Crave

28 - played by his rules

The next day, Jonathan and Liam arrived at Woo's door. The blond man was dressed in a nude-colored sweater and black trousers while Jonathan wore a black v-neck shirt with a leather jacket on top, paired with black denim jeans. The two greeted Woo with a hug and he brought them inside. They saw Joon in the living room. The beta laid on the couch with an ice pack against his left ankle.

Woo and Jonathan sat down on the opposite couch as Liam went to stand in front of the man and laid a hand on his arm. "How are you, kiddo?"

The smaller vampire asked with worry in his eyes. "I'm okay now, Liam. Hyung took me to the hospital today, we just arrived back here an hour ago."

"What did the doctor say?" Jonathan asked as he sat down on the other couch.

"His x-rays were normal, no internal injuries. He's on pain meds for a few days." Woo said and Liam patted Joon's head affectionately.

"Please don't hide your pain from us, Joon. We care a lot about you." The blond man said and Joon nodded.

"Where's Zaire?" The taller vampire asked.

"Kitchen." The alpha said.

"Let's go greet him real quick, we'll be right back." Jonathan said and gestured at Liam to follow him.

They went to the kitchen to see the omega making fresh juice. Zaire was dressed in a blue oversized hoodie and slim black joggers. He looked better than when they last saw him. The omega looked well rested and there weren't any dark circles under his pretty eyes. When the smaller man noticed them, Liam opened his arms.

"You're not gonna greet us, Zaire?" Liam asked with a small smile and suddenly, the omega felt guilty for ignoring their calls and text messages.

Zaire ran to hug Liam and hid his face in his chest. Jonathan hugged them both in his arms as the omega's eyes got teary. The group pulled away from the hug and Liam wiped his tears away. "I-I'm sorry for not responding.."

"It's alright, sweetheart. You needed time to heal and we understand." Liam smiled at the omega.

"You look great, Zaire. Looks like Woo has been taking care of you." The taller vampire teased lightly and the omega blushed.

Liam smiled but his eyes were full of worry. Zaire did look well physically. His face had color on it now and his body wasn't as skinny as they had last seen him. It looked like Woo had also bought the omega new clothes. Pieces that were comfortable and fit the omega's frame rather than being oversized. His eyes told a whole different story. The wolf's soft brown orbs held a sort of sadness in them. One that Liam couldn't read properly. Was Zaire doing well here with Woo?

Jonathan left to go back to the living room while Liam stayed with the wolf. The blond man held his friend's hand gently and Zaire looked up into his eyes to see concern. "Zaire, are you okay here?"

The omega bit his bottom lip and froze for a moment. A part of him wanted to tell Liam everything, about how Woo had made him sign that contract. The rules he had on him now. He wanted to tell Liam the strange things Woo was demanding. No matter how much he wanted to say it out loud, Zaire couldn't. He was afraid. He was afraid of how Woo would react. Even if he did say anything, would Woo's friends even confront the alpha or take his side?

Zaire settled to say only two words. "I'm s-safe."

'You look like you're trapped, honey.'

Liam thought in his mind as he watched the poor thing, but he didn't push further. "If ever you need someone to talk to or hang out with, please reach out to me. I have missed you."