by J. M. Snyder
Now that sounded like it could be an interesting story. Jake didn’t get to ask for details because Amanda spoke up again. “Thank you, David. Jake, would you excuse us for an hour or so? I think there are some things we should discuss privately.”
“Can do.” He could use the time to think, and maybe call his uncles if he could borrow a phone charger. Some experienced perspective would be very welcome about now.
* * * *
It was a productive hour. First he spoke with a nurse about omega birth control and learned oral contraceptives were a very good option that only had to be started a week before heat. When he asked how they’d know when it was a week before, the nurse explained if Jake claimed David, he’d be able to notice the subtle changes in scent that nobody else would, including this important change that signaled oncoming heat.
The nurse also suggested an STI test which Jake agreed to immediately. He always practiced safe sex but you couldn’t be too careful, and if he claimed David, they’d be monogamous, so dispensing with condoms would be nice. (Note to self, he thought, confirm to David intention to be faithful.)
That done, he got himself discharged, refused painkillers stronger than naproxen, requested more pheromone blockers, and promised to use his crutches and knee brace faithfully. The nursing station had an extra phone charger they let him borrow, too. These folks were being very kind and he wondered if the extra attention was due to his and David’s unusual situation.
After a quick call to update his parents, he made the much-needed call to his uncles. They listened to the story intently, and when he finished, Uncle Zeke offered, “Since you said you have in mind something like our relationship, do you want me to come talk with David? I don’t think you realize just how progressive our relationship was for our generation, and while there has been some social progress, we’re still in the minority.”
“That’s a good idea. It might help him trust that I’m serious about treating him right.”
“Keep up with the pheromone blockers,” instructed Uncle Tim, “and don’t make your final decision today.”
“Yeah,” agreed Uncle Zeke, “if you claim him because you feel obligated and end up miserable or resenting him, you’re not doing him any favors.”
“How can I be sure I won’t have regrets in the future?”
Uncle Tim replied, “You can’t.”
“That’s not very reassuring.”
“It’s the truth. If you claim him you’re committing to him for the rest of your lives and there is no way to know what will happen. You make the commitment knowing whatever comes up the two of you will deal with together.”
“For what it’s worth,” Uncle Zeke said, “I think you have a lot to offer him.”
“That’s worth a lot. The question has occurred to me.” In fact it had nagged at Jake persistently ever since he learned David bonded with him. Seeing how he wasn’t at all prepared to claim an omega he seriously wondered if he had any business doing so.
“You’ll make him a good alpha if that’s what you decide.”
Uncle Tim asked, “Do you like him?”
“So far. I’d like to get to know him better, but from what we’ve talked about already it seems like we’re a pretty good match. I actually like the idea of coming home to him. It’s just a lot of pressure, you know? It’s me or nobody for him.”
“And that’s showing that you’d be a good alpha if you claimed him,” said Uncle Zeke. “A huge life-changing curveball has just landed in your lap and you’re still thinking about him.”
“I’m thinking about myself, too.”
“You need to,” said Uncle Tim. “You need to be aware of what you’re able to do and give him. For the record, Zeke’s right, you have a lot to offer. It’ll be a huge change, and since you weren’t expecting it you might have some rough patches adjusting. That’s alright, you’ll figure your new life out. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you should claim him. Only you can decide if that’s the right option. I’m saying that if you choose to, you’ll be a good alpha for him.”
“The votes of confidence help.”
“Good.”
“Getting to know each other better is an excellent idea,” continued Uncle Tim. “Especially since you want him to be his own person and not a doormat.”
Amanda was heading his way, so Jake figured he was about to get back to making David’s acquaintance. “The social worker is back so I’ve gotta go.”
“Call again, day or night, if you want to talk again.”
“Don’t forget I’m happy to chat with David,” reminded Uncle Zeke.
“I won’t. Thanks a lot.”
Amanda took the seat next to his. “How are you doing, Jake?”
“Honestly? Overwhelmed.”
“I’d be concerned if you weren’t. It shows that you’re taking this seriously.” She handed him a folder. “Information that might be useful for you as you make your decision. Some of it is generic on claiming an omega and some is specific to unexpected claims. Do you have any questions for me?”
“Are some alphas really as bad as he’s talking about?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
“They just dictate everything?”
“Yes. There are plenty of omegas who get very little say in their lives. I take it you haven’t had much exposure to alpha-omega couples?”
“Not besides my uncles, who I just learned have an uncommonly progressive relationship.”
“They’re your model, then.”
“Yeah. I thought that was usual and the stereotypes were just hype.” In the Army there were guys who talked about getting an omega when they were more established who usually focused on the sex aspect and the rest…well, apparently hadn’t been as much in jest as Jake assumed. “Kinda feel like an idiot about that.”
“It’s not idiotic. Actually it speaks well of your family. I do have an important question for you, though: now that you’re aware how other alpha-omega relationships work, is that what you want?”
“No,” he answered automatically. “It’s just wrong to deny someone their individuality. Plus it sounds boring.”
She cracked a smile at that. “I have to agree.”
“Do you think this could work? David and I?”
“I’ve seen unexpected claims and accidental bondings that worked out very well. They don’t all, but when the people in question share a basic idea of how their life together would work, the way you two seem to, they can build excellent relationships.”
“So in your professional opinion, we could be a success story?”
“You could, but remember, I can’t promise that. All I can say is that you have as good a chance as anyone else. You’d both have to commit to the relationship.”
“That’s what my uncles said.”
“I think I’d like your uncles. Why don’t you go back in David’s room and get to know him more? Look at the material I gave you later. Neither of you has to make up your mind today.”
Part of Jake wanted a long time to decide. The other part just wanted to make a decision so he could move forward. It wasn’t unheard of to decide on a claim after only a couple days, but usually alphas in that case would have been actively looking for an omega and were therefore more prepared. He’d be diving into the deep end.
Then again, that always had been his preferred way to enter a pool.
Chapter 4
By afternoon, David knew he wanted Jake to claim him. Somehow he’d managed to accidentally bond with a man who was everything he wanted in an alpha. Jake shared his ideas for what a relationship ought to look like, he was so committed to David’s happiness that in the event he claimed David he would sign publishing contracts if the chance arose, and he was an all-around good man. He even went out of his way to stress his commitment to fidelity, and how many alphas did that? Not one that had asked to be considered for David.
They spent the latter part of the morning talking about nothing of great consequence, topics like
favorite books and movies or places they’d like to travel. Once they relaxed, conversation flowed easily and David doubted he could have found a more suitable alpha.
Herein lay his problem. Jake had committed to nothing beyond staying another night in his room. The doctor assured David the uneasy feeling he experienced when Jake wasn’t around was only temporary, rarely lasting more than three days after bonding. It was good Jake was willing to stay and help his recovery by mere presence, and it was good that they got along so well.
None of this was enough. David wanted his alpha to claim him. Usually claims came first, then the omega would form a bond over the following days. He imagined it would be far less stressful that way. Roger McLaughlin hadn’t claimed him immediately because, he said, he was no rapist. Legally an alpha couldn’t rape their bonded omega, a problem that was starting to receive attention and would hopefully be fixed soon. David didn’t know how anyone who kidnapped in an attempt to force a bond could be anything but a rapist, and he was so glad Jake had rescued him.
Everything came back to Jake.
He politely declined the offer to speak with Jake’s uncle about being an omega in their family because if Jake didn’t want him, knowing more about what he’d be missing would hurt too badly.
One more night in the hospital, less than twenty-four hours, and he was free to go home. He suspected they were keeping him another night just to make sure it was easy to have Jake around. Would Jake make his decision by that point? As the alpha, it was his role to ask, and not knowing was really wearing on David.
“Jake,” said Uncle Ed, “I don’t mean to be rude, but I can’t help noticing you don’t seem affected by David’s pheromones.”
David kicked himself for not thinking of that earlier. He was a mature omega in the presence of his alpha; his pheromones ought to be attracting Jake.
“I was, so I asked for a pheromone blocker to be sure I’m thinking clearly.”
Intellectually David knew this was good. If Jake claimed him only because of pheromones running amok and then regretted it, they could both end up so miserable that remaining alone would be a dream. Part of him was disappointed none the less because he desperately wanted his alpha to claim him. Now he was recovering from the dehydration, his innate wish to be claimed by the alpha he’d bonded with was getting stronger. Besides, a bond and claim worked in synergy, keeping alpha-omega couples together and giving them an instinctive desire to be what each other needed.
Contributing to David’s desire to be claimed was Jake’s general hotness. He was well-muscled, broad-chested, and the great body was topped off with a deliciously masculine face: the kind of strong jaw you saw on movie stars, warm brown eyes, and almost-black hair. David had to remind himself not to stare.
Jake’s mom stopped by to bring him clothes and took him for coffee in the cafeteria. It felt wrong not to have his alpha nearby, but it did provide some privacy. Once Jake and his mom left, Aunt Julie closed the door and said, “You want him to claim you, don’t you?”
“Yes.”
“He does seem like he’d be a great alpha for you,” agreed Uncle Ed. “Progressive, compassionate, taking this very seriously. I’m impressed.”
Aunt Julie added, “It was a relief to hear him talk about his responsibilities. I’d say we approve of him, don’t we, Ed?”
“Yes.”
“None of it matters if he doesn’t want me.”
“He doesn’t act like he’s only pretending to consider claiming you.” Aunt Julie thought for a second, then went on, “I get the sense that he’s honestly interested.”
“That doesn’t mean he’ll decide he wants me. I could end up alone knowing that I found a wonderful alpha and he didn’t want me.”
“Let’s try not to worry about it since we don’t know. He’d be very lucky to have you.” Uncle Ed always tried to fix things. Aunt Julie knew better and simply sat on the bed to give David a hug.
“I’m sorry,” David said. “If Jake doesn’t want me you’ll be stuck with me forever, and then Roxanne or Lori eventually…” He couldn’t speak anymore when he realized he could even end up in an omega home, entirely alone and unloved.
“No, David.” Aunt Julie put her hand under his chin so he had no choice but to look at her. “You have nothing to apologize for. This is not your fault and you did nothing wrong.”
“If anything we failed you,” said Uncle Ed. “We didn’t protect you well enough.”
“You couldn’t have known.” Roger McLaughlin’s muscle men broke a window at night and threw smoke bombs into the house, prompting the entire family to go outside. The crew then subdued Uncle Ed, Aunt Julie, and Roxanne with tasers before grabbing David. What did Uncle Ed feel he should have done differently, stay in a house he thought was on fire?
Nevertheless, Uncle Ed remained unconvinced. “Maybe not. Doesn’t mean I haven’t spent hours wondering what I could’ve done differently to keep you safe.”
“It’s certainly not your fault,” repeated Aunt Julie. “Didn’t you hear the doctors? They couldn’t believe that you didn’t bond with that bastard McLaughlin. Now whatever happens, we will deal with it as a family, okay?”
“Okay.”
“And if he does claim you, he better mean it when he says he’ll treat you right or I’ll hunt him down, special forces or not.” Aunt Julie’s hug tightened at the thought. “I already know his left knee is his weak spot.”
Distraught as he was, David had to chuckle at that. He was blessed with an amazing family and had no doubt they’d do everything they could for him. That sadly didn’t do a lot to dull the ache he got just thinking about the prospect of being rejected by his alpha.
* * * *
David was more than ready to leave the hospital. Two nights had been plenty of time and how the food they served even qualified as edible he did not know. Fortunately Roxanne, being a very thoughtful cousin, kept him fed with homemade meals.
Examining his reflection in the mirror, David was pleased with how he looked. Sure, he still looked tired, but that was unavoidable and considering his ordeal he thought his appearance was good. Now he was as ready as he’d ever be to leave the bathroom. There was only so long he could stay there before he crossed the line from showering and getting dressed to plain hiding.
Jake had seemed antsy this morning and David guessed he’d reached his decision. That should have made him eager to open the door and find out, and part of David very much did. The rest would prefer to hide in the bathroom a bit longer so he could at least hold on to the possibility Jake wanted to claim him.
After a few fortifying breaths he opened the door to face his future, whatever it may hold. Aunt Julie was grinning. That had to be good, right?
“David,” started Jake from his position seated next to Uncle Ed.
Somehow despite his nerves he walked over to stand in front of his alpha. “Yes?”
“I talked to your aunt and uncle and they approve. Will you let me claim you?”
Never in his life had he been so relieved. “Yes!” He leaned down to hug Jake. “Yes, please.”
Jake executed a smooth move that somehow scooped David onto his lap. It was perfect. Knowing his alpha was strong made him feel safe, and also turned on but now was not the time or place for that.
A camera sound effect made him look over to where Aunt Julie snapped a photo with her phone. “I’ll send it to you,” she told him. Both she and Uncle Ed were smiling warmly at the sight of him on Jake’s lap.
Jake said, “You don’t have to come home with me today if you don’t want.”
“I do want. I really, really want.”
Uncle Ed made a very reasonable point. “You should at least pack some of your things. We can bring you over after lunch.”
“My place is on the small side for two,” Jake warned.
“I don’t care.”
“We won’t be there long anyway. In a couple weeks we’ll be house-hunting.” Jake put a warm hand on his back. “T
his is all happening so fast, and we’ll need time to work out the details of our life together. That being said, I promise I’ll do right by you. I’ll take good care of you and do everything I can to make you happy.”
David relaxed against his alpha’s chest. “Here I was wondering if I’d ever find a good alpha and somehow I managed to accidentally bond to one who’s everything I wanted.” Impossible though it sounded, Roger McLaughlin had done him a great favor. David, who hadn’t been on speaking terms with God since his parents died, suddenly entertained the thought that someone was looking out for him after all.
* * * *
Aunt Julie was crying a little by the time they parked behind Jake’s building. “I’m happy for you,” she explained, “it’s just very emotional.”
Uncle Ed took David’s suitcase out of the trunk. “It’s so sudden.”
“You know we’ll always be here for you,” said Aunt Julie. “That’s never going to change. We’re so proud of the man you’ve become, David. Your mom and dad would be proud, too.”
“Jake promised you can see us whenever you want, and we’re going to hold him to it.” Uncle Ed punctuated this with a firm shutting of the car door.
Speaking of Jake, he came out the back door of his building, making great time even on crutches. He was obviously used to crutches. “Is this everything?”
David had brought his suitcase, backpack, a duffel bag, and a small plastic bin with his favorite books. “Not everything I own. Everything I wanted to bring right away.” He’d been far too impatient to pack every single possession.
“You can come get the rest of your things whenever you want,” said Uncle Ed, even though he’d already mentioned it in the car. “If you want to leave some until you move into the new house that’s fine, too.”
Jake insisted on carrying the backpack inside, crutches and all. “I’m on the first floor, number 3.”
The apartment wasn’t large but was well laid-out, and Jake had placed his furniture to maximize the space. From the door they walked into the living room which looked out over a small communal side yard. Off to the left was the bathroom, home to a stacked half-size washer/dryer unit. The kitchen took up the back of the apartment; David hoped they could get a house with a more spacious kitchen and sufficient counter space. The kitchen was the only room he really felt cramped in, because the bedroom had enough space to walk around and that was all he needed.
