"Victor," a voice calls, rousing him from his thoughts.
"Ah f*ck," Victor's eyes pop open. He'd half fallen asleep in the tub, unaware that Ariadne'd come in.
"What? What's up?"
Ariadne's cheeks are dusted with pink. She swallows audibly. "Do you mind if I join you?"
Victor blinks slowly.
There is a brief moment where the Alpha's convinced that he's traveled to a strange alternate universe where Ariadne would actually say some wild, twilight zone shit like that. "Huh?"
"Just f*cking say yes and don't you dare embarrass me. It already took me five minutes to convince myself to ask," Ariadne spits.
That's more in line with the things that Ariadne would say.
Victor's back to believing it's real.
"If you want," Victor manages, swallowing against the lump in his throat.
The Omega averts her eyes, probably not wanting to return Victor's unabashed and lecherous gaze, as she strips off her cozy sweater and pants.
T
Ariadne inhales sharply and kicks him.Victor growls, which has the Omega shrinking back. The Alpha shakes his head a few times before muttering a very shallow, "Sorry."Victor takes a breath, which doesn't help since it's laced with Ariadne's delectable scent.The Omega flips him over. "Since you can't be trusted. I'll drive."Victor's first instinct is to fight for dominance. But he just stills at the sight of Ariadne straddling him, enjoying the visuals.Ariadne lines herself up with Victor's sizable girth. Then she lowers herself slowly. Having just come, this can't feel good.But the look on Ariadne's face says otherwise, pupils like dim
Arthur is the picture of ease, draped across the couch, legs crossed at the shins.His face fills with wicked delight as he regards them both. The man's dark, boiling, grey eyes speak of untold misery."Get out of my house," Victor says, voice robotically even.Arthur feigns offense. "Is that how you treat your cousin, whom you haven't seen in ten years? How vile. How rude.-" He pauses for a moment for effect. "-How expected."Victor keeps sight of Ariadne from the corner of his eye.The Omega is frozen to the spot, fear still looming over her, but it's quickly fading, and something scarlet starts replacing it."What are you doing here?" Victor hisses."You've taken something of mine," Arthur says impassively. "So I've taken something of yours, that cute little Beta."Calvin?Victor exhales comes out shaky. The Alpha's nerves are dancing."You should sit," Arthur hums before turning to Ariadne for the first time.
"Burn them," Ariadne says.There was no hint of surprise. Ariadne knew exactly what Victor was holding in his hands.Then she goes back to comforting Edward, rocking him gently, whispering soft things in his ear.Victor takes the pictures and walks out, handshaking.There's so much to do, and the Alpha's mind is running on overdrive. But every step he takes downstairs, he feels calmer, logic ruling out passion.When the fire is going, and the pictures are curling up in flames, Victor's utterly devoid of emotion.That's when he makes the necessary calls to gather everyone.Waylon is there in half an hour, looking a complete mess. Anna and Nathan arrive with two other wolves in tow. Victor recognizes one.Jackson, the receptionist from the hotel, is a cut and dry Alpha. It's a bit new age for Victor, Alphas working under other Alphas. But that's just Nathan's methodology."This is my first," Nathan begins the introductions
Victor closes the door on what feels like the setting inside of a nightmare. The Alpha walks over to the guest room.He has vivid images of setting the room on fire to wipe away the evidence.Instead, he settles for scrapping the sheets. But he can't manage to continue, so he decides to occupy the other guest room, the one that's still clean, relatively speaking, so he can catch a few hours of rest.F*ckHe can't sleep, not even after a few capfuls of whiskey.His brain won't forget the images, permanently etched into his eyeballs with what feels like a very dull, rusty chisel.All alone in the darkness, a stifled cry fights its way out of his body.
"Hell-," It's a video call. Images flicker black, white, and red. "Who's my good boy?" a deep voice, Victor knows it's Arthur's, sounds in the video. Calvin is naked, caged, and bleeding from a split lip. "F-f*ck you." Victor's grip on Dustin's windpipe loosens, and his hand drops back down to his side. "That's bad, Cal," Arthur says, tone distorted by static. "Don't you dare...." Victor hisses. "Bad boys need to be punished," Arthur continues. Victor sees red blooming across Calvin's skin, done by a disembodied knife. It's deep but not fatal. It's not meant to be fatal, Victor realizes. It's intended to break Calvin. "Victor," Arthur hums. "Are you watching me? How does it feel?" The call cuts off from there. Victor's heart beats hard in his chest. The beast inside feels like ripping its way out of Victor's skin, the mortal coils, the prominent facade. "Victor?" Nathan as
Ariadne can't sleep. Her brain won't stop it with these random, chaotic blurbs. It keeps ticking onward, relentlessly to its own destruction.To maintain the sanity that she still has, she quietly counts the number of things that make life still worth living.And now, at the very top of the list, against all unfathomable million to one odds, rarer than a royal flush in poker, was Alpha Victor.Victor has become Ariadne's priority, even above herself. She knew it as soon as she saw the Alpha cry like that, all alone in the dark.Ariadne realized then that there was no escaping it anymore.The Omega had lived in prison, where the walls were thin and made of chalk, where everyone stayed away.It was necessary to survive and keep clinging to this side of the earth, where one could still see the sky.But then came Victor, who knocked, knocked, and knocked even when Ariadne ignored.Victor was persistent, unwavering, and when living
Victor stumbles into the kitchen, still sleepy, hair disheveled. "Did you guys make coffee yet?"Edward and Ariadne immediately stop talking.The Alpha doesn't notice as per usual. He just shuffles through the kitchen to get himself a mug before disappearing upstairs again."Just give me time," Ariadne says once they're alone again. "I've only ever killed that one man.""Arlo?" Edward spat. "He deserved that for what he did to you that night.""I still- I still dream about it," Ariadne admits.Arlo deserved to die more than most. Ariadne pulled that trigger, thinking it would end the hate clawing her on the inside.It hasn't, neither has the grief.Edward's eyes soften for a moment. "Sorry."Ariadne answers with a pitiful shake of her head. "I get it.""Do what you need to," Edward sighs heavily. "I'm sorry that I'm pushing you. I-I can't-"The silver Omega swallows his own emotion, choking on the serrated
Ariadne's whole body flushes with heat.The way Victor talks about Edward, with complete faith. He sees Edward and her for their merits. He's the first Alpha that hasn't underestimated them.Once Dustin is gone, Victor turns to Ariadne, eyes going soft once again, his scent leveling out. "You okay?"Ariadne shakes her head ever so slightly, and Victor takes her hand. "Let's go for some fresh air, yeah?""Okay," Ariadne manages. She'd give anything right this moment to not appear so f*cking weak.Victor watches her, crimson eyes, so dark and heavy a gaze, leaving the other's skin tingling.Victor doesn't let go of her hand as they make their way outside.
Then the adults are alone, an awkwardness washing over them, carrying with it their history. It goes all quiet, and all that's left is the sound of soldiers marching in the distance, carrying about their morning routines. "I-" Ariadne and Nathan say at the same time before pausing. The Alpha's cheeks go red, and his apple scent spikes high, taking on a sour note. He's nervous, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. “Y-You go ahead, Ariadne.” Ariadne doesn't even know what to say. It's been approximately one eternity since they've seen each other. "Thanks for taking care of- You brought them here, my babies." "Yea, no- it's cool," Nathan manages. "And thanks for- for not dying. I mean, I'm glad you're alive." Anna slaps Nathan on the shoulder. "What he's trying to say is, it's good to see you." Ariadne laughs, and then she cries. Then she launches herself forward and gives the pair a great big hug. She squeezes them tight, one in each arm. "F*ck," Ariadne says. "I thought I'd
“Are we there yet?” Ariadne asks despite herself.She doesn’t even know where they are, which is saying something. They’d promised to put Victor into one of their best hospitals, but there’s nothing that remotely resembles a hospital.There’s no town, barely a road to drive through. It’s miles of trees on both sides and a dirt road that looks like it might give way at any moment.“Fifteen minutes,” the Commissioner answers, hand steady on the wheel. “Take it easy, dear. We’re almost there.”Easy for him to say. Everyone he loves is alive and well. His son is literally getting a medal.Ariadne’s not sure about Victor. The alive part has been confirmed, yes. But, she doesn’t know who she’ll be seeing in a quarter hour’s time.Is it going to be Victor Erickson, father, and husband, or will it be the Black Wolf, Victor regressed to some other bizarre time frame? She has no idea.No. Ariadne takes a deep breath. She’d talked to Victor on the phone for a few minutes before he had to go. He
It's perfect timing. They're at the control panel that opens up to solitary confinement. Gordon's just through there, safe and tucked away.Felix uses his thumbprint to unlock the door. It's a pressure chamber. The thing hisses as the metal lid unseals from the wall.It's all lead up to this. They step inside and-It's empty."Where-"Gordon's not in the cell. Though it does look like he's been there, the space was modified to be more comfortable. Stolen seats from the guards' lounge, a big screen t.v that's leaning haphazardly against the wall, it's nice.But why isn't he here?He's supposed to be here.It's then that the screen turns on, and a very familiar face appears. It's a man wearing milk glass eyes, smiling wide. Ariadne's confusion turns into fury."I knew you would come, Ariadne. You're a mouse caught in a trap," Gordon speaks. "You want to kill me? You can't even find me. And now you never will."Trap? What trap?The metal door starts moving. It's shutting, pushed in by a
Felix is dressed from head to toe in swat gear. His face is blank, an assault rifle shoved under his armpit. He's hunched over in the locker room, eyes wide. He's not doing anything, long since dressed, shoelaces neatly tied. But he doesn't move. He hasn't moved for five minutes."You okay, kid?" Ariadne asks, tightening the velcro on her Kevlar vest, the fabric stiff under her fingers."I don't know," Felix hums, half a ghost. "My whole world has turned upside down in the last twelve hours."Ariadne has half a mind to slap the Alpha in the face. They have a mission, and if Felix dies, the Commissioner isn't going to be pleased.The older takes a seat on the opposite bench, resting her elbows on her knees. The situation is much too urgent for her to play the dad in a feel-good t.v. Show, as hard as she tries to.“How dramatic,” Ariadne hums."Monday morning," Felix says quietly. "I thought I understood everything. There was order, good guys, bad guys, policemen, and criminals. Now eve
Ariadne doesn’t know how long she’s been asleep for, an ache in her ancient bones, shedding tears over a dream she can’t remember. It’s light out, just barely dawn or dusk, Ariadne’s not sure. Blue casts over them, lines on the wall, setting divisions that aren’t truly there. Victor’s asleep, eyelids fluttering, every breath he takes is a strain, followed by a whistle. It hurts Ariadne to her core. He’s not recovering, that time has long since past. He needs medical attention. F*ck the costs. So what if he’s Victor Erickson, legendary mythos surrounding him, a ruthless and terrible criminal. He’s also a father and the love of Ariadne’s life. Doesn’t he deserve to live too? Hasn’t his life been about doing more good than harm? And one thing can be said for sure, when Victor was on the throne, there was order. “A-Ariadne?” A voice cuts into the night. “Baby?” Ariadne replies, cupping Victor’s face. It’s not Victor though, still asleep, eyes closed in eternal slumber. He forgets
Ariadne sees in shades of red, her wolf blood pulsing hot through her veins. It's hard to focus through the screams and the stampede of people trying to get through the two exits.The smell of fear in the air it's intoxicating and inviting. Ariadne wants to bite, sink her teeth into something, tear through it, and drink the red.Her enemy is in front of her, a great dark, eyeless specter. Gordon seems more like a shadow than a wolf, smoke rising off him, still hot from his transformation. His eyelids are sealed shut, and pink scar lines cut into his flesh.He raises his nose and tastes the air. It doesn't matter that he's blind; Ariadne knows. The man can still see them. He knows exactly where they are.Victor growls from the back of his throat, flashing rows of razor-sharp teeth, drool dribbling down his chin. His eyes are like glowing coals. Ariadne's not sure how much of her mate is in there and how much is the terrible beast he keeps prisoner.The three of them are giants. People
Fuck, this guy is really smart. Victor's glad that Felix isn't higher on the food chain. Sh*t could actually get done. "What do you mean?" Victor asks noncommittally. "You said it yourself that he was, just this morning." Felix flushes, rubbing the back of his head. "Ah, no judgment, but... I was only saying that to impress Sansa. I didn't know you guys were dating. We don't get a lot of Omega security officers here. They're usually reserved for Omega prisons." A pang of worry twists in Victor's stomach. He hopes Ariadne is alright. "Oh," Victor replies, "No, it's alright." Felix smiles, patting him on the shoulder. "So, what do you think about my theory?" "Your theory?" Victor repeats. "That's not Victor Erickson," Felix says again. "If I had to guess, that's Victor's First Beta. He's taking the hit for him." Bingo. "Come on," Victor clicks his teeth. "That's crazy." Felix's eyes widen. "I think I'd know if I was looking at the Black Wolf! I told you, I did my whole dissert
Victor watches himself in the mirror, his skin crawling. His appearance it's out of an alternate universe. He's wearing the cop clown suit. It's tight at the neck, and there's barely any room for his—Someone squeezes his ass, causing him to jump. A soft gasp escapes his lips. It's Ariadne, sneaking behind him, a Cheshire grin on her face."Hey there, sexy," the Omega teases. "Are you gonna arrest me?"Victor's heart drums, cheeks turning pink. Ariadne's alarmingly good-looking in her uniform, blond locks, and pale skin contrasting the dark color of the material.The Alpha turns fully around, taking Ariadne's hands, using his fingers as makeshift handcuffs."I don't think this is the time for roleplaying," Victor chides. "But I promise I'll arrest you later, at least three times."Ariadne laughs, something effortless about the way she stands. It's happier than he's seen the Omega in a long time."I look forward to it," Ariadne answers, pulling him along to the living room so they can
They leave the helicopter on the beach, already half-buried by the sea. Ariadne knows they’re not coming back for it. The thing will probably be a home for the crabs before turning into rust and getting swallowed by the sea.Under the cover of night, the five of them set sail for the mainland. Ariadne watches with one eye open as the sea rocks them. All she’s thinking about is not throwing up. It’s not a calm night, storm clouds pouring on them, lightning lighting up the sky.“Are we there yet?”Victor pulls her close, pressing the Omega’s chest to his head. “Almost, baby.”Ariadne takes in deep, calming breaths, Victor’s coffee scent filling her lungs. It helps, allowing the Omega to focus on something else besides the churning of the sea. Edward plops down beside them with a smile.“Why do you look so happy?” Victor asks.The Silver Omega presses a finger to his lips. “Is a secret.”Ariadne sighs, turning ever so slightly so she can have a better view of the other. “How can you smi