Howling in shadows. Living in a lunar spell

Untitled Part 6

Nico was sitting up, more like propped up against some pillows, with Lewis lying on one side of him and Charles on the other.

The others were all sitting in a half circle around him as he told them what had happened.

He told them about George practically ambushing him in the toilets at the airport. How he begged him to go back.

He told them how George had helped him escape and how worried he was now about the fate of the omega.

He knew he was gonna get punished. He just didn't know how bad.

Toto usually wasn't that harsh with his punishments. But apparently being a traitor in Toto's eyes was enough to get shot with wolfsbane.

He really hopes George won't get the same treatment.

He tells them how the taxi drove him to the edge of the forest and how the van showed up and he knew he was in trouble.

Lewis growled when he got to that part of the story, but Charles whined and somehow tightened his hold around him.

Pierre, who of course sat next to Charles, reached out to squeeze his thigh. Gently. Grounding.

When he was done telling his story, or at least everything he could recall, everyone went silent. Letting it all sink in.

"So," Sebastian broke the silence. "He lied about you having a pup with someone in his pack, just to get you back?"

Nico nodded, "Yes. That's basically what happened."

There was some hissing around the room.

"He's toxic," Valtteri announced.

Nico sighed. "You have no idea. I shouldn't have just followed him blindly."

The distress in Nico was palpable and while they tried to comfort him with rumbles and purrs, Lewis whined, burying his face into Nico's chest.

Surprised, Nico gently ran his fingers through the beta's braids.

He shared a look with Kimi, who quickly took control.

"Everyone except for Nico and Lewis, come out of the room with me."

There were some protests, mostly from Charles, but Valtteri also started to guide them out of the room.

Nico and Lewis were left alone to have a little moment.

Nico kept on running his fingers through the braids, trying to comfort the beta.

He waited for him to feel comfortable enough to start talking. He didn't have to wait too long.

"it hurt when you left."

Nico's fingers still. "It really hurt to leave you."

"The kid.... It's really not yours?"

Nico gently tugs. Forces Lewis to look up at him.

"It's really not mine."

A breath escapes from Lewis' lips. "I didn't blame you for leaving. Because I'm not.... I can't give---"

Tears are pooling up in Lewis' eyes and Nico shushes him. Running his fingertips along his scent gland on his neck.

"I don't care, Lewis. I don't need kids." Sure, he loves kids. But a beta's body isn't made to create kids. He's fine with that. "I don't care what your second gender is. Even if you were an alpha like me, it wouldn't matter."

He'd still love him. Unconditionally.

Lewis whines again, "But I wish I could.... I'm not ready---"

"Lewis, stop. Just stop. Please."

There's so much pain and conflict in the beta's eyes which makes Nico want to weep.

"I'm not expecting anything from you," the blond continues softly. "I know you're not ready. I'm already happy that you're comfortable enough to cuddle with me." He leans forward to nuzzle at Lewis' cheek. "To let me do this. To let me scent you. That's enough for me, meine liebe."

The last two words had slipped out unexpectedly, but he was pretty sure Lewis didn't understand.

As if in answer, Lewis pressed his nose against Nico's neck, purring softly as he rubbed his nose against his gland.

" I'm glad you came back. "

"I would have always came back, Lew. You know, the truth always comes out sooner than later." He suddenly tensed a little.

Lewis looked up at him in concern, "What's wrong? Are you in pain again?"

Nico shook his head, "I'm just worried about George. Who knows how hard Toto punishes him."

Lewis tried to calm him down with his scent. "He'll be okay. Do you have his number?" Nico nodded, "Text or call him."

Nico nodded, already reaching for his phone. "Maybe a call isn't a good idea. But I can definitely text."

Lewis purred, resting his head on Nico's chest. Nico's fingers of his free hand tracing patterns on his back.

He didn't know this George, but he would definitely thank him for sending Nico back to him so fast if he ever saw him.

" So it was you."

George trembled, cowering into a corner, he knew he wasn't small, but now he was trying to make himself as small as possible.

"I'm sorry Toto, I - - -"

"I don't need your excuses."

He was so close to using his alpha voice, George could feel it. He tried his hardest not to whine.

"He had a right to know."

"He would have found out later on, when he would be part of the pack again. You ruined that."

George trembled again, but he wouldn't crumble. He was close to apologize again but bit his tongue.

"I didn't mean to ruin anything."

"Luckily I was already prepared for if he was able to escape for some reason."

Shit.

This couldn't be good.

"He might be dead by now."

No.

Oh fuck.

"You might have lead him to his death."

"NO!"

A hollow, sarcastic laugh. "Take that as your punishment. Living in the unknown if Nico is still alive or not."

That was the last straw. George couldn't hold himself straight anymore and curled in on himself. Curling into a tight ball. Trembling all over.

Toto left. Giving no comfort to the omega whatsoever.

Nico was still alive, right?

He had to be.

If only he'd recharged his phone earlier. It would have been buzzing with messages already.