Mending the Mechanic's Heart

The Alpha's Care

Sailub moved with a calm precision that masked the intensity of his feelings. Ever since Aon had fallen ill, the alpha hadn't left Pon or the pup's side. He managed the nurses, ensured that the best care was being provided, and was constantly at the ready, doing everything he could to ease the burden on Pon.

Pon, exhausted and fraught with worry, clung to Sailub's presence as a lifeline. When Aon's fever spiked, Pon had spiraled into panic, his usual calm shattered. Sailub's steady hand on his shoulder had been the only thing keeping him grounded. Now, as Aon slept fitfully in the hospital crib, Sailub was still there, providing comfort and stability.

Pooh stood at the door, observing quietly. His heart ached seeing his younger brother so vulnerable, yet at the same time, he couldn't ignore the way Sailub was looking after them. Sailub wasn't just helping out of obligation; there was genuine care in his every action. The way he tended to Aon, the softness in his eyes when he spoke to Pon—it was more than Pooh had expected.

Sailub's devotion was unmistakable. He adjusted the blankets around Aon, careful not to wake the sleeping child, and then turned his attention to Pon, who was resting fitfully in the chair beside the crib. Sailub reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Pon's face with a tenderness that made Pooh's chest tighten.

Pooh knew he should feel relieved—grateful, even—but instead, unease gnawed at him. Pon was an unmated omega, a single parent trying to navigate a world that had already shown him its harshness. And Aon, sweet Aon, was now forming an attachment to Sailub. What would happen if things didn't work out? Could Pon handle another heartbreak? Could Aon?

Sailub walked over to Pooh, careful not to disturb Pon or the pup. "I've asked the doctor to keep an extra eye on Aon tonight. His fever's starting to break, but they'll monitor him closely."

Pooh nodded, trying to keep his voice steady. "Thank you, Sailub. You didn't have to do all this."

Sailub's gaze was unwavering. "I want to. They're important to me, Pooh. I care about them more than I can say."

Pooh studied Sailub, searching for any sign of hesitation or doubt, but all he found was sincerity. Sailub's feelings for Pon were clear, and that frightened Pooh more than he wanted to admit. Pon had been through so much—too much. And now, with Sailub showing this level of devotion, it was easy to see how things could get complicated.

"Sailub," Pooh began, his tone cautious, "I know you mean well, but Pon's been hurt before. And Aon... he's just a baby. They both need stability."

Sailub nodded, his expression serious. "I know, and I'm committed to giving them that. I've seen how strong Pon is, but I've also seen how much he's carrying. I won't let him down, Pooh. I'll protect them, both of them, with everything I have."

Pooh wanted to believe him—needed to believe him—but the weight of responsibility hung heavy on his shoulders. Pon was his little brother, and Aon was his nephew. The thought of them getting hurt, of Sailub not being able to live up to the expectations he was setting, made Pooh's stomach churn.

But as Sailub returned to Pon's side, gently adjusting the chair so that Pon could rest more comfortably, Pooh couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Sailub was exactly what Pon needed. Maybe this alpha, who was treating Pon and Aon with such care, could be the one to help them heal.

Sailub leaned over, whispering something soothing to Pon, who stirred slightly before relaxing again. Pooh watched as Sailub then turned his attention to Aon, softly rubbing the child's back until his breathing evened out.

In that moment, Pooh saw something he hadn't expected—Sailub wasn't just caring for them out of obligation or even affection. There was a deeper connection at play, something that spoke of a bond that was only growing stronger with each passing moment.