Waking up between two omegas was nothing short of warm and fuzzy. Waking up hungover between two omegas, however, was gut-wrenchingly horrific.

The moments before you came to your senses, you had felt at peace. At home, even. But guilt find you fast and this time it brings a friend; shame.

Your omegas, seemingly sensing inner turmoil, coil tighter around you but it's no comfort this time. Your chest is tight and you can't breathe. You remember last night. Your thighs clench, tears threaten to spill, your body freezing as it spirals hopelessly into despair. You can't remember who did what, whose hands were where but you know you came, you know that you were held. For a brief moment, you were loved.

You try to move slowly. You try not to wake them. But as your half-way sat up, Colin's eye peeks open.

"I meant it when I said I'd make you cum until you stopped thinking of leaving." Colin mumbles sleepily from your chest. "It was a threat and a promise."

"Go back to sleep." You huff impatiently as Jake snores in your ear. You love him so much but right now you're unsure if you're going to throttle him or puke on him. "And get off me."

Colin chuckles softly but doesn't move. "No."

"No?!" Your eyes almost jump out of their sockets when you glare at the top of his head. The audacity! Last night was a mistake! You're the alpha. He should-

"I'm done letting you walk away when you get annoyed with me." Colin replies, soft but stern. Something in your chest twists as Colin's lips graze your skin, a flutter in your tummy over wave of nausea. "Not after last night, Honey."

Heat rushes to your cheeks and your thighs squeeze together lightly at the memory; strung out between the two of them. Being taken care of in more ways than one… You feel the damp throb in your panties again and you can't bring yourself to hate it. You sigh, relaxing into the mattress, and raise the arm half trapped under Colin to stroke his hair. You were defeated.

He shivers as you touch him - like your fingertips are live wires - before relaxing half of his weight onto you with a deep sigh. It feels good.

No.

It feels great. Especially when Colin's chest rumbles with appreciation. Your body reacts instantly; breath catching, nipples pebbling under the dress you were still wearing. You think you've managed to go undetected until Colin speaks again.

"You know," he begins, stretching his back straight so he can not only be eye level with you but also press his firm cock against your thigh. "I doubt Jake'll wake up."

You side-eye him but don't push him away. "Shut up." You hiss.

"What?" He whispers back with a boyish smirk that you wished you could wipe off of his face. "I didn't say what we'd be doing. Your mind went there."

He nuzzles you jaw, acting coy, peeking up at you with a cheeky glint in his bright blue eyes. Before today, you would have shoved him away and lashed out but now, in this moment, you no longer have the strength or energy to fight your true mate.

"'Mega with your cock pressed against me, what else am I going to think?" You murmur back, meeting his surprised gaze. His cock twitches, smirk widening into a grin as he nuzzles you a little harder.

"Dunno." Colin takes a breath through his nose, near the base of your neck, before kissing down your chest to your tits.

"Colin," you warn in a hushed tone.

"What?" He asks innocently, calloused fingertips massaging the breast closest to him. His eyes flicker to yours and don't look away as he moves the material of your dress away and darts his tongue across your taut nipple.

You suck in a breath, trying not to make much sound as Jake stirs beside you. Clearly, the bond between you is doing something to him too, even whilst he sleeps; Jake's cock is already prodding at your other side. Your eyes flicker over to your other omega, whose still sleeping soundly next to you.

Colin repeats the action to get your attention back to him. This time you jump in surprise with a quiet yelp. Jake murmurs something unintelligible and buries his face in his pillow and before you can chastise Colin, his mouth has latched onto your tit; sucking and licking your nipple while gently rubbing his cock against your thigh.

Your right hand grabs at his left bicep, your left hand in his hair, in an attempt to steady yourself and pace his unfair attack. When you push back onto his forehead after a few more seconds, wanting a much needed breather, he complies - but only by letting your tit go with a wet pop. Your panties are a mess again. And so are you. Especially when Colin, still under your palm, licks his wet lips and looks upon you like he's ready to eat you alive.

Your heart thunders in your chest, stomach swirling with guilt. Surely, you shouldn't want this as much as you do. But on the other hand, Colin was supposed to be your true omega.

"No fair. You guys started without me." Jake whines quietly into the otherside of your neck. A hand rakes down your body, sandwiched between your dress and the covers, finding your twice-soaked panties and slipping under them to circle your clit.

"S-sorry, Jakey," you stammers as your breath grows heavy. "We didn't want to wake you."

"Always wake me." Jake says seriously, and far too quickly, despite his still-sleepy demeanour - making you bite back a smile. Perhaps your guilt was mere anxiety, the waves of nausea a learning curve. You went from no one to two, doting omegas. Maybe you could keep the secret to yourself - and enjoy a small slice of paradise between the sheets with Jake and Colin.

Whilst you're distracted with your thoughts, Colin dips back down to your chest. This time he focuses his mouth on your other breast, while pinching at your sensitive nipple. The moan that rips from your lungs is long and sensual and one that simultaneously wakes Jake up a lot faster and makes Colin bury himself against you as he makes a short sound of his own.

It feels so fucking fantastic. You're spoiled and you know it. Two omegas to-

One. Your brain interrupts. You only have one true omega, don't you?

The wave of nausea hits you again and you sit up bolt upright, almost launching Jake and Colin off of you.

 "Is it too much?" Colin asks, looking over at you worriedly. "I'm sorry I-"

"No, it's-" you bite your lip. You consider blurting out the truth but you realise you can't and bring a hand to your mouth as if to stop the words from flying out.

You want to be selfish. You want to have them both. Keep them both. Jake wouldn't have to know, right? You could take it to your grave. Then you make the mistake of looking up at Jake as he coos soft reassurances and rubs your shoulder. Your gut churns like a whirlpool - so dizzying your eyes flutter and you must visibly pale because Jake leaps out of bed announcing he'll get a bowl.

"It's alright Honey." Colin murmurs softly, kissing your temple. "Hangovers suck. We've all been there."

You wished it really was a hangover and not a moral dilemma hang-up. Your stomach heaves and you cough - prompting Colin to rub your back. Tears spring at your eyes again. You couldn't do it. You just couldn't.

A sob breaks free and you bury your head in your hands as crashes from the kitchen echo down the stairs. Clearly, Jake has forgotten where the bowls are kept.

"Hey! Hey! What's wrong?" Colin exclaims in a panicked tone. You must look insane."It's okay! It's completely normal!"

"It's not that!" You sob, ugly crying into your hands. "I just- I can't-"

More sobs wrack you and you no longer care that you're an active hot mess in front of Colin. The floodgates are open.

"Why are you so upset anyway?" Colin says softly, trying to smile to comfort you. Yet, what he says next brings no comfort."You have two omegas to take care of you."

"But I don't!" You wail into the bedsheets and then again more softly. "I don't."

"What do you mean?" Colin asks gently, dipping his head lower to try and catch your eyes. "You have me and Jake."

"Jake isn't supposed to be my omega." You blubber. "And-and we spoke about being mates before we bonded. And now that I've taken that chance away from him I-"

Your body shudders from another sob and you fold in on yourself, attempting to make yourself as small as physically possible. It was all ruined. Everything was ruined.

"Hey, now, you didn't. You both clearly love one another." Colin assures you, again with a boyish smile. His hand is warm on your back and for a moment it silences your sobs. "There's no way you two aren't meant to be together."

"But what if I've ruined it?" You ask desperately, as if Colin has the answer. "I've taken away his chance at finding his true mate."

"You are his true mate." Colin says, matter-of-factly.

"How do you know?" The question is quiet and you look at him with big watery eyes. He brushes them away with a thumb, and your heart aches, bring on a new wave of guilt.

"I just have this gut feeling." He says with a shrug. "The three of us together works, Honey."

"But I've treated you so poorly!" You wail, throwing up your hands. "I'm such a terrible alpha!"

"That's what this is about?" Colin laughs, making your head shoot over at him with a frown - despite your pathetic sniffling. "You're not a terrible alpha. You're great and smart...but also just so dumb."

You look at him, confused but he only laughs and presses his forehead to yours. "So, so dumb."

"You can't tell him." Your bottom lip quivers. "It'll hurt him so much. I can't hurt him."

"I won't," Colin murmurs. "For now. But you need to, Honey. He deserves to at least know."

You hum, nerves still shot, and Colin covers both of your hands with his. You turn your head towards him and he kisses your cheek ever so sweetly.

"Thank you." You whisper. "For everything. I'm-"

"Don't even think about saying it." Colin interrupts. "My job is to make sure you're happy and healthy. That's all I care about."

A tiny smile appears on your lips. You say nothing, but press a kiss to his lips. Relief sweeps over you - a momentary respite from your despair. Perhaps your were just lucky after all.

"I'm here! I have the-" Jake bursts back into the room, where you and Colin look up from your intertwined space. "Dammit, what did I miss?" He cries dramatically. "I'm gone for two minutes and you two have kissed and made up!"

You giggle and smile at Jake, who's smile turns into a frown when he realises you've been crying. "What happened?"

"Our alpha was being stupid." Colin says and Jake's eyes narrow. "What? She was."

Jake hums, unconvinced.

"Just, come here." You order. "Please."

Jake rushes over, almost tripping over his discarded shoes and comes over to his side of the bed. Your piggy in the middle again - and you wrap an arm around Jake. He cuddles up to you, and so does Colin, until you fall back against the pillows with a squeak.

"You'll never guess what we found out at the barbecue yesterday," Jake says excitedly. "You were too drunk last night so we couldn't tell you."

You flush. "Go on."

"That so-called alpha, Jack?" Colin says and you hum in acknowledgement. "Not an alpha. He used to do hacking jobs for my dad."

Before you can ask what hacker jobs Colin's dad needed done, Jake interjects.

"So we think he falsified his documents." Jake taps his fingers lightly over your stomach. "And we're gonna try to find out the truth."

Your eyebrows raise. "That's admirable. But how would you-"

"Ask Jake." Colin nods at Jake, giving you a look that warns you before Jake speaks.

Jake looks sheepish. "I can maybe, probably, most likely hack into the system and find out."

You stare at Jake. He ducks his head.

"That has to be-"

"Illegal, yeah, but I can do it without getting caught!" Jake argues and then more quietly adds, "I have before."

Your heart leaps to your throat. "You what?"

Jake looks startled and shakes his head vigorously. "Not to change anything, I swear! I just... I wanted to know more about you before meeting you. I didn't want to wait for the folder."

The corners of your mouth twitch. "And you didn't see anything weird?"

"Weird?" Jake frowns. "Uh, no. Just that I was your omega. Colin was a surprise - I think there was a backlog. We're just lucky we were a pack so quickly."

"Yeah." You respond distantly. "I guess we were."

The squeeze of your hand from Colin grounds you - it stops you from crying again. You're too confused by all of this. But if Jake got into the system and saw they'd made a mistake, that they'd called you...

You push the thought away. Not now.

"Anyway, Sunshine, Mace, Colin and I will be looking into it. Buttons deserves to find her true mate."

You nod, and swallow thickly. "Yeah. She does."

Part 4 End

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It's not often that Jake Jensen is uncomfortable. He has been in plenty of uncomfortable, near-death situations in his lifetime but none, however, compare to the state of discomfort he was currently in on the dance floor.

He had never been subject to unwanted advances so he wasn't versed in how to handle them. In his drunken state, it was a confusing bag of emotions as he tried to usher away from grabbing hands and gross remarks. However, it was difficult to manouver between the other drunken bodies that landed him right back where he didn't want to be. Inescapable touches and whispers that made his stomach churn.

The throng splits in two - parted easily like a hot knife through butter - and an angel appears. The overhead lights reflect against a sequined dress, blinding him to the beauty before him - only able to see a sleek hand emerge from the light. He takes it without question, slowly being guided away from the cause of his discomfort.

Then he stops. His discomfort has followed and wrapped itself around his other arm. He opens his mouth to protest but on swift movement from his knight in shiny heels, has his discomfort reeling back in agony. He's tugged away hurriedly before attention turns to him and his saviour. At the bar, you're half manic. The guy you had saved was far cuter under the warm overhead lights of the bar but unsure if that's the alcohol in your system talking. You're grinning wildly as your head throbs; a fair trade for a head-butt to some creepy lady putting her paws all over the poor guy.

He's not said a word to you yet - just stared at you awestruck as you drag him out of danger.

"Sssorry 'bout that," you slur, wobbling on your heels slightly. "You looked soooooo uncomfy."

"That was so hot." He replies deadpan.

"You think so?" You blink at him with a small tilt of your head and a smile. "Thanks."

"Are you an angel?"

You snort at that and shake your head. "Nuh uh. And that's a real bad pick up line." You smirk at him. "Try again."

"It wasn't- I-" He shakes his head and starts again."Could I, erm, buy you a drink? Or something? As a thank you?" His expression of shock softens into a shy smile.

After a millisecond of debating with yourself, you reply, "Sure."

You patiently wait for the bartender to make their way to you, before leaning over the bar to order something out of earshot of Jake. He's too busy drinking you in to pay attention to how much he's paying on the card machine, however, he doesn't care.

"A panty dropper for the panty dropper," you say, handing him the shot of pale pink liquid, with a wink.

You both clink the tiny glasses and then down your shots in one.

"You were a hot commodity on the dancefloor," you tell him, leaning back against the bar counter. "'M sorry you had to experience that."

Jake shrugs, drunken eyes studying your face. "I'll live. Thanks for rescuing me."

"Anytime." You give him a sincere smile before looking out to the dancefloor as a new song blasts through the speakers. One you know. One you love.

Something must have given you away because your rescuee offers you a hand.

"Wanna dance?"

Your rescuee could not sing nor dance for shit but then, neither could you. And by God, he was a whole heap of fun.

Multiple drinks and dances later, you were as wobbly as a newborn fawn on a spring morning. Because of this, you were practically hanging off your rescuee - not that he seemed to mind curling a surprisingly strong arm around you for support as he continued to sing out of key.

You start to laugh, as does he, leaning into his touch until he finally gets the hint and presses his lips against yours.

"My name's Jake." He murmurs after pulling away.

"You kiss me and then tell me your name?" You laugh. "I like your style, Jake."

A blur of drum and bass around you both. Jake swears he hears someone call his name as he pulls back, your eyes wide reflections of the dancefloor lights; sparkling like your dress. Before he can think to find the person that called his name, your hand has fistful of his shirt and you're pulling him in for another kiss.

Unlike his, your kiss is hungry and all-consuming. The energy between you is a live-wire bursting at the seams and when you finally let him breathe, he's light headed and rosy cheeked, glasses askew.

"I'll let you crash at my place if you buy me breakfast." You murmur against his lips, and he can feel the way a smile creeps along them.

Jake nods his head so hard his glasses almost fly off his face and you're nymphish laughter rings in his ears as you take his hand and lead him away from the dancefloor. His eyes are locked onto yours everytime you look back to check that he's still behind you, practically floating put of the door he entered to get into the club.

The cold air is slightly sobering as you and Jake stumble and stagger onto the pavement, giggling together as you trip on the curb. The night sky is hidden by streetlights and light rain; the makings of a movie scene.

You tug on his hand and laughs as he stumbles towards you, waiting until he steadies to give him a gentle kiss. You part. He looks at you and you him; unspoken words as you raise a hand to summon a taxi from the darkness.

The taxi smells like cheap cigarettes and spice. It's not as overwhelming as the feeling of your legs in Jake's lap. His hands run up and down them as you speak with the cab driver animatedly, focusing on their softness rather than the lumps and bumps of the road.

When you get out, you overpay the driver by ten dollars - a fee for yapping. You lead him to your apartment door, producing keys from a comically small purse, and struggle getting them in the lock. Once the door opens, you lean on the threshold - watching him with half-lidded eyes and a bitten lip. You weren't subtle.

"I don't have to come in." Jake says in a sobering moment. "I could leave you my number and-"

"I promised you breakfast didn't I?"

Jake stops mid-speech as your hand reaches for his creased shirt again, pulling him into the dark hallway of your apartment. He makes a short grunt of surprise as you pin him to the wall, kicking the door shut with a sparkly heel. Were you really that strong? Or, was he just weak around you?

"You're so pretty," Jake murmurs against your lips, fumbling with his belt.

"You've said that, like, ten times already." You giggle, cupping his face to press clumsy kisses over his mouth, chin and cheeks, leaving lipstick imprints in your wake.

His hands trail up your arms, your body glitter rubbing into his skin with tickly pin-pricks, before his alcohol-infused brain spouts the most idiotic thing it can muster.

He winces as he finishes his sentence. His brain finally, finally, deciding to work for five seconds. But you just laugh. Not mean, not cruel - entirely fun and fancy-free. You kiss him again - just like at the club; wild and fierce. His hands fly to your hips - not to hold you back but rather to hold you still, so that he can kiss you back properly. You practically bob up and down with excitement against him before pulling away, pointing into the darkness with a gasped, "Bedroom."

"I know, I know," Jake huffs impatiently as he tugs his belt free - finally. "But you are. All sparkly like-" He struggles for a word before settling on, "- a disco ball."

It's not careful or even coordinated, as he half-carries you to your room. You land on the bed with a soft, slightly awkward thump and giggle and swat at Jake when he kneels at the edge and tugs you down the bed too meet his mouth. He kisses haphazardly at your thighs, moving up your legs as he rises back to standing, taking your panties with you with warm, steady hands.

Well damn.

He's careful to slip them over your heels without snagging them, before throwing them over his shoulder to the bedroom floor. His goatee tickles your ankles as he kisses them, before gently positioning them on his shoulders. Jake's face is flushed, blue eyes soft yet hungry, as he looks down at you. You watch, chest heaving, as his eyes trace every curve under your dress.

"You want the heels to stay on, pretty boy?" You murmur, smirk growing when he nods, turning his face into your leg to give it another warm kiss. "Then I wanna see what I'm working with. Shirt first."

He pulls his shirt over his head too quickly, getting it momentarily stuck on his head and glasses, whilst you ogle the snail trail tucked between hip lines, that disappears into his jeans. Your eyes follow up his abs to his torso, where another thin stripe of hair sits between his pecs; right next to a tattoo. You lick your lips. This was turning out less and less like a drunken mistake by the second.

His shirt comes off, as do his glasses, with a shake of his head. He tosses his shirt over his shoulder and when he re-focuses on you, you melt into the mattress. Ugh, he was gorgeous.

You gesture your index finger downwards and he drops his jeans and boxers on command. And by God what a sight he was to behold.

"Holy shit," You breathe - more breathless than you expected - staring at his cock between your legs. "'M gonna have to ask you to fuck me gently, pretty boy. You didn't warn me about this monster."

Jake's face burns, the tips of his ears emitting steam. He seems unsure of what to do next so you help him.

"C'mere," you draw him close with your fingers, and he follows them all the way to your lips. His cock rubs against your bare, soaked folds and you moan into his mouth.

He's slow to fill you completely, seemingly taking your prior comment to heart, with ragged gasps like he's struggling to hold back. The stretch is wonderful - and you take a long, slow gasp of air.

A satisfied smile graces your features when he bottoms out deep inside of you, the tip of his cock almost kissing your cervix. You were one lucky lady. Your eyes flit to Jake, who's still having a hard time controlling himself by the looks of it; his muscled arms have veins popping from restraint. You bite your bottom lip, eyeing his flushed face.

"Too much for you, baby?" You purr, reaching a hand up to stoke his face. "You wanna cum?"

Jake makes a strangled sound and nods. "You feel too good."

You drop your knees wider, cupping his face in your hands as you do so. "Then show me how good I make you feel."

You feel his cock twitch against your walls, throbbing already at, what you must guess has been an hour of foreplay. No wonder he couldn't bear it any longer. Jake's mouth dives towards yours, hungrily devouring as much of you as he could. His arms hook under your knees and draw them up. Without halting kissing, you place your legs onto his shoulders and are promptly almost folded in half by the sheer force by which he fucks into you. His arms slide under your back and hold your shoulders, firmly locking you in place against him and he fucks you like an animal; desperate and wild. You cum with a scream of ecstasy but it doesn't deter him, as he keeps pounding into you until he cums with a loud moan.

Your pussy quivers from the overstimulation, milking the last of Jake's cum as you both breathe in tandem - sweaty, still drunk and silly smiles on your faces.

"So," you breathe. "Round 2?"

End

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Being around you in his human form was far stranger than being around you in dog form. Jake had become so used to your affection and attention, that he'd almost forgotten how to act like a normal, functioning human.

He followed you from room to room chatting away, until he'd almost followed you into the bathroom, and he'd sheepishly taken himself back downstairs to wait for you on the sofa. You seemed just as happy as he was to actually be able to finally speak to someone because when you came back down the stairs, you teased him about the same amount of excitable as he was in dog-form.

Although, you didn't seem too put-out by this.

He couldn't believe that he was so lucky, neither could you, really; to have found a friend in such a difficult time was truly, by all means, a stroke of luck. He both loved and hated the fact you were so kind and understanding. Occaisionally, when you'd smile at him, flashes of your beaten face would cross his mind; and he'd have to suppress an audible growl at the thought of you showing that monster who harmed you any kindness at all.

When you'd suggested watching a movie he didn't know what to do. He suddenly felt like a teenager around his crush - albeit that you were a little fuzzy thanks to the lack of glasses. It felt strange not being cuddled close to you while watching the movie; without your hand raking along his head and hitting that sweet spot behind his ears.

But how do you even tell someone that?

About half-way through a very straight-backed watch, you clear your throat. All Jake can see from this distance is a pink smudge but he can sense your nerves from a mile away.

"You okay?"

"Mmhmm." You hum, strained before sighing. "This is going to sound so weird."

"Weirder than me being a shifter?" Jake jokes, hoping it eases your nerves and he's pleased to see that you smile.

"Hmm. Maybe." You say shyly. "Could I... run my fingers through you hair?" You rush out the words, unable to meet his eyes, but when you do, you bluster; and he's completely unaware that his jaw is hanging open. "Forget it!" You squeak and face the TV, wrapping your arms around your knees and angling ever so slightly away from him.

"I- N-no. It's fine! I swear! Um," Jake scratches his cheek. "You want me to shift back or-"

You shake your head. "No. Forget it. That was weird. I'm sorry." You hold your breath for a moment before releasing a quiet sigh. "It's just... before it made me feel calm."

Jake hums and quietly shuffles closer to you. "Try it."

"What?" You look like Bambi stuck in headlights, big round eyes watching him. "No, I-"

"If it helps," Jake says with a reassuring smile. "Then it helps. If it doesn't - we forget it ever happened."

You make an unsure sound in the back of your throat before looking away as you tentatively reach for him. How could anyone hurt you? He can smell how nervous you are to touch him but there's a small scent of something else... He wants to reassure you more, but that scent makes the words catch in his throat. It smells like lightning in an old bottle; begging to be released.

Excitement.

If he wasn't careful his tail may pop out- and that would be embarassing. Your excitement feeds his own and he struggles to keep his breathing steady as your hand glides through his hair. His eyes flutter and he forces a slow breath as your nails gently curl against his scalp. How the hell does this feel so good as a human too?

You repeat the motion; still soft, still caring. Jake leans into your touch subconsciously, relaxing quicker by the second as the scent of your nervousness dissipates to contentment.

"Is this okay?" You murmur. He can feel your eyes watching him for signs of discomfort. He knows you won't find any.

"Feels go-od." Jake affirms, voice cracking ever so slightly.

"You can tell me if it doesn't." Your voice is still quiet but you don't stop.

"I know." Jake reassures you but when you hit a particular spot, near the back of his ears, his shoulders drop and he loses composure. "But it- ooooh-"

He half-falls onto you; following your hand as you continue to scratch that perfect spot. You smell amazing too; fresh but with a hint of delicate spice that amplifies your warmth. You smell safe.

It isn't until you giggle, that Jake realises he's almost completely on top of you.

"Oh my God," Jake flushes, attempting to sit up off of you. "I'm so sorry. I-"

"It's okay." You laugh - soft and sweet. "I don't mind."

Jake tentatively leans back into you, and you gently start raking your fingers through his hair again; making sure to focus on the spot that made him melt.

At some point during the day, one movie became a movie marathon. A collection of feel-good, cartoony classics; ones you and Jake had seen before. Jake hopped up occaisonally, insistent on bringing you every snack and/or drink you idly thought of - your only reprieve of him happening when you had to go pee.

Every time you sat back down, as if it were natural, you'd open your arms to him and he'd happily re-take his place while you played with his hair. You'd grown mostly accustomed to him being around in human form and his dog-like tendencies were more cute than weird.

By nightfall, when you were thoroughly stuffed from a day of snacking, you had realised that - not only had you willingly cuddled a human male all day - but that you had never felt more relaxed.

You twirl a lock of Jake's hair as the next movie begins thoughtfully. Three months ago, on the worst night of your life, you had sworn off men for the foreseeable future. Though, Jake wasn't technically just a man. Or human.

It was strange to say the least. You had always been a firm believer that an animal's eyes never lie - and it seemed Jake was proof of that. You had never felt safer than you did in this moment; not even when you were surrounded by police officers. Perhaps it was fate, or karma, or sheer dumb luck that you found eachother. However, you couldn't help but feel sad knowing that your time together was most likely limited.

What would happen when your case was closed? If you got to court that is. That would be years. Jake had a family. Friends.

Part of the condition of your protection was your family didn't know where you were... and after being isolated for so long, you didn't think you had anyone left to call a friend.

"You okay?"

You look down at Jake, who's big blue eyes look worriedly up at you.

"Fine." You murmur. "Why?"

He smiles sheepishly, and taps his ears. "Shifter hearing, remember? I can hear your heart racing."

"Ah." You smile, knowing you're beat. "That got old quick."

Jake chuckles. "I know. Sorry. If you don't wanna tell me you don't have to. So long as you're good."

"I'm good." You affirm, and then add. "Better than good, actually. I feel... relaxed."

"Good." Jake grins. "I do too. It's nice being able to be, well, me."

"Yeah, that-" you blink at him, half-incredulous you're now realising you feel the same way. "That's how I feel too."

It feels like a physical crackle in the air. A subtle shift in tension as you both look at eachother, admitting easily how you truly feel. You don't know if for Jake it feels the same as it does for you - no weight of secrets, no worry of repurcussion. Just simple, honest truth that, in a way, is almost child-like.

Unfortunately, you shy away from it. Unready for complex feelings. The man was your dog. Literally. And there was no guarantee that he would be staying - so there would be no point in wondering about naieve what ifs. And also he was your dog.

You clear your throat, eager to change subject, well aware your heart was beating faster now. "D'you like having belly rubs?"

Your cheeks burn as you rush the question out, regretting it immediately. Jake's eyes grow wide and he blushes, stammering out an awkward half-curated response.

"I- um- no? I mean, yes but I've never - no one has-"

He swallows - opting to stop talking. Something you wished you had the braincells to do. You nod in faux understanding like he had given you a real answer.

"I just thought I'd ask since, you know-"

"I'm a dog?"

"Is that-" You grimace, hoping you pick the right word. "species-ist?"

A laugh bubbles from Jake and he shifts his long legs, adjusting himself in your lap. "No. I don't think so? I've never been asked before."

"It... may have been on my mind." You admit. Among other things.

"I'll answer as best I can." Jake says, rather energetically. "I don't know much outside my own experience though."

"I just thought since you liked head scratches in the same spot." You shrug, grazing the aforementioned spot again. "You might like other things you liked as a dog too."

Jake hums. Half thoughtful, half content. "If you mean stuff like sniffing butts- no, I do not."

You giggle at that. "I'm glad. But no tummy rubs?"

"No one's ever really given me any as a human." Jake admits cheeks beginning to glow again.

You want to offer them up but a wave of bashfulness and sudden need for propriety, stop you. But you file the information away for a later date. Probably.

"Hm." You say. "I'm surprised."

"Surprised?"

"A guy like you with no girlfriend? Or boyfriend," you add quickly.

"Nah, no girlfriends for me." Jake says. "Not for lack of trying."

"Really?" You can't keep the surprise out of your voice and immediately apologise.

"Really really." Jake says unperturbed, with a big smile. "Never knew who could accept all of this."

He gestures to himself, comically proud of his lean frame. "And the whole shifter thing."

Your knuckles rake against his scalp, and you stare at nothing in particular when you say your sage reply; "It's not the worst thing you could be."

END

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Jake hoped Mr. Smith wouldn't catch the lie in his words, not really wanting to go into the incident that took place while trying to get to the office. All he wanted was to end this interaction so he could get back to Steve and check on him.

A stupid argument between a young alpha and omega had resulted in a bottle of over-saturated florals being shattered on the open sidewalk just as Jake and Steve were passing. It wasn't but a minute or so later that Steve's breathing had changed, the harsh chemicals of the perfume upsetting his asthma. His inhaler had helped a little, but Jake couldn't be sure that a hospital run wouldn't be in their near future. He really hoped not, but he could never be fully sure.

Thankfully, Mr. Smith didn't bother delving further as he said, "Glad to hear it. I'll be in touch again soon. Good day to you and your Beta."

"Thank you, sir."

Mr. Smith left the conference room with Jake following shortly. He needed the extra moment to not only gather up the items his boss had requested, but he also wanted that moment to check on Steve. Pulling out his phone, he opened up his contacts until he found Steve's best friend, Bucky, and quickly typed: How's he doing?

Bucky responded back almost immediately: He's sleeping. I think the treatment he took helped. His breathing's smoother.

Jake's eyes closed upon reading that. His hands shook with relief as he typed: That's good. Meeting's done. Heading your way.

While he hurried to carry out his promise, his phone dinged with another notification from Bucky: No rush if you need to take care of some other things. He's safe here to catch up on some sleep. Looks like he could use it.

As much as Jake wanted to argue, he knew deep down that Bucky had a point. Steve always needed a bit more rest whenever his asthma acted up, and he'd been working so hard on his latest commission, not exactly taking the best care of himself. Jake had failed Steve on that score, even as he'd been a bit busy himself picking up the slack around work.

His boss wasn't a bad guy overall, but he lacked some necessary people skills for the position he held in Jake's opinion. Jake's been putting out more fires recently left in his boss's wake to keep the department from completely falling apart. A part of him knew that the others only stayed because Jake went to bat for them or picked up the slack when they couldn't.

If only his last boss hadn't been offered that cushy government position, they wouldn't be in this mess. Penelope Garcia had been a real gem of a boss, one who'd definitely helped him refine his skills to match hers. She'd also been so good at delegating work and making sure everyone was taken care of when they needed it. That had even extended to the families of her employees, even going so far as to have a real soft spot for Steve.

"What are you doing here? And why was Mr. Smith down here?" a voice called from a nearby cubicle that had been designated the weekend desk.

Jake's brows knitted at hearing her voice, turning to face the Omega. "Better question is why are you here, Ducky? Didn't you work the last three weekends? I thought I had put you on the no-contact list for the next month."

"You did, but I volunteered," Ducky shrugged though she appeared a bit out of sorts. Her scent certainly spoke to a quiet sadness that Jake didn't like coming from her. At least she gave him some clue with why with her next words. "My neighbor's in rut again. So, I've been staying with a friend. Just couldn't stay in her place alone all day, so figured I might as well work, you know?"

This news gave Jake some pause.

"I know it's not my business, but didn't he just have a rut about a month ago? That's an awfully fast turnaround for an Alpha."

Ducky nodded but then shrugged. "He's been getting them in quicker succession these last several months. Not even sure why. He's usually got his pick of omegas to help him out. All I know is that he doesn't want me around. Practically growled that at me the time before last. And, I don't know why I admitted that to you of all people. You're practically the boss around here, and now I'm sufficiently embarrassed."

Her scent made that clear, too.

Jake had some thoughts on what was going on, but he wisely kept his mouth shut. It really wasn't his place to meddle. His luck would have him screwing things up for Ducky, and that was something he couldn't do to his co-worker and friend.

So, he settled with saying, rather lamely, "I'm not the boss. Just another doing his best to keep everything running smoothly. Besides, I wanna help when and where I can. I appreciate you trust me enough to tell me."

"You should've been tapped after Ms. Garcia left," Ducky said, not the least bit repentant in her opinion even as she glanced around to make sure they were well and truly alone. "Look, he's doing his best, but you were her protege. We all knew it, and you've always been good at the logistics of this place. Hopefully, now that things have settled down with the C-suite, they'll figure it out, too, and fix this obvious mistake."

Jake nodded, unsure what there was to say.

Then again, it appeared he didn't need to as Mr. Smith appeared out of nowhere and said, "You are correct, miss. There's been an unfortunate overreach of certain personnel in the choosing of this department's current leadership. We are working to rectify that. It's why I was here for the meeting, Mr. Jensen. While I'm not privy to giving you any particulars at the moment, know that you will be looped in soon enough."

Jake and Ducky both jumped at his words, feeling equal parts horror and guilt at being caught speaking on such a topic.

The last thing Jake could afford was lose the benefits this job gave him, especially for Steve. He would never do anything to jeopardize his position, and yet, this moment felt like he'd done just that. Sure, he'd land on his feet again because he always did, but he didn't want to do that at the expense of Steve's health and well-being. He wouldn't.

"Y-yes, sir."

"I apologize, Mr. Smith. I shouldn't have spoken out of turn," Ducky rushed to say.

Mr. Smith shook his head. "No reason to apologize for speaking the truth, miss. However, I do owe you one as I overheard a conversation that you'd been making in confidence with Mr. Jensen. Mr. Pearson does have some lovely suites within the building if you have need of one. They're generally for higher-level associates, but you've been proving your worth as one of our top programmers these past several months. I can speak on Mr. Pearson's and my behalf in extending one of these suites to you whenever the need might arise."

"Oh, Mr. Smith, I couldn't possibly," Ducky said, her scent deepening with her embarrassment than it had before. "That's too much. I promise I'm perfectly fine with the situation I've managed so far."

Mr. Smith nodded. "Well, if you should change your mind, come and see my secretary or myself for a key. No questions asked."

"Thank you, Mr. Smith."

"Well, I've kept you both long enough. I shall let you both get back to your days. Miss, do ask for some paid time off soon. We don't want you overworking yourself." Mr. Smith turned to leave after Ducky nodded, but he soon stopped and glanced back, meeting Jake's gaze. "Mr. Jensen, please keep your calendar notifications on. I wouldn't want you to miss any pertinent meetings that may be happening for your department soon."

"I will, sir," Jake quickly agreed.

Once they were certain he was gone, Jake slumped into the closest chair he could find, his head falling into his free hand. From the scent Ducky gave off, she wasn't in better shape, either.

"Oh, that could've gone so badly," she mumbled after a moment, her voice as shell-shocked sounding as Jake felt. "I'm so sorry, Jake. I shouldn't have spoken as freely as I did. Please know I'd never do anything to hurt you or your Beta."

"I know you wouldn't," he breathed after another moment of calming himself down. When he could take an easier breath, he finally glanced up to find Ducky's horrified features. "It's okay, Ducky. You didn't do anything wrong. If anyone should've been paying attention, it was me. It's on me whatever happens next."

A notification dinged on his phone.

Glancing down, he read the caption from his calendar: Department Status Meeting.

His fate, it would seem, would be determined sooner than he thought.

In less than two days, he'd know whatever the future would hold for him and this department.

Even if he was forced to seek out a new job, he still had a Beta who loved him, friends and family he could count on, and the possibility of a date with a pretty Omega. He would focus on those and figure out the rest after the meeting.

*****

"I can't believe you set that up, Ran," you huffed at your best friend, "and got CK to help you out. What if it had backfired, huh? What if they'd been turned off because of your antics?"

Ransom, the proud jerk, merely shrugged. "Clark wanted to help. Besides, it didn't. They weren't. But if they had been, you would've known right then they weren't worth your time."

That had you planting your feet on the sidewalk, refusing to budge. You brought your arms up to cross over your chest and waited.

Ransom tried staring you down, but you glowered right back. He was in the wrong, and you weren't about to let him get away with it.

After several long seconds, he finally broke. "All right, I'm sorry, okay? I just want you to be happy, Angel. You're my best friend, and I don't want you wasting your time on losers. Now, can we please go and get something to eat? I really am starving here."

As if to prove his words, his stomach gave a loud grumble of protest. His hand had even come up to rest over his abdomen as if that had pained him.

Worry overrode your anger in an instant as you softly demanded, "When's the last time you ate? I mean, really ate?"

It was Ransom's turn to grow stubborn. His lips clamped shut even as his gaze turned into a warning glare.

The same warning you had little issue ignoring as you pushed, "Tell me. Please."

"It's been a couple of days," he mumbled, the words coming out as though they were painful to say, "but I'm fine. Just need to budget a bit more until I get my first paycheck at my new job. That's all."

His words made little sense to you, but you knew better than to push for more than he'd already given you.

"Okay, let's eat. Then, I'm taking you shopping for groceries. We're going to meal prep as many meals as you need until you're paid again. Got it?"

"Angel, I can't ask—"

"You're not asking," you said with such conviction that he snapped his mouth shut. When his gaze moved to avoid yours even as his cheeks heated with embarrassed shame, you closed the distance you'd placed before and rested your hand on one of his clenched fists. "Hey, there is no shame in needing help, Ran. Not with me. We may not be blood, but we are family. Family sticks together and helps each other when they can. Okay?"

His eyes still avoided you, but he nodded, his throat working. His scent had shifted from discomfort at admitting his faults to you into something a bit more hopeful. Though, that hopeful scent dimmed when he mumbled, "I'll pay you back, I swear."

You would never take his hard-earned money, but you knew he wouldn't let this go, which is why you offered, "I do have some heavier deliveries this week. I could use those strong arms of yours to help me out."

That got a small smirk out of him and a nod.

"But for now, let's get some food."

Happy to hear those words and be done with such a personal conversation, Ransom practically dragged you down the street. No doubts in your mind that he wanted to divert you and your kindness before you could confound him. It never failed to bring out his terrible upbringing as a Thrombey-Drysdale where one took and stepped on others like yourself rather than admit any sort of fault or flaw.

Not that it stopped his family from pointing out each and every one that Ransom had whenever he was near them. You'd witnessed a few of these scenes yourself and had been sickened at the sheer disdain they hold for the oldest of the Thrombey grandchildren.

You knew Ransom had his flaws and faults, but so did the rest of them, not that you'd know it with the way they acted. They sure thought of themselves as being better and perfect compared to the general public. It was no wonder why Ransom had rebuked your first offerings of friendship as children, but seeing his family, it'd also been why you kept trying until it finally stuck.

Because in your mind, you couldn't imagine a better best friend than Ransom, and you made sure he knew it, too. If he wasn't, then your family wouldn't have opened their arms to him. Instead, they'd seen the same things you had and welcomed him so freely, even when he screwed up. You weren't exactly innocent of screwing up, either. Together, you both learned what it meant to have an unbreakable bond that transcended even a blood one.

Only when your foot stumbled along a crack in the sidewalk did your thoughts turn back to your surroundings.

Ransom had already stopped you and kept you from falling, his hands having coming to rest on your hips and staying firm.

"Thanks," you said softly, happy to have a moment to catch your breath. You hadn't realized how quickly you'd been moving until that crack forced you and Ransom to slow down.

Ransom also took a deep breath before saying, "I'd never let you fall."

Before you could reply, a commotion from the nearby station caught both yours and Ransom's attention.

A group of young alphas had gathered around a lone traveler, clearly having just gotten back in town with his travel cases. In his hand, he held what looked like a trumpet case. His shoulders slumped with his exhaustion even from the distance you two stood from him. The alphas had seen his state and had decided to pounce, baiting and growing increasingly more aggressive in their advances. The way the man didn't immediately make them stand down with an alpha command proved your worst fear. The man was a Beta. He had no real way to defend himself against this group.

Ransom's scent turned dangerous as he watched the scene, spiking enough to have your nose curling. What sounded like a snarl came out of him. "Little sons of bitches need to eat shit."

"Come on, Ran," you urged, already tugging at his hand with little effort as he easily followed, "we gotta help him."

"Clark still at the bakery?" Ransom asked, his gaze still locked on the group and the Beta.

You nodded. "I'll text him."

It took you only a few seconds to shoot off the text and another for CK to answer. You grinned at his response as you murmured, "Let the chase begin."

"Get 'em, Angel. I've got the Beta."

You spared Ransom a final glance before pushing away from him. As you neared the group, you could make out the grunts of the Beta as they took a few healthy kicks at him. The Beta didn't have much longer if something wasn't done. Getting closer still, you spied the bond mark on his neck. He was claimed, and they dared to treat him like this. Didn't these young alphas know the penalties for this assault? Did they truly care as you heard some of their cruder comments tossed his way? And where was his mate? Why weren't they here to help him?

The platform was clear except for the Beta and the group of alphas.

As much as the thought disgusted you, you knew well enough the power of a possibly interested Omega to a group of young and foolish alphas like these. All you had to do was let them get a good whiff, and the chase could begin.

Finding the best vantage point was key to this. You needed a place where your scent would call to them, but one that would also allow you to make a clean break towards the bakery. CK would be your reinforcements as would Ma K if she'd made it back to the bakery. These young alphas didn't stand a chance against her and the punishment she'd have waiting for them after you explained what happened.

Sure enough, the alphas soon took notice of your scent, sniffing the air and changing course towards your location. The Beta remained curled into the tightest ball he could get, his cases broken and his belongings spread around him. As much as you wanted to forget your plan and comfort the Beta, the alphas still posed a greater threat to the Beta and yourself if they caught you.

"Alright, feet, don't let me down now," you murmured. To the alphas, you shouted, "If you think you're alpha enough, come and claim me, big boys."

You didn't wait after that to take off, sensing them behind you. A combination of their aroused scents created a reeking cloud within the alley you'd taken, a shortcut back to the bakery. You could only hope that it didn't cause any lingering effects on any omegas who might be in the area. Heats have been known to ignite instantly with such a strong level of alpha scent in the air, especially for unclaimed omegas. You could only hope it didn't have the same effect on you, much preferring the calmer tones you'd briefly scented from Jake earlier.

Thoughts of him and his sweet Beta, Steve, helped to ensure your feet flew faster. No way were you going to let these young alphas taint the promise of what you could have with a mature and caring Alpha like Jake.

The back door of the bakery was in view when the first of the young alphas managed to scrape his fingers along your shoulder.

But that was all he and the others would manage to accomplish.

CK stood off to the side as did Ma K, who had indeed made it back to the bakery. His hand shot out and swung you behind him and back on the street as he and Ma K closed ranks, trapping the young alphas in the alley.

"What do have here?" Ma K asked, censure full in her voice as she eyed them.

You gave her and CK a quick rundown between panted breaths.

"Angel, go back to Ransom. We'll get these younguns sorted. Don't you worry now," Ma K assured you, shooing you back to where you'd left Ransom and the other Beta.

Ransom met you halfway, his stomach growling louder than ever. "You okay?"

"Yeah, and the Beta?"

"He'll be fine, I think. His ride pulled up right after you took off with the alphas on your tail. They handled?"

You grinned. "Ma K has them, so yeah, they're handled. Food this time?"

"Hell yeah! Let's get there before you fall over."

A huff of laughter escaped you. "I'm a little out of practice."

"Track star out of breath?"

"Not enough that I couldn't whip your butt if I wanted to."

That earned you a grin as Ransom wrapped an arm around your shoulders and tugged you toward the restaurant you'd promised him. "I have no doubts about that, Angel. No doubts at all."

Grinning back, you couldn't help asking, "So what was the Beta's name? You ask?"

"Yeah," Ransom murmured, his cheeks growing a deep shade of red, "it's Nick."

"Nick's really cute."

"Shut up." Ransom's blossomed with more color as did the tips of his ears. "Doubt we'll be seeing him again."

"We don't know what the future holds, Ran. There was a reason we found him like that. We just don't know it yet."

*****

Steve didn't wake this time to the tickling sensation of Jake's goatee against his skin. He woke to the sound of hushed voices. Keeping still where he'd nodded off in Buckyy's office, he listened as best he could to the conversation taking place.

"Mr. Barnes, this is an opportunity I think you should consider," the stranger whispered, his accent soft yet distinguished enough. It belonged to a man who'd worked his way into higher social circles, but it spoke of a fighter as he'd clearly been arguing with Bucky about this opportunity.

"I'm fine here," Bucky retorted though his words held little conviction behind them.

Steve was well aware of the troubles that plagued Bucky after he'd been medically discharged from the military. Jobs had snubbed their noses at an alpha with an extensive injury like Bucky's. The prosthetic he used barely functioned in any way, but Bucky had persevered and learned to adapt with what he had. He wasn't a quitter, and an injury wouldn't keep him down.

"Do you truly believe that, or are you afraid of wanting more for yourself?" The man's voice softened as if in understanding of Bucky's plight. Maybe he did, but Steve didn't dare peek and find out. "I have it on good authority that the owners here are looking to lay off a great number of their employees. I've seen the list myself. You're on it, Mr. Barnes."

Bucky didn't say anything long enough that the stranger finally pushed on.

"Look, Mr. Barnes, I came here because I'm a decent talent tracker. You have a knack for security protocols and tactics that is quite unmatched in your industry. No doubt from your time with this country's military, and that is a talent that those who hired me are quite interested in. They're offering an incredible benefits and compensation package for the right candidate. I believe that candidate is you."

"And what would be your commission, Mr. Conrad, for your recruitment efforts?"

A low chuckle escaped this Mr. Conrad, almost too low for Steve to catch.

"You're perceptive, I'll give you that, Mr. Barnes. You're wrong in this case however. The company for which I'm approaching you is also my employer. They needed someone who had a knack for tracking on their payroll, and I fit their bill. Sure, I would prefer to track in the heart of jungles and such for lost souls, but a city like this one is just another type of jungle. My objective remains the same."

"And I'm a lost soul in this case?"

"Aren't we all at some point in our lives, Mr. Barnes?"

Steve heard some shifting as one of them stood, presumably Mr. Conrad.

"The offer is good for another twenty-four hours, Mr. Barnes. I hope for your sake that you'll seriously consider this offer and take it. Mr. Pearson is an employer who cares about his employees and will take care of you and your future dependents. For that, I can and will guarantee."

Footsteps took the man towards the door of Bucky's office.

"My number is at the top of your offer letter there in case you change your mind. I really hope that you do."

The door squeaked open and closed with a click, leaving the room in deafening silence that made Steve's skin itch.

"I don't have to worry about future dependents. No one wants a defective Alpha," Bucky grumbled, seemingly lost in thought.

"You can't know that, Buck," Steve said.

Bucky jumped a bit in his seat but he recovered quick enough. The grin he shot Steve was one of accepted resignation. "But I do, punk. I've been told by enough omegas at this point. Even ones I had no interest in have come up and told me as much. One even threw a drink in my face to make their point all the clearer."

"'What do you care about some bad apples?' Isn't that what you always say to Jake and me when we've had our own troubles with finding an omega? Why is it so different for you?"

Steve matched Bucky's steely gaze with a glare of his own.

Ever since his best friend had come back to civilian life, Steve had noticed the changes in him. Some were good, but a fair number of them weren't. He just didn't know what would help Bucky out of this current funk he was in or if there was a way he could help. Steve really wanted to do something. He didn't like not having a plan of attack, and this has proven quite a quagmire to wade through.

"From what you told me earlier, punk, it sounds like you and Jake may have found your Omega. Angel, was it? I'm happy for you, Stevie. I really am."

Steve wasn't sure what to say to that. He knew it to be Bucky's attempt at changing the subject. It was something that Bucky had really begun to do more of when he no longer wanted to discuss the topic at hand.

Deciding it was best not to push, Steve switched tactics and asked, "So, what's the job that Conrad guy was offering?"

Bucky's gaze went back to the paper still sitting under his hand on his desk. His eyes shifted back and forth as he read whatever the offer stated as if needing to confirm it was real.

"Buck?"

"It's actually the same company where Jake works. They're looking for a new Head of Security. Seems like the CEO is about to shake up a lot of things over there. Something about letting some things slide while he'd been contemplating selling and making things right again."

"What does that mean?"

Bucky shook his head. "Beats me. Conrad didn't go into a lot of details outside the scope of the job he was offering."

"Yeah, and what's that?" Steve asked, even as his thoughts swirled around Jake and the possibility of his Alpha losing a job he loved. Steve didn't want to think how much that would devastate Jake, especially after all Jake had done for the company.

"Seemed like they're worried about their current safety protocols in terms of letting go of problematic employees. Conrad apparently liked the strategies I've put in place here to handle similar issues."

"The same place that's going to let you go if what Conrad said was true?"

Bucky nodded. "Kinda surprised they kept me this long honestly."

"I'm not," Steve said stubbornly. "Conrad wasn't wrong about your skills, jerk, and you know it. Deep down inside, I know you do. You deserve a job that makes you happy, and you definitely deserve a family of your own."

When Bucky didn't say anything, Steve pushed ahead, adding, "You should take the job, Buck. I've met Mr. Pearson once. He does care about his employees and their families. All the big heads of the company do. Jake's old boss would send care baskets whenever she heard I wasn't well. Even at the company holiday party, she was the one who always had personalized favors for all the employees and their families. If you take their Head of Security job, you'd be able to be that change you've wanted to make here but couldn't afford to."

"Never seen you push a company this hard before, punk. Usually you're pretty anti-corporation. You starting to drink their flavored water or something?" There was a teasing lilt to Bucky's words that hadn't been there before.

Steve huffed at him. "No, I'm not. I just know what they've done for Jake and me personally. I'm a huge expense for Jake medically. It's not a secret with all that's wrong with me, but their medical benefits have seen that it's all practically covered without issue. They've also been more than generous with paid time-off for Jake when I need him with me. That's nothing to sneeze at, is it? Come on, Buck, at least tell me you'll consider it."

"Will you quit if I agree to consider it?"

A shit-eating grin spread over his lips as he countered, "I mean, I can do this all day. Wouldn't it just be better to give in and take the offer?"

Bucky shook his head, but a real smile peeked through even as he tried to hide it.

"Whatever you say, Stevie. Tell me more about this Omega, Angel. What's she like?"

Steve didn't need further encouragement to talk about you and how sweet you'd been to him and Jake.

In fact, he proved he could practically wax poetic where you were concerned, still on the topic of you when Jake showed up to collect him.

"Happy to see you feeling better, Beta," Jake said, leaning down to press a kiss to Steve's forehead before taking the space next to him. "Wanna thank Buck for watching you, so we can get out of his hair?"

"Yeah, but tell him to take the job offer he got. He's being stubborn and won't listen to me. Mr. Pearson is an excellent CEO and Bucky should work for him, right?"

Jake froze long enough for Steve to witness it before he seemed to gather himself enough to nod. His gaze turned towards Bucky as he said, "Yeah, Mr. Pearson's a good employer. He treats his employees very well. You couldn't find a better job than one in his company."

Steve didn't miss the stilted way Jake spoke, either, but he kept that to himself. At least for the moment. If there was going to be bad news for them, then he knew Jake would rather say it in the privacy of their home, not in front of others, even Bucky.

"Fine, you win, punk. I'll call Conrad after you two clear out of here. Happy now?"

Steve nodded. "Yeah, I am. Proud of you, Buck."

With Bucky's promise, Steve helped Jake gather up his few items and stored the portable treatment machine Bucky kept on-hand for him, setting it back on its dedicated shelf. It didn't take long to have everything righted and be standing at the door with his stuff collected.

"Thanks, Buck."

"Anytime, punk."

Jake shared a nod with Bucky before he led Steve out of the room and the building, their hands intertwined.

They were almost back to their place when Steve dared to ask, "Is your job in jeopardy? Bucky mentioned some things that Conrad said while I was sleeping. Said they're shaking things up over there."

"I don't know yet. I have a meeting with HR and Mr. Smith Monday morning." Jake's gaze turned to meet Steve's, conviction gleaming behind his glasses. "No matter what happens, we're going to be fine. I promise you that, Beta. For now, let's focus on things we can control like finishing up our date day. I still have dinner planned for us, and we have a date to make with Angel."

As much as Steve wanted to argue, he also knew his Alpha wouldn't budge on this, so he pivoted and nodded. "Yeah, okay, but can we take our dinner home? Kinda just wanna veg out at home after the eventful day we've already had."

"It has been pretty eventful, hasn't it?"

"Definitely crazier than normal. I hope it doesn't keep going like this."

"Me, too, Beta. Me, too."

*****

Your phone vibrated on your end table, but you didn't hear it.

After everything you'd been through that day, you'd barely made it to your sofa before sleep claimed you.

While your dreams were consumed with a certain Alpha and Beta, they, too, dreamed of you, but a small bit of niggling doubt had crept into their minds and possibly found itself a foothold.

Jake had taken the older ones into his gaming den where they could compete with each other, playing one of the hundreds of games he and you have accumulated between your accounts over the years. Every so often, you'd hear a burst of exclaim come from the room whenever one of the others either had a spectacular run or encouragement sprinkled with mourning moans of loss.

Steve had taken a few of the younger ones into his art room where he'd already set up a few tiny tables. They'd been decked out with boxes of washable finger paints, crayons, and every other kid-friendly art medium. Large rolls of butcher paper sat on one end of the table, ready to be pulled across for them to make all the art their little hearts desired.

That left you with the absolute youngest and a couple of the older ones who weren't interested in gaming or art. So, you'd taken them into the kitchen and set them up to help you bake some cookies and other sweet treats for the oversized crowd you'd accumulated for the evening. The kitchen remained one of your favorite places thanks to your mother and your stepparents who owned the best bakery in town.

Pizzas were ordered at one point so you, Jake, or Steve would be expected to actually cook for such a large brood. Steve and Jake came out to help you set them up in the 'formal' dining area after hearing the delivery driver dropped and dashed. Cups and plates sat near the many boxes and the bottles of soda Jake had picked up the night before.

The kids, hearing the same sounds, had quickly abandoned their previous pursuits to eat their fill of the cheesy slices with loads of toppings or barely any at all.

After eating, some of the kids gravitated towards newer pursuits while others returned to previous ones. Only the youngest was whisked away to the spare room and the pop-up crib to get some sleep.

The evening was fun but busy for the final hour as you all worked to get the kids ready for their parents.

Frank and Firecracker showed up first for their three. Then, came Bucky and Precious to pick up their four. Dennis and Sweetness came shortly after for their two. Sam and Honeybee got their son while Curtis and Butterfly picked up the youngest. CK showed up shortly for his two before Jake's sister came to pick up Hannah.

Hannah had been the last one before your home plunged back into deep quiet.

"That was fun," Jake breathed into your neck. His goatee tickled, but you were used to the sensations after so many years together. You practically welcomed the touch after being kept away from him all evening.

Steve must've felt the same as he burrowed closer into your side. His fingers found your top and edged it just enough to expose the warm skin of your sides. He didn't waste another moment before moving his own beneath the fabric of your top and seeking that warmth.

Jake's hands joined Steve's, tugging you back into him. His nose nuzzled along your neck and shoulder as he whispered, "But I missed you two more."

That tugged a small smile across your lips and Steve's.

"And yet he's always the first to talk about having one of our own," Steve teased, his words slurring with his exhaustion.

Jake huffed. "Yeah, one. This was overload. How did we even end up with so many kids to watch tonight?"

"We all promised different friends without talking to one another like we should've," you mumbled, doing your best to stay in the conversation. Sleep was proving a greater force though with the warmth and scents of your Alpha and Beta surrounding you. "Gotta make sure we don't over-promise again. This was fun, but I'm too tired to make it to our bed tonight."

"Me, too," Steve concurred, his breathing already trying to even out.

"Our poor Beta," Jake murmured, his chin now hooking over your shoulder to watch as Steve fell asleep. "The kids really wore him out, didn't they?"

"And me," you agreed, exhaling softly. Your eyes grew heavier by the moment. It wouldn't be long before you finally succumbed to sleep's sweet allure.

Jake's lips pressed against your jaw as he hummed under his breath, "Go to sleep, Angel. I've got everything under control."

That was all you needed to hear before sleep finally claimed you.

Because you knew your Alpha did have it under control.

The house would be cleaned and cleared of all leftover debris before morning. Both his gaming den and Steve's art room would be set to rights. The kitchen would be cleaned with almost military precision.

And you would wake to find some of your softest blankets covering both you and Steve while Jake snoozed behind you, his arm draped across you both and his boundless energy finally spent.

Maybe one day, you three would finally have a child, but until then, you three were happy to play the favorite aunt and uncles of your growing pack.