Settling Down with the Alpha

Chapter 11

Damian stroked Jak's hair as he slept against his shoulder. He stared at his tear-stained face, sympathy blossoming in hischest.

Tay had just gotten home when there'd been a knock at the door. The Alpha had opened it only to catch his best friend as he'd fallen through. He could count on one hand how many times Jak had cried. This time would make it five.

Jak had been a mess as Tay had hauled him in the condo. Damian had taken Jak's things as the two Alphas had collapsed on the floor. The two had looked at each other as their friend had been unconsolable. Neither one had ever seen him like this. Not even when his favorite grandfather had passed away did Jak cry like this. It was a soul crushing sob that could only be accessed from a deep pain.

Tay had somehow gotten Jak to the bedroom and to the bed. Damian had sat in the middle of the monstrosity as his partner had gone to shower. Tay saw Jak leaning against Damian. The Omega had sent some calming pheromones into the room to ease his friend so Tay had gone to make a plate.

Damian looked up when Tay returned with his dinner. Tay's face was drawn as he ate and watched his friend. He was unnerved. Jak was the strongest out of them. To see him this broken could mean one thing.

"Reaux broke his promise," Damian whispered. His fingers trailed through the dark locks pressed against his cheek.

Tay knew what he meant. His hand paused over his plate, fork pointed down. "He hit him?"

The Omega nodded. "He didn't tell me all the details. I'll ask when he settles down. For now, I'll let him sleep."

The Alpha knew what he meant to let Jak sleep with them. He didn't have the heart to tell Damian no. If he thought Jak needed them in this way, he would make adjustments. Jak had never done anything wrong towards Tay. he knew he wouldn't do anything to Damian.

Damian eased Jak to the pollows then covered him up. He had to get up to brush his teeth and use the restroom but he was back in bed within several minutes. He looked at Tay. His Alpha was staring into space, several thoughts flightting about his face in rapid succession. Jak made a noise, strangled and desperate. It drew Tay's attention, and all those moments settled into one.

The Omega allowed the bruised ALpha to curl around him. He looked at his wrists and frowned at the bruising mottling his skin. He caressed one with his thumb, several emotions bubbling up uncontrollably. Tay knew those faces. They were the same one Damian made two years ago when he was trying to process his own mental break.

"Reaux dabbles in dominant/submissive culture," Tay said. "He mainly sticks to light bondage and toys. Since he's been with Jak, he's shown him some things. The bruises are probably from being bound by a rope or cord."

"Why would he do that?" Tay rubbed his hands together thoughtfully. He had to figure out how to say this gently. "What is it?"

"Some Alphas find it hard to control their domineering natures. In the dom/sub cultures and relationships I know of, the pair or people set up rules that have to be followed by everyone joining in the play. Reaux is more dominant than Jak and even me. If he asked Jak to join him, he would have to set up some rules to make sure it was done safely and to make it easier on Jak who is new to it. From what little I know from both of them, Jak was open to anything except one."

"No hitting." Tay nodded. Damian took Jak's hand and looked it over. "There's some salve in the bathroom. When you get done, will you bring it to me?"

Tay smiled and nodded. He took his empty plate to the kitchen to wash. Then he went to the bathroom to brush his teeth. Grabbing the salve, he took it back to Damian. The Omega lifted Jak's shirt to inspect his skin, grimacing at his chest.