Defying Expectations
Pairings: Burnie/Ray/Joel, Geoff/Gavin, Michael/Ryan, Jack/Caiti, Jeremy/Matt, and now with a slight sprinkling of Adam/Monty just for fun
Rating: M
Word Count: 42,836
Summary: In a world where Alphas, Betas and Omegas rely on their instincts to find their Packs and Mates, Ray struggles to understand what it means to be an Omega. Only when he is courted by not one, but two much desired Alphas does he begin to come into his own. And that’s when his real struggle begins. With the help of his fellow Omegas, he finds himself and manages to help his Pack along the way.
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Chapter 17
Warnings: Possessive and violent behavior. Mucho angst ahead. Warning issued, my friends. Also, asshole cliffhanger, so watch your step!
"We have a huge problem," Robert began, pacing nervously. Even as a mated Omega, the idea sent his frazzled nerves into overdrive. It reminded him of how he felt around his first Mate. "A huge problem. Not only for the Omegas, but all the Alphas, too."
Concerned, Burnie gently nudged Ray off his lap and stood. "What's going on?"
"I think...I'm pretty sure Miles is going into Rut."
In which Robert saves the day again, someone loses their mind and someone else gets what he's wanted for a long time.
Notes: Woohoo!! It's not quite as soon as promised, but it also didn't take six months again, so win!! Enjoy, darlings. <3
Joel adored Robert. Always had. He had been the first and most supportive of all Burnie's relatives. Unfortunately, his daughter was the least supportive.
Sara had always had an issue with Joel. He wasn't quite sure exactly what that issue was. Maybe it was because he'd taken away her older brother's attention when she was still so young. Maybe she really was just that disgusted by the idea that two Alphas could be happy together. Whatever the reason, she'd decided to hate Ray as well.
Burnie seemed to think that she was just jealous for whatever reason, but he'd never been able to think badly of any of his siblings. Joel, on the other hand, could see the burning hatred in her eyes whenever she looked at Joel or Ray. Her darling big brother was breaking rules with his relationship. First another Alpha, now the unthinkable: an Omega half their age on top of it all.
As a result, Joel spent a lot more time than was good for his sanity following Ray around to make sure he was never alone if he knew Sara was in the building. Most of the time, Ray was tucked safely in the Achievement Hunter office, and when he wasn't, it seemed Robert had decided that Ray was to be his little pet Omega whom needed every second of mentoring he could spare. It was adorable to watch them interact.
Ray's mother, they all knew, was a Beta and his father a somewhat sorry excuse for an Alpha. Ray had never had anyone to really teach him Omega things before, or to explain things he'd always found confusing. Robert had latched onto that knowledge and swept Ray into a cocoon of guidance and affection that the younger Omega seemed perfectly content to burrow into.
After the first day, Robert seemed to accidentally collect Omegas around him. Matt, elated to finally have the Alpha he'd wanted for so long, latched onto the older Omega, practically in tears at how happy he was and grateful for the accidental shove Robert had provided.
Then Kerry became another member of the flock a few days later when he emerged from his office, bleary eyed and caffeine deprived. Robert had invited him to join their little group in the kitchen and the rest was history. Gavin and Michael, though neither really required such mentoring, joined in next and glowed at the mess of compliments and cooing that Robert became when he saw their bellies. Most of the other office Omegas joined only sporadically, but it was easy to see that Robert was delighted by the apparent confidence that he had most, if not all the answers.
And because he had become unofficial Omega mentor, it was Robert who first noticed the odd behavior of one of the Rooster Teeth employees.
Kerry, Michael, Monty and Gavin were eating lunch with Robert. Monty and Kerry giggled at the food choices their pregnant friends were devouring. To their delight, Robert kept providing even more disgusting concoctions he'd craved during his several pregnancies. While they gagged at the increasingly gross suggestion, Michael and Gavin made plans to send their Mates out for the ones that sounded heavenly to them.
A low growl caught Robert's attention and he glanced over to see Miles digging through the fridge. He emerged with a bottle of water and downed it almost desperately. Once he was done, he leaned on the counter, expression dark. In the week that Robert had been there, he'd never seen Miles look anything other than happy or, if he'd worked late, mildly exhausted.
Gavin's squeal when Michael tried to shove a piece of bread soaked in honey under his nose distracted him and when he looked back, Miles had retreated to his office again.
The next morning it seemed far worse. It wasn't until Robert was close enough to see the glazed, almost sleepy expression in Miles' eyes that he understood what was happening. Frantic, he darted to Burnie's office and gave only a cursory knock as he threw the door open. The fact that Ray was perched in Burnie's lap, kissing him hungrily didn't matter. Nor did the blushes that spread across both faces.
"We have a huge problem," Robert began, pacing nervously. Even as a mated Omega, the idea sent his frazzled nerves into overdrive. It reminded him of how he felt around his first Mate. "A huge problem. Not only for the Omegas, but all the Alphas, too."
Concerned, Burnie gently nudged Ray off his lap and stood. "What's going on?"
"I think...I'm pretty sure Miles is going into Rut."
Stunned, the two stared at him. "Miles?" Ray squeaked out. "He doesn't have a Mate."
"I know. That's why it's such a problem. Usually, if an Alpha goes into Rut, he fixates on the Omega that's his. If he doesn't have one, he could fixate on anyone. That could be very dangerous for whoever he chooses. And if he chooses someone who is mated? Or being courted? The other Alpha could protest and there could be injuries or worse."
"Oh, shit. We need to get him home then. Away from anyone he could hurt."
Burnie started toward the door but Robert grabbed at him frantically. "No! He's already far enough gone that the scent of another Alpha so close could be a challenge."
Ray nodded. "I'll get Jack," he said and darted down the hall. A few minutes later, Jack appeared, worry pouring from him.
"Ray explained what's happening. I never thought this would happen here. Ruts are really rare. What do you need me to do?"
"You're a Beta," Robert said. "That means it's safest for you to coax him into going home until the Rut runs its course."
"I figured as much. Do you have any advice? I've never seen anyone in a proper Rut before."
"Move slowly, if he challenges, show submission. Do not look him in the eye, keep your voice calm and quiet."
"Got it." Nervously, Jack glanced back out the door. "Where is he right now?"
"I last saw him in the kitchen a few minutes ago."
"Ok." With a fortifying breath, Jack headed for the kitchen. He froze when he saw that Miles had Kerry pinned to the counter, face buried in the Omega's neck, inhaling deeply.
Kerry seemed confused, but not afraid. They had scented before, but nothing like that.
"Miles?" Jack called softly, stopping what he hoped was a far enough distance away.
Apparently not. Miles whirled around, keeping himself between Kerry and Jack. He had a wild look in his eyes and his normally smiling face was twisted into a fierce snarl. "Mine!" he growled.
Jack was stunned. Seeing the typically sweet and gentle Alpha in such a state was terrifying. He looked like a wild animal ready to strike. "Hey, it's ok. I'm not going to try and take him from you."
Miles eyed him suspiciously, though he did relax his stance a little. "Mine," he said again. He reached back blindly and curled a hand around one of Kerry's wrists. The little Omega's eyes were wide as he seemed to realize what was happening. As far as he knew, Miles had never seen him as anything other than a best friend and co-worker. Maybe...maybe his chances weren't quite as slim as he'd thought, if this was any indication.
"I know," Jack assured Miles softly. "Miles you're not feeling well right now. I think it would be best if you went home. I can take you. And when you're feeling better you can come back." He took a single, uneasy step toward them, trying to figure out how to get Kerry away before he was hurt. He tried to think back to the classes he'd had to take, just like everyone else no matter their caste, about the Rut. It was a danger to everyone and thankfully only happened rarely.
A low growl froze Jack in place again. "Back. The fuck. Off." Jack hastily retreated several steps. Then he watched in amazement as Kerry brushed his free hand across the back of Miles' neck. The reaction was instantaneous. The Alpha melted like putty and turned to curl back around Kerry possessively.
"He's not trying to hurt me," Kerry assured Miles and received a deep, rumbling purr in response. "He just wants to make sure you don't accidentally hurt anyone. Let's get you home, ok?"
When Kerry tried to pull back, Miles' arms tightened. "You're coming with?" It came out more like a demand than a request.
"Of course. Jack?"
"Yeah?"
"Can you please make sure the halls are clear so I can get him to my car?"
"Kerry, are...are you sure about this? He's in Rut."
"I know. I remember what they say to do in this situation. I mean, I never expected that I'd be the fixation, like, ever, but I paid attention in class. I'll be careful and if anything happens, I'll call."
Jack hesitated a second more, then he nodded. "If you're sure."
"I am." He rolled his eyes when Miles pressed his face into Kerry's neck again. "I get that he's in Rut and that's super dangerous for everyone, but I trust him not to hurt me."
"Ok. I'll be right back." Jack disappeared down the hall and Kerry settled in for the moment.
"Where's Miles?" Burnie demanded.
Jack sighed and popped his head into an office to warn everyone to stay put for a while. The word Rut had a strong effect and no one so much as moved their chairs. After firmly closing the door, Jack sighed again. "He's fixated on Kerry."
Silence answered him. While Burnie struggled for a response, Jack warned the next room and closed their door tightly as well. "Kerry?" Burnie finally asked.
"Yes. Honestly, I can't say I'm surprised by that. Miles has always been really protective of Kerry, especially since the incident with that intern. It's not so out of the blue that he'd choose Kerry. I mean, it's a shock that he went into Rut at all, but...well, I think this is probably the best outcome we can hope for. And Kerry's agreed to take Miles home and help him through it."
"Fuck."
"My sentiments exactly. I really hope nothing happens that either of them regrets. Kerry's in his right mind, yes, but Miles is going to come out of this with no memories. We could end up with an Alpha who hates himself and an Omega with a broken heart. Or worse, Kerry could end up hurt and Miles would never forgive himself."
"Jack..."
The Beta waved Burnie's concern away. He'd always been overly concerned about the wellbeing of his Pack. Caiti always told him he worried too much. That he needed to have faith that things would work out. Usually, he could do that. This time, however, with the unpredictability of a Rut, he found he couldn't shake the worry. "You should head back to your office. I'll let you know when they're gone."
Burnie hesitated, eyeing the suddenly ragged appearance of his friend, but nodded. "Be careful. He could still attack before they leave."
"I know." Assured of the clear path, Jack returned to the kitchen. "Fuck," he growled. Miles looked about two seconds away from attacking Lindsay. As an Alpha, she looked prepared to fight back. And as an Alpha, she recognized the signs of Rut. She had to, since Alphas were always in the most danger when faced with another Alpha in Rut.
Jack moved without thought, placing himself between the Alphas, hoping that his muted scent would calm both of them and separate their scents enough to get Lindsay away unscathed. At the same time, Kerry darted in front of Miles and pulled his face back into the cradle of his neck. Combined, Lindsay's scent was drowned out enough for Jack to shove her toward safety. "Get out," Jack demanded quickly and to her credit, Lindsay didn't hesitate. She darted down another hall and out of sight.
When he turned back to Kerry and Miles, his face flushed at the sight of Miles lapping at Kerry's scent gland. The Omega didn't seem to be faring much better if the startled squeak was anything to go by. "Maybe...maybe I should drive you guys back to one of your apartments?" Jack suggested.
Kerry shook his head. "Probably not a good idea. I'm taking him back to my place though, so you guys know where we'll be." Awkwardly, Kerry drew Miles down the cleared hall and toward the parking lot.
After a few minutes of staring down the empty hallway, Jack forced himself to move. He entered the Achievement Hunter office to the sight of all his closest friends cuddling in worry. Ray was squashed protectively between his Alphas. Right in the middle of the floor Ryan, Geoff and Jeremy sat facing each other, their Omegas in their laps. Geoff and Ryan had possessive hands over their Mates’ stomachs while Matt had curled into a surprisingly small ball in Jeremy’s arms, his lanky frame somehow dwarfed by the Alpha for once.
The best sight of all to Jack’s mind was that of his own Mate and wife cuddled up in his chair with Robert. As soon as Robert spotted him, he gently nudged Caiti up and toward Jack while he moved to the couch to tuck himself into Joel’s side.
Jack reclaimed his seat with Caiti perched in his lap. All eyes fell on him expectantly.
“Kerry said he’s taking Miles to his apartment. If anything happens, we’ll know where to find them.”
“We live closest to Kerry,” Gavin said softly.
“Which is for the best,” Geoff decided. “I’ll be the one to handle it if anything goes wrong.” His tone left no room for argument.
Ryan did his best, though. “I think it would be best if you had some backup if it came to that. Michael and I live close by, too.”
After a brief staring contest, Geoff reluctantly nodded his consent. “Ok, but only if it really calls for it.” Silence filled the room again.
“I really hope Kerry knows what he’s getting into,” Ray murmured.
Burnie sighed and nuzzled Ray’s neck. “Me, too, Sweetheart. Me, too.”
***
Getting Miles out of Rooster Teeth headquarters without incident felt like a small miracle. Getting him into his apartment building, up several flights of stairs and into his apartment without running into anyone felt like an even bigger one. Especially with Miles crowded so closely to him that it felt like they would somehow absorb into one another. After briefly fumbling with his keys, he got them inside and closed and locked the door.
He had barely finished with his task when Miles spun him around and pinned him to the door. It was so damn hard concentrating on anything with Miles so close. His scent, heightened and sharpened by the Rut swirled around them and filled Kerry to the brim. The normally calming scent of lavender and bergamot flooded even the deepest, most secret parts of Kerry and left his mind pleasantly fuzzy.
Then Miles dragged his nose slowly up Kerry’s neck as if to take in every subtle variance in his clover and honeysuckle scent. Hands tightened slightly on his hips and he shuddered as impossibly warm breath ghosted over his collarbone.
“Mine,” Miles breathed before taking another deep breath. “Wanted you for so damn long.”
Kerry’s breath caught in his throat as he absorbed the confession. “You’re-” he cut off in with a soft gasp as Miles nipped lightly at his throat. “You’re only saying that because of the Rut,” he pointed out, unable to keep the sadness out of his voice.
“No.” There was an unfamiliar darkness in Miles’ voice as he purred against Kerry’s skin. “Always. Always want you. Since we met, knew I wanted you to be mine. And now you are.”
“Miles, I…” The Alpha lifted his head and stared at Kerry. To Kerry’s surprise, he saw Miles’ eyes clear a little and it seemed as if he was struggling against himself.
“Do you want this?” Miles demanded. “Me?”
There was no hesitation for Kerry. He immediately nodded. “Yes. I always have.”
That darkness was back but instead of being afraid, all Kerry felt was a thrill of anticipation. Any other time, he had hoped that if by some miracle Miles wanted him, their first time together would be a slow, patient, sweet coupling. The look Miles pinned him with then left him nearly shaking with desire at the expectation of fierce passion.
“You’re mine,” Miles growled. “I’m going to knot you and mark you and every other Alpha will fucking know that you’re mine.”
For a brief second, Kerry wondered if it would be the same as mating when an Omega was in heat. If by mating with Miles in Rut, they would somehow water down what bond they would have. While Miles attacked his neck with sharp nips and soothing licks, he struggled to remember if it had been mentioned in the required classes. Then Miles latched onto a particularly sensitive bit of skin and sucked hard and he was gone.
Everything narrowed down to the small space they’d created. He spared a brief thought toward how patient and thorough Miles was being. He had expected a frantic pace. But Miles seemed content to take his time mapping out the skin of his throat. When he found another sensitive spot, Kerry’s knees buckled and only Miles’ weight against him kept him from tumbling to the floor in a heap of embarrassment. His soft sound of pleasure was echoed by a dark chuckle from Miles.
“Say it,” Miles whispered, lips dragging slowly but steadily toward Kerry’s.
Confused, all Kerry could manage was a dazed, “Huh?”
“Say. It.” Again that dark growl that shoved Kerry further into his arousal. “Tell me you’re mine. Say it.”
“Oh, fuck,” Kerry breathed. He felt the gust of Miles’ rapid breathing against his mouth, but not the desired feeling of lips on lips. After a moment of anticipation, he forced his heavy eyes opened, sparing only the briefest of thoughts to wonder when they’d closed, and saw Miles staring at him fiercely. He seemed oddly content to hold that position until he got the desired answer.
His voice was a silky purr when he spoke again. “Say it.” The softest of encouragement. “Tell me, Kerry. Tell me you want to be mine.”
“Oh, Jesus, yes. Fucking-I’m yours Miles. I’ve always been yours. I need you to claim me so fucking much. I’ve never wanted anything so much in my life.” He moved to keep going, keep struggling to convince Miles that he’d never wanted another Alpha-that he never would want another Alpha. But a surprisingly gentle mouth covered his and instead of a continued flow of reassurances, only a broken moan escaped from Kerry.
***
He woke up in stages. It sort of felt like a hangover, only worse. His head felt heavy and filled with cotton all at once. His mouth was dry, the sort of dry that was the result of too much sleep and not enough water. There was a strange sense of something being off. Different in his mind. Like a new, welcome weight in his consciousness. A soft sigh drew his attention to the fact that he was not alone in his bed.
A sharp breath in brought his attention to the fact that this was not his bed. Oh, sure, it smelt heavily of him, and the saturation of his scent in the fabric around him had a terrible realization slowly filling him. But it wasn’t his bed. Wasn’t his room or his apartment.
Slowly, reluctantly he opened his eyes to see a very familiar bedspread. As if the visual opened the floodgates, he found himself overwhelmed by honeysuckle and clover. It filled him to the brim and his eyes slid closed as he just took a few deep breaths. Finally, he turned his head, wondering if perhaps they had gotten drunk and one of them had finally made a move. The sweet anticipation of that died the instant he saw the scattering of deep bruises all over Kerry’s back.
The soft stretch of his neck was covered in harsh bites and there was a distinct hand shaped bruise marring Kerry’s hip. Sick realization crashed through Miles and he felt tears of regret and remorse fill his eyes. Without meaning to, he reached out to touch the bruise on Kerry’s hip, but he found himself unable to touch, so his hand hovered awkwardly in the air between them.
Kerry twitched lightly in his sleep before settling again and in that moment, Miles felt a soft feeling of calm that wasn’t his own.
Horrified, Miles eased back and carefully extracted himself from the tangle of sheets. The evidence was everywhere. The scattered and torn clothing, the bruises and bites littering Kerry’s skin, even the way he was between Kerry and the door, as if to ensure he wouldn’t escape.
He clamped down on any more emotions when Kerry shifted in his sleep again, this time turning enough for Miles to see his furrowed brow. As quickly and as quietly as he could, Miles dressed, forced to resort to stealing one of Kerry’s shirts when he found that his was far too mangled to ever be used again.
Then he ran.
More Notes: I'm so mean.... XD Not to worry though. I'm super excited about this bit so it's already in the works and I expect it to be posted soon. Next on my list after that is a highly anticipated (at least for me) event. Again if you guys want to see anything specific let me know and I'll do my best. Hit me up here or on my ao3 of the same name. As always, until next time, bless your darling hearts!! <3