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Max’s ears are ringing, when he listens to Lucas talking about the young omega, Franco.
”Only a womb-waster. I have bred him four times now, but he can’t carry. At first it goes well. He is glowing. All soft and smelling so pretty. I like eating him out then. He is shy, tries to fight it, but well, he is only an omega. Doesn’t really know what’s good for him. They are good for two things only, sex and breeding.”
Max glances at the omega sitting on a nearby bench. Perfect posture and hands neatly folded on his thighs. A collar around his pretty neck telling everyone that he is not a partner. The boy has been taught to make himself as small and quiet as possible.
Fear rests on him like a heavy cape, but he is still so beautiful with those wide greenish brown eyes, full, sensual mouth, and soft-looking hair. Max’s heart breaks several times while thinking about this boy having his body stolen from him, and then, when blood came, being a relief too, he couldn’t afford to ask for comfort.
In his every day routine Max tends to forget that some people still really are like this, and some omegas are stuck with alphas like Lucas. They do a neutral policy at the family company, and only talent, education and experience affect the hiring process. Over the years Max has worked with several omegas whom he recognizes as brilliant persons, people who are more intelligent than he.
He remembers the bright, cool eyes of his own omega partner. George who had immediately made it clear that Max’s sperm shouldn’t be trying any funny business in his womb. He was controlling his cycle with a heavy medication, and Max could leave it or take it. George knew what he wanted in life.
Later that night Max had the omega coming around his tongue, his jaw aching pleasantly, when he sat up, watching the blissed-out omega, his creamy, wet thighs, and rapidly rising and falling chest.
”I think I’d like to keep you around”, George grinned and reached out a hand, wanting a cuddle.
”Maybe I can fit you in my calendar.”
To Max omegas are people and alphas are people. He had claimed his omega with a scar, and a ring, and told George to pick a ring for him too. George is his partner, someone whose opinions get an equal weight.
His fist connects with the other alpha’s jaw.
The ringing finally stops, when Max watches Lucas slowly sitting up and spitting a tooth to the floor.
”I’ll take him from you. Name your price.” He has his checkbook and pen out, and Lucas is a weak person, who is not going to challenge him here, not at the Verstappen gala.
Franco is ash grey, clinging to his consciousness, when Max gets his fingers at his throat. He removes the collar immediately, and lets it drop the floor.
Max uses alpha voice on the boy. But only because he wants to keep Franco from preferring the familiar Satan.
He had caused a scene at the family thing, and wouldn't be getting any roses as a reward for his efforts, but Max is sure his mother would keep his father from getting too fussy.
”I’m in a relationship. Have been for over three years now. George is very pedantic. He likes everything being neat and in order. Sometimes I can’t believe that he wants me around.”
"George?" the omega asks, his voice small. He is wrapped in Max's jacket, a few rain drops drying in his dark hair.
"Yes, my omega partner."
Max is working hard, filling the car with his light chatter, and he could swear that a few times he is catching a honest smile on Franco’s too pale face.
George is in the common garden of their apartment building, sitting in the garden swing with a book. The weather is damp, but not too cool anymore. The omega is wearing one of Max's hoodies under his jacket.
”Would you please wait here?” he is asking Franco, carefully keeping his voice as soft as possible. Max cares. He cares so much that sometimes it suffocates him, but knows comfort is not his strength.
”Yes, alpha.”
He has to make the boy to drop the alpha, but maybe that’s not today’s issue.
”Love, you should stop going to your family’s business things. They always make you upset, and your scent gets so bitter.” Max can’t help smiling. He takes this minute of peace, letting George come to him, and carefully scent him. His omega's scent is rain water, and freshly baked chocolate muffins. It's Max's safety.
”I did something. I…” The word feels a little bit embarrassing, but he doesn’t find a better one, ”I saved someone. An omega. A young thing.”
He had only done what any decent person would do, nothing particularly noble or good.
George’s eyes don’t doubt him. He knows his place in Max’s heart, and doesn’t assume he is being replaced.
”Smells of apples and something fresh. What’s his name?”
”Franco.”
”I’ll talk to him. Keep a little distance, please.” George walks away, and slips to the backseat of the car, aware of the omega’s boundaries.
He gets Franco out of the car. He is still keeping the wariness, but there is curiosity in his eyes, when he watches quietly confident and comfortable George, who keeps his hand on Franco, silently promising that he doesn’t need to interact with world right now. He can collapse as soon as they make it to their apartment.
Max is following them, slowly walking the stairs up while being aware of the omegas above him, using the elevator.
”Can you make the bed in the guest room? Fresh sheets, more blankets, you know it all, don’t you?” He knows George's preferences, and understands his wish to offer Franco as much comfort as possible.
Max does what he is asked, tasting the sweet mix of omega scents in the air of the room. Franco is showering while George is getting a tray together, wanting to see him eating at least a little.
Half an hour later George is leaving the guest room and joining Max in the kitchen.
”It was a terrible story. You did the right thing. I want to keep him safe and help him." His eyes are hard like Max would ever think about fighting the words from his omega. This is what he had hoped for. They can afford keeping this stray pup, and offering him a home with them.
"Thank you, love", Max simply responds. George is determined, and bright-eyed, his cheeks a little flushed while he thinks about this change in their lives, and he is oh so beautiful.
In the morning he follows George’s scent to the guest room, where he had wandered to sleep in the heart of the night, hugging the terrified omega from behind. His mate raises his head, blinking the bright blue eyes at Max. George kisses Franco’s fluffy hair, and slowly leaves the bed. He comes to Max, letting the alpha to hold him in the cool morning light.