Thorns And Roses

Chapter Twenty-four

The car ride home was quiet, and Demi understood why that was. No one wanted to confront Theo about what Jones said. Fuck, Theo probably didn't even want to talk about it. Demi pulled his dragon in close and ran his fingers through his coal-black locks. Theo just put his face in Demi's neck and silently cried. If it wasn't for the dampening of his shirt collar then Demi wouldn't even have known that Theo was crying.

The crying turned into heaving, gut-wrenching sobs that would have made Theo sick if there was actually something in his stomach. He didn't eat the breakfast burrito River made him that morning. Said he would eat after the meeting. All Demi could do was take Theo into his arms and hold on tight. He whispered soothing words of praise in his ears and petted him, but there wasn't much else he could do until they got home.

Quinn met Demi's eyes in the rearview mirror, a look of pity accompanied by sadness clouded Quinn's green eyes. The emotions meant for the man that he loved like a brother. Demi gave him a knowing gaze before his eyes went back to Theo.

They finally made it home and Theo had calmed down enough that he was just sniffles and little hiccups. Demi wiped at his eyes to clean him up a bit, helped him out of the car, really wishing that he could carry the Alpha inside, and dragged Theo into their room. He deposited Theo on their bed and went to the bathroom to start a bath for them.

As the water was running he went back to Theo, got him out of his suit, then stripped down too. Once they were both naked, Demi pulled Theo into the bathroom and gently pushed him toward the bathtub. His dragon sunk into the hot water, wiping at his red face. Demi knew he would be embarrassed about his breakdown, but the Omega could care less.

Demi climbed in behind him, trapping Theo against his chest. Demi cupped the hot water in the palms of his hands and brought them up far enough to drizzle the water over Theo's fluffy hair. He felt Theo flinch as the water dripped into his eyes.

Demi wrapped his hand around Theo's throat, tipped his head back so it lay on his shoulder, and kissed the ever-loving fuck out of his beautiful, broken dragon. He let him go, a string of spit connecting them the only evidence that they kissed at all.

"I love you." He whispered in the quiet space of the bathroom, watching as Theo's golden orbs grew wide in shock. Just that morning Demi was unsure if he could ever love Theo. If their relationship could handle their version of love. And just like that, Demi knew he could. Knew they could love each other.

Demi knew Theo didn't know how to answer but he wasn't looking for one. He just wanted to put it out there. He didn't expect Theo to say it back. Would wait until he was ready for it.

"You don't have to say it back, pup. Just wanted to tell you." He watched as Theo shut his eyes and could physically feel him swallow. The palm of his hand pressed against his adam's apple.

"Why?" That was what Theo said instead. The word came out raw, damaged from all the crying he just did. Demi could feel the vibrations of it in his hand. Which part? Why does Demi love him or why doesn't he care if Theo says it back? He decided to go with the first option.

"I honestly don't know. I hated you for a long time, but something changed. In me. In you. You showed me sides of yourself that you've never shown anyone before," As if he could forget what Jones said, he mumbled. "I'm sorry that happened to you."

There was no reason for Demi to believe whatever Jones said. If the sleepless nights and scream-inducing nightmares were any clue to what happened to Theo, then Demi knew he couldn't trust Jones.

"I didn't want it. I swear to you Demi, I didn't fucking want it. I didn't like it. Wanted to kill myself every time it happened." Tears dripped down the sides of Theo's face, wetting his cheeks until there damp. Demi kissed his mouth again, and just stayed there, sharing shattering breaths of air.

"I believe you, pup. I really do." Theo lifted his head to kiss Demi, but the Omega stopped it before it got too out of hand. He didn't like having sex with Theo when his dragon was like this. Made him feel like he was taking advantage of Theo.

Theo let out a whimper of disappointment that made Demi chuckle but he settled it down anyways.

"Shh. Now be quiet and let me wash your hair. I'll make you feel good." Theo reluctantly stayed silent and let Demi wash his hair. He groaned in pure bliss when the Omega softly scratched at his scalp. He knew what Theo liked, loved even.

"Good boy." Demi kissed Theo's forehead when he started to rinse his hair out.

"I was only eight years old. A boy named Joseph was the one that started it. I think I ended up killing him in the end." Theo muttered into the space in front of him. He grew still and waited for Demi to say something.

"You don't have to tell me, pup. Not until you're ready." Demi carded his fingers through Theo's hair, making sure he got all of the shampoos out.

"Okay." It became mute between them again but Demi didn't care. He could wait for Theo for as long as his dragon needed him to.

Demi let Theo wash his hair just to give him something that might calm his mind and then they got out. He wrapped a big fluffy towel around Theo, kissed his lips, and dried him off. There was a lot more touching than there use to be between them. Demi thought that Theo needed the reassurance that his presence brought him.

Once in the bedroom, Demi gave Theo some of his clothes. A pair of sweatpants and a big hoodie. As soon as Theo had the hoodie over his head, he lifted the collar to his nose and breathed the scent in deep.

"Let's go to bed. I think a nap might help." He didn't hear any protest from Theo, who shuffled towards the bed and laid down. Demi climbed in next to him, gathered his dragon into his arms, and held him tight. Theo was out in seconds, leaving Demi wide awake with his thoughts.

He should have killed Jones right there and then. Took the gun that was holstered near Theo's hip when he came to him then point and shoot. Demi has never really shot a gun before, but he was determined to kill the man who broke his dragon. His and no one else's. Demi knew the truth and heard it right from Theo's mouth.

Theo hated what happened to him. He was only eight fucking years old. Who the fuck would do that to a child? A psychopath that's who. A very sick individual who got off on hurting children. The man was very lucky that Theo had already killed him.

Demi could feel his teeth sharpen at the thought of sinking his canines into the man's neck and ripping his throat out. His claws came out, and he lifted them away from Theo's skin so he wouldn't prick him. Demi needed to get himself under control before he hurt himself or Theo.

"Demi?" Theo's sleep-muddled voice reached Demi's ears as his dragon started nuzzling against his neck where his face was buried. The only answer Theo was given was a low growl. Words couldn't form in Demi's throat. He was too far gone in his shift for words.

"I love you too." That instantly settled Demi down. His teeth retracted and so did his claws as his breathing evened out. The red around his vision receded as the urge to see someone bleed left his veins. He was calm when he gently took Theo's face out of his hiding place and planted a soft kiss on his lips.

"I love you more." A feeling like a flower blooming in his gut unfurled as he took in the soft smile on Theo's face. This was what love felt like. It had to be.