by Dakila Reed
"Don't worry. It's been five years. I've moved forward."
"O-okay..."
"And since we're having this heart to heart already, I'll tell you something." Wayne's eyes darkened in menacing determination. "After half a decade, a tip worth investigating came my way. And I can feel it in my bones. I'm so close to finding the bastard who did that to my mate."
Skye got caught up with his breath. As Wayne said, he might have moved forward already, but the man’s anger...
"I'll tear him slowly into pieces with my own hands."
For a brief moment, Skye pondered on the silver band around Wayne's ring finger. Somehow, Skye couldn't stop thinking about that one particular story that shook Sierra Nadre. Their district generally have always been a peaceful one compared to others. News came and went. But that one time watching from the news, he cried too. Scared and mortified. He felt sad and miserable for that male omega who was found in the outskirts of Sierra Nadre's border. Larri. He couldn't remember anymore the last name. The young man was from a different district, just one of the many attendees of a popular author's book signing. The man never came back to his hotel. No one knew where he went. When he was found, he'd been degraded to a beaten abused toy. The sight of the mosaicked news photo nearly making Skye gag.
Skye pursed his lips, feeling his eyes sting. "He was... beautiful."
Wayne glanced at him, wide-eyed.
"I... I met him in passing during the book signing. He was two persons ahead of me in the line. He was always smiling."
Wayne's shock melted, replaced by a prideful smile. "Larri's always been the smiley one between the two of us. Bright, jolly soul, that one. Said he’s smiling for the two of us since I seldom do."
Skye nodded with a grin, completely being able to play the scene in his head. "I can imagine."
Finally yawning, Wayne stood. He walked around to the door behind Skye. "I'm gonna steal some sleep. Don't go too far without me. Understood?"
Snorting, Skye waved a hand in the air. "Yes, grandma."
A damp, reeking shirt landed at the back of Skye's head. "You're gross..." he hissed. "Don't throw your stinking shirt at me."
"Babe. Ladies and gentlemen love my scent."
"Really?" Skye muttered sarcastically as he turned the dirty shirt into a ball. "They must have bad taste. Or broken olfactory nerves."
Wayne huffed, making noise in the small bathroom. "So, what are you gonna do? About that mess you're into?"
Skye chewed his lower lip.
"Are you still going back? Do you want to?"
Drawing a deep breath, Skye stood and stretched. His bones snapped and cracked, it made him feel a little refreshed. He turned to the window and saw no doubt in himself even when it could only be crushing pain awaiting him back in Sierra Nadre.
"I'm going back after the food expo. Sierra Nadre is still my home after all." And it’s where Rustom is.
* * * *
The Sire's in the daylight could be mistaken for any abandoned warehouse. The brick walls were decorated by lines from small earth tremors. The old gray paint lost beneath the overlapping graffiti, not making sense anymore. How tattered it was outside, was how kept and well-maintained was the inside. Save from the bar workers busy cleaning the tables and the mirrored walls, and the expected early drinkers, the place was considerably quiet.
Skye was sitting on one high stool in front of the bar, waiting for a list of supplies he'd be buying for the booth. He volunteered for the booth design for the food expo but the bar owner had some other items he wanted to add.
Swinging his legs, Skye smiled at the approaching female whose arms were full of tattoos. She was a human called 'Sana'. Petite and almost delicate but the burnt scar below her right eye, and the missing pinky in her left hand would show she was everything but. She carried herself with confidence like Warren Point considered by outsiders as dangerous, was her very own piece of heaven.
"Sorry. My fault you're being told to add those items," she said apologetically upon reaching Skye. She pushed a tall glass of milkshake after and nodded encouragingly. "My treat. I totally left the spices somewhere when I was buying them the other day. Boss isn't finished chewing my ass but hey, everyone tends to be forgetful once in a while."
"Oy, how you can forget half of the things in the list is beyond me," a gruff voice cut in. Skye and the woman watched a tanned, bulky man emerge from a door. It was always a surprise to Skye since the door blended to the walls, totally lost to the old-style news print wallpapers. "Be grateful I didn't fire you. You know those spices cost a fortune here during summer."
The woman waved her hands in the air, unfazed. "Sorry boss. Cut it out from my paycheck."
"You're still paying for the expensive bottle of wine you broke, stupid."
"Oops."
Skye smiled. He was really lost why Warren Point was a no-go place to many when to him, everything seemed so normal. A bit run-down, yes. But most people were warm and kind to him. Still, Skye wasn't so naive not to know the real reason for his strange welcome. He came here with Wayne. For some reason, that very fact was his instant shield and protection.
The boss turned to Skye, sliding a length-wise yellow pad paper and a card. The man mouthed a 'thank you' and glared at the woman before leaving.
"Try the milkshake. It's my own recipe." Sana leaned to the counter top, grinning. "Where's Wayne? Isn't he supposed to go with you to shop?"
Skye guided the pink straw to his lips and took a small sip. It tasted of orange, mango, and chocolatey at the same time. Very playful in the taste buds. "He's taking a call outside. Seems important."
The woman's smile went wider. "So what's the deal with you two? That hunk chaperoning you leaves very little to my imagination."
"God no!" Skye nearly splattered the drink all over Sana's face. "I just managed to convince him to bring me here. Really."
"Hmmm," she raised her brow suspiciously. "He's protective of you so I thought you're an item. I've tried flirting with him a bunch of times but he's never interested."
Skye watched the chewy pearls bounce inside the glass as he started swirling the straw. "He's busy... and his priority is his job." He grinned back at Sana, lowering his voice. "The 'loner' vibe about him is what appeals to you right?"
Sana snickered and nodded excitedly.
"Believe me though when I say he could be royally annoying."
"Sana!" the massive, deep voice echoed. "We need help here in the kitchen!"
"Oops... sorry!" she shouted to the half-closed door before winking at Skye. She was obviously and totally not the least bit sorry. "Catch up on you later. Can't wait to see the magic you're going to do with our booth. Last year was a disaster!"
She waved once more and the next moment, she was gone. Being left alone once again, Skye decided to read the list of items he'd be buying. Wayne was still outside, his call taking too long. He played with the chewy pearls between his teeth when he almost choked with it upon noticing the pair who came down from the second floor of the establishment.
The pair saw him instantly. They paused for a moment, until one of the two strode to Skye first. The man may be advanced in age but it was obvious in his gait the imposing and sureness of his strength. Contrary to his usual formal dark suits, he was as casual as everybody else. As if he was heading to a golf course but stumbled upon Warren Point instead. At the moment though, he was reeking of alcohol, his lined face flushed. How he could still stand straight and scowl at the same time towards Skye, Skye didn't know.
"I've heard you left Sierra Nadre. Didn't know we'll see you here of all places."
Skye stood and bowed slightly at Adviser Tiago. "Sir, I didn't leave as in for good," Skye muttered. "I'm just having a breather."
Tiago laughed. With the alcohol it sounded menacing. “Breather,” he scoffed. “I’ve always known you’re not good for Rustom. He’s a supreme alpha and an omega by his side should be capable," the man said with a wave of his hand each finger adorned
with rings. "Should be from a good family and I’m seriously glad Reece finally came. I’m sure you’re aware the claiming ceremony is already being discussed between the two districts. Get it around in your head now kiddo. That will bring less pain."
Skye blinked at Tiago with Adviser Barron who was standing closely, shaking his head in disbelief. Skye bowed at Adviser Barron's direction with a tight smile.
“I didn’t know he'd drink too much," Adviser Barron explained. Compared to Adviser Tiago, the man was still amicable. "We just stopped here after a meeting from Sierra Ecija." He tapped the other man on the shoulder. "I better drag this man back home while it's still early. Are you sure you’re staying here? You can come along with us."
Skye shook his head. “Thank you sir. But I’ve still got something to do here."
Adviser Tiago leered. "If I know, you're finding it better here since this is a lossless place. You can go rut however you want."
"Adviser Tiago. That's not something you should be saying to a member of our pack and district."
The other man huffed. "Just stating the truth."
Adviser Barron frowned at Tiago's back when the man started heading for the exit. He offered Skye an apologetic smile. "Forgive him. I don't know why he's like that to male omegas."
That got Skye's attention.
"He cares for omegas, don't get me wrong," the adviser added. "He's just... I better not say anything anymore. It's not my place."
Skye nodded. He wasn't even hurt by what Adviser Tiago had said, being him used to the man’s animosity. Instead, Skye chose to linger to the more worthwhile and positive matters. “Uhm… this isn’t the right place but thank you as well sir for saving the valleys from that impending infrastructure projects.”
Adviser Barron shook his head. “All I did is raise my vote with Supreme Alpha Vera’s decision. I did nothing much.”
“I heard adviser Tiago is disappointed though.”
“He can be disappointed all he wants but those valleys are important to me personally. Some of the trees there me and my wife have planted ourselves. When I see that part of the valleys, it makes me feel like I’m not growing old alone.”
There was a sad tinkle in the man’s kind eyes that made Skye’s heart fill in sympathy. A sympathy laced with jealousy. Adviser Barron’s love and dedication to his late wife was something Skye thought possible for him too. That kind of devotion. That kind of affection. Too bad Adviser Barron’s wife left the world abruptly five years ago. He could vaguely remember her being a quiet but kind lady.
“I’m sorry…”
Barron though frowned at him with concern. “My life story is not the important thing here young man. You know, I kind of understand the situation with you and Supreme Alpha Vera. I don’t want to be nosy but I’ll say this anyway. Go back home Skye. Rustom is probably worried.”
Offering a smile, Skye nodded. "I'll be back as soon as the food expo event here is over. Thank you for your concern, sir.”
“You’re still a food addict,” the man said with a chuckle. Throwing him another worried look, he added, "Take care of yourself. We are all neutral now, and Warren Point is much better compared to before but still, this isn’t your home.”
Skye watched Adviser Barron head to the door. It was a good thing the man was always beside Adviser Tiago. Those adviser alphas balance each other out.
“Aren’t those officials from your district?”
Almost spilling the remaining of his shake to the floor, Skye glanced over his shoulder. "Jeez. Don't just suddenly appear behind my back."
Wayne's gaze was still fixated at the just closed exits. "Your scenting ability is below than average. That's not good."
Skye was about to protest but Wayne darted to him. "What did they talk about?"
"Nothing really," Skye replied. He wasn't about to reiterate Adviser Tiago's insults. “Said they stopped over here after a meeting close to the area.”
Wayne scowled at the closed door before walking away, hands tucked inside his jeans. His temper seemed to have gone up and his silence was a cue for no talking. Skye just finished his shake in a gulp, took the list and the card and followed Wayne silently.
Their item shopping had been a very, very quiet one.
* * * *
The sun was high over everyone's head, eager to toast the half-drunken mass with its excruciating heat. The scattered trees left no room for comfort, as the hot wind licked at their bodies and swirled beneath the booths' tents. Skye squinted at the front of The Sire's booth. Tucked under its small deep-blue tent, the sign being held in place by two metal poles gleamed under the sunlight. He figured a king's golden crown would fit the booth, since the word 'sire' was technically royalty.
He stood a little farther, almost slamming into a passerby holding a hot-dog on stick. Skye thought he did a very good job, compared to the other's booth which was like setting up early for the Halloween. He was still holding a paint brush, the remnants of his art project chipping in between his fingers.
"You went overboard," said a bored voice from beside Skye. "And the red gem is not painted at the center."
Skye scowled. "For someone who did nothing but sit under the shade of a tree, you have a lot to say."
Wayne waved his hand in the air, carefully watching the plane where the food expo was being held. Seemingly bored, he tucked his hands in his jeans. "They call this food expo but half of the people's brains here are already swimming in alcohol. Total fucking waste of effort."
Scratching off the dried paint at the back of his hand, Skye tried not to look at the event through Wayne's unappreciative gaze. "All the food joints in Warren Point are here," Skye reasoned. "Like The Sire's they offer their specialties... it's still a food expo."
"You're so optimistic."
"And you're a killjoy."
Before Wayne could retort, the man's attention went to his phone, his expression turning serious. "Go back closer to the booth. I gotta take this call."
He watched Wayne disappear in the sea of sweaty heads. And when he finally lost sight of Wayne’s form, Skye wiped a dribble of sweat from his forehead and returned to the side of The Sire's booth. The boss and Sana were at the front, handing juices and special grilled meats to their customers. Squatting on the side, he let his gaze wander around. From the blue skies to the hotness below. The glossy streamers hanging and crisscrossing over their heads showered them with blotches of rainbows. Painful when it landed straight to the eye but festive nonetheless. The sizzle of frying pans, meat burning over coals, bottles of drinks, laughters, brewing misunderstandings, all made Skye heave a sigh. He could have enjoyed this much better if the sun wasn't so relentlessly frying them all underneath.
"Hey... are you alright?" the boss asked after he served the last person in the line. The black apron over his hulking naked upper body an interesting sight to behold. "You having a heat stroke or something?"
"I'm okay," Skye replied with a smile. But the boss must have seen his discomfort the man practically shoved a bottle of cold water to him. He mumbled his 'thank you' and took his cold water one swallow at a time as the boss and Sana became even busier with the new wave of customers.
A few minutes later, Wayne came back. Only this time he was wearing his leather jacket, biker gloves, and his helmet tucked underneath his right arm. Skye stood abruptly, almost swaying and tumbling from the sudden dizziness that took over him. The heat was probably more than he could handle.
"Skye," Wayne started, his tone deadly soft. "I have some place to go. Stay with the boss here."
Skye frowned. "Okay?"
Wayne impatiently looked over the boss of The Sire's. The big man nodded once and went back to cutting meat. "Do whatever you gotta do man. Everybody here knows Skye is with you."
Regarding Skye with a forced smile, Wayne nodded. "I mean it. Don't loiter alone."
"Go already."
By the tense way Wayne was walking away from them, and away from the chaos of the Warren Point'
s food expo, Skye could tell that it was such an important business for the man. He finished his cold water before it became lukewarm and stacked the bottle into the tray just a little behind the booth's front.
"Boss, can I go rest in the van?" he asked. His head was beginning to pound. His black shirt was clinging to his body from a weird rush of cold sweat. "Just a bit tired."
With a contemplative look all in the expanse of three beats, the boss nodded. "Lock the doors,” he said throwing a ring of spare keys to Skye. “And if someone tries to harass you which I doubt anyone would, call me."
It was good to have made all of these acquaintances. Even people he only knew by face would nod to him or throw him a smile. These were actually friendly people.
Skye continued walking, his sneakers sinking into the soft carpet of dried leaves when he entered a small line of trees with plastic arrows attached to them. They were pointing to where the parking space was.
Set quite a bit far from the event's position, the farther Skye got the quieter it became. The cooler it became as well. The combination of heat from the cooking, heat from the sun and body temperatures made it all unbearable for Skye. Coming face to face with the wide clearing, Skye shook his head. The parking space was a chaos of cars and establishment vehicles. He wondered how people would ease out when there was a car in front of theirs. Good thing The Sire's service was at the farthest left side, free and alone.
As he inserted the key into the slot, a drop of sweat went from his eyebrow to his eye. The sting of his own salt was painful and he had to fumble with one of his eyes closed. Hearing a sound of boots from the dry earth of the parking space, Skye glanced over his shoulder.
A black umbrella. That was what Skye saw first. The silk material gleamed under the sun. With steady, casual footsteps, the newcomer kept on approaching. One slow and calculating footstep at a time. Skye dropped the keys. The tinkle too loud. He picked up the ring of keys hastily, not taking his one-eyed glance off the stranger. By the shoulder's breadth, it could only be a man. By the slow, long stride, it was one confident being.
