Mellifuous ✔

Chapter 12: You're safe with us

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The little omega's eyelids fluttered open, his golden-brown eyes squinting against the soft morning light filtering into the room. At first, everything felt strange, like waking from a long, endless dream. His body felt foreign, heavy, and sluggish, and an unfamiliar weight seemed to press down on him. He blinked a few more times, his gaze darting around the nest he lay in, his small chest rising and falling rapidly as confusion and unease began to creep in.

Something wasn't right.

His hands twitched, and his brows furrowed as he slowly raised them, staring at the delicate fingers that stretched and curled at his will. They didn't look like his. The little omega's breathing quickened, his heart racing as he moved to sit up, his body shaky and unsteady. The blankets slipped from his shoulders, revealing a soft shirt that clung gently to his small frame. Fabric. He didn't understand it—didn't recognize the sensation of it against his skin. Panic bubbled up in his chest as he clawed at the material, his whimpers turning into small cries.

He looked down at himself, his hands tugging at the unfamiliar clothes that now covered his body. His legs, long and strange, peeked out from under the hem of the oversized shirt. His toes wiggled awkwardly against the soft fabric, and he let out a distressed cry, his small body trembling.

This wasn't right. This wasn't him. Someone had taken his body, he was sure of it.

The pup's cries grew louder, sharp and pitiful, filling the room with a heartbreaking sound of confusion and fear. He shifted uncomfortably, his hands pulling at the shirt as if trying to get it off, his mind unable to make sense of what was happening. His golden curls, messy and damp from sleep, clung to his forehead as tears streamed down his cheeks. He tried to stand but quickly fell back, his legs too unsteady to hold him. Another sob escaped his lips, his small frame curling into itself as he wailed.

The sound was enough to summon Santiago and Will, both rushing into the room. Santiago's eyes widened at the sight of the distressed boy, his instincts kicking in immediately. He hurried to the nest, crouching down with careful, deliberate movements as Will lingered behind him, his expression soft with concern.

"Hey, hey, it's okay," Santiago murmured, his voice low and soothing. The pup flinched at the sound, his tear-filled eyes locking onto Santiago's face. There was no recognition there, only fear. Santiago's heart ached at the sight, but he stayed calm, reaching out his hands slowly.

The little omega recoiled, his cries intensifying as he pressed himself further into the nest. "No! No!" he wailed, his voice small and hoarse. He didn't know these people, didn't know where he was, didn't know what was happening to him. His world felt too big, too loud, and too overwhelming.

Santiago exchanged a glance with Will, who nodded encouragingly. "It's okay, little one," Santiago said again, his tone as gentle as the touch he offered. He moved closer, carefully scooping the trembling child into his arms. The pup struggled, his small fists pushing weakly against Santiago's chest, but he was too tired and disoriented to resist for long.

Santiago held him close, his hand cradling the back of the boy's head as he began to rock gently. "Shh, it's okay. You're safe," he murmured, his voice a soft, steady hum. The boy's sobs didn't stop immediately, but they softened slightly, the warmth of Santiago's embrace slowly breaking through his panic.

Will stepped closer, his hands clasped in front of him as he crouched to the pup's eye level. "You're okay, sweetheart," he said softly, his voice warm and reassuring. "We're here to help you."

The pup's golden eyes darted between the two of them, wide and tearful. He didn't understand all of their words, but the softness of their tones and the kindness in their eyes began to chip away at his fear. He clung to Santiago's shirt with trembling hands, his small body pressing into the beta's chest as if seeking the safety he didn't yet trust.