"Tell me everything! And don't you dare leave anything out." Rhys glared, though with his baby face it looks rather cute.
"Let the boy have a sip before you grill him, babe." Greyson chuckled in between slurps of his own double double coffee. I laughed with him as I noted Rhys' pout towards him, sipping at my hot white chocolate.
I took a dramatically slow bite of my breakfast wrap just to piss him off a little and then gulped loudly.
"Stop it Harry! We probably don't have much time until those mates of yours come barging in and whisking you away like they tried to last time we were here." Rhys motioned around the Uni café, sighing loudly while I winced at the memory. I've decided I don't like it when people bring up the fact that I ran away from my mates for awhile. It makes me feel like a bad Omega.
I nodded, swallowing my bite before speaking, "Yeah, they had some troubles letting me leave their dorm after the weekend for some reason. Finally though they let me go with a promise I'd be back in two hours." I grimaced, remembering how heated our argument got when I tried to convince them to let me go to lunch without them. To be honest at some point in the conversation I was almost losing hope of them letting me go at all.
"Jeez, they're that worried?" Greyson chipped in, a disbelieving look on his face as he shook his head.
"Only to protect me." I argued, offended that he was using such an insulting tone towards my mates. "I think it's a good thing that they care."
"Well yeah but not letting you leave the apartment without them? That's a bit obsessive, don't you think? I mean, of course I ask Rhys where he's going so I can be there if he needs me at any point but I still let him have that freedom." Greyson explained, shrugging at the end.
I looked at Rhys for some help but all he did was look away, letting me know he agreed with his Alpha.
I scoffed at their action, collecting my unfinished beverage and sandwich and rising to my feet, "Well I'm not going to just sit here and let you speak lowly of my mates."
Rhys' eyes grew wide, "No Harry, please don't go! I'm sorry I really am, I think they're great mates! I do!" He insisted, grabbing my arm before I could leave the booth. "Please tell me how everything went this past week with them. I really want to know." His eyes widened impossibly bigger and glistened making me grown. He sure knows how to master the puppy dog look. "Please."
I sighed loudly, dropping what I had just picked up and sitting down again.
"I'm sorry too H, I didn't mean to be so offensive. I'm sure your mates are wonderful in their own way." Greyson looked highly uncomfortable saying that but he did seem sincere so I cracked a little smile.
"Thanks." I bit my lip, "Maybe we could all go out for dinner some time?" I offered, already excited by the idea.
Greyson looked like he flat out wanted to decline but Rhys quickly cut in, laying a hand on his mates shoulder, "We'd love too." He said hesitantly, forcing a smile.
I nodded, happy he somewhat accepted. "Great, now for the story," I began, laughing at Rhys' eager eyes.
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"No way! They gave you a bedtime?!" Rhys exclaimed, making me groan out loud. I have no idea why I told him that I know he's just going to tease me now. "I can't believe it! And I thought Grey checking in on me in class was bad."
"That's only for your protection, baby. I gotta make sure those freshie creeps are keeping their paws off you." Greyson piped in, not taking any offence to Rhys' statement. It seems like this isn't the only time they've had this discussion.
Rhys rolled his eyes and scoffed, "You ran in one time and nearly broke the nose of the guy I was talking to!"
Greyson's eyes flashed at the memory, "He was practically on you!"
"There was a desk between us!" He responded, his tone incredulous, as if he couldn't believe Grey thought he was in the right.
Greyson huffed, crossing his arms and leaning back in his seat. I could see his tongue pushing the inside of his cheek out as he shook his head in annoyance, "I'm not going to pretend I won't do it again. If I see anyone, and I mean anyone, get too close to you for my comfort, I won't just sit by and watch." He explained, making Rhys' cheeks tint a little.
I cleared my throat, trying to move the topic from them so it didn't get too uncomfortable. Although I will admit I liked watching Greyson demonstrate how excessively protective and possessive an Alpha can get. It proves to me that mine aren't exactly out of the ordinary...okay, well maybe mine are a bit more over the top (no pun intended). It was endearing at some points but others it felt suffocating because I have four times the amount of eyes on me, watching my every move.
"So, didn't your Alphas say they would look into getting you in an Omega's dorm? It obviously won't be hard since one of their fathers is the head professor." Rhys chuckled, his cheeks returning to their natural blotchiness.
I shrugged a little, "I don't know, we haven't really discussed it. To be honest, I don't really think they'll let me move into my own dorm. I'm pretty sure they just said that to ease the tension at the time but now...I seriously doubt it. It's okay though, I'm happy in their company." I smiled, causing both of them to crack a little one too.
"I'm really glad you're happy, H. I'm gonna miss you as my roomie obviously..." Grey started, smirking a little.
"Obviously." I agreed playfully.
"But...just know that if you ever need a little space from them, I'm right down the hall, okay?" I nodded to his words, thankful for such a great friend. I never knew how lucky I had gotten being placed in Greys dorm. He's literally the most caring and loving Alpha I've met, other than my mates of course.
"Thanks, Grey." I blushed, looking down at my hot chocolate and finishing the last few sips while Rhys did the same, looking proud of how sweet his boyfriend is.
It was silent for a few minutes after that, the three of us enjoying each other's company while clearing up the mess we made. We decided to stay a little longer because I still had a few more minutes before the boys expected me to be back. I wouldn't be surprised if they sent an army after me. I almost laughed out loud at the thought.
"Hey...is it just me or has that guy over there been staring at us for like an hour?" Rhys voiced, shifting uncomfortably. Greyson immediately looked over, not even trying to be subtle when he heard something was bothering his mate. I also glanced over my shoulder, spotting the guy he was talking about. He looked to be a senior from the school emblem on his leather jacket. He sported a scruffy beard and wild blonde hair that looked to have never met a comb. I noticed permanent frown lines creasing his forehead to make him look even more terrifying. If that wasn't enough, he was overly muscular. The type that could snap my neck with a twist of a wrist. I frowned at the way he didn't turn away and instead held my gaze.
"We should go." I decided, turning back around and standing up, thoroughly freaked out. The two of them nodded at my declaration and collected their things before standing and leaving the booth with me. As we were opening the door to leave the cafe, I noticed the same guy standing and quickly yet nonchalantly following us. Rhys and Greyson quickly got into a conversation, obviously not noticing he continued to follow us. This caused me to furrow my brows further.
Honestly, why can't I ever just sit down and have a meal without something weird happening? The guy stayed a distance behind us as we walked in the direction of our dorm building. I was getting the chills from his intense stare but I tried really hard not to comment on it. What if he was one of the Seekers? The gang Rhys had told me about...I really hope not. I paled at the thought, I couldn't imagine being taken by such an aggressive group who does such horrid things to Omega's.
"Grey..." I whispered shakily, trying to be as quiet as possible so the creeper didn't hear. He paused in his conversation with Rhys to look down at me in confusion.
"What's wrong?"
"He's still following us." I murmured weakly, tears glazing my eyes as I now have the thought of the Seekers in my head. I don't doubt I'll have nightmares now that I remember what Rhys said about them.
Greyson growled lowly, whipping around to lock eyes with the guy, never having looked more deadly then at that moment. He stalked up to him, keeping a hand clasped tightly in Rhys' to make sure he didn't get too far. I latched onto Rhys hurriedly, hiding behind them both.
"What the fuck do you want, man!? Why are you following us?!" He demanded, his eyes turning a feral green that I had never before witnessed.
The guy gulped, obviously not expecting to be caught or confronted. I tilted my head curiously as he sighed, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Look, I'm not supposed to say this but I really have no other excuse." He let out another huff, his eyes flickering over to mine. He nodded his head in my direction, "The Tops sent me to make sure their little Omega wasn't getting too far. I was ordered to call them if there was any trouble." The guy looked a bit uncomfortable after admitting it, shrugging. Grey and Rhys both turned towards me, staying silent as they gauged my reaction.
I looked down at the ground, a flare of anger flashing straight through me. They sent someone to watch me?! Did they not trust me enough to stay true to my word and come back to them?! I thought after the week that I spent with them they had realized I wasn't going to escape again. Now it all makes sense.
Another strike went through me. So this is why after the amount of begging I did to get them to allow me to go out alone they seemed so lenient. It was because they knew they had watch dogs to guard my every mood.
I couldn't believe this! How could they embarrass me in front of my friends like this? Now this creepy guy probably thought I was a bad mate as well.
A growl ripped through me, making Rhys jump a bit. I didn't seem to care at the moment, as I left them quickly and stalked towards my dorm. I knew the creepy guy was still following me because apparently that was his job. To make sure the four big bad Alpha's little Omega remained by their side and never strayed too far.
The thought made me even angrier as I jabbed at the elevator button. The guy who's name I didn't care to receive obviously understood I didn't want him to come into the elevator with me and opted for the stairs. I huffed, tapping my foot against the tile as I waited for it to stop at my floor. The doors weren't even fully open yet as I strutted out anyway, taking turns that I had now mastered to my mates dorm room.
I twisted the key in the lock furiously, shoving the door open and not even caring that it slammed against the wall and had probably chipped the paint. The boys came rushing into the room and immediately looked worried as they saw my face.
"Baby..." Niall started, but I wouldn't let him get any further.
"You sent a guard to watch me?!" I exploded, unable to contain my distaste anymore. I watched as their faces eased into understanding, their arms crossing against their chest. They didn't even seem offended by my tone! As if they were expecting me to be angry yet still did it anyways. "I mean what the fuck?! What ever made you think that'd be acceptable?! All I was doing was going to lunch with my friends - my mated friends - and trying to enjoy a meal without you four ruining it! But of course I can't do that because as soon as I think you've trusted me enough to leave me on own, there what's his face is following my every step! You need to understand I'm not a little puppy that needs to be watched at the park and kept on a leash so it doesn't runaway! I am your mate and you are supposed to trust that I will come back to you!" I heaved a large breath at the end, my face burning. Though the whole time, their faces remained neutral.
"Angel -" Liam tried, sighing as he began to approach me.
I hurriedly put my hands up, blocking him, "Don't you dare pet name me." I glared, making him lift his eyebrows. It was honestly pissing me off more how calm they were about this. Didn't they care how invasive they were being on my private life? "Why would you do this?" I finally asked, this time wanting an answer.
"Harry," Niall tested, pausing to see if I'd stop him. When I didn't, he continued, "this wasn't meant to make you feel like we don't trust you okay? It's the opposite actually. We have faith that you won't leave us again, alright? So never think what we do is because we don't have trust in you."
"Then why did you send someone to follow me?" I but in, my tone lowering and my anger slowly dissipating as he spoke. It sort of creeped me out how much his voice could calm me so easily.
"Because it's the people around you we don't trust." Zayn cut in, stepping towards me as well. "I'm sure by now you've heard of the Seekers?" I nodded slowly, crossing my arms. "Well us four probably know them best because they've harassed our pack for generations and we can never seem to catch them. They've always held a grudge for the fact that our packs are ranked the most dangerous. Even if we don't beat, rape or slaughter our own like they do, we are not so nice to people who hurt our pack. They are probably our biggest enemy and you know how enemy's fight each other?" I shook my head, gulping at how serious a tone he was using. "They look for each other's weaknesses and they use them against them to lead to their downfall. Now what do you think our weakness is?"
I gasped softly, my eyes tearing slightly. It felt like a puzzle was piecing in my mind. I whimpered out a small, "Me." It was all making sense. They were being overly protective because of the Seekers, not solely because they wanted me for themselves or they needed me to be sheltered away from the rest of the world.
"Exactly." Zayn gritted out, as if the idea of it made him want to punch something. "And now that they know you are our mate they will find any way to get to you. We can't let that happen, you understand? I would die before I let them take you. You will never be without someone by you're side, whether it be one of us or someone we've hired, are we clear?" He ordered sternly, pausing while waiting expectantly for an answer.
"H-How...I-I-I...W-Wha.."
I couldn't speak however, my mind was reeling with the information. I was the target? They were going to come after me and torture me in those...malicious ways, for what? To cause the downfall of my mates? The thought hurt too much to think about.
"Harry, are you paying attention?" Louis asked, crouching down in front of where I'd somehow managed to fall on the couch. I shook my head, a tear dripping from my eyes. The boys quickly gathered around me, Louis staying in front of me as Liam crouched beside him as well. They each took one of my hands as the other two boys sat on either side of me on the couch.
Everything was happening too fast. I choked on a sob, more tears dripping from my eyes. So this is it? This is how I'm going to live? In fear of that gang coming to capture me and hold me hostage? That was my life now?
"I know, darling. But I promise you we will never let that happen. We won't let them come near you and if they do, we'll be right there to keep you safe. You won't have to live like this for the remainder of our lives together, I swear to you. Our packs our forming an alliance as we speak to try and find a way to take them down. Once we do that, we can live happily ever after, okay? I swear to you."
I bit my lip, heaving in gasps for air as I listened to him. I must've spoken out loud. I just couldn't get my brain to function.
"T-There are some in this U-University...c-can't you just g-get rid of them?" I croaked out, staring at my hands being swallowed up by Louis and Liam's. I felt numb at the moment. Everything was spinning out of control. How...why was this happening to me? Why couldn't I just live a peaceful life with my mates?
"That's the issue, darling." Niall spoke, wrapping an arm around my shoulder and tucking my head into his chest. He rested his chin on my curls, "We don't know who's apart of the gang since it's so big. And even if we have our assumptions, we don't have enough evidence to get the expelled or killed." He explained, using the hand that was wrapped around my shoulder to stroke my head.
"I don't want them to get me." I whispered tearfully, sniffling as more tears started to arise.
"I know, sweetheart. I know." He hushed, tugging me closer until I was completely surrounded my warmth. "And we will never let them. No one will ever take you away from us. I promise." With that said, he laid a kiss on my forehead, my eyes slowly shutting as tears continued to drop.
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A/N: Updating at 400 votes!!
Love you lots!
-Avery ;)