grabbed the neck of the shirt, pulling the whole thing up and over his head and baring his chest to the room. Soap held Ghost’s gaze as threw the shirt aside and bent at the waist picking it up, fabric moving through his fingers delicately. The guard slipped over his head and under his arms easily, the semi-stiffened fabric flowing like silk as he settled it into position, ready for someone to assist in locking the thing. The complicated locking mechanism it used required some significant attention to open or close and at least three hands. Once engaged, it served to stiffen the fabric to prevent removals or bond biting mid cycle. Once the heat or Rut was over, the couple could easily work together to remove the collar, the risk of deep accidental bonds considerably lower once everyone was out of the hormonal haze.

Bond guards had grown less taboo in recent years, allowing people to take cycle partners without risking a bond, more a way to prevent unplanned emotional entanglements, the way birth control had cut down on the number of pups born to unprepared dams and absent sires, while still allowing people to give in to their instinct’s urging.

Made of a high strength fiber, they were created in a way that allowed for comfortable wear while engaging in *ahem* athletic pursuits, while also being robust enough to prevent someone with an average human bite strength from compressing the device far enough to allow for a bond to form. They were standard issue for any Omega or alpha in the armed forces, and as the number of folks in the services grew to appreciate the freedom the devices offered, it slowly gained traction in the civilian world, the option to both exert some control over their biologies as well as a failsafe against coercive relationships.

Soap slid his hands up his throat, pressing the top of the guard in place as he kept Ghost’s eyes on him, watching as the dusting of pink on his cheek deepened and spilled down his chest between the edges of the blanket he’d chosen in lieu of a shirt. Gaz stepped just close enough to latch the edges and Soap gasped as the fabric stiffened, his shoulders straightening under the shoulders of the guard. Gaz gave him a light tap, careful not to brush bare skin, and retreated, Ghost flicking only a bare glance at the man as he departed, pulling the door shut behind him.

As soon as the door latched, Ghost was in his space, pressing into Soap, backing him into the wall and huffing around the edge of the guard, mouthing widely at the edges of Soap’s jaw. The heat that had been banked in his belly ignited at the contact and Soap mewled, pressing Ghost back and leading him toward the nest, wanting to get comfortable before he was dragged completely under. Setting a knee on the mattress, Soap climbed onto the bed, stirring up a puff of their mingled scents with a fresh layer of Ghost’s rut deepened scent as he settled at the headboard, pillows and blankets padding out the cold metal of the headboard. Sucking in a shaky breath, Soap let himself take a moment to breathe, watching Ghost stand at the edge of the mattress, waiting. Soap held out a hand, palm up.

“This is a perfect nest. Thank you for inviting me in. Will you join me?”

Ghost took the hand Soap extended to him and knelt on the edge of the bed, waiting for an indication of where Soap wanted him. Soap patted the mattress beside him and Ghost carefully knee walked up the mattress, stabilizing himself on the head board as he settled onto his hip, still waiting for instructions. Soap reached over and cupped Ghost’s cheek carefully, tracing the pad of his thumb over the soft give of Ghost’s lower lip. Ghost’s head drooped at the touch, the weight in Soap’s palm increasing.

“Alright, Ghostie?”

“Alright. S’nice. Feels good.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Tell me what you want.”

Ghost cracked an eye and sat back, the phantom weight of his face still prickling on Soap’s palm. Soap watched him worry his lower lip, lacing his fingers together to keep himself from reaching out, and waited.

“What do you want?”

“For you to decide what happens next.”

The heat was still there, eddies and swirls of sensation flowing between the two of them, but Soap pushed it back, banking the urges to make sure Ghost understood that he had control in what happened next.

“Can we-. Can I-. Would you let me-.” Ghost huffed a frustrated breath and Soap trilled quietly at him, trying to give him time and let him know he was happy to wait. Sucking in a deep breath, Ghost closed his eyes and spoke, voice coming out rough with emotion.

“All of my heats have been bad. I’ve never had one that I remember with any kind of appreciation. I want to have at least one that feels right, but I don’t know what to do.”

Soap nodded, not caring that Ghost couldn’t see it. Sounded like Farah had been right. Ghost couldn’t tell Soap what he wanted because he didn’t know. “Alright. Let's try this then. Lay down.”

Ghost jerked, his scent dipping toward flat, and Soap replayed what he’d just said.

“sh*t. Not like that. I just want you to be comfortable. Why don’t we rest together, and when you feel like things are starting to ramp up we’ll go from there. Can I touch you?”

“Of course, and you can touch me too. Can I-” Ghost cut himself off and slid down the bed, flopping flat and rolling so his back was facing Soap. Hesitating for a second, Soap set his hand on the cap of Ghost’s shoulder and stroked over the blanket covered skin gently.

“What were you going to ask, Ghostie?”

“Can you be the big spoon?” Soap’s chest pulled tight at how small Ghost’s voice was and rather than answering, he slid his own body down until he was lined up behind the alpha, wiggling into place and carefully setting an arm over Ghost’s middle, pinky just brushing the dip of his bellybutton.

“Alright, Ghostie?”

“Yeah.”

Ghost’s hands layered over Soap’s fingers and he wiggled them until their fingers were laced together, moving gently as Ghost’s chest rose and fell with his breathing. Soap tucked his forehead forward, the stiff edges of the collar keeping him from being able to get where he wanted, but still able to bend enough to press his lips against the back of Ghost’s head. The scent of his own shampoo and the pear and clay of Ghost’s base scent was threaded through with a musky edge and Soap felt his belly flutter at the unadulterated hit of alpha pheromones. His hips juddered forward at the scent, and he pulled his hips back, not wanting to make Ghost think he expected anything. As he started to pull away, the cooler air of the room flooding into the space between them, Ghost's hand came back and landed on Soap’s hip, stopping the movement.

“Stay.”

Soap pressed a gentle kiss into the back of Ghost’s head before speaking.

“I’m in heat, Ghost.”

“I know.”

“I’m hard.”

Ghost’s voice went amused as he pressed his hips back before he answered. “I’m aware.”

“You know that’s not why I agreed to stay, right? I don’t expect you to get me off just because I’m in heat.”

Ghost wiggled his hand free of Soap’s and withdrew the hand at his hip. Soap closed his eyes against the burn as the alpha pulled away, the mattress bouncing and jerking as Ghost got up. A hand on his face startled him into opening his eyes, and when they flew open, he saw that Ghost hadn’t gotten up, just rolled over until they were lying face to face, Ghost a line of heat against his front where they were almost but not quite touching.

“That’s not why I wanted you to stay. When I was bonded to Roba, our bond was like a splinter in my brain. Most of the time, I could ignore it unless someone pressed on it. But during all of my Ruts, it was this huge sore spot that made all the rest of it thoroughly miserable even as my body kept performing. But this bond? You? You’re this little warm ball of sensation at the back of my mind and it’s nice. I wanted something nice for once.”

“I didn’t know. I’ve never had any of my previous bonds hit Rut while we were bonded. It’s… Intense.”

He bit back the question he wanted to ask. Now wasn’t the time. Ghost squirmed a little closer, their chests pressing together, the bare skin of Ghost’s pecs warm against the edges of Soap’s bond guard where it dipped to cover the hollow between his collarbones.

“Can I kiss you?”

Soap fought down the rush of heat that statement provoked and nodded, swallowing hard. “Yeah.”

Chapter 3

Chapter Text

~~~41

Ghost dipped in slowly, watching and waiting for his Omega to change his mind. The people who’d purchased him had never wanted him to kiss them, usually preferring he stayed muzzled for the duration, and he was finding the freedom a little overwhelming. The last time he could remember kissing someone he liked, he’d been 13, and his best friend had asked if he wanted to try. He remembered that it had been wet, but nice. He hoped this one was better.

Dragging his nose up the line of Johnny’s jaw, he mouthed at the skin carefully, his bottom lip catching on the stubble as he worked his way closer and closer to his mouth. When their lips met, the fire he’d been banking roared back to life, the bond at the back of his mind flaring open as well, the strength of his Omega’s response startling him. He sucked in a sharp breath and pressed more deeply into the kiss, adjusting the angle of their mouths until it felt right.

The slide of their skin was intoxicating and Johnny rolled up on one shoulder, pressing kisses more firmly into his mouth. Having someone looming over him made his spine feel tight, and he had to make a conscious effort to relax, not wanting Johnny to pull away. But Johnny must have felt him tense, pulling out of the kiss and breathing hard for a few seconds as he carefully studied Ghost’s face.

“Alright?”

“Fine. We can keep going.” Ghost pressed his hips forward and watched Johnny’s eyes flutter at the contact, a faint echo of the sensation slipping across the bond. It was good. Ghost was starting to see why people liked this. Johnny’s eyes opened and he shook his head.

“No, I need you to tell me why you tensed up. What can I do to make it better?”

“Can you not loom?”

Ghost watched Johnny take in his position and nod, settling back against the mattress again until they were back on the same level.

“Ghost on top. Got it. Now, want to go back to what we were doing?”

Ghost nodded and pressed another kiss to Johnny’s mouth, holding the contact and nibbling at the swell of his lower lip. Johnny sighed into the kiss and set a hand at the side of Ghost’s neck, unconsciously cupping where his mark lay, putting the barest edge of sweet pressure on the sensitive area. Ghost grunted at the hot burst of sensation and rocked his hips forward, the additional stimulation wreaking havoc on his ability to focus on kissing, the kiss eventually devolving into letting their lips slide hotly against one another as the rocked together, until Johnny carefully slid his hand down to Ghosts sternum and pushed him back. Ghost opened his mouth and Soap leaned in to nip a gentle bite to his chin before pulling back and shimmying off his joggers, and dropping them off the side of the bed. He settled back on his side of the mattress, hand resting just above the root of his co*ck, fingers sweeping through the trail of dark hair leading up toward his belly button.

Ghost sucked in a stuttered breath and pushed himself up to his hands and knees, feeling his Omega’s excitement swell at the back of his brain. Ghost moved toward Johnny, drinking in the stretches of bare skin, the faded tan lines high up his thighs and marching across his hips, the starburst of a scar at his hip, assorted marks and slashes, well healed and silvery against his naturally darker skin, and a jagged mess of burned skin that wrapped around the right side of his rib cage toward his back. Kneeling between Johnny’s knees, Ghost leaned forward, letting his tongue map the marks, sucking his own marks over the signs that his Omega was a survivor. It wasn’t until a sharp mewl spilled from Johnny’s throat that Ghost realized what he was doing and let go of the piece of skin, watching as blood rushed back in, staining the imprint of his teeth into his Omega’s hip.

When he looked up, the sight of Johnny’s flushed face, lips bitten red and eyes blown wide, was enough to make him *want*. He wanted to keep this. Wanted to go find a pair of scissors and cut off the guard, wanted to sink his teeth deep into the side of Johnny’s throat and hold until the bond was so deeply embedded in both of them that they stopped existing as separate entities and became a single soul that occasionally spent time apart. It wasn’t until Ghost felt gentle fingers tangle in the curls at the top of his head and started pulling gently that he realized he’d crawled up his body and was kneeling over him, mouth wrapped around the guard, a low vicious growl vibrating through his chest. Ghost froze, waiting for the rebuke. When it didn’t come, he carefully released his hold and sat back, keeping his eyes lowered in deference to the Omega under him. When he spoke, his voice was low and ashamed.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?” Johnny didn’t sound angry, but Ghost flinched at the question anyway.

“For behaving like an animal.”

“Can you look at me please?”

Ghost shook his head in denial and Soap sighed, pushing himself back and sitting up. Ghost closed his eyes, not wanting to watch as his Omega walked away from him for his behavior. The mattress jiggled and Ghost felt two rough palms touch his cheeks gently.

“Look at me, Ghostie.”

Soap still didn’t sound angry, but he sounded stern, so Ghost bit the bullet and opened his eyes.

“Hi, bonnie.” Ghost searched his eyes carefully, but remained silent. Leaning forward, Johnny set his forehead to Ghost’s and sighed. “You’re not in trouble, and I’m not leaving, but I do want to check in.”

Ghost froze, shocked at the simplicity of the statement. Pulling back just enough to meet Jonny’s eyes, he blurted out, “What?”

Soap snorted and Ghost couldn’t help smiling at the noise.

“Ghostie, it’s a paired cycle. Would be more shocked if you didn’t turn into a growly mess at some point. S’why I made sure to grab the guard. If I want you to stop, I’ll say something, and you’ll listen. I know it. So have a little more faith in me, yeah? You’ve trusted me this far, and I haven’t steered you wrong yet.”

Soap knee walked in another step and Ghost shifted his legs apart, letting Johnny into the space created. Slowly, and giving him time to push away, he brought his arms up to circle Ghost’s shoulders, his broad warm palms settling on his back, one at the nape of his neck and the other wide across his shoulder blade. Ghost tipped his chin down to meet Johnny’s mouth, letting the Omega lead him. They kissed for long minutes, getting lost in the sensations of skin on skin as they let their bodies take the lead, the bond wide open and singing between them. Ghost set his own hands on his Omega’s warm skin pulling him in until there was nothing between them but Ghost’s sleep pants. They’d felt OK when he’d pulled them on earlier, but now he wanted them gone, pushing them down his hips and kneeling awkwardly to tug them off his legs. Johnny caught on to what he was trying to do after a few jerks and false starts and added his hands to the task, sucking kisses into the pale skin of Ghost’s chest while they worked to rid him of the last of his clothing. When the pants finally surrendered to their joint efforts, they were both breathing a little harder, the activity lending itself to all sorts of unintentional contact.

Ghost thought he should have been more nervous. But the bond between them let Johnny dip into his mindset easily, letting him know when Ghost was starting to feel overwhelmed and redirect. Part of Ghost wanted to cry at how kind Johnny was being, careful not to press too hard when something was a little too tender, happy to redirect or return to safer touches. If this was what a shared cycle with a mate felt like, Ghost didn’t know how he was supposed to give it up.

Pressing Johnny into a sharp arch, Ghost bore him back down to the mattress, pressing another kiss to his mouth before nipping at his chin and skipping the guard with a mildly aggrieved huff. But there was more skin to be explored and Ghost let himself feast, dragging his mouth down over the swells of Johnny’s pecs, licking delicately at his nipples, watching his reactions to various pressures and speeds until Johnny was pressing up into Ghost’s mouth, eyes closed as he rode the sensation gladly.

Ghost played until Johnny pressed his head away with an overstimulated huff and sucked in a shaky breath, trying to squeeze his thighs together around Ghost’s waist. Ghost quirked an eyebrow and dropped his mouth back down to Johnny’s chest, pressing kisses across the arch of his ribs and down to the soft convex of his stomach, tongue dragging along the faint lines of his abdominals, leaving damp swirls of dark hair in his wake. Ghost took a second to kneel up and survey his handiwork, the rose gold glow to Soap’s torso, the subtle twitch of his spread thighs, his co*ck lying full and heavy against the hollow of his hip, jerking lightly as Ghost focused his attention on it. Ghost could see the bare edge of shine at the edge of Johnny’s opening and felt his mouth flood with saliva as he realized what that meant.

Bending at his waist, Ghost pressed a biting kiss into the soft give of skin under Johnny’s belly button and dragged his tongue down, licking shivery trails overheated skin, sucking in deep lungfuls of the undiluted scent of his mate, happy, horny, and heated. The man smelled like the best parts of being alive and Ghost wished for the first time that night that he’d been allowed a muzzle, the urge to let his fangs pop so he could bite into the subtle swell of Johnny’s scent gland and taste him that way. Instead, Ghost sank his fangs into his own lip and let the pain pull him back, licking up the bottom of Johnny’s shaft, the warm flesh twitching against his tongue and blurting pre to spill onto the skin of his lower belly where Ghost could see the fainted mark he’d left there just moments ago.

“Can I?” He asked, waiting for Johnny’s eyes to focus on him. When they did, Ghost watched Johnny’s head jerk in a messy nod, the “Of course, please,” that spilled form his Omega’s lips the sweetest permission he’d ever been granted. Ghost sucked in a pleased breath and parted his lips, pulling Johnny’s co*ck into his mouth, careful to keep his still dropped fangs from knicking the delicate skin. Ghost let the saliva in his mouth pool as he sealed his lips in a tight ring and pulled back, the high startled noise it pulled out of Johnny made Ghost groan, his hips jerking in search of stimulation. Working his tongue against the vein that ran an uneven path to the head, Ghost softened his mouth and swirled his tongue around the bulbous head of his co*ck, flicking the edge of his foreskin lightly with the tip of his tongue. Johnny’s breathing turned sharp and hiccupped, and Ghost felt him lace his fingers into his hair, abs crunching under his forehead as Johnny tried to pull himself up, tugging carefully at Ghost’s hair to get his attention.

“f*ckin- Gonna come if you don’t stop.”

Ghost ran his tongue around the crown, gathering up the salty sweet fluid that leaked from his Omega in a steady trickle and pulled back, suction breaking with a lewd sound. Ghost watched Johnny’s flushed face, eyes hectic as he tried to steady his breathing.

“Then come. Come for me Omega.”
~~~42

Soap felt like his skin was melting in the best possible way. Ghost was between his legs, eyes hot as he worked him, and Soap wasn’t sure if he wanted to arch into the intensity of the sensation or squirm away, hands fluttering at his side indecisively. Ghost worked the pointed tip of his tongue just beneath the edge of his foreskin and Soap hiccuped at the sensation, grabbing at his head to warn him that he was getting close. He could feel his org*sm like an oncoming storm, skin prickling as the sensations from Ghost’s touch, and Ghost’s scent, and Ghost’s bright pleasure through the bond coalesced into an intense knot in his gut.

“f*ckin- Gonna come if you don’t stop.”

Soap sucked in a shaky breath as Ghost pulled back, breathing hard and cheeks flushed as he knelt, an apex predator in his prime. Soap shivered at the heat pouring off his alpha and took a few slow deliberate breaths, catching the edge of interest in Ghost’s gaze when he heard just how shaky his breathing was. Soap watched as a small smile curled Ghost’s lips and he leaned in, voice vibrating through the close air between them.

“Then come. Come for me Omega.”

Soap jerked like he’d been shocked and slumped back onto the bed, hands flying to the side to grip handfuls of sheet as Ghost descended on him like a man possessed, no quarter given, nothing held back from absolutely liquifying what little higher brain function remained as he tried not to completely fall to the urging of his inner Omega. But Ghost was both talented and dedicated to his task and Soap gasped high and sharp as Ghost shifted and dropped, taking Soap so deeply that he could feel the constriction of Ghost’s throat around the head of his co*ck as he swallowed convulsively against the blockage.

Soap gave a sharp strangled cry and slammed his head back, bright flashes of light burning across his eyes as his org*sm hit him like a punch, every part of him somehow completely untethered and deeply, deeply intertwined, feeling like his nervous system was trying to sort through too much input and unable to produce anything intelligible, a sensation of ‘more, more, more, and no more, no more, no more, that was good and bad and brilliant and terrible and so much more than he’d ever experienced before.

Finally, Ghost withdrew, careful to keep his mouth soft as Soap shivered and jerked at each and every bit of contact, melting bonelessly into the mattress as Ghost crawled over his body, a sustained sound vibrating behind his ribs that Soap wanted to call a purr. When Ghost was eye to eye with him, he watched as Ghost bent his elbows and dipped lower, hovering just a bare edge from Soap’s mouth.

“Can I kiss you?”

Soap wanted to reach up and cup Ghost’s face, but his arms were still limp, synapses struggling to fire correctly after his climax. He did manage to jerk his head in a sloppy nod, and Ghost lowered his face, pressing delicate kisses to Soap’s lips, his chin, the apples of his cheeks and the delicate skin of Soap’s eyelids as he tried to catch his breath. Soap wasn’t sure if Ghost was even aware that he’d begun rocking his hips into his thigh, the deep thrum rebuilding until Soap could feel it transfer into him every time Ghost touched him.

Soap finally raised a shaky hand and slid it down Ghost’s side, pausing with his hand at Ghost’s waist.

“That was…” Soap trailed off, not sure where he was going with that sentence. Amazing felt too small, too inadequate for what they’d just shared. Instead, Soap pressed his fingertips into the slight give of Ghost’s waist.

“Thank you.”

Ghost froze and pulled back.

“What?”

“Thank you for giving me that.”

“Why wouldn't I?”

“I don’t… You know what, now it’s about you. You were so good, taking care of me earlier. What do you need?”

Ghost shook his head. “This is enough.”

Soap tutted and poked the bond, still wide open between them. “You can’t lie to me, Ghostie. We’re in each other’s heads.”

Soap watched Ghost worry his lip between his teeth, reaching up to gently pull the skin free before he made himself bleed. Soap let his heat surge under his skin and watched as Ghost’s pupils blew wide at the concentrated hit of peat.

“Tell me, alpha. Tell me what you need.”

“You, Omega. I need you.”

Soap’s stomach pinched at the bass in Ghost’s voice, the vague sense of wetness between his thighs undeniable as Ghost’s pheromones surged to meet Soap’s. Carefully, Soap wrapped his legs around Ghost and tugged him back in until Ghost was over him again, eyes hot in the warm light of the lamp. Soap pressed up onto his elbows and nipped at Ghost’s chin gently, chirping to convey his pleasure. When Ghost turned his face, their lips connected and Soap tightened his thighs, pulling Ghost in until their groins connected.

The jolt through the bond was sharp, and they both sucked in a harsh breath through their noses, unwilling to break the connection of their bodies. Soap tugged Ghost down gently until he was flat on his back and Ghost’s weight was pressing him into the sheets, skin on skin rom shoulders to thighs. Soap wanted so badly to purr, but swallowed it down, keeping himself to chirps and trills to convey his satisfaction. Between them, Soap was starting to perk up again, dancing the fine line of overstimulation until his hormones caught up and turned it all into fire, heat surging as another blurt of lubrication slipped down his thighs.

“Ghost, please, touch me. Touch me.”

Ghost bucked against him and shifted, co*ck slotting between his legs until the length of him was sliding through the dampness, the head bumping against his opening but not quite catching. Keening as the feeling went from pleasant to teasing, Soap reached down to try and direct his partner to the correct place. Soap hiccupped when Ghost caught his wrist and pulled his arm away, pressing it into the sheets by his head, squeezing gently to tell him to stay.

“That’s my job, Omega. Your pleasure, your satisfaction, my job.”

~~~43

“You know you don’t have to do this if you don’t want to, right?”

“I do. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to be.”

Ghost traced his hand down Soap’s arm and over the tender skin of his armpit, leaving goose pimples in his wake. The caress firmed as Ghost moved his hand down the midline of Soap’s body, raking his fingers through his chest hair and down his treasure trail, fingers splitting to trace around his belly button and over his groin, offering a teasing stroke down his shaft, watching it bounce back and smack against his belly before trailing down to Soap’s opening. Rubbing the pad of his thumb in a circle, Soap watched Ghost as he watched Soap’s body react, muscles flexing and thighs shaking in anticipation of what he needed to cool the fire burning in his guts.

“f*cking hell, alpha. Please. Touch me.”

“Shh, shh, Omega. Don’t want to hurt you. Could never hurt you.” Ghost pressed his thumb against the furl of Soap’s opening, eyes avid on what he could see. Soap pulled in a shaky breath at the feeling of being penetrated and groaned as Ghost hooked his thumb, pulling gently to see how open he was. His thumb withdrew and Soap wanted to keen at the loss, tensing just moments later as Ghost turned his hand and pushed back in, two fingers this time.

Soap was so wet he could hear the slick as Ghost’s fingers pushed it out of him and he rocked his hips on each press in, trying to find that spot that made him see stars. After a few more seconds of contact, Ghost pulled his hand away and knelt back, wrapping his wet hand around his co*ck and giving a firm pump before he hooked both arms under Soap’s knees and pulled him in, angling his thigh’s over Ghost’s and tipping his pelvis, the head of Ghost’s co*ck slotting against him like it was designed for him. Soap could feel Ghost rocking against him, the barest hitches of his hips building his arousal until he wanted to scream.

“Ghost…” Soap’s voice sounded strained to his own ears and he could feel the heat spiraling higher and higher. Ghost’s voice was choked, the mangled “f*cking hell” almost unintelligible as Ghost slurred it out around dropped fangs. Soap felt his own smaller fangs drop at the clear indication of pleasure on his mate’s face and he hitched his legs higher around Ghost’s waist, pulling the alpha in with a sharp jerk, the head of Ghost’s co*ck pressing him wide open, the stretch blissful and agonizing all at once.

“f*ck!”

The sound of Ghost’s voice snapped Soap back to himself and he jerked, loosening his legs and pulling his hands away.

“Luna! Sorry, Sorry! I’m so sorry.” Soap was trying to scramble back and jerked to a stop when Ghost’s hands landed on his waist, halting the movement.

“Don’t.”

The bass was back in Ghost’s voice and Soap froze and then went pliant, instinctively trying to tip his chin and bare his throat. The guard stopped him before his head got too far and he felt Ghost’s fingers squeeze a little bit harder. The pinch of pain combined with the fact that Ghost was still inside of him made Soap moan, nerves still not back to full capacity. Soap watched Ghost’s nostrils flare at the scent and sound of him, and he swallowed back the three little words he wanted to bite into Ghost’s neck, a declaration written in silver scars on moon pAlé skin.

Instead, Soap waited, feeling Ghost throb inside him, stroking pleasantly over his walls. Soap choked on the sensation before gritting his teeth against the pleasure, needing to say something.

“Ghost, I’m-”

“Johnny, if you don’t want me to knot you right now, I need you to stop talking. Please.”

Soap realized the warmth building in his stomach wasn’t entirely due to the heat he kept pushing back, some a result of the fact that Ghost was as into this as he was, and he felt safe enough to let go a little bit, sure that if he did hit a tipping point, Soap would listen when he asked for things.

Ghost rocked inside him gently and Soap moaned, the friction exactly what his body craved, slick flooding out of him in preparation for the knot he could feel starting to swell. The bulb pressed into Soap’s rim with every push of Ghost’s hips, the wet smack of skin twisting Soap higher and higher. It looked like it was doing the same for Ghost, his expression blissful as he chased his end, eyebrows furrowing as he fought his knot.

Soap wondered what Ghost was doing until Ghost twisted his hips just right and slammed into something inside him that hurtled him headlong into another org*sm, a final bright burst of pain hitting him as Ghost slid home, knot locked as he pumped out burst after burst of hot come, the pulses of his shaft dragging out Soap’s org*sm until he was twitching and jerking at the overstim, in turn milking Ghost, a few small shivers wracking his frame as he tried to breathe through the lock.

Soap’s org*sm faded as Ghost shivered over him and he grabbed for Ghost’s hand, pulling the alpha forward until he laid himself over his body, shifting to find a position that didn’t disturb where they were still joined. It was easier than Soap had expected, and he chirped at Ghost happily as he rolled them onto their sides and dragged the big duvet that reeked pleasantly of what they’d just done over the two of them, cooing softly at the alpha, watching the man drift on the hormones, whiskey colored eyes following his intently.

“So good for me, alpha. Such a strong, kind, thoughtful alpha.”

Ghost’s eyes fluttered shut, and Soap let himself dream as he ran shaky fingers through Ghost’s tousled, sweaty curls. Soap ducked forward and pressed a careful kiss to the top of Ghost’s head. A sound rumbled out of Ghost and Soap pulled back, studying his face intently. Soap barked out a quiet laugh when he realized what that sound had been.

Ghost was fast asleep, face relaxed and younger looking in repose. Sighing, Soap wrapped his arms around his alpha and shifted the blanket higher, careful not to cover Ghost’s face. Pressing a final kiss to the side of Ghost’s head, he dropped his head back and whispered his feelings to the ceiling.

“Would keep you forever if I could,” Soap said, completely missing when Ghost’s eyes fluttered open sleepily at the sound of his voice, still attuned to his Omega’s desires, even in sleep. “But it wouldn’t be good for either of us. Gotta get through this heat and then let you go.”

“That might have been the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard you say,” Ghost said from where he was still lying in his arms, scaring Soap enough that he jerked, both men groaning when it tugged painfully at where they were locked.

“f*ckin’ Luna, be still.”

Ghost shifted to relieve the pressure and hitched Soap’s knee up higher on his hip. He could feel his Rut banked for now, locked in to ensure his pups took in the Omega who’d agreed to host his spend. His logical mind knew that Johnny didn’t want pups, and he knew he wasn’t in a good enough place to be a sire, but the instinctual hindbrain alpha was thrumming wildly at how beautiful their pups would be. Shaking the thought away, Ghost quirked his head at Johnny.

“Why do you get to decide if we’re not good together? Seems pretty unfair to me.”

“Ghost, what if you already have a mate out there waiting for you?”

“I don’t.”

“But how do you know? Really. What if you have a fated mate out there waiting for you and you’re stuck with me until this bond fades.”

Ghost sucked his teeth meeting Soap’s eyes. “Don’t believe in that fated mate stuff anymore. I wanted to. Used to beg the moon to send me someone to love me. But she sent Roba instead. But I suppose it isn’t all bad. Got you next.”

Soap swallowed harshly. "I am sorry, you know. I hated biting you without your consent. But I couldn't watch you die either. If you want to be mad at me, I'll accept it."

"Mm not mad. Mostly just confused. You don't know me from Adam. But you claimed me. And now you don’t want to keep me. I thought that’s how it worked; Omega finds alpha they like, Omega keeps the alpha."

"Not this time. It wouldn’t be right. There’s someone out there waiting for you.”

“What if it’s you?”

“It’s not. It never is.”

“Then why did you agree to stay?”

“Because you asked.”

Ghost sighed at the matter of fact tone of Johnny’s voice, not fighting him when he laid his head back on Ghost’s arm, closing his eyes. Ghost sighed at the matter of fact tone of Johnny’s voice, not wanting to keep arguing and dropped his head forward, pressing his mouth to the guard and worrying it lightly between his teeth. He could feel that his Rut wasn't quite done with him, and he closed his eyes to try and rest until his knot went down. Ghost heard Soap open his mouth and growled quietly at him.

"Shut up and sleep. We'll talk about this later."

Ghost heard Johnny sigh, and felt his chest rise and fall against him.

"Yes, alpha."

~~~44

Ghost woke up when a surge of heat ripped through the bond. Johnny was whining, face pressed into Ghost’s chest, and he tightened his arms around the Omega pressed against him trying to keep him still while he readjusted. Rolling onto his back, Ghost took a minute to wait for the surge of anxiety, shoulder loosening when it never came. His heart was still rabbiting in his ribcage at the sensation of weight pressing him down into the mattress, but all he could smell was Johnny, all he could see was warm skin and dark hair, all he could taste was juniper and heat, and all he could hear was the grunts and chirps as Johnny ground against him. Everything was him, and Johnny was safe. His alpha was sure of it.

Johnny was flushed and hazy eyed and Ghost couldn’t help but coo at the man, wrapping his hands around the dip of his waist to stabilize his grinding. Ghost tugged him gently to one side and their co*cks lined up, the slide already easing as both men leaked against the other, a teasing tickle moving over sensitive skin. Ghost watched Johnny close his eyes again and lose himself in the wave of heat coursing through him, half his attention on the sight of his chosen Omega losing himself to his heat, hands braced against Ghost’s pecs and head thrown back, mouth open and a pleased hum rolling from his throat. It was close to a purr and Ghost’s chest squeezed painfully for a second as he took a shaky breath and leaned his attention on the pleasure flooding down the bond like warm honey.

Johnny’s head tipped forward and whiskey met hazy blue as Johnny leaned forward, pressing his lips to Ghost’s. As Johnny kissed him deeply, breathing roughly through his nose, Ghost kissed back, letting the Omega take what he needed. It was good, and the desire to bite the soft skin pressed against his mouth was stirring up his own rut, a tightness in his thighs as he fought the urge to buck up into Johnny, to manhandle the Omega a few inches higher and wrap his hands around the back of Soap’s thighs, sliding home and locking them together, keeping him in his lap and in his life for as long as he could.

Ghost sucked in a sharp breath as Johnny moved, lifting himself on his hands and resettling against Ghost’s co*ck, the globes of his ass cradling it while he undulated against the skin of Ghost’s lower abdomen. With a sinuous movement of his spine, Ghost felt the head of his co*ck snug up against his opening and slide in, the muscle still soft from their earlier round. It was the same sweet agony as before, and Ghost softened his hands, letting Johnny set a pace that worked for him. He could see the sweat starting to build at his temple and along the top of his bae shoulders and he couldn't resist, pulling himself up to a seated position and biting gently at the salty skin, the scrape of his teeth pulling a keen from Johnny’s throat that sent a shiver down his spine.

“I’m so lucky. Thank you for this.” Ghost spoke his words into Johnny’s skin, not really expecting the heat drunk Omega to register them. So it was a little bit of a surprise when Ghost felt fingers lace into his hair and carefully pull his head back. Johnny’s eyes were still hot with arousal, and his hips continued to move, but he was more Alé rt than any of the Omegas he’d serviced through their heats. It made something in his chest crack open to see Johnny work to ficus on his partner while he was in the middle of his own heat. To be that important in someone’s focus was a new feeling, and he had to admit; he didn’t hate it.

“Always wanna give you what you want, always gonna take care of my alpha. Never gonna let you be treated badly again. Not as long as I live.”

Ghost’s lower body twisted hotly at his thickened accent and the absolute conviction in his gaze, and he nodded dumbly as Johnny continued to ride him. Johnny jerked as he dropped in a slightly different spot, the head of Ghost’s co*ck pressing into something that had both men gasping as he clamped down around Ghost, setting his knot to swelling, each subsequent bounce grinding them together until Johnny’s legs started to quiver, losing steam as the pleasure grew.

After a few lackluster grinds, Ghost took pity on the flagging man and did what he’d thought about earlier, putting his hands on the backs of Johnny's thighs and moving his legs under himself, rolling them like a somersault until Johnny’s back hit the nest with a thump and Ghost was once more between his knees looking down at him. Ghost dropped one of Johnny’s thighs and straightened the other across his own chest, pressing a kiss into the ankle by his face as he rolled Johnny onto his side and set up a steady rhythm, the wet smack of skin and Johnny’s whiny moans filling Ghost’s ears.
His own Rut was creeping up on him, egged along by Johnny’s heat down the bond and Ghost stopped, nudging Johnny onto his hands and knees, gawping a little bit as Johnny caught on and lowered his shoulders, hips hitching up into the air as he presented. He took a second to enjoy the view, Johnny’s back shining damply in the low light, the dimples at the small of his back a perfect resting place for his thumbs, his opening puffy and slick with desire and just a little bit of his spend from the first round.

Johnny twisted his shoulders and looked back over his shoulder at him, the move unfairly provocative. When he spoke, his voice was silk and gravel. Ghost wanted to bite it.

“What are you doin? Waiting for an invitation? Knot me, alpha.”

Ghost let a possessive growl spill from his lips and bent forward, nipping at the swell of his ass, smiling when Johnny yipped at the shock of sensation, a moan following as Ghost laved his tongue wetly across the skin he’d just abused.

“Gonna give you my knot, just appreciating the view.”

Johnny blew a raspberry into the blanket under his face and Ghost couldn’t help but smile at his mate. “Look later, f*ck me now.”

Ghost slid back into him carefully, not wanting to hurt him, even if he probably wouldn’t feel it until the heat had run its course and died out. Setting his thumbs in the dimples and watching the skin depress under his touch, Ghost worked his hips, the pressure at the base of his shaft returning as his knot began to inflate, the last few inches of penetration a sweet agony as the pressure built, each thrust taking more force to sink all the way home. Johnny was pressing back to meet him and Ghost slid his hand from its place on his hip around to Johnny’s belly, dragging his hand down until he reached his co*ck, hard between his legs.

Cupping the hard flesh carefully, Ghost worked it in tandem with his thrusts, a counterpoint that made Johnny clench around him. Ghost sucked in a breath and stilled his hips, bullying his nearly full knot against the ring of his opening. A few more twists of his wrist and a forceful thrust of his hips let him slip fully inside, Johnny locking down around him and coming with a shout, cum flowing over Ghost’s knuckles as he worked him through his org*sm. Ghost was starting to reach his own tipping point, the pressure in his knot finally snapping as it swelled against Johnny’s inner walls, the ripples of his Omega’s release ripping his own from him. Dropping down on all fours, Ghost set a hand on either side of Johnny’s shoulders, working his hips slowly to draw out his org*sm and Johnny’s, the pleasure ricocheting back and forth between them, the bond singing brightly.

Ghost slumped, pressing kisses into the bare wings of Johnny’s shoulderblades, mouthing over the fastening of the guard until the reached the nape of his neck, pressing kisses into the buzzed hair as he caught his breath. As his heartbeat and breathing synced up with Johnny’s Ghost swallowed hard against what he wanted to blurt, not wanting the first time he said it to be put down to hormones. He could wait to say it.

After all, it wasn’t like he was going to stop feeling that way anytime soon.

~~~45

Soap woke up alone. It took a few seconds for that fact to register, a hollow feeling building in his gut as he slid his arms out, searching for the heat of his alpha. The room smelled so strongly of the two of them he fully expected Ghost to still be there. Soap’s stomach twisted as all he felt was cool cotton and he grumbled, mind spinning. When he’d managed to work his way clear to the other side of the mattress without finding Ghost, he sat up, dragging his hands across his face to clear the sleep from his eyes. His whole body ached and he took a minute to scan his body. His hips and thighs burned from overwork, achy and tender in the same way he was after a physically demanding mission, or a long gym session. He could feel a couple spots where the pain was sharper, bruises blooming under the skin and he glanced down the plane of his torso to see what was wrong.

What he could see between the guard and where the sheets were pooled in his lap looked like a watercolor painting, blues and purples sitting beside stripes of pink and a few darker lines that he couldn’t quite identify (pinch marks maybe?) and friction burns at the edge of the guard. The sense memory of being pressed into the sheets as Ghost ground into him from behind swamped him and Soap could smell the burst of interest he threw out, his heat almost gone, but not quite extinguished. Flipping the sheets back, he saw more marks running down his thighs, and set his hands on top of a pair of red marks high up on his thighs. His hands lined up with the marks and he realized they were handprints, a little broader than his own, marks of how unwilling Ghost had been to let him go, even while they slept between rounds of mind bending pleasure.

Soap doesn’t remember much clearly after the second lock and falling asleep wrapped in the arms of his alpha, the rumble of a purr in his chest as he dropped into sleep. He’s pretty sure he must have dropped fully after the second nap and what he could recall was made up of flashes and bits of what came next; Ghost looking down at him, eyes hot as he moaned around him, moments of calm after locking, pressed as tightly together as they were able given the limitations of their skin, both men tracing their hands over each other, dragging the glands at their wrists firmly over skin, deepening the way they both reeked of each other, a clear reaffirmation of their bond without teeth.

Soap blushed in the quiet room as he remembered pressing Ghost into the mattress and dragging his mouth over marks and scars, cooing worlds of appreciation and love into the alpha’s skin while Ghost watched him with an indulgent smile. He remembered biting his way up Ghost’s torso, praising him for taking such good care of him. He vaguely remembered Gaz coming in at some point and bringing them water and snacks, checking in on them before leaving them to it. Ghost had been weirdly pliant in Soap’s memory, and the absence of his alpha clawed at his brain hard enough that Soap couldn’t wait any longer to go and find him.

Climbing out of bed gingerly, he made his way to the bathroom to clean up. He didn't feel as gross as he normally did post heat, but he could feel himself starting to leak, ticklish trails of slick and cum making their way down his thighs. The thought of washing the scent off his skin made him sad and he shook the thought away, reminding himself to be thankful that he wasn’t feeling as sh*tty as he usually did post heat. Normally, his post heats found him waking up stiff and sore, nauseated and exhausted, covered in his own spend, the mess dried to skin and hair and tugging unpleasantly. He wondered if this was what a heat with a partner always felt like. Maybe this post heat was easier because he spent it with an alpha this time instead of just trying to weather it alone like he had with all of his previous heats.

Soap climbed into the shower and cleaned himself off, wrapping a towel around his waist and brushing his teeth after, glad to replace the sticky feeling in his mouth with the bite of mint. He wandered back to the bedroom and grabbed the first thing he saw, pulling it over his head and letting it fall, hitting him mid thigh. It scented like Ghost and Soap’s stomach pinched warmly with the thought of being completely surrounded by the scent of his alpha.

Wandering out to the living room, Soap sniffed delicately as he passed through the living room. Sweet clover and Avgas. Price must have come by to keep Gaz company. He could only pick up the faintest scent of pears, the clay stronger post Rut, but it was largely neutral and he hoped it was a sign that he didn’t screw up and demand too much from him after the worst of his heat had descended. He was so lost in his own musings that he didn’t register Ghost walking toward him until he’s almost on top of him, only Ghost’s arresting hand on his chest keeping him from a full collison.

Ghost looked good, face soft and well rested, only the faintest purple smudges under his eyes remaining. His body looked broad and solid under his gray sweats and navy hoodie, and Soap took a second to marvel at the fact that not long ago, Ghost had been gaunt and exhausted and nursing a fresh gunshot wound. Soap’s throat squeezed at the realization of how close he’d come to never getting to have even this much and he stepped in toward Ghost’s body, laying his head against his chest to listen to the reassuring thump of his heart as his other hand snuck under the hem of his hoodie, palm flattened protectively over the well heAlé d starburst where he’d been shot. He heard a clatter of glass as Ghost shifted against him and he looked up to see he was holding a tray of food balanced on one hand, the other wrapped around Soap’s back protectively.

“Alright there, Johnny?”

Soap opened and closed his mouth, not sure how to answer that. Not really wanting to speak, he dropped his head back onto Ghost’s chest and nodded.

“Can we sit? I’m fine with you wanting to keep touching, but I don’t want to drop the food I made for us on your head.”

Soap didn’t lift his head from Ghost’s chest but he was able to answer. “Couch?”

“Couch is good. C’mon, Johnny. Let me take care of you.”

Soap let Ghost chivvy him toward the couch, setting the tray on the coffee table and dragging it up to the cushions, pulling Soap down into his lap and he settled into their corner. Settling between Ghost’s knees, he realized it was the same position he’d held Ghost in for the movie they’d watched, just reversed. He felt surrounded. It was nice. Soap wasn’t a small man, was actually considered “abnormally” large for an Omega, but Ghost was an absolutely massive alpha, and sitting between his knees in a sweater that reeked of his alpha with nothing underneath and still at the edge of his heat made Soap feel small and *protected* and he found that he didn’t hate it nearly as much as he thought he ought to.

Soap’s eyes fluttered at the notion of being cared for and he turned his head, rubbing his temple over the material of Ghost’s hoodie, leaving more of his claim on him. Gentle fingers settled on the edge of his jaw, and Soap’s face was straightened, just a little bit, the gentle kiss pressed into the soft skin of his temple feeling like a benediction. The fingers that had been on his jaw slipped down his throat and he jerked lightly when he realized he was still wearing the guard.

“Are you comfortable taking this off, or would you prefer to keep it on? I’m well through my Rut. Not gonna bite you.”

Soap keened quietly at that and Ghost froze.

“Soap, are you with me?”

Soap shook his head, not sure how to answer. “Want you to bite. Want to keep you. Shouldn’t. Not right.”

“sh*t. You’re still in it, aren’t you? And I left you alone.”

Soap keened softly at the word and he turned messily, nearly unmanning Ghost as he climbed into this lap and wrapped his legs around the alpha’s waist.

“Please don’t leave.”

“Shhh, Omega, I got you. You’re OK. Not going anywhere, gonna take care of you. Give you just what you need. And when you’re ready, I’m gonna lock my knot and my teeth into you and you’ll never get rid of me.”

Soap listened to Ghost whisper exactly what he wanted to hear in his ear and ground against the inside of the hoodie he was wearing, the friction teasing and agonizing all at once. His thighs screamed at the stretch and flex as he humped against Ghost’s body, feeling as he slicked up and started to leak. Juniper and peat swelled against a bloom of pear, and Soap dropped his head back, wanting to feel Ghost’s breath over the tender skin of his bonding gland.

“Bite me, alpha. Choose me, Stay.”

“Gonna stay. Gonna bite you, Gonna trust you with me. So good for me Omega. f*ck.”

Soap’s thighs were wet enough that Ghost’s sweats were darkening where he sat, and Soap moaned sharply when Ghost lifted his hips, working the material down and off himself, resettling Soap’s bare ass over his bare thighs, the hair there another new tease for Soap’s hyper tactile senses. Their co*cks were separated by a single layer of fabric, and Soap hitched his hips higher, trying to get Ghost’s co*ck where he needed it. Ghost slid a hand up each thigh and cupped his ass, squeezing gently before lifting him, lining them up and letting Soap drop, sliding home in one long stroke. Seated like this, Soap was taller, and he tipped his chin down to kiss Ghost, hissing in aggravation as the neck of the guard got in the way. Soap pulled back and started to tug at the sweater, pulling it off and tossing it aside, fingers tearing at the clasp of the guard. Hands grabbed his and he bucked, both men moaning as the move ripped through them, focused where they were joined.

“Hey, hey, Johnny. Whoa! You’re gonna hurt yourself. Hang on, let me help you. Hold still, shh, Omega, shh.”

He felt his hand moved to the tag of the clasp and grabbed it, waiting, hips still moving in small teasing circles as Ghost jerked the edges and the fabric went slack. Soap dropped his arm and let Ghost lift the guard away, dropping it off the side of the couch.

“Bite me, bite me, bite me.”

Ghost’s hands flew to Soap’s hips, fingers squeezing the soft flesh harshly. Soap tipped his chin back and bared his throat, setting up a rolling grind on top of his alpha. His skin was warm and his mind was sluggish, thoughts warping like melted wax through hot water. This wasn’t what he remembered his heats being before, not that same frantic burning. No, it felt like being high, like the best kind of high where everything was light and everything felt good, like that time after basic when he’d gone to Amsterdam with some friends and spent a week feeling like he was made of dopamine and gelatine. Like every touch was a poem, and every whispered promise was a work of art meant to fill a private museum for only the two of them. It was so much and not enough, and Soap leaned down to press a biting kiss to Ghost’s mouth. Pulling back, Soap ran his tongue over his bottom lip and husked out a request.

“f*ck me, alpha.”

“f*cking, hell. Yes.”

Soap’s hips jerked as Ghost started to move, lifting him up enough to pump his hips under him, the sound of damp flesh meeting the only sound in the room aside from the huff of their breathing and the wet slide of mouths moving together. Soap’s stomach twisted and he jerked, the sensation drawing tighter and tighter as his org*sm barrelled into him. He folded forward as he rode it out, waves pushed higher by the scrape of Ghost’s co*ck over the bundle of nerves inside him.

Ghost shifted him just enough to stop pressing into him so hard and he breathed deeply, the brief moment of repose quickly getting subsumed as another rush built, his heat’s final gasp needing to be satisfied. Soap wondered faintly if Ghost was getting close to coming as well as the overstimulation shifted, moving back towards pleasure. Soap felt Ghost’s hand slide toward his opening and moaned when he felt a finger stroke around the rim, nerves firing wildly at the new stimulation. When he pressed in with two finger tips, Soap cried out, pleasure swelling at the sensation of fullness. Just a little more and he’d be gone, swept out to sea on a rush of hormones.

Ghost gave a couple more strokes and tensed, coming hot inside of him as Soap’s core went tight at the sensation of pressure from Ghost’s bent fingers pressing on his inner walls, the pressure enough to make him feel like he’d been knotted, a second org*sm tearing through him, until he felt like he was ready to pass out, still supported with Ghost’s hand spread over the small of his back, fingers of his other hand still flexing gently inside him, dragging the pleasure out.

Soap jolted as the pleasure faded to sensitivity again and the complaints of his body started to reassert themselves. He held his breath as Ghost seemed to register his discomfort, withdrawing his fingers delicately, dragging a final shiver from his body as they left. Soap dropped his head forward and pressed his nose to the side of Ghost’s throat, mouthing absently at the skin, tracing the scars with the tip of his tongue. He could feel Ghost’s chest rumble against him and he blinked, trying to focus on what he was saying.

“With me, Johnny?”

Soap hummed and swallowed, finally getting his mouth to cooperate. “What the hell was that?”

“Last gasp. Probably happened since you woke up alone. I’ve had it happen with a few clients before, but I dunno what causes it. Has it ever happened to you with a previous partner?”

Soap hummed a denial, rubbing his face into Ghost’s throat, chirping in pleased surprise when Ghost tipped his chin up and over, giving Soap access to more skin.

“Nope. You’re the first person I’ve shared a heat with.”

~~~46

Ghost sat back, setting a hand on Johnny’s shoulder and pushing him back, trying to meet his eyes.

“Johnny, what are you saying?”

He watched as Johnny tried to lean back in, pouting when his hold stayed firm.

“Means I’ve never had a paired heat. Usually just rode it out on my own.”

“Why didn’t you say anything? You acted like you knew what to expect. You let me take your guard off. I could have hurt you.”

Ghost could hear the way his voice was turning a little panicky at the thought of hurting his Omega.

“No, I actually feel better than I normally do after a heat. You were so good for me. Did I do anything you didn't want?

“No, it was nice. You were perfect. I can’t wait to do this with you again next time.”

“Ghost, there isn't going to be a next time.”

“Do you not want to keep me?”

“Of course I do, but we can’t. You can’t let this bond make your decisions for you and I've already taken enough from you. The whole point is to maintain the connection, but you didn’t have a choice, so it’s pushing you to do what you need to to maintain it even if it isn’t what you want. You're not thinking clearly. And you won't be able to until the bond fades.”

“That’s bullsh*t, Johnny. I know what I want. And I want to stay with you.”

Soap sighed, clearly frustrated that Ghost wasn't agreeing with him.

“I'm glad you feel safe with me, and I'm thrilled to see you healing after what you've been through, but I'm afraid you're confusing kindness with love and I don't want to take advantage of that.”

Ghost’s mouth twisted at the accusation and he growled low in his throat. Soap squirmed, still straddling his lap, and Ghost realized he could have picked a better time to have this discussion, as opposed to trying to have serious conversation about feelings and expectations when one of them was still coming down from their cycle, but he was tired of the push me pull you of the relationship, tired of not knowing what to expect, tired of letting his own hangups get in the way, and he was definitely tired of being told he didn't know his own mind well enough to make a choice about what came next.

“You said you wanted my teeth. And we're good together. f*cking moon above, why are you fighting this so hard?

“Because I can't be another Omega turning you into a plaything.”

“That wasn’t about you. Not really.”

Soap pointed his finger at Ghost, the look on his face saying he’d just made a point he’d been trying to get across. “But it kind of was about me. We have to let the bond fade so you can say that with a clear head, no influence from me down the bond.”

Ghost scoffed. “I’m not going to change my mind.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that before.”

Ghost shifted, resettling Johnny carefully. “Hmph. Well I’m not them, and I wish you’d give this a chance.”

“You know what? I will. As soon as the bond breaks, I’ll let you take me out for a drink, see if there’s anything still there.”

“Dating?”

“Sure. If you’re still interested.”

“Why can’t we date now?”

Soap huffed, but nodded. “Alright, if that’s what you want. But we keep it non-sexual until the bond fades. That’s my condition.”

“Fine, but I want to be able to kiss you. That’s *my* condition.” Ghost tipped his head, watching Johnny’s face. “Unless you’re not interested. If that’s the case, just tell me. Letting me want is just cruel if you’re never going to give me a real chance.”

Ghost waited as Johnny mulled it over, finally accepting with a decisive nod. “Honestly, would be easier if I wasn’t so bleeding fond of you. Alright, you’ve made your point. We’ll try dating.”

Johnny didn’t know it yet, but he’d just handed the victory to Ghost. He knew Johnny expected his feelings to fade, was bracing himself for it, but he knew what he wanted, and it was to stay. Ghost shifted under his Omega and grabbed the edge of the table, pulling it close enough to reach the tray. The food was cold, and the eggs were probably rubbery, but the fruit and bacon would be ok, and the juice was fine. Picking up a strip of bacon, Ghost held it in front of Johnny’s mouth, smiling when the clearly flagging Omega opened his mouth for the bite. Ghost jostled the Omega, both men hissing when Ghost finally slipped free of Johnny’s body, the rising flush on his face signaling Ghost that feeding his Omega would need to take a pause while they cleaned up. Price had been fairly adamant about them not marking up the furniture in the public areas.

“C’mon, Johnny, let's go get cleaned up before Price senses what we just got up to on his couch.”

Ghost wrapped his arms around the back of Johnny’s thighs and stood, adjusting his hold while he waited for Soap to wrap his legs around him. When he felt Johnny’s heels slide off his hips a second time, he set him on his feet and shifted his grip, swinging the man into a princess carry and walking down the hall toward the bathroom. He settled Johnny on the closed commode and turned away, stripping off his hoodie and turning the shower on, sticking his hand under the spray and waiting for the water to heat up. Behind him, he heard Johnny shift and turned to look at him over his shoulder.

“Alright there, Sunshine?”

The blush rising in his face made Ghost want to kiss him, and he grinned when he realized that he could do that now, walking toward Johnny and wrapping his arms around his back, lifting his slightly smaller frame until they were standing pressed together, Ghost carefully hooking a finger under Johnny’s chin to line their mouths up, pressing a tender kiss to the pouted lips under his. He held the contact for a second before delicately swiping the tip of his tongue over his lower lip, pulling back to watch his Omega’s face.

“Water’s warm. Let’s get you clean and fed, and then we’ll head back to bed.”

Johnny hummed, eyes closed, a faint smile on his face. “What time is it, anyway?”

“Almost 8 PM.”

“But you made breakfast, and the sun’s still up.”

“Relax, Johnny. It’ll taste just as good, I promise.”

“No it won’t,” Johnny grumbled into his chest.

Ghost huffed a quiet laugh, lifting Johnny again, carrying him to the tub and stepping in, turning Johnny and pressing him against his chest, shifting the shower head to keep the water out of their faces. Johnny was soft and sleepy in his arms, moving when he asked, each movement sluggish as he fought his post org*sm exhaustion. Ghost was thorough but quick, getting Johnny out before he completely fell asleep and Ghost was left to wrangle his unconscious body to bed. Blotting the worst of the water away, Ghost carried a mostly asleep Johnny to the nest, peeling the top layer back and setting him on the sheets before following him into bed and pulling the covers over them, Johnny wiggling back into his arms as he slept, still craving his alpha’s presence.

Johnny’s Omega knew they were good for each other, even if his stubborn side said it was wrong. Settling into the sheets Ghost dragged Johnny across his chest and raked his fingers through his damp mohawk. Against his chest, Johnny started to purr, a deep rusty sound that reminded him more of the 141 than Mexico. Ghost waited for the tightness in his chest to set in as his brain processed the experience of having an Omega purr at him in a way that didn’t involve pain. After a few minutes of the sound his hand relaxed enough to return to stroking over Johnny’s head and his attention wandered to whether or not Gaz had called König and let him know it was safe to come home.

~~~47

Breakfast and convo part 2. Johnny is being stubborn, Ghost is stubborner. What’s that? A wild plot appears.?

Soap groaned as he woke up, head feeling clearer than it had in days, the heat well and truly spent. The surface he was lying on shifted under him and he cracked an eye open, Ghost’s relaxed face peering down at him.

“Good morning, Sunshine. Are you through? Or do we need to keep things calm a little longer?”

Soap turned his head, dragging his nose over Ghost’s chest, pulling in a lungful of the warm smell of his skin.

“No, I’m good now.”

“Alright. We should probably go eat. Could hear your stomach over your purr.”

Soap froze, horror squeezing his chest, making it hard to breathe. “Moon above, I’m so sorry,” he said, scrambling to shove himself away from Ghost’s body, not wanting to keep him there if he needed to move.

Ghost grabbed at his bicep carefully, halting his retreat.

“I’m fine, Omega. Perfectly fine.”

Soap slumped back onto the bed at Ghost’s assurances, taking a second to breathe through the end of the adrenaline dump. It was mad to him when he considered that the possibility of taking advantage of Ghost was more upsetting than the last time he’d been shot at, adrenaline rattling his limbs now that he wasn’t moving to shed it.

From the other end of the bond, Ghost prodded at him and Soap sat back on his knees, looking over at Ghost, blond hair mussed and wild from sleep, that same indulgent look from last night on his pretty face.

“What’s that look for, then?”

“You’re climbing back into that head of yours, Johnny. And your stomach is still imitating whAlé song.”

Soap watched as Ghost slid out of bed, stretching in the warm light of the morning. Ghost dragged on a pair of black sweats and chucked the thinner pair of joggers at him, waiting until he’d caught them before throwing him a blue tee shirt and dragging a gray tee with the 141’s emblem screen printed across the back.

“Well? Are you gonna get dressed, or do you want to eat breakfast like that? Price said to keep it off the furniture, but we could always just put down a towel.”

Soap frowned at Ghost, feeling al little thrown by how he was acting. He pulled on the tee and stepped into the joggers, wiggling his hips to settle them comfortably before he noticed that Ghost had stopped to watch from the doorway, head co*cked and eyes hot.

“Ready, Johnny? I believe I promised you breakfast.”

“You never did explain why you were making breakfast last night, you know.”

“Mmm, fair. Had more pressing concerns at the time, and you didn’t get to sample much of it anyway. I can tell you while I cook, I suppose.”

Soap trailed after Ghost, watching as he detoured to the living room and gathered up the tray, nodding Soap toward one of the stools beside the little kitchen island and setting the food aside. Ghost pulled out a bowl and set it aside, grabbing flour and milk and eggs and sugar and a little white tin. He scooped and dumped the dry ingredients, cracking eggs one handed, adding milk and mixing everything together. Setting the bowl aside, he pulled out a pan and set it on the stove, setting the burner just above medium heat and turning to look at Soap, crossing his arms over his chest while he watched the pan heat. Finally, he spoke, breaking the silence that had fallen in the kitchen as Soap watched him work.

“So, the only thing I know how to cook without a recipe is breakfast. I mean, pancakes, anyway. Learned to make ‘em as a boy. Dad wasn’t my biggest fan, and didn’t liek how much it cost to keep me fed. Could make a lot with cheap ingredients. It was an easy way to keep my belly full when I was younger and a reminder of better days as I got older. They’re comfort food to me now. And last night, I wanted to give you comfort.”

Ghost took the spoon from the bowl of batter and let a single drop fall in the pan, watching it for a second before nodding, adding a bigger dollop and continuing. “How much of what we talked about d’you remember?”

Soap took a second to really think about the question. He remembered waking up and going to hunt for Ghost. He remembered hugging him and sitting with him on the couch. He remembered *everything* that happened next, and he remembered that they’d talked. Ghost wanted to keep the bond, and didn’t understand Soap’s reluctance. But he’d compromised, and now they were- Dating?- while they waited for the bond to fade. It kind of felt like he was setting himself up for heartbreak, and he wanted to press, but his stomach gurgled angrily, so he put it aside for after they had eaten and answered Ghost’s question.

“I remember all of it.”

“And you’re still willing? If it was a heat of the moment thing, I’d rather know now, honestly.”

“Wasn’t a heat of the moment thing. I’d be lying if I said it was.”

Ghost flipped the pancakes onto a plate and shut the burner off, carrying the plates to the bar and setting a fresh bottle of orange juice beside it before pouring two cups of coffee and settling down opposite him.

Soap worked his way through the plate of pancakes, moaningquietly as they hit his tongue and his hunger roared to life. He finished the first plate, his mug of coffee, most of Ghost's mug of coffee, though he didn’t seem too bothered about it, and half a glass of orange juice before he slowed, eyeing the partially eaten pancake on Ghost’s plate, not really sure if he was actually still hungry, or if he was just delaying the rest of the conversation they’d stared a few minutes ago.
“How do you feel after last night?”

“I feel pretty good but I do wanna talk now that our cycles have burned out, and we’re fed and rested.”

“Alright, what do you wanna talk about?”

“Before you fell completely to your heat, you said that you knew that I wasn't your mate. How do you know?”

You know I’m one of the first Omegas to be accepted into the SAS, right?”

“Yeah.”

“I joined as soon as I was old enough to qualify. They’d only opened service up to Omegas about 20 years earlier, but they’d mostly been non combat positions. I got seconded to a unit that was designed to take “non-traditional” service members. But I was good. Not just good for an Omega, but good in general. High marks on everything I tried; explosives, CQC, weapons, all of it.” Soap used his fork to drag the remains of the syrup across the plate. “But you know what they were really excited about? The way I wasn’t compatible enough to stick a bond with any of the trainees when we went through aid training. I've been bonded to 8 different people in the years that I've been in service. And all of those bonds have withered as soon as the person was stable again. You’re stable now and the bond is going to start withering. That’s how this goes.”

Soap flinched when Ghost poked at it gently. “The bond feels stronger than it ever has. It doesn't feel like it's withering at all.”

“Yes, but your circ*mstances are a little more unusual. You’d just broken away from Roba and been badly hurt as a result. Then our bond, then Hereford, and then you were detoxing, and then you're Rut hit you not too long after you finished detoxing. It's been nothing but crisis and chaos for a while now. I don't want you to think that you owe me something. You don't owe me anything.”

Soap watched as Ghost set his fork down and splayed his hands on the counter, watching him with a neutral expression on his face.

“Johnny, it was never about owing. It was about feeling safe. You consistently make me feel safe. My alpha trusts you even if my rational mind is wondering what is happening. And you’re right. *I* ran from Roba. Knowing full well I was risking my life. And that’s the part you keep missing. It was my choice to run. My choice to take the chance. Yes, I was bonded to Roba and the bond made doing that harder, but it didn’t overwrite what I wanted. I wasn’t a blank slate waiting to be manipulated. And just because my bond is with you now and not Roba, doesn’t make any of what I said less true. You’re not influencing me. I lo- like you and I want to stay.”

Soap looked up and met Ghost’s eyes. “I’m not saying I don't think you think what you’re saying is true, but I want you to think about something. Isn't the whole point of a bond to keep us together? It’s literally the whole point. And to discount that fact is stupid. We hardly know each other. I don't even know your real name and neither do you.” Soap held up a staying hand when he heard Ghost suck in a breath to rebut.

“I can’t say I'm not interested. I would be lying if I said I was. I'm just- what I'm saying is that maybe we should hold off on making any sort of long-term plans or declarations until we figure out who you are and where you belong and you have a chance to decide what you want to happen with your life without any influence.”

“That’s stupid. Nothing happens in a vacuum. I know what I want. And I’ve made it clear. But for the sake of clarity now that no one can say we weren’t thinking clearly, I’ll say it again. You’re under my skin way deeper than teeth, and it feels a hell of a lot more permanent than a temporary bond. This is more real to me than anything else in my life has been, and I don’t want to give that up. But I can see that you are genuinely concerned about me being influenced. So we’ll do it your way. We’ll give it a few more weeks and let the bond fade on its own.”

Ghost pointed a finger at Soap, locking eyes as he continued.

“But- you stop assuming I’m doing anything because I’m being forced. If you can’t trust me to know my own mind and be able to control myself, then we’re just wasting each other's time. So, does that sound like something you can, in good conscience, agree to?”

Soap stared at Ghost, watching his eyes dart back and forth as he waited for an answer.

“Yeah, that sounds reasonable.”

When Ghost smiled at him and popped the last bite of pancakes in his mouth, Soap knew he was f*cked.

And worst of all, Ghost knew it too, the bastard.

~~~48

“Where's Gaz?”

Ghost was at the stove, working through a second batch of pancakes, and Soap was behind him, the sensation of eyes on him creeping down his spine in an incredibly pleasant way.

“He had to go back to base. He did say you owed someone something and something about cowboys.”

Soap laughed and Ghost wondered what Gaz’ message meant to the Omega. When Soap spoke, he could hear the smile in his voice.

“He probably means Alé jandro and Rodolfo, close friends of ours from Mexico.”

“You have close friends in Mexico?”

“Yeah, a couple of Feurzas EspeciAlé s. They got us out of a real jam a few years ago with an American General and his PMC. Took a bullet to the arm and Alé got me out. His mate, Rudy was waiting for us at the safehouse.”

“And you trust them.”

“Yeah, course I do. Why?”

“Roba had friends in the military.”

“Not Rudy or Alé . They’d never. They were probably hoping to plan their trip. They mentioned wanting to come visit when they had their next leave. I'll give him a call later and check in. Do you know why Gaz left?”

Ghost hoped his Omega knew his friends as well as he claimed to. He knew full well that people weren’t always what they seemed. Maybe Ghost could ask König if the library allowed their employees to use the equipment.

“Don't know. He was on his phone when I got up. Sounded like he was talking to Farah. Then he checked in with me that we were all good to go and took off. He said to check your voicemail though. It smells like Price had been here at some point, but I never saw him.”

Soap frowned and realized he had no idea where his phone was, looking around the kitchen. Ghost tipped his chin toward the table in the corner of the room opposite.

“Over there.”

Soap slid off the stool and walked around the bar to grab his phone, thumbing into the menu and taping the voicemail Price left. Holding the phone to his ear, he listened to the update.

“Soap, in all likelihood, by the time you hear this Kyle and I will be out of range. Some of the paperwork we went through before your vacation turned out to be a lot more important to the project that we thought. Management wanted it assessed ASAP. So Kyle and I are gonna take a trip and see if the pictures match the reality. If you need something, Give Kate a call. You know she always volunteers to look after the pups. And Rudy said they’d be arriving sometime Tuesday. I told them they could have the second bedroom for a few nights until their temporary transfer comes through.”

Soap’s eyes widened with each word and he pulled the phone away from his ear, glancing at the date. Monday. sh*t.

“Ghostie, How do you feel about some company?”

“Hmm, who? when?

“Yeah. Those friends I was talking about. Apparently they’re being seconded to us for the mission we’re working on and Price told them they could stay here until it's official. So. They’re gonna be here tomorrow.”

Ghost nodded, flipping the last pancake onto a plate and setting the empty batter bowl to soak.

“Alright. Guess we should tidy up.”

They finished eating and Soap went to work washing the dishes while Ghost opened the windows to air out the space and tidied. Once the main public spaces were decent, they moved to the bedroom, working together to break down the nest, sorting materials by fiber and care needs. Soap watched as Ghost tucked a few smaller pieces back, pretending not to notice, and they started the washer, giving the bathroom a quick clean as well. Once that was done, they separated to get dressed and do the outside chores.

Soap poked through the kitchen to see what they would need for groceries, and Ghost cradled the cell phone Soap had given him a few minutes earlier, a sheepish smile and “should have made sure you knew where this was,” his only acknowledgement of their fight the previous week. Ghost typed in the number König had given him, and pressed call, holding the phone to his ear.

“Hallo?”

“König? It’s Ghost. Are you home?”

“Ja. Kyle gave us the all clear yesterday, but it sounded like you needed a little longer when we got home, so I was just waiting to hear from you or Soap.”

“Preciate that. We’re good now. You want me to come get Juniper?”

“I think it is you who wants to come get her, ja?”

“Alright, so what if I do?”

The sound of König’s surprisingly high laugh filtered down the line and Ghost smiled, pleased to be able to have a friend to tease him.

“We are home, mein freund, come over whenever.”

Ghost ended the call and looked up to see Johnny watching him.

“Alright, Ghost?”

“Yeah. Do you want me to come to the shop with you?” Ghost didn’t want to. Could think of very few things he wanted to do less, but if Soap asked, he’d suck it up and go.

“Nah, go get your baby from the other man. Tell him thanks, would you?”

Ghost’s stomach roiled at Johnny’s request and he swallowed hard. Did he still think- He cut the thought off, and shook his head. Don’t assume, ask. It had been Gaz’ parting words to Ghost before he’d left, and at the time, Ghost hadn’t understood. He got it now.

“For what?”

“For helping me get my head out of my ass.”

“What the hell does that mean?”

“Means I’m afraid I’m gonna be left behind and you’re afraid you’re gonna be sent away. We have problems that cancel each other out.”

“Is that a good thing?”

Soap stepped up to Ghost and tipped his chin up. Pushing onto his toes, he pressed a soft kiss to Ghost’s jaw before settling back on his feet and taking a step back.

“Ghostie, it’s the best thing.”

~~~49

Soap’s mood was good as he walked down the stairs. His friends were coming, they were making progress on tracking down the trafficking ring, and Ghost was getting more settled. It was wonderful to see more of his personality emerging, the slightly snarky, faintly amused attitude the man wore like a cloak ridiculously charming in Soap’s eyes. He turned into the store at the foot of the stairs and scooped up a market basket, scanning the list in his hand as he grabbed boxes and bags, stuffing the scrap of paper into his back pocket as he sorted through tomatoes, looking for a few that were a little more ripe. He jerked when someone ran into him but shrugged it off, setting the tomatoes he’d found in his basket and reaching for the list. He patted absently at his pocket for a few seconds, frowning when he didn't hear the crinkle of paper. Soap turned on his heel and scanned the ground. Nothing there, as far as he could see.

So where was the list?

Soap shrugged and grabbed the last few things from memory, paying at the front and waiting as his purchases were bagged up. He took the shopping bags with a cheerful thanks and turned to leave, halting at the bottom of his stairwell at the sight of a couple dark heads bent over something, quiet Spanish that Soap remembered as being obscene pouring from the slightly taller man.

“Hermanos! Bienvenido a mi casa! Price said you weren’t coming until tomorrow.”

“Soap! We caught an earlier transport. Apparently there’s a whole bunch of brass very upset about this problem. We landed this morning and finally got cut loose. We weren’t sure we were in the right place. Price’s directions son una mierda.”

Rudy smiled, smacking Alé ’s chest with the back of his hand. “Callarse, mi amor.” Turning to greet him, Rudy offered his fellow Omega a broad grin, reaching out for one of the bags Soap was carrying. Making their way up the stairs, Soap held out a staying hand and turned to his friends on the stairs beside him.

“Did Price tell you about Ghost?”

Alé and Rudy’s expressions turned serious. After a few tense seconds, Rudy spoke up. “He did. The man with no name. The one you bonded.”

“Yeah. We found him when we were sent out to that cartel bust. Is he…”

“One of the alphas that are currently unaccounted for? Most likely. And part of why our country agreed to assign us to this taskforce. The politicos say it's because they don’t want to have to explain why missing foreign service members are showing up dead in allied countries, but the reality is that they’re afraid of what might be said about their experiences.The men we freed know something that the leaders of the trafficking ring don’t want getting out. And they’re willing to kill to keep it quiet. At first it was just a couple who disappeared before we could get them re settled, but then even the ones who went to family immediately and seemed to be adjusting well were dying in “accidents” far too frequently to be natural. Of the ones we haven’t been able to find a responsible party for… Well, I can tell you that the cause of death numbers for this year are gonna be pretty damn skewed. At this point, none of the men we rescued are safe, foreign or not, family or not. ”

“Jesus. And Ghost is one of them.”

“Yeah. He’s a loose end. Of course he’s in danger. No one to threaten, nothing to hold over him, but also no one to go looking if he were to just “wander off”. I mean, he’s got the 141, and he’s got you, but he’s in danger if anyone figures out where he is.”

“Do you know who he is?”

“We’ve got an idea but not for sure. Laswell was running down a couple of leads nearby with Farah. She’ll probably know soon enough.”

“Alright.” Soap walked up the last few stairs and twisted the door knob, walking into the empty kitchen, Alé and Rudy right behind. He could hear the quiet sound of the TV playing and walked to the kitchen, poking his head into the living room. “I’m back, and the friends I was expecting are here early. Do you want to come say hi?”

Ghost peered over the back of the couch at Soap, Juniper’s ears and eyes following, butted up under Ghost’s chin. Soap wished he’d had his camera open.

“You trust them, right?”

“Absolutely. I would never put you in danger. Come say hello, if you’re comfortable. We’ll be in the kitchen.”

“OK. König says hello by the way, and that you’re welcome.”

Soap turned away, listening to the quiet pad of Ghost’s footsteps across the floor. For such a big man, it amazed Soap how quietly he could move. Like a bloody (and here Soap snorted at his own stupid pun) ghost. He stopped in the doorway and watched as Rudy and Alé moved around the kitchen, small touches and instinctual movement keeping the pair in each other’s orbit without looking international, like they were so attuned to the other that it was just a part of how they moved. Ghost stepped up to his back, and Soap turned his head to see that Ghost had pulled the balaclava over his head again, eyes watchful and wary at the new people in their space. Looking back to his friends, e noticed that Alé had set himself slightly in front of his Omega, face neutral but scent shifting toward wary. At his back, Ghost’s own scent swelled in response and Soap put a hand back, settling on his hip.

“Alé jandro, Rodolpho, I’d like to introduce you to my alpha, Ghost. Ghost, these are my friends from Mexico. Rudy kept me alive when a very angry American tried to take me out with a tank.”

Alé took a slow step forward, hand out, palm to the ceiling to bare the gland at his wrist. He seemed content to wait while Ghost considered his next move. At his back, Rudy’s face was soft, the pride in his mate’s offer evident in the soft swell of violet in his scent. Ghost stepped around him and handed Juniper over, the cat settling dantily in his crossed arms. He watched as the two alphas faced each other, wrists bared until they clasped arms, hand to forearm, allowing their glands to brush, a surface approval for the other to be in their space. Once the initial contact had been made, the tension in the room dropped and Rudy took a step forward, offering his own handshake. He made no move to push his sleeve up and Soap noticed Ghost was careful not to touch his arm, obviously reading the boundary set. Soap bent forward and set Juniper on the floor before crossing to Ghost and stepping into his side, hand sliding around the far side of his neck and glancing his fingertips over the scars from his teeth. Ghost shivered at the contact, but threw a smile his way. Turning back to Alé and Rudy, Ghost spoke, surprising Soap.

“I can show you to your bedroom, if you’d like.”

~~~50

Rudy nodded his thanks as Alé picked up their bags and trailed after Ghost, leaving the Omegas in the kitchen.

“I can see why you like him. Muy guapo, eh?” Rudy bounced his eyebrows at Soap and he barked a surprised laugh.

“Pss, haud yer weesht. That’s not it. Or not all of it. There’s just something about him.”

Soap sobered and looked down at the floor, watching Juniper wind her way through Rudy’s legs, dragging her chin over the material of his pants, sniffing at his boots, and eventually walking out of the room, heading in Ghost’s direction.

“You know what it was like to be an Omega in service, bond after bond with no real relationships. And then him. He’s… Different.”

“Good different, or bad different?”

“Good. I think.” Soap looked up and met Rudy’s eyes. “He says he wants to keep the bond.”

“That’s wonderful! Felicitaciones, hermano!”

“I don’t know if I trust it. What If he changes his mind as it fades?”

“What if he doesn’t? And even if he does, how would that be any different than if you’d met at the bar? If it feels right, keep going until it doesn’t. It’s worked well for me and Alé .”

Soap rolled his eyes and smiled at his friend. “You two have known each other since you were kids. By the time you two decided to bond, you were already practically married.”

“Ok, sure. We had more history together, but it wasn’t like that. Our parents hated how close we were. Bonding was the only way to keep us together when Alé turned 18. His parents had already signed him up to leave, and I was still 17, and an Omega. We had to bond so I would be allowed to follow. My parents were furious, but we had the other’s teeth marks in our necks and it was a done deal. The night before we were set to leave, they were still trying to keep us apart. My dad told me he was going to burn the mark out and we couldn't wait any more. So we ran. We stayed in sh*tty little no tells until he was able to report for training. Honestly, we were damned lucky that his Training Officer had a mate and understood. The day I turned 18, I signed up too, and we’ve made it work. It hasn’t been an easy life, but we’re together, and that makes the hard parts worth it.”

“I didn’t know that.”

Rudy gave Soap a rueful look. “It’s not something that usually lends itself to being included in casual conversations.”

The sound of heavy footfalls sounded from the hallway and both men shifted to see Alé walk around the corner cradling his hand.

“Mi amor, their cat doen’t like me. We can’t stay here.”

Soap’s eyebrows drew together and he craned his neck trying to find Ghost. When he didn’t see anything, he pulled the first aid kit from its home under the sink and left the room.

The guest room was empty, as was the bathroom, and Soap reached the bedroom, concern building in his stomach. He didn’t see Ghost anywhere, but Juniper was hunkered down at the edge of the bed, eyes slitted as she watched him. Squatting to try and pet her head, he scanned the room silently, looking for clues. Juniper let him scritch her chin for a few seconds before turning and walking under the bed, disappearing into the gloom of the space. Dropping down to his knees with a wince, Soap leaned forward and met Ghost’s gaze.

“What happened?”

“It was my fault. He was asking about linens and I told him they were in the wash, since they weren’t supposed to be here till tomorrow. He said something about bare mattresses and being uncomfortable in Spanish, and it was like I wasn’t here anymore. It was like being back there. With *him*. I don’t know what happened after that. Next thing I know I’m in here. Did I do something bad?”

Soap shook his head. “Oh, Ghostie. No. No one is mad. Alé said Juniper scratched him, but it was just a little scratch. Rudy is taking care of it.”

Ghost wrapped his hand over Juniper’s back and pulled her close to his chest. “Please don’t make me get rid of her.”

Soap sighed. “Can I come under there with you?”

“Yeah.”

Soap lowered himself onto his belly and crawled forward, the toes of his socks scraping over the rough weave of the rug until he was mostly under, near Ghost and Juniper but not directly in their space.

“I think there’s been a misunderstanding. You’re not in trouble for being triggered. You didn’t do anything wrong and neither did Juniper. I’m not going to make you give her up. She’s part of the family. Even if you decide you don’t want to stay, Juniper is yours. I’ll make sure of it. Was there anything else worrying you?”

Ghost’s gaze slid away for a second before it returned. “They smell familiar. Are you sure we can trust them?”

“I am. What makes you say they smell familiar?”

“When you came back from shopping, you smelled like someone that used to contract me occasionally. And they smell similar.”

“You know Alé was there the night you escaped?”

Ghost’s eyes widened at that. “He was?”

“Yep. Is it possible you got close enough to catch his scent?”

“No. I don’t think I ever saw him. But his scent.” Ghost shook his head. “I just don’t know.”

“That’s alright. Are you going to be OK with them here for a few days, or should we look at alternate arrangements? Either way is fine with me.”

“I think I’ll be alright. Can König come over?”

“I’ll go ask.” Soap started to work his way out from under the bed when Ghost’s hand shot out and grabbed at his shirt. Ghost had rolled onto his stomach and pulled the mask up, bunched over his nose.

“Can I have a kiss?”

“Yeah, Ghostie, you can have a kiss.”

It was an awkward position to be in, but they made it work, Soap’s lips slanting over Ghost’s, a gentle caress of skin on skin. Breaking the kiss, Soap pulled back and waited for Ghost to open his eyes.

“Bonnie lad. I’m gonna go see if König can come over. You gonna stay under here? Or do you want me to shut the door and tell Alé and Rudy to leave you be?”

“I think I’m just going to hang out here, if that’s alright.”

“Got it.”

Soap pulled himself back to his feet and turned to leave,pulling the door closed on his way out. He found Alé and Rudy in the kitchen, watching for a second as Rudy pressed a kiss to the bandaid on the side of Alé ’s hand, the love between them palpable. He wondered if he and Ghost would be like them eventually. He certainly hoped so. Leaving the two of them to their moment, he stepped onto the landing and knocked at König’s door, bouncing on his toes while he waited. The door was pulled open and Soap looked up, meeting König’s eyes.

“Hallo, Soap. Is there something wrong?”

“Hey, König. Not wrong, but my friends showed up earlier than expected and Ghost got triggered. He’s alright, but I think he could use a friend if you’re available.”

“Ja, of course. Let me go leave a note for Hong jin.”

Soap waited on the doorstep as König moved around his space, finally joining him and pulling the apartment door shut. Soap led the way back to his apartment and through to the bedroom, The taller man offering only a brief wave of greeting before heading for their room, the sound of the door opening and closing followed by the quiet that filled the space.
~~~
Ghost was curled up under the bed when someone knocked on the door. Heaving a deep breath, Ghost worked himself out from under the bed and stood, dusting himself off. The scent of flowers gave away who was standing there, and Ghost tugged the door open, looking up at König’s covered face.

“Mein freund, Soap said you wanted to speak to me?”

Ghost cleared his throat, nodding in lieu of a verbal answer.

“May I come in? Or would you prefer I stay out of your room?”

Ghost frowned at that. He really like König as a friend, but he couldn’t say he was crazy about the idea of the mint and flowers with a touch of rust that made up his scent. And he definitely didn’t want it muddying up the clay and peat smoke and juniper and baked pears that their room scented like.

“Actually, could we go to yours? I’m just- I’m- I don’t know, there’s a lot of noise up here right now.”

“That is fine with me. Hong Jin is out and may come back while we visit, but you’re always welcome. Do you want to go tell your Soap where you will be going?”

“Yeah. Thank you for being understanding.”

König laughed, the same high pitched giggle that never failed to make Ghost bite back a reflexive grin. “I know how mean our brains can be to us. It helps to have lots of other voices reminding us that it’s alright to not be alright sometimes.”

Ghost followed König back through the apartment, pulling Johnny aside and letting him know he was going to be at König’s for a little bit. He was relieved when Johnny just accepted his plan and pressed onto his tiptoes to press a kiss to his cheek through the balaclava. Something was pressed into his chest and Johnny dropped back to the flat of his feet. Ghost looked down and saw his phone, the card from the therapist König had given him wedged into the edge of the case.

“In case you want to call them. No pressure either way. I just want you to be OK.”

Ghost shoved the phone into his pocket and pulled his mask off his head, leaning down to press a firm kiss to Johnny’s mouth. The firm press gentled into delicate pecks for a few minutes until the clearing of a throat had them pulling apart, a hectic flush sitting prettily on Johnny's cheek bones. From the living room, Ghost heard König speak, too quietly to be heard before he tried again, voice much clearer.

“Mein freund, is Juniper coming too?”

Ghost kept his eyes on Johnny as he spoke, trying hard to burn the look on Johnny’s face into his brain, vision unencumbered by pain, or fear, or hormones. He was a lucky alpha to gain the attention of such a strong, capable Omega, and he was going to do everything in his power to show him that he was worth keeping around. With a final small kiss to the corner of his mouth, Ghost walked out of the room, gathering König where he’d been talking to Alé and Rudy, and followed his friend out of the apartment.

~~~51

After Ghost and König left, Soap set to putting together supper. He wasn’t sure that Ghost was going to be eating dinner at home, but he wanted something warm ready when he decided to come back. While he worked, Alé and Rudy sat at the bar and discussed the upcoming missions. A lot of it would depend on what Price and Gaz found while they were out, but something Ghost had said kept rattling around at the back of Soap’s head, a piece he couldn’t stop worrying about.

“You said you caught an earlier transport. Do you remember who else was on the flight with you?”

Alé set his mug down, brows furrowed as he thought. “There were a few soldiers going on leave in the UK, much like us, a couple teams being loaned out to Spain, and a couple PMC’s looking for a ride to Russia. They seemed nice enough, a little standoffish, but nothing out of the ordinary sticks out. Why do you ask, hermano?”

“Ghost said something earlier that made me wonder if we aren’t unintentionally getting close to something. He said you smelled familiar. Rudy, I know you weren’t onsite when the compound was raided, but is there any chance you came in contact with Ghost before today, Alé ?”

“He’s been masked since we arrived, no? I have no idea if he was one of the alphas I saw there, but he doesn’t scent familiar to me at all so I’m thinking no.”

Soap sighed and set down the spatula he’d been using. He turned to face his friends, both their faces equally concerned now.

“That’s what I was afraid of. He said you scented like someone who used to contract him regularly while he was in Mexico.”

“Alé , who was the PMC you spent a while talking to? Do you remember if he gave you a name?”

“He never gave me a name, but the name tapes he’d pulled off and stuffed in his breast pockets looked like they started with a V. His shoulder patch was for an Omega, and his scent was very faint, probably on blockers. Not much to go on, but I didn’t think anything of it at the time.”

“I didn’t say anything earlier because honestly, I kind of forgot, but while I was shopping earlier, someone bumped into me and then the list I was using went missing. It doesn’t seem like anything on its own, I know, but combined with Ghost’s concern and the fact that you had PMC’s on the flight and all of this happened today, I’ve got to admit, my instinct is that something is close, and it bothers me.”

“Hermano, what are you most worried about? Are you worried about losing a lead, or are you worried about Ghost’s safety?”

“Of course I’m worried about the trafficking ring getting ahead of us and vanishing again, but if I’m completely honest, I’m more worried about Ghost. I know he’s recovering extremely well, but he still gets triggered easily. Hell, that’s why he’s over at König’s now. If someone is looking for him, how can I keep him safe?”

“What happened?” Alé looks concerned and Soap can’t help the bubble of surprise that rises in his chest.

“Earlier when he showed you to your room, he had a flashback. You didn’t notice?”

“No. He seemed fine when I left. Maybe a little quiet, but I assumed he was upset that I scared his cat.”

“Juniper,” Soap muttered absently. “I wonder if it’s because you’re an alpha.”

“What do you mean?”

Soap shook his hand, turning back to stir the pan as the faint scent of burning reached his nose. Watching the meat and vegetables shift around the pan, Soap talked through his theory.

“We know Ghost is likely one of the alphas being held at Roba’s compound. He said he had an apartment in the city where he’d,” and Soap twisted his mouth in disgust before continuing, “contract with the Omegas and Betas sent his way.”

Rudy made a wounded sound in his throat at Soap’s statement and Alé ’s eyebrows were so furrowed in anger that they looked like a solid line across his brow.

“He was prostituted? All the intel we had pointed to a fighting ring, not a sex trafficking ring.”

“I don’t know about the other alphas there, but Ghost was definitely not just fighting.”

Alé rubbed his mouth and Rudy leaned into him, a quiet purr building in his chest in an attempt to soothe his troubled partner. Soap stirred the pan again, giving them the illusion of privacy to try and take in the information. Finally, Rudy sat up, glancing between Alé and Soap before he spoke.

“You said Omegas and Betas? Not alphas?”

“He’s never mentioned other alphas. Might be why he only ended up under the bed when you triggered him, as opposed to how he reacts around Omegas. And he does fairly well with Alé x. Seemed to settle around him as soon as they postured at each other a bit.”

“What happens around Omegas?”

“He can’t handle them purring. Apparently Roba used to do it to make the alphas more suggestable, and I get the impression from what Ghost has told us that it happened frequently. He shut down the first time someone tried after we found him and we’ve not pushed too hard. He can handle it in certain situations, but it's so instinctive, I’m not sure how I’ve managed to avoid triggering him.”

“But he is friends with the neighbor. He is an Omega, no?”

“Yeah. I dunno why, but they just get along really well now. He was really skittish around him the first time we met.”

Rudy’s face was pAlé as he sat at the island and digested what Soap was saying. While he’d experienced some pushback on his choices due to designation, aside from his parent’s disapproval of his chosen mate, his designation had never been used to hurt him. Not the way it sounded like Ghost had experienced. Alé was a little less surprised. He’d lived as an alpha for the majority of his life and knew the prejudices inflicted on his designation well. He’d been lucky enough to be assigned to a unit with a decent commander, and he’d already been mated when he’d joined up, not an attractive target like the unmated alphas that surrounded him.

Alé frowned and crossed his arms across his chest, wondering if any of the people who’d been involved in keeping Ghost were people he might have served with. Price had mentioned that most of the alphas had some sort of ties to the military; mostly soldiers, but a few had been dependents or partners of service members who’d been believed to be runaways. Crossing his arms over his chest as he thought, he couldn’t help the instinctive clench in his chest as he thought of the friend he’d lost when he was still a young man. Had she been caught up in the ring too? They hadn’t found any femAlé alphas at that compound, but it was unlikely there was only one for the entire operation. The fact that they’d had a handful of alphas go missing after the compound had been raided seemed to support that belief. And the new information about what had been done to Ghost made him wonder if they needed to widen their search parameters. Alé made a mental note to mention it to Price.

~~~

Dinner was delicious and the conversation flowed easily, a mess of Spanish and English and Scots that had the men laughing at the butchered pronunciations as Soap tried to teach Alé the few words in Scots Gaelic that he knew. Alé gave up trying to wrap his tongue around the phrase Soap had been trying to teach him for several minutes and threw up his hands.

“¡A ver! Ya estuvo, ¿no?”

Soap co*cked his head and took a sip of the beer he’d picked to go with supper.

“That’s ‘enough’, right?”

Rudy laughed and slouched in his chair, poking Alé ’s leg under the table. “Yeah, hermano. You’re picking it up well. Better than Alé , anyway. Not a very tAlé nted tongue, that one.”

Alé picked up his own beer and tipped it toward his mate. Taking a small sip, he swallowed and pointed the neck at Rudy’s smirking face.

“Not what you said last night, mi amor.”

Soap barked a laugh as Rudy’s cheeks pinked. There was a thud under the table followed closely by Alé ’s yip of surprise. Soap took a sip of his drink to swallow down the laugh as Alé shot Rudy a hurt look and leaned forward to rub his shin.

“Ow.”

“I didn’t even kick you that hard.”

“So you admit you kicked me?”

“Oh, like you didn’t know it was me.”

Alé stood and gathered up a stack of plates, carrying them through to the kitchen and setting them in the sink before coming back into the dining room. He sniffed in Rudy’s direction and crossed his arms.

“It could have been Soap.”

“Mmhm. Sure.”

Soap grabbed his beer and left the pair, listening as they lapsed into soft Spanish that he couldn’t hope to translate, both too soft and too rapid for his untrained ears to parse. He pulled two plates out of the cupboard and dished up the last of the food, covering them with cling film and walking through the dining room. Alé and Rudy were gone, but faint noises from the bedroom gave a probable location. Juggling the plates, he made his way to König’s door again and tapped carefully with his free hand. From inside the apartment, he heard the sound of soft footsteps and stepped back, not wanting to crowd anyone.

The door was pulled open and he met Ghost’s eyes, lifting the plates like an offering.

“Have you eaten yet?”

~~~52

König had led him to the couch and handed him a blanket that scented like nothing, and Ghost took the chance to breathe, trying to pick apart what had happened. Just about the time he felt himself start to spiral into self loathing, König walked back into the room and set a plate of cookies on the table before handing him a mug of something warm. He’d set his phone on the table and the card next to it before squeezing Ghost’s shoulder warmly and leaving again, letting him have the space to decide what he wanted to happen next.

He’d sipped the tea carefully and nearly choked. The cup tasted like the tea his mother made when he was young, a stout brew with just enough milk to take the edge of the bitterness down. It was perfect, and Ghost again considered how lucky he’d been to land here, among all these people who seemed to genuinely like and care about him. It was different, and a little weird, but he didn’t hate it. Not even a little bit. He’d finished the tea by the time he was ready to reach for the phone, and he reached for it, almost picking it up when a soft knock sounded from the front door. König stuck his head into the living room, giving a quick sniff.

“It’s not Hong-Jin. He doesn't knock. Can you answer it? I’ve got soapy water up to my elbows.”

König flashed bubble covered forearms and Ghost blinked, somehow taken aback by the show of bare skin from the normally completely covered man. Pushing the thought away, Ghost dipped his head and walked to the door, pulling it open slowly to find his Omega balancing two plates on his hand and arm and meeting his eyes.

Ghost watched Johnny’s face carefully, trying to see if he was upset that he’d needed a minute away. It wasn’t about him, not really. He hadn’t done anything wrong when he’d brought his friends home, but the accents had caught him off guard after weeks of not hearing it, and he’d reacted instinctively, the expectation of pain overriding the more rational parts of his brain.

“Have you eaten yet? I made supper and brought you and König a plate if you’d like to eat. It’s fine if you’d rather eat here. I can leave these. Or I can take them back and stick them in the fridge if you’d rather eat what König is making. Oh, I can-hmph.”

Ghost grabbed the front of Soap’s sweater while he rambled and pulled him into König’s living room, taking the plates and setting them aside, drawing the Omega in and cupping his cheeks. Johnny cut himself off with a disgruntled sound and Ghost smiled, pressing their foreheads together and chuffing at him, breathing in the smell of peat smoke, the faintest edge of cordite almost buried by the smoke. He was nervous. Ghost pulled back just a bit and searched his eyes again, watching the pinched lines between his eyebrows softening as he stared.

“Alright, Ghostie?”

“Yeah. Are your guests OK?”

“Yep. They’re-” He cleared his throat and Ghost watched the pink flush creep up the back of his neck. That was new, and Ghost kind of wanted to bite it. He stared at the line that separated his Omega’s normal tanned skin from the pink flush and wondered if the flushed skin tasted any different, licking his bottom lip before he started leaning in to find out himself.

“-dishes in the sink and disappeared. Hopefully they’re just settling in.”

Ghost pulled back, eyebrows collapsing into each other.

“What?”

Johnny frowned back. “What, what?”

“I missed something. What happened?”

His face relaxed and he smiled, small and soft, up at his alpha. “Did you miss it because you were thinking about what happened between you and Alé , or because you’re thinking about kissing me.”

Soap smiled and waited as Ghost looked down at him.

“Can it be both?”

“Ghostie, it can be whatever you want. I just want you to be OK, whatever that looks like for you.”

Ghost swallowed hard at that, the same realization from earlier coming back with a vengeance.

“Thank you. For everything.”

Soap’s face scrunched up and he pressed in closer, eyes darting back and forth as he tried to read his face. From the bond, Ghost felt Johnny prod it carefully, letting his control of it slip a little, leaking his feelings to his Omega. He’d hoped his emotions would reassure him, but Johnny’s eyes narrowed and he co*cked his head, searching Ghost’s eyes.

“That sounds an awful lot like a goodbye.”

Ghost shook his head, dipping down to drag his nose up the side of Johnny’s throat, pulling in the scent of his Omega, thrumming quietly in his throat. Ghost pressed his mouth delicately to the skin of his unmarked gland and parted his lips, pressing the flat of his teeth against the delicate skin. Without pulling away, Ghost spoke into his neck, his words emerging muffled but still inteligible.

“Not getting rid of me that easily.”

Behind them, a throat was cleared and they sprang apart, the flush from earlier returning with a vengeance as they both noticed König leaning against the doorframe to he kitchen, arms crossed over his chest and eyes crinkled in a smile, the fabric of his veil obscuring what Ghost knew was his smiling mouth.

“You’re both welcome to stay. The guest room has clean sheets if you need.”

Ghost felt heat creep up his own neck and glanced at his Omega, somehow both grateful and disappointed when he shook his head.

“I think we’re alright.”

König shrugged and walked toward them. “Offer’s open.”

Johnny cleared his throat and nodded in understanding.

“I appreciate it, but we’re good.”

König hummed and scooped up the plates Ghost had taken from Johnny. “I’ll just go put these in the kitchen then.”

They watched him walk away and stood in slightly awkward silence for a few more seconds.

“I’ll just go. Um, come home whenever you’re ready.” Johnny pressed back in and pecked a quick kiss to his chin before he stepped back and let himself out of the apartment.

Ghost stood contemplating the closed door for a few more seconds and then looked over to where the business card for the therapist he was supposed to start seeing lay on the table. Ghost picked up the card and the phone and dialed, settling onto the couch as he waited for the line to pick up.

The woman who answered was calm and helpful, and transferred him to a therapist who talked to him for a few minutes before confirming his information for his upcoming appointment and ended the call. Ghost settled back against the couch and sighed, folding up his mask to scrub at his cheeks. He was so tired of letting things trigger him. Tired of feeling like he never knew where the next land mind would detonate. Tired of watching Johnny get caught in the shrapnel, feeling like he was letting his Omega down.

A floorboard creaked and Ghost looked over to the doorway where König stood, wiping his hands on a dishtowel. He folded the cloth neatly and set it on the counter, walking toward Ghost slowly, giving him time to decide what he wanted to happen next.

“Are you staying for dinner?”

Ghost hummed, but shook his head. “No. Not really hungry yet. I think I’m going to go for a walk. Need to clear my head.”

“Alright. Would you like company?”

“No. I’m ok. I just want a second to reset.”

“But you will call if it is too much, ja? Your Omega will worry if you don’t. So will your friends.”

“Yeah. I’ll be back in a couple hours. Definitely before dark.”

“Wunderbar. Thank you for letting me help you.”

Ghost tugged his mask off completely and switched it out for a medical mask König extended, eyes averted to give him privacy. He looped the elastic over his ears and pulled the hood over his curls, sweeping his fingers through his overlong fringe to move a stubborn curl away from his eyes. Pushing himself up off the couch, Ghost walked to where König was standing by the door. Eyeing the taller Omega carefully, he rocked on his toes for a second before just biting the bullet and blurting out his question.

“Can I hug you?”

König jerked a little at the blurted request, but bobbed his head with a quiet “Ja.”

Slowly, as if König might change his mind, Ghost stepped in until he could feel the warmth radiating off the taller man. Slowly, König raised his arms and waited for Ghost to initiate, eyes calm behind his veil. Ghost took a deep breath and stepped in, wrapping his arms around his back, feeling the deep inhale König took as they made contact. His arms hovered for a second before he slowly settled his arms around Ghost’s shoulders, settling lightly on his shoulder blades. Ghost’s nose was pressed against his collarbone, and the smell of cold and something sweetly floral was almost overwhelming, but his brain was starting to associate the overwhelming scent with safety, an Omega who’d never done anything but help him, who understood him in a weird broken way. It was nice.

~~~53

Ghost let himself process as he walked down the street toward the park. His nose was full of the scent of his mate, and his thoughts were full of the upcoming week. He was set to start at the Library on Thursday, König having cleared it with his bosses after Ghost had hit Rut unexpectedly. Alé and Rudy were here indefinitely, but they’d be moving on base sometime over the weekend, just waiting for a mated accommodation to open. Ghost thought they seemed nice, but he had to admit he was relieved that they’d be gone soon. He wondered if their scents would eventually stop being surprising and start feeling like pack, the way the rest of the 141 did.

Looking up, Ghost noticed his feet had carried him to the park, the backside of Kim’s food truck visible, a red smear in the distance. Seeing it reminded him that they still hadn’t done anything about his sight. He wasn’t sure how he’d be able to function at the library if he couldn’t read anything. König hadn’t seemed worried about it, but he didn’t want his handicap to reflect badly on the man after he’d vouched for him with his boss. He made a note to ask Johnny if he’d found an eye doctor they could visit. The base doctors had been pretty sure it was nerve damage that made his vision so poor, but he was hopeful that there might be options.

The thought stopped him in his tracks and someone behind him collided with his shoulder with a muttered curse in an unfamiliar language. He stepped to the side of the path to allow the people behind him to keep going, still caught by the realization that he was feeling hope. It had been so long that he’d lived in a perpetual state of just existing that experiencing hope was a little jarring. Blowing out a breath, he glanced behind him to make sure he wasn’t going to be running anyone down and continued on his way, making his way through the park until he’d reached the food truck and walked up to the window, ordering a can of soda and a bag of peas, paying and stuffing the remaining bills in the tip jar. The woman working the truck wasn’t Kim, and as much as he wanted to ask where the surly man was, he wanted to get to the pond more, thanking her with a dip of his head.

The pond was deserted and he folded himself onto the packed dirt by the bank, unhooking one ear of his mask and cracking the soda can to take a sip. Setting it in the hollow of his crossed legs, he looked around the pond, hoping to see movement. After a few long minutes, he heard rustling to his side and turned his head scanning for yellow. He couldn’t see JJ or his dads and siblings, so he closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting the calm of his surroundings fill him. The bushes at his side rustled again and he turned his body toward the sound, clicking his tongue to try and encourage whoever was hiding in the foliage to come out. There was splashing from the water and Ghost turned back, dismissing the noise in the bushes as a squirrel and watching JJ make his way towards him, the wide strip of dark feathers on his head reminding him of his Omega.

He popped open the bag of peas and tossed a handful toward the ducking and dug his phone out of his pocket, turning it on and opening the messaging app. Shooting off a quick text to Johnny to let him know his plans, Ghost tucked it back in his pocket and turned back to see JJ making his way up the bank toward him, wings beating the air as he cheeped loudly and rapidly at him.

“Hey, JJ. Sorry it’s been a bit.”

JJ marched up to his knee and stopped, nibbling at the denim of his pants and side eyeing him before cheeping again.

“I know, but I’m sure your parents kept you fed and happy.”

The little duckling made a sound like he was choking and bit Ghost’s leg again, the pinch just sharp enough for him to feel it on his skin. He laughed lightly and opened the bag of peas, dropping a small pile beside him to give the duckling something else to eat.

“Lots going on since I last visited, you know. I got a job. Actually, I had the job offer before our last visit, but I was supposed to start and had to postpone it cause I- erm, got sick.”

Ghost rolled his eyes at himself. Not like the duckling would understand what a Rut was, but it felt wrong to talk about it with someone who was a child for all intents and purposes.

“And Johnny and I are gonna try dating.”

JJ looked up at him and co*cked his head, watching Ghost for a second before he cheeped again almost as if he were encouraging Ghost to keep talking.

“He thinks I don’t know what I want. Says the bond is influencing me. I know it’s there, of course I do. He’s so sure I couldn’t want to stay without it and it breaks my heart. I think he’s been hurt before, but he won’t tell me.”

JJ finished his little pile of peas and walked around to Ghost’s boot, climbing up onto the side of his foot. Ghost held his breath and watched him struggle to stay balanced and walk up his leg, making his way onto Ghost’s thigh where he settled down, little feet shifting under him as he wiggled into a ball of floor, the dark brown stripe on his head making Ghost smile as he wondered if JJ would be this brave the next time Ghost and Johnny stopped by together. Ghost took a slow breath in, not wanting to startle him and glanced around looking for his parents. They were usually close, protective of their adopted brood, but the pond was oddly deserted, no other ducks nearby and even the sounds of the insects silent in the cool afternoon air.

Ghost’s hackles started to rise as he realized something was wrong and he looked around casually, trying to pinpoint where the threat was. The only reason he wasn’t already running was currently preening his feathers on his thigh and Ghost watched JJ for a few seconds, sniffing discretely to see if he could scent anyone. The bush behind him rustled again and Ghost slipped the loop of his facemask back on. If they were looking for him specifically, he certainly wasn’t planning to make it any easier by letting them see his face. He caught the barest hint of something bitter, something that made the back of his throat pinch tightly and a growl swelled in his chest, leaking out into the quiet of the clearing. From a distance, he could hear the sound of people, a car door slamming, a child yelling excitedly, the faint low rumble of road traffic. But he could also hear something new, the sound of running boots, several of them.

Ghost picked up JJ delicately and tucked him into the pocket of his hoodie, cupping his hand gently over the lump. JJ must have felt his tension as he stayed quiet, only letting out a few tiny peeps before falling silent again and Ghost let out a breath, grateful that he didn’t need to worry about the little guy getting trampled if something went down. He turned and surveyed the rest of the clearing, trying to remember what he needed to do next. It was right there, teasing at the edges of his memory, and the sound of a stern voice reminding him to assess, control, evade repeated like a drum beat, matching the beat of his heart, speeding up as adrenaline started to flow, preparing himself for whatever was coming as the boot steps got louder and closer and he realized he needed to choose.

Did he run, or did he stay and take his chances? JJ shifted under his palm and Ghost made up his mind.

It was time to run.

~~~54

Soap didn’t think he’d ever run so fast. At least not since the last time he’d run the O course, still trying to beat Gaz’ time. Behind him, Alé and Rudy kept pace, both following his lead since he knew exactly where he was going. He’d been OK after he’d left Ghost with König, giving him space to process and think. They’d just started a movie when his text alert had sounded and he’d nearly ignored it, pretty sure it was just a meme from Alé x or Gaz. Then he’d remembered the Ghost had his phone now and might be reaching out, not quite ready to come home, but still keeping his promise to let him know what he needed.

When he’d read the sentence, he’d keened softly in his throat and reread it hoping he’d misunderstood the words. He’d planned to warn Ghost when he got home from König, not wanting him to be kept in the dark, and certainly not wanting to trap him. But he’d never considered Ghost might choose to go out on his own. He’d at least told him where he could find him, but Soap’s stomach was in knots. Who the hell was JJ? Soap’s side was starting to cramp, the faintest twinge warning him he’d pushed a little too hard after almost a month of less strenuous activities, and he made a mental note to start running in the mornings again. Maybe he could even convince Ghost to come with him, get him out of the house in a safer way.

Shaking the thought away from now, he rounded the corner to the park and headed for the pond, dodging families and folks on the path. His handgun scraped painfully against the small of his back, the holster one of his least favorite ones for that very reason, but it was the most discreet when he was in civilian clothing, and the last thing he needed was a nervous onlooker calling the police on him. He slowed to a fast walk as they got closer, not wanting to race into a potentially hostile situation blind and gestured Rudy toward the side path, pointing to the sign with a map of the trails that twisted through the park. Rudy nodded and peeled off, giving Alé ’s hand a quick squeeze as he went. Alé followed Soap silently, face set in a serious expression as he waited for his orders. He might outrank Soap, but this was his home, and more importantly, the safety of his alpha.

Soap slowed to a walk and Alé stepped up to his side, walking slowly and catching their breath for a few seconds. If anyone were to happen upon the pair, they’d likely assume they were just out enjoying the decent weather.

“What’s the plan?”

“Gotta see what we’re dealing with.”

“Scouting?”

“Yeah. Rudy’s gonna end up on the far side from where I took Ghost, and assuming he goes to the same place, he should have a decent view of the whole area.”

Soap pulled his phone out and shot off a quick text to Rudy, a simple ‘Status?’ that was easy enough to handwave away if necessary. They continued walking as he waited for a response and nearly flung his phone into the bushes when it vibrated in his palm, more tightly wound than he’d been even as the greenest FNG.

:deserted:

Soap frowned at the terse answer and kept going, speeding up a little bit as he caught his second wind. He pushed a low hanging branch out of his way and held it for Alé , walking forward and surveying the scene. There were scuff marks in the dirt near the water’s edge, and a can of soda lay on its side, the sticky liquid already attracting flies. Beside it, a small ziplock bag of peas lay abandoned, slumped over with a few uneaten peas lying in the dirt. To his left, a branch snapped and he pulled his firearm free, pointing it in the direction of the sound and hoping he hadn’t just pulled a gun on a kid coming to feed the ducks. Rudy pushed through the foliage and held his hands up, clearly trying not to agitate an Omega with a missing mate.

Soap knew he needed to pull it back in to be able to function and he flicked the safety back on before stowing his weapon, wincing as the holster scraped him as it shifted. He just hoped it didn’t break skin this time.

“Anything?”

“He was here.” Soap gestured to the soda and the baggie.

“Probably came to feed the ducks. I should have told him what we figured out when I took the plates to König. Now he’s in the wind, probably taken by the people we’re hunting. I told him I’d keep him safe.”

Rudy trilled at him soothingly and approached him slowly, hands out and face soft. He was pushing out the calming scent of copal wood that clung to him all the time, a scent he’d never experienced before the nightmare of Las Almas and trying to survive a shadow infested city on his own. Rudy pulled him in and Soap pressed his face to Rudy’s throat, a quiet keen burbling up his throat as he let the scent of his friend stabilize him.

“Have you checked his location? He has the phone you gave him, yes?”

Soap pulled back and looked over his shoulder at Alé .

“He should. It’s still tied to my main account, so the location should still be on, assuming he didn’t turn it off.”

Rudy shrugged and glanced between the two of them. “Worth a shot.”

Soap pulled his phone from his pocket and woke it up, dismissing the text app and the string of unanswered texts he’d started sending as soon as he’d gotten Ghost’s original text. Flicking through the menus, he opened the locator app and toggled to the number of the phone he’d given Ghost earlier. It was on, and the last ping had registered just a minute or two before he looked. Thumbing the screen to refresh it, he saw that the location had shifted a few blocks over.

“He’s moving, and quickly. Vehicle?”

Alé hummed and glanced around. “Possibly. Taxi?”

Soap shook his head, still watching the screen. “He wouldn’t have enough money for a Taxi. Bus, maybe. Or car.”

He frowned, refreshing it again and watching the screen load, each heartbeat a heartbeat too long as the little icon popped up again. It had moved again, but not as far, and as he laid the points in a line in his mind, he tried to figure out where Ghost was going. Or being taken.

“Call Price. We’re gonna need transpo.”

Rudy had his phone to his ear and he nodded at Soap’s request. “Already on it.”

Turning away, he spoke to who sounded like Gaz. Soap paced a small circle, inner Omega keening angrily that someone had dared interfere with his mate. He could feel the heat start to settle across his shoulders and he knew that if he looked up, his cheeks would be flushed and his pupils blown, adrenaline hammering through him as his body prepared to fight. He wasn’t sure what or who he was planning to fight, but if it turned out that Ghost had just changed his mind and decided to explore the city, he was going to be a shaky mess for a few hours as the adrenaline burned itself out.

He shook his head and refreshed the app. He’d take being a shaky mess for the rest of the week if it meant that Ghost was safe and not currently on his way back to the people who had hurt him, or worse, to a shallow grave in an empty patch of countryside.

~~~55

Ghost stepped onto the bus with a nod to the driver, an older Beta who’d waved him through anyway when he’d told him he didn’t have enough for the ride, holding out a couple crumpled bills he’d found stuffed in the pockets of his jeans. He’d thanked the moon that the man hadn’t been a stickler and kicked him off, hackles refusing to go down even though he couldn’t catch that edge of bitterness that had chased him from the park. He made his way down the bus and grabbed a hand loop, bracing himself as the bus pulled back into motion, headed back in the direction of Hereford.

He wasn’t crazy about the idea of returning to the base where the General who hated him was, but he didn’t want anyone following him back to the apartment either. He didn’t want to put Johnny or his friends at risk, and he definitely didn’t want to drag König or Kim into it either. König had been pretty clear that he didn’t want to be a fighter anymore, and Ghost respected that. He was pretty sure that he’d turn down the offer to go back if he’d been treated like König had been. Watching the scenery and trying to breathe through his mouth to avoid the overwhelming scent of public transportation, he noticed a little boy a few rows ahead of him who had turned in his seat and was watching him interestedly. Or more specifically, he was watching Ghost’s belly as JJ shifted in his kangaroo pocket, finally making his way to the edge and poking his beak out, letting out a little peep when Ghost looked down at him.

He wasn’t sure about birds and hoped that him taking the little guy wouldn’t mean his parents refused to take him back. He vaguely remembered reading a book about birds while he was with Roba and that tidbit had stuck with him, the way human scent often meant a death sentence for young birds if their parents rejected them. Taking a deep breath, he made JJ a silent promise to keep him and raise him if his parents refused to take him back once everything calmed down.

Remembering Juniper, he winced a little bit. Hopefully she’d be willing to let him be and not try to eat him. The bus slowed then stopped, and Ghost watched closely as a few people stepped off and a couple others walked on, a young couple clearly enamored of each other and reeking of a fresh bond, and an older lady who seemed familiar, though he couldn’t pinpoint why. None of the newcomers even glanced his way and Ghost’s shoulders relaxed, glancing around the interior of the bus as it pulled away from the curb.

The boy from earlier was a row closer to him and he co*cked his head, curious to know what he was doing. As Ghost continued to watch, the boy scooted around another row of seats and settled into the row along the wall of the bus, just three sideways facing seats from where Ghost stood. As he watched, the boy slid with what Ghost assumed was childish nonchalance toward him until he was in the seat just behind Ghost, the kid’s knees nearly pressing into Ghost’s calves where he stood gripping the strap.

They eyed each other in silence for a few seconds and Ghost waited, wondering if the boy was going to ask the question he could see brewing. Eventually, the boy seemed to steel himself and met his eyes, co*cking his head as he spoke.

“You got a pet in there, mister?”

Ghost glanced around the bus, wondering why the kid’s parents weren’t intervening. The boy thumped his sneakers against the seats and Ghost glanced back at him.

“You shouldn’t talk to strangers, kid.”

“You’ve got a duck in your pocket, though.”

“Still a stranger. I could be a bad guy. Didn’t your parents warn you about that?”

The boy shook his head, glancing back up the bus, pointing out a woman with red hair a few rows up. Ghost thought it was close to where the boy had started before he made his way to Ghost.

“Ma says it’s good to trust your instincts.”

“And what are they telling you?”

“You’re not scary. You got a baby duck in your pocket. Scary guys don’t do that. So is it your pet?”

Ghost glanced down and saw that JJ had poked his head out again, nibbling at a few loose strings on the edge of the pocket, completely unbothered by the situation.

“He’s not a pet. He’s a wild animal.”

“Then why’s he riding the bus in your pocket?”

Ghost opened his mouth to answer and stopped, not entirely sure how to answer that. Chewing the inside of his cheek, he thought for a minute before answering.

“His parents were gone and he was alone. There was something scary coming and I didn’t want him to get hurt. I’m gonna take him back later though.”

The boy mulled over his answer for a few seconds before he looked up again and met his eyes.

“That’s good. Da says we have to take care of people when they need help. Is he a people?”

Ghost huffed a laugh. “Close enough, kid.”

The bus slowed again and Ghost gleaned around as the boy slid off the bench and faced him.

“This is our stop. Da and I are going to the shops. Are you going to the shops too? Cause I don’t think they’ll let him in. They don’t like animals in the shops unless they’re service dogs. Is he like a service dog? A 'motional sport animal?”

Ghost chuckled at that but shook his head.

“Nah, kid, just got caught up in something scary.”

“Well he’s lucky you were there. Bye, mister. Bye, duckie.”

The child turned on his heels and walked toward the front of the bus and Ghost noticed a woman waiting, a soft look on her face as he walked up to her and slipped his hand in hers. Ghost heard the boy start to speak as they stepped off the bus and he caught the edge of an excited exclamation of -duck in his pocket- before the doors slid shut and the bus pulled away, only a few more stops until they reached Hereford, safety, and if he was really lucky, his Omega.

~~~56

Soap watched the phone as they drove, following the pings as different cell towers picked up Ghost’s signal. They weren’t headed back to the apartment, but they were moving at a leisurely pace, and every so often, two pings would show up at the same point before moving. Soap pinched the map in, trying to see what was in the general direction they were heading and shook his head. They were nearing the edge of town, and as the cell towers started to spread out it got less and less accurate, the small neat dot blowing out into a wider circle. Soap swore under his breath and pinched the screen again. The only thing nearby was a large shopping plaza and off a few miles from that, Hereford base. Soap frowned at the screen. Where was he going? Back to base? Had the General sent men after him? He’d seemed happy enough to see the back of him, but he hadn't been subtle in his belief that Ghost was dangerous. Maybe he’d had men following him and they’d decided he was a danger on his own.

Soap growled, the sound rough and unfamiliar in his chest. He certainly hoped that wasn’t the case. He’d barely escaped with his stripes last time he’d gone after a superior officer. He didn’t think even Kate would be able to save his rank if he went after the General. Didn’t mean he wouldn’t if it turned out that Ghost had been taken at his orders, though. The circle on the screen had barely shifted between the last two refreshes and Soap leaned forward between the seats.

“Gaz, the phone isn’t moving as fast anymore. Turn left up here.”

Soap pointed down the road that led to the base’s main gates, and Gaz nodded, slowing just enough to not roll the vehicle as they took the turn, Soap bracing himself on the door with a stiff arm, not willing to lose sight of what he hoped was his alpha. Ahead, a black shape moved along the side of the road, stepping into the tall weeds any time a vehicle passed, and Soap could feel a tugging in his belly. The bond. The freaking bond he’d completely forgotten about was pulling him toward him alpha and he flung it open on his end, watching as Ghost whipped his head around, eyes wide as the car rolled up to him and Soap flung his door open, throwing himself at Ghost, jerking to a stop when Ghost stiff armed him, the whoof of air leaving him just a second before he stumbled back, hitting the ground hard on his ass, looking up at him with wide eyes. Ghost looked equally as startled and hurried forward, offering a hand and pulling him back onto his feet.

“Sorry, I didn’t want you to hurt him.”

Soap frowned and scanned Ghost carefully, noticing that he had one hand cupped protectively over his middle.

“Are you hurt?!”

Ghost shook his head and stuck his hand into his pocket. He pulled his hand out slowly and Soap watched carefully, biting his lip as Ghost pulled out a little ball of fluff.

“Ghostie, why do you have a duckling in your pocket?”

Ghost chuffed a little laugh and shook his head, cupping his palms and letting the duckling settle himself, flapping his stubby little wings and preening down a mussed patch of feathers on his chest.

“Didn’t want him getting hurt when they came for me. Didn’t see his parents anywhere and JJ’s too damn friendly. So he came for a ride.”

“This is JJ?!”

Ghost co*cked his head and furrowed his eyebrows, eyes darting around over his face.

“Yes? Who did you think JJ was?”

Soap shook his head, avoiding the question before he blew out a breath and stepped back a step, scanning over him again.

“But you’re not hurt?”

Ghost shook his head. “No. I was gone before they made it through the bushes. Don’t even know if they saw me at all. I legged it for the nearest bus and rode around for a while. Didn’t see any sign of ‘em, and never caught their scent again either after I cleared the park.”

Gaz perked up at that and Soap realized he’d missed Gaz pulling the car off the side of the road and parking, joining them in the weeds. It was getting dark, the later sunset still not the full lateness of summer, and Soap wanted to get them somewhere protected, somewhere safe before he fell apart, the anxiety and fear bleeding out of him as he realized that for all that Ghost had had someone after him, he’d been able to evade them without injury and seemed none the worse for the trip.

“What do we do now?” Gaz asked, eyes bouncing between them as they stood.

Ghost shook his head. “I was headed for the base. Figured I’d ask for Price or Farah. Would be safer than bringing them to our home.”

Soap nodded and stepped forward, reaching up to cup Ghost’s cheek in his hand. Ghost slumped forward and pressed his nose into the scent gland at his Omega’s wrist, pulling in lungfuls of peat smoke, the cordite scent fading and juniper building as he calmed down. Ghost knew his own scent was finally stabilizing again, hints of pear finally perceptible again under the faint edge of musky defensiveness. They stood like that for a few more seconds, Ghost vaguely aware of Gaz walking away and calling someone. Eventually, Soap squeezed his cheek gently and Ghost stood up, waiting for Johnny to tell him what to do next.

Ghost let Johnny look him over again and tip his head toward the car, Gaz already in the driver’s seat and waiting for them to join him.

“C’mon. Let’s go talk to Price. He’s got news.”

Ghost nodded and followed him to the car, grabbing at his wrist as he went to walk around the side of the car and get into the front seat. Soap stopped and turned back, watching Ghost’s face.

“Stay?”

“In the backseat with you?”

Yeah, with me.”

“Alright, Ghostie.”

Johnny opened the door for Ghost and waited for him to climb in and slide across the back seat before he followed, pulling the door shut and tapping Gaz’ shoulder.

“Let’s get off this road, aye?”

~~~57

Price was waiting for them when they pulled into the parking lot by the building the 141 operated out of. It wasn’t anything special, but it served their purpose and Soap had a barracks room where his stuff lived. He’d not been back since that last day with Ghost here and he was itching to drag Ghost into his room and check him over. He couldn’t smell any pain in his scent, but he was fully aware that Ghost could hide with the best of them. His limbs were shaking, a fine vibration he couldn’t seem to stop in spite of how tightly he clenched his muscles, the adrenaline finally starting to bleed itself away.

The bond between them had been left open, and he was letting himself sift mental fingers through it, grateful to know his mate was safe and with him again, not back at the mercy of people who never gave a f*ck about his welfare. Price was talking to Gaz and Soap knew he should be listening, but it was all he could do to pull back on the urge to snarl and hiss at anyone who got too close to them. His inner Omega refused to settle and he didn’t know what to do. It was new, and incredibly unsettling, to feel this out of control of himself. He was usually the one who got sent in when a level head was needed, calm in the face of chaos and one of the best at bonding without being subsumed by his instincts. Once again, Ghost blew all of his “normallys” out of the water.

Someone touched his shoulder and he whipped around, dropping into a defensive stance in front of Ghost and hissing, ready to defend his mate to the death if necessary. Farah’s eyes went wide at the reaction and Alex stepped between them, chest puffed out at the threat to his mate and their pups. Price barked a sharp command and someone wrapped an arm around his shoulders before he was spun around, a large hand cradling the back of his head as his face was pressed into a warm neck, the bright bloom of pear making his shoulders slump in relief.

He was vaguely aware that someone was speaking, but he couldn’t be f*cked to pay attention, too busy soaking in the scent of his mate, hands skipping over clothing and burrowing under the layers to press his fingertips into the soft give of Ghost’s hips, a sound somewhere between a purr and a sigh of relief slipping up his throat. Turning his face back toward the skin where the scent was the strongest, Soap mouthed at the slight swelling of his bonding gland, feeling the slick patches of scar tissue, desperate to assure himself that Ghost was alright.

“f*ck’s sake, what’s wrong with him?”

“He’s all instinct right now, Cap. It’s not that unusual when folks with a deep bond experience something like this.”

Soap licked a broad wet stripe over Ghost’s neck, sniffing delicately at the wet skin, pleased at the way it smelled strongly of both of them. He pushed his hands up further and Ghost grunted, arms out as Soap forced his sweatshirt up to his armpits, baring his stomach.

“Can you watch him? He’ll probably need a shoebox and a heating pad. And maybe something to eat. He only got a few peas before we ran. And is there somewhere we can go? He’s deep.”

Soap was only sort of following the conversation, still trying to work Ghost’s sweatshirt up while Ghost fought to keep himself covered. Distantly, Soap ws appalled at his own behavior, but his omega had the reins and wasn’t going to relinquish them easily.

“His room is down the hall. Probably the best place for you two to sort whatever this is out and we never speak of it again.”

Price’s voice was stern, and a tiny rational part of Soap’s mind registered that the conversation that was coming once he was done being an instinct driven lunatic was going to be painful and embarrassing. Like the time he and Gaz had gotten arrested on leave in Morocco and had to call Price to bail them out. A warm hand wrapped around his fingers and Soap chirped, glad that Ghost wasn’t fighting him anymore. He recognized the hallway they were walking down as the one where his room was and sped up, moving past Ghost until he was dragging the larger man, wanting the safety and privacy of his room.

The door was locked and Soap fumbled with it for a second before the door opened and they were inside, the faintest edge of their scent lingering, stale from their extended absence. Soap spun on his heels and pressed Ghost against the closed door, the alpha letting him, thrumming quietly at him. Soap could feel his mind clear a tiny bit now that they were safely ensconced in his room, but his instincts weren’t fully appeased and he fought with himself for a few moments until Ghost touched his chin gently, tipping his face up until their eyes met.

“Go ahead, Omega, take what you need. I’m good, and I trust you.”

Soap swallowed hard at the surety in Ghost’s voice and chirped his thanks to his alpha, nipping at his chin before sliding his hands up the curve of his belly, dragging the sweatshirt up until it was bunched under his arms again, trapped. Soap grunted at the interruption and Ghost huffed, crossing his arms and tugging it off before dropping it to the floor and lowering his arms, baring himself to his Omega’s perusal. Soap pulled back and scanned the newly bared skin, and his uncovered face since the mask he’d been wearing had been pulled off when he stripped the sweater over his head.

“Bonnie alpha.”

Ghost huffed again, smiling softly down at his Omega.

“Barmy Omega.”

Soap scoffed and gripped Ghost's hips, fingers digging into the soft layer of fat Ghost had finally started putting back on. “Can I kiss you?”

“Would be disappointed if you didn't.”

Soap pressed up on his toes and pressed their mouths together, sighing into the kiss when Ghost’s hands wrapped around him and pulled him in, broad palms spread across his ass as they rediscovered the shape of each other’s mouths, Soap’s inner Omega purring violently in satisfaction as he reclaimed his alpha. They kissed until Soap’s head went floaty, sparks of orange behind his eyelids as his lungs screamed for oxygen. Pulling away with a gasp, Soap sucked in a deep breath and spun them, bullying the bigger man toward the bed until his knees hit the edge and his legs folded, dumping them in an untidy sprawl on the bed.

“This OK?”

Ghost skimmed the fingers of one hand down Soap’s face to cradle his chin.

“Just fine, Johnny.”

Soap shifted until he was straddling Ghost’s thighs and stripped his shirt off, tags tangling and getting hooked over one ear. Ghost chuffed a laugh at his mate and unhooked the ball chain, letting the warm metal thunk back down between his pecs.

“I’m alright, Omega. Safe and sound and right where you can see me.”

Soap growled low in his throat and leaned forward, sucking a bruising kiss over his Adam’s apple. Ghost gasped sharply at the sensation and tipped his head back, the slight burn in his throat adding to the joy coursing through his body and ricocheting back and forth down the fully open bond.

“Never gonna let you outta my sight again. Gonna tear apart anyone stupid enough to try and take you.”

“Shh, shh, we’re safe. Safe as houses.”

Soap hummed, still biting kisses into his throat, a hiss low enough to be more friction that sound rattling Soap’s chest. Ghost jerked a little and he ran his tongue over his teeth, mind clearing a little bit when he realized that his fangs had dropped and he’d been laving over Ghost’s bonding gland, fully prepared to bite him and deepen the bond. Pressing his lips together he sat back and met Ghost’s calm gaze, cheeks warm in embarassment.

“Sorry.”

Ghost shook his head, blond curls mused and splayed over the pillow. He smiled up at him and raised a hand, cupping his cheek gently. Soap closed his eyes and pressed a chaste kiss to the meat of his palm.

“Nothing to apologize for, Johnny. Just glad you found me.”

Soap slumped forward until they were pressed chest to chest on the narrow mattress.

“Me too, Ghostie.”

Closing his eyes, Soap took a deep breath, the mingled scent of juniper and pear filling the space alongside the sound of their breathing.

“Me too.”

~~~58

Soap’s phone ringing woke them both and Ghost groaned, none too pleased to be ripped out of a sound sleep with the weight of his Omega pressing him into the mattress. Their skin was warm where it pressed together and Ghost wrapped his arms around him, rolling them both so Soap could grab the phone where it sat on the desk beside the bed before rolling back to where he’d been, Soap squirming back into place on his chest. Soap’s mohawk looked like he'd been drug through a hedge backward and Ghost smiled fondly as he answered the call without opening his eyes, the slurred ‘ullo’ barely comprehensible.

Soap had crashed hard after he’d finally managed to convince his instincts that Ghost was safe, and he could feel the thrum in his chest start again as he thought about it. It still boggled him that Soap was worried about the possibility of him taking advantage. Soap’s Omega was fully prepared to rebond him and the sight of his delicate fangs peeking over the edges of his lips when he sat back was enough to make Ghost’s gums ache with sympathetic pain, the swell of his gland visible beside the thump of his heartbeat making Ghost yearn to drop his teeth and strengthen the bond with a complimentary set of silver scars.

He couldn’t see much of Soap’s face now that he was laying flat on Ghost’s chest, so he let his head rest on the pillow and dragged his fingers through his mate’s mussed hair, fingertips scraping over stubbled sides before they met the strip of longer hair, twisting clumps into loose spikes. Speaking of which, Ghost needed to figure out where JJ went and find out how long they’d be staying. He wondered if he could talk Alex or Gaz into returning him if they would be here for a while. And he’ll need to let König know he’s probably going to have to delay his start date. Again. And Juniper.

Ghost sighed as Soap signed off, dropping the phone with a thump.

“I’ve been summoned for my ass chewing. Price said Alex and Farah are coming to escort us, so I suppose we should probably get up and get dressed.”

Ghost hummed and tried not to frown when Johnny sat up, cool air spilling into the space between them. Soap must have seen something on his face because he nodded, leaning back down to hover over his alpha.

“I know. I don’t want to leave either. But apparently I made a spectacle and now he has things to say to me. So, probably best to just get it over with.”

Ghost scrunched his nose and nodded. “Do we have time to take a shower? Or any clean clothes here?”

“Yeah, we’ve got 15 minutes, and Alex is stopping by supply to get us some clothing.”

Ghost bobbed his head and sat up, Johnny’s knees on either side of his hips, the contact through their thin boxers making Ghost wonder if they could stay in bed for a few more minutes and still shower before their friends arrived. Johnny looked like he was having similar thoughts and they leaned into one another, Johnny’s hand’s settling on Ghost’s shoulders delicately. They were close enough to taste each other’s breath and Ghost thought he should have been a lot less turned on by his Omega’s stale morning breath than he was, angling his face to press their mouths together. He was close enough to feel the heat of Johnny’s plush lower lip when the sharp knock at the door pulled them both up short and they turned in unison to the door.

“Somebody better be dead to be interrupting us right now,” Soap called out.

Through the door, Ghost heard a sharp snort and then Farah’s voice.

“No time for any of that. Price said Kate just called. Apparently there’s news.”

~~~

They took quick *separate* showers, neither wanting Farah to make good on her threat to pick the door lock if they weren’t clean and ready in 10 minutes. Alex arrived just a few seconds after Johnny slipped into the shower and handed Ghost a stack of clothing before he shut the door, listening to the lock clunk home. When Ghost got out of the shower, Johnny was already gone and Alex was sitting at the desk, hand kneading his thigh above his prosthetic while he waited.

“Ready, my guy?”

“Where’s Johnny?”

Alex tipped his head, fingers still working absently. “Farah dragged him off. Said they needed to go.”

“But you don’t?”

Alex shrugged, face relaxed. “Nah. Farah’ll tell me what I need to know. She leads, I follow. ‘S how we work.”

“Speaking of, sorry about last night.”

Alex frowned, hand stalling over where he’d been working the muscle. “What’re you sorry for? Nothing happened.”

“I know, but it’s my fault that he was so twisted up that he went instinctual. Whoever is doing this is coming after me. I’m a loose end, and if you all hadn’t gotten caught up in that, he wouldn’t have been so worried about me or have acted like that and challenged a friend. Or threatened your mate and children.”

Ghost’s eyes settled just to the side of Alex’s face, nervously waiting for Alex to speak. Alex whistled, low and long, and Ghost looked over, surprised by the sound.

“That might actually be the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard you say.”

Ghost frowned and waited for Alex to clarify.

“Y’know you’ve got a bit to learn about how our little pack works. I knew he wasn’t gonna hurt her. It was a threat display at worst. I stepped between them cause Farah hits first and apologizes never and I didn’t want you getting caught in that. There’s nothing to apologize for on that score cause you’re still learning all that and couldn’t have known. And as far as saying sorry cause a bunch of scumbags are gonna act like scumbags, well that’s just unnecessary. You’re not at fault there either. Besides, I get wanting to defend your mate. And that boy is ass over applecart about you, bud.”

Ghost nodded. “Hopefully. If only he’d stop fighting it so damned hard.”

“Man, you’ve got to tell him how you feel about him.”

Ghost smirked. “I did. But he wants to wait until the bond fades. Just to make sure we’re not being influenced into making any permanent decisions.”

Ghost stared down at the floor before he spoke.

“I’d be lying if I said there wasn't a small part of me that’s f*cking terrified he might be right. What if the bond fades and I *don’t* want this anymore? I never had a chance to date before so it’s not like I know what it feels like to be in love. But I know the thought of giving up what I have with him now makes me want to throw up. Even if it means I never know if I would have chosen him on my own.” Ghost fell silent and poked the floor with his toe, mildly embarrassed to have vomited all of that into the air.

“Y’all’ll figure it out. Sure it’s scary as f*ck, but finding your mate is worth it, even when it’s hard. And it’s not like we’d stop caring about you just cause you weren’t mated to one of us anymore. You’re part of the pack, bud. No take backs even without silver at your throat. Unless you’re Soul Mates. If that’s the case, you’ll never have to worry about the bond fading. It’s literally written into your DNA.”

“Could never get that lucky.”

Alex snorted, knocking into Ghost’s shoulder where he sat on the bed.

Soul Mates were a fairytale, the idea that someone out there was an ideal match on a subatomic level, and once the first bond was initiated, it was self sustaining, the resonance of the two halves of a soul finding the missing part and blending eternally, skipping from universe to universe, always finding the other regardless of the differences, whether they were naga or hybrid or human or mer or any one of the infinite variations out there. It was a wonderful idea, and the subject of a ridiculous number of books, plays, movies, songs, and art, but there was no scientific proof that they existed, and Ghost knew even if it were real, it would never be something given to him.

~~~59
Soap let Farah drag him down the hall with nary a protest in sight. She’d let him get dressed and stuff his feet into his boots before her patience for waiting had run out and the look on her face said he’d be wise to just let her have her way. She was a woman on a mission, and a pregnant one at that. Soap had siblings, OK? And he knew better than to challenge a pregnant person. Hell, he had a scar on his shoulder blade as a permanent reminder of how fast teasing could devolve into screaming and tears and an ER visit when pregnancy hormones were involved.

“Did Price give you any idea of what he wanted?”

Farah threw an arch look over her shoulder but did slow down, her heavy braid thumping against her back as the negative shake of her head made it fall from its place over her shoulder.

“No, just that they had a break in the search yesterday. Apparently MI5 got a hit on someone they’ve been keeping an eye on for a while.”

Soap whistled. “And they shared that with us?”
Farah slowed again and Soap frowned at his friend as she cupped her hand over the tiny swell of her belly.

“Alright, lass?”

Farah nodded and kept walking, but her pace was a little more measured as she answered.
“The little monsters must take after their dad, cause I’m only four months in and I constantly forget how quickly they wind me.”

“Is that normal?”

“Yeah. I’m short, and there are two of them. There’s only so long that they can grow without shoving things out of the way.”

Soap’s face scrunched in horror at the description and Farah laughed, the warm sound filling the hallway and attracting the attention of a passing soldier. He scanned over the pair and nodded once in acknowledgement of Farah’s stare before walking away. Soap gave a mental eye roll at that. Probably a puppy alpha still figuring out that Omegas didn’t always need someone hovering to function. If he ever ended up in a training led by Farah, he pitied the poor kid the mat he would end up eating.

“”C’mon. Enough about that for now. Price wants us all for a briefing at 1100 and it's almost 1030 now.”

Soap shook his head at that. “No way it’s that late.”

Farah flashed her wrist and Soap blinked at the numbers displayed.

“You were bad last night. Never seen you like that.”

“How bad was it?”

“Remember when Alex got that infection in his leg right after we mated and the hospital tried to remove me from his room?”

Soap winced, remembering how she’d scared even the veteran nurses in her defense of her mate.

“That bad?”

“Eh. No one cried, but your alpha had to pick you up and smush you face first into his throat to get you to calm down. If anyone outside of the 141 had been there, I'm pretty sure it would have gotten… rough.”

Soap stopped walking, set his hands on his hips and blew out a heavy breath, head tipped back as he stared at the dingy ceiling tiles with unseeing eyes.

“I almost bit him.”

Farah shifted her weight, hands smoothing absently over the curve of her belly.

“Congratulations.”

“Not li- No, it wasn’t a good thing.”

“I thought Gaz said you were giving it a chance.”

“We’re going to try dating. That doesn't mean I should want to bite him, or that he really wants to be bitten again.”

“Did he tell you that?”

Soap shook his head. “No, the opposite in fact. He let me in with no resistance. But it would be wrong. I can’t take that choice away from him.”

Farah rolled her eyes before stepping into her friend and pressing against him, arms coming around him to squeeze him as tightly as she could.

“John MacTavish, you’re the smartest dumbass I’ve ever met in my life.”

“Hey!”

“Bah. What is it you think a bond actually does to someone?”

“Ties them to their partner, gives them access to their emotions, compels them to seek them out. Makes them the focus of their concern.”

Farah sighed and leaned back, looking up at Soap critically. “And?...”

“And what?”

Farah shook her head and stepped away. “Keep thinking about it. You’ll get there.”

~~~

Farah knocked perfunctory at the door of Price’s office before she opened it. Price was seated behind his desk with a stack of paperwork in front of him and a shoebox on the corner of his desk.

“Ah, Soap, glad to see you back in your right mind.” Price arched an eyebrow at him as their eyes met across the desk. “I assume you are actually back in your right mind? Or as close as you’ve ever gotten?”

“Oi! Who decided to make today pick on Soap day?”

In unison, as though they’d prepared for this moment, both Farah and Price answered his question.

“Gaz”

“Kyle.”

Soap flopped into one of the chairs opposite his captain and crossed his arms over his chest, a full blown pout settling over his face.

“You said you have news?”

“Kate’s found something. But that can wait for everyone else. I really did want to check up on you. Yesterday was… something. How are you doing after some sleep?”

Soap felt heat fill his cheeks. Price might give him sh*t, but he was a good commanding officer, and he did genuinely want the best for the men under his command.

“I’m alright. It just hit me a lot harder than any of my previous bonds. Dunno why.”

Soap stared down at his knees and completely missed the commiserating look Farah and Price shared over his head.

“Glad to hear it, son. You let me know if that changes, yeah?”

From the shoebox, Soap heard a quiet rustle before a little brown and yellow head poked over the edge of the box.

“Ah, yes. JJ here will need a ride back to the pond later this afternoon. We’ve been in contact with Alé and Rudy and they both report that there’s been no sign of anyone lurking around your apartment. We’re sending you home with some equipment to install, so it won’t be any more dangerous for you to be there than it would be for you to stay here, especially considering some of the,” Price cleared his throat with a grimace, “guests we have lurking around the base right now. Something about this ring we’re hunting has a bunch of powerful people very concerned, so I suggest we try and keep any of our own guests quiet. Both the avian kind and the non avian.”

Soap nodded, parsing the things Price wasn’t saying almost as easily as he did the things he had.

“Is this tied to what Kate found?”

Price leaned back in his chair, steepling his hands over his belly. “It’s part of it.”

“So how is MI5 involved?”

“Because the Crown might keep it quiet when one of the heirs to the throne is an alpha who chose to serve rather than to rule, but they still get a bit shirty when said heir nearly gets snatched on mission.”

“Bleedin’ Jesus. Someone tried to snatch Lizzie?”

Price nodded, mustache drooping as he frowned. “Obviously it’s being kept very quiet, but the public knew she’d signed up to serve and a few of the royalty watchers noticed when she stopped posting on her music.ly. MI6 got involved when they started asking questions on social media and retrieved her shortly after. She’s been returned, but she wasn’t there long enough to have anything beyond the very basics.”

“So what’s the plan?”

Soap felt Farah set her hand on his shoulder, the scent of vanilla rising in the room. He looked to Price who was fiddling with an unlit cigar and seemed suddenly resistant to meeting his eyes.

“I’m not going to like this am I?”

Price looked up, finally meeting his gaze.

“Not even a little bit.”

~~~60

Alex knocked into Ghost’s shoulder again, trying to lighten the mood, and Ghost shoved him back. Before long, both men were wrestling on the floor like pups, grunts and gasps the only sound as they grappled. Alex rolled Ghost off of him and lay on the tile trying to catch his breath. Ghost sat up and climbed to his feet, the anxiety he was feeling down the bond making him restless, hackles trying to rise. Whatever new Price had to share must not be good. Alex watched him pace for a few seconds before he stuck out an arm. Ghost grabbed his hand and helped him to his feet, patting his shoulder lightly while he dusted himself off.

“We good?”

“We should spar sometime. Could be good for you.”

Ghost’s eyes shuttered at Alex’ suggestion. He didn’t know if he could trust himself.

“I killed men in the ring. I don’t know if I’d know when to stop.”

“I think you should have more faith in yourself than you do.”

Ghost laughed, but it was a ragged sound, a noise related to laughter in the same way a cow was related to a whale; distantly.

“Roba used to make me fight in the cage matches when he first got a hold of me. I hated it, but I could finish the matches with a KO usually, and the audience didn't know I hadn’t killed anyone. But Roba knew. He told me to knock it off or he’d punish me. I didn’t listen.”

Ghost fell silent and Alex waited, giving him the space to decide if he wanted to keep going. Ghost glanced over at the other alpha and decided he would. Alex had consistently been open minded, in spite of some of their earlier clashes, and as he considered it, Ghost was weirdly confident that Alex did genuinely give a sh*t about him. Weirdo.

“The next time I fought and didn’t kill my opponent, he had the man I’d knocked out brought in after the match. Woke him up just long enough to put him on his knees and put a round in his head. Told me if I did it again, he’d kill the man in front of me again. Either way I was signing their death certificate. My hands or his gun at my bequest. But it was my choice. Roba was a big fan of that.”

“Of what? Being a f*cking monster?”

“Nah, that came naturally. No, he liked to give you choices that felt more like chains, a way of sharing out the f*cked up sh*t he did. Sharing the karmic load. But they were always the kind of choices that felt like no choice at all. Take a bad deal or have to live with the outcome of not choosing.”

“A Hobson’s choice.”

“A what?”

Alex shook his head. “Sorry, it’s a choice where there’s no real choice. Like take it or leave it, except you can’t really choose to leave it.”

Ghost nodded but made a mental note to look up exactly what Alex was talking about later.

“He told me if I didn’t want to fight anymore, he could always use me for hospitality. But alpha’s had to have a purpose or they would be ‘let go’. And he didn’t mean a pink slip. I killed my next opponent, but I froze the following time. They put me up against one of my former squadmates. Until that point I didn’t know he’d taken anyone else. Always figured it was just me who’d been taken. When I recognized his face, I couldn't do it. Would have been kinder if I had. Got to watch Roba shoot him in the gut, made me stay there on my knees until he died. It took hours.”

Ghost fell silent and Alex slid closer to him on the bed until their thighs were pressed together. The contact felt good, and the deep thrum in Alex’ chest helped ground him in the here and now even as he flipped through the memories of his last fight. When he started speaking again, his voice was wobbly, and he had to swallow hard against the lump in his throat.

“I caved, told him I couldn’t fight any more. Said he’d have to shoot me. He just shook his head at me and started purring. Told me he would break me in for my new life. I don’t remember a lot of that first night. Not sure if I was just not processing, or if my brain just blocked it out. Either way, I was pretty checked out after that. Just ate, slept, exercised and waited for my next visit.”

“Well, that’s not now. If you don’t want to go throw me around the gym, that’s totally fine. There’s a decent movie collection in the rec room we could go raid. But if you’re afraid you’ll get in trouble for sparing or accidentally hurt me, I think it would be worth a shot to try.”

Ghost side eyed Alex for a minute before he shook his head. Alex sighed and leaned in tighter, knocking their shoulders together, similarly to how he’d started the roughhousing that spurred the entire miserable conversation in the first place.

“C’mon, my dude. I trust you.”

“You’re not going to give this up, are you?”

Alex stood and turned to face Ghost with a bright smile on his face. “That would be correct, my guy. C’mon, please?”

Ghost rolled his eyes at the puppy dog face Alex was making but leaned over and grabbed the plain black balaclava that he’d been given from supply.

~~~

The gym was deserted when they got there, and it wasn’t until Ghost saw the clock and realized how close they were to lunch that it made sense. The bulk of the other soldiers and recruits were probably cleaning up from morning training and making their way to the mess for chow. It wasn’t until he felt his shoulders release that he realized how tense he’d been at the idea of being in an enclosed space with a group of alphas and all the aggression and posturing that it generally entailed. But sparring. Ghost enjoyed the chance to move his body, had always been happiest as a recruit spending times in the more physical pursuits, pushing himself to be faster, learning how to work with his size instead of against it. He’d spent the bulk of his days with Roba working out or training, even after being moved from the compound to the apartment, and the time off with Johnny had been nice, but he could feel his heartbeat speed up at the chance to burn off some of the energy pumping through him. A bolt of shock rolled down the bond and he winced before pulling his end closed, focusing on Alex as he laid out the rules for their spar.

He’d ask Johnny about it later. Now though, he could feel himself start to fall into the heat of battle, vision narrowing to his opponent and sound falling away. He knew how to minimize his defects and compensated for his weak side. The spar began and for the first time in years, Ghost realized he was having fun. Alex was challenging, but he seemed to read Ghost’s body language easily and the fight became a dance, both men attacking and retreating in concert.

Chapter 4

Chapter Text

~~~61

Soap stood at the door to the gym and watched the two alphas move. Soap felt his cheeks burn at the mingled scent of hazelnut and musk that filled the space. It made his stomach dip, the scent of alpha aggression heady. Alé x was moving well today, and had managed to keep Ghost at bay for a few minutes this round, but he was starting to flag, shifting to defense over offense as his leg tired and the prosthetic started to hinder him. Soap watched him move for a few seconds to make sure he hadn’t already pushed too far and nodded to himself. He looked like he was still OK, but moon knew he had all the survival instinct of a concussed lemming some days. Moon above help him if he pushed himself too far and Farah found out. They’d all be toast then.

His attention shifted to his mate and his chest swelled with pride. He’d mated a strong alpha, and a skilled one. Ghost was brutal. Built like a tank, he moved like a dancer, colliding with his opponent and taking him down handily. He wasn’t unskilled, he’d survived almost a decade in the ring, but he struggled to keep up with Alé x, the other alpha always a half step ahead in spite of his handicap thanks to years of military training and his own stubborn desire to be better at all times.

Soap appreciated the normally laid back alpha for his drive when it came to missions, but he knew it drove Farah crazy, the way he always threw himself into dangerous situations head first. He’d gotten better since he’d mated Farah, but Soap admitted to himself that he was curious to see if having children blunted it further. Heavens knew the 141 could use a break from the stress every time he tried to sacrifice himself. Bloody alphas..

Soap had felt the bond pull closed earlier when Price dropped the bomb about Simon and he’d been glad for it, glad that his mate was comfortable controlling his end of the bond too. Now it was open again, the joy in Ghost flooding across the bond and making Soap smile reflexively. Glancing at the wall clock, Soap knew they were running short of time and he needed to figure out how to end the spar.

He tried waving to the men to get their attention, but they were so focused on what they were doing that his attempts failed, neither giving him the slightest glance. He cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, the call not gaining any more attention than the first try. Setting his hands on his hips, Soap took a breath and closed his eyes, sending a nudge across the bond. Ghost stumbled, but caught his balance, still locked in with Alé x.

Soap sighed and stuck two fingers in his mouth.
~~~
A sharp whistle ripped though the training room and Ghost hit his knees, hands behind his head. The trainers never stepped in between sparring alphas, instead whistling to break up their fights. Alphas who failed to yield were tranqed and hauled away. Ghost was enjoying the feeling of not being drugged, and had no intention of doing anything to make his keepers think he wasn’t compliant even as Roba manipulated the bond. His chest heaved as he fought to catch his breath and he sucked in a deep breath, trying to quell the adrenaline racing through him. Wouldn’t do to have them think he was still a danger. He needed to be calm, and still, and as unthreatening as it was possible for him to make himself. It was the only way to keep the needles out of his neck. They wanted their alphas to win at any cost, but they needed to make sure that aggression was never turned back on them, so they trained them, early and often, to respond to specific stimuli in specific ways.

“-ost? Ghost! Can you hear me? What the hell happened. Alé x, what just happened.”

“No idea. He was good then you whistled and it looked like someone took him off at the knees.”

“Was it me? Did I trigger him?”

A blast of cordite filled the room and Ghost felt his nose crinkle at the intensity of the scent. He blinked at the overlap of Johnny’s voice in the training arena and he fluttered his eyes rapidly, the unfamiliar room settling him back into his skin, Alé x and Johnny’s voice towing him back into shore. Johnny noticed he was back, and coming to alertness.

“Hey, you’re in Hereford. Alé x and I are here. You’re safe. I’m sorry for triggering you. Do you want to talk about it?”

Johnny forced the last few words out as he started to run out of air and Ghost shook his head.

“Not here. When we get home?”

“Yeah, Sim- Ghost. We’re meeting with the rest of the team to bring everyone up to speed and then we’re clear to head home. Price loaded us up with surveillance gear and you’re gonna have an escort any time you’re not home.” Soap held up a staying hand to cut off Ghost’s objections. “Price’s rule. We all are. No one goes anywhere alone. At least two at all times.”

Ghost nodded at Soap’s words, but his stomach felt like it was turning itself inside out. The spoiled edge of his scent was as unpleasant as he remembered. This was his fault. He’d brought this danger to Johnny and his friends. The fingers snapping in front of his nose were a surprise and he snarled instinctively before swallowing it down and glancing up to see Alé x’s hand, following it up his arm to his smug smile.

“Nah, man. None of that. We already talked about it. Not your fault. And if you disappear trying to keep us safe, everyone suffers. So maybe we go listen to what Price has to say and then we take our Omegas home and spoil them a little bit. Sound like a plan?”

Ghost glanced over to where Johnny was sitting, watching the two alphas talk , a tentative smile on his face.

“Yeah. Sounds like a plan.”

~~~62

By the time they made it to the conference room, they were the last to arrive, the remaining members of the 141 gathered around the oval table in little groups, catching up with each other and Kate on the big screen at the head of the room. Kate clocked their entrance first and nodded to them as they filed in, Alé x splitting off to take Farah’s hand and press a quick kiss to her knuckles before dropping into the chair at her side.

Ghost followed Johnny around to the two empty chairs between Gaz and Alé and took the one closest to Alé while Johnny flopped into the other. When the chair jerked at the impact and lifted off the ground, Ghost caught the arm with one hand and pulled it to a stop, saving his Omega from a nasty tumble. The burst of juniper was a pleasant surprise and Ghost felt his cheeks and ears burn hot, glad for the balaclava that hid their glow. Soap shot him a sweet grin and dragged his fingers over the bare skin of his wrist before he turned back to Gaz, picking up his sentence. Ghost made sure the chair was stable before dragging it a couple inches closer to the table. He finally let go and slumped in his own chair, waiting for the meeting to start as he watched the room.

Price stood hip shot against the head of the table facing Kate as they chatted. He was smiling, but his eyes were dark and Ghost wondered if he was worried about whatever was going to be said during the meeting, or if it was unrelated.He sniffed in his direction but couldn’t catch naything aside from cigar smoke and faded dad cologne. Alé and Rudy were telling a story to Farah, voices tangling together as Rudy interjected context around what sounded to Ghost like a pretty impressive fish tail. Alé x was slumped in his chair as well, though he was still holding Farah’s hand, thumb rubbing slowly over the bumps of her knuckles, a lazy smile on his lips as he glanced around the room, giving Ghost a nod when he noticed his stare. The room was warm and scented like the apartment the last time he’d had everyone over. Glancing back at Johnny, he wondered if his Omega would let him invite König and Kim the next time they did that. He let his thoughts drift, planning a menu, until Price cleared his throat.

“I know we’re all getting a little stir crazy, but Kate managed to dig some more information out of what we sent to her, and combined with what MI5 was kind enough to share, we’re getting a better idea of what we’re looking at. I’ll hand it over to Laswell from here.”

Price sat in the empty chair beside Gaz and set his ankle across his opposite knee.

“Thanks. I know everyone in the room, and most of you know mw, but for our new face, I’m Kate Laswell. Callsign Watcher 1. I work with 141 offering research, intel, and ovewatch. I also run missions with my own group. So. Now that everyone knows who I am, let’s dig in, shall we?”

She co*cked an eyebrow at the camera and waited for an objection. When none came, she snapped a sharp nod and pulled a flder closer, flipping open the cover and draggin her finger down the document inside.

“Based on recent intel gathering operations, We’ve discovered that there are significantly more moving parts to this thing than we thought. We’ve found hubs in Mexico, Russia, Portugal, and Malaysia. We think they pool their acquisitions for dispersal from these hubs. The intel Captain Price and Sergeant Garrick retrieved made it clear that the fighting ring was cover for the human trafficking occurring. The fight kept the eyes off of what was going on in the rest of the building, and gave them a reason to have a constantly rotating catalog of ‘participants’. The best we can gather from what we were told by the alphas we freed suggested that they took deliveries the week around a fight and then went dormant to avoid suspicion.”

Ghost sucked in a breath and closed his eyes, running through what he could recall of his time at the compound. He bit his lip wondering if he should speak up, frowning when fingers dragged over the back of his hand. Johnny was looking at him, eyes narrowed in concern. He co*cked an eyebrow at Ghost and prodded the bond, a flicker of comfort. Ghost let his lip go and nodded at his Omega.

“I don’t know about the ones in Europe and Asia, but Roba was up to his armpits with the local cartel. It’s also why law enforcement never questioned what was happening.”

Alé swore, and the scent of petroleum surging in the room. “Narcos too? De puta madre, why is it always narcos?” Alé whirled where he’d been pacing up and down the room and pointed a finger back at Rudy. “It’s probably El Sin Nombre. That Cono has been a pain in my side for years.”

“Calmate, amor. Now that we know there’s a thread, we can start pulling. You’ll catch him.”

Rudy held out a hand and Alé walked back to him, slipping their hands together and letting Rudy pull him back down. Kate cleared her throat and continued speaking.

“Alé jandro, we’ve already started digging into that angle. We knew Roba had some of the cartel members on the payroll, but there was no proof it went deeper than moonlighting until now.”

Alé nodded once sharply and waited for the rest of what was coming.

“Ghost, you’re the lynch pin here. We’ve never had any success pulling out assets who were there for the length of time you were. You have information we could never hope to access in years of undercover work. We know that from experience. And we’ve lost agents trying. You’re in a unique position to help us-”

Soap shot out of his chair, sending it skittering back. He leaned over the table, body language protective and aggressive all at once as he stabbed a finger at the screen where Kate’s image sat.

“He’s not an asset, Laswell. Don’t do that to him. Don’t guilt him into thinking he owes any one a single f*cking thing. Don’t do that.”

His voice was a threatening rattle in his chest and he could feel the vibration building behind his breastbone. It didn’t feel like the vibration of a purr. No, this felt like violence in potentia, like the buildup of pressure in a pot, like a lit fuse on an explosive device. Soap could feel heat creeping up the back of his neck and he swallowed against the roaring that was filling his ears. He saw Kate open his mouth and he snapped back, throwing himself over the corner of the table, completely forgetting that she wasn’t even in the room with him. A broad strong hand pulled him back and he snarled and hissed, furious beyond belief at the threat to his mate.

“Shh, shh. You’re fine. I’m fine. We need the information, so let’s keep it tactical, Sergeant. Deep breaths.”

Soap blinked at the words and followed the instruction, sucking in a deep breath and blowing it out, following his mate’s guidance. After a few more slow deep breaths, he felt clarity creeping back in and blanched, pressing his face into Ghost’s chest, wondering if it might actually be possible to just burrow into Ghost and disappear. Ghost bonked him gently with his chin and Soap looked up, meeting his worried gaze.

“With me again?”

“Aye. Solid.”

Ghost stared at him for a few more long seconds before he nodded and stepped back.

“Alright.”

They retook their seats and Soap kept his eyes on the table, mildly ashamed of his reaction, but not willing to apologize. For a few more awkward seconds, the room was silent. Price cleared his throat and Soap looked up, meeting his commanding officer’s eyes.

“We can take a break.”

Soap shook his head. “No. Let’s just get this part done.”

Price nodded and looked over at Ghost.

“We’re sending you back to the apartment. Whoever came after you at the park knows something and we need to know what. So we’re outfitting the whole place with CCTV and motion sensors. We’ll see if they’re willing to come after you. We’d also like to outfit you with a tracker.”

“Don’t need a tracker, can follow the bond.” Soap interjected, voice still gravelly.

“And if you both get taken?”

Soap crossed his arms and slumped backwards. “Fine, but only if Si- Ghost agrees.”

Ghost frowned at his mate, wondering what had gotten him in such a foul mood and looked back over to see a similar look of confusion on Alé x’ face. Gaz, Rudy, and Alé all looked confused as well, but Farah and Price looked sympathetic, and he wondered what they knew that he didn’t.

“What kind of tracker?”

“Injectable. Like the ones they use for pets, only these have a broader range for detection.”

Ghost grunted, pointing to the scar hidden at the back of his neck. “Already got one.”

~~~63

The room froze and then burst into motion. Price threw out orders and Farah scrambled out the door. Kate disappeared from the screen and Ghost could hear her rustling around for something on her end. Gaz was typing furiously into the toughbook in front of him, and Johnny, well, he looked like he needed a hug. No one had asked anything of the two of them, and Ghost scooted his chair closer, cupping the back of his neck gently in one broad palm, waiting for him to look up. He counted in his head and when he reached 30 without any movement from the younger man, he shook him gently, watching as he blinked twice and refocused, eyes misty and lashes clumped from unspilled tears. Ghost scooted in until their knees were puzzled together and pulled Soap in until their foreheads touched.

“Talk to me, Omega. Where’d you go this time?”

“I’m sorry.”

“What are you sorry for?”

“That we didn’t know, that we didn’t come after you sooner. That you’re having to listen to this sh*te.” Soap blinked and Ghost watched as a single tear broke from his lashes and spilled over the rise of his cheekbone. Catching it with his thumb, Ghost wiped the dot of moisture away and pressed a kiss to his forehead though the mask.

“S’not your responsibility to save me. I’m a big boy. I can take care of myself. But I appreciate you taking me in, helping me heal, giving me space, letting us try. All of it.”

Soap sucked in a shaky breath and Farah burst through the door, a small black kit in hand. Tugging out the handheld, she turned it on and approached slowly, making eye contact with Ghost. She flicked her eyes down to where Soap was still hunched in the shadow of Ghost’s body as he processed, and reached out, taking the little device with a nod that rubbed his chin over Soap’s forehead, blending their scents deeper and covering the bite of cordite with a layer of warm pear.

“What do I need to do?”

“Run it over the back of your neck. It’s already set to detect.”

Ghost held the device flat with his fingers wrapped carefully around the side and lifted it to the back of his head, sliding it slowly down until the low tone went sharper and the handheld stated vibrating. With a final sharp chirp that made Ghost think of dying smoke detectors, the device went still and silent and Ghost pulled it out from behind him and handed it back to Farah.

Letting out a sigh, she punched in a few keys and extended it to Price who squinted at the display before sighing and pulling a slip pair of silver framed readers out of his breast pocket. Sliding them onto his nose, he read the screen and grunted.

“Could be worse. It’ll give a broad location, but not enough to pinpoint. Honestly, they probably just got lucky at the park. A general vicinity and a scent profile to follow? People have been found with less.”

“Can we take it out? Use it as bait?” Ghost asked, co*cking his head at Price.

The man shook his head, frowning deeply. “No, it’s an older model. Removing it would probably destroy it. But we can take it out and destroy it if you want it gone.”

“Doesn’t matter. It’s been there so long I’d pretty much forgotten about it. Dunno if any of the others even knew it was there.”

Soap growled, low and angry and Ghost patted his knee, other hand skating up and down his bowed back.

Price cleared his throat and nodded to Gaz, who stood by the table with a medkit spread over the table. “Gaz can remove it now. Its last transmission point will show the base, and they won’t know where you went after that.”

“But I’d have to leave?”

“Unfortunately.”

Ghost shook his head. “No. I don’t want that. I have a job waiting for me, and an appointment with a therapist next week. And my cat. And my friends. What other options do we have?”

“You act as bait. Lure out the ones following you. We’ll be right there and scoop them up. If they can get us further up the chain, we can figure out how to take the whole thing apart.” Price shot a look at his Soap, not quite sure what to make of his normally level headed Sergeant's animosity.

“You don’t have to decide now. Talk it over, let us know. Though sooner would be better.”

Ghost nodded his understanding and Kate tapped her desk, shifting the meeting focus to the part that Soap had been dreading since Price had given him the news earlier. If Ghost reacted the way most did, he’d be moving on soon enough, and Soap braced himself for the pain.

“I’m not going to puss*foot around. We found your name. You’ve been ID’d as Simon Riley, declared KIA in Libya in 2011. Says here you were an exemplary trainee and had already been recommended for inclusion in the subsequent SAS training group. Disappeared during your first mission, listed MIA for 3 years before being moved to KIA status. No reason for the change noted.”

Kate looked up and glanced at the faces around the table. To a one, they were all processing, and processing quickly. Ghost- now Simon, was inscrutable as he was still masked, and Kate wished that she was in the room with them now.

“You are eligible for retraining and reinstatement in service with a return of seniority that would make you eligible for a rank of lieutenant with 16 years of service. Is that something you’d like to do?”

“No.” The answer was quick, and firm, and Kate waited to see if he had anything else to add. “All due respect, Ma’am, but I think I’ve spent enough time fighting for my life.”

“Fair enough. I’ll make sure your ID is restored and you’re given an honorable separation. As to the more personal side; never mated during service, no children on record. Mother: deceased. Father: deceased. Younger brother: alive and currently living in Manchester with his wife and child.”

“I don’t have a brother.”

“This report shows that you do. An Omega. He’s been informed you are alive and he’s indicated that he would like you to come stay with him.”

“No, Absolutely not.”

Soap made a little hurt noise and Ghost looked over at him.

“Simon. Please. You need a support system, and I’m still active duty. What happens when I get deployed?”

“I’ve got you. And I know König would agree to act as a conservator if you asked. That’s plenty.”

“Sim-” Ghost flinched at hearing the name from him and he stopped, squeezing Ghost’s wrist gently before he spoke again. “You deserve to have your family back.”

“But I don’t know him at all. And what if he’s like my dad? I don’t want that to be my life.”

“Surely he’s not that bad.”

“He’s my father’s son. You don’t understand what it was like growing up there.”

“You’re your father’s son, and you’re an amazing person. Maybe your brother is too.”

Ghost shook his head and glanced around the table. Everyone was there and none of them were even pretending not to be listening avidly. Ghost clamped his mouth shut and worried his lip between his teeth. Was he going to tell them about his childhood?

Giving a mental shrug, Ghost decided to say f*ck it. Apparently today was a day of home truths all the way around. In for a penny, in for a pound.

“My dad was a beta. I don’t know if he wanted to be an Omega or an alpha, or if he just hated us for being different, but he was obsessed with designations. He married an Omega and spent years trying for a baby. Wanted to prove something, I guess. But they never had much luck and I think he got frustrated that he couldn’t get his wife pregnant. He cheated on her with my mum. She got pregnant. My birth nearly killed her and she kept me a secret for a while. I didn’t know it at the time, but it was rough. An unmated alpha with a child? In the late 80s?”

Ghost shook his head.

“She could only find work that was under the table, and she worked herself to the bone to keep us fed and sheltered. But I don’t remember it being bad. I remember spending a ton of time with my favorite person. We went everywhere together, and during the day, we spent a lot of time at the park. It was fun for me and cheap for her. I remember she took me out one day and we ran into my dad's wife. Didn’t know that at the time. She was pushing me on the swing and the next thing I knew, some strange woman was screaming at us. Apparently, I scent very similar to my dad. His wife recognized my scent and went ballistic.”

Soap slipped his hand into Ghost’s and laced their fingers together. Alé pushed a glass of water across the table to him and he thanked him with a tip of his head and lifted his mask enough to take a sip.

“It wasn’t all bad. We went to live with them instead. Mum said I deserved a whole family. My dad’s wife wanted to be a mother badly enough that she was willing to raise me. His wife was mostly just pissed about the cheating, but not at us. Not after that first blow up. Her and mum actually ended up as friends. She got pregnant when I was 6 and it all kind of fell apart. Da was always angry. I didn’t understand it, but as long as I stayed out of his way it was OK. Plus, I was getting a baby brother or sister. It was exciting.”

“Eventually they went away to have the baby and I stayed home with mum. Dad came home alone, and mad. So mad. He slapped me when I asked him where the baby was and then started yelling. Said we'd killed his wife and his chance for a real family. Woke up one morning and mum was gone. He told me she didn’t want to be burdened by me anymore and took off. That I should be grateful he was willing to keep taking care of me at all. And he did keep me around, but I was only slightly better treated than our dog. Barely saw him other than when he’d show up, berate me for a while and leave an envelope of cash on the table. Dad kept me fed and clothed til I hit 18 and then booted me out the door. Said I should go enlist. Then he told me he hoped I didn't make it home before he slammed the door in my face. I figured he was right and was on the next bus to basic. Didn't care if I died. Didn't have anything to live for.”

The room was silent, only the quiet hum of the vents audible. Ghost wasn’t quite done, so he swallowed hard and spoke, his voice a low calm rasp of sound.

“So when I say that I would rather die than have to live with that kind of family again, I'm serious. Roba would be better than going back. If my brother is anything like my father, I’d rather die.”

~~~64

The conference room was silent, only the quiet whir of cooling fans audible in the room as they processed the new bombshell Ghost- Simon had just dropped in them all. Soap’s nose was full of the scent of shock, his own sharp cordite barely standing out in the noxious mix. Alé x sneezed and broke the frozen tension of the room as everyone took a breath and glanced at each other. It made a disgusting amount of sense to Soap given all the other bullsh*t his alpha had dealt with and he chewed back the desire to ask if they had an address for the brother. Glancing over at Gaz, he received a quick nod of understanding. While they waited for the men looking for Ghost to make a move, maybe a little light surveillance might not go amiss.

Pretty much everyone in the room looked like they’d reached their limit for revelations. Simon looked like he was ready to vibrate out of his skin again as he shot his eyes around the room, never quite landing on anyone for longer than a second. The cloud of clay surrounding him made Soap swallow, his body convinced it was dehydrated. Alé x looked like he wanted to fight someone, Farah crying silently at his side. Alé and Rudy were blank faced and stoic and Price pulled his cigar out of his mouth with a sigh, spitting tobacco into the trash can from where he’d bitten clean through the thing as he listened to Simon’s upbringing. Kate was silent on the big screen, the faint sound of people in the background of the feed just above the sound of the room they were in.

Blowing out a breath, Soap reached out to Simon and slid his fingers over the back of his hand, hoping for an invitation to deepen the touch. Simon flipped his palm and Soap took the invitation gladly, stroking his fingertips gently over his wrist before lacing their fingers together and squeezing carefully. The faintest hint of pear threaded through the room and Soap blinked harshly, willing the tears to stay put. Simon finally met his gaze and Soap swallowed the keen in his throat. His eyes were dry and his gaze vacant as he met Soap’s and his inner Omega howled at the injustice.

“I think we’re done here.”

“Soap-” Kate started.

Price cut her off with a shake of his head.

“Kate, no. He’s right. That’s enough for now. Let’s take the rest of the evening to decompress and we’ll come back to this tomorrow. There’s nothing else that needs to be decided right this second. However, right now I believe there’s a fellow in my office that’s probably ready to get back home.”

Ghost glanced at Price and they locked eyes for a few seconds before his face softened and he nodded at the Captain.

“JJ?”

“That would be the one. He was a very polite guest, but we’re not really equipped for keeping him here. Are you comfortable taking him back? Alé and Rudy are going to stay a little bit longer, apparently there’s a bit of a housing shortage on base right now.”

“Yes, Sir. Thank you for taking care of him.”

Price shook his head, waiving away his thanks. “Just take him home. Take it easy tonight.”

Soap felt Simon’s hand shake in his for a second and he loosened his grip, not sure if he wanted his hand freed or if the tremor was down to something else.

“Sir, would it be possible-” Ghost stopped and looked down at where their hands were joined. “Nevermind.”

“Price crossed his arms and huffed. “None of that, son. Out with it.”

“I know everyone is busy, but would it be possible to have a movie night again sometime soon? If people are busy, that’s OK, I just thought it would be… nice.”

Soap’s chest squeezed as Simon’s voice tapered off toward the end of the sentence. He looked around the room and saw that the rest of the team were on the same page.

Price nodded, a smile pushing his mustache up. “I think a movie night sounds wonderful. Tomorrow? You can tell us all about your first day at your new job.”

“I’ll bring drinks.” Gaz chirped.

“We can get snacks and candy.” Farah said, dashing away her tears with the back of her hand, Alé x nodding along.

“We’ll make dinner.” Rudy added, glancing at Alé jandro, who smiled at his mate placidly.

“And we’ll invite König and Kim when we get home. Kate, we’ll have to do it again next time you and your wife come visit.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Kate scanned around the room one more time and then cut the feed.

Price cleared his throat and opened the conference room door. “Let’s get to it, folks.”
~~~
Ghost wanted to bawl like a baby at the way everyone was so kind and encouraging even after he trauma dumped all over them. He was still pretty twisted up about all the new information he’d been given, and it felt incredibly weird to know his name again. Simon Riley. Simon. Riley. They’d taken a few minutes after everyone else had left and Johnny had watched as Ghost pulled his pieces together before they left.

He followed Johnny silently down the hall, eyes locked on the heels of his mate’s boots, the astringent scent of cordite still weaving through his peat and juniper. He hated that he’d done that to this mate. Johnny had promised they could go home soon, and all Gh- Simon (he was Simon now) could focus on was that promise. He wanted their bed that scented of them both, and Juniper, and his mate wrapped around him.

Johnny stopped to tap on a closed office door and he pressed in close to his back, pulling in the scents of peat smoke and faded laundry detergent into his lungs, letting the familiar scent (and how odd was it to be soothed by something familiar?) drop his shoulders a bit. Price’s voice called him into the office and Simon looked around, eyes locking on the box on the corner of his desk. JJ poked his head over the edge of the box and peeped angrily at him.

“Looks like your friend is ready to get out of that box and off the base.”

“Aye, Sir. Thanks for looking after him for us.”

Price grunted, but Simon noticed Price’s eyes were suspiciously soft as Johnny picked up the box and carefully handed it back to him.

“Thank you, Sir.”

Price looked up from the box in his hands and nodded at him. “Of course. I’d do it for any of my team.”

Ghost cleared his throat, the urge to bawl hitting him anew at Price’s implication. He wasn’t one of Price’s team, not officially. Probably couldn’t be even if he’d said yes t oKate’s offer of reinstatement, but the suggestion that Price wasn’t going to let that stop him from treating Ghost as one of his own was… a lot. Simon bit his lip until he tasted copper and took a shaky breath in, nodding his understanding at the man.

Price cleared his throat again and looked down at the stack of paperwork in front of him.

“Don’t you muppets have somewhere else to be right now?”

Soap glanced between the two men and nodded before looping a finger through Ghost’s belt loop, shaking it lightly until Simon met his eyes. co*cking an eyebrow at him to check in, he waited for Ghost’s nod before he let his hand slip free. The three of them turned and left the office, JJ’s head poking up over the lip of the box as he watched their progress to the car.

~~~65
The park was calm when they pulled into one of the small parking lots that dotted the perimeter. Soap slid the car into park and glanced over to where Simon sat, hands cupped around JJ’s sleeping body. As soon as they’d left the building, he’d started cheeping and had refused to settle until Simon had lifted him bodily and cradled him in his broad palms. He’d settled shortly after, and he’d been fast asleep by the time they’d hit the guard shack, Soap passing his ID to the guard and answering his unspoken question about who the passenger with no ID was. A co*cked eyebrow and a suggestion to ask Captain Price had been enough and Soap made a mental note to text Price as soon as they were parked. The drive had been silent, Simon staring down at the little fluff ball in his hand. Soap had let it be, not quite sure what to ask, or if asking was even what his alpha needed. Hopefully, he’d share on his own.

Soap opened his door and climbed out, circling the car and pulling Ghost’s door open since his hands were full of baby duck. He carefully supported Ghost’s elbow as he climbed out of the car, and the two men set off down a path that circled to the pond where JJ and his family tended to favor.

“What if they’re not there?”

Soap glanced over at his mate and then down to JJ. “His family, you mean?”

Simon nodded and glanced at Soap, eyes a little distant.

“Well, I suppose we figure out how to take care of a duck then, or if there are any wild animal rescues that could step in. Probably a better choice, in all honesty. Never have been good with birds. My seanmháthair had chickens when I was a wee’un. Used to scare me to death.” Soap bobbled his head and stepped toward Simon, knocking into his elbow gently. “JJ’s better than that, but I’m still totally at sea for how to care for him.”

“We can’t keep him though, can we? We don’t really have anywhere to keep him. The apartment is just temporary.”

“Aye, it’s not ideal. Is that what you’d like, Ghostie? A little cottage for all your critters?”

Simon scoffed and shot Soap a cross look, but the warm waft of pear said he wasn’t as annoyed as he was pretending to be. “Critters? Is that even English?”

“Alé x says it.”

“Mmhm, well Alé x is American so he’s allowed to. It just sounds ridiculous when you say it.”

Soap scoffed back at him but smiled, enjoying the lightened mood. The closer they got to the pond, the more he seemed to pull back into himself, scent going flat, and Soap walked a little closer to Simon until they reached the water’s edge, wanting to offer his support however he was able.

The pond was still, and Soap looked around, hoping to see a ripple or a footprint in the damp dirt of the bank to give them an idea of where they might be. Soap couldn’t see anything and as he stood there watching Ghost collapse in disappointment, he heard someone approach from behind them, spinning quickly and grabbing the arm that had been reaching for him. He yanked hard to upset the man’s balance and he yelped in surprise and a bit of pain as his arm was wrenched in an awkward direction unexpectedly.

Soap had his teeth bared, dainty fangs dropped and a virulent hiss rattling out of his throat before he realized that the man who’d grabbed him was a park warden, his face vaguely familiar. Soap let him go and took a big step back, arm out to sweep Simon back with him. He might not have been an actual threat, but Soap was going to play it safe. The man gasped and pulled his stressed arm in, straightening up cautiously and watching the pair warily. He caught sight of JJ in Ghost’s hands and gave a small cry of relief, stepping forward. Soap hissed at him in warning and he froze, hands up and eyes wide.

“I’m sorry, it’s just such a relief that you’ve found Cottontail.”

The non sequitur caught Soap off guard enough that the hiss died in his throat and he blinked hard at the man.

“What?”

The man gestured at the duckling still securely cupped in Ghost’s hands.

“Cotton tail. Someone put down poison near where they like to feed and we rounded them up until it was removed. Drake got very sick, and we have the others being monitored to make sure they weren’t affected. When we couldn’t find her, we worried she’d died. It’s a relief to see she’s alright.”

“She?”

“Mhmh. Can see it in the patterns starting to develop on her wings and on her belly. The girls tend to be lighter once their fluff starts to be replaced with juvenile feathers.”

“But her family is alive?” Simon’s voice was thin, and Soap wanted badly to hug him.

“Aye. The vet says Drake didn’t get enough to kill him, and the others haven’t shown any symptoms. If I could just take Cottontail, I’ll ring round the vet and let them know she’s on her way.”

Simon stepped around Soap and carefully handed the baby off.

“Thank you, really. Dunno where she wandered off to, but she was lucky to find the pair of you. My name’s Barnard, I’m the park warden here. If you’d like, I can give you my card and contact details. We do love when the public enjoys the wildlife. Though we generally prefer people enjoy them in situ rather than borrowing them.”

“Sorry about that, truly. And I would appreciate any updates you can share. He’s- She’s… Special.”

Soap watched as Ghost and the man exchanged details. When Ghost stepped back to his side, they watched the warden start to walk off with his new charge.

“Wait! You said her name was Cottontail? And her dad is Drake. What are the rest of them called?”

Barnard chuckled and turned back to face them.

“When they first set up housekeeping, Drake and Jemima were young enough to look like a juvenile pair. We assumed they were mated and my daughter named them. Once Jemima grew in his adult plumage, we tried to rename him Jim, but it was too late. Jemima stuck. And when the babies showed up, well, I couldn’t help myself. We dubbed them Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail.”

Barnard fell silent for a second before he looked up at the pair watching him.

“Do call if you’d like any updates. It’s always nice when folks take a shine to our little slice of wilderness.”

Soap reached out and offered his hand to Ghost who took it and squeezed his fingers back gently. They watched Barnard leave with Cottontail, speaking softly to the little duckling, and Soap took a deep breath, catching flat clay again. Thinking quickly, he asked,

“What do you call a duck that steals?”

Ghost hmmed at Soap, still watching Barnard as he walked away.

“A robber duck.”

Ghost was silent for a few long seconds and Soap wondered if he’d stuffed it up. The rough laugh that tumbled from his lips had Soap’s heart fluttering happily.

“Not bad, Johnny. Not bad.”

~~~66

It was near dark by the time they made it the rest of the way home, Simon asking if he could walk back to the apartment. Soap texted Rudy to let him know and nodded. Ghost held out his hand and Soap laced his fingers through his again and they started the walk home, waving to the lady at the food truck when they passed it as she plugged in the fairy lights set up for late visitors, and waving to König the shopkeeper at the bookstore as she closed up for the evening. Seeing the bookstore, Ghost was reminded that he still needed to figure out his vision.

“Did Price ever get back to you about doctors?”

Soap frowned but looked over at him. “Are you feeling sick? Do we need to go back to the base?”

Simon shook his head. “No, I’m fine. But you said you would ask Price about eye doctors.”

Soap stares at him blankly before the conversation makes sense. “Your eyes. Yes! He gave me a couple names we can call. I got an appointment made for Thursday. I was going to tell you when you got home from König’s.”

Simon stared down at the ground and Soap watched as the tips of his ears went red. “Sorry.”

Soap made a dismissive sound and bumped his shoulder into Simon’s gently.

“Not directed at you, Ghostie. You’re allowed to go wherever you want. You aren’t in trouble.” He scoffed and glanced over at his alpha, relieved to see he’d tipped his chin up, watching where they were walking.

“Besides, no one could have known those men were so close. I’d only barely started to put any of it together after you’d already gone to hang out with König.”

Simon hmmed his understanding and Soap fell silent, enjoying the time with his alpha, and the fact that they were finally on the same page. Well, he thought ruefully, if not the same page, at least in the same chapter. He still needed to talk to Simon about what he wanted to happen with his brother. He didn’t want to make it seem like he wanted him to leave or he’d assume it was something he’d done wrong, but he also knew better than to try and keep him from building something if he wanted to. Maybe he’d text Gaz and Alé x. See about doing some recon before he floated the topic again.

If this Thomas Riley was in fact like his ‘sire’ or even slightly resembled the type of man Ghost had described, maybe he’d need to make sure he knew that Simon had friends. Friends who weren’t afraid to get their hands dirty for the people they lo- cared about. Soap nodded to himself and squeezed Simon’s hand gently.

Simon threw him a soft look and squeezed back. Glancing up, he noticed their door was just ahead, and he sped his steps, ready to get back into their apartment. Simon hadn’t taken the mask off since they’d left Soap’s barracks room, and he wanted to see him, missed watching as each and every thought showed on his face without the cloth blocking it. The key stuck in the lock and Soap pushed with his shoulder, forcing the door with a loud groan. The gun in his face should have surprised him, but it didn’t, not knowing that Alé and Rudy had come straight here to set up the surveillance.

“Sand in the hinges?”

Alé nodded and lowered the gun, nodding toward Simon who stood wide eyed behind Soap.

“What the hell was that?”

“The door’s too quiet, doesn’t give us enough time if someone comes in. A little sand and vaseline smeared in the hinges makes it a little stiffer and a lot louder. More warning. Just in case.”

“Jesus,” Ghost murmured faintly.

At the top of the stairs, Kim stood in the open door of their apartment, König looming behind them. Juniper was perched in his arms and started to squirm as soon as Simon’s head popped into view. She launched herself to the floor and trotted down the stairs until she was winding around Ghost’s feet, meowing piteously. Simon laughed, still a little faint and bent to scoop her up, letting her headbutt him and rub her chin over whatever part of his face and shoulders she could reach, vocalizing her displeasure at his abrupt departure loudly.

“Soap called last night and asked if we could look after die katze. She has been spoiled thoroughly by Hong-Jin, though he is adamant we cannot have one of our own.”

The smaller man shrugged. “I just like cats, OK?”

Simon rubbed his chin over Juniper’s forehead as he met König’s eyes. “Thank you for taking care of her.”

“Not a problem. We are happy she has finally chosen a family. I worried she would continue on as a stray. It’s nice to see her settle with you and your mate.”

“Well, thank you.”

König glanced around the landing, crowded as it was with five grown men and stepped back into the apartment. Kim followed easily, putting himself between the taller man and Soap and the rest. König’s shoulder’s lowered fractionally and Simon made a mental note to ask if they wanted to come for dinner and a movie another time.

Pushing between Soap and Alé , Ghost followed Rudy into the apartment and set Juniper down on the back of the sofa. Through the still open door, Simon heard the quiet sound of Soap and König speaking and tried to listen, not having much luck. Giving it up for a bad job, he followed Juniper into the kitchen and filled her food bowl and a water glass for himself before sitting on the floor next to her while she ate, listening as she crunched her way through the kibble before she started eating the soft food.

By the time her dish was empty and she had cleaned her paws sufficiently, Simon’s ass was half asleep and his stomach was rumbling angrily. Thinking back, he couldn't recall the last time he’d had any real food and boosted himself off the floor, grunting a little bit as blood rushed back into his legs. Rubbing at his ass and thighs, he swung open the fridge door and started poking around for something to snack on. The scent of peat preceded his Omega into the room and he stood, block of cheese in hand as he turned to face Johnny across the bar.

“Hungry?”

“Starving.”

Johnny’s face fell at the word choice and Simon gave a mental wince.

“It’s fine. Gonna snack and we can figure out dinner. And when we’re done eating, you can fill me in on whatever I missed today. I know Price and Laswell have a plan. If I’m going to be bait, I’d like to know it.”

Soap blew out a heavy breath and nodded. “Fair enough. How did you know there was more.”

Ghost looked up from the cheese he was slicing and gave his Omega an unimpressed look.

“Because that’s always how it goes. Over plan before the mission just incase sh*t hits the fan in the field.”

“Remember that from training, do you?”

Simon looked down, dragging the knife through the block. “Mhm. Some bits stuck.”

Johnny co*cked his head and Simon looked up, feeling the weight of those curious eyes on him.

“D’you really not want to get your service time back? You’ve almost enough to pull a pension.”

Simon shook his head and popped a cube of cheese in his mouth. Chewing it, he wobbled his head back and forth. Speaking around the bite, he said, “I’d rather have a kiss, truthfully.”

Johnny barked a surprised little laugh and rounded the end of the bar. “Swallow your food first, you clarty bugger.”

Ghost pressed into Soap’s body, wrapping one arm around the bottom of his ribcage and pulling him in until they were pressed together from shoulders to knees. “English, Johnny.”

“Mmh. Don’t think I will.”

Simon watched his eyes slip closed and leaned down to swipe his tongue across his lower lip. Pulling back, he watched his tongue flick out and add a layer of wet over his own, the image of his Omega sealing in his touch with his tongue lighting a fire in his belly. Dropping his hands to Johnny’s waist, he shifted and lifted, setting him on the bar. Johnny spread his knees easily and Simon pressed in, the heat of Soap’s core pressed to his lower abdomen. Ghost smiled down at the Soap’s dopey grin and slid to his knees, making sure to maintain contact the whole way down.

Simon heard Johnny’s breath hitch at the new position and leaned in, nipping his thigh through his eans, startling a jump out of his Omega.

“Nervous, Johnny?”

“Aye, a bit. Alé and Rudy are ten feet away. And I thought we were keeping this PG?”

“Both our pants are still on. Seems PG enough.”

Soap scoffed down at him. “I think our ideas of PG vary considerably.”

Simon leaned in and pressed his nose to the give of his thigh. “Perfectly happy to work out a compromise with you, Omega.”

Simon opened his mouth and set his teeth gently to the give of Soap’s femoral gland, putting just enough pressure on the tender spot to pull a surprised whine out of him. Letting go of the skin and leaning back, he looked up and met Soap’s eyes, pupils wide and eyes dark as he looked down at Ghost on his knees, a supplicant at the foot of his god.

“Too much?”

“Aye. And not enough.”

Simon pushed back to his feet and leaned in, nosing at Johnny’s throat. “Tell me.”

Licking a wide stripe up his throat from collarbone to jaw, Simon rolled the juniper and peat on his tongue, belly tightening at the bloom of pheromones filling the kitchen.
Soap sucked in a harsh breath and lowered his chin. “We can’t do this here.”

Ghost leaned in and bit gently at his jaw, mumbling into his skin. “We can. Alé jandro and Rodolpho can go out to eat. We can stay here and… Compromise.”
~~~
Johnny tipped his head back to allow Simon more room, the sensations chipping at his resolve. Simon was f*cking persuasive. His inner Omega was begging, throwing itself at the inside of his ribcage, hammering for him to quit clinging to his prudish sensibilities and take what Ghost offered, the chance to glut himself on the want of his mate while the bond persisted in the hopes of banking enough memories to sustain him after Simon moved on.

A sharp bite snapped him out of his musing and he sucked in a breath, catching a hint of cordite. sh*t. Ghost had pulled back, eyes searching.

“Alright? If it’s too much, just say. I’ll stop.”

Soap met his gaze levelly before he shook his head and slid off the counter.

“We should stop.” Ghost nodded and took a step back. Johnny matched his movement, keeping them pressed together.

“But that’s the thing. I don’t really want to. If you’re sure this is something you want, and not just something you think I want… Then I think we should take this to the bedroom so we don’t scar our friends.”
~~~67

Simon wanted to beat his chest at the sight of his Omega, eyes bright and cheeks flushed, pushing enough warm peat smell into the kitchen the Ghost wanted to bite at it. Swallowing the scent of his mate down, he pressed into his chest, bullying him back and turning toward the hallway. Ducking down, he bit a kiss into Johnny’s mouth, working their mouths together as they moved down the hallway, clumsy and half blind in the dark of the windowless hallway. They stopped when Johnny’s back collided with the closed door and Simon listened to him fumble with the doorknob while he pressed a line of kisses down his throat, biting at his collarbone, pulling a moan out of his Omega that only ratched his belly tighter.

The door gave and Johnny fell backwards, Simon wrapping an arm around his low back and the other hand around the back of his head to cushion the fall. Catching the bulk of his weight on his elbows and wincing at the sting of impact, he took a second to take stock and scan Johnny’s face, hoping he hadn’t been hurt.

“You solid?”

Johnny mewled at the bass rumble of his voice and ground his hips up, pressing his hard length into Ghost’s lower belly, feet planted on either side of Simon’s hips. Rumbling low in his chest, he pressed a quick kiss into Johnny’s mouth, swiping his tongue over the seam of his lips. When he pulled back, Johnny followed, chasing his lips, and nodded before answering breathlessly.

“So solid. Bleeding Christ, Ghost. Take your clothes off.”

Simon swallowed at the heat in his voice and pushed off him, extending a hand to pull him up.

“What happened to not traumatizing our friends?”

“f*ck our friends.”

Ghost pulled Johnny into his chest until they were pressed together, mouthing wetly at Johnny’s bonding gland, scraping the bare edge of his fangs until he keened, the scent of juniper blooming between them.

“Would rather f*ck you.”
~~~
Soap’s stomach pinched hotly at Ghost’s rumble and his hands flew to the bottom of his shirt, wrenching it up and over his head, flinging it away from himself. Ghost leaning forward to help, sliding his big warm hands into the back of his jeans, cupping his ass and squeezing. Pushing his hands down between them and popping the button, Soap pushed his jeans down, sweeping his boxers down with it, wiggling to drop the pants to the ground at his feet. Ghost stepped back and went to his knees, fumbling with his laces and wrenching the boots off, leaving him bared to Simon’s gaze.

“Beautiful.”

Soap’s cheeks heated and he fought the urge to preen. Ghost co*cked an eyebrow at him and waited for Soap to tell him what he wanted next. The air between them was charged with everything that hadn’t been said and Simon was having a harder and harder time not just blurting it out, risk of shutting this down be damned. He opened his mouth, ready to risk it all when Johnny grabbed his hands and pulled him back to his feet. He was breathing hard, worrying his lower lip between his teeth, and the urge to leave a mark was just too much for Simon. Dukin down until their faces were aligned, he pressed a kiss to Soap’s mouth and dragged his tongue across the battered skin until he released it with a gasp, Simon sucking the swollen flesh harshly, the mewl he ripped from his Omega’s throat feeling like the best kind of prize.

Soap undulated against Ghost’s still clothed body and popped the button on Ghost’s waistband, returning the earlier favor and running his hand down the slight curve of his hips to his ass, grabbing at his hips and pulling the alpha in, tipping his head back in a silent demand for more kisses. Ghost rumbled happily and complied, peppering small kisses all over his upturned face until he whined and snapped his teeth, making Ghost laugh in startlement.

“Jesus, Johnny. Gonna bite me?”

Johnny ran his tongue up the curve of Ghost’s neck, laving over his earlobe.

“Mhmm. Just a taste?”

Ghost snorted and kissed the smile on his lips, curious if his Omega’s happiness had a taste, if it tasted like gin and joy the way the room scented of them both.

Soap’s hands slid under the hem of his shirt whole they kissed, and Ghost let him push the fabric up until it was bunched under his arms, breaking the kiss just long enough to pull it over his head and toss it aside. Taking a second to catch his breath, he looked down to see that Johnny was eyeing his chest, fingers flexing at his side.

“Well, c’mon, Omega. Touch me.”
~~~
Soap slid his palms up the bare skin of Simon’s torso, watching in delight as goose pimples followed in the wake of his touch. Applying pressure to his chest, he pushed him back toward the bed, catching the way his alpha’s scent went warm at the contact. The back of his knees hit the side of the mattress and Soap gave him a gentle push, watching as he let himself flop back onto the mattress, arms akimbo and eyes hot, jeans open and revealing the waistband of his boxers. Soap bent and grabbed the hems of his pants, tugging his jeans and boxers down, Simon sliding across the sheets, laughing at the look of concentration Soap could feel on his own face. Once his alpha was nude, co*ck lying hard and heavy against his lower belly, Soap climbed into his lap, straddling his hips and slotting their co*cks together, pulling a low groan from both their throats. Ghost’s hands camu up to wrap around his hips, thumbs sweeping delicately over the curve f his hipbones, sliding along his adonis belt and toward his happy trail. Soap let the purr in his throat rumble quietly, not wanting to overwhelm him, and Simon took a heavy breath before pressing up onto his elbows and kissing him, turning the sound into nothing more than vibration in their chests. Soap’s hips set up a rhythm, and between the pre both were leaking, and the way he was turned on enough to slick, the slide was wet and easy, setting his nerves alight.

Breaking the kiss to breathe, Soap stared down at Simon’s face, eyes heavy in pleasure, cheeks flushed and breathing heavy. Undulating his hips, Soap slid forward enough to catch the head of Simon’s co*ck on his rim and shuddered at the bright zip of sensation. Simon’s fingers dug into his hips at the pressure and Soap went for it again, letting the tease of penetration push them both higher. Finally, he pressed back at just the right angle, letting the head of his co*ck slip in, shaking at the way everything felt just a little bit more. The pressure, the sensation, the emotions ricocheting between them in the bond. Everything turned up to eleven until he wasn’t sure if he needed to drop himself harder or pull away from it, lost in the motion.

He blinked his eyes open, not sure when they’d slipped closed and leaned forward, pressing a kiss to Simon’s slack mouth until he returned the pressure, lips meeting and parting as they shared their breath.

Soap broke the kiss and pressed his forehead to Ghost’s, hips moving in an endless wave, both climbing closer and closer to their ends, ready to come and also not ready for this to end. Ghost grunted quietly with each downward roll of his hips, and he could feel the pressure build as Ghost’s knot started to swell, catching on his rim, not enough to catch but more than enough to tease. Soap’s mouth felt dry with how heavy his breathing had gone and he slowed, turning each descent into a slow caress, dragging Ghost’s co*ck over his insides, the friction just enough to have him clenching around his partner tightly.

Soap shifted his knee and lowered himself, gasping loudly when the pressure lined up perfectly and Ghost snapped, digging his fingers into his hips hard enough he hoped it left bruises and pulled, bullying his knot into Soap’s body, the pressure and burn riding the fine edge of too much before sliding home, melowing the burn into warmth that makes his vision flare white at the edges. Ghost dragged him through a couple more shallow thrusts before he came, core locking and face tense as he pushed himself as deep as he could get and froze, the warmth of his come filling Soap until he followed, slumping forward to press his forehead to Simon’s shoulder, breath hitching as aftershocks rippled through him, the last following a little later and shocking a squeak out of his throat.

Slumping carefully, trying to avoid tugging, Soap listened the the thump of Simon’s heart, catching his breath and waiting for his own heart rate to stabilize. Soap breathed out a deep sigh of relaxation, letting himself melt onto the alpha under him, finally able to let himself rest while they waited for the lock to die down.

His eyes were shut, mind on the edge of unconsciousness, when he felt Ghost press a kiss into his forehead, the low grumble of his voice pulling him back to alertness.

“Must be the luckiest alpha in the world, gettin’ to see you like this.”

The deep breath that followed was enough to lift Soap where he lay sprawled across Ghost’s chest, limbs tired and tingly, hormones flying through his bloodstream, the scent of contented alpha blending with satiated Omega until the room smelled enough like them that Soap could practically taste it, baked pear and bright juniper thick in the air. Soap wanted to answer, wanted to push himself up and return the sentiment, but his eyes were heavy in post org*sm exhaustion and he made a mental note to thank him as soon as he woke up.

~~~68

Simon was shaking as he stood in front of the circulation desk with König, waiting for the librarian to come back with the paperwork he needed to complete.

“Alright, Simon?”

Ghost startled at König’s word and he bit back the rumble in his throat, coughing lightly to cover the small noise that leaked out.

“Fine. Just ready to get started.”

“Nervous?”

Ghost shook his head before he nodded, slowly, not wanting to lie to his friend.

“Never had a job. Served, and that was it. Never been paid from doing something like this.”

“I understand. Going from being an asset to being an individual is an adjustment. But she won’t push you too far too fast. She will give you time to dunk your feet.”

“You mean dip my toes?”

“It’s the same thing, isn’t it?”

Ghost wobbled his head a little bit and shrugged. “Close enough, I suppose.”

König nodded, veil flapping at the movement. “Ser gut. You should tell Hong-Jin that. He still argues.”

Ghost chewed his lip nervously and shook his head. König was kidding, of course he was. He loved Hong-jin and Hong- Jin loved him. König wouldn’t push his alpha for arguing. It was his own head being rude to him. Looking back up, he met Ghost’s gaze and raised an eyebrow.

Ghost shook his head, smiling faintly. “Sorry, just got in my own head for a bit. Thought Kim might get in trouble with you.”

König laughed, shaking his head fondly, eyes distant as he thought of his mate.

“It is fine. I would not want him to be anything but what he is. It’s why we fell in love, after all.”

Ghost shrugged and glanced away, digging his toe into the carpet under his feet.

“I knew that, guess I just forget sometimes. Might be from all the punches to the face I took.”

“Hmm. I think perhaps you are smarter than you give yourself credit for, Ghost. You have just been unfortunate with the people around you. And that is not your fault. Just remember that your brain can be very mean but that does not mean it is correct. Sometimes when I have a very bad day, it helps to ask myself if what my mind is telling me sounds like something I could imagine Hong-Jin saying to me. If not, I know it is just my own mind making up mean things and I am able to put it aside. It may not work for you, but maybe, ja?”

Ghost looked up at König and nodded. “Maybe. Thank you.”

“Of course. What are friends for?”

Ghost saw the librarian walk out of the back office with a stack of papers in hand, small smile on her face as she approached.

“I suppose I’m learning that now, yeah?”
~~~
Ghost was exhausted by the time he made it to the door of their apartment. His day had been good, but his feet hurt, his back ached from being hunched over to talk to the kids, he had a smear of something sticky on one leg, and a smudge of what he hoped was paint on his mask. Johnny had handed him the mask that morning along with a lunch bag, some cash, and his cellphone. Ghost and Soap chatted when he had down time, a few quick texts when something worth noting happened. They weren’t anything dramatic, but it felt good to be able to share his day with his mate, more than just ‘Juniper caught a moth and I had to take it from her’ or ‘can you pick up laundry soap on your way home?’

The stairwell scented like everyone was already upstairs, and he could smell the scent of meat and chiles underneath, mouth watering at the nostalgic aroma. It was one of the only positive memories he had of his time in Mexico, the food so dissimilar to anything he’d eaten since returning to the land of his birth. He couldn’t wait to see what Alejandro and Rodolpho had cooked for dinner. He unlocked the apatemnt door and kicked off his boots, careful not to hit Juniper who was already twining around his ankles, voicing her displeasure at his absence.

“Hullo, girl. Sorry I had to go to work and leave you behind today.”

Stooping down to scoop her up, he let her greet him, tongue rasping across the bridge of his nose and one eyebrow before she set to work grooming the tuft of curls that had fallen out of the beanie the librarian (call me Hannah) had handed him at the end of his shift. Movement from the kitchen drew his attention and he looked up to see Price lean out the doorway, stub of a cigar clamped between his teeth.

“Simon! How was your first day, lad?”

Simon felt his cheeks warm at the obvious interest in his voice and he ducked his head, messing up the curl Juniper had been working on and staring at his socked feet to buy himself a few seconds to swallow the lump in his throat. The interest of the various members of the 141 were starting to feel normal, but it was still strange to be subject to the paternal affection of the Captain, especially since he was only a few years older than Simon himself. He wondered absently if it was how it felt when parents took an interest in their children’s school days, listeneing to the rambling over a snack. Ghost didn’t know from experience, but if it was anything like this, he was sad he’d missed out on it when he was younger. Clearing his throat he looked up and met Price’s solemn gaze, dipping his chin and unhooking his mask with the hand still holding his lunch bag, letting it dangle from one ear as he answered.

“Good. It was good. I liked the quiet. And the kids weren’t scared of me. That was nice.”

“Sounds like it. You’ll have to tell us the rest after you grab your plate. Alejandro and Rodolpho are plating up dinner now, so you’ll get first dibs.”

Price reached out and took the lunchbag from him, ushering him into the kitchen and pushing him gently in the direction of the source of the delicious smell in the kitchen. Alé glanced over as he walked into the room and waved, spoon still in hand.

“Ah, Simon! Welcome home. There is Mole Negro and refried beans, and you can chose from arroz rojo or cilantro lime rice.” Alé shuddered as he pointed to the green speckled pot and Ghost smiled at the reaction.

“I don’t think I’ve had that before.”

“No mames, I should hope not. Rudy tried it when he was in America and enjoyed it. Now he makes it constantly. Es asqueroso.”

Rudy came through the kitchen door just as Alé grumbled the last sentiment under his breath and the Omega laughed lightly, the scent of copal perfuming the air, dropping Ghost’s shoulders from where they’d started to creep up.

“You’re just one of those poor bastards that got the soapy cilantro gene. It’s jealousy,” He stage whispered to Ghost, picking up a plate and adding bits of everything, glancing at Simon to see if he approved before finishing the plate with a scoop of the rice in question. Taking the plate with a quick bob of his head, he walked out of the kitchen, the quiet Spanish at his back a strangely soothing sound. He carried the plate into the living room and saw that Soap was already eating, looking up happily as Ghost approached, folding himself to sit at the side of the coffee table and digging in. The chicken was perfect, fork tender and spiced perfectly. He thrummed happily as he swallowed, plowing through the plate until it was empty, scraping up the last of the sauce with a happy hum. As he finished, a hand pushed into his line of sight and he flinched, catching himself quickly, but not quickly enough to keep Johnny from noticing.

“Alright, Ghostie?”

“Yeah, just startled me.”

Farah chirped behind his shoulder and he glanced back at her. “Alex and I are on dish duty. Are you finished?”

Ghost considered his empty plate, fork still in hand. “I think I’m going to get seconds, if that’s OK.”

Rudy nodded, gesturing toward the kitchen. “Please do.” Simon pushed himself up off the floor and walked ack to the kitchen. He scooped up more chicken and another spoonful of beans, but swapped the cilantro rice for arroz rojo, the slightly sweet dish almost exactly like what he’d gotten when he ordered from the local restaurants near his apartment.

When he returned to the living room, everyone was finished or finishing their food and Simon knelt to sit by Johnny, his Omega shifting on the cushion until his legs were on either side of his body, and he slumped against the warmth of him. Alex stood and pressed a kiss to Farah’s knuckles, walking into the kitchen, the sound of running water following his disappearance. Price was talking quietly with Rudy, pointing at something on his plate, and Alé and Farah were involved in some sort of intense staring game. Swallowing another bite of rice, Simon pulled in a deep breath, letting the ache in the bottom of his lungs at the stretch linger for a few seconds before breathing out.

A quiet knock at the door sounded, and Johnny patted his shoulder, swinging his leg up over his head and standing, checking the small monitor he hadn’t noticed before.

“Looks like König and Kim are here, and he brought dessert.”

Price cleared his throat and Ghost watched his hand reappear from where he’d tucked it behind his back. “Well let them in, Soap. It’s rude to leave guests waiting.”

“Aye, Sir.”

Johnny unlocked the door and pulled it open, letting König enter and directing him to the living room, the plate in his hands stacked high with small squares of layered pastry.

“Hong-Jin’s sister sent Yakgwa for the staff of Juniper. She said she enjoyed meeting her last time we visited.”

Johnny co*cked his head and stared off into the middle distance. “When did she meet her?”

König set the platter down on the coffee table and dusted his hands before tucking his hands away.

“The weekend we spent visiting. When you were synced,” Kim’s no nonsense voice answered.

Ghost choked on a piece of rice, slightly surprised to hear that, thought it made sense considering he’d had to go pick her up after they’d made it through. Johnny’s scent went warm and Simon tipped his head back to see that he had a faint band of pink splashed across his cheekbones.

“Ah, well. That’s nice of her. Tell her thanks next time you see her, yeah?”

“I will share your appreciation.”

Soap cleared his throat and nodded toward the kitchen. “There’s plenty of food if you’re hungry.”

“Ah, no thank you. We ate before we came. I don’t handle spice well.”

Farah nodded at König, rubbing her hand over the swell of her belly. “I was the same at the beginning of my pregnancy. Hopefully it passes quickly for you.”

Kim’s eyes went wide at her statement and he whipped around to look at König. “Are you-”

König was already waving his hands in negation. “Nein, nein, it is not that. I am definitely not with child. I would have told you as soon as I found out, Hong-Jin. I know how much we-”

König cut himself off with a sharp shake of his head, meeting Simon’s eyes and co*cking an eyebrow.

“But that is not why we’re here. Have you told them how your day went?”

~~~69
Soap watched Simon freeze as everyone turned to look at him. Leaning forward, he set his chin on the top of his head and bonked him once, pushing calm into his scent as best he could. It didn’t completely relieve the tension he could feel in Simon’s frame, but it did help a little, and Soap chirped at his mate in appreciation. He stroked the bond gently, accepting the return caress with a small thrill. Simon pulled in a deep breath and tipped his head to the side, asking a question with his eyes. Soap squeezed his shoulder gently and pressed a kiss to the thin skin of his temple.

“Well, go on then. How was your first day.”

“The kids weren’t scared of me.”

“I heard you tell Price. What did you do today?”

Ghost ran a hand down his thigh, skirting around the sticky spot with a small fond smile.

“Hannah had story time and craft corner today, and they always need extra grownups to help wrangle, so I got put to work with that. The kids made Beautiful Oops! art after Hannah introduced the book and read it.”

“What’s that?” Alex asked, head tilted curiously.

“Kid’s book abut turning accidents into art. Ripped pages as animal mouths, paint spills inot pictures, that kind of thing.”

Price nodded, settled back in his chair, arms folded across his belly. Gaz perched in the back of his chair, was typing into his phone, not even looking up when he asked if Ghost could remember the author’s name.

“Saltzburg. Don’t remember the first name.”

Gaz waved him off, turning the phone to reveal a picture of the cover. Ghost nodded.

“That’s it.”

Soap frowned, watching the interaction. “What are you up to Kyle?”

Gaz shot him a cheeky grin and answered, “Don’t you mind about it, yeah?”

Price sighed deeply, glancing between the two of them. “You’re highly trained assets of the British Crown and I’ll thank you to remember that.”

“Aye, Sir.”

“Got it, Captain”

Price harumphed but let it go, looking back to Ghost to keep talking. “What did you do with the rest of the day?”

“König helped me learn how to check books in and I reshelved a bunch. Gonna have to remember the system. Never really though t about how libraries were organized before, but there’s a lot that goes into it.”

“That’d be the Dewey decimal system?”

Ghost looked over to Farah, who was reclined back on her end of the sofa, socked feet propped up over the back of the couch. Soap thought the position looked like hell for her back, but she seemed content enough, so he shrugged and let it go.

“Yeah. I kinda remember it from school, but it’s a lot harder to read the labels now, so it took me most of the afternoon to shelve what I did. Hannah was nice enough about it, but I wish I’d been able to do more.”

Soap ran his hand down the back of Ghost’s neck and hummed.

“Your appointment with the ophthalmologist is day after next, so hopefully, they can help.”

“And there is always braille, mein freund. You’re a quick study with languages, so I‘m sure we could figure it out. The library has been trying to be more accessible for years, we just haven’t had the staff.”

“I suppose.”

Farah rolled over and poked Ghost’s hed gently with a socked toe making Ghost duck his head away and grab for her foot, chuffing at her.

“Tell me about the rest of your day. And Why you had red paint splattered over your mask.”

“The art project was messy. One of the boys poured a puddle of paint and smacked it. We had smocks to protect our clothing, but my mask took a bit of damage. I just hope it washes out. Hanna said it should, but I guess I should probably soak it.”

“Got it soaking in the sink already, my guy. It’s pretty faded already. Should be fine.”

“And if not, I’ll buy you more, Ghostie. As many as you want.”

Ghost rolled his head back and smiled up at Soap, small smile perched on his mouth. Grabbing for his hand, Simon pressed a gentle kiss to the back of his hand, chest swelling as his Omega’s face went rosy and pleased at the contact. Lifting his head to scan around the room, he cleared his throat and asked, “What are we watching tonight?”
~~~
The credits were rolling, synth music playing quietly and Ghost shifted under Soap’s sleepy weight, lifting his Omega and carefully slipping out from under him to help Price gather up the remnants of their snacks and drinks. The platter of sweets that König and Kim brought had been decimated, nothing more than crumbs and a few smears of sweetness left behind. Gaz was fast asleep in the armchair he and PRice had been sharing, Alex and Farah and Soap puppy piled on the couch. König and Kim had headed out near the middle of the movie, König finally unable to suppress his yawns any more, his normal 5 am wake up catching up with him. Ale and Rudy had headed to bed after Price waved them off as the credits started to roll, a thanks for dinner falling from his lips.

The two men cleared up quietly and Ghost watched as Price dried the last few glasses, setting them in the cupboard and turning, catching Ghost’s eye. He leaned back against the counter and set the towel aside, crossing his arms over his chest and considering the alpha standing across from him.

“I’m proud of you, you know.”

Ghost blinked at him, not quite sure how to respond. Did he say thank you? Try to deflect? Was a simple nod enough acknowledgement? Worrying his lip, he stared at the tile under his feet, wiggling his toes in the skeleton socks Johnny had found somewhere and gifted him.

“I know you’re probably not sure if I’m serious or not, but you’ve come a long damned way from the hurt, angry, suspicious alpha we met in Mexico. It’s been nice watching you and Soap get closer. He’s a good kid, but he’s been hurt.”

Ghost’s shoulders hunched, waiting for the threat he knew was coming, muscles tightening when he heard Price take a step closer.

“Son, this isn’t a shovel talk. I care about you too. But I did want to warn you. Soap’s been hurt, and he isn’t great at getting out of his own way. Just make sure you’re taking care of yourself too. You’re a part of the 141 as much as the rest of us. Even if you are the only one smart enough to get out of the slog.”

Price chuckled warmly and Simon looked up, eyeing him carefully. PRice stretched his hand out slowly, telegraphing his movements. Simon stood, frozen as Price cupped the side of his neck, squeezing him gently.

“You’re a good kid who got a sh*t deal. Thank you for letting us in.”

Ghost grunted, not sure how to answer. Price grunted back and pulled Simon in, squeezing him gently in a hug.

“You’re a good kid, Simon.”

Simon let his eyes slip shut and relaxed into the hug, pressing his nose into the unforgiving press of Price’s shoulder, pretending to himself that the burning in his nose was from the pressure and not from his attempts not to cry.

~~~70

Time passed, as it does. The ophthalmologist was able to stabilize Simon’s vision, providing lenses to compensate for the nerve damage that affected his eye and for the way his other eye had to work so hard to compensate. He was also very upfront about the fact that his vision would likely continue to deteriorate over time. Decades if they were lucky, years if they weren’t. Unfortunately, for all the advances in ophthalmological sciences, nerve damage was still beyond their ability to cure. They’d gone with simple black and silver frames that Johnny had said were dashing, and Ghost had preened at his Omega’s praise, letting the technician set them aside for lenses and later fitting.

The fitting had gone less well, the lenses making his vision swim and wobble as his eyes fought to get used to the change and he’d been left with a sick stomach and an aching head, the doctor promising the side effects would diminish as he got used to them. After the third day of bitter headaches, Soap came home to find Simon stretched out on their bed, glasses thrown aside and a wet rag over his face. Juniper was perched on his chest, purring loudly in the otherwise silent room. Soap softened his steps and approached the bed, settling delicately on the mattress and running a finger over the inside of Ghost’s wrist carefully.

“Feeling a little tender headed, Ghostie? You’ve been sending pain down the bond all day.”

“Sorry.”

“Aht, no need to apologize, I was just worried about you.”

Without moving the rag, and hardly moving his mouth, Ghost whispered, “I thought glasses were supposed to help.”

Soap mirrored his volume and whispered back.

“Is it bad?”

“I threw up at work today. Hannah sent me home.”

“I’m so sorry. That sounds miserable.”

Ghost lowered the rag from one eye and shot him a look. “It was. I threw up while König was teaching me to wrap the dust jackets in plastic. Pretty sure I ruined three brand new books. And König’s favorite sweater.”

“Oh, Ghostie. I’ll replace the books, and pay for his dry cleaning. I’m sorry this is so uncomfortable for you.”

“You swear he said it would get better?”

“Aye. Pinky swear. Give it a few more days and if it's still making you sick, we’ll go see the doctor again.”

“OK. Can you rub my forehead? My mom used to do that when I was sick. I… miss it.”

His cheeks were flushed in what Soap assumed was embarrassment, and his heart lurched at the clay scent choking the room.

“Of course I will. Thank you for asking.”

“And can I have something to drink? My throat still hurts from throwing up earlier.”

Soap leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to Simon’s forehead, the way he remembered his own mother doing when he was feeling ill.

“Yeah. Do you need more medicine for your headache?”

Simon hummed and nodded slowly. “Yeah, that would be nice. I didn’t know where they were, so I haven’t taken any since I got home and the pills Hannah gave me before I left work have worn off.”

“Alright then. I’ll go get you a glass of water and a couple of paracetamol.”

“Thank you.”

Soap got off the edge of the mattress and collected the requested items as well as a fresh cloth for his eyes before returning to the bedroom. He helped Simon sit up and rubbed his shoulders while he took the medicine and sipped from the glass. Carefully, he slid into the space behind Ghost and wiggled down until he was seated against the headboard and pulled him back until they were pressed together, the back of Ghost’s head pressed to the slight dip between Soap’s pecs. Carefully taking the mostly empty glass from his hand, he set it aside and ran his fingers carefully over Simon’s forehead.

“Like this?”

Simon sighed and wiggled, pressing his head more firmly into Soap’s chest as the faintest hint of pear started to replace the clay as Ghost finally started to relax, the combination of his mate’s presence, the opened bond, and the placebo effect of the medication he’d taken chasing away the bulk of his migraine.

“Exactly like that. My mum always did that when I was sick. Dunno how much it actually helped, but it always made me feel less alone. Used to try and do it for myself when I was with Roba, but it didn’t work quite as well.”

Soap’s heart pinched at the wry tone of his voice and he pulled back on his reaction, hoping it didn’t filter down the bond before he’d caught the instinctive reaction. Ghost didn’t react, and the bond stayed calm, so Soap let himself breath out, relieved to have caught it in time.

“Not alone anymore, Si.”

“I like that.”

“Hmm?”

“When you call me Si. I like the sound of it.”

“Better than Ghostie?”

“Not better. Like them both.”

“Well, I lo- like it when you call me Johnny. You’re the only one who can, you know. Never liked hearing it until you said it.”

“It suits you.”

Simon’s voice was fading as he started to doze, the exhaustion of his headache finally catching up with him. Soap hummed and dragged his fingertips over the warm skin of Ghost’s forehead, slow and repetitive, timing the strokes with his breathing until the bond went static-y as Ghost slipped fully into sleep. Soap dragged his fingers over Simon’s forehead one final time and dropped his hand to the mattress with a quiet groan. Shifting, he tried to slip out from under his alpha, freezing when he shifted and grumbled, monitoring the bond to see if he’d pulled him out of sleep. There was no sign of waking there, though, and Soap sighed in relief, knowing that sleep was probably the best thing for him right now. Glancing over at the end table, he realized that he’d left his phone in the kitchen while gathering up the water and medicine and he blew out a mildly aggrieved breath at the realization. Looking down at the sleeping alpha in his lap, he sighed and managed to snag one of the dusty paperbacks from the nightstand. It was a cheesy romance, but it was better than staring at the cracked plaster ceiling for however long Ghost decided to nap. Maneuvering the book into one hand, he thumbed through the first few pages and started reading the tale of Belinda Scott, an impoverished beta gentlewoman, and the rough around the edges Grand Duke Sebastian, an alpha with a fortune in search of a mate.

(Spoiler: Soap may have cried when Sebastian finally admitted his feelings for Belinda and she accepted his offer of mariage, but he’d never admit that fact to anyone, even under torture.)

It took a few more weeks for Simon to adjust to the glasses, but as the nausea eased and faded, he marveled at how much easier the world was to navigate without having to lean so heavily on familiar spaces and scents. It even occurred to him that he was much more comfortable visiting unfamiliar places since he wasn’t trapped by the vague and blurry sight of his surroundings, not hampered by not being able to tell what he was looking at. It made him feel more confident, like a better alpha for such a strong Omega like the one he’d been lucky enough to be bonded to. Ghost had hated the frames originally, hated being limited by his injury, but when he’d gone a few weeks without any real headaches he was grateful that Soap was so encouraging while he adjusted, and that he was now able to see clearly again and even to read as long as the books were large print. Hannah had set him and König to searching for large print copies of their most popular titles.
~~~
Soap and the rest of the 141 took turns partnering up with Simon, making sure he wasn’t left completely alone unless he was safely in the apartment and Soap was on his way home as well. They’d been pouring through any and all CCTV footage of the day of his near abduction, but had so far had no luck narrowing down possible subjects. Farah was running down a few leads that seemed promising, but it had been nearly a month since the men had gone after Ghost, and so far they hadn’t seen sight or sniff of the scent Ghost had described the men having, the choking bitterness at the back of his throat. While Soap was glad that they seemed to have realized Ghost was a bad target, he couldn’t help the anxiety that bubbled in the pit of his stomach as time passed and nothing happened.

~~~71

Soap was also splitting time on his side project, taking turns with Gaz and Farah to watch Tommy and his wife. They seemed nice, if a little boring, but he wasn’t going to risk Simon’s safety on “seemed”. Soap had even managed to “accidentally” run into him at a coffee shop. Tommy had been standing by the pick up counter, rocking slowly as he waited for the barista to set his drink out. Soap had commented on how he and his mate had just moved into town recently and Tommy had been more than happy to pick up the conversation, offering local hot spots like good places to shop, the best places for coffee and even a few events coming up soon. Soap hadn’t expected to like the man as much as he had, and although he was happy that Simon had family, and family that appeared to be good people, he was almost a little disappointed that the possibility of him leaving got just a hair stronger.

Soap was lost in thought as he sat on a park bench when Gaz bumped their shoulders together and nodded to their left.

“Ghost adjacent at your 10 o’clock. Did you know they had a kid?”

Soap blinked and glanced where Gaz indicated. Tommy was coming up the path with a red headed woman, his mate if Soap remembered correctly, and a little boy. The boy had sandy hair and his dam’s nose. A nose that looked remarkably similar to Simon’s. The vision of what their children might look like came back, and he blinked at the purr that built in his chest.

“Jesus, Tav. He looks like a tiny Ghost.”

“Mmh.”

Tommy looked up and saw Soap watching him, waving in greeting.

“Hello, John. Enjoying the day with your mate?”

“Ah, no. This is my friend. My mate’s at work right now.”

Tommy offered a nod in Gaz’ direction and then turned to the woman with him, slipping his hand into hers.

“Well, this is my alpha, Elizabeth.”

The woman dipped her head and nodded to both. “Beth. Nice to meet you.”

Soap scanned over the woman quickly looking for any signs of maltreatment; faded bruises, stiffened body language, anything at all. When he found nothing, he breathed a silent sigh of relief. While it wasn’t an absolute surety that the man wasn’t following in his father’s footsteps, it was at least something. Beth certainly didn’t present as an ill cared for alpha.

“Our son is around here somewhere. Probably making a bee line for the pond. The warden said the little family of ducks is finally home after being away for a while. Joseph loves to visit them. Have you been yet?”

Soap elbowed Gaz when he started to speak. “No, we just found the park last week.”

The child in question came pelting up the path, arms windmilling in a futile attempt to slow down. He skidded across the damp pavement and collided with Soap, a squeak escaping him on impact.

“Sorry, mister. Mum! They’re home. The babies are almost big. They aren’t even yellow anymore. C’mon!”

He was clearly excited about it and Soap took a minute to reflect on how well he thought Simon would like Joseph. The boy grabbed his dam’s wrist and started to pull him away before Tommy took a step back, bracing himself.

“Whoa, bud. Remember, we talked about this. You can’t drag me like that right now.”

Joseph heaved a petulant little sigh but quit yanking on his wrist.

“I know. Cause the baby. But what if they leave again?”

Beth laughed lightly and set her hand on Joseph’s back and looked at Tommy in question. He gave her a soft smile and nodded at her.

“Go on then. The ducks are waiting. I’ll catch up.”

The two set off down the path and Soap caught the beginning of their conversation as they walked away.

“Even if they leave for a while, they’ll be back. This park is their home. And you always find your way back to your home.”

“Like uncle Simon?”

“Yeah, like uncle Simon.”

“Is he nice?”

“Well, he’s your dad’s brother. I imagine he would be. But we’ve never met. He was off exploring the world before your da and I met.”

“And he’s coming home soon?”

Whatever Beth said was lost to the park noise and the wind. Tommy cleared his throat and Soap looked up, noticing the man’s look of concern.

“Are you alright? You’re very pale, and you smell… Sharp.”

It was clear that he was uncomfortable commenting on it, but Soap took it in the spirit he thought Tommy meant it, waving off his concern.

“Aye. Congratulations. Is that why your brother is coming home?”

“No. He doesn’t even know he’s an uncle. My sire was a bastard, and when my mum realized she was pregnant, she knew she didn’t want me growing up around that kind of man. She ran the day I was born and never looked back. She promised once I was an adult that she’d help me find him, but he was gone. Killed in service apparently.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Oh he’s not dead, I actually just found out. But I don’t think he has any interest in letting me in. The woman who called me was pretty clear that he gets to decide how much contact we have. It’s been just over a month at this point, and he’s not reached out. So I can’t help but worry. The woman mentioned he was mated to a good Omega. I’m glad he has that. He deserves to be happy, especially since he had to put up with our father for all those years.”

Tommy laughed but it wasn’t a happy sound.

“Look at me, just dumping all of this at your feet. You don’t need to hear this.”

“No, but it seems like you need to say it.”

“Mmh, you might be onto something there.”

Tommy hummed, stroking over the top of the slight curvature of his belly. “I was planning to name this little one in his honor. Simon or Simone, depending. Wanted to honor the big brother I never got to meet. And I tried to tell Joseph everything I could remember about the stories hisDamshared with myDamabout him. She missed him terribly, but it wasn’t an option to try and take him too. She’d have been declared feral for sure. And mum couldn’t take him, she wasn’t related at all. Not by blood anyway. His mum was planning to go back to him after he turned 18, apologize for leaving him. Try and rebuild, but he was gone by his birthday. She never saw him again.”

Soap could feel his jaw hanging and he snapped his mouth shut.

“She was alive when he was 18?”

Tommy’s gaze was distant, lost to the past. “Yeah. She passed when Joe was… 3? 4? All those years of smoking caught up with her. She quit when he was born, but I guess it was too late. She refused treatment. Wanted to see her firstborn again.”

Tommy seemed to snap himself out of his memory and waved his hands in front of himself as if he was sweeping away smoke.

“Ah, listen to me going on. Sorry for that, something about these damned hormones makes me chatty. Beth despairs of our public outings. Says I’m as bad as Joe, always nattering away.” Tommy laughed lightly.

“He apparently met a man with a duck on the bus a while back, but Beth didn’t see anyone with a duck, so who knows where he got that story from. Quite the imagination, my oldest. Anyway, don’t let me interrupt your day any longer. It was good to see you, John. And to meet you, Kyle.”

With that, Tommy offered a smile and a small wave and set down the path in the direction his family had gone.

“Tav…”

“Aye.”

“Well, what now?”

“I don’t f*cking know.”

~~~72

Soap was still stewing on what to tell Simon the next day, slumped over the conference room table, a pile of documents spread across the surface and eyes distant and unfocused as he contemplated his options. Farah pushed into the room, fistful of papers raised triumphantly.

“We’ve got them.”

Soap turned in his chair and looked at her. “Got who?”

Farah grinned, sharp and borderline unsettling. “The ones who write the checks. Kate and Price are setting up a mission for us to go after them. We could have this wrapped up in a week or two. If we can stop the flow of capital, it’d be pretty damned impossible to keep up what they’re doing. Gotta have funds to grease palms after all.”

“That’s fantastic.”

“Yep. Gonna be my last mission for a while too, so I wanted to make sure it was a good one. These little buggers are getting too big for active duty. Had to practically arm wrestle Price to be allowed to go.”

“Did you bite him?”

Farah swept her braid over her shoulder with a haughty sniff. “Not this time.”

Soap barked a laugh and swept his friend into a hug, tucking his nose into the top of her head, breathing in the scent of her, and the edge of burnt sugar her pregnancy had added.

“We need an O’s night. We aren’t going to have many more chances before you’re a Dam and too busy chasing after your pups to come out with your friends. Should have done it before Ale and Rudy were recalled.”

The two fuerzas soldiers had gone home a few weeks earlier, a report of El Sin Nombre’s movement and the possibility of finally apprehending the man too tempting for their superiors to pass up. Soap had taken their departure in stride, knowing it was the nature of their profession, but surprisingly enough, Simon had taken it harder, moping around the apartment with Juniper on his heels for several days. When Soap had asked, Ghost had tried to play it off, blaming it on being tired, but the emotions coming down the bond were sad, not tired, and he’d needled the man until he’d admitted that even though he knew they’d only ever been visiting, it felt like losing a part of his pack.

Price came through the door at speed and nodded at Farah and Soap, Gaz and Alex trickling in behind him.

“We’re on standby. Intel is good and we’ve got a go. Soap, it’s all hands on this one.”

“What about Ghost? What about the people who are after him?”

“There’s been no sign of anything for more than a month. Brass isn’t willing to let us keep personnel on this anymore. No imminent threat according to them. And if we don't act now, we lose this lead and have to start all over. I know you’re worried, but didn’t you say he’s got family? Can he go stay with them for a few days?”

“Sir, they’re civilians. And his brother is pregnant.”

“I don’t have any good answers for you, Sergeant. You’ll have to figure it out. We’ve run out of forbearance.”
~~~
Simon was standing by the stove, squinting through steamed over glasses to try and read the next line of the recipe. Hannah had found the book of large print recipes and handed it to him with a smile.

“You mentioned wanting to cook for your Omega last week. This might be good.”

Ghost took the book with a nod of thanks and flipped it open dragging a finger down the list of contents. There was a mix of everything, and his attention snagged on a likely dish, remembering his Omega mentioning in passing that he hadn’t been able to find it since being stationed in Hereford and how much he missed it. The name was kind of off putting, but the liquid bubbling in the pot smelled amazing even over the scent of baking bread wafting out of the kitchen. He stirred in the final few ingredients and wiped his hands on the towel he’d tucked into the waist of his pants. He picked up the spoon sitting on the counter and dipped it into the broth, checking it carefully and adding a pinch more salt. Setting the spoon in the sink, he checked the clock over the stove and opened the oven door, the blast of hot air making him flinch aside. The bread looked perfect and he pulled it out carefully, setting the tray on the towel to cool a bit. He flipped the loaf and tapped the underside, happy to hear the hollow sound of a properly baked loaf. It was a skill he’d picked up after Roba moved him to the lonely apartment, and he’d liked the meditative nature of it, the mixing and kneading and patience it took to get good at it. Roba had humored him, letting him add flour and yeast to his shopping list, indulgent so long as Ghost was compliant.

It was fairly characteristic of who Roba was, really. He was capable of incredible brutality and had been cruel beyond belief, but at the same time, he’d taken care of his people very well, and even shown hints of humanity to the inventory he deemed interesting enough, toying with people until they broke from the whiplash far more often than they broke from the pain. He’d been an iron fist wrapped in a velvet glove, and Ghost had experienced both.

The front door opening broke him from his musing and he looked over his shoulder to see Johnny walk down the hallway and toward the bedroom, not stopping to say hello the way he usually did. Ghost frowned at the change and turned the burner down to simmer following his Omega and the faint trail of cordite he was leaving behind.

“Johnny? Are you alright?”

Johnny was stood by the bed, a mostly empty duffel spread open as he stuffed a pile of folder pants into it, brows furrowed and eyes distant.

“Johnny?”

Ghost watched him suck in a sharp breath as his eyes cleared and he looked up at Ghost, eyes clearing and mouth curling up into a soft smile.

“Everything alright, Johnny?”

“Aye, Ghostie. Just fine.”

His eyes widened as he caught the smell of supper and Ghost watched his mouth round into a surprised “o”.

“Did you make dinner?”

“Mhmm. Hannah found a cookbook she thought I might like and I made one of the recipes. And a loaf of bread. It’s simmering right now, but we can eat whenever you’re ready.”
“That sounds amazing. But first, I need to talk to you about something.”

Ghost crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the door frame.

“I assumed. Does it have anything to do with why you’re packing?”

“Yeah. We’re on standby. Farah found a lead and Laswell is setting everything up. We don’t know when we’re going to be wheels up, but it’ll be soon.”

“So are you going back to base? Tonight?”

“Dunno. Could be tonight, could be next week. We’ll get a call when it’s time.”

“So we have time to eat then. Good. Come eat and we’ll pack after. I’ll help.”

Soap set the handful of t-shirts he’d been holding on the bag and nodded.

“Alright. Show me what you’ve made.”

Ghost held out his hand and wanted for Johnny to round the bed, lacing their fingers together and drawing him back into the kitchen. Juniper was eyeing the counter like she was thinking about jumping up and Ghost made a noise at her, laughing quietly when she shot him a look, peeved at being denied.

“Yours is in here, girly.”

Pulling a dish of cooked bits of fish and skin out of the fridge, he set it beside her food plates and nudged her carefully toward it with the toe of his socked foot. Juniper grumbled but went, sniffing the offering carefully before diving in.

“Can you grab two bowls? I’ll slice the bread.”

Soap hummed in acknowledgement and opened the cupboard, pulling the dishes out and setting them beside the stove. Leaning over, he lifted the pot lid and sniffed carefully.

“Is this…”

“Cullen Skink? Yeah. You said your seanmhair used to make it when you were a boy.”

Ghost looked up and saw Johnny’s face, eyes bright and mouth working, the words seemingly trapped in his throat.

“You’re going to catch flies, Johnny. Close your mouth.”

“But why?”

“Because you like it? Because making you happy is important to me? I don’t know, take your pick. Why wouldn’t I?”

“Simon.”

Ghost set the bread knife down and stepped to where Johnny was still standing, looking shell shocked. Carefully, giving the man enough time to pull back if he didn't want it, he cupped his cheeks, watching dark eyelashes flutter at the contact.

“Can I kiss you?”

“Aye.”

He sounded a little breathless, and Ghost smiled as he leaned forward and pressed their mouths together, the tip of his tongue poking out to swipe at the seam of his lips, the sweetest little sound sneaking out of Johnny’s mouth at the contact. Ghost pulled back just enough to separate their mouths and looked at Johnny’s face, eyes closed and cheeks flushed between the cradle of his palms in the warm kitchen light. He’d never been more lovely, and Ghost was the luckiest bastard in the world to get to see him like this. And unlike those other stupid alphas who’d walked away from this man, he wasn’t going to let him go.

Not as long as he had any say in the matter.

“I think you should give your brother a call.”

The statement froze Ghost where he’d been leaning in to press another kiss to his pouty lower lip and he pulled back, brows furrowed as he searched Johnny’s face.

“Why would I do that? I don’t need to or want to. I’ve got you, haven't I? Besides, he’s probably just like my father.”

“He’s not. And he’s got an alpha of his own. And a pup. You deserve to have a family.”

“I have a family. And how do you know that?”

“I’ve met him.”

“Why have you met him? I thought you said I could stay with you.”

“You can. Of course you can, but he misses you and wants to meet you. C’mon, we can even do it together.”

Ghost’s stomach was in his throat at the request and the smell of the food that he’d been so proud of just minutes ago suddenly made his stomach flip, nausea sitting heavy at the back of his throat as he stared at his Omega. Did Johnny not want him any more? Was he tired of waiting for the bond to break? Was he leaving him instead?

“Why is this so important to you? When Laswell told us about him, you were completely against it and now you’re sold on a man you’ve met, what? Once?”

Johnny’s eyes slid to the side and he let go of his face, taking a step back.

“How long?”

Johnny looked up at him, face open and eyes beseeching him to understand. But he didn’t. Couldn’t. He’d promised they could make a real try of their bond and now he was finding out that the whole time his Omega was looking for a way to send him away.

“How long, Johnny? If you’re sending me away, you at least owe me that much.”

“f*ck’s sake, Simon. I’m not sending you away. But you deserve your family back. And I’m a soldier. What happens if I die? What then? You move in with König and Kim and Price and Gaz and the rest check in on you every so often? That’s not a life. You deserve a f*cking life and I mean to give it to you even if you hate me for it.”

Johnny heaved in a huge breath, chest catching.

“I couldn’t ever hate you, I think.”

Simon’s voice was small and he felt like a right bastard for making him sound like that.

“Simon.”

Ghost looked away, biting at his bottom lip.

“If it’s that important to you, I’ll do it. As soon as you come home.”

Ghost looked up and locked eyes with him, the usual warmth flinty.

“So you better f*cking come home to me, yeah?”

“Always. I’ll always do everything I can to come home.”

~~~73

Dinner was tense but the food was delicious, and even better because Soap knew he’d cooked it just for him. He should have introduced the topic of Simon’s family a little more delicately, maybe waited until after they’d eaten, told him when they’d been cuddled up on the couch, half watching some movie while their breathing and heart rates synced up, pear and peat blending into the scent of contentment. But he’d botched it, hurtling it between them like a frag grenade, sloppy and damaging. Finishing the remainder of his bowl, he watched as Ghost tore his slice of bread into crumbs. In his pocket his phone vibrated and he pulled it out, glancing at the message. Ghost looked up at the movement, eyes locked on the phone in his hand.

“Are you going, then?”

Soap shook his head, holding his arm out to let Ghost read the message.

“Not tonight. Looks like we have a day or two. Could set something up with your brother.”

Ghost looked down at the table, gathering up the crumbs with the side of his palm, sweeping them into a neat pile.

“Fine. I’ll call him. But we meet somewhere publicly.”

“Alright. I’m sure he’ll agree to that. Your nephew likes the park, we could set it up there. He’s awfully fond of the ducklings. You might remember him.”

“Who? JJ? Of course I remember her. She was a her, right?”

“No, not JJ. Your nephew.”

“How would I remember him?”

“Well he certainly remembers you. Something about a duck on a bus?”

Ghost thought back to the boy on the bus and the way he was so curious and fearless, asking questions of a stranger with very little fear.

“That was my nephew?”

“That was your nephew. Joseph. Cute kid, bit clumsy.”

“I was too. Used to be covered in scrapes and bruises. Always in a hurry and willing to take a little damage to get there faster.”

“Hmm. So he’ll grow out of it then?”

“I dunno. I met you when I ran out in front of a car. Hopefully he will, but I haven’t yet.”

“Hmm. Fair enough.”

Soap set his phone on the table and leaned across, hand out, palm upturned, waiting. Ghost considered the offer and reached back, sliding his palm across Soap’s hand until his fingers brushed over the gland at his wrist, stroking over the delicate skin carefully. Soap felt the bond crack open as Ghost’s relief trickled across. Returning the gesture, he stroked his rough fingertips over Simon’s wrist and pushed back his own relief, glad he hadn't pushed him too far away.

“Should we call tonight? Think it's too late?”

Soap glanced at the stove, shaking his head in negation.

“It’s just gone eight. They’re probably still up. Besides, once you call, it's out in the open and you’ll know. Want me to stay with you?”

Simon considered the offer before he shook his head.

“No. It has to be me.”

Soap leaned forward and pressed a kiss into his knuckles before he let go of his hand with a final squeeze.

“Alright. I’ll wash up from dinner while you call. If you need me, come get me.”

Soap caught the next bit before it slipped out of his mouth, but Ghost must have seen something in his face, stopping him before he could pull away completely.

“There’s something else.”

“Aye, but I have no right to ask.”

Ghost scoffed, co*cking an eyebrow at Soap, the sassy expression among his favorites to see on the alpha’s face. “You’re my Omega. You have every right to ask.”

“Can you leave the bond open while you talk to him?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you.”

Soap watched Simon stand from the table, collecting his phone and Juniper from the kitchen before he walked into the living room, sitting on the couch, the back of his head dipping as he slouched into the cushions. Soap shook his head and started gathering the dishes, sweeping the crumbs Ghost had gathered into one of the empty bowls. He heard Ghost’s voice as he put away the leftovers and started the water in the sink, letting his hearing drop into the background as he washed dishes by muscle memory, concentrating on the emotion coming through the bond. Pushing a little extra affection down the connection, careful not to overwhelm him, Soap turned his focus back to the pot and scrubbed a little harder at the bottom. He wanted Simon to have his family back, but he hoped this wasn’t going to end up blowing up in any of their faces.
~~~
The call had gone well, Ghost thought. He’d stared at his phone for long moments as he stroked a hand down Juniper's chin, considering.

“I suppose there’s nothing for it but to call, eh, Juniper? Not going to call by itself.”

She had merped her agreement and started kneeding biscuits into his thighs, purr rattling in her chest while she slitted her eyes in contentment. It had been a surprise when his brother answered, his voice similar enough to their father’s that he’d had a momentary jolt of panic at the sound, waving Johnny off when he’d stuck his head out of the kitchen door, a concerned look on his face. As they talked, his heart calmed and he picked out the way that while Tommy might have sounded like their father, he certainly didn’t speak like him, no sneering or sarcasm, just honest relief and joy at being able to talk to his older brother. Tommy gave him a quick rundown of his family and Ghost returned the summary, keeping it general and vague, not wanting to deep dive into it with someone he’d just contacted for the first time.

They set a meeting for the following morning, a promise to get coffee and talk. Tommy asked if it was OK if he brought his mate and their pup, but clarified that there was no pressure if he wasn’t comfortable with the idea.

“Only if my Omega can come.”

Tommy laughed lightly and Ghost was hit with a memory of his dad’s wife laughing the same way, a startled breathy laugh that held absolutely no malice. He hadn’t realized how hard he’d been holding onto the idea that Tommy was wholly his father’s son, completely forgetting that there had been a whole other person involved in his creation and who had been entirely responsible for his upbringing after she’d taken him and run. It softened the hard knot of anxiety in his chest, and by the time they ended the call and Johnny joined him on the couch with a mug of tea for him and a coffee for himself, he was almost looking forward to the meeting.
~~~
The feeling unfortunately did not persist through the night and Ghost woke up early, groggy after a restless night. Soap was sprawled across his chest, the quiet sound of his purr a comfort as he lay in the early dawn hour, watching the patch of gray light brighten to sunrise. Dragging his fingertips up and down the dip of Johnny’s spine, he considered the upcoming meeting. He was trying to remain optimistic, but the gnawing anxiety that his Omega was looking for a way out was dug in deep, poking at him with barbed spikes. Pulling in a breath so deep it made his lungs ache, he let it out slowly, closing his eyes and letting the bond hum between them. It was staticky with Johnny’s unconsciousness, but even then, there was a thread of warmth braided through, and Ghost bathed in it, using the emotion to soothe the prickling of his own mind. Johnny cared about him. Had said he didn't want him to leave. He needed to accept that and stop second guessing himself. Ask, don’t assume.

Ghost stroked a careful finger down the bridge of Johnny’s nose, circling the tip until Johnny scrunched his nose at the barely there sensation and blinked his eyes open. Humming, he rubbed his nose into the bare skin of Ghost’s chest and pushed up onto his elbows, sleepy blue eyes still fighting the urge to fall closed.

“G’mirnin.”

“Good morning. We should get up and shower. We’re supposed to meet Tommy and his family at 9.”

Johnny sighed and settled back on Ghost’s chest, blowing out a breath. “T’mezit?”

“Almost 7.”

“Urg. Gross.”

“C’mon, Johnny. This was your idea. Shower and then we’ll have some coffee.”

Ghost maneuvered himself out from under his Omega and watched him squirm back into the warm spot he’d left behind.

“Thought we’re gettin’ coffee with yer brother.”

“Then you can have more.”

Johnny grunted but made no attempt to get up, already falling back asleep. Ghost considered the man for a second and stood, back to the bed, running a hand down his chest and then further down, dragging a teasing stroke over his half hard erection, making sure the bond was wide open as the quick zip of pleasure ran across his nerves. Taking a step toward the bathroom, he threw his next remark over his shoulder, not stopping to look back.

“Guess I’ll go shower and take care of this alone, then.”

He’d barely made it through the doorway when the sound of shifting linens met his ears and he smiled.
Gotcha.
~~~
Soap was still half asleep when he stumbled out of bed in pursuit of his alpha, feet tangled in the sheets and ripping a low oath from his throat as he caught himself on the edge of the mattress. He managed to untangle himself without major injury and looked up just in time to see Simon’s pert ass disappear into the bathroom, door swinging shut behind him.
~~~
Ghost was bent over the tub testing the water temperature when the door swung open. Ghost glanced over his shoulder and saw Johnny’s eyes locked on his ass, eyes hot as he stared.

“See something you like, Omega?”

“Aye. Definitely.”

Ghost straightened and stepped into the tub, pulling the curtain mostly closed. He couldn't hear any movement over the sound of the water and stuck his head out from behind it, meeting his eyes across the room.

“Well, what are you waiting for? An invitation?”

~~~74

Soap moved so quickly he almost tripped on the bathmat, his inner Omega purring wildly at his alpha’s flirty attitude. He didn’t know if Ghost was doing this as an attempt to distract himself from the upcoming meeting, or if it was just an attempt to get him out of bed, but he couldn’t find it in himself to give a single f*ck. Catching himself on the towel bar, he straightened up and pulled the curtain back, stepping in and closing it again, trapping them both in the tight humid space. The shower wasn’t small, but it definitely wasn’t meant for two large men, and Soap found himself pressed against Simon’s chest, damp skin and warm eyes and welcoming smile that he wanted badly to taste. Pushing up on his toes, he met his mouth in a kiss, trading control back and forth as they stood under the warm water, reveling in the contact and affection.

Soap slid down his chest until he was dropping to his knees, mouthing at the swell of Ghost’s co*ck. Pressing nibbles and licks to the skin, Soap looked up, locked eyes with his alpha and swallowed him down, throat spasming around his heft. He swallowed the choke down and sucked in a breath through his nose before he dropped the rest of the way burying his nose in the blond curls at the root of his co*ck. Above him, Ghost choked off a moan and Soap pinched his thigh gently, pulling back and swallowing.

“I want to hear you, Ghostie.”

“f*ck, Johnny, you don’t have to.”

Soap licked his bottom lip and smiled. Stabilizing Ghost’s shaft as it kicked at the sight, Soap leaned forward and swallowed him down again, throat working around him as he bobbed his head and swallowed. Ghost bucked his hips hard and Soap followed him, riding the movement until he felt the muscles under his hand clench up as Ghost came, a strangled grunt that built into a deep moan filling the room around him. If he’d had had a free hand, Soap would have dropped a hand to his own shaft, working the flesh to follow his alpha. But with the water making the tub a treacherous surface, he needs both hands to brace himself, waiting for Ghost to recover and help him back to his feet.

As Ghost came down from his release and his muscles unclenched, Soap pushed at his thighs until he leaned back against the shower wall, eyes hot on Soap’s skin as he caught his breath and watched his Omega play with himself.

“Such a beautiful sight.”

Soap’s purr was nearly drowned by the water raining down between them, but Soap heard Ghost realize and watched his pupils blow wide at the sound.

“Let me help you, please, Omega.”

“Of course.”

Soap held out a hand, waiting for Ghost to help him back to standing, but he had different plans, scoping his arms under his thighs and lifting him until he was pressed against the wall, knees hooked over his shoulders and the heat of Ghost’s breath against his belly button. Soap swallowed hard and let a keen slip, the bloom of Juniper in the steamy air met by the sweetest blurt of pear Soap had ever smelled on him. He couldn’t help it, tossing his head back to thud against the wall, the impact clearing his vision momentarily.

“Oh.”

“Exactly.”

Ghost descended with a groan and worked Soap until the cries spilling from his lips went high pitched and sharp and he spilled down Ghost’s throat, working the flesh until he hiccuped at the stimulation and pressed Ghost's head away from where he’d buried it between his thighs. Even then, the stubborn alpha refused to put him down, mouthing at the bonding glands at the junction of his groin until the room reeked of the two of them and he was fairly certain the neighbors were fully aware of what they'd just gotten up to.

The water hitting his calves was cooling quickly and he thumped his heel into Ghost’s back to get him to set him back on his feet.

“We’re running out of hot water. C’mon, we need to get clean.”

Ghost grumbled but let him move him around the tight space as they cleaned up quickly, not quite beating the cold water, but getting reasonably close before a final rinse in chilly water. Toweling off, Soap watched Simon fondly, towel around his hips as he leaned forward over the sink to brush his teeth. Catching his eye, Ghost straightened and started to turn.

“No need, Ghostie. Just watching.”

Ghost spat out the tooth paste and wiped his mouth clean before stalking to where his Omega slouched against the door frame and pressed a kiss to his mouth.

“Brush your teeth, and then come have some coffee.”

Soap reached out and grabbed his wrist, pulling him to a stop.

“Would rather have another kiss.”
~~~

They were nearly late to meet Tommy, and Soap never did get the promised coffee at home.

He wasn’t that upset about it.
~~~

By the time they made it to the park, Ghost was a nervous wreck. The anxiety ricocheting down the bond made Soap’s stomach twist, and he was about ready to cancel the meeting for his own health. And Simon’s. He looked like he was one push from having a stroke. A block before their destination, Soap grabbed Ghost’s hand and pulled him to a stop.

“We don’t have to do this. Or at least we don’t have to do this today.”

Ghost sucked in a deep breath and nodded, the sour twang of anxiety finally easing just a touch.

“We don’t? I thought you wanted this.”

Soap stepped into Ghost’s chest, sliding his hands around his waist and squeezing him gently.

“I want you to have people in your corner. If that’s Tommy and Beth and Joseph, great. If that's 141, or König and Kim, or any other combination, then that’s good too. But most of all, I want you to be happy.”

It was all he could do not to just blurt out how much he loved him, and he would have if it didn’t feel like the absolute wrong time for such a declaration. The anxiety in the bond was finally easing, and Soap swallowed in relief as the sick feeling receded. Ghost leaned down and pressed his forehead to Soap’s, breathing syncing as people passed them on the sidewalk, leaving the couple alone, a bubble of privacy as their lives flowed on, uninterrupted. Ghost took a final deep breath and let it out in a sigh, pulling back but keeping hold of Soap’s hand as they walked the rest of the way to the coffee shop where they’d agreed to meet.

The bell over the door chimed as they walked in, and Soap saw Tommy look up, alone at a small table. He stood, bracing himself on the back of the chair, and froze when he saw Ghost just behind his shoulder, mask firmly in place, beanie pulled low over his forehead, hoodie zipped all the way up, as much armor as he could give himself going into the meeting. They were silent as they stood there, the sound of the coffee shop fading into the background.

“You have her eyes.”

It was Tommy that broke the silence and Ghost jerked, not expecting him to speak. Tommy looked gutted, eyes searching his brother's face across the empty space between them.

“Your mum, I mean. She had kind eyes. Like you.”

Ghost swallowed, the sound strangely loud. Soap looked between the two men and made a decision, stepping to the side and wrapping an arm around Ghost’s back, towing him closer to the table and gesturing for Tommy to sit. Ghost took a little more prompting, but followed suit, dropping into the chair across from him. Peeling off his jacket, Soap dropped it over an empty chair and stepped back from the table.

“Coffee, Ghostie? And Tommy, do you need a refill?”

Tommy shook his head, not taking his eyes off Simon, looking like he was worried that if he looked away his brother would disappear like his nickname.

“No, Too much caffeine isn’t great for me, or the baby, honestly. I only allow myself one cup a day,” he murmured, gesturing to the empty mug on the table in front of him. Soap nodded and turned back to his mate, waiting for his order. But Simon was staring at the curve hidden under the sweater his brother was wearing, an unexpected light in his eyes.

“You’re pregnant?”

Soap poked the bond gently and Ghost didn't flinch, so he turned away with a smile, stepping into the line, pretty sure Ghost wouldn’t even notice he wasn’t right there as he looked over the menu and picked a couple drinks he thought Ghost might enjoy, not too fussed himself so long as whatever he chose was hot and caffeinated.

~~~75

Ghost couldn’t quit staring at his brother across the table. He’d been comfortable thinking he was alone in the world, completely content with Johnny and overjoyed to be building his own family with the help of the 141 and König and Kim. He’d thought that would have been enough, and when Kate had dropped the information about his actual blood relatives in his lap, the first instinct had been to shove it as far from him as he could, not wanting to taint this new life with the rot of his old. But now, the man across from him didn’t feel like as much of a threat, and he shot his Omega a grateful look for pushing him to make contact. Tommy drummed a quick little beat on the edge of the table they were sitting at, nervously smiling at his brother.

“Would you like to meet your nephew? And my mate? They’ve been excited to meet you since you called. Joey hasn’t stopped asking about you, and he has so many questions about the things we’ve told him about you. He’s just thrilled about this, as is Beth. And me, of course, and this little one. I was planning to name them for you. But I guess that will have to change since you’re here now and it might be a little awkward around the holidays.”

Tommy cut himself off with an awkward laugh and bit his bottom lip, eyes darting between the two of them as he waited for the answer to his question.

Ghost glanced at Soap and he nodded back faintly, encouraging Ghost to trust his judgment when he decided.

“I’d like that.”
~~~

Tommy talked the entire way to where he said Beth and Joseph were waiting for them. Of course it was the pond, and Ghost couldn’t deny that it would be nice to check on JJ. He’d tried to make it over as often as he could on the days he worked, but JJ and her family had only come back to the park a few days earlier, and he hadn’t had a chance to stop and check on them. As the three men rounded the corner and the edge of the pond came into view, Ghost heard a familiar peep and a delighted laugh, catching sight of a vaguely familiar redhead standing by the bench watching a young boy who lay on the dirt, hands steepled under his chin as an adolescent duck preen his bangs, giggling each time he was bonked by the duck’s bill. At his side, Tommy cupped his hands around his mouth and called out to his pup.

“Oi, Joe. Come meet your uncle, yeah?”

Both duck and boy turned to look toward the source of the noise, and Ghost watched as the little boy- as Joseph, his nephew- scrambled up and towards them, slowing as he got closer, forehead furrowing and eyes narrowing suspiciously.

“Where’s your duck, mister?”

Ghost nodded toward JJ behind Joseph.

“Behind you.”

Tommy’s voice chimed in, his tone surprised as he asked “You took a park duck?”

Ghost chuckled and said, “Borrowed.”

Joseph tipped his head consideringly. “Can I borrow a park duck?”

All of the adults answered in unison, and Joseph blinked before shrugging his shoulders and refixing his gaze on the man in front of him.

“She’s not your duck.”

“Of course she’s not. She’s her own duck, but that is the duck who was traveling with me the last time we met.”

“At the park?” Joseph asked, chin canted mutinously up at the massive alpha standing over him.

“On the bus.”

At Ghost’s confident answer, Joseph’s face lit up and he flung himself at his uncle.

“It was you! I knew it wasn’t a dream. Why didn’t you tell me who you were?”

“Because I didn’t know.”

“But you know now?”

“Yeah.”

“And you’re staying and you’re gonna have puppies with your Omega and I’m gonna have a brother *and* cousins and this is gonna be the best thing ever.”

Ghost choked on his laugh at his excited ramble, and he was reminded of the way his father had done the same thing just a bit earlier. Looking up, he was delighted to see the flush spilling across Soap’s cheeks as he watched. Tommy looked a little misty eyed as well, and Ghost had to look away, eyes catching on the amused face of Tommy’s mate, and he shot her a rueful look, hoping she was feeling merciful enough to distract the Omegas.

She took pity on him and gathered up her husband, pulling him between Soap and Ghost and giving him a chance to catch his breath.
~~~

Soap stood back with Beth and Tommy while Ghost and Joseph sat by the bank of the pond, throwing handfuls of peas to the ducks as they quacked and chased the treats.

“This seems to be going well.”

Soap shot a smile at Tommy, watching the wrinkle in his forehead soften.

“Aye. He’s amazingly resilient, given everything.”

“It’s because he’s got a good mate.”

Soap blushed at the praise.

“I’m lucky to have him.”

“I can’t believe he’s here. I never thought I would get this chance. And my sire swore until the day she died that she knew he was alive out there somewhere.”

Soap’s brows furrowed at Tommy’s words and he turned to look at him.

“Your sire was a woman?”

“Yeah. It’s why they ran. My Dam knew Thomas would have had her taken away if he ever found out. It was easier to just disappear. But Simon’s mum was my sire.”

“Not Thomas Riley?”

“No. Annie Riley. She went by Diana. My Dam was Maggie Townsend. We were all Townsends until Thomas died, and then we changed our names back. Mam swore it would make it easier for Simon to find us. ”

“I thought…”

Tommy’s face fell as he realized the mix up and he turned back to where Simon and Joseph sat.

“He didn’t know.”

Soap shook his head.

“No, he thought you guys shared a sire.”

“D’you think he’ll blame me for taking his mum when he finds out?”

“I don’t know. But I know trying to hide things doesn’t generally work very well in the long run.”

~~~76

“Are you OK, uncle Simon?”

Ghost jerked a little bit at the sound of Joseph’s question and turned to look at his nephew. Johnny’s conversation with his brother and his mate had stalled out at their back, and the sensation along the bond had shifted. Ghost wasn’t sure what had prompted the change, but he chucked the rest of his peas into the water and patted JJ’s back where she lay on the dirt beside him, preeing her wing and watching her family on the water.

Pushing to his feet, he watched Joseph pour what was left of his own peas into a pile by JJ and clamber to his feet as well, wiping his palms on the thighs of his pants, leaving faint dirt smudges smeared over the fabric. Joseph walked to him and reached out slowly, offering Ghost his hand. Carefully, Ghost wrapped his massive hand around Joseph’s much smaller one and the two started to walk toward the other three, glancing down and answering his question from earlier.

‘’Yeah, just time to head back.”

“To our house?”

Ghost considered the offer, and judging by the twist in his belly, it probably wasn’t a great idea right now. He’d done well meeting Tommy, and Joseph was delightful, and Beth seemed a little standoffish, a little wary of his presence, but overall nice enough. No, weirdly, the real point of friction seemed to be Johnny. His Omega had been a little more jumpy as the visit drew out, and Ghost knew a big chunk of his own discomfort was coming from that. He didn’t know what was causing it, but he was worried about Johnny, and it felt like maybe a little time to decompress might be a good choice.

“Probably not today, pup. But soon.”

“Can you spend the night then? Later? I’ve got Xbox.”

Ghost chuffed at the offer, and gently squeezed his hand.

“Dunno. Let’s ask your folks first.”
~~~

Soap and Tommy broke off their conversation as Ghost and Joseph reached them and Ghost shot him a questioning look. Soap shook his head. He’d tell him later. Ghost narrowed his eyes at him and glanced between the two Omega’s warily, but took a deep breath and let it go. Soap blew out a relieved breath, crossing to stand next to Ghost.

“I think it’s probably time to head home. Soap’s got things to get back for, and I’m working tomorrow, so…”

Ghost’s sentence tailed off a little bit awkwardly but Tommy just nodded his understanding and waited, the silence drawing out.

“Well, thank you for calling, and meeting us today. We’re all really glad you were willing to give this a chance.”

Ghost stepped closer to Soap and nodded, putting out a hand in his brother’s direction. Tommy started to reach back and stopped, looking up and biting his lip as he considered.

“Look, I know we just met, and you’ve no reason to allow this since we’re practically still strangers, but I’d really like to scent you, if you’re OK with that.”

Soap watched Ghost process the request and felt the zip of anxiety that rattled down the bond as Ghost’s scent went flat and dry. Soap squeezed his hand gently and waited for him to decide. Ghost squeezed back and offered his arm, wrist turned up, to his brother.

“Alright.”

Tommy eyed his wrist and nodded, a small pleased smile on his face. Extending his hand, he slid his fingers up and over the exposed skin of Simon’s wrist, until they were holding each other’s forearms, the scent gland at the hollow of their wrists pressed together for a few seconds, marking the other with a thicker layer of scent. Ghost looked calm, but Soap knew he wasn’t as sanguine about the contact as he appeared, the tension in the hand still holding his mate building until Ghost finally dropped his wrist from his brother’s embrace and took a step back, pressing himself into his Omega’s chest and drawing his arm back to himself. Tommy offered a wet chuckle, swiping at his eyes. Beth stepped up to his side and pulled him into a loose hug. Tommy met their eyes and smiled, a wobbly thing.

“Sorry, these hormones are no joke.”

Soap used his free hand to rub soothing strokes over Ghost’s arm, and the group stood silently for a few seconds before Joseph piped up, breaking the awkward tension.

“Can uncle Simon come live with us now?”

“No, pup. He’s got his own home, and his own family. But he’s welcome to visit. Whenever.”

Tommy was speaking to Joseph, but he was looking at Simon, trying to convey the sincerity of his invitation.

“He’s not gonna live with us?”

Ghost shook his head, going to one knee in front of his nephew.

“No. I’ve got a home with Johnny. But we can visit.”

“Uncle Johnny?”

Ghost turned his head and looked up at Soap, head co*cked questioningly. Soap thought about it for a second, but couldn’t deny the small pinch of pleasure at the title.

“Only your uncle calls me Johnny. Could call me uncle John.”

“I’ve already got one of those.”

“My brother,” Beth answered, face neutral.

“How about uncle Soap?”

Joseph scrunched his face.

“Why Soap?”

“It’s my nickname.”

“Sounds lame.”

Soap couldn't help the little gasp at Joseph’s words and he could see that Ghost was biting back a smile.

“Well, I don’t know what to say to that.”

Joseph shrugged, but kept looking at Soap, a question on the tip of his tongue. Tommy set his hand on his son’s shoulder and asked,

“What is it, Joe?”

“Is uncle Simon gonna live with you forever?”

Ghost stayed on one knee, seemingly waiting for an answer too.

“He can stay with me for as long as he wants to. Forever would be fine by me.”

“So are you going to have pups soon then? Cause I think cousins would be fun. Grandma Diana always said having pups was the best thing she’d ever done.”

“Grandma Diana was your mom?”

Tommy shook his head and shot Soap a mildly panicked look before he answered, seemingly steeling himself for his next words.

“My mom was Maggie. Diana was my sire’s name when I was growing up. But you would have known her as Annie. She went by Diana after she ran from your dad.”

~~~77

They didn’t make it home until after dark, and Soap knew Ghost had been shaken by the revelations. To learn that he had a brother was one thing, but to be told that his mother hadn't died when he was a child like he’d thought was an entirely different thing altogether.

“She left me.”

They were the first words Ghost had spoken since leaving the park, and Soap was relieved that he was talking. He’d wrenched the bond closed at Tommy’s revelation, and the walk home had been silent and tense, the flat clay of Ghost’s scent only tempered by the faintest edge of spoiled pear. It was a scent Ghost hadn’t put off since they’d cleared the air after his heat, and Soap hated the way it made his Omega fret, the urge to keen sitting heavy behind his Adam’s apple.

“She had to have had her reasons.”

“Sure.”

Soap watched as Ghost kicked off his sneakers by the door and pulled his mask off, dropping it on the little entry table. Turning back to pick at the knot in his own laces, he looked up a few seconds later and realized Simon had disappeared, somewhere in the house but out of his sight. His Omega was begging him to go to the alpha, to comfort him, to help him work through the new information. To do something. His rational side was urging him to give Simon space. Shaking his head, he listened to his Omega and went looking for his mate.

He wasn’t in the bathroom or in the guestroom, and on first pass, he didn’t seem to be in the bedroom they shared either. Soap tapped his socked foot on the carpet, thinking. Should he go get König? He was good at helping Simon process. Soap’s Omega balked at the idea of letting someone else soothe his mate, especially now that Simon had made his wishes clear. He didn’t want Soap to leave him or let him go. He wanted him to stay.

Which meant this was his responsibility to help his alpha through this. Contemplating what he should do next, he noticed the duvet that was normally spread across their bed was missing and he nodded to himself. Given the information Ghost was trying to process, it made sense that he’d retreat somewhere that felt safe. Tipping his head to the side, he lowered himself to his knees, grunting a little as his knee clicked, a little more sore than normal. Pushing the pain to the side for the moment, he ducked his head and glanced under the bed. Wedged against the wall and swaddled in the missing duvet, Simon lay on his back, face blank as he stared at the underside of the box spring. Juniper was puddled around his head, working on a piece of hair by his ear, the sound of her purr filling the space.

“Alright, Ghostie?”

Ghost didn’t move, speaking to the fabric suspended a few inches over his face.

“No.”

“D’you want some company under there? Or you could come out and we could cuddle on the bed. You can tell me what’s running through your mind.”

“It’s all noise right now. Don’t know if I could explain even if I wanted to.”
Soap laced his fingers together and propped his chin on his hands. He wanted to say the right thing. Wanted to ease his mind, let him know he didn’t have to be OK with this right away, but he wasn't getting a lot even with the bond. Ghost had yet to ease up on how tightly he’d sealed it off, and Soap wondered if he was just going to make it worse. Maybe he should have listened to the rational part of his mind.

“Alright. Want to come cuddle, or do you want space?”

Ghost didn’t answer for a handful of long moments and Juniper ignored them both, licking over the lock of hair she was working on and purring, trying in her own way to comfort one of the big dumb hairless cats she was responsible for taking care of. Finally, Ghost turned his head and locked eyes with Soap in the dim light filtering in from the windows. Juniper merped her displeasure as his movement dislodged the spot she’d been licking, and she shifted to get back to work. Soap watched her for a second before looking back at Simon.

“Did you know?”

Soap blinked, chest squeezing.

“About your mum?”

“Yeah.”

“I did. Sort of. I knew she died recently. Your brother mentioned it when we saw them at the park last weekend.”

“We?”

Soap swore in his head before he sighed, answering Ghost’s question.

“Aye, Gaz and I.”

“Why were you and Gaz at the park?”

Soap squeezed his hands together, the pressure grounding him.

“Because I care about you. And I wanted to know that your brother was a good man before I let you get mixed up with them.”

“Let me?”

“Aye. I’m your Omega. It’s my responsibility to-”

“You know what? I think I’d like some space, if it’s all the same to you. I’d appreciate a minute to resign myself to all of the Omegas in my life making decisions for me.”

Soap balked and hissed, a short irritated sound that made Ghost’s shoulders rise.

“That’s not fair. I was doing what I thought was right.”

“I’m sure you were.”

Ghost’s tone was flat, his eyes dull, and his scent was all clay, the dusty smell settling thick and choking at the back of Soap’s mouth, making him have to swallow harshly to avoid the cough he could feel creeping up his throat.

“Simon…”

Simon dragged the duvet up until it was covering his face, and when he spoke, it was muffled through the fabric.

“I’d like some space.”

Soap didn’t want to leave, terrified that Ghost was going to continue to shut him out, but he wasn’t going to be able to fix this tonight, and forcing his presence on Simon certainly wasn’t going to make things better. He seemed pretty upset about being left in the dark, and Soap had to acknowledged that had it been him, he would probably feel the same way.

“Alright. I’ll be in the living room when you’re ready to talk.”
~~~

Soap snorted himself awake as arms scooped under his back and knees to lift him. He flailed for a second until the faintest waft of pear met his nose and he went limp, letting Simon carry him down the hallway and to the bedroom. He’d fallen asleep on the couch at some point, the drone of a documentary he definitely hadn’t been watching running on the TV, an attempt to fight the silence of the apartment and the silence that was his bond with his alpha. Soap prodded the bond as he sat on the edge of the mattress and let Ghost undress him, pleasantly surprised when a small blip of fondness was pushed at him.

He felt his lungs relax at the realization that while he hadn’t been completely forgiven, hadn't completely ruined everything with his silence.

“M’sorry, alpha.”

Ghost straightened from his crouch between Soap’s knees and cupped his Omega’s face.

“That’s for tomorrow, Johnny. Let’s get some sleep.”
Soap let himself be manhandled under the duvet and squirmed across the mattress until he was pressed against Ghost, skin touching from toes to shoulders. Soap wanted to apologize again, wanting to go back to where they’d been that morning, but he was half asleep and knew anything that he said tonight would probably end up making things worse. He opened his mouth to tell Ghost goodnight and was stopped by a finger pressed across his lips.

“Shh, Omega. Tomorrow.”

Soap sucked in a lungful of peat smoke and pear and listened, pushing until Ghost rolled onto his back and flopping onto his chest, ear pressed to his pec, letting the beat of Simon’s heart lull him back to sleep.

~~~78

Ghost breathed in and out in the darkness of the room, counting a pattern and trying to will himself to sleep. Soap was a warm weight on his chest, and Ghost stroked a hand up his back, smiling when his Omega rubbed his face across the skin of his chest and he felt the coolness of Soap’s drool. It should have been gross, should have made his skin crawl and the urge to flee rise in his chest, but all it did was remind him that Soap trusted him, and felt comfortable enough around him to drop into a deep unguarded sleep.

He might be upset about Soap making decisions on his behalf, but he was also grateful that he’d stayed close and let Ghost be angry for a while.

Dragging his fingertips absently up and down Soap’s arm, he considered what he’d learned earlier. Most of him was relieved that his mum had found someone to spend her life with, and if what she’d found with Tommy’s Dam was anything like how he felt about Johnny, he could understand wanting to hold onto that with both hands. But the tiny remnant of the child that had been abandoned was still curled up in the corner of his mind, hurt and confused about being abandoned. And the fact that Johnny had known and not said anything was a detail he wasn’t ready to touch. Not yet, anyway.

On his chest, Johnny squirmed again and started to purr, the low subvocal sound making his muscles go lax. He wanted to fight it, but he was tired, physically and mentally, so rather than tense and battle his instinctive reaction to the sound of his Omega’s comfort, he let his body comply with the stimuli and closed his eyes, the low sound dragging him down into the velvet black of unconsciousness.
~~~

When Ghost woke the next morning, it was to an empty bed and a folded note on the nightstand. He felt vaguely hungover from the sh*tty sleep he’d managed to snatch, and waking up to cold sheets only served to drive his mood down further. Ghost blinked absently at the little tent of folded paper, the edge of a bold bar of soap doodled on the paper and aimed in such a way that it was easy for Ghost to see, even with his glasses off. Groping for the nightstand, he grabbed the paper and his glasses. He closed his eyes and settled the frames on his face, blinking as the world shifted into focus, and looked down at the note in his hands.

“Price called. We’re wheels up. I wanted to wake you, but you were sleeping so peacefully, I couldn’t bring myself to interfere. I left my bank card on the table in case you need anything while I’m gone, and I sent your brother a text to let him know you might be calling him while I’m gone. König is next door and said he’s happy to check on you while I’m gone. Please take care of yourself while I’m gone. If all goes well, we’ll be back in less than a week.”

The next line had been scribbled through hard enough that the paper was nearly torn, and Ghost wondered what he’d been planning to say before he changed his mind. Probably more instructions. After yesterday, the note was more irritation that reassurance and Ghost wadded it up in his hand, dropping it onto the sheets with a huff. Juniper wiggled her butt and pounced on it, biting the paper and batting it around the bed as Ghost watched.

It was bad enough he hadn’t woken him, and worse that he’d gotten him a couple of babysitters, like Ghost was incapable of taking care of himself, but the reminder to take care of himself and the bank card felt especially sharp after the previous day. He would not be calling his brother, and hopefully König wouldn’t take the order to check on him too seriously. Although he missed his friend. Maybe they could go pick up lunch and catch up. It wasn’t like König had known about Ghost’s brother. In a slightly better mood, Ghost flipped the covers off his lap and stood, stretching until his muscles vibrated, and walked to the bathroom, absently scratching his belly as he walked.

Juniper abandoned the tattered paper ball and trotted after him, chirping at him and slipping through the door as he pushed it shut. At least someone knew he could take care of himself. Ghost peed and brushed his teeth before he hopped in the shower, talking through his day as Juniper sat on the counter and bathed herself, the occasional encouraging prrt from her the only response to his rambling. By the time he was done showering, he was feeling a little better about everything and decided that the note probably hadn’t been meant to sound the way Simon’s mood was making it sound. After all, Johnny had seemed genuinely apologetic about his misstep the night before.

Ghost dried off and dressed, walking into the kitchen and wetting the kettle to heat while he fed Juniper and grabbed his phone. He was pleased to see a few texts from Johnny, a text from Alex, and one from König. His phone vibrated in his palm as he answered König’s question about meeting for lunch, and he thumbed over to the newest text. It was a reminder about his appointment with his therapist. Glancing at the time, he sent König a second text asking if they could meet a little later, and opened his conversation with Johnny.

:You looked so comfortable this morning. I’m sorry I wasn’t there when you woke up.

:And I know you said we could talk about it later, but I want to put this out there. I’m sorry that I made you feel like I didn't trust you to know what was best for you. I just couldn’t stand the possibility of you getting hurt by another Omega and stuffed that up royally. I should have told you I was watching your brother from the beginning.

:You’re the strongest man I know, and I’m sorry for taking away your agency and disrespecting your request to leave it alone.

:That’s it. That’s all I wanted to say.

Ghost worried his lip between his teeth as he read and re-read Johnny’s words. The acknowledgement went a long way towards settling the unease he’d been carrying around in his chest and he opened the bond, poking it gently and then sending a small pop of gratitude toward Soap on the other end. Waking his phone, he sent a quick text, hoping they hadn’t been forced to leave their electronics behind.

:You made me a promise. I expect you to keep it.

He typed three more words and read the text over, deleting them before typing them back, and then deleting them again. He didn’t want the first time he said them to be over a text. That felt gross. Instead, he added a red heart to the end of his message and hit send.
~~~

Therapy had been rougher than he’d expected, and he’d pulled the bond closed to keep from distracting Soap. His therapist had been tougher than normal as they dug into some of his concerns with his brother as well as the feeling of betrayal when he found out that Johnny had been keeping things from him. It was nice to have someone validate that his feelings surrounding the situation were valid, but her encouragement to debrief the situation with Tommy and Johnny in regards to their part in the whole thing wasn’t at all something he was looking forward to.

Ahead, he could see König over the crowd, the tall veiled Omega standing by the entrance to the park, a small bubble of space around him as people picked up on his body language and silent request for space. Ghost watched as König’s eyes focused on him and he lifted his arm to wave, glancing across the street and stopping at the sight of an oncoming car. Behind him, h heard the sound of running footsteps and shifted his weight, the collison catching him off guard and off balance as he stumbled forward into the street, cries from onlookers and the sound of screeching tires and horns filling his ears along with the faintest edge of a familiar scent he just couldn't place.

Since he’d been in the process of shifting to the side, he landed badly, his right wrist taking the brunt of the impact, an audible snap filling his ears as his forearm went white hot and his vision flashed. The pain was so intense that he couldn’t stop his decent, head connecting with the pavement, vision blacking out momentarily. When he finally blinked his vision clear, he was lying on the pavement in front of a stopped vehicle, a gray panel van was tearing down the street away from them and there was an older woman on her knees at his side. He could hear the sound of German swearing, and he giggled a little bit as König arrived, veil flapping in the breeze he’d created as he ran.

“Ghost! Are you hurt?”

Ghost looked around the crowd that had gathered and nodded, glancing back over at König. Carefully, he pushed himself to his knees with his good arm, keeping the injured one tucked close to his chest as he moved.

“Yeah. My arm hurts. Think I twisted something.”

Ghost held his arm up toward König and watched with a faint sense of detachment as his hand flopped back far further than it should have. At his side, the older woman sucked in a startled breath and covered her mouth. Ghost blinked again and looked at her before he spoke.

“Oh dear. I think it’s broken. Don’t tell Johnny. He’ll be upset.”

The pain in his head was building and he wavered where he was kneeling. Someone braced him as he started to slump to the side, and his vision went watery, eyes fluttering shut. Johnny was going to be so mad at him.

~~~79

Ghost kept his eyes closed as he started to wake, the sound of beeping and the burning scent of cleaners making him think he was probably in hospital. His head hurt and his arm was throbbing, but everything else felt OK, so he carefully slitted his eyes, looking around the hospital room through his eyelashes. König was seated in the chair next to the bed, and he couldn’t help the little blurt of disappointment that worked through him when it wasn’t Johnny. König looked up and noticed Ghost was awake, leaning in to check him over.

“Mein freund, you scared me.”

“Sorry.”

Ghost grimaced at the dry feeling in his throat and König lifted a cup of water with a straw, bringing it to his mouth and letting him take a sip.

“Small sips, Ghost. The doctor says throwing up is a possibility, and will not make the pain less.”

Ghost hummed, taking a small sip and letting the water coat his throat. After a few more sips, Ghost lifted his hand and König pulled the cup back, setting it aside.

“What happened?”

“You were coming to meet me for lunch. You saw me across the street and stopped to wait for traffic. I don’t know what happened next, but then you were in the street and I thought you’d been hit by a car. The doctors say you weren’t, but you did hit your head when you fell and you also injured your wrist. We can call the doctor in and he can explain it if you’d like.”

“Yes, please.”

König hesitated for a second before pushing the cuff of his sleeve back, wrist bare and strangely fragile looking.

“I know we are just friends, but may I scent you? Soap isn’t answering his phone and my Omega has been anxious since we stepped foot in this room. I don’t have the best memories of hospitals.”

König fell silent, eyes watching Ghost’s face carefully. Ghost nodded slowly, reaching out to König, unbandaged wrist turned up as he waited for the contact. König straightened and the corners of his eyes creased up at the offer.

“Danke.”

They were silent as König dragged his wrist over Ghost’s, letting the contact linger. Wrapping his fingers around his friend’s forearm, he squeezed gently, pulling his attention back to Ghost.

“You know I think of you like a brother right? Like a real brother. You and Kim are as much a part of my pack as any of them, aside from Johnny. And definitely more than Tommy.”

König nodded, blinking rapidly as he nodded his understanding.

“Who is Tommy?”

Ghost laughed lightly.

“Oh, f*cking hell. I was going to fill you in while we ate lunch. Apparently I have a brother.”
~~~
Ghost slumped back as he finished updating König about everything he’d learned since they had last talked and König listened with his full attention and wide eyes.

“And Soap didn’t tell you?”

“No. He said he wanted to make sure I was safe before he ‘let me’ meet him. It’s- He didn’t- We fought last night. I didn’t want to listen. Said a few nasty things, and now he’s somewhere doing something dangerous. And I’m still mad he didn't wake me up when he left.”

König hummed and considered his friend. As he leaned forward and opened his mouth, there was a quiet tap at the door and the doctor poked his head in, meeting König’s eyes and scanning over Ghost absently as he let himself in.

“Mr. MacTavish, your alpha will be fine. He has a mild concussion and he has a small fracture to the scaphoid in his wrist. A few weeks in a cast will set him right, and since the concussion appears to be mild, and I assume he hasn’t complained of pain since there were no calls, he can be cleared to go home soon. Unless you’d prefer to leave him here for the night. Injured alphas can be dangerous, and the hospital is well equipped to manage them.”

Ghost’s eyes went wide as he realized that the doctor was a traditionalist, and if König misstepped, he was looking at being taken into “protective custody” unless Johnny or his designate showed up. And for all that Johnny had said he’d ask König to check up on him, he didn’t think he would have put anything official in place. f*ck. Hopefully, König would keep his mouth shut and play along. Ghost looked at his friend, trying to convey his message silently, but König must not have been paying attention, instead waving his hand and speaking.

“I’m not his Omega. He’s a friend.”

“Oh?”

The doctor’s voice was flat, and he scribbled a note onto Ghost’s chart. Ghost cleared his throat and tried.

“Excuse me, Sir? He’s the caretaker my Omega assigned while he’s away. He’s in the service, and he was already gone before I got hurt.”

“Hmm. Well, if that’s the case, then we just need documentation of that. I’m sure you’ll be able to call him and get this straightened out. Until then, we’ll keep you here to make sure you’re being looked after properly.”

Ghost could feel his breathing speeding up at the implication and he looked at König again, hoping he’d have a plan.

“What about his brother? He’s an Omega, can he take responsibility through familial ties?”

“Hm, yes, that would be fine. We just need to run the tests that establish their relationship.”

“He should be in the database already. I don’t know about his brother.” König shot Ghost an apologetic glance and Ghost shook his head. He wasn’t that upset. Not with König, anyway..
“I’ll contact him and see if he’s interested in taking responsibility for the alpha.”

The doctor nodded to himself, content with the solution and looking forward to not having an alpha cluttering up his ward longer than necessary.

“In the meantime, I’ll send a nurse to take him for his cast fitting. He would probably be fine with a less time consuming treatment, but he may suffer some limits to his mobility. Do you know if his Omega is concerned with maintaining his fine motor control? If not, it would save some time to just have him fitted with a brace. It would save Mr. MacTavish the trouble of follow up care as well. The one good thing about alphas is they tend to be fairly robust.”

Ghost could see that König was chafing at the doctor’s continued tendency to talk about him like he was an especially unintelligent co*cker spaniel, but he tried to let it roll off his back, not wanting to do anything to make getting out of the hospital harder while his Omega was unavailable. Especially considering they weren’t willing to release him to König and he wasn’t completely sure how Tommy felt about taking him in temporarily. If he wasn’t sick enough to stay at the hospital, and the doctor was feeling especially unpleasant, Ghost was fully aware that he was looking at being rehoused in alpha detention until Johnny was able to come reclaim him. Especially if the doctor refused to verify Tommy’s identity as a familial Omega.

And if the note Johnny left was anywhere near accurate, that meant as much as a week at the mercy of the guards. He’d never experienced it himself, but some of the other alphas at Roba’s facility had, and most admitted to preferring Roba to state sanctioned alpha detention. As König puffed up at something sh*tty the doctor had just said, Ghost caught his eyes and sent a pleading look. If König got kicked out before Tommy showed up, he was f*cked. König scowled, eyebrows beetling behind his veil, but he blew out a breath and nodded, slumping in the chair and waving the nurse through when she came in with the wheelchair.

~~~80

The doctors and nurses here might have been short with him, impatient any time he hesitated, and condescending to the point of tears, but the pain management here was top notch and he’d fallen asleep after they brought him back to the room post cast. He’d been ridiculously relieved to see that König was waiting, bouncing his foot on the tile as he stared at the ceiling. The nurse that had been pushing him was happy enough to leave him in the Omega’s hands and after König helped him back into bed , scented him again, and offered him a drink, Ghost had let himself float off on the soft haze of narcotics, poking gently at the still sealed bond to make sure he wasn’t distracting Johnny. Ghost knew concentration could and had meant the difference between a soldier making it home in his boots as opposed to in a bag, and he’d be damned if it was his fault his Omega didn’t make it home because he was too clumsy not to break his own wrist falling like a child.
~~~

A commotion in the corridor woke him and he raised his arms to wipe the sleep from his face, misjudging the distance thanks to the heavy cast on his arm and clocking himself good. The impact made his head ache and he swallowed against the bile that tried to creep up his throat. It wasn’t until he registered the curious poke through the bond that he realized it must have slipped open while he slept, the medicine and thoughts of his Omega widening it. Ghost panicked and wrenched it back closed, wincing at the sharp knock of his mate’s concern on the other side. sh*t. He’d hoped to keep his condition quiet until Johnny was back home.

The faint pokes through the bond disappeared as Ghost focused on closing it and he took a deep breath, the overwhelming scent of his own clay hiding the fainter traces of the doctors and nurses he’d encountered. Even König’s minty floral smell was faded, and Ghost looked around for König, growing more concerned when he didn't see the man. Maybe he’d gone to get a coffee, or maybe he was the one making a racket. Or maybe, Johnny had come home and was making his way through the hospital, pissed that his alpha had gotten himself hurt. As much as he hated the idea of Johnny being mad at him, he’d weather it all to know his Omega was home and safe like he’d promised. He’d take any punishment he had to so long as Johnny was OK.

The sound of shouting was getting closer and Ghost pushed himself up to a seated position, waiting for the noise to pass. Instead, it stopped just outside his door and Ghost heard his doctor trying to placate someone. The door handle started the turn down and Ghost eyed the floor beside his bed, wondering if he should be kneeling when his Omega walked in. He shook his head carefully, wincing when it still sent his vision swimming and decided he’d stay put. No way he’d be in less trouble if he tried to get up and fell off the bed. He drew in big breaths through his nose in an attempt to regulate his breathing and waited for the door to open, curious if it would be König, or Tommy, or the guards coming to move him. Or maybe….

“And so help me, if my brother isn’t in good condition with a glowing report of his experiences under your care, so help me moon, I will rain down a level of hell on your heads that you are all wildly unprepared for. Stop talking about him like he’s got brain damage. He deserves to be respected, damnit.”

“Sir, he’s an injured alpha, and you know how they get.”

Ghost could hear the chill in Tommy’s voice when he answered and he swallowed hard, echoes of his father rattling in his head even though there was no shared blood between his sire and his brother.

“I'm afraid I don’t know ‘how they can be.’ Why don’t you enlighten me?”

“Sir..”

“Just stop. Have you confirmed our relationship?”

“Yes. The tests came back and confirmed your right to take custody of him.”

The doctor’s voice was tight, and Ghost bit his lip to suppress a smile, enjoying the doctor’s discomfort.

“Good. Then I’m going to go make sure he’s not damaged and then we’ll be leaving. And if you don’t want the rest of your mediocre medical career to be spent treating boils and ingrown toenails in the furthest reach of the NHS, I suggest you make sure things move considerably more smoothly from this point forward.”

There was a degree of menace in Tommy’s voice that made Ghost wonder if detention might not be safer. And what a weird thing to think. Tommy had been kind enough during their earlier meeting, but Ghost wasn’t unfamiliar with the way Omegas could and did bend people to their whims. Ghost frowned at the thought and considered it, letting the conversation between his brother and the doctor fade.

Had he known Omegas as a whole to be manipulative and cruel, or had he been taken advantage of by an Omega who was an outlier, and had friends who were of the same type? Was he unfairly judging his brother the same way people judged him just for being born an alpha? The door to his room opened and Ghost coughed at the heavy waft of motor oil and Tommy poked his head in, a small smile on his mouth.

“May I come in?”

“Sure.”

“Your friend called and said you needed someone to bust you out. I figured you could come to my place for a few days until your mate comes home. You shouldn’t be alone with a concussion. But if you’d rather go to your place, that’s fine too.”

“What about the doctor?”

Tommy blew a raspberry and waved his hand in front of his face as if waving the words away.

“As long as you don’t plan to go out and knock over a convenience store, I imagine a couple days of rest and sh*tty TV don’t necessitate a sitter. John obviously trusted you if he left you at home.”

Ghost grunted, staring down at the blanket spread over his legs.

“He wanted me to stay with you.”

Tommy looked at him, hope clear in his eyes.

“Do you want to come stay with us? Joseph would be thrilled.”

“And your mate?”

“Her too. She’s a little more cautious though. Takes a little bit for her to warm up.”

“Alright then. I can stay with you, I guess.”

Chapter 5

Chapter Text

~~~81

Ghost was jumpy as they left the hospital. Tommy flanked one side and König the other as they walked down the halls and out into the early afternoon light. Tommy led them to a minivan with dealer tags still in the window, blushing a bit as he chirped the fob to unlock the doors. König waited quietly as Ghost watched before turning his head and looking down at the alpha.

“Hong-Jin brought my car last night when you stayed, so I’ll follow and meet you at the apartment. I assume you will want to pack a bag for your visit, ja?”

Ghost nodded, still staring at his brother as he fidgeted by his vehicle, clearly anxious about something.

“Alright. We’ll be off then. Thank you for everything.”

Ghost turned and pressed against König, wrapping his arms around the man in a quick hug and dragging his wrists over his shoulders, the movement pulling the veil forward and revealing a sliver of skin at his neck. Ghost stepped back and König twitched his head, dropping the fabric back over himself.

“Sorry.”

“Never apologize for showing affection, Ghost. I’m honored.”

The scent of motor oil floated toward Ghost and he wrinkled his nose, glancing over his shoulder at his brother who was watching them closely. Ghost stepped back and let König cup the side of his neck affectionately, breaking away after a second and walking to the beat up fiat he drove. Ghost smiled faintly as he watched the huge man fold himself down into the tiny car.

“Are you ready?” his brother asked, voice flat and scent hard to parse. Ghost could pick out the faint sweet notes of a pregnant Omega, and the overwhelming scent of burnt oil, and he hoped that wasn’t his base scent, fighting the urge to sneeze.

“Yes, thank you.”
~~~
The ride to his apartment was largely silent, though Ghost knew Tommy had something to say, his body language giving him away. He couldn’t quite tamp down on the surge of concern that coursed through him as the tension in the vehicle built and the odor of oil clashed with Ghost’s clay. When they finally pulled up by his apartment, Ghost practically flung himself out of the car and gulped in a deep breath, waiting for Tommy to join him.

“Look, if you’d rather not come home with me, it’s OK. I know we’re still practically strangers, and you’re at a disadvantage.”

Ghost looked at Tommy, scanning his face.

“How much do you know about my life?”

“Not much. The woman who called me was pretty vague, and there’s almost nothing in the database about you. And yes, I looked when I found out you were still alive.”

Tommy puffed his chest a bit and tipped his head up, meeting Ghost’s eyes.

“You’re my brother and I’ve already lost too much time. I want to get to know you, and I want you to be a part of my life.”

“And what about what I want?”

He watched his brother deflate at that, taking a small step back.

“Well, of course that matters too.”

“Alright. Would you like to come see my apartment? I’ve got a cat. She’s friendly though. Unless you startle her, in which case she’ll bite.”

“Hmm. Sounds like she has that in common with her owner.”

“You may be right, but Juniper doesn’t have an owner. She’s my friend and we take care of each other.”

“I’d like to be your friend too, if you’ll let me.”

“I think I just might.”
~~~

Tommy was curious but not obtrusive as Ghost showed him around, and he didn’t get bitten when Ghost introduced him to Juniper, so Ghost took that as a good sign. As they spent more time together and Tommy relaxed, the faintest scent of citrus started to tease at the edge of Ghost’s senses and he nodded. It made sense, in a weird way. After he finished packing and left a paper note pinned under a glass on the kitchen table, he picked up Juniper and carried her out of the apartment, locking the door and walking across the landing, knocking on König and Kim’s door.

“Ghost, I thought you’d be gone already.”

“Nah. Ms. ma’am was fussy so I took my time packing. Can you keep her for a few days?”

Tommy piped up from his spot by the stairs.

“You can bring her. No one is allergic, and we don’t have any pets for her to be wary of. Just Joseph, and he’d be thrilled.”

Ghost considered it, scratching under her chin.

“We’ll need to pack a second bag.”
~~~

“We're home,” Tommy called, carrying the small duffle of Juniper’s supplies as he walked through the door.

“Da’s home! Da’s here, mum.”

Joseph skidded around the corner, socked feet sliding on the tile. Ghost’s eyes widened as Joseph slid right at him, and he winced away from the possible collision, watching with horror as his feet slipped out from under him and he went down with an oof, sliding into the door. Ghost looked quickly between Tommy and Joseph before he dropped his own bag and bent to pull Joseph to his feet with his good arm.

“Uncle Simon! Are you gonna have a sleep over with us? Da, can we play the Xbox?”

Ghost watched bemusedly as Joseph seemed to shake off his fall in seconds and look up at his Dam with wide pleading eyes. Tommy caught his look and shook his head, smiling down at his son.

“Kid’s are durable. He’s fine. Probably didn’t even notice the fall. It’s OK.”

Ghost nodded, not sure what else to say. As he glanced around the small home, he took stock of the space, noting that it was a little shabby around the edges, but clearly well cared for and loved. Tommy noticed him looking and smiled, rubbing a hand over his belly.

“I do what I can. Beth's been working a lot more since this one showed up, and I pick up the slack around the house so she can just take it easy when she’s home.”

“Does far too much, honestly. I’m just working. He’s the one growing a whole person.”

Ghost flinched as Beth just appeared behind her mate's back, arms coming down to cup the swell of his belly and lifting the weight gently. Tommy let out a graphic moan at the release of tension on his body and Joseph made a face, reaching for Ghost’s hand, trying to pull him away.

“They’re gonna be gross. I can show you where you’ll be sleeping.”

Ghost bent to scoop up Juniper’s carrier in his casted hand, his good arm still held in Joseph’s grip, and winced at the pain as he took the weight. Joseph noticed his discomfort and took the case from him before he started to walk away. He wobbled a little bit as Juniper shifted nervously, but recovered, pulling Simon’s hand again.

“C’mon, uncle Simon. This way.”

~~~82

Joseph walked Simon through the world building game play and showed him how to find the resources he needed for each part of the game as Juniper sat on the TV stand and batted lazily at their avatars any time they got too close to her end of the screen. The two explored the pixelated world until Beth rapped gently on the frame and stuck her head in the door.

“Dinner time, kiddo. And Simon.”

She scented flat, the cold dust that was her dominant note uncomfortable in Ghost’s nose. Was this whole family destined to keep scenting in a way that made Ghost’s nose burn and his throat tight? Ghost swallowed and set the controller down, lacing his hands in his lap.

“You don’t like me.”

“I don’t know you.”

“Fair enough. But you let me into your home.”

Beth leaned against the doorframe, crossing her arms over her chest and meeting his eyes.

“I *don’t* know you Simon, but I know your brother, and he’s wanted one thing for as long as I’ve known him. Longer, if you listen to the stories his Dam tells. He wanted his brother. Spent his whole childhood telling people about you. He was so proud of you, and he never gave up the idea that you’d come home. He knew you weren’t dead because his sire said you weren’t, and he trusted her instincts. Even after she passed and we had no real way of knowing anymore, he kept believing. The day we got the call he cried so hard he threw up. Scared the sh*te out of me and I drug him to the clinic for a check up. He was fine, but he was so happy to have confirmation you weren’t dead he just couldn't deal with it. And then you never called. And he was hurt. Crushed, in fact.”

Beth looked at him, eyes hard as she scanned his face.

“And I don’t like it when people hurt my Omega. So no, I don’t like you. But I’ll give you a chance. For him.”

“Thank you.”
~~~
Beth took Tommy after they finished eating, and Ghost dried dishes carefully while Tommy washed and rinsed them for him.

“You remind me of her, you know? She always hummed when she dried dishes, too.”

Ghost froze. He hadn’t even realized he’d been humming. He vaguely remembered his mom humming along to the radio as she stood in front of the sink, but the memory was faint, more impressions than an actual memory.

“How old were you when she died?”

“27? No, 26. I hadn't had my birthday yet. She’d already ordered my gift, so imagine my surprise when the post man dropped off a birthday gift from my sire three months after her funeral.”

Tommy laughed lightly, shooting his brother a look. “It makes me laugh when I think about it now. It wasn't funny at the time, but it was just so like her. She was always a planner. Always wanted to make sure things ran smoothly.”

Tommy pulled the plug and set it aside, taking the towel Ghost offered and drying his hands.

“She left some things for you, if you’d like. They’re in the sitting room.”

Ghost followed his brother down the hallway and waited in the door frame as Tommy moved to the cabinet on the wall, opening a door and pulling out a box. It was bigger than Ghost had expected, and heavy if Tommy’s grunt was any indication, and he stepped forward, taking it out of his arms and carrying it to the coffee table.

“She started this when I was a baby,” Tommy said, folding the flaps back and lifting a well loved journal out of the box. He set it on the table and grabbed a second book, then a third, adding to the stack until there was a tower of them, each with a sharpied year scribbled on the spine.

“She wanted to give them to you after you turned 18. My Dam had already agreed to take you on. She and Da used to talk about it after they thought I was in bed. What kind of room you might want, whether or not they should be saving more to pay for your schooling if you wanted to pursue college, what would happen if you didn’t want anything to do with her, or us.”

Tommy sat next to Ghost on the couch, settling down with a huff as the baby shifted and his entire stomach changed shape. Ghost swallowed hard at the sight. He knew it was natural, and in theory, it was kind of interesting, but he’d spent so little time around actual pregnant people that he had no idea if what had just happened was normal or if he should go and find Beth. He threw a quick look over his shoulder as he tried to decide what to do. He’d gotten some exposure to pregnancy through Farah, but she wasn't as far along as Tommy appeared, and she rarely got this close to him, aware that he wasn’t always super comfortable with Omegas who weren’t Johnny in his space. Even König always waited for an invitation to get this close to him.

Tommy leaned forward, using the arm of the couch to pull himself forward. He set a tentative hand on Ghost’s arm and he couldn’t quite contain the flinch at the contact. Tommy frowned and withdrew his hand, eyebrows creased in confusion as the scent of burnt motor oil perfumed off of him. It was quickly replaced with the scent of oranges as Tommy made an effort to calm him, not sure where the distress was coming from, but assuming correctly that he was likely the source. The sound was nearly inaudible at first and it took Ghost a second to recognize his reaction as Tommy started to purr and he felt his muscles start to loosen. The instinctive terror that rattled through him was familiar, as was the bloom of spoiled pear, and he felt something warm streak down his cheeks.

Crying. He was crying.

With the little bit of control he could muster, he tugged the bond between him and Johnny open and sent his fear spilling toward his mate. He knew his mate needed to focus, but he needed him too, and Ghost prayed to the goddess that he wasn’t going to get his mate killed because he didn’t know how to resist. Johnny must have been paying pretty close attention though, because the surge of alarm and concern that was immediately pushed back at him gave him back enough control to allow him to slide off the couch and curl into a ball, hands cupped over his ears as he hummed to try and counteract the noise his brother was making.

Johnny was pushing love and strength at him, and Ghost could feel the vague ache behind his eyes ease. If Johnny didn’t have time for him, he could have closed the bond from his end. Moon knew Roba had done it often enough. It was an old trick he’d learned at Roba’s feet, distancing himself from his physical body, but instead of the empty cold nothing he’d found before, the emotion his mate was feeding him was warm and he luxuriated in it. He wasn’t safe, but he was safer in here with Johnny, and he couldn’t hear his brother anymore. It was a small mercy, but he’d learned early on to be grateful for any small mercy he was shown, even when it wasn’t what he wanted.

Roba had made sure of that.

~~~83

He’d lost all sense of time by the time he felt someone delicately touch his ankle and he lashed out, the startled yelp as he made contact pulling him up. Something poked at him, multiple points of contact that his brain struggled to make sense of. Something was pressing on his chest, two points of pressure just over his heart, and two more lower, pushing into his stomach. Something else rasped against his chin, rumbling airily, and he jerked his head back, the sound of purring cut off as Juniper mrrpped chidingly in his face. Her breath was strong and fishy, and Simon took a second to be grateful that someone had remembered to feed her.

“Are you back with us, mein freund?”

Ghost blinked his eyes open and saw Juniper watching him, eyes wide and pupils blown, before she leaned in and went back to purring in his face as she took the top few layers of skin off his chin while she groomed him. Over her head, he could see König sitting on the floor, hands draped over his knees, one turned up as if in offering when Ghost felt ready to reach out. The familiar floral mint was comforting, and he nodded, absurdly grateful for his friend. König never pushed, never touched him without his permission, never initiated contact unless Ghost asked for it. He was one of the best men Ghost had ever met. And for whatever reason, he cared about him. Like Johnny. Like his mate who he suddenly missed so badly that the pain in his chest felt like a living thing with teeth.

Ghost swallowed hard at the gesture, at the kindness König offered with no expectation of reciprocity, and the way he could feel Johnny pushing affection and peace at him, chin wobbling as he shook his head and leaned forward, pressing himself against König’s chest and hiding his face as he burst into noisy sobs. He could vaguely hear Kim talking, and he wondered how they’d known he needed them. König was murmuring softly, a mix of German and English he could barely make out, but the tone was soothing, and he let himself cry until he started to feel better. As the sobs slowed and he finally managed to pull in a breath without dieseling, he pushed back from König’s hold, König’s hands letting him go easily, eyes soft behind his veil.

“Would you like a drink? Soap said you might still have a headache and crying never helps with that.”

“Sorry.”

König leaned forward and met Ghost’s eyes. His own were concerned behind his veil.

“It was not a chastisem*nt. You owe us no apology. It’s what friends do for each other, ja? Do you want water? Or tea, maybe?”

“Water would be fine, thank you. Why are you here?”

Kim spoke up from the edge of the room, a bottle of water on the low table in front of him.

“Your Omega’s boss called. Kate, I think she said her name was. She said you might need a friend.”

“You talked to Johnny? He’s OK?”

“I spoke to Kate. She gave no indication he wasn’t. He called her and she called us. He is worried about you.”

König hovered his hand over Ghost’s knee, waiting for Ghost to indicate whether he was comfortable with being touched or not. At Ghost’s nod, he lowered his hand and squeezed Ghost’s knee gently.

“How is your head? And your arm? Tommy said you missed your pain medication after dinner. Do you want me to grab it while you drink this?”

Kim scented heavily of something that burned at the edge of Ghost’s nose and he snorted, surprised at the new scent coming off the normally calm man. He picked up the bottle, making sure Ghost watched him crack the seal, and handed it to him, dropping his hand to rest on his mate’s shoulder, thumb brushing delicately against his neck. König tipped his head to the side against his mate’s fingers before he shuffled back and extended his legs, groaning as the blood returned to his long limbs. Ghost sipped from the bottle, scanning the room as Juniper crawled back into his lap, kneading his thigh before she collapsed into a loaf, pinning him to the floor.

The sound of footsteps pulled his gaze to the doorway and he turned to look. Tommy was lingering at the edge of the room, eyes wide and teary, knuckles white where they wrapped around the edge of a tray loaded with steaming mugs. Behind him, Beth stood with a hand on his shoulder and a blank look on her face that made Ghost think that his invitation to their home was probably about to be withdrawn. He didn’t see Joseph anywhere, and he thanked whoever protected children and fools for sparing him the sight of his uncle weeping like a pup.

“I made tea. Mum always said there was nothing that couldn’t be solved with a good cuppa.”

His smile was tentative, and a little wobbly, and Ghost nodded, watching as Tommy made his way into the room, setting the tray down before offering mugs to everyone. Ghost stayed on the floor between the couch and the chair where Kim sat, and König scooted over until he could lean back against his mate, tucking the mug behind his veil as he sipped.

No one spoke, but Ghost felt like he could finally breathe again, and he sniffed carefully, noticing for the first time that the spoiled edge of his scent had retreated, overlaid by the medicinal minty herbal scent of König’s touch on his shoulder and knee and smeared down his front, and the sharp peppery burn of Kim’s faint touch along his finger tips from when he’d handed off the water.

Ghost shot a covert glance at the chair opposite them and watched as Beth and Tommy squashed themselves together on the single cushion and he leaned back against her shoulder, breathing slowly and rubbing a hand absently over the mound of his belly, Beth’s fingers carding through his hair. Tommy let out a deep sigh, and the faint edge of burnt oil disappeared, replaced by his normal orange and joined by Beth’s bright spice. They smelled like Christmas, and as Ghost sat between the couples, he couldn’t help the surge of want that poured through him for his own Omega.
~~~

Ghost waved to König and Kim as they pulled away from the curb. They’d checked with him after he’d drunk his tea in the silence of the packed living room, and offered to take him home with them if he wanted to go. As much as Ghost wanted to say yes, grab Juniper and cram himself into the tiny backseat of their car, he needed to clear the air with his brother. He shut the door quietly and leaned against the cool wood, watching as Juniper wound her way between his feet, thumping her tail on his shin.

“Well, girl, should we go face the music?”

Juniper looked up at him and merped, leading the way back into the sitting room. Tommy was curled up on the corner of the couch with a blanket pulled over his legs. Ghost opened his mouth to apologize for his reaction only to be cut off by the timid sound of his brother beating him to the punch.

“I’m sorry.”

Ghost blinked hard, taken off guard.

“What?”

“I’m sorry. You were clearly uncomfortable and I wasn’t paying attention. I do that. I was so excited about you agreeing to stay here for a few days, I didn't even think about how much you’re dealing with right now.”

“I’m not-”

“You must be. Your mate is away, you have a broken arm and a concussion, you’re in a new environment…”

Tommy sucked in a sharp breath and looked up at Ghost with wide eyes. “And I’m doing it again. I’m sorry. I’ll shut up.”

Tommy hunched forward and dropped his gaze, fidgeting with the hem of the blanket. Ghost sighed and sat down on the open cushion of the couch. He hovered his hand over the lump of blankets between them, watching as Tommy fretted his feet together absently, finally setting his hand over them and squeezing gently, startling a bright bloom of citrus out of his brother. Ghost cleared his throat and watched Tommy’s face out of the corner of his eyes.

“You’re right. I’m not OK. But you didn’t know, and I’m at least mostly confident it wasn’t malicious.”

“It wasn’t!” Tommy burst out, cheeks going red at his own interjection.

Ghost squeezed his toes again and nodded. Tommy’s Dam used to do that, Ghost remembered, constantly peppering interjections into conversations. He’d been little and the memories were faint, but he remembered his mum laughing quietly and calling her ‘chatty maggie’ with a soft smile he only saw her wear when his father wasn’t around.

“You said you read what was in my file, yeah?”

Ghost waited for Tommy to nod before continuing.

“And there wasn’t much in there?”

Another nod.

“But you know I served for a few years, right?”

“Yeah.” The answer was soft, and a little fearful, as if Tommy wasn’t completely sure he wanted an answer.

“I was taken during a mission, held by some really awful people. I won’t go into details about what happened, but I will tell you it was bad. They barely saw alphas as human, and we were treated like it. But I was too stubborn to bend, and I wasn’t going to go down without a fight. I know this might come as a bit of a surprise, but I was kind of an asshole when I was younger. Must have gotten that from my father.”

Ghost took a breath and huffed out a humorless laugh.

“The leader was an Omega, and not a good one. Not like Johnny, or König.”

Ghost glanced at his brother’s face, the faintest whiff of burnt oil reaching him.

“Or you, I hope. He wanted me to bend. Or break. He wasn’t that picky about it. He used to do that when he wanted compliance, or if he thought any of the alphas were resisting.”

“What?”

“Purr. It was his favorite thing to do. He’d let me rage and fight and try and resist til he got bored, then he’d purr until I couldn’t fight him. Then he’d do what he wanted.”

“And what was that?”

“I don’t remember.”
~~~84

Ghost woke up on the couch, Tommy slumped against him. The bump of his belly was pressed into Ghost’s side and he jerked when he felt the press of his niece or nephew against him. The sensation was startling, and Ghost wondered if he’d ever get to experience it with Johnny, his own Omega curled against him after a sleepless night of pregnancy discomfort. According to Farah’s laments, apparently there was a lot of that.

Tommy grumbled and stretched and Ghost watched as he straightened up, snuffling his nose against Ghost’s shoulder as he tried to wake up, freezing as the scent of the person he was pressed against registered in his half asleep mind. Ghost let him pull away, and the brothers watched each other warily for a few seconds before Juniper jumped up on the couch and climbed onto Simon’s thigh, yowling her displeasure over a delayed breakfast.

Ghost sighed, Juniper meowed, and Tommy snorted at her antics. Ghost felt a small smile tug at the corner of his lips, buoyed by Tommy’s bright orange scent and he scented his own warm pear joining the mix, meeting his brother’s eyes over Juniper’s indignant head. And before he realized what was happening, Simon and Tommy were giggling like little boys, leaning against each other as they leaned into the silliness. It was a nice way to wake up, and Simon thought if this was what it meant to have a brother, then maybe it wasn’t the worst thing.

Tommy tried to push himself off the couch and floundered, off balance and lacking the leverage to get up, so Ghost stood and offered a hand, pulling him to his feet carefully.

“Breakfast?”

“Breakfast.”

At their feet, Juniper nipped at Ghost’s socked toes, echoing their sentiment.
~~~

Tommy made tea and toast while Ghost scrambled eggs, and they worked together to get breakfast plated. Some of the awkwardness from before was back, and Ghost noticed Tommy was careful to let Simon move without impinging on his space. He appreciated the gesture, but he wanted the easy comfort from before back, used to the sense of peace he’d found with Johnny and his friends. Tommy checked his phone while he ate, and he thumbed through a few messages before he set it down and picked up his mug, taking a sip of his tea.

“Beth took Joseph to school. She’s working today, but wanted me to give her a call later, and she said something about remembering what you talked about yesterday?”

His inflection lifted at the end of the sentence, turning it onto a question and Ghost nodded.

“Yeah. Just alpha talk.”

Tommy hummed and took a sip of his tea. He didn’t look like he believed Simon, but he let it drop. Simon sighed in relief and took another bite of eggs.

“I know you’re probably tired of talking about what happened to you, but I wanted to say I’m sorry again for what happened last night.”

Ghost swallowed.

“It’s alright. I know you were trying to help.”

“Trying. Sure. I feel like I’ve made a hash of all of it. I was completely convinced you were going to leave with your friends last night. You could have. I would have understood.”

“Truth be told, I was tempted. König and Kim are safe. They’re exactly who they say they are, and König has never pushed. He’s got stuff too, so he gets me.”

“And I don’t.”

“No. You don’t.”

Ghost let the silence hang as he took a sip of tea.

“And I’m incredibly glad that you don’t. Just like I’m glad Joseph didn’t see what happened last night. Not because I’m ashamed, but because it means keeping him innocent a little longer. Like you.”

“I’m not a child to be coddled. I’m a grown man, and head of my family.”

Ghost nodded, scooting little clumps of egg around his plate.

“I know. But your parents did a good job of keeping you safe, and letting you grow up cautious but not afraid. It’s something I didn’t get. I went from a bad childhood to a career where I was only slightly more important than the rifle I carried to a hellish half life of being treated like a punching bag or a coveted object depending on the day. I never knew safety until Johnny brought me home. Hell, I’m still scared about 25% of the time. Scared Roba or his men will find me, scared I’ll have an attack in public and end up in custody, scared the people who matter to me will be hurt. Because that is what my life has been for years. For more than a decade, it was just fear. And eventually, the fear became resignation. But now? It’s still there, but it’s laced with anticipation, and hope, and love. For the family I chose, and the family I share blood with.”

Cautiously, Ghost set down his fork and slid his hand across the table, laying his hand palm up, offering his wrist to his brother. Tommy’s eyes swam as he glanced down at the offered arm and back up to his eyes. As Ghost stared at him, waiting patiently for him to decide, he realized that he was looking at his sire’s eyes, the same as his own, the slant of the lids he saw every morning when he brushed his teeth, the same shade to the golden brown irises, the nearly invisible lashes that ringed them. Tommy might look more like his dam, but Simon’s mum was there too, watching him across the table through Tommy’s eyes.

When the contact finally came, it surprised a small shaky gasp out of his throat and he swallowed against the chuff he wanted to push at his brother. As much as he wanted to, the moment felt as fragile as a soap bubble and he was loath to break eye contact and lose the feeling he was sharing with one of the last members of his family.

It felt an awful lot like hope.
~~~
The days that followed Ghost’s disastrous first night were better after that. Tommy still made mistakes, Beth was still overly protective, and Simon still got twitchy about it, but Joseph was a godsend, completely oblivious to the tension between the adults, and a constant source of distractions, from learning how to play with a cat without scaring her off, to dragging Simon to all his favorite places to play, to spending an unholy amount of time walking back and forth to the park to visit JJ.

One week after Ghost’s fall, Tommy took him back to the hospital for follow up scans and the doctor that helped them this time was much more pleasant, reading the x-rays and letting them know that it appeared that his Omega had done his job. The break was healed enough for the cast to come off, and he’d only need a stiff brace for a few more days while the new bone hardened.

After the doctor cut the cast free and fitted the brace, she let them go with a smile and a reminder about a follow up appointment before the brothers left, wandering back home and enjoying the pleasant weather. They took their time walking home and as they got closer, Ghost noticed he could feel anticipation settling heavily against the mostly closed bond. He pondered the sensation all the way home, completely missing the familiar SUV parked at the curb, and the scent of juniper that wafted out of the door when Tommy swung it open. But he didn't miss the burr of a beloved voice as he heard it for the first time in more than a week.

“Hullo, Ghostie.”

~~~85

Soap watched Simon freeze in the door frame. He was wearing the skeleton mask he’d gifted him, and his eyes were wide, the scent of baked pear blooming in the room. Tommy coughed lightly, a pale pink stain creeping over his cheeks and up to his ears. Soap clocked that the blush was something he shared with Simon and dismissed the man from his attention, intent on soaking in the sight of his alpha, whole and hearty in front of him.
~~~

He’d muscled his way through the rest of their mission, mind torn between what he knew, as a soldier, needed to be done to get home alive and what his Omega wanted; namely to get back to his alpha who’d been injured, and the sooner the better. When Simon first wrenched the bond wide open only a day after he’d left him sleeping peacefully in his bed, it had been a near thing that he’d not torn into his team mates in his desperation to get home. He’d shoved as much energy down the bond as he could muster, the sick swoop of deja vu incredibly unwelcome. He’d been half way to the drop off point and the vehicles they’d left there when Gaz finally caught up to him, yanking him to a stop and asking him where the hell he was going. Soap hadn’t taken kindly to being stopped and had lunged at his friend, throwing a sloppy punch to get Gaz to back off. Alex stepped between them, and Soap hissed, furious about being denied both his alpha, as well as a target for that ire.

Cooler heads had prevailed as Alex kept them apart as Price called Laswell requesting she contact König to check on Ghost. She’d reported that he was still with his brother, and appeared physically unharmed. He hadn’t know exactly what had happened until they were loading onto the exfil plane and a marine brought him a cell phone with one anonymous number saved in the phone book. Kate had been kind enough to fill him in completely, and he’d thrown a genuine thank you into the universe for surrounding him with such exemplary friends and allies.

The plane ride home was tense, both because the intel they’d gathered was hardly worth the effort they’d spent to obtain it, as well as the knowledge that with each second that passed, Soap was that much closer to getting home to his alpha. The bond was calm, as it had been for several days now, but Soap couldn’t help poking it occasionally, wanting to verify it was quiet because Ghost was calm, and not because he’d closed it again.

Price hadn’t bothered to try and stop him when they deplaned at Hereford, and Soap was halfway to the base parking lot when he realized he was still wearing his full kit, and the keys to his SUV were in his room. Making a quick about face, he hurried to his room, stripped down, gave himself five minutes to shower off the dust and dress and was out the door keys in hand before the propellers on the plane they'd arrived on were done spinning. He followed his GPS to the address Kate sent him and knocked at the door, waiting for someone to answer.
~~~

He was only a little disappointed when the door swung open and it wasn’t Simon. Beth stood there in ripped jeans and an old uni sweater, hair twisted up on the back of her head and held in place with what looked like a pen. She’d sniffed delicately, and scanned him quickly head to toe.

“Can I help you?”

“I’m looking for Simon.”

Beth crossed her arms, regarding him warily.

“And you are?”

Soap twitched, sticking out his hand with a smile. “John MacTavish. Simon’s alpha. We met at the park last week. I’m here to take him home.”

“John? Was that the name you used when you were “making friends” with Tommy? Or was that a different Omega who spent all those weeks lying to us? A brother, maybe?”

Soap swallowed, a little taken aback by her bluntness, and a little bit frustrated that she was condemning him for doing the same thing she was doing now. Trying to protect his mate. Taking a deep breath, he tried to decide how to word his answer. He wondered if maybe he wasn’t the only one who’d been lying about who they really were.

~~~

Beth was intense, Soap thought as he stared into the dregs of the tea she’d brought him. He wasn’t really a fan, but he’d been mildly concerned she might stab him if he asked for coffee. Before she’d been willing to let him in, she’d asked for ID, and he’d fumbled out his wallet, handing over his ID card with a fair amount of shock. This wasn’t the same woman he’d watched for weeks before suggesting Simon make contact. She wasn’t the quiet retiring, sort of boring wife and mother he’d taken turns watching. No, this woman was calm, assessing, and confident in a way he recognized but couldn't quite quantify. She’d nodded him in and he’d followed, settling on the couch and answering in the affirmative when she offered a drink.

After bringing him tea and letting him know they’d be home soon, she’d walked back into the kitchen and picked up a cleaver, going back to breaking down the cut of meat she’d been working on prior to his interruption. Soap opened his mouth to ask a question but snapped it closed as she brought down the cleaver with a loud chop. Apparently she wasn’t in a chatty mood. As she brought down the cleaver a second time and severed one piece of meat from another, Soap couldn’t stop himself from swallowing convulsively. Had he said intense? He meant terrifying.
~~~

Johnny waited, poised on the edge of the couch as he waited for Simon to let him know where he stood. When at least a minute had passed and he was still standing in the door, Soap stood and crossed to him, holding out a hand.

“Coming in?”

Ghost nodded and took Soap’s hand, letting the Omega pull him in. The first step must have been the trigger because before he knew it, Soap was pressed against the wall by the now closed front door, Simon’s body plastered to him as much as possible through their clothing. Simon was nosing at his face and throat, the tip of his nose nudging at the delicate skin of his temples, through the thicker hair of his mohawk, tucking into the hollow behind his ears, huffing his skin as they scented each other. It had been long enough that neither smelled like the other beyond the faintest edge and Soap’s Omega rumbled in his chest discontentedly. He needed his mate to scent of him, to warn others that he was loved, and cherished, and most importantly, protected. He needed Ghost to reek of him, a scent that was pressed so deep into his skin that no one would ever assume he didn’t have an involved, strong, committed Omega ready to protect his six at all times.

Soap took a deep breath and caught Ghost’s pear scent, the faintest hints of König and the beta woman he worked with, and something fruity and spicy that had to be his brother and sister-in-law. It wasn’t right, but most of it was familiar, and it was more than he’d had in almost ten days. He’d been beating himself up since he’d gotten word of Simon’s accident, and it was honestly all he could do not to strip his alpha bare and rub himself over every inch of skin until they scented like one person, one scent of mingled juniper and clay and pear and smoke that was impossible to untangle.

He pressed his nose to the curve of Simon’s neck and rubbed his face back and forth, making him jerk at the sensation of his overgrown stubble against the relatively delicate skin. He could feel the near permanent knots in his neck that he’d been carrying since the bond flew wide open start to release as he held his alpha safe and warm against him, thrilled to be here, relieved to know that while he’d been hurt, he hadn’t been taken, and ready to go home. The heaving sigh Simon blew out at the contact told Soap he wasn’t the only one who’d missed this. The bond between them sung happily as they relaxed into the embrace.

“Welcome home, Johnny.”

Soap ground his forehead into Simon’s shoulder gently. “Glad to be home, Love.”

Ghost squeezed him against his chest.

“I like it when you call me that.”

“I like calling you that.”

~~~86

As much as Ghost was going to miss seeing Tommy, he needed to get his Omega home. They’d been visiting all afternoon, and he could feel his restraint starting to fray, the desire to strip his mate bare and check that he was actually completely uninjured nearly impossible to stop thinking about. He’d wanted to whine like a pup when Johnny had pulled out of his arms to speak to Tommy and Beth earlier, wanting to stay as close to his mate as he could. He’d swallowed it down and folded his arms across his chest, indulging in a little bit of petulance, careful to keep it away from the bond.

He dug his toes into the pile of the carpet while he waited, eventually looking up to see what was going on. As he watched, Tommy and Beth shook Johnny’s hand and Ghost swallowed as he turned and locked eyes with him across the living room, blue eyes bright and happy.

“You’re good to have them for dinner next week, yeah? I wasn't sure what your work schedule looked like.”

Ghost glanced over at his brother and sister-in-law and nodded. “Yeah, it’d be nice to have them over. I think I’m off on Thursday. I’ll double check when I go in tomorrow.”

Johnny’s face fell a little at the news and if Ghost hadn’t been so focused on his mate, he’d have missed it. The speed at which he wiped the look away was frankly impressive.

“I could take a day, if you had plans.”

Ghost fretted lightly, grumbling and stretching his hand out to Johnny, the need to touch finally getting to him. It had been too long, and as he stood next to his mate, he realized that they didn’t smell of each other any more, the scent of Johnny covered up by the scent of his team mates and travel, the faintest edge of his own body wash hanging over all of it. Ghost couldn't really scent himself while they were in Tommy’s home, but he was pretty sure he smelled more like his brother’s family than his own. He’d had to press his face deep into his sweatshirt last night to find any hint of his missing mate.

Johnny pressed against his side, and he wrapped an arm around his waist, thumb slipping under his hoodie to rub at the little layer of padding just above his waistband. Ghost hated it, hated the way he was getting pudgy, but Johnny’s face went soft and adoring every time he saw it or touched it, so he tried not to let it get to him, concentrating on the fact that each swipe of Johnny’s rough thumb meant they were that much closer to smelling like they ought.

“Want some help packing, Ghostie?”

“Yeah, that’d be nice. Could say hi to Juniper as well.”

“Aw, nice. Glad you had her for your visit.”

The lingering tension that had been riding him loosened at Johnny’s words. Visit was a temporary thing, and meant he’d been serious when he’d told Ghost he wasn’t sending him away. He’d wanted to believe him completely, but the doubt hadn’t disappeared so much as it had faded, only the faintest stain of his concern lingering, only noticeable if you knew where to look for it. And unfortunately for Ghost, all the distraction in the world hadn’t kept him from looking. But Johnny said ‘visit’ and Ghost heard ‘home’.
~~~

The visit had been good. Stressful, but good. He’d had a chance to hear about Tommy’s childhood, and he’d soaked in each and every story Tommy shared about his mum. He and Beth eventually settled themselves too, which had further reduced the tension in the household, and he’d even felt a little sad as he’d hugged Tommy goodbye and offered a nod to Beth, Juniper’s case in one hand and his bag over his shoulder. But as he settled into the passenger seat and Johnny navigated away from the curb, he couldn’t help slumping in relief as the scent of the two of them filled the small space. Soap smelled like exhaustion and home, and Ghost clenched his fists against his thighs to avoid reaching for him. Juniper pressed her face against the grate of her case and Ghost flinched when her whiskers tickled at his wrist, glancing down and stoking a fingertip over her nose.

“Ready to be back home?”

“Very much so.”

Ghost watched as Johnny covered his yawn with the back of his hand.

“When did you last sleep?”

Johnny glanced at him and furrowed his brows.

“Yesterday? Day before maybe? I tried to sleep on the transport, but I didn't have much luck. Looking forward to sleeping in my own bed again.”

“Yeah. I’ve missed it. Juniper’s not nearly as nice a bedmate.”

Juniper let out a little yowl and Johnny snickered lightly.

“Aw, better watch it, Ghostie. You’re gonna end up in the doghouse with your girl.”

“Hmm. Well, suppose if I do, I’ll just climb in bed with you.”

Johnny stretched his hand out and wrapped it around Ghost’s forearm, squeezing gently.

“Should hope so, Love.”

Ghost sucked in a sharp breath as Johnny said it again, worrying his lip between his teeth as he stared at where they were touching. He wanted to ask, but he didn’t want it to stop. Instead, he pressed a kiss to the back of Johnny’s hand and watched as the scenery started to get more familiar as they approached their apartment.
~~~

“Home sweet home,” Soap said as he put Simon’s bag on the floor in their bedroom. Simon was standing by the bed and Juniper was perched in his arms, sniffing at the air while Simon dragged his face across the fur covering her side. She pressed a paw to his forehead and he froze, pulling back as she wiggled free and plopped on the bed, setting to work cleaning the fur he’d been rubbing his face on.

“M clean, you little diva.”

From behind him, he heard Soap’s laugh and turned to see him leaning against the door frame, a faded t-shirt stretched across the breadth of his chest and joggers riding low, clinging to his hip bones in a way that made Ghost feel a little jealous.

“C’mere, Omega.”

Johnny came to him easily and Ghost pulled him in, letting his chin rest on top of his head. Ghost drew in a deep breath, scenting his mate and pulling in the familiar blend of juniper and smoke that never failed to make his spine go soft, thrumming in his throat in contentment. Soap chirruped under his chin and Ghost pulled back, glancing down.

“I’d adore the chance to stand here with you forever, Love, but I’m shattered.”

Ghost swallowed, feeling torn. He didn’t want to be away from him, but he didn’t want Johnny to miss out on sleep either. He knew he wasn’t exaggerating as another jaw cracking yawn ripped through his body. It was fine, though. Even if he was asleep, at least he was home. Maybe Ghost could go and pick up a few things for supper. He’d probably be hungry when he got up.

Nodding, he pressed a kiss to Johnny’s brow and stepped back, turning away as he considered what he could make for dinner. There wasn’t much in the fridge, but he’d gotten paid last week, so picking up the groceries would be easy enough. He stopped at the feel of Johnny’s hand wrapped around his wrist. He looked back in time to see him cover another yawn.

“Stay?”

“Of course, Johnny.”

Maybe they’d just have take-away tonight.

~~~87

Soap woke up to a room full of late morning light and an empty bed. He’d hoped that Simon would have still been there, but he’d told him he had a shift, so at least it wasn't a total surprise. Sighing, he got up and padded out of the room, scratching absently at his belly under the shirt he’d stolen from Alex years ago. The coffee in the kitchen was lukewarm, but Soap couldn't find it in him to be arsed, dumping it in a mug and popping it in the microwave. Juniper wound around his feet and he reached down to scratch her chin when she stood up, setting her paws on his knee for attention.

The beep of the microwave shattered the peaceful silence in the room and Soap made a face before he grabbed the mug, sipping carefully to see if he’d overheated it. The coffee stung his tongue and he winced, grabbing an ice cube from the fridge and dropping it in. He snagged his phone on his way to the living room and plopped his ass on the couch, carefully taking a sip of coffee and thumbing his phone on to check for messages. There was an email from his sire with a frowny face in the subject bar and he opened it to read the message. It wasn’t as dire as the emoticon made it look, but his sire wasn’t best pleased to have not heard from him recently. He winced at the gentle chide and thought back to the last time they’d talked. It had to have been around the new year. Sighing, Soap thumbed to his contact list and scrolled until he reached his parent’s number.

“John! I didn’t expect to hear from you today.”

“Aye, Da, mum emailed. Figured I’d better call before you send out the guard.”

His Dam laughed, the sound warm and familiar in Soap’s ears.

“How are the wee’ns?”

“Getting big. Your sibs are both getting ready for graduation. Do ye know if you’re around? It’s next month.”

“Aye, ought to be able to swing a leave. My Captain’s been up my nose about taking a break.” Soap laughed. “Well, a break that isn’t just heat leave.”

“Christ, John. Are ye trying to make yourself sick?”

Soap’s dam’s voice sounded exasperated and his shoulders rounded, the reaction instinctive, earned from years of hearing it after making stupid choices in his teens. He might have been an adult, but that didn’t mean the disappointment of his bearer felt any less intense.

“I know, I know. I’m gonna request time soon, but you know if we get called away, we have to go.”

“Aye, I’m aware. I still think you should have done something like your sister Margaret and her mate. They’re opening a second location, you know. And Fiona is expecting again.”

“Jesus, Da. Again? Doesn’t she know what causes that by now?”

Soap’s Dam scoffed and Soap smiled. “Yer a smartarse, John. She’s happy enough chasing her brood.” Soap’s Da sighed. “Speaking of, anyone caught your eye?”

“Da…”

“I’m just saying, you’re not going to want to be in the military forever. And those trauma bonds aren’t good for you. You need a mate. A permanent one. By the time I was your age, I had you and your sisters to chase around.”

Soap mouthed along with the familiar complaint, rolling his eyes fondly.

“I know, Da. But I’m happy enough. And I’m young. I’ve got time to find someone to settle down with.”

Soap thought about Ghost, thought about mentioning his current mate, but he kept his mouth shut, not wanting to get into his Da’s disdain for trauma bonds. It was an old argument, and one he was tired of repeating. Instead, he nudged the conversation away from his own lonely state.

“D’you remember Farah?”

“The dark haired lass?”

“Aye. She and her mate are expecting. Twins.”

“Ah, that’s grand. Like your sibs. They were far less painful than you and your sisters, you know. Your mum used to tell me that I looked fit to explode lugging all three of you about. Two was so much easier.”

Soap rolled his eyes and sipped his coffee as he settled into the couch and listened to his Dam tell him the story of his pregnancy with them. Again.

~~~

Soap pulled he phone away from his ear when it vibrated and glanced at the notification.

“Hey, Da, I need to let you go. Work.”

“Alright, John. We’ll see you soon?”

“Soon as I can get away.”

“Love you to the moon, my boy.”

“And back, Da.”

~~~

Johnny wasn't home when Ghost opened the apartment door, but his scent was fresh, so he must have just missed him. Pulling his phone out, he woke it and checked to see if he’d missed a call. No missed call, but there was a text waiting.

:Not sure when you’re off and I didn’t want to call if you’re still at work. I’ve got to head back to base for a few hours, but I’ll be home tonight. Let me know if you’d like me to pick anything up on my way home. I’ll text you when I leave base. 😘

Ghost smiled at the emoji at the end, debating with himself as to whether he should return it. Shaking his head, he set his phone down and started unpacking the groceries he’d picked up. Maybe later. Or maybe he’d just tell Johnny how he felt. It seemed like it was time.

~~~

“D’you want the good news, or the bad news?”

Soap stopped, not even fully through the doors.

“The good news?” He asked, not really sure what Gaz was asking.

“Alright. So, good news: Ghost’s fall is tied to the people we’re chasing.”

“How is that good news?! Aren’t they the one killing the alphas?”

“Well, yeah. But the good news is that the ones locally aren’t that smart, and we’ve got a lead that doesn't require half a day on a plane.”

“Well thank heavens for small mercies. So what’s the bad news?”

“There’s a mole.”

“Here?”

“Yeah. Kate says Hereford.”

“Well, f*ck. So what’s the plan?”

~~~ 88

Soap was running, dodging people and calling apologies over his shoulder as he went. This wasn’t the plan, but it mattered more than anything had mattered to him in a long time, so he kept running, trying to figure out how he’d ended up here, nearly taken out by a pensioner’s market bag as he cut a corner a little too close. This definitely wasn’t how today was supposed to go and now Simon was going to murder him. And the worst part of all of it was it was his own damn fault for forgetting something simple. But everything was happening all at once, and he just prayed that Simon still wanted him there when all the cards were laid on the table.

The original plan had been, as Gaz charmingly called it, a K.I.S.S plan; for them to keep their heads down and lean on a couple friends to go after the mole. The members of the 141 were too well known around base to be effective at hunting out one of their own. It took a few days to get them deployed, but as soon as Kate gave them the go ahead, they were all business, the op quick, clean, and most importantly, quiet since MI5 was still smarting about the near kidnap of one of their charges right under their noses. Soap got a terse text from Price that said the transfer had been completed successfully and knew they were one step closer. It was a small step, but it came without bloodshed and Soap was grateful for it.

The intel gathered from the interrogations took considerably longer than they’d hoped, the order to keep a low profile dragging on, but eventually, even the most dedicated men crack, and what they found was a veritable font of information. The information they received seemed to indicate that the 141 and their allies were starting to ruffle feathers higher up, moving up timelines in ways that created openings for sloppy work, and making it easier for them to be caught. It took another couple days for them to verify it, but they received confirmation about the actionability earlier in the day, and now Soap was here, running as if his life depended on reaching the goal at the other end. It wasn’t actually life or death, but as Soap’s heartbeat drummed loudly in his ears and he dodged pedestrians and hurtled around corners, it certainly felt that way.

The confirmation that they weren’t completely ineffective was welcome, as was the confirmation that they had in fact kicked over the right ant hill, but they were all tired, running after leads that lead to dead ends, being sent off on wild goose chases, and toyed with in ways that meant medical visits. The knowledge that they were almost through it was a small measure of comfort in a truly f*cked up situation. It was clear that someone was playing with them, but the 141 was catching up, and Soap knew they’d be wrapping this up soon enough.

Alejandro and his Vaqueros had already taken Roba and his men off the board, and Kate notified them of two other big players who’d been taken into custody recently, ramping up pressure on the few still breathing free air. It had been more than a month of waiting and keeping a low profile, and while he’d enjoyed the time home with his alpha and being there to witness as Simon grew more confident, spending time at work, with friends, socializing with his brother, and orbiting Soap like a dual star, he was fighting the frustration of inaction and the helplessness that came with letting someone else pick up the slack. It also meant they were putting targets on themselves, and those closest to them. After all, desperate men often resorted to desperate measures. It made Soap nervous about what was coming, but he welcomed it either way, ready to wrap it up and start his life with the alpha who chose him back. He just needed to reach his destination before it all blew up in his face, especially since Simon asked him to be there, and he so rarely asked for anything for himself.

~~~

He’d finally let go of his concerns when he’d gotten home after hearing from Gaz to find the house smelled of something delicious and Simon was standing in the doorway of the kitchen, a nervous, excited look on his face.

“What’s all this? We just got home, and you worked all day. You didn’t have to do this. But it smells amazing, thank you.”

“I wanted to have a nice meal with you. And maybe talk?”

Soap’s stomach swooped at the phrase and he swallowed, nodding his head.

“Yeah, that sounds good. Let me go wash up and then I’ll help you plate up the meal.”

Simon nodded and started to turn back to the kitchen, stopping to meet Soap’s eyes again.

“No matter what, I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Just wanted to say that.”

Simon’s brows furrowed and he opened his mouth, looking like he was going to add something. After a few seconds of silence, he closed his mouth and turned away, disappearing around the corner.

Soap’s stomach was feeling a little more unsettled, but Simon never spoke just to fill the silence. Hopefully, he’d be able to get it out while they ate. He didn’t ever want to make him feel like he couldn’t talk to him. He scrubbed up quickly, running damp hands through his hair before he met his gaze in the mirror. Pointing a finger at himself, he spoke firmly.

“He has the right to decide what happens next. And you have a responsibility to make it happen. Don’t screw it up, ya eejit.”

He left the bathroom and found Simon carrying two plates to the table, nodding over his shoulder.

“Can you grab the glasses and the bottle in the door?”

“Of course.”

Soap snagged the wine glasses and the only bottle in the fridge, carrying everything to the table and settling into his seat across from his alpha. He watched as Simon poured both glasses and set one in front of him, lifting his own for a toast. Soap picked his up and carefully tapped the glass together, taking a small sip. It was a dry white wine and it tasted a little sharp, with a fruity finish that sat heavy on his tongue. It was odd, and probably not something he would have picked on his own, but it was good, and he took a bigger sip. The food in front of him was unfamiliar, and the sauce was a deep red, the food underneath plated on a bed of yellow rice. There was a small dish of diced vegetables set between them that he vaguely recognized, but the name escaped him.

“This looks delicious.”

“Thank you. It was one of my favorite meals when I was in Mexico. Simple, filling, and tasty.”

“Comfort food?”

“I suppose.”

Soap’s stomach swooped at that. Was Simon feeling uncomfortable? Had he missed something? Done something? He sniffed surreptitiously, trying to see if he scented off, but the only thing he could smell was the warmth of the food in front of him and the sharp dry wine in his glass. He could scent the faintest whiff of cordite from his own agitation but nothing from Simon other than a contented pear.

Simon’s hand landed over his and squeezed lightly, pulling him back to the present.

“It’s nothing bad, what I wanted to talk to you about. In fact, I’m pretty excited about it.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. I know you’ve noticed I’ve been different lately, more willing to go out, more comfortable speaking up for myself, and making decisions about my life.”

“Yeah, I have, and I’m so proud of you.”

“Thank you. A lot of it is because of you. You gave me the space to figure out what I wanted. And I think I finally have. Hannah is giving me the opportunity to put together an open house for our patrons, and while I’ve been working on it, I realized something.”

“Oh?” Soap took another mouthful of the wine, holding it in his mouth to keep from begging Simon not to leave him.

“I think I’m ready for a change. It’s going to be hard, and I’m not going to be around as much, but Tommy and König both think it’s a good idea, and they’re going to help me-”

Soap’s stomach bottomed out at the ominous lead in. He’d been bracing himself for this for months, ever since the bond had settled in place, something easy about it that baffled Soap. He’d hoped his gut was wrong, hoped he’d been telling the truth about wanting to stay, but he couldn't shake the lingering suspicions that Simon was trying to let him down easy.

“Please don’t leave me!”

Simon froze, fork half way to his mouth.

“What?”

“I don’t know what I did wrong, and if you tell me I’ll fix it, or never do it again. Whatever it is, I’m sorry.”

The laughter was unexpected, and Soap blinked, watching Simon throw his head back and set a hand over his heart, laughing so hard his eyes closed. Finally after several long minutes, he calmed himself and sat up, wiping at a tear under his eye.

“Johnny, I’m not going anywhere. Actually, I was talking about going back to school. I found a program that’s online, and Hannah gave me a good recommendation, but it’ll allow me to get my degree so I can be an actual librarian.”

“I thought you already were.”

Simon shook his head. “Nah, it’s just the title. Library assistant. Can’t be an actual librarian without the degree. And that’s what I wanted to talk about with you. You’re my Omega, so I need your permission to enroll.”

“Of course! What do you need me to do?”

“Just sign a form for me. I printed it out at work today.”

“Oh, yeah. D’you want me to sign it now?”

“No, it’ll keep. I want to know why you think I was telling you I was leaving.”

“I dunno. Just a feeling. The bond’s been quieter than normal, and I feel like we never see each other anymore. You’re always with your brother or working, and I just wondered if you weren’t unhappy with me.”

“Oh, no. I’m definitely not unhappy with you. The bond’s been quiet because it doesn’t need to be loud right now. We’ve been busy, sure, but I'm not trying to avoid you. And of course I’m not leaving. Why would I want to leave the man I love?”

Soap’s eyes shot up to Simon’s face and he choked on the sip of wine he’d just taken.

“You love me?”

Simon looked up and met Soap’s eyes. “Of course I do. Have for a while now.”

“Oh.”

“But why?”

“Because you’re always there for me. And you don’t push.” Simon smirked before he added, “Much.”

“Oh.”

Simon hummed and took a bite of his food.

“The feeling is mutual, you know.”

And then Soap got to see Simon choke on his bite instead.

~~~

Shaking himself back to the present, he considered the reason he was running. They were being sent out. Tomorrow morning they’d be leaving to finish it. Once and for all. Finally, he’d be able to go to Simon and tell him he was safe. He couldn't wait.

But now? Now he was late. He risked a glance at his watch, swearing and dodging a few more people. He was f*cking, creeping, bloody f*cking late. And he’d promised Ghost to be there for him when he’d asked him if he was around that night, the blush and glance away strikingly effective to get Soap exactly where Ghost wanted him. Which should have been at the Library for the public opening of the children’s literary group display. It was Ghost’s first event in charge, and he’d wanted to support him. But the debrief had side tracked him and he’d fallen down the rabbit hole of the report, only blinking himself out of the haze of numbers and coordinates and estimated presences when Farah flicked him, a frown on her tired face.

“Why are you here? Doesn’t Simon have that art thing in 20 minutes?”

Soap’s eyes blew wide at the reminder and he shoved himself back from the table, nearly tipping himself backwards in his haste.

“OH sh*t! You’re right. I’m so dead. He’s gonna be pissed.”

Soap was already out the door and half way down the hall when he heard her faint, bewildered, “What?”

~~~

So now he was running, and checking his phone. Wincing at the number of missed calls and texts. He was so f*cking dead.

~~~

The library was lit up and the guests streaming in looked to be having a good time. He could see Simon, fully masked, standing next to the woman he was pretty sure was his boss, and König, hands waving as he spoke. Soap made his way through the crowd to Simon, watching as his body language grew stiffer and stiffer, the woman’s smile fading as well. His eyebrows creased in concern and he hurried his steps, reaching the group and sliding in beside his mate. He pressed a small kiss to the edge of Ghost’s jaw and made his apologies to the group.

“I’m so sorry for being late, I know you reminded me, I just got caught up with work, I’m so sorry.”

Soap stopped and caught his breath, watching Ghost’s eyes. They were soft, and he didn't look like the frustration from whatever had been said was bothering him too much, until the fourth of their group spoke and Soap felt Ghost tense under the hand he’d set on his mate’s hip.

“So good of you to let your alpha out to socialize him like that. Why if it weren’t for his size, I’d never even know he was an alpha. He’s been a dear all evening, so polite and well mannered. And even planning this little get together if his boss is to be believed.” The older woman gently swatted at Ghost’s boss’s elbow (seriously, what was her name? Hailey? Harriet? Hanna! It was Hanna- no second “H”) and smiled, clearly misinterpreting Hanna’s strained expression. “Darling, we’re just so impressed with what you do for these people. It’s so inspiring, absolutely just darling. It’s honestly why I always donate to these things.”

Soap was stunned silent as she made her goodbyes and wandered off, clearly enjoying herself and completely missing the reaction her words had provoked. Simon waved off Hanna's suggestion he take a minute to gather himself and worked his way through the crowd, thanking donors and making patrons feel welcome until it was dark, the library finally empty as one of the volunteer caterers let them know they were done cleaning up. Ghost shook the caterer’s hand and waved to the crew by the door, waiting for them to be out of ear shot before he sighed and let his shoulders round.

“That was a disaster.”

“That wasn’t a disaster, love. It was a really good party, and it seemed like the people were enjoying it. Why would you say it was a disaster?”

“Because of Lady Camile. You saw her. She was speaking to us when you got here.”

“Jesus. She’s a lady?! Certainly didn’t have much in the way of manners, did she?”

“Maybe not, but her family is one of our biggest benefactors, and if she doesn't donate, they’ll shut down my program. She clearly didn’t seem very impressed to find me running anything.”

“Well then she doesn’t have the sense the moon gave a goose. My alpha is the best alpha for the job and if she can’t see that she can kick rocks.”

Soap set his hand back at the small of Simon’s back and encouraged him forward, the bond humming happily between them and the scent of baked pears in his nose. Right now it was Simon’s time to enjoy his accomplishment. The discussion of what was coming could wait. After all, it was almost over, right?