#aob

PART 15 

You awake groggily. Your world spins, you feel nausea run through your stomach. A groan leaves your lip, you hear a beep then a familiar voice. 

“Easy darlin’ “ you open your eyes and see Cooper standing beside you. 

“Bucket-“ you get out before he quickly grabs one nearby before you’re puking. A noise leaves your lips of disgust and part gag. There’s a warm hand on your back gentle rubbing up and down. A nurse comes in not looking surprised you just puked. She takes the bucket with a small smile and heads out the door. 

“Sorry” you say. 

“Don’t be sorry! Trust me happens all the time. At least it wasn’t on me or the bed” she jokes. Doesn’t make you feel better as you sag against the pillows. 

“Cooper?” You ask focusing on him. 

“Yeah I’m here sweetheart“ he smiles his hand holding yours. 

“What happened?” You ask weakly glancing around. 

“That’s a long story” Cooper answers rubbing the back of his neck as the nurse comes in. You frown at him before looking at the woman. 

“Glad you’re awake! Now, we’ve got you on an IV, fluids and what not to flush the drugs out your system. Did you know what they gave you?” She asks looking at your chart. You nod grimacing not wanting to look at the IV in your arm now that you notice it. 

“They gave me HeatONs, MindNumb, controlEM, PainFree, slickEN and sleepNow” you answer wincing, Cooper tenses beside you, his scent sour as he sneers. 

“Above the dosage too it seems, you’re gonna be unwell for the next week. We’re keeping you here for observation, we were going to call your father-“ you cut her off. 

“No! Please don’t” you beg and she frowns but nods. 

“In that case, if you’d like I can get a form that allows your alpha to make decisions and sign off on things as well” she says. 

“My alpha?” You frown and she looks at Cooper confused. 

“Oh” you whisper and flush. 

“Uh yeah he can, I’ll fill out the form” you say. 

“Excellent. I’ll be back with those. A doctor will come in with food and water and go through the next steps with you” she smiles and walks off. 

“Is that ok?” You ask Cooper. 

“Yeah sweetheart” he answers and you relax a bit. 

“I feel sick” you complain softly. 

“You’re gonna feel off for a while with the amount of drugs they was pumping into you” he says an unhappy look on his face. 

“I’m sorry” you whisper. 

“What you sorry for?” He asks. 

“Going there. Leaving…” you trail off tears in your eyes. 

“Hey, yeah I was pissed darlin’ but, it was your choice I wouldn’t force you to do something you didn’t wanna do, that place is real dodgy, the police took it down” he explains. 

“The police?” You ask wide eyed. 

“Yeah. Soon as they knocked you out with something I called the cops. My ex-wife Barb, she’s in government, she helped take down that place and got you out” he adds. You blink and stare at him surprise. 

“Told you it was a whole story” he chuckles softly and damn did you miss that noise. The doctor comes in, he’s got a food tray in his hand. 

“Glad to see you’re awake” he says and lays the food tray down on a table by your bed. 

“Sure the nurse updated you. Our hospitals a buzz with a bunch of omegas in the same case thanks to Mr. Howard here, they’re all situated and being treated. Damn place, glad they went to hell” the doctor bristles his beta scent souring with displeasure. 

“Anyway, with all those drugs in your system it’s gonna take a while for things to smooth out. well keep you a week here for observation, then you can go home and come back in another week or if anything goes wrong. That sound good?” He asks smiling. 

“Yeah that’s fine” you whisper. 

“I’ll leave you two to talk. If you need anything hit that red button” he points to the button by your bed and you nod. He leaves and you sag a bit into the bed, you feel… well you can’t describe how you feel. Wrong? Used? Stupid? You hug an arm around your middle, still not looking at the IV or moving it. 

“Sweetheart?” You jolt a bit lost in your thoughts as you look to Cooper. 

“Sorry?” You ask. 

“Asked if you wanna talk?” He asks. 

“Oh” you say. Did you? Not really. You don’t know what you want right now. You shake your head and he nods. 

“You’re wishing things were just school, and plays and stupid teens huh?” You joke but it comes out pained. 

“Maybe. I don’t wish changing anything about you, except the bad bits. Wish it were under better circumstances, maybe I could’ve taken you out on a nice date, court you proper” he smiles warmly making your stomach flip. 

“Court me?” You ask chuckling. 

“What? That an old school word?” He goes a little red. 

“A little. But it suits you” you say and he huffs softly looking at the floor. 

“Cooper…” you begin slowly stewing over your words. 

“I don’t know how to feel right now. I feel wrong, I did something stupid, i- i was forced to be my father, high on drugs” you shudder tears pricking your eyes. 

“And now, I don’t know what to do” you wipe your eyes. 

“All you gotta do right now is get better. Get them drugs out your system, then you come home with me. If you want too” Cooper says gently, his hand squeezing yours. 

“I’m a mess Cooper, omega distress, drugs, the shelter, everything, I don’t expect you to deal with me” you shake your head more tears rolling down your face. 

“Deal with you darlin’?” He frowns looking offended. 

“I don’t have to deal with anything. I’m helping you because I want to, because… because I wanna be your alpha. Help ya through all this, make sure you get better” he adds. You stare at him for a moment blinking through tears. 

“Scotch forward” he says letting your hand go. You frown a moment before he gestures for you to move, you shuffle forward on the bed being careful of the wires and what not. 

“What are-?” You frown at him as he climbs onto the bed behind you, it’s awkward, you’re scared the beds gonna tip before he sits himself behind you. 

“Come ‘ere” he says hands going to your waist. 

“Shuffle back” he adds and you do till your back is resting against his chest. His arms wrap around your waist, tugging you closer again. You flush a bit, tense up till his scent fills your nose and you sag against him. He hums in his throat, nuzzles his head into your shoulder and sighs. Your mind short circuits, still not used to an alpha, he breathes you in, his body relaxing too. 

“Got me real scared when they knocked you out. Almost went into feral alpha mode” he sighs. 

“Feral alpha mode?” You frown. 

“Mhm, happens when an alpha experiences too much aggression, loses one’s mind, turns to baser animalistic instincts. It ain’t pretty” he shudders a bit. 

“That sounds horrid” you say shrinking a bit. 

“I won’t let it happen. Don’t you worry” he mutters against your neck. You sit there for a while, the beep of the heart monitor filling the silence. Cooper is warm, sturdy, comfortable, you sigh and lean your head against his shoulder. 

“Take what you want from me, I’m here” he sighs and holds you tighter. 

PART 14 

Cooper leaves your mind he feels alien now like a blip in the past. For the next few days you’re in strict lessons on how to be the perfect omega. You’re given your vitamins morning and night, you are being shaped for society. Security is everywhere in this place, sometimes an omega becomes too distressed as Fran says and requires handling, they don’t come back for a month when they do they are normal again. You complete your chores and tasks. You meet with appropriate alphas though only one will claim you once this training is complete, you will be able to join society and be useful. Your mind is a blissful haze of chores, teachings and meetings, this is what you were meant to do. 

This morning your vitamins are handed to you, they look different though, you don’t comment and take them. You go to your lessons and have lunch. The omegas beside you eating peacefully. Though the one to your right seems a little twitchy. 

“It’s starting” she whispers, but you don’t look up. 

“They’re giving out heat inducers, heatON it’s called. They’re going to sell us to the alphas” her words make something crawl up your spine. 

“They’re all cruel, I say Beth get beaten by one, Fran was watching and didn’t say anything” her words make you pause, make your mind flood back to your father, to his beatings. Your stomach drops, you feel sick. 

“They’re training us to be submissive, to be breeders, punching bags, whatever they want, this isn’t a shelter, it’s a con place” she whimpers. 

“Hey!” A security guard snaps and you flinch. Usually you don’t react, usually you don’t flinch or listen. Her words stick with you, you feel a pit in your stomach, feel thoughts creep back that were suppressed. Your father, his cruel ways, what if what the omega said was true? 

The next day, on your break you sneak to where you met with alphas before. You listen in, hear the familiar sound of a slap, the sound of a boot meeting stomach. There’s no whimpering, just a hitch of breath and silence. 

“She’s very good” a male voice says. 

“She’s our best” Frans voice says. 

“She won’t make a sound while I discipline her?” The male asks. 

“None. She will do whatever you say” Fran responds. Your blood runs cold. You walk off before anyone can see you, your hands shake and your mind rushes with thoughts. You do your chores, heading to medicine to sort through the vitamins. You pay attention to the labels though, the descriptions as you seperate them. HeatONs a heat inducer chemical, MindNumb, another chemical that alters brain chemistry, controlEM, an emotion regulator at the highest dose, PainFree, turns off pain receptors to your brain, slickEN, a slick producer, SleepNow, a sleeping tablet. You feel sweat go down your back, they’re controlling you, everything is the highest dose, everything is two tablets, above the recommendation. You try not to think about it, try to finish your chores and lessons, try to focus on your meetings with an alpha. That night you’re given your vitamins. You’ve never had to fake take pills, you fake swallow, the security nods and disappears. You spit them into your disposable cup, you put them in your pocket and ask to go to the toilet. You flush them down the toilet, try not to panic as you go back to your room and sleep. 

The next morning your nerves feel on end. You go to toilet quickly and throw up. This is what your father did if he didn’t have a fix. Your mind is swimming, you’ve become an addict without knowing it. You try not to take too long so you don’t raise suspicion. You notice how everyone is a walking robot, nobody is helping an omega in distress, they’re just numbing them. You act like everyone else, you try to plan on how to get out of here before you remember Cooper. Cooper who came to you, Cooper who broke your door down, Cooper who said you had a bond with him, Cooper who said you were his. A craving hits you, a need, you need your alpha, you need Cooper, you never needed this, you needed him. You were so angry, so numb, you shut off your emotions naturally and then had them shut off chemically. Gosh, Cooper, he’s suffering, you put him through this, he was trying to figure this out as much of you, of course he set boundaries, you’re his student for Pete’s sake. You miss him, you miss your alpha, you miss his scent, his bed and his warm hugs. You miss his clean house, you miss Roosevelt and his wiggly butt. His words replay in your mind. 

‘Every morning 7am. I’ll wait’ 

Your chest seizes, you can’t leave, you’ve seen one omega who tried, she was dragged back in and not seen for a month, Fran said it was for her own good. You make an excuse to do a chore at the front desk, said you were helping with cleaning. You look out the glass double doors hoping to see his car. It’s late though, the afternoon. Your heart pounds as you busy yourself with cleaning. Dinner time you put yourself on the roster for front desk cleaning again, in the morning. You fake taking your pills, ignoring your anxiety and nerves, keeping your scent carefully reeled in. You clean the front desk while the receptionist and a security guard flirt. It’s 6:30 he’ll be here soon. He has to be. You keep glancing to the clock, 6:40, 6:50, 6:55, you see something move and your head snaps up, his car, you see it pull into the park, hidden behind other cars. He’s here, he’s actually here, like he said. You don’t know how to get to him though, don’t know how to reach him, tell him you want to go home. You see him leave at 1pm he sat there for six hours, even while you weren’t at the front desk. Your heart pounds and flutters.  During dinner you find the omega who spoke to you before, you sit beside her and she frowns, but doesn’t move. 

“I need to get out of here” you whisper, casually eating. She tenses, but continues to eat. 

“My alpha. My real alpha he’s here. He waits outside in the carpark 7 am to 1 pm” you continue, sealing your mouth when security walks by. 

“Take out the trash” she whispers. 

“It’s outside” she finishes. You don’t react, but your heart speeds up and you feel something like hope. 

The next day you sign up to take out the trash, a guard comes with you. It’s 6:50 am, you head outside, the guard standing too close as you slowly walk to the bins. He gets annoyed and shoves you, you nod and speed up. You take your time throwing the bags out before you see a familiar car. You look at it as does the guard. You see Cooper in the front seat and someone else in the passenger seat a woman. He points to the building saying something, you can’t quite see their expressions them from here. The guard looks back to you and you freeze before continuing to throw out the rubbish. You try to make lots of noise, dramatic throwing in movements before the woman finally points at you. You sigh in relief, now what though? He’s going to assume you’re drugged. You look at the security guard, look at the trash bag in your hand and the trolly. Here goes nothing. You ram the trolly into the guard, hit him with the trash bag, trash goes everywhere before you find speed. 

“Cooper!” You shout, he’s quickly getting out the car before you’re tackled to the ground. You hear the security guard radio something in. You hear doors open, feel something prick your neck before everything goes dark. 

PART 13 Cooper POV

Coopers numb the drive home. What happened? What did that damn doctor say to you? One minute you were accepting his plan, apologising for things that weren’t your fault, taking the blame for things you didn’t do. The next you were as cold as a frozen Sunday turkey, numb, scent bland and off like you’d given up. The moment they walked into that ‘shelter’ he was determined to just carrying you like a sack of potatoes out of there. Those women with fake scents and even faker smiles. He can’t argue with you, he doesn’t want to, doesn’t want to force you to do things you don’t wanna do, but leaving you there to those psychos didn’t seem any better. 

He stares at the ceiling, Roosevelt on the couch beside him whining softly when he stops petting him. There’s an uncomfortable feeling in his whole body. You should be here, with him, not in some mental hospital in disguise. This whole thing just got blown out of proportion in a way he didn’t think it would. He should’ve expected you to shut down and go numb, but this was cold hearted numbness, like you hated alphas, gave up on them. He doesn’t blame the thought or idea, but he ain’t your father, he isn’t your peers either. 

That night he doesn’t sleep. Unsettled, everything is uncomfortable, he doesn’t like not hearing you, doesn’t like how your smell lingers rather than overlaps. He said things he didn’t want to, he could’ve handled things better, he’s just a man though, he couldn’t even keep his marriage together. His divorce was messy because of paparazzi and gossip, what should’ve been a simple separating of two people who just lost love for one another turned into a scandal, made Barb angry and made Janey upset. So he left, just enough to out run the bullshit for them both. Bullshit follows him though, he isn’t a sheriff hero or handsome cowboy saving the lady, he’s just a man, an alpha and right now his omega is suffering. 

A few days pass, his mind is stewing too much, he can’t get himself to do basic things, Roosevelt is always by his side in a state of worry. He can’t keep going like this. 

That morning he heads back to his old house, he gave Barb the house, she liked the hot tub too much and that was fine by him. She wouldn’t be too happy about him just showing up, right now though he doesn’t know who to talk to who isn’t a gossiper. He’s nervous standing at the front door before sighing and knocking. Barb opens the door she’s wide and confused. 

“Daddy!” He hears Janey’s voice cry before a bundle runs into his arms. 

“Hey sweetheart” he picks up and hugs his little cowgirl and sighs burying his face in her shoulder. He glances at Barb who catches his look, she frowns but nods for him to come in. He carry’s Janey inside before putting her back down. 

“Think you can play in your room for a bit why mummy and daddy talk?” He asks and she nods smiling and running off. 

“Cooper” Barb says as they head to the kitchen. 

“A heads up would’ve been nice” she says pouring them some water each. 

“Yeah. I’m sorry” he says rubbing the back of his neck, when did it get so awkward to talk to her. 

“I need help” he blurts. 

“I figured” she huffs softly but smiles. 

“It’s a bit of a shit show” he says sipping his drink. 

“When isn’t it?” She jokes softly but it still stings as they sit down at the table. He tells her, everything, she listens much to his thanks, she doesn’t interrupt once. Once he’s finished, his hands are shaking a little and his heart pounding. Barb processes, blinks a bit, takes a sip of water before she sighs. 

“You said she was at a vault-tech omega shelter?” She asks and he nods. 

“Getting her out will be messy” she explains. 

“I don’t know if she wants out” he sighs running a hand through his hair. Barb frowns and studies him, he feels like an open book and swallows. 

“You said you kissed her?” She asks and he flinches, but nods. 

“Just once?” He nods again. 

“She shut down, went numb, like she’s given up” he sags. 

“I know I didn’t handle it well, I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m tryna do the right thing without messin’ her up more” he sighs. 

“You’re all out of sorts Coop” Barb says softly and he scoffs softly, but agrees. 

“She listens to your alpha?” She asks suddenly and he freezes, his body goes a little warm with embarrassment. 

“She does, well did” he says. 

“The doctor isn’t wrong. She’s in severe distress. However what he said about her not thinking clearly or being allowed to be left alone or make choices? that’s wrong Cooper, she’s fully present, omega distress isn’t a drug crash or some sort of psychosis phase. It’s, it’s like a depressive state, our brains aren’t quite right. But we’re not incapable, what we need is a safe place to make choices. A safe person to ground us, be what we need, we need someone more than ever. What the doctor suggested is dangerous, meant to send her into that psychosis stage” Barbs words hit him like a punch in the gut. 

“What about her becoming dependent?” He asks softly. 

“Omega distress is dealt by family members, mates, friends, where a bond is already present. She doesn’t have anyone Cooper. She clings to you because you are filling that space whether you wanted to or not” Barb explains. 

“I- I pushed that bond away” he realises with horror. 

“Now she’s numb and has given up” Barb finishes, god he feels like an idiot, a goddamn idiot, he did this, his words pushed you away that last little thread of hope you had. 

“I gotta-“ he stands up shakily. Barb stands to her hand on his shoulder. 

“Cooper. Be the alpha she needs” she whispers, kissing his cheek, her blessing. He nods. 

“Tell Janey I’m sorry” he says and she nods giving him a nudge before he’s striding out the door and getting into his car and speeding off. The drive to the shelter place is a buzz of speeding, horns and near misses, he doesn’t care if he gets a ticket. He barely parks properly, doesn’t lock his car before he’s rushing in through the double doors and going to the front desk that has an over smiling beta there. 

“Hi there? How can I help you?” She forces smiling. 

“I need to see an omega. Came in here few days ago” he says giving the woman your name. She sputters a moment before typing into her computer. 

“She’s in room 103, however- Sir!” She can’t finish he’s off, his legs moving quickly ignoring looks from the other poor unfortunate omegas who got stuck here and their so called ‘nurses’ he checks the room numbers, counting in his head. ignores the security called by the woman he just passed. He finds your room try’s the door handle, locked. He sneers and kicks the door, it’s way harder in real life with a real door. The lock breaks though and he walks in seeing you shot out of bed and wide eyed. He sighs in relief, walks over to you and hugs you tightly, burying his face in your neck. You smell wrong, different, chemically changed, he instantly hates it. 

“What did they do to you?” He demands, lifting his head. 

“What?” You blink a bit at him and he sighs. 

“You smell different” he clarifies. 

“I don’t know-“ you’re cut off by security and that Fran woman you both met few days ago. 

“Mr Howard” she says like an annoyed mother. 

“You barged into an omega shelter do you know the charges for that! As well as property damage!” She yells. 

“I’ll pay to replace your damn door. I’m takin’ what’s mine home” he says seeing your backpack, he picks up and sees your things still in there. 

“Mr Howard. The young omega is not yours and if I remember correctly you brought her here” Fran sneers. 

“And it was a damned mistake” he sneers. 

“Mistake? The young omega is in distress! She is not stable!” The woman continues, he doesn’t like how she avoids saying your name, hates how she implies you’re unstable. 

“Yeah and right now what she needs is her alpha. You gonna argue with biology?” He glares. 

“You are not her alpha. You lay no claim to the young omega” she fights back arms crossing over her chest the security behind her tense. 

“Not right now I ain’t, she got a bond with me though and that’s good enough” he says. 

“Good enough? No it is not good enough!” She says annoyed. 

“Too bad. It’s gonna be enough. Now I’m leavin’ gonna walk out that door with said omega and you are gonna let us” his tone is a threat that makes the security uneasy, he doesn’t care, he’s getting you out one way or another. 

“Cooper” he frowns and looks at you, your voice small. 

“What is it darlin’?” He asks quietly. 

“She’s right” you mumble. 

“Fuck you mean she’s right?” He says a little snappy watching you flinch. 

“Shit. I’m-“ his apology gets cut off. 

“See that right there! Is exactly why she shouldn’t go with you!” Fran yells clinging onto a small piece of mishap. 

“Excuse me if I’m a little tense when I’m currently being held hostage with my omega” he sneers at the woman annoyed at her. 

“She is not yours!” Fran all but screams. He’s done, he is over it, you’re coming home with him and he’s gonna help you the proper way like Barb said. 

“Cooper” you try again and he looks back to you taking a deep breath. 

“She speaks the truth” you say carefully as his face scrunches up in confusion. 

“I’m not yours. I am unstable and in distress” you say like an old record, it feels like a punch in the gut. 

“That’s not true and you know it” he says. 

“It is true and I know it” you correct.

“The hell you do to her huh?” He snaps at Fran. 

“I am conditioning her” Fran says holding her ground. 

“Conditioning her? For what? To be a damn robot?” He sneers at her. 

“To be a better omega, one society will need” Fran answers. 

“Better omega? Fuck society she’s damn perfect as she is. She doesn’t need to be changed, she just needs to be cared for and I’m gonna do that” Coopers pissed. He’s not backing down against this woman, not till you’re safe. 

“You cannot care for her the way I do. I am making her valuable” Fran says. 

“The fuck does that mean?” His voice goes low and Fran’s lips twitch. His mind spirals. 

“It means I am making her better. Now get off this property before I call the police” she snaps. He shakes his head, running a hand through his hair in frustration before turning to you. 

“Sweetheart” he says and you shake your head. His face falls his grip tightening on your backpack before he places it back with a sigh. 

The next day you’re sitting in a fancy waiting room at a private doctor’s office. The lady at the reception desk had smiled brightly and her bubbly attitude was a little too much. You’re wearing a simple well used black t-shirt and pants, your ruined shoes standing out. You had an awkward washing moment yesterday, Cooper offered to wash your clothes while you showered. You shook your head and said you’ll do it yourself. So you spent an embarrassing amount of time in a towel not having any change of clothes, thankfully you could hide in the spare room you were sleeping in. You sit beside Cooper awkwardly, there’s only two other people, a beta woman and an older beta gentleman. Ever since the kiss and argument Cooper is quiet, you don’t know how to deal with this silence, you can deal with shouting and anger, violence, but this silence while he makes you food and offers to wash your clothes is almost worse. A man calls you in a little older than Cooper. He smells like the nurse, hospital and cleaning agents. 

“Mr Howard. Always good to see you” the man greets with a warm smile shaking Coopers hand. 

“Dr. Grey” Cooper greets. 

“Dr. Grey at your service” he holds out his hand to you and you shake it telling him your name. 

“Now how can I help you both?” He gets right to business offering you a place to sit. Cooper lets you sit closest to the doctor’s office and you take a small breath. 

“She’s got bruises we need you to look at” Cooper says thankfully. 

“Bruises plural?” Dr Grey asks and you nod. 

“Alright” he nods back and you hesitate before standing up hands shaking. 

“They’re on your torso? Would you prefer Mr Howard step out?” Dr Grey asks. You frown and glance at Cooper. 

“Your choice” Cooper says. You hesitate a moment, it would look weird for him if he stayed. You nod despite not wanting him to go. Cooper stands and leaves closing the door softly. You watch him leave sagging a bit in sadness. You ignore it and lift your shirt off. 

“What happened?” Dr Grey asks his eyes clinical as he puts gloves on and examines your bruises. 

“Uh” you begin faltering. 

“This…. Is a boot print” he says and you seal your eyes shut as his fingers ghost over your left rib. 

“You were beaten” he concludes, you open your eyes as you see his blue eyes looking at yours. You shove your shirt down wincing wanting to leave quickly, heart hammering. 

“Take a seat please Miss, just take a deep breath” he gestures to the bed. You shuffle and sit on the edge of the doctors bed. 

“Judging by your scent and behaviour I can also assume you’re in pure omega distress?” he asks clinical. You nod in response, hands shaking, eyes watering. 

“Alright, would you tell me everything that has caused this episode? While I examine for broken bones?” He asks and you take a shaky breath and nod. 

“Lie down please” he orders. You do as he says. He examines your bruises, pushing gently, it hurts, but you don’t say anything about it. You tell him what happened, avoiding looking at him as he listens, he asks a few questions, but mostly listens. 

After he examines he sits down in his chair and begins typing. 

“Would you be comfortable with a prescription pain killer?” He asks, you tense up, your father always try’s to get pain killers from doctors. You shake your head. 

“Very well, how about a cream?” He asks. 

“Cream is fine” you whisper and he types that in. 

“It will warm and numb the area and promote healing” he explains and you nod. 

“Given your current state, I can administer an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant, do you have suppressants and scent blockers?” He asks. 

“Uh, the nurse at school gave me some” he nods typing again. 

“And the others?” He asks. 

“I-I don’t know” you whisper. 

“They will take a few weeks to kick in, but will help with mental side of things, we’ll start on the lowest dose, one tablet of each a day I highly recommend it” he explains. 

“I’ll also print of this information leaflet, written by a well known omega doctor, it gives you tips with omega health and what to do in distress” he clicks a button and the printer starts. 

“Ok” you whisper. 

“Now, your relationship with Mr Howard” he starts and you freeze. 

“Mr Howard is an excellent alpha, calm and collect, stable. Given your state and can see why you… clung to him, however I must suggest you do not pursue him, you’re unable to make those type of decisions right now, after this is over, you will be better and able to return to normal life and leave him behind, your feelings and thoughts may change so I suggest keeping your relationship simple as him being your current legal guardian, do not pursue him, the leaflet also goes over that” his words feel like a slap in the face. A legal guardian? You’re a legal adult. 

“You’re not thinking properly you understand yes?” The doctor presses. A rock settles in your stomach. You’re not thinking properly, you can’t make decisions, you’re being blown off because you’re an omega in distress, just take medication and you’ll be better. 

“Yes” you whisper to please him. He smiles and nods. He hands you pages from the leaflet and three prescriptions. 

“You may want to look into omega shelters that are better equipped for you” he says handing you another leaflet. 

You leave his office, unsettled. You don’t say anything to Cooper as you follow him to the car. He drives home, you hand him the prescriptions without word. He reads them and nods. 

“Want me to get these?” He asks. 

“Sure” you say numbly. Cooper opens his mouth then closes it, but you walk upstairs numbly. 

You read the leaflet in a state of cold numbness. You’re not in the right thought process, or you’re the equivalent to someone on a high crash, you’re not allowed to be alone, you’re not allowed to make critical choices or any choices for that matter, but it’s all in your head and it will pass, meditation, medication, mindfulness and become the perfect omega again. An omega in distress is the same as someone in a high crash? You’re no better than your father. 

You don’t know how long you spend staring at the leaflet. You hear the door open downstairs, hear your name being called out, but you don’t register it. Your mind has gone to a dark place, you’re a problem, you’re just like your father, you’re a useless omega in distress, you’re not desirable, no alpha is for you. Your mind flickers back to what the doctor said, there’s shelters for omegas, hospital like places to keep omegas… contained. Maybe you belong there. 

“Sweetheart?” You blink and glance to Cooper who is holding a white paper bag. 

“Just- put them in my bag” you say quietly. Cooper nods and places them in your backpack glancing to the paper on the bed. 

“This info the doc gave you?” He asks and you just nod. 

“Is there a shelter I can go to?” You ask numbly. 

“Shelter?” Cooper frowns. 

“Like an omega shelter” you clarify eyes staring at the piece of paper. 

“Darlin’ those places… they’re not exactly shelters” he says carefully. 

“Doesn’t matter” you whisper. 

“This one seems fine” you say gesturing to the leaflet. He frowns and opens it, reading over it. 

“Better equipped to handle me” you whisper the words. 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Cooper asks frown deepening. 

“Means exactly what I said” you say still numb. 

“Look, right now our plan is just starting first steps, it’ll get better. I don’t mind you being here” he says. Doesn’t mind? Doesn’t want you here though. He’s an alpha, alphas like their space, free of a useless distressed omega. 

“The shelter would be better” you say still not feeling anything. 

“It’s your choice, But-“ he starts but you cut him off. 

“This one is nearby, I know the street it won’t be too long for me to walk there. Thank you for your help, I’ll clean up and pack my things properly” you get up, grab your papers and put them in your backpack while you straighten and smooth the bed. 

“This really what you want to do?” Cooper finally speaks up his face an emotion you can’t read. 

“It’s for the best” you say. 

“For the best” he repeats quietly almost like a question. You grab your bag and put it on without looking at him. 

“I’ll drive you” he whispers. 

“That won’t be necessary” you say. 

“Yes it is” he says firmly and you frown something flickering in your chest before it dies. 

“Ok” you agree quietly. You follow him downstairs, watch him grab the keys before he’s out the door with you trailing. You ignore his posture, his scent, the way he glances at you while driving. This is for the best. 

The shelter if you could call it that is a large white building. Almost like a hospital. 

“Thank you for driving” you say and get out, frowning when he does to. 

“What are you doing?” You ask. 

“Lookin’ “ he says and walks to the double doors before you can say anything. You sigh and follow. 

“Hey there have you been seen?” A bright woman asks. She wears a uniform, a name tag around her neck, her smile overly wide. 

“I got a leaflet by a doctor about this place” you explain. 

“Oh how wonderful! Well lucky for you we’ve just had a spot open up! How about a tour?” She beams. Her scent is artificial, sweet like candy. 

“And you must be her-?” The woman looks at Cooper and he frowns at the woman. 

“Friend” he mutters. 

“Well alright then! Follow me!” She laughs forcedly. The woman, Angel, shows you around. Your stomach grows more unsettled the more you’re here, the others here seem so… distance barely there. She goes over the history of this place, made by the government, taken over by a company called Vault-Tech ‘dedicated’ to helping omegas. All the while Cooler keeps going more rigid, his scent sours and his brows furrow. She takes you to the room that you would stay in. There’s a single bed. A simple pillow and quilt, a desk, a chair, a small drawer set for clothes, the walls are a pale yellow with flowers on it like some children’s hospital wall. 

“What do you think?” Angel beams. 

“Yeah it’s-“ your arm is grabbed. 

“Give us a minute” Cooper says and Angels face falters before smiling and leaving. 

“What is it?” You ask confused. 

“This is a damn mental asylum” he says. 

“So?” You ask. 

“So? You’re not insane” he cocks his eyebrow. 

“I’m an omega in distress. I’m not allowed to make major decisions, or be alone, this place will help me” you say rehearsed. 

“Not allowed? Who the hell told you that?” He frowns. 

“The doctor” you answer and his face drops. 

“What?” He mutters before you’re interrupted. Angel coming back in with an older woman. 

“Ah you must be our newest omega, I’m Fran” she greets. You tell her your name. 

“Well alpha, we can take her off your hands now, she’ll be welcomed and in good care here, no need to bother you anymore” Fran says to Cooper who tenses. 

“She ain’t botherin’ me” he says. 

“Right… anyways. Settle in! Leave your things we got paperwork to sought out” she grins. 

“You don’t have to do this” Cooper whispers. 

“I do. Goodbye Mr Howard” you say quietly ignoring the way your heart breaks and your stomach drops as you follow Angel and Fran. 

You grab your backpack, put on your socks and shoes, you make sure everything is neat and as you found it. Once the room looks the same as you walked in yesterday you head downstairs again. 

“Sweetheart listen I didn’t-“ you cut him off accidentally. 

“I’d like to go home” you blurt despite your whole body tensing. 

“What?” Your professor asks frowning. 

“Or back to school. You can drop me off at school and I’ll walk home” you say thankful your voice isn’t wavering. Your heart is pounding in your ears and you’re already bracing yourself. 

“I don’t think you should go back home. Not in this state” he says frowning a bit. 

“I’m fine” you lie heading to the door. 

“Wait a minute-“ he steps in front of you before you can reach the door. 

“Did I say something wrong? Darlin’ the money ain’t an issue, I was an actor I’ve got plenty of it” he explains. 

“Please don’t call me that” you say forcing yourself numb, forcing your scent in. 

“Don’t do that” he whispers his eyes searching yours. 

“Don’t shut me out, you can shut down, just don’t shut me out” he steps closer and you step back making him sigh. He whispers your name and you force yourself not to cry or react. 

“I’d like to go home” you repeat, your voice going slightly higher in pitch. His head hangs, you watch his shoulders tense and brace yourself for the enviable of how every alpha reacts. He steps closer and your eyes close as you wait for the blow. You feel breath by your face though and frown, you feel a forehead on yours and your eyes snap open. 

“Please. Omega, I’m beggin’ you, don’t shut me out” he whispers. 

“Talk to me, even if it doesn’t make sense, tell me anyway” he adds. Tears well up in your eyes, your mouth opens and closes. 

“You’re not real” you whimper. 

“I’m real, I promise you I’m real Darlin’ “ he whispers grabbing your hands and resting them over his heart, it’s beating quickly in his chest. You shake your head against his feeling yourself let out a shaky sob. His hands cup your face, tilting it and suddenly you feel lips on yours. Your mind stops and your body freezes. Professor Cooper Howard is kissing you. Cooper Howard an alpha is kissing you. Something in you breaks again, you press closer, kiss him back without knowing how too, your hands fisting his shirt. You whimper against him as his hands go to your hips and tug you closer. Your arms go around his neck, his tongue swiping your bottom lip. Your mouth opens automatically, his tongue meeting yours. You follow him, his lead, his hands gripping your hips, the swell of your backside, he pushes you against the wall nearby and you make a small noise as his body presses against yours, his leg going between yours. You’re out of breath, you pull back and he stops. Your eyes open a little watery with tears, you pant heavily, chest heaving. His eyes on yours, watching you, his chest is moving quickly too, his scent is muskier and you smell alpha arousal on him, feel it pressing against your hip. 

“I’m real” he whispers voice husky. 

“Show me” you whisper and his eyes widen a bit.  You flush realising what you said, but don’t take it back. 

“You’re in distress omega, not thinkin’ clearly” he sighs leaning his forehead against you. 

“I don’t care” you whimper. 

“I care. I ain’t takin’ advantage of you” he huffs. 

“You’re not, I asked” you whisper. 

“You’re makin’ it real difficult” he grumbles softly. 

“Please. I- I need to know that this is for me, that this is real” you beg. 

“Darlin’ this is very real. And all this IS for you” he grinds his hips against yours making you flush. 

“Not just that” you say and he frowns against your forehead before lifting his head. 

“I think-“ you swallow a bit. 

“I’m confused” you say. 

“With what?” He asks gently. 

“With what I’m feeling. What I wanna do” you explain. 

“What do you wanna do?” He asks. 

“I want… I want to stay here with you. I want to build a nest in your bed, I want to smell like you, I want to know what it’s like to have an alpha that’s mine… that doesn’t hate me or think I’m ugly or unworthy” you admit and he sighs. 

“Please don’t say it’s because I’m in distress” you beg softly. 

“Your mind is latching onto things it perceives as safe, clinging to them” he whispers and you shake your head more tears in your eyes. 

“Please. Not after that kiss” you whimper. 

“Omega, listen to me” he sighs stepping back. 

“No!” You snarl and bring him back with surprising strength, his eyes widen a bit. 

“Let go” he orders softly. You shake your head crying again. 

“Let go” he orders calmly. You let him go, crumpling as he steps back. Of course, it’s always the same, none of its for you, it’s never for you, alphas aren’t for you. You pick your bag up between hiccups. 

“You’re not safe at school or at home” he says. 

“Oh but I am here? You don’t care about me! Alphas never do! Nobody cares about me! They see an omega and see a punching bag, someone to ruin, someone to just use and throw away. You’re like the rest of them!” You cry wondering why you’re shouting at an alpha. Cooper flinches you see him take a small breath his fists clenching. 

“Go on! Hit me! Everyone else does!” Your words are cruel, taunting, daring him to show him true self. His eyes narrow and you freeze, his face is between hurt, shock and anger. 

“Do not. Compare me to your father or the ones who abuse you. I will never hurt you or lay my hands on you. But I am not letting you go back to your abuser, you will stay here and you will get better, once your distress is over, you’ll understand what I’m doing” he speaks carefully, doesn’t raise his voice though, keeps it level and calm. You shake your head and go back upstairs to the spare room, closing the door softly and sitting on the floor, hugging your knees and sobbing. It’s always the same, it will always go back to you being alone, nobody wants you, nobody wants an omega who is in distress, who’s a punching bag, who is fat, who is ruined. 

You don’t know when you passed out from exhaustion again. You wake up in a soft bed, one that doesn’t smell like your professor how did you get in the bed? You open your eyes weakly, you feel worse. Your eyes look over the closed curtain, the sun peeking out the sides. You groan, your body hurts, your head is foggy. You remember the argument and hiding in here. Was he still here? Maybe he went to go get drunk like your father always does. You sigh and get up, you open the door and listen closely. You don’t hear anything. You glance at his room, empty, you head down the stairs making no noise, thankful this house doesn’t creak. You see the living room and kitchen empty. You sigh, in relief or sadness? You’re not sure. You get a glass and quietly get some water, you drink quickly your mouth dry. You see a notebook open on the counter and peer at it. You see the words ‘plan’ at the top and swallow a bit. You move to the other side of the counter before reading it. 

PLAN 

food 

Toiletries 

Hair brush

Soft blankets 

Clothes 

Shoes

Doctors 

More pillows? 

More blankets?? 

Soft things??? 

You see the annoyed question marks with his hard he pressed them into the paper. 

You hear a bark outside and jolt a bit before you remember Roosevelt. You peer out the slightly open sliding door, you spot your professor, sitting on the lawn, throwing a ball for Roosevelt. You sag a bit in relief, he didn’t leave. His posture is slumped in what looks like defeat, throwing the ball every time Roosevelt comes back enthusiastically. The dog spots you, his whole backside wiggling as he decides you’re more interesting than his owner. Cooper frowns watching his dog go to you at the sliding door before his eyes meet yours. Roosevelt drops the ball at your feet staring at you expectantly, tongue hanging out. You bend down carefully and pick it up before chucking it for him, he barks happily and chases it. You swallow a bit before walking over to Cooper, sitting on the lawn beside him, legs in front of you. You sit in silence for a while, Roosevelt a little confused to choose who throws his ball before settling on his owner. 

“Your plan is good” you say quietly and he frowns before it clicks. 

“I don’t need more blankets and pillows though” you whisper fiddling with your shirt hem. 

“I know if I argue about the other stuff you’ll say it’s needed” he doesn’t speak, just continues to throw Roosevelt’s ball. 

“You- you’re right too” you say softly. 

“Bout the whole clinging to safety, I’m sorry for forcing a kiss on you, and manipulating you” there you’ve apologised, you’re to blame. 

“Forcing?” He asks voice strained. 

“Im an omega, I naturally make alphas want to do things they don’t want, so I take responsibility” you explain watching his whole body freeze. 

“Who told you that?” He asks quietly. 

“Well… it’s always implied” you mumble and fiddle with a loose string on your shirt. He scoffs softly and you flinch on instinct. Roosevelt finally stops, lying down beside Cooper. The alpha just pats him, not reacting further than a scoff. 

“Uh, you said on your plan about doctors? Medical bills are expensive, I’m not on anything to help” you swallow nervously. 

“You didn’t force me” he says instead. 

“But-“ you begin. 

“I kissed you because I damn well wanted too” he says firmly and you close your mouth quickly looking at your lap. 

“You didn’t force me to kiss you, you didn’t force me to pull you close and grope you or pin you against the wall, you sure as hell didn’t force me to get hard” you keep your mouth shut your cheeks burning, before he sighs running a hand through his hair. 

“I’ve got a private doctor I see, he’ll just check your bruises, see if anything is broken, maybe give you some stronger pain meds or bruise cream” he answers your doctor question before you can respond. 

“Ok” you whisper your shoulders sagging. You stand up his silence deafening. 

“I’m sorry Cooper” you mumble and leave to go back upstairs where you can’t bother him.