Mending the Mechanic's Heart

Protective Instincts

The familiar hum of the garage surrounded Pon as he worked on Pavel's car, meticulously checking each component to ensure everything was in perfect condition. It was a welcome distraction from the tension that had been building up around him. The steady rhythm of his work helped him push aside the lingering pain from the night before, though his body still ached from the encounter with Dean and his group.

As he leaned over the engine, focused on tightening a bolt, he didn't notice Pavel approaching until the alpha's voice broke through his concentration.

"You're really good at this, Pon. You've got a natural talent," Pavel said, his tone warm with genuine admiration.

Pon glanced up, offering a small, polite smile. "Thanks, Pavel. I just like working with cars, I guess."

Pavel smiled back but noticed how Pon seemed more withdrawn than usual, his movements slower, more cautious. Then, as Pon reached for another tool, Pavel's sharp eyes caught a glimpse of something that made his heart drop—a faint bruise peeking out from beneath the sleeve of Pon's coveralls.

"Pon..." Pavel's voice softened, concern lacing his words. "What happened to your arm?"

Pon froze for a moment, his mind racing. He quickly pulled his sleeve down, covering the bruise. "It's nothing, just an accident," he replied, trying to sound casual. "I wasn't paying attention and banged it against a toolbox."

But Pavel wasn't convinced. His instincts as an alpha—and as someone who cared deeply for Pon—told him there was more to it than a simple accident. He frowned, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watched Pon's nervous movements.

"You sure that's all it was?" Pavel pressed gently, trying not to make Pon uncomfortable but needing to know the truth.

Pon nodded a bit too quickly, avoiding eye contact. "Yeah, really, it's nothing. I'm fine, Pavel."

Pavel didn't push any further, sensing that Pon wouldn't open up if he felt pressured. But the alpha's concern only deepened. He had seen signs like this before, subtle and easily dismissed, but they painted a troubling picture. Deciding to keep a closer eye on Pon, Pavel resolved to talk to Toptan, hoping the omega might have some insight.

Later that day, Pavel found Toptan working on a car near the back of the garage. The omega was focused on his task, but when Pavel approached, he looked up with a welcoming smile.

"Hey, Pavel. Need something?" Toptan asked, wiping his hands on a rag.

Pavel hesitated for a moment before speaking. "It's about Pon. I'm worried about him."

Toptan's expression immediately turned serious. "What's going on?"

Pavel sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I noticed some bruises on him today. He said it was an accident, but...I don't know. Something doesn't feel right. He seems more withdrawn, and I can't shake the feeling that there's more to it."

Toptan's eyes darkened with understanding. He had been in Pon's position once, subjected to the same kind of harassment that left invisible scars far deeper than the physical ones. Dean had a way of making life unbearable for omegas he saw as a threat or beneath him, and it seemed Pon had become his latest target.

"I think I know what's going on," Toptan said quietly, his voice laced with bitterness. "Dean's doing the same thing to Pon that he did to me when I first started here. He's targeting him because he's an omega—and a talented one at that."

Pavel's jaw tightened with anger. He had always disliked Dean's attitude, but hearing this made his blood boil. "We can't let this continue, Toptan. Pon doesn't deserve to go through that."