Where He Belongs

~Forty~

A/N: So here it is. Another update. Hopefully it's a good one. I had a lot of emotional turmoil over it but I decided that it was time. So, SoulPhenomenon, hopefully 'Father Approves'. I've really enjoyed your comments today at work. They made me want to fake sick *sh, don't tell my boss* and come home and write this for everyone kind enough to comment, vote, and follow me. Thanks a million and enjoy.

Peace Out, Girl Scouts

~Kate~

ALSO! Expect a cover change in the future. GrimmPrincess has made me some beautiful options that I am currently debating over.

ALSO 2.0: see bottom once you're finished this little chapter and tell me how you think the plot is moving? Too fast? To abrupt? To force? Good? Hold back no criticism! (actually, do. I am a very sensitive soul. I will cry). 

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Was a dominate wolf crying that big of a deal?

Or rather, so much of a deal that you can forgive being forever handicapped by them? I watched Dawson briskly rubbing his distorted limb with a grimace. "Atlas, can you grab an ice pack?"

"You know icing it just makes it stiff all over again." His friend replied as he got up, obediently heading over to the fridge unit.

It was a glossy metal one. "I don't even care. Anything to make it stop aching," replied Dawson with a groan.

Axel could do that to me. But he hadn't. Not yet, at least. I watched Atlas wrapping the ice pack in a fluffy kitchen towel before he passed it to Dawson who began to rub it up and down his arm with a sigh. "I can't believe you still love him."

It sort of just popped out of my mouth but I meant it. If Axel had hurt me that badly I would hate him. Dawson just rolled his eyes. "There are worse ways a mate can scar you," he replied.

Atlas suddenly looked far from comfortable. I instantly thought to Axel and his recent behavior when it came to our mating. That was almost as damaging...wasn't it? Sure the damage wasn't physical (for the most part) but mostly emotional. I bit my lip. "I know." I finally whispered.

Atlas looked almost relieved, as if finally someone could relate to his own emotional pain. "Austin isn't like that. He may hit me when he get angry sometimes but he'd never hurt me...like that. He understands that it's special."

"Well aren't you lucky," snapped Atlas, his voice cracking a bit.

A heavy silence settled and I could feel Axel's hot breath on the back of my neck, his thumbs digging into my hip bones-- "Let's talk about something else." decided Dawson. "Wine, anyone?"

"I'd love some," said Atlas, voice a bit hollow. The sparkle was entering his eyes again. I felt bad for bringing such a happy guy to such a dark place.

"Colton?"

"Oh, uhm, sure." I ran my fingers through my hair, my temporary contentment with the situation now dampened by the unwelcome memories. Would Axel change? Could he?

"You never told us how old you were."

"Hm?" I hummed in response, looking at Atlas.

The blonde haired omega just smiled, splashing a generous amount of red liquid into fnacy glasses from a dark glass bottle. "Your age."

"Oh. I'm nineteen...twenty in the spring." The two omegas whimpered in unison, worrying me. "What?" 

"No wonder Austin couldn't keep his eyes to himself. I'm practically an elder compared to you. Ugh. Look at you. So young...everything still so tight and perky--" grumbled Dawson, snatching a glass from Atlas.