Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

‘Revenge Alpha facility’ the sign at the front of the building reads. All concrete and metal bars. A ten foot tall metal fence, equipped with barbed wire around the top, surrounds the entire perimeter to keep the alphas in. Izzy had always thought the facilities were cruel, a terrible place to keep a people who truly didn’t deserve it…but as of recent years his opinions on alphas had changed. He doesn’t believe they were all aggressive, all dangerous like the media tried to push; but he knows now what they’re capable of. He presses his knuckles into the flesh of his knee, feeling the scar tissue under the fabric of his slacks. He had dressed well to meet his new companion. 

“An alpha will help you feel safer, boss, I promise.” Fang, one of the betas Izzy had met during highschool, chirped as he parked the truck in one of the secured spaces. Fang volunteered at the alpha facilities, working to ensure that the people who lived there were kept in good conditions. Alphas were considered a regulated class, all alphas had to be tagged and monitored upon their presentation as an alpha. This often meant their separation from family, friends and general society until they were adopted out by an omega. An omega like Izzy. 

“I’ve talked to a few of the guys, and I really think you’ll like the alpha I have picked out for you.” Fang puts his hand on Izzy’s back. 

“I just don't know Fang,” Izzy grits his teeth, “my last alpha...Edward...” 

“Edward had...issues Iz, you know that.” Fang squeezes his arm softly, trying to reassure him. 

“But maybe I could have done more to help him! And I didn't! How the fuck can i be trusted with another alpha after what-“ 

“Izzy, you had nothing to do with Ed turning feral! He attacked you!” Fang motioned to his friend's injured knee, “during your heat at that! He should have known better.” 

“He didn’t attack me! you make it sound like he did something unforgivable. I just made him angry.” Izzy clenches his fists against his thighs, brow furrowing. 

Fang sighs, he knows this is a losing battle. Izzy’s last alpha had been his childhood sweetheart, they’d been friends ever since they were kids and Izzy had adopted him immediately upon his presentation as an alpha in order to keep him from the facilities. Situations like this typically weren’t encouraged, as alphas were supposed to be ‘trained’ in the facilities to know how to treat and care for an omega. Accounts of severe abuse had been taken from situations like this, directed towards both omegas and alphas; and alphas had a tendency to develop something similar to ‘littermate syndrome’ in dogs. Fang nods his head, “okay Izzy. Will you at least meet him?” 

Izzy looks at the facility and sighs through his nose. “Okay.” He glances back at Fang, “at least to get him out of his pin for a bit; but I don't know if I'm ready for another alpha Fang. If I’ll ever be ready” 

Fang nods, he knows that Izzy would benefit from both the protection and companionship an alpha provides but...can’t force a horse to drink. He steps out of the truck, coming around to Izzy’s side to help him out. “Get your cane boss, s’ okay.” Fang insists as he takes the dark wooden cane from the back seat of the truck and pushes it into Izzy’s hand. Izzy mutters a shy thanks, he’s still not used to using his cane; it’s been years since the injury but Izzy’s only allowed himself to start using the aid recently. Fang takes care to walk beside him as they make their way into the facility. 

The doors open and a young woman behind the counter looks up. “Ah! Hey Fang.” She calls, giving a short wave. Izzy can smell immediately that she’s a beta. Most people who work at the facility are betas, helping keep the alphas in check. “And you must be Izzy, lovely to meet you.” Her eyes dart down in a sign of respect toward Izzy. Omegas are at the top of the food chain when it comes to the secondary sexes, they’re held in a state of high esteem due to their ability to produce offspring despite their primary sex, they also aren’t considered nearly as dangerous as alphas. 

Izzy finds all of it a bit ridiculous, but he repays her respect with a soft purr. 

“Yeah, this is Izzy. He’s here to meet Stede.” Fang steps up to the counter to sign the both of them in as visitors. 

“Oh the blonde newbie? Terrible story behind him.” The woman sighs as she goes to rifle through the keycards for the kennels. “You told him about it yet?” 

Izzy’s brows furrow and he feels a pang in his chest. He’s always had an overactive nurturing instinct, it was part of why he felt so eager to adopt Ed once he presented. So hearing that the alpha he’s meeting has had a harder life immediately sets off alarm bells. 

“Ah, not yet.” Fang accepts Stede’s keycard from the woman before turning back to Izzy. “The alpha you’re meeting, boss, used to live in this big ole’ fancy mansion. Adopted by the Allamby family and mated to their daughter Mary, yeah?” The Allamby’s were a well known omega family in the area, “ well one day, out of the blue, the place catches on fire. Whole family up in smoke except for Stede and his pups. Well with his mate gone he can’t be out alone with just the pups, so he winds up here.” 

“Fang, that's horrible! And his puppies!?” Izzy steps forward, stumbling as he forgets to bring his cane with him and is forced to adjust his weight quickly. 

“They’re fine, boss! Adopted together by some friends of mine, once he’s out...if his omega is kind enough, he can see em again.” Fang smiles softly and goes to guide him forward. “Come on, let's just...go meet him.” 

Izzy follows Fang into the belly of the facility. He glances around as he walks, sticking close to Fang’s back as the alphas begin to eye them. They press to the glass doors of the kennel, whining and calling for Izzy’s attention. They all seem terribly aggravated, some snarling and growling. Izzy pins himself to Fang’s back and whines as they pass. 

His heart stutters and he squeezes his eyes shut, pressing his face into Fang’s plush body and inhaling deeply. The sounds of snarls and growls bring him back to the last time he had seen Edward. When he had been so deep in a heat addled fuzz that he’d been stuck in his nest for days. When he had let his guard down enough that Ed had gotten the jump on him, grabbing the keys to his collar and busting his leg in the process. He had barely managed to get ahold of his phone and call fang and Ivan to help before passing out; and then he had woken up drugged out of his heat and alphaless in the hospital.  

“It’s okay Boss, you're okay.” Fang reassures as they make their way to the last kennel at the end of the hall. “Here he is,” he presses his key card to the door lock, it beeps loudly. 

“Fang should we really-“ Izzy goes to intervene, worrying Fang is about to release one of the aggressive alphas…but the sight inside the kennel makes him go quiet. The alpha inside is laid on his side. Short, blonde curls fanned out around his head. His clothes are mussed and dirty, they were obviously once very expensive but now are torn and covered in soot. His scent fills the room, strong and overpowering every other scent. He’s a strong alpha that's for sure, but he doesn’t even turn to look at them. The sight of him makes all of Izzy’s fears and reservations disappear. “Oh Fang...” Izzy murmurs, “you all haven't put him in something new?” He asks, meaning the clothes. 

“He won't change, we’ve offered him new clothes...but these ones smell like his pups.” Fang explains as he steps into the room, “Stede? Hey, come on bud. Up and at em.” 

Stede barely stirs as Fang approaches. He tilts his head ever so slightly to look back at them, hazel eyes dull. Izzy puts his weight on his cane as he watches the alpha lay on the floor, the blonde lets out a short huff of breath before turning away. 

“Got someone who wants to meet you, my friend Izzy.” Fang moves to sit on the ground, he nudges Stede softly, pets his head. He glances at Izzy and frowns. Izzy can barely stomach it, he’d do anything for Fang normally. . . he could do this. 

Izzy steps forward carefully, easing himself down to the ground with Fang. “Hey.” He winces at himself, his voice sounded far too harsh for this situation. . . But Izzy has never been good at softness. “Uh. . . I’m Izzy,” he takes a deep breath, the alpha doesn’t even look at him. 

”Fang’s told me about you. I uh. . . You probably dont know anything about me.” He looks at fang and his brows pinch together. He’s shit at this; but Fang nods him on and pats his back.  “i. . . I” he squeezes his eyes shut, coming to a decision. “I’d like to help you get out of here. . . See your pups again.” 

That seems to catch the alphas attention, he turns, pushing himself to sit up. “You do?” He asks. His voice is hoarse from unuse, wary. Now that Izzy can see his face he can see that not only is the alpha a strong one. . . But a handsome one at that. Sure his hair and appearance is wild thanks to his time in the kennel and the fire, but it does little to hide his natural beauty. Izzy can feel himself blush at the sight, but he does his best to hide it. 

Fang looks at him, they had just been talking about how Izzy wasn’t ready for another alpha after all. . . But they had both known that the moment Fang had brought up the man's pasr that Izzy would be bringing him home. Even if it was just as a temporary foster, plenty of omegas took in alphas to foster for temporary needs. alphas could even be rented out for trips or heats, though Izzy had never had to consider that option. His last heat had been with his Edward, and he hadn’t had a single one since.

 Izzy nods, “my house. . . Well, apartment isn’t nearly as nice as a mansion. But I have an extra bedroom, and uh. . . I like kids.” He winces at himself again before shrugging. 

Stede stares at him, eyes darting over his face to try and find some lie or hidden agenda. Fang clears his throat softly, “Izzy’s had a rough few experiences with alphas over the years Stede. You’d be acting as a guard and companion while you’re with him.” 

Stede seems unsure, glancing between fang and Izzy. “I. . . I was never a guard.” He murmurs, “don't think I’d be good at it.” 

“You don’t have to fight or anything, your scents enough to run off any feral or larger omega.” Fang reassures him. Ferals were what alphas that had escaped the facilities or been unlawfully released by other means were called. Typically they were aggressive and unregulated creatures and posed a threat to the typical omega society. Izzy swallows at the meer mention, the word making memories of Edward come rushing back. Edward had always been headstrong and aggressive, clawing and fighting for a freedom Izzy couldn’t give him. just the memory makes him tremble. His scent changes ever so slightly and Stede obviously picks up on it, sitting up a little as his nose twitches. He looks at Izzy, eyes darting about to try and determine the source of his fear; but his fear isn’t something tangible, just the idea Edward will come back to finish the job. 

Though the show of sudden protectiveness does make Izzy feel better about the alpha as a whole. Any alpha willing to jump in to protect a frightened omega is worth its weight in gold. 

“Okay.” Stede says after a moment, “yes. Yes I’ll. . . I’ll go home with you.” 

Izzy appreciates the consent, though he didn’t legally require it. 

Fang lights up at the mutual agreement, and starts the whirlwind process of adopting Stede out. It’s a ton of paperwork, and equipment cost (which Fang graciously covers) but by the end of the afternoon they’re set to head back home. Fang leads Izzy back to Stede’s kennel to collect him, handing over the alpha muzzle for Izzy to put on. Izzy hesitates as Fang opens the door, Edward had always fought the muzzle. A mandatory piece of equipment for every alpha to wear when out in the public, Edward had hated it. Snapping and snarling and putting up a fight even though they’d both be arrested if he didn’t wear it. 

Izzy steels himself, preparing for the struggle as Stede slowly steps out of the kennel. . . And then kneels down. He rests on his knees in front of Izzy, looking up at him expectantly. Izzy holds the muzzle, blinking slowly as he watches Stede. His mouth feels dry suddenly, his whole body warm. Having an alpha kneel so readily before him makes every part of his omega sing, like things are clicking in place he didn’t know had been misaligned. He shakes it away, not the time or place. He reaches to secure the metal and leather contraption around Stede’s mouth and jaw. “That okay?” He asks.

Stede moves his jaw, opening it and adjusting it from side to side, before he nods. “Yes omega” his voice soft as he stands again. The title rolls off his tongue easily, Edward had never called him by his title. 

Izzy collects himself much quicker this time and nods. He ignores the way that Stede’s gaze makes his gut warm and twisty. Stede isn’t there for his pleasure. He won't use him like that. “come on then...time to go home.” 

Stede is by far the most patient alpha Izzy has ever interacted with. He sits in the back seat of Fang’s car, watching the world pass by out the window. He holds Izzy’s cane in his lap like it's something he’s been tasked to guard, letting out soft curious noises whenever he sees something that catches his eye. He’s used to the car and the whirl of the world around him, his past omega must have socialized him well. 

Fang lets him out of the truck when they pull up to Izzy’s apartment, he hops out and quickly goes to hand Izzy his cane. It’s as if he’s done it a dozen times already, making sure Izzy has it before he steps out of the truck (which includes a bit of a hop thanks to Izzy’s height). He then stands tall, eyes scanning the surrounding area before he turns back to Izzy. 

“Thought...you said you weren't a guard?” Izzy raises an eyebrow at his strange behavior. 

Stede blushes and shrugs softly, “not. . . Officially, but I’m sure you’ve heard about my past omega.” He presses his thumbnail into the meat of his palm as he recalls his family. “They were very. . . influential, I didn't do guard work. . . but I was trained to stay aware of my surroundings; and my uh. .  . Mate’s father used a cane.” 

Izzy nods slowly as Stede explains himself. 

“Well, it seems like you’ll be a perfect fit for Izzy’s needs then.” Fang hums as he grabs the few bags of things they had purchased for Stede from the facility. 

“Fang he doesn’t have to fit my fuckin needs” Izzy growls a bit, making both Fang and Stede wince. “He’s a person.” 

“Omega,” Stede’s voice is soft, placating, “i really don’t take any offense. I have no other skills than what I’ve been trained to do for my omegas. . . Well, i can put together a good outfit and i can read and speak three different languages. . . But otherwise i truly am just here to serve.” Izzy stares at him, leaning heavily on his cane as the mans soft voice sways him. It’s a terrible thing, the way alphas are treated, but Stede seems completely content with it. He supposes if Stede is okay with it. . . Then he really has no leg to stand on to tell him that its wrong. Though even that sentiment feels like dirt in his mouth, it's like Stockholm syndrome isn't it?  Izzy isn’t a philosopher, and he can feel a headache creeping in from thinking about it too much. Still, he’ll do his best to make sure Stede’s life is as good as it can be. 

“Speaking of clothes!” Fang clears his throat, “how about a change Stede? Follow us,” he nudges Izzy to lead them into the apartment. Izzy sighs as he’s nudged but leads them inside, unlocking the apartment door and stepping into the small space. He’s glad he did some tidying before leaving. 

The place smells like him and he can hear Stede inhale deeply from behind his wire muzzle, opening his mouth to bring in more of the scent. It’s only natural, an alpha scenting its new den. Fang sets all the bags down, going to rifle through them for the clothes they had bought for him. 

“You can uh. . . Explore a bit if you’d like, no off limits places. Bathrooms down the hall, second door on the right. The one on the left is your room.” Izzy waves a hand around as he explains the different parts of the apartment, he’d rather Stede explore and find his way around himself than give a tour. It’d help them both settle. 

“I can smell another alpha,” Stede murmures, looking around slowly. Alphas are typically territorial, it wasn’t recommended to have multiple in a home for that exact reason. 

“Long gone.” Fang supplies, Izzy going quiet at the mention of his old alpha. “Part of your job is to keep it that way, here” he hands over the clothes. They’re not nearly as fabulous as his normal clothes, but they’ll do. 

Stede runs a hand over the pants and shirt. “Can I keep my clothes?” 

“Of course, they smell like your pups yeah?” Izzy nods, “won't even make you wash em.” 

Stede smiles,  nodding. He slowly pads away to where Izzy had mentioned the bathroom was. 

Izzy fiddles with his cane quietly, “not sure this is the best idea fang” he glances down at his shoes quietly. 

“Why not Boss?” Fang asks, “you’ve already brought him home. You cant send him back to the kennel” 

“he’s smelt Ed, he can still smell him and he’s been gone for years.” Izzy whines as he glances around, “and now I'm supposed to be alone with him?  I don't know. . .what if it makes him aggressive? ” 

“Izzy, he didn’t even ask you to take the muzzle off when we got inside just. . .give it a couple of hours.” Fang reaches out and squeezes his arms, a reassuring pressure. “If he gets aggressive, mean, nasty. . . Lock yourself in the bathroom and call me yeah?” 

Izzy bites the inside of his cheek before nodding. “Okay, yeah.” 

Fang pats his arms gently, “I’ll come check on you tomorrow, Kay Boss?” 

Izzy nods, seeing Fang out of the apartment. He inhales, going to sit on the couch and wait for Stede to come out of the bathroom. He’s sure the man will have questions, about him, about Ed, about what all this means. 

At least an hour passes. . . And Stede doesn’t come out of the bathroom. He starts to grow worried when he realizes, pushing himself to stand. His cane’s left forgotten by the coffee table as he pads over to the bathroom door. The door is open, the lights off. 

“What the. . . “ He sniffs at the air, nose twitching as he tracks Stede’s scent to. . . The guest room. He opens the door and slowly peaks inside. Stede’s clothes are folded neatly on the bedside table and he’s laying flat on his back on the small twin sized bed that Izzy keeps for the rare guest visit. The muzzle is still fastened to his face, but he seems completely unbothered by it; infact, he’s fast asleep. 

Izzy can't exactly blame him, if what Fang told him was true then the man must be exhausted. It’s still a bit surprising that he didn’t complain about the muzzle, not even a whine. Izzy grips the door frame before he slowly starts over to the bed. Stede’s nose crinkles a bit at Izzy’s approach, but he doesn't growl or even wake. 

“It’s okay Stede, it’s okay.” Izzy mutters softly, kneeling down. He winces as he does so, pain crackling through his knee; but he continues to kneel, reaching around Stede’s head to unfasten the muzzle straps. Stede’s eyes open ever so slightly, lingering on Izzy, before they droop closed again. He lifts his head so Izzy can slide the muzzle off, and then lays back on the pillow. Izzy’s lip twitches up into a smile, before he sets the muzzle to the side with his clothes. He’s not sure how he feels about having an unmuzzled alpha in his home, especially one of Stede’s size. . . But Stede has given him no reason to distrust him so far. He reaches out carefully, stroking a hand through Stede’s wild curls. Stede lets out a deep, sleepy sigh. 

Izzy covers him up with one of the spare blankets before leaving him to sleep.  

Stede sleeps for a full day. Izzy checks on him every few hours, bringing him water and setting out a snack next to the glass. He finds them both gone whenever he returns, but Izzy never sees him awake. Even Fang’s a bit surprised by it when he comes to visit, but Izzy doesn’t mention sending Stede off again. 

The next morning, he’s woken to the smell of bacon and eggs wafting through the house. It startles him at first, he doesn’t fully register where the smell is coming from, or how, until he remembers Stede. He scrambles out of bed, wincing as the first step puts pressure on his bad knee. He makes a grab for his cane, which he had thankfully remembered to lean against the wall for once, and uses it to walk over to the door. He grabs his robe from the back of the door and wraps it around himself, hiding his practically naked form. Izzy had always slept in just his boxers, he felt smothered otherwise. Once he’s suitably covered he makes his way out to the kitchen. 

Stede is dressed and ready for the day in the kitchen, humming to himself as he works at the stove top. He’s wearing his muzzle. 

Izzy lingers in the doorway as he watches Stede buzz around. He’s showered, Izzy can smell the soap he kept in the spare bathroom on him and his hair is curled and styled. He turns to grab something and jumps as he sees Izzy in the doorway. “Ah! Izzy” he chirps, smiling bright even behind his muzzle. 

Izzy inhales deeply as he’s spotted. “You don't have to wear that thing,” he lifts his hand and points to his own face, where a muzzle would be if he was an alpha. 

Stede cocks his head gently, “you’re more comfortable when i wear it. It’s fine, I can still drink and eat with it on. It’s a bite preventive.” 

“I don’t think you’re going to fucking bite me Stede. . . “ Izzy steps forward carefully, “you can take it off.”  

Stede shrugs softly, “I can. But I’d prefer to wait until you can trust me. I’d feel terrible if I continued to scare you just by my unmuzzled presence.” 

Izzy narrows his eyes at him, “how are you just so fucking okay with this Stede?” He asks, shaking his head. “You haven't complained one bit! Just rolled over to show your belly in the facility!” 

Stede stares down at him quietly, his hazel eyes are dull and serious. It makes Izzy stumble over his words, he’s yet to see the alpha so serious. So imposing. Stede takes a deep breath and shrugs, “what's the alternative?” He turns back to the stove. “I wasn’t sure how you take your eggs. My old omega took them sunny side up, so I made them like that.” 

Izzy watches him as he plates their food. Stede clearly doesn’t give a damn about where he stands in their society. Or at least can't envision his place in the world outside of his omega. He nods and moves to sit at his small dining table in the corner of the room, “sunnyside is fine.” 

Stede brings the plates over and sets Izzy’s in front of him then promptly sits down on the floor at his feet.  Izzy opens his mouth to protest, but he knows it's no use with Stede. He sighs and starts eating, Stede sits obediently at his feet and starts to eat himself. “This is good.” Izzy murmurs thoughtfully. 

“Thank you,” Stede chirps, leaning in and letting his head rest against Izzy’s leg. It’s a startling action and Izzy freezes up momentarily before he smiles. The simple action is so startlingly comfortable. He had forgotten how comforting having an alphas presence around was, how nice it was to be touched so casually. He hesitated for a moment before he reached down and stroked Stede’s hair, scratching at his scalp softly. Stede returned the action with a deep rumbling noise, an alphas grumble was as close to a purr as they could get. 

When Fang comes to check in on Izzy and Stede later that day he’s shocked to find Izzy relaxed on the couch with Stede sitting near him on the floor. Ivan, another beta from the group, is with him. Stede’s immediately alert as they walk in, eyes sharp as he looks over at the door, but he relaxes when he recognizes Fang. 

Izzy opens one eye from where he lays on the couch, he had smelt the pair of betas coming up to the apartment so he hadn’t been concerned. “Hey boys” 

“Hey boss,” Fang smiles as he walks into the apartment, “Stede” 

“Fang,” Stede chirps, sniffing at Ivan. 

Izzy reaches over and strokes Stede’s hair, “calm down boy. That’s just Ivan.” 

Fang chuckles softly as he moves to sit down, Ivan leaning against the armrest of the chair Fang took up. 

“Well ain't you two just fucking adorable. Never thought I’d see you with another alpha boss.” Ivan snorts as he watches Stede press into Izzy’s hand. 

“Ivan” Fang sighs and shakes his head softly at his partner's comment. 

“What!?” Ivan huffs. 

Izzy rolls his eyes, “shut up you twat. I’m doing this as a favor for Stede.” 

“Mhm. I can tell.” Ivan leans against Fang. The pair had been each other's partners for years now, though both kept different partners as well and Fang even shared an alpha with one of his omega friends. 

“We’re working with the pups' adoptive parents so Stede can start having visitation, if you're both amendable.” Fang leaned forward softly. 

Stede perks up at that, it had been weeks since he had last seen his puppies. “Please,” he turns to Izzy, “please can we? You said we could” 

Izzy strokes Stede’s hair again, “of course. Of course Stede. Once everything is sorted we can go see them.” He smiles softly. He gives Stede’s head a scratch under his muzzle and Stede grumbles happy while leaning into it. 

The boys stay and talk for a long while, about logistics and life. Different things that Stede really has no interest in. He leans close to Izzy or flips through his book, only perking up at mentions of going out or of different plans the boys made. 

“We’re having dinner at jackiez later this week, you guys should come!” Fang chirps, after the incident with Edward, Izzy had stopped leaving the house all together. Terrified that Edward would find him again or some feral or larger omega would come after him. He hopes that Izzy will join them now that Stede’s around. 

Izzy hesitates, glancing at Stede who seems incredibly keen on the idea. He smiles quietly. “Yeah, yeah okay we’ll see what we can do.” 

After the boys leave Stede and Izzy share a simple dinner. Izzy will have to go shopping relatively soon, he hadn’t prepared to be cooking for two. . . Or have someone else cooking for two; As Stede has cooked all of their meals since arriving, always sitting at Izzy’s feet when they ate. 

After their meal they seperate, getting ready for bed. Izzy undresses, tucking himself into his nest and stretching out. He’s just beginning to doze off when the door creaks open. He freezes, nose twitching and eyes cracking open. He knows, realistically, that there's only one option. It could only be Stede, but that doesn’t mean anything. His heart races as whoever enters pads into the room, what if it’s Edward? What if he’s come back to finish what he started? What if- 

Stede climbs into the nest near Izzy’s feet. He doesn’t speak, doesn’t move past Izzy’s legs. He lays down at his feet, Izzy feels the comforting pressure of his head on his ankles. Stede lets out a content sigh as he stretches out in the nest, readjusting his head once or twice to ease the bite of his muzzle into his skin. Once he settles, he doesn’t move again. 

Izzy opens his eyes fully and looks down at him, at the larger man curled up at his feet to sleep. Izzy takes three deep breaths, letting himself be comforted by Stede’s scent. . . And then falls asleep.

Chapter Text

The week ticks by slowly, Izzy finds himself enjoying having Stede’s presence around more and more. Not only is he a good cook but he keeps good company, he’s incredibly intelligent and he and Izzy can sit and talk for hours on end without a lull. Even when they aren’t talking, being around him is easy. Izzy feels a comfort in his home that he hasn’t felt in. . . Years. Eventually he manages to convince Stede to not wear his muzzle at all times, leaving the terrible contraption hung up by the front door. 

Fang has made plans for them to visit his pups during the weekend as long as things go well during their dinner. The whole pack plans on coming out to jackiez, a few of the other omegas plan on bringing their alphas. Izzy hopes this means Stede will get to socialize a bit. He doesn’t know how well socialized the man was with other alphas, but he hasn't shown a lick of aggression since his arrival so Izzy has high hopes.  

Stede and Izzy hadn’t ventured out of the apartment yet, Izzy wanting to give Stede plenty of time to adjust to his new living conditions; but Izzy had gone and ordered him some nicer clothes than what he had been given at the facility and they had first bought for him. Despite how close they were growing and how much time they spent together Stede spoke very little of his few weeks in the facility, or of his time with his mate. Izzy supposed that was appropriate, he was sure that his time in the facility hadn’t been pleasant and the topic of his mate was still a sore spot. So he didn’t pry. 

It was Thursday, their dinner plans with the pack are for tomorrow night. Izzy is lounging on the couch, a crossword book propped in his lap as Stede silently works on a puzzle. A show is playing on the TV for some background noise, though both pay little mind. Izzy lets his hand drop down to Stede’s hair, scratching his nails over his scalp. Stede lets out a deep pleased grumble as he presses his head back into Izzy’s hand, whole body shivering. 

“Hmm” Izzy muses as he chews on his pen quietly, “a five letter word for deliberately setting a fire. . . Well isn’t that-“ 

The sound of glass breaking and screams on the tv and the sudden scent of fear that rolls off of Stede shakes Izzy from his thoughts. He feels Stede go rigid underneath his hand, hackles raising in an almost animalistic show of terror.. 

“Arson.” Stede whines, deep in his chest. Izzy turns to look at Stede, whose eyes are locked on the TV screen. The scene on the tv isn’t as terrible as Izzy had expected. some firefighter show, where a broad chested and muzzled alpha is saving a pair of pups from a burning building. It’s heroic and brave, but Stede’s eyes only reflect fear. Izzy can practically see some terrible memory replaying in Stede’s mind, though he doesn't know what it is. He scrambles to grab the remote, dropping his crossword and pen. 

“Stede! Stede!” He says, voice full of worry as the TV clicks off. Stede begins to tremble, breath coming in short panicked puffs as his hands twitch on the table where they had been working on the puzzle. He doesn’t seem to even hear Izzy as he speaks, as he rushes to his side as best as his bad leg will allow. Izzy’s had a panic attack or two himself, he’s able to recognize it much easier in others. The fire must have triggered it, even the sight of a fictional one. 

“Stede! It’s okay Alpha, it’s okay!” Izzy reaches out to smooth his hands over Stede’s hair, letting out a short purr to try and soothe him. Stede whines deeply, shuddering and sinking into Izzy’s arms. He clings to Izzy’s shirt, curling up small as he wheezes and coughs like he’s inhaled smoke. “Breath, fuckin breath Stede.” Izzy pats his back. 

“The fire- the fire. . . My Omega! My pups! The house was burning!” Stede sobs, pressing his cheek into the fat of Izzy’s chest. Izzy feels a pang in his chest as Stede cries for his omega, but he ignores it. This isn’t the time to get jealous of someone who literally died. 

“I’m sorry, Stede, I'm sorry. But you’re safe. There’s no fire.” Izzy pressed his lips to Stede’s temple, comforting him. “I’m sorry, I know your omega is gone. . . But your pups are safe, so are you.” Izzy holds him until his sobs quiet, until his body stills. He lets Stede cling to him, pulling a blanket from the couch to wrap around the pair of them. 

Stede gnaws on his thumb, pressing the sharp of his canines into the soft pad. 

“Don’t hurt yourself, don’t don’t.”  Izzy says softly as he takes Stede’s hand from him. “Can you tell me what happened Stede? Please? I want to understand” 

Stede lets Izzy take his hands, holding them to his chest. He presses his face against Izzy, inhaling deeply to collect the omegas scent and calm himself. He exhales in a shudder before nodding slowly. “My omega. . . She was such a kind woman. Put up w-with all my little whims and wants. . . T-took me out to all these shows and parties.” He starts to explain through sniffles “We weren’t true mates, but we w-were friends. She gave me my pups…oh my pups” he practically howled as he cried. Izzy gripped him closer and shushed him softly, rocking him. He ignored how soothing it felt to know Stede and his omega weren’t. . . Romantic. Once Stede had calmed enough to speak again he continued. 

“Her father must have made someone angry. I don’t know who or what, but one day we were sitting down to have dinner! Mary went to get something for my youngest a-and then the house was on fire!” Stede shakes his head hard, “I couldn't- all I could do was get the pups out! I didn’t have my muzzle or. . . Or any of my papers, I tried to go back in for her but the place was full of smoke!” Stede breaks down into sobs again as he finishes. 

“Oh Stede. . . And then you were taken from your pups, I'm so sorry. I’m so sorry.” Izzy rubs the alphas sideburns softly, in gentle soothing circles. Stede whines and sinks into his hands. “I’ll get you back to your pups, or your pups to you. One way or the other, I know they’re all you have. . .” 

Alphas could not inherit property, unless they were dubbed free and castrated to make themselves less dangerous. . .of which Stede was neither. Izzy hadn’t indulged in Stede’s unaltered status, but his papers had made no note of alteration so he was sure he was intact. So unless Stede was altered then he wouldn’t be able to live alone with the pups, Izzy didn’t know if he had it in him to have the alpha castrated. Or even have the conversation. Stede sniffles and nods, staying in Izzy’s hands. 

Izzy presses his nose to Stede’s temple, purr rumbling deep in his chest to soothe the man. Stede’s breathing slowly evens and he relaxes into Izzy’s arms. 

“I have you too.” Stede murmurs after a moment, catching Izzy off guard enough to silence him. He doesnt get the chance to respond before Stede falls asleep there in his arms, wrapped in the fuzzy blanket from the couch. Izzy holds him, strokes and scents him, until he eventually falls asleep as well. Something they’ll both regret when they wake up come morning. 

Friday comes, and so does their first outing. Stede sits obediently and watches Izzy dress, allowing himself to be dressed. Izzy dresses him in a nice teal top and a pair of cream colored slacks, his brown loafers bring the outfit together and give him a very ‘dad’ look. His muzzle is fastened, and his identification papers are tucked into his breast pocket. His identification tag hangs proudly from a thin teal collar that Izzy had purchased for him for just this outing. ‘Stede’ the little golden tag glints. 

Izzy’s outfit is simple as well, his favorite black button down and leather vest. His black jeans cuff once at the bottom to show off his boots; which Stede had spent the past few hours learning to black specifically for him. He doesn’t have to have any identification of collars, being an omega gives him those perks. 

Izzy collects his cane and his leather book bag. Stede pulls on his coat, despite the fact that Izzy insists he won't need it. Izzy stands in front of the door, lingering long and quiet. He leans heavy on his cane, lifting his injured leg off the ground like a struck dog. Memories of pain flicker across his skin, memories of his past alpha attacking him in his nest. Memories of the fights and all those little moments leading up to it. He still sees Edward every time he leaves his den, even if he’s been missing for years. He sees him in the faces of every alpha he meets on the street. He swallows, his scent changes, he goes to step away from the door. Hide away from the world; but Stede steps up to his back. 

“Omega?” He asks softly, voice gentle as he reaches out to stroke his large hands down the smaller man's arms. “You’re okay.” He reassures, “I have you. You’re okay.” 

Izzy has never needed the protection of an alpha before, or at least had thought he had never needed the protection of one; but the soothing sound of Stede’s voice and the feel of his hands on his arms melts him. A natural reaction to the presence of such a large and protective alpha. It’s what they were designed for after all. 

Izzy nods, “yes. . . Yes I’m okay. Come on. We have to get going.” Izzy straightens, and steps forward. He leads Stede out into the night, and they start to Jackiez. 

Jackiez is a small place, but absolutely bustling. The outside has a small seating area for alphas to be tied out if their omegas don't want to bring them in; most alphas don’t do well when surrounded by so many bodies like in Jackiez, but Izzy trusts Stede. He leads Stede inside and they’re both bombarded with the scents and sounds of the place. Stede sticks close to his back, eyes scanning the room and body shielding the omega. People give them a wide berth thanks to Stede’s size and Izzy’s cane, most people that is.  Izzy stumbles as a muzzled alpha almost runs into him while holding two glasses; the man turns and glares, ready to snap a comment, but his eyes meet Stede’s and he freezes. 

The energy rolling off of Stede is dominating, completely surrounding the small trio in his scent. “I suggest you apologize, friend.” Stede’s voice isn't aggressive, but the tone makes Izzy’s whole body shiver in a way that he hasn’t felt since Edward was around. It’s commanding, and strong and if Izzy was a lesser omega (or younger) he’d have dropped right there and then from it. 

The muzzled alpha shivers, nodding quickly. “Of course, of course, I'm sorry omega. Terribly sorry.” He ducks his head and turns to show his throat before dipping away back to wherever his omega waits.  

It takes a moment before Izzy looks up at Stede. Stede’s energy has completely melted back to its calm, if a bit goofy, normal. Stede smiles down at him, eyes twinkling in the low light of the bustling bar. 

“You didn’t have to do that.” Izzy rasps as he grips his cane tightly. He lets himself lean back into Stede’s sturdy body, putting his whole trust in that Stede will support him. 

Stede shrugs, “he was going to snap at you.” He lifts his head and looks around “shouldn’t snap at omegas. Bad form.” 

He spots fang at a table, the beta hadn’t noticed them come in thanks to how cramped and wild their table is. He motions to the group with his muzzle, “there they are, big crowd.” Stede nudges him softly. 

Izzy swallows and looks forward, “yeah.” He takes a careful step before he starts walking. 

They approach the table and a pair of muzzled alphas look at them quickly. One is a younger man with curly brown hair and thick sideburns, he cocks his head from side to side as they step up to the table. The other is a similarly aged person with a shaggy brown mop of hair, their muzzle is made out of carefully crafted leather instead of the typical wire and their eyes carry a simmering aggression. Their tags read ‘Lucius’ and ‘Jim’. 

Before either can speak Fang turns to them. “Ah! Hey you two!” He immediately stands to shuffle their seats around to give them room. Stede and Izzy sit near Fang and Ivan. Stede sniffs at the others around the table carefully, there are four others besides Fang, Ivan and the two alphas. A beta and three omegas. Ivan Introduces them as: Buttons, a beta. the Swede, a name which Stede thinks is curious but he doesn’t comment on, who is an omega. Oluwande and Pete. Oluwande is Jim’s omega, Jim tucks up close to him and presses the side of their face against his cheek. Pete is Lucius’ omega, though apparently Lucius is shared between him and Fang. It’s actually cute, the way Lucius alternates between nuzzling up to his alphas cheek and leaning into Fang’s arm. It’s clear that these alphas have a much more romantic and traditional bond with their omegas than the modern day ‘companion and guard’ relationship. The Swede is apparently one of ‘Jackies’ omegas, an odd way of wording his relationship to the woman; but Stede quickly learns that Jackie is one of the few alpha business owners in the country. A sterilized female alpha who managed to buy her freedom and begin an omega harem, something otherwise unheard of in the nation.  

“Frenchie and Roach will be coming with their alpha, John, in a bit.” Fang passes Stede and Izzy a menu. Stede blinks slowly at the menu and cocks his head from side to side. He'd never actually been offered a menu before, though he and his past omega had gone to dinner a dozen times. He glances at the other alphas, who were already flipping through the menus and telling their omegas what they’d like. Stede hesitantly opens the menu, the choices on the page making his gut twist. He’s never been good at simple choices like this. He squints at a list of soups and he can feel a whine starting to rise in his throat as he grips the laminated edge of the menu tightly. 

Izzy reaches out and puts a hand on his thigh, squeezing it softly. Stede glances at him as Izzy looks at the menu. “I’ll have my usual,” Izzy hums as he closes the menu.

Fang nods and it takes him a moment to remember what exactly Izzy’s usual used to be, “with the gluten free bun yeah boss? Alright.” He toys with the twirl of his beard. “And Stede?” 

Izzy answers before Stede can even open his mouth. “He wants the ribeye, Rare, with both sides.” Izzy stacks their menus ontop of eachother and slides them over to Fang. He raises his brows a bit before nodding. 

Fang does their first order run through for the table as a pair of new omegas and another muzzled alpha approach the table. They’re introduced as Roach, Frenchie and John. A large bowl of sweet potato fries is brought out to the table for them all to share as everyone sits down. Izzy nudges Stede gently. 

Stede turns to him. “Go socialize” Izzy rubs his thigh softly as he speaks, Izzy can feel Stede tense lightly at the touch. Practically trembling from it as he sits a little straighter. Izzy can't help but preen a bit at that, fifty-five years old and three years out from his last heat. . . And he’s still got it. 

Stede does take his. . . Suggestion, and leans over the table a bit to introduce himself to the other alphas. The chatter of the restaurant isn't terrible in their little corner so they’re able to chat well enough. 

“So you’re Izzy’s new alpha.” Lucius purrs as he leans forward, resting his elbows on the table and leaning his muzzled jaw on his hands. “What’s your story Blondie? Surely you’re not just some stray, your last omega kick you out or something?” 

Stede winces at the question and Fang quickly turns to him. “Lu, no.” He whispers through his teeth. It’s clear that Lucius hadn’t been told Stede’s story. 

“What?! It’s a fair question! Not like he-“ Jim reaches over and grabs Lucius by the arm, they squeeze. Hard. Lucius’ voice cuts off into a high whine and he pulls away. 

“Ignore him, hombre,” Jim leans forward, “I like that collar. Matches your outfit.” 

That seems to shake Stede from any panic or upset that had been growing and he preens. He puffs out his chest to show off the thin collar that glints in the light. How Jim had managed to find just the perfect thing to say is anyone’s guess, but they hit the nail on the head. “Oh thank you!” He lightly adjusts the tag, “Izzy picked it out special for me. Matches the straps of my muzzle! Speaking of which, I just adore your muzzle. Very unique, fits you well.” Stede talks with his hands, waving them around a bit as the other alphas watch him. 

Eventually conversation becomes much easier. Stede manages to find common ground with most everyone. When the food arrives Stede instinctually goes to shift onto the ground, so used to eating at his omegas feet. Izzy startles a bit, but doesn’t stop him. It’s not uncommon to see alphas sitting at the feet of their omegas, though they rarely go so easily. None of the other alphas move to sit at their omegas feet.The server hands Stede his plate like his position at Izzy’s feet is the most uninteresting thing in the world, which at Jackiez, it is. 

The others look at the pair for a moment. Fang cocks a brow at Izzy. Edward would have rather died than eat at Izzy’s feet. Izzy inhales slowly before he shrugs, “what. . . He likes it down there.” 

A quiet chuckle goes around the table before Jim and Lucius exchange a glance and then Jim shifts to sit at Olu’s feet. They purr and lean into his thigh, rubbing their cheek against his shorts. Olu chuckles quietly and pats their head. 

“isn’t terrible.” Jim hums as Olu hands them their plate. 

“Not at all.” Stede chirps softly. 

It is a bit difficult to cut and eat steak while sitting on the floor; but Stede manages well enough, practically drooling over the meat which is cooked to perfection. How Jim manages to eat with their thicker leather muzzle is a mystery to Stede, he manages just well enough with his wire muzzle. 

The others at the table chat quietly in between eating, but before too long their food and drinks are finished and it’s time to separate for the night. 

Stede stands and helps Izzy to his feet, making sure Izzy’s cane is under him before he releases him. Izzy nods his thanks before he turns to Fang. “Thanks for the invite tonight boys. . . It’s been fun.” 

Fang beams and pats his arm, “of course Boss! I’m glad you came out, been missing having you run with us.”  Fang squeezes his arm gently. “And Stede, lovely to have you come out tonight. Thanks for taking such good care of our boss.” Fang smiles at Stede who preens at his praise. 

“Of course,” Stede leans into Izzy a bit, resting his muzzled head on top of Izzy’s carefully styled hair. “He’s my omega after all. It’s my pleasure.” 

Stede’s claim on Izzy makes his stomach feel warm, if he had a tail it’d be wagging at this point. Stede’s words make him feel so special, it's his pleasure. Not just a job. A responsibility. But a pleasure. Izzy reaches back and pats Stede’s hip softly. “Yes, yes he’s a very good alpha. Good night Fang.” 

Izzy turns with Stede and leads them out of Jackiez. They start their way back home, Stede keeping an eye out as they walk along the streets. It’s dark outside, but the street lamps and lights from the business keep the streets bright. It starts to drizzle somewhere along the way, Izzy shivers a bit. He wishes that he had worn a jacket at the start of the night, of course he had said they wouldn’t need one and left his at home. he doesn’t have much time to wish as Stede pulls off his coat and drapes it over his shoulders. 

“Ah, Bonnet no. You’ll get cold.” Izzy huffs and goes to pull off the coat. 

Stede shakes his head, “I insist Izzy, I run hot enough I’ll be fine. I brought it for you anyway.”  That makes Izzy blush, of course the fucker had been thinking far enough ahead to bring his jacket just to gift to Izzy. 

Izzy huffs, but knows there's really no use in arguing with Stede; and the Jacket is warm, and Stede’s scent is always so comforting. He sighs and tugs it tighter around him, burrowing into the Jacket a bit. They walk for a long moment like that, rain coating Stede’s hair and dripping from the blonde curls that hang heavy around his face. It slides over the bars of his muzzle and off the tip of his nose. 

Izzy glances up at him and inhales deeply. “Thank you, for tonight.” He mumbles after a second. 

Stede looks at him and raises a brow, cocking his head. “For tonight? I can't say I did much my dear, just what I’ve been trained to do.” 

Izzy shrugs softly, he reaches his free hand out and hooks his pinkie with Stede’s. “Still.” He stops walking and looks up at him. Stede stills next to him, looking down at him as the rain flows off his hair and muzzle. “It means a lot. I haven’t. . .haven’t exactly felt safe in the world for a while now.” He looks down and fiddles with Stede’s hand. 

When he looks back up, Stede is staring at him. His curious hazel eyes twinkle as they make eye contact. The look in his eyes makes Izzy’s gut feel fluttery and his whole body feel warm. Fuck it he thinks. Izzy smiles, before resting his cane against his hip and lifting his hands up to Stede’s muzzle. Stede startles a bit and freezes up as Izzy undoes the straps of his muzzle. 

“Izzy-“ Stede’s nose twitches as Izzy carefully lifts the muzzle off of him. “Izzy this is- it’s illegal you can’t take off my muzzle-“ 

“I can take it off for a minute. Just a minute.” Izzy stands on his tiptoes, brushing his nose against Stede’s. Stede’s whole body goes rigid and he freezes, having Izzy this close is driving his senses mad. Having his scent and warmth so right in his face makes his whole body feel tense. “You can tell me to stop.” Izzy’s voice is warm across his lips, they’re almost touching now. 

“I don't want you to. . . To stop i mean“ Stede replies. Izzy smiles softly and Stede can feel the hair of his mustache and goatee against his face, then their lips are pressed together. Kissing Izzy is unlike anything he’s ever done. Yes, of course Stede has kissed before, he has two pups after all; but there's a zing to kissing Izzy that makes everything feel perfect. Like puzzle pieces falling into place. He reaches up to grip Izzy’s arm, squeezing softly as he leans down to kiss him more fully. When they find an angle that works Stede decides he could live there forever, wrapped in Izzy’s arms. . . His lips. 

But before too long they’re pulling back, both soaked from the rain and standing in the middle of the street. Izzy slides his muzzle back into place. 

“Well. . .that was. . .” Stede starts, and Izzy immediately starts chuckling. 

“Good?” Izzy smiles as he smoothes over Stede’s hair where it was ruffled by the muzzle. 

“Better than good.” Stede presses their foreheads together. “I’d like to do that again. . . “ 

“Once we get home big boy. . .once we get home.” Izzy pats Stede’s chest before going to grab his cane. He takes Stede’s hand with his other one, and they begin their walk back to the apartment. 

Saturday rolls around and Stede is up before the sun rises. Izzy notices his absence immediately when he feels the weight of Stede’s head shift off his feet. He rolls into his pillow, pressing his face into the dark navy pillow case and letting out a tired sigh. He knew Stede would be excited, nervous, but this was too early for him. They won't even meet the pups until noon; but Izzy does his best to be patient, these are Stede’s puppies after all.   

He lays in bed as he listens to Stede get read, shower and change and then change again. Then Stede slips from the room to start breakfast. Izzy’s been letting Stede take over these simple tasks, cooking and cleaning. He’d tried to help for a while but Stede had insisted he be left to do it; and who was Izzy to argue when it left him more time for his work or his hobbies? 

Speaking of work, in just the one week Stede had lived in his home Izzy had felt himself improving. He’d had a much easier time getting up in the morning and getting moving when Stede had breakfast and coffee waiting, had a better time working in his office when he wasn’t scared of what was happening in the parts of his home he couldn’t see. He’d been able to finish up week old projects that he had been putting off, cleaning up all sorts of loose ends. 

Izzy stretches big after about thirty minutes, groaning as he feels his joints pop and crackle. He sits up, rubbing at his eyes before climbing out of the bed. He sets to work getting ready for the day, showered, brushed and dressed; and then he joins Stede out in the kitchen. 

Stede is fidgeting with a dish cloth, drying his hands over and over again as he stares at the kitchen table as if the food was going to spoil if he looks away. 

“Stede, you’re gonna set yourself off into an anxiety attack” Izzy steps up beside him, runs a hand along the length of his back. He rubs his cheek against Stede’s arm softly, scenting him. Stede inhales deeply and relaxes against him. 

“Yes i. . . Yes I know. I just- I’m terribly nervous Izzy.” Stede lets Izzy take the dishcloth from him and set it down by the stove. “What if they don’t want to see me? Oh it’s been weeks Izzy what if they don’t even remember me?” 

Izzy snorts softly. “Stede, your children are twelve and ten. I doubt that they will have forgotten you in a few months.” He reaches up to stroke Stede’s hair softly, running his fingers through it. 

Stede leans into his touch, pressing against his hand. A whine slips from his throat and Izzy shakes his head gently. 

“Just relax, eat. We’ll meet the girls and the pups at the park for lunch.” Fang was supposed to be bringing the pups and their adoptive parents to a nearby park so that they could all see each other and visit. It was their hope that things would go well enough and they could make meetings a regular thing, Izzy had even offered for the kids to come stay over from time to time. Reunification between alphas and pups was a strange thing; typically in a split or by government removal alphas would simply never see their pups again. Stede is a lucky one. Realistically Izzy is the one that should be nervous, the pups may reject him for one reason or another. Their mother, their fathers previous omega, had died so obviously there could be some raw feelings there. Izzy just hopes it will all come out for the best. 

They sit and eat. Stede picks at his food more than anything, his nerves making his stomach sensitive. Izzy strokes up and down his neck to try and soothe him, feeling the small shivers along Stede’s body as he does.. Once Izzy’s eaten Stede boxes up the leftovers for later. Izzy insists he at least eat an apple and he watches as Stede crunches away at it.

They meander around the house for the few hours before they leave to see the pups, Izzy gives Stede space to do whatever he needs to do to soothe himself; but eventually Stede seaks him out for comfort. He lays across the couch with him, curls up with his head in Izzy’s lap and lets Izzy stroke his hair and massage his shoulders. 

Then the clock hits eleven thirty and it’s time for them to go. 

They walk, as they always walk. Izzy leaning on Stede as he holds his arm. Stede’s eyes flick around nervously and he scratches under the straps of his muzzle. 

“Deep breath Stede.” Izzy whispers as they find their meeting place, a little park bench under a canopy of flowers and plants. Izzy strokes up and down Stede’s back and arms; in the few days they’ve been together Stede had helped Izzy overcome every fear and anxiety that he’s been faced with, now it's Izzy’s turn to help. 

Stede freezes up where he’s been shifting and fidgeting in his spot. His eyes go wide and his head turns quickly, eyes following some quiet sound in the distance. Izzy follows his gaze, and spots Fang and a pair of women by a van. 

One of the women sports wild brown curls, piled high in an updo. The woman next to her is shorter with her black hair pulled into a low pony. Neither are muzzled, a pair of omegas. Fang turns and spots them, lifting a hand in a wave. The women look over as well, watching them curiously. 

No one makes a move, until a young girl comes around from the other side of the van. Long blonde hair falling around her shoulders in carefully done curls, blue t-shirt and jeans matching the outfit Stede’s wearing. She looks at the women, her gaze follows theirs and lands on Izzy and Stede, and her eyes light up. 

“Dad!” She yells, and then she’s running towards them. Stede almost falls over himself as he stands, rushing to meet her.

 “Alma! Alma! My girl!” He wraps his arms around her and swings her up into the air. The girl squeals with laughter and her whole body trembles with excitement.  He hugs her close and nuzzles against her face as best as he can with the muzzle on. The girl, Alma, squeals and curls up in her fathers arms, rubbing her face against him. There’s a short laugh before a smaller brown haired boy comes running over, Stede kneels down and scoops him up as well. “Louis!” He squeezes the boy close and rests his chin on top of the kids head, the boy whines and yips excitedly as he clings to his father.

 It’s a touching reunion, for those who are close to it. A few other unfamiliar eyes are starting to look over and Izzy isn’t sure he likes that, he isn’t trying to have someone call the cops on his alpha just because he’s excited. 

Izzy pushes to his feet with a grunt, leaning on his cane as he walks over to Stede and the pups. The others have started over as well, Fang and the women moving to help make a bit of a protective circle around the trio. 

“Boss, this is Anne and Mary.” Fang introduces the two women to him. Stede perks up at the mention of Mary’s name, but after one glance he doesn’t seem to find what he’s looking for, so he turns back to the pups. “They’ve been caring for the pups since the incident.” 

“Nice to meet you two.” Izzy smiles gently, “I'm Izzy. He’s Stede. “ he nods down to Stede where the larger man is still nuzzling the pups. 

After a moment Stede seems to remember he isn’t alone with just his children. He turns and looks up at Izzy, smiling behind his muzzle. “Pups,” he chuffs softly, “this is Izzy, my new omega.” He gives the kids a soft nudge. 

They look up at him, the girl has a Stede’s eyes. a brilliant hazel, they’re intelligent and skeptical and they track over Izzy’s entire body. He hasn’t been scrutinized like this since before he presented, and even then his observer hadn’t meant as much to him as these pups do. Louis seems much more accepting of Izzy, as he squirms from his fathers arms and jumps at him. 

“Hi!” He barks, “your the one who got dad out of the facility? Thank you! Why do you have a cane? I like that sweater! my mom used to wear sweaters like that. did you know my mom died in a fire??”  The questions come rapid fire and Izzy is a bit thrown off by it all. Before he can say anything though, Stede lets out a short deep noise that seems to call Louis off. It isn’t exactly a growl, not even close really, more of a deep guttural correction. Though Louis is clearly not upset by it at all, he bounces back to his father and clings to his arm. 

Alma sniffs at Izzy and slowly steps towards him. She eyes him before she holds a hand out for him to shake. “Alma Anne Allamby-Bonnet.” She introduced herself in a firm voice, much like a little adult. 

Izzy blinks softly before he reaches down and takes her hand, shaking it. The girls grip is firm. “Israel wilson Hands. Izzy for short.” 

The girl nods, short and simple, before she returns to her father.  

The rest of the day goes much easier than expected, though Louis still has a tendency to say every little thing on his mind. Stede and their small group follow the kids all about the park, Stede making sure to check in with Izzy constantly despite his excitement at the pups being there. Izzy hangs back, making sure to give Stede plenty of time alone with his pups. He keeps busy enough talking to the omegas that have adopted them. 

“Your alpha is very polite. He’s a good father too, nothing like ours.” Anne hums absentmindedly as she watches Stede push the kids on a swing. 

“You two have an alpha?” Izzy cocks a brow, he isn’t surprised by it at all. Most everyone has an alpha nowadays. . . But neither of them smell of alpha. 

“Oh yeah, well. . .we did. big guy. Adopted him from the facility to spice things up a bit. Jack was a sweetheart for years until he started listening to all those alpha liberation and alpha rights podcasts. Got in with the wrong crowd. Made him go completely feral and he broke out of the house a few years ago, haven’t seen him since.” Mary explains as she taps her fingers along her arms. Izzy lets out a low hum, that sounds so similar to what had happened with Edward. . .though clearly less violent. 

“I only adopted Stede a week or so ago.  Guess I got lucky.” Izzy shrugs.

 Before too long the time comes for the pups to head home, they whine and sniffle and cling to Stede. Izzy can see Stede start to bristle as the crying puts him on edge. Izzy can’t blame him. 

He steps in to try and cut off a fight before it starts. “Maybe! Maybe, we could do this again next week, yeah?” He asks carefully, “make it a weekly thing”

”of course, yeah” Anne nods softly as she takes Louis’ hand. “Every week on Saturday. Does that work?” 

Louis sniffles and nods. Alma doesn’t seem as impressed. She glares at Izzy as she clings to Stede’s leg, looking up at her father. Izzy is a bit shocked at the sudden skepticism. “How do we know they aren't lying?” She whispers “how do we know they won't send you back to the facility?” 

That makes Izzy’s heart hurt. The girl is clearly still traumatized from the loss of her mother and the immediate removal of her father. He can't blame her for being so skeptical.  He moves to crouch down to her level, grunting lightly as he does so. “Alma,” he says softly, “I know you don’t have much reason to believe me. I’m sure these past few weeks you haven’t been given many good reasons to trust. . .anyone. But I am never going to send your father back to that place."He keeps his voice soft and level as he speaks. Doing his best to come off as earnest and sincere as possible. He glances at Stede, who's watching him quietly as he strokes his daughter's hair. “Your father means a lot to me. He’s helped me with more than you could know.  So for as long as i can, i'm going to help him too.” 

Alma stares hard at him, eyes glittering with consideration. She squeezes her fathers leg, and then nods. She turns back to  him, rises on her tiptoes and kisses Stede on the cheek. “Love you dad,” she says, before she slips away from him and starts over to Anne and Mary. 

Stede and Izzy see them off. Stede waves until the van is completely out of sight. Fang steps up, hands on his hips. “Well I think that went well!” 

Izzy glances up at his friend, before he chuckles and nods. “Yeah. Yeah it did.” He reaches over and takes Stede’s hand, giving it a squeeze.

Chapter Text

Izzy wakes up three weeks later to a twisting in his gut. Deep and warm. The cramps wash over him and make him shudder in pain. His whole body feels too hot, too hot and tight and wet and- 

he realizes with a jolt that he’s in heat. 

Three years, three years he hasn’t had a heat. He thought by now he’d be past the years of it, thought that Edward had taken them with him when he left. Yet he feels his whole body clench and takes a shuddering breath as his stomach tightens. He pants out into the too hot air of his bedroom and forces his eyes to focus. He’s not used to his heats any longer, can't push through the haze like he used to. 

He’s clutched by fear as he lays in the dark room. His last heat had ended so badly, had ended in him losing the complete use of one of his legs. The smell of alpha in the room makes his whole body tremble and his belly feel warm, a terrible mix of emotions. Fear and lust and everything in between. He knows Stede would never hurt him, knows Stede wouldn’t even touch him if he didn’t want it. Hell Stede would leave him in his room alone if he asked, only bringing him food and water. 

Stede lays at his feet, head resting obediently on Izzy’s ankles, keeping them from writhing about. He’s relaxed back on his back and is sleeping as soundly as a baby, none the wiser to Izzy’s changing scent and the need that is overtaking him. 

Izzy feels it in waves. A deep guttural need that's almost enough to scare him. It gnaws at him, forcing his mind to zero in on all the months events with Stede. Stede’s doting on him about the house, Stede’s protectiveness at the bar, Stede’s behavior with the kids. It makes him whine. 

Stede’s nose twitches, but he doesn’t wake up. Stede could sleep through a hurricane. 

Still, his body is certainly responding to Izzy’s pheromones. Izzy’s eyes trace along the length of his body, finds the hardening silhouette of his cock under his night clothes. 

Izzy’s whole body shudders at the sight. Stede’s far bigger than Edward, he’s sure the man's knott would be enough to break him if he tried to take it normally. Just the sight of it manages to wash any and all fear from Izzy’s brain, it melts away like butter on toast. Stede would never hurt him, Stede loves him and Izzy’s heat drunk brain decides then and there that Stede needs to be inside him. Now. 

Of course, had Izzy been in his right mind he probably wouldn’t have even considered it; but Stede is his alpha, to use as he pleases, and even then Stede would never deny him. So he’ll indulge. It’s easy enough to shift out from under Stede, even as he snuffles lightly about it. Izzy adjusts in his nest, their nest, and shuffles over towards his prize. It takes everything in him not to drop and present, even though the alphas fucking asleep its all his brain wants to do. Working down the loose silk sleep pants is easy enough and Izzy barely stifles a moan at the sight of Stede’s prick. Half hard but still thick and fat. He leans in and buries his nose in the thatch of red blonde hair at the base, inhaling Stede’s scent from one of the purest of places to find it. Stede’s muscles twitch softly against his nose. He’d live and die there if he cold get away with it. 

But he has other plans. He takes a hold of Stede’s cock, running his fingers over the silken flesh slowly before he leans in and presses a kiss to the shaft. It twitches and Stede lets out a pleased little rumble that Izzy takes as an encouragement to continue. He runs his tongue up the length of his cock before sucking the head into his mouth, suckling at it like a calf at its mother. Stede lets out a long, pleased noise which falls away into a snore. 

Izzy cant take the whole thing into his mouth in one go, as much as he’d like to; and he really does try, but one can only gag themself so many times before they must admit defeat. 

With Stede’s cock good and wet, slicked with saliva and standing at full mast, Izzy kicks away his own pajama shorts. Stede’s knot is already starting to swell at the base, nothing more than a small, but still impressive, bulge at the moment. It’s enough to give Izzy a moment of hesitation...before he decides he’s too far in. His heat is still gnawing at his gut, and the cure is just a moment away. A belly full of alpha cum and a thick knot to hold it all in place. The perfect remedy. 

He looks at Stede’s face as he climbs to straddle him, still soft and neutral with sleep. Izzy purrs at the sight, leaning down to press a soft kiss against Stede’s closed lips. He’s completely in control here, Stede is his for the taking and the very idea of it makes his omega sing. 

He lines Stede’s cock up with his dripping hole, and then lets himself drop. 

The noise that comes out of his mouth is embarrassing, though he’s the only one whos heard it. His back goes rigid as he takes the whole of Stede’s cock in one go. He whines and doubles over as an orgasm rips through him, his whole body trembling with the waves of pleasure that rock his body. His toes curl and he grips Stede’s sleep shirt. Stede’s cock twitches inside of him, and Izzy has to fight to gain his composure. The stretch is painful and blissful all at once. Izzy pants as he leans up, his hair falling into his face, sweat dripping down his nose. His heat is still in full force, clawing and snapping. It won't die down until he’s been knotted, until he’s been filled. 

He puts his hands on Stede’s stomach, using them to level himself as he begins to bounce on Stede’s cock. His bad knee tenses and the muscles of his legs twitch as he moves, he'll probably regret putting so much pressure on it come the end of his heat; but for now? He's too blissed out to care.  He bites his lip, moaning and whining deep in his chest as his hips move. Stede rumbles deep in his chest, the sound growing deeper and deeper as Stede’s climax approaches. Izzy can feel himself growing close again, his teeth click as he fights to keep himself from open mouthed moaning. Stede’s knot catches on his entrance and his whole body shudders, a moan escapes him that he can't keep in. Loud and echoing in the quiet of the room. 

He looks up to Stede’s face as he feels the alphas whole body twitch under him; and finds his eyes halfway open. Izzy gasps, the alpha beneath him is awake. It’s too late for him to stop himself though, he drops down onto Stede and feels his knot catch finally. Stede grits his teeth, nose scrunching and eyes falling closed again as he comes. His knott inflates and the stretch that Izzy had just become used too doubles, locking them together. 

The warmth of Stede’s cum filling him makes Izzy’s whole brain light up in fireworks. His vision completely whites out and he slumps down onto Stede’s chest, whole body limp and lax against him. It’s a common response to being knotted in omegas, post-copulation paralysis. Designed to keep them from fighting, one of the many reasons omegas are regulated seeing as their knott provides them a biological advantage. 

When he comes too, its because Stede  is coming again. His knott will stay inflated for hours, he’ll cum every thirty minutes for those hours; Izzy’s heat will stay cooled as long as he’s knotted. Izzy whines, opening his eyes and rubbing at his face he feels the weight of one of Stede’s arms draped over his back. When he glances up at Stede the alpha is awake, watching him. 

Izzy freezes, hackles raising as he swallows. Izzy’s fear comes back with a vengeance. Is Stede going to attack while he’s vulnerable? Is he going to be upset, angry? He starts to spiral, whole body starting to tremble, when Stede leans down and kisses his forehead softly. 

“Whatever you need, omega.” Stede rumbles deeply before he yawns and flops back, eyes falling closed. The arm on his back stays loose and not possessive. Izzy watches him, before a smile creeps over his face. He nuzzles up against Stede’s chin; for the first time. . . He actually feels excited for his heat. 

Over the next three days they would stay locked up in their den. Stede permitted Izzy to do whatever he liked with him, only taking charge whenever Izzy asked or begged. One such situation being when they exchanged marks, something Izzy had begged for thanks to his softening scent glands and his overwhelming love for Stede. So Stede had marked him, mouthing along his neck and finding the perfect spot; Izzy’s mark was a bit less organized, a bit to high and a bit crooked. . .but Stede didn't seem to mind. 

Over the coming months, Izzy would be extremely glad for this heat. 

Chapter Text

Two months pass after that. Izzy brings Stede to the park, or a diner, or to the girls house every Saturday to see the pups. Izzy and the other omegas are becoming fast friends and Stede’s doing even better than he had when he was first adopted, and he had been doing extremely well then. The kids have even come over to stay at their apartment a few times, taking up Stede’s old room. 

The kids had been adjusting well to all of it, Alma had even warmed up to Izzy. In fact, the girl had sort of attached herself to him. Following him around whenever they stayed over or visited, asking all sorts of questions. Izzy of course answered, loving the attention.  

Izzy has fallen into his new life comfortably, Stede and pups and outings with his friends. It’s unlike anything he’s ever had, even when he was with Edward. He’s even had a good, loving, full heat; now they both sport matching marks. Silvery scars that shimmer in the early morning sun and almost glow in the light of mid day. He’s never felt a stronger bond, able to feel everything Stede does and vice versa. Every little emotion, every little flair. For the first week afterwards he and Stede had stayed locked up in the apartment, riding out the waves of attraction and gnawing need that came with the bonding. 

Now, they walk through the town square. The pack is with them and the kids are running slightly ahead of the group as they all dip in and out of shops; they’re making their way to one of Izzy’s favorite restaurants for lunch, when a familiar voice catches his attention and makes him freeze. 

He hasn’t heard Edward’s voice in three years. But he’d recognize it anywhere. 

“Are you all so brainwashed you really think this is how we’re supposed to live?!” He laughs, a loud barking sound as he shouts to a pair of muzzled alphas and their omegas. “Trapped in those muzzles?! Confined!” 

The pack freezes, the pack that knows him at least. Stede, the girls and the pups keep walking; though Stede does freeze as Izzy stops walking and his grip on Stede’s arm jolts him. The fear he feels from Izzy makes his stomach twist and he does his best to bite back a growl, he bites his tongue and glances back at his omega. Stede’s on the furthest exterior of their group, closest to Ed. Izzy is hidden by the other pack members. 

Anne and Mary inhale sharply. “Jack?” Anne whispers as she looks in the direction of Ed’s voice. 

Stede follows the girls' gazes. eyes landing on a tall, unmuzzled alpha. How he’s unmuzzled in such a populated place he has no clue; beside him stands a brown haired alpha wearing a busted up old muzzle as well as a few alphas. Though those are all unmuzzled. Stede inhales deeply, the alphas smell so familiar. . . He narrows his eyes. 

The tallest alpha, the one yelling, looks over. He smiles wide as he spots Stede. “You! Come here mate, you must be tired of being toted around like a trophy by some omega!” He strides forward, the metal clasp of his leather jackets and belts click together as he steps forward and grabs Stede’s arm. “Ditch them! Come join me and I promise within a month you can go back and claim em like we were intended to claim!” 

Stede’s nose crinkles as his arm is grabbed, the fabric of his pressed button down being wrinkled. He feels Izzy’s arm tighten on his other arm, feels the omega go rigid and inhale sharply. Stede’s lips twitch into a grimace, “no.” He says firmly. He knows he needs to get this man, get these alphas, away from his Izzy and his pack. “I actually rather like my place at my Omega’s feet. That is where I belong. Let. Me. Go.” He growls and it seems to take both the man and most of the pack off guard. 

The man releases him, hand moving back. 

“Stede” Izzy hisses, and the man's eyes light up. He twitches, and leans around Stede slowly. 

“Izzy?” The man hisses, and the cold feeling of fear nearly paralyzes Stede, but he pushes through it. 

“Ed” Izzy almost chokes on the word. Fang moves closer to shield Izzy, Ivan coming up on his other side. The other alphas press forward to join Stede. The name strikes Stede’s memory like lightning. Izzy’s old alpha, the one who hurt his leg. Stede twitches, and the anger that boils his gut can surely be felt by Izzy as the omega whines. 

Stede stares Ed down, eyes turning dark and. Energy shifting and coming to weigh heavy on the whole pack. Stede steps forward slowly. “So you’re, Edward.”

a chill goes through the air, the pups slowly returning and pressing into their adoptive mothers legs. The copper haired alpha steps up beside Ed, but his eyes are focused on the girls. He must be Jack. 

”Dont, Stede.” Fang hisses, knowing that if Stede starts a fight then he’ll be removed immediately from Izzy’s care. Stede glances back at him, before he steps back and presses his back to Izzy. Edward’s eyes dart from Stede to Fang and he sneers.

“Yeah” Edward clicks his teeth as he looks at Stede, “and who are you? His new fucking dog? Finally replaced me, did he?” He growls low and deep in his chest. “Replaced me for some fucking flouncy blonde? A pretty boy? I should kick your ass and take him back right now, been meaning to!” He snarls and presses his nose to the wire of Stede’s muzzle, removing the safety gap. 

That clearly snaps the control Stede has over himself, threats on his omega. Ed continues to taunt “roll and bitch you right in front of your pack! In Front of these pups too!” He lifts his hands and shoves Stede, hard. 

It’s like a gunshot then, Stede barely stumbles before he’s lunging forward and tackling Ed to the ground. 

“Stede! No!” Izzy wails. 

Jack stumbles back, eyes going wide as Ed is rolled. His back hits the ground hard and he lets out a loud ‘oof’, his hair fanning out on the ground. Stede pins him down, snapping his teeth behind his muzzle. 

“You wont put a single fucking finger on my omega!” Stede snarls, bending down lowly to Ed’s face. “You’re gonna get the fuck out of here! And never come back!” He picks Ed up by the shoulders and shoves him back down, before he stands. “Pathetic fucking Exscuse for an alpha, hurting your omega, bastard.” Stede curses under his breath, spitting at Ed before he turns to rejoin the pack. Izzy is leaning heavily on his cane, fighting to stay standing as he trembles. It’s good that Stede didn’t hit him, or bite him, but even then this is- 

Ed is on his feet before Stede can rejoin the group. His eyes wide and feral with rage and anger. “You fucking bastard!” He snarled and reached forward, grabbing Stede roughly by the back of the shirt and yanking him back. He turned them both and swung, punching Stede through his muzzle. The wires of the muzzle bent and snapped, stabbing into both Stede’s face and Ed’s fist. 

“Eddie!” Jack yelped in surprise. the pack cried out at the sight, the other alphas freezing up. They couldn’t intervene without risking their own skin.

Stede would howl, if he could through the destroyed muzzle tearing into his face. Instead he just snarled, pulling his hand back and scratching his nails down Edward’s face, yanking at the thick beard on his jaw. Ed hissed and yanked his head back.  Stede brings his leg up and manages to kick Ed to the side. 

The alphas both scramble to get up, lunging and slamming into each other like wild dogs fighting. Stede’s face bleeds from the muzzle piercing him, punches fly and teeth snap. 

“Someone fucking do something!” Anne yells, Izzy wails and covers his face. His whole body trembling with fear, he can feel himself shutting down from it. Fang wraps his arms around him and hides his face so he doesn’t have to watch his Ex and current alpha fight. Bystanders begin shouting as the fight worsens. 

“Ed fucking Stop it!” Jack suddenly shouts, diving into the fight. He grabs Ed by the arm and yanks him back hard. Ed’s eyes flash with confusion before he yelps as Jack hauls him backward and manages to get his arms around him, he locks his arms into a full Nelson and traps Ed there. He flails in an attempt to free himself. 

“The fuck!? Jack! Let me go!” When it becomes clear that Jack isn’t going to release him he gets angrier. “Oh you bastard! You muzzled bastard!” 

Stede pushes himself to his knees from where he had fallen. He spits blood through his ruined muzzle and looks up at the pair of alphas. His eyes meet Jack’s. 

Jack whines as she watches him before he glances at the girls and then back at Stede. The pair share a nod. 

Then a short pain shoots through the side of Stede’s neck, like a needle prick, and the world goes black. 

Izzy sobs into Fang’s chest as an alpha control officer tranquilizes the three actively fighting alphas, the others that had been in Ed’s gang scatter. 

“Dad!” The pups scream as Stede slumps to the ground, dart hanging from his neck. Ed drops from Jack’s arms as his tranquilized and then Jack falls flat on his back. 

Izzy feels numb from Stede’s unconsciousness . “No!” He wails, turning and struggling in Fang’s arms to try and get free as the officers rush over to begin securing the alphas. “No! No you can't take him! Please! No!” He sobs as he scratches at Fangs arms. 

“its okay boss! It’s okay! We’ll get him out! It’s okay!” Fang reassures, holding him close. Anne and Mary grab the kids as they try to rush forward just like Izzy. They all watch in terror as the three alphas are loaded up into one of the heavy metal transport trucks, and carted away. 

Chapter Text

It takes three days and the whole pack working together to find out where they took Stede and the other alphas. The adoption facilities are different from the correctional facilities for dangerous and aggressive alphas; each district has at least four correctional facilities and it can take days for alphas to be checked in. When their calls finally go through and Fang finally gets a lead on Stede they all rush to the ‘Richard Banes memorial correctional facility’; a well known facility named after an omega that had tragically lost his life due to his alpha. 

Fang picks up Izzy and they drive over to the facility. One of Jackie’s husbands, a famous pro-alpha lawyer named Sam Bellamy, accompanies them. He’s agreed to work both Stede and Jack’s case pro-bono. They’ve decided as a pack to attempt to get Jack out of the facility just like Stede as the other alpha had aided in his defense and had clearly wanted to follow the laws set in place for them. His muzzle wearing being a clear sign of that. 

They arrive to the facility and the sight of it makes Izzy want to break down into tears. There’s no exterior yard like the normal adoption facilities, the building is huge and stone and theres a dozen police cars out front. Sam leads them inside, Izzy limping behind him. He has all of Stede’s papers, and the girls have all of Jack’s. 

the inside is a lot like a dmv, with a large waiting room and three small windows set back into the wall. A trio of betas are typing away behind them. One looks up as they come in. 

“Mr. Bellamy.” She gives a tight lipped smile and nods to the large omega. Sam smiles wide, overly friendly, and greets her. 

“Jessie!! How’s the family dear? Good? wonderful. I’m here about Mr Bonnet and Mr Rackham.” Sam sets down his briefcase and leans into the window. 

“Oh yes, those two alphas that caused a disturbance in the square…not here for mr teach?” She clicks away on her keyboard as she pulls up their file. Izzy whines at the mention of Edward’s name. 

“No.” Sam replies simply. An alarm sounds nearby and the door clicks open. 

“Kennels three and four Mr. Bellamy. Alpha’s omegas and lawyers only please.” The woman eyes the full pack quietly. Sam turns and gives them a nod, motioning for the others to go sit in the waiting room. They all look at each other nervously but do as their told.

“Thank you~” Sam practically sings as he grabs his briefcase and leads the omegas into the back of the facility. Anne helps support Izzy as they walk towards the kennels, he’s been a mess since Stede was taken. His bond had felt so numb and dull since Stede had been taken. Izzy had been agitated and terrified, he’d been refusing to eat and was snapping at everyone; the only ones that had been able to calm him down had been the kids. Anne and Mary had brought them over and Alma had refused to leave his side, she laid in his lap and listened to every apology and reassured him. Izzy felt so strongly that he had let the girl down, he had promised that their father wouldn’t be taken away and here they are. . .in the kennels; but Alma had forgiven him, had reassured him and hugged him and he still felt terrible. She shouldn’t be reassuring him, this is all his fault and she should be angry. 

But she isn’t. So here they are. 

Anne rubs his arms as they approach kennel three. Jack is inside, curled up in the corner. 

“Jackie. . .” Anne whines, stepping up to the plexiglass kennel door. Mary is beside her, hand on her back. Jack looks up as they approach. 

“Annie?” He whines and rushes forward, pressing to the glass. He looks a mess, hair wild and face red and tear streaked. “Annie, Mary im so sorry. I want to come home. I’m sorry i left, let me come home.” He sniffles and presses against the glass. 

“We will Jackie. We will. Don’t worry.” Annie presses a hand to the glass, Jack presses his hand back. “We have a lawyer, we’re gonna get you out and bring you home okay? You stopped a fight, you didn’t start it.” 

Jack nods and presses hard against the glass. He looks pathetic, not at all like an alpha in his prime. Clearly his attachment to his muzzle and omegas had put him at the lower levels of their packs pecking order. 

Izzy’s gaze is drawn away from the small trio by Sam tugging his sleeve. Izzy follows Sam to the next kennel and almost starts to stop as he sees Stede inside. The alpha is laid on the floor just like the first time they had met. His clothes, his favorite Hawaiian shirt and shorts, had been taken and put up for evidence. Replaced by standard issued kennel clothes. His muzzle is long gone, his face covered in bandages from where his wire muzzle had snapped and stabbed into his skin. 

“Stede!” Izzy gasps, cane dropping as he fell to the floor. Stede flinches before he rolls over and looks at Izzy, and its like their bond comes alive again. A flourish of emotion and color. 

“Izzy!” He whines, rushing forward, pressing up against the glass of the kennel. He sticks his fingers through the little holes that allow ventilation into the kennel and Izzy grabs them. “Omega, omega, I'm sorry.” He whines deeply as he pressed his forehead to the glass. 

“I know, I know baby don't worry. I’m gonna get you out of here.” Izzy presses a kiss to Stede’s knuckles. Izzy looks up at Sam. “Right?” 

Sam smiles quietly and nods. “Stede has a completely clean record. There’s no reason we should have any trouble getting him out.” He blinks and reaches into his back pocket as his phone buzzes. 

“See? You’re a good boy Stede. A good boy.” Izzy kissed along Stede’s fingers as Sam stepped away to speak on the phone. 

“I’m scared Izzy.” Stede whined deeply. Izzy knew he was, he could feel it. 

“I know Stede, i know. But this was just a one time incident, you-“ Izzy was cut off as Sam stepped back over. 

“Bad news.” He slips his phone back into his pocket and looks at them. Izzy and Stede turn to look at him so fast it makes Izzy dizzy. “The judge assigned to the case, Nigel Badminton is a fucking bull dog of an anti - alpha advocate. We’re gonna need more than just you and the packs word about Stede’s behavior as an alpha.” Sam works his jaw as he thought. 

“L-like what?” Izzy asks as he squeezed his bad knee, feeling crackles of pain go through it. “His file is clean! His old omega is. . .” 

“I will figure it out.” Sam reassures as he puts a hand on Izzy’s shoulder. “I will.” 

Three days. They’re separated for another three days before the court date. Sam had managed to put a rush on the date, citing extreme emotional distress for the alphas as a reason. One small light of the alpha advocacy groups, the emotional state of alphas was taken into more consideration than they had been initially. 

Still, three days is a long time for the duos to be separated. Izzy floats through those three days in a haze. He isn’t permitted to talk to Stede more often than needed to keep the alpha sane. The girls don’t get to visit Jack anymore as well. 

When the court date finally rolls around the entire pack heads to the court house, dressed in their best attire and ready for anything. Sam has prepped all of them on how to behave and has retrieved written statements from each of them to present as evidence for Stede’s good behavior, though he apparently has a trump card up his sleeve to help convince the judge. Jack needs less evidence as his omegas are alive and well enough to testify in court. 

They go through Jack’s first. He sits silently next to Sam and only looks up from the desk when the girls take the stand. 

Nigel looks through the papers on his desk. “You’ve adopted two pups since your alphas departure from your home yes?” 

“Yes your honor.” Anne answers. 

“And you can be sure Jack wont assault either of your pups? Relapse in this behavior that made him escape in the first place?” he tosses the papers down.

“Yes your honor. We already have a training program lined up to make sure he’s safe to be in our home again.” Mary says carefully. Sam nods as he listens to them speak, the whole thing is fool proof really. No holes or faults seeing as Jack hadn’t caused any harm. Nigel grinds his teeth before he nods. 

“Alright. Two months in the training facility of his omegas choice, with immediate placement back in your care once those two months are up. Next!” Sam wasn’t surprised that he hadn’t even had to stand for Jack’s trial. Jack is sent off to be processed and Stede is brought out. Stede looks terrible, hair unwashed and unkempt, there are dark bags under his eyes and his muzzle is tied on too tight. He sits down stiffly next to Sam at their table. Sam had briefed everyone on the fight that Stede’s trial would be. Izzy was to sit back and be quiet until he was on stand, 

“Stede Bonnet” Nigel flips through the papers he’s handed. “ fourty five, two omegas on record, pair of pups. . . Initiated a fight.” 

“Your honor, the record states that Stede did not initiate the argument, he simply responded to a threat made at his omegas expense by an aggressive alpha.” Sam says firmly. 

Nigel looks at another paper, “yes. . .one of those alphas that has been influenced by those terrible little pro-alpha broadcasts. Terrible, terrible situation. But that doesn’t mean Mr.Bonnet isn’t aggressive himself, he did sizable amounts of damage to the other alpha.” 

“Only after the attacking alpha assaulted him and destroyed his muzzle. He never once removed it.” 

The judge rolls his eyes, clearly not caring about that, theres a high level of bias already. “We’ll move onto the witness testimony.” 

Fang goes first. He’s known Stede he longest from his work int he facility. He tells the judge everything he knows about the alpha. Nigel nods along silently and then waves him off. Izzy is next. 

“Mr Hands.” Nigel nods, “you’ve had Stede in your home for what, two, three months?” He asks. 

“Three, your honor.” Izzy digs his fingers into his injured knee. 

“And how can you be sure he isn’t a violent alpha lying in wait?” 

“Stede has never once been violent to me or anyone in my pack. He voluntarily wears his muzzle in our home even when I insist he doesn’t have too. Listens to every command, and has given me no reason to believe he is a threat.” Izzy glances at Stede and Sam at the table. Stede stares down at his lap, but he’s perked up a bit at the sound of Izzy’s voice. 

Nigel hums low in his chest as he taps his nails on the table. “That’s all well and good, but you before anyone should understand how quick an alpha can turn against their omega Mr.Hands. . .i’ve read your file.” 

Izzy tenses and inhales sharply. He bites the inside of his lip. Sam hadn’t prepared him for this, for questions about Edward. It’s a simple in and out, that's what Sam had said. He glances at Sam who stares hard at him. 

Izzy inhales shakily before he speaks again, “that is a risk I am willing to take. . .for my mate.” 

The judge stares at him before nodding. “Alright then.” He waves him off, “I’d like to speak to a longer standing witness, Stede had a past omega. Where is she?” Izzy nearly falls down the steps to the stand as he’s stepping out. Stede’s old omega, the dead one, the one they all knew he’d want to talk too. The one they all knew was dead.

Stede inhales hard at the table, whole body tensing and the anxiety he feels makes Izzy sick. Izzy limps back to his seat and waits to see what Sam says, waits to see him play his trump card. 

Sam stands, adjusting his suit, and opens his mouth. They’re all ready for him to announce the obvious. . .

”Mary Allamby-Bonnet was presumed dead after the fire that destroyed the Allamby manor,” Sam speaks carefully. Izzy raises a brow at the ‘presumed dead’ and Nigel nods, waving his hand for him to get on with it. “But I found that she had actually fled to Barbados with a new alpha.” A gasp spreads throughout the courtroom and for the first time, Stede looks up. 

The doors at the back of the room open and in walks a woman. Her head held high, hair and makeup perfectly done. She’s a beautiful woman and her eyes are fierce and full of fury. 

“I call Mary Allamby Bonnet to the stand.” 

Mary pats Sam on the arm as she walks past him to the stand, stepping up and taking a seat. She looks around the room, making eye contact with Izzy who stares at her in utter shock. She nods to him, small and simple, before she turns to Stede and gives him a soft smile. Stede stares with large, damp eyes. 

“Mrs. Allamby, good to see you’re well.” Nigel says slowly as he looks down at her, he himself seems shocked. 

“Yes, well. I’m here.” She starts as she rests her hand on the stand and leans into the mic. “Stede Bonnet is an amazing alpha, an amazing husband and an amazing mate. He never once raised a hand to me, my children, or anyone under his care. There is no reason for him to be deemed aggressive or dangerous and no reason for this court to advocate for his removal from the care of mr.Hands. He is a good alpha.” 

The room is silent, as if a vacuum has removed all oxygen in the place. 

After a long moment, Nigel speaks. “Then why. . .Mrs Allamby. . . Did you fake your death and leave?”  

Mary’s back straightens and she inhales deeply. “I was unhappy with my life. Not with Stede. I met another alpha, one I felt a true bond with. The fire, the arson was not my idea. . .running away was. I knew Stede would find another omega, i knew the pups would be well cared for. I could not stay in that home any longer.” She turns and stares Nigel dead in the eyes. “If I could , I would do things differently, but this is how things played out. Now, i'm doing what I should to help the man I spent twenty years with. A man I know more than anyone in this room.” 

The two omegas stare at each other for a long, long moment; and then Nigel nods. He turns back to the crowds. “Stede Bonnet will be released into the custody of his omega. A month of in-house behavioral training will follow his release as well as a weekly check in with an omega protective agent.” 

A cheer goes through the room, the pack practically clambering over themselves to hug and cheer. Izzy’s eyes immediately fill with tears and he lets out a shaky sob, he hadn’t expected this to go so well. . . Hadn’t expected most of this honestly. Stede glows with happiness and he finally looks at Izzy, eyes bright. 

Nigel lets them have their moment before he shouts, “okay! Order! Order! Mr.Bellamy! Get your client in order and remove your counterparts from the courtroom!” 

Sam shushes everyone quickly, nodding. Stede is stood and removed to be processed out while Sam rushes everyone into the halls. Mary amongst them. 

Izzy seeks her out first, she’s stood off to the side talking to a man with brown hair. 

“Mary” Izzy says, voice soft. He leans hard on his cane, his whole body trembling. 

She turns to him, and smiles. “Hello” she says softly, “you must be Izzy. . .” She clenches her jaw for a moment, eyes tearing up. “Thank you for taking care of my Stede.” 

Izzy stares hard at her, eyes narrowed. “He mourned you.” He murmurs “so did the pups, and this whole time you weren't dead! You ran away!”  

Mary watches him quietly, playing with a ring on her finger. “I know.” She says softly, “but there was no other way for me to go, i couldn’t abandon Stede while still being alive. They’d mark him damaged; but if i died. . .was considered dead. . .then he’d be up for adoption again.” She reached up and rubbed her face quietly. “I’m glad he was adopted by you.” 

Izzy can’t hold back the tsk he lets go, “yeah. So am i.” 

The alphas are brought out after what feels like hours but is really just minutes. The girls rush forward to greet Jack and quickly bring him into their arms. They’ll take him to his training facility later and slowly introduce him to the pups. Though Mary is a alive they still are considered the pups legal guardians. The kids are at home being watched by their friend auntie. 

Stede stumbles out of the back halls, eyes wide as he looks around for Izzy. His dulled eyes light up as he sees his omega and he rushes towards him. 

“Stede!” Izzy cheers, dropping his cane and rushing forward. He stumbles a bit and falls, but Stede catches him and they crumple to the ground together. They sob as Stede practically wraps around Izzy’s body. He kisses his omegas Temple and nuzzles hard against him. 

“Izzy! Izzy! My omega, my omega” he sobs as he nuzzles against his temple, tucking his nose into his hair. They cry and sob as they lie in the floor of the courthouse, though eventually their tears fall away to quiet huffs as they scent each other. 

Izzy’s knee cramps as they stand and Stede has to help him gather his cane. He looks around at the pack and smiles as he sees them all, then his eyes land on Mary. He swallows, and straightens slowly. 

“Mary” his breath comes out in a short breath. 

“Hello Stede.” Mary replies gently as she steps forward. 

There’s a moment of silence, long and drawn out and for a moment no one knows how it will go. Then they both speak. 

“Thank you” “im sorry” 

they both look startled, and then they break away into laughter. Mary steps forward and hugs Stede around the shoulders, squeezes him. 

“Thank you Mary, really” Stede chuffs after she pulls back. “If you hadn’t. . .i would have never met my Izzy.” 

“I am sorry though Stede, i really could have done things differently.” Mary pats her ex-mates face. 

“I don't care about that any longer Mary '' Stede says softly, “i'm glad you're alive, i'm glad the pups will know your alive. . .” He glances over Mary’s shoulder and cocks a brow. “Whos that?” 

Mary follows his gaze and then chuckles happily, “that. . . Is my Doug. My new alpha.” She smiles and waves her new mate over. 

Things go over easily enough after that. Stede and Doug hit it off and even Mary and Izzy wind up getting along far more than they thought they would. 

They leave the courthouse, and all go home