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Chapter Text

An arranged marriage is made between Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson to unite their families and put an end to the rivalry.

They both end up presenting as Alphas.

This means that when they wed, one of them will have to 'turn' the other into an Omega during the mating.

Who will be the Omega, Harry or Louis?

OMEGA HARRY IS THE CLEAR WINNER

Chapter Text

ONE

The Styles and Tomlinson families were two of the most feared and respected Packs around. They had both been fighting for the title of most powerful mob family for close to a century, one never being able to quite outdo the other, thereby increasing their innate hatred for anyone associated with the rival Pack.

Some may argue that the Styles Pack were the top dogs, believing them to be the most dangerous. Others would claim the more merciful nature of the Tomlinson Pack demonstrated a different kind of strength and wisdom. But it was widely agreed that it would be foolish to challenge either family. Of course, there were fools who did, though none with any success.

But regardless of one’s personal opinion of the Styles and Tomlinson Packs, the fact remained that both were rich, powerful and capable of unspeakable things. Their rivalry was renowned, the feud seemingly eternal with nobody inclined to bring any kind of peace.

Not until Jay Tomlinson. She decided that enough was enough and sought to bring the rivalry to an end. Of course, such a thing could not be rectified over a single night. She thought long and hard, discussing various possibilities with her most trusted before reaching a decision. She met with some of the Styles Pack. Insults were hurled, punches were thrown, shots fired, and a fancy white rug was stained with both wine and blood.

But somehow, miraculously, an agreement was made for the feuding families to one day unite their Packs through marriage. Jay had a six-year-old pup named Louis. Anne had a two-year-old pup named Harry. Once the boys came of age, they would mate and wed, thus bringing the two families together and offering them all ultimate wealth and power.

One might think with the pups being betrothed that the rivalry would ease, but one would be gravely mistaken. The longstanding rivalry between the two mobster families persisted. Ultimately, everybody awaited the day Louis and Harry would mate and wed, hoping that their marriage would end the feud.

The years passed by, and as it turned out, there was just one tiny flaw with Jay’s plan to unite the rivalry Packs through marriage.

Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson both presented as Alphas.

Nevertheless, the wedding ceremony would go ahead. While not a common practice, an Alpha was capable of forcibly turning another Alpha into an Omega through the act of mating. So it would be that either Harry or Louis would force the other one into submission and have him impaled on their knot.

A turning was not something most Alphas would willingly agree to. It was not entirely unknown for two Alphas to fall in love and agree for one of them to be turned Omega, but it was certainly rare for such an arrangement to be fully consensual by both parties. The initial mating was also said to be very difficult on the Alpha who would face the change. Unlike an Omega, an Alpha did not produce slick, thereby making the mating and knotting far more difficult and painful.

XXX

For as long as he could remember, Harry knew that he would one day wed and mate with Louis Tomlinson. But he had never met his intended mate. He didn’t even know what the older boy looked like. Learning that he was expected to marry a Tomlinson had not been easy. He had thrown many tantrums over the situation as a child, tantrums that continued on into his early teen years. The unsavoury behaviour really only settled down when he presented as an Alpha.

He certainly wasn’t pleased with the prospect of having to marry an enemy, but he was at least mature enough to understand the reasoning behind the arrangement. It would be of benefit to the Styles family in the long-run, even if it meant Harry himself had to suffer the humiliation of sharing a bed with a Tomlinson.

To make matters worse, he had been made aware that his future husband was also an Alpha. That meant one of them would have to take control and turn the other, making them an Omega. It was of course expected by all his family that he would be the one to emerge as the true Alpha when they mated on their wedding night. Everybody around him seemed confident that he would easily overpower the Tomlinson Alpha. Harry was inclined to believe they were right. He was tall and strong, never afraid to get his hands dirty or put others in their place. He was highly skilled in a variety of fighting styles and every trainer he had worked with held high praise for his natural abilities.

Never having met the other Alpha, Harry did not truly know what he was up against. He heard rumours and gossip but had no way of knowing what was fact and fiction. Some claimed that Louis was covered in tattoos, his eyes dark and cold, billows of smoke spilling from his lips as he smoked a cigarette. They said he was vicious and evil as the Devil himself. Others insisted Louis was small and demure, an angelic-faced twink who was overly effeminate. Now, if that were true, then overpowering him would be only too easy Harry thought.

Thinking about the upcoming wedding, Harry imagined himself striding in on the day, intimidating his future mate with his imposing height and stature. Harry allowed himself a chuckle at the idea of his husband-to-be suddenly being confronted with the reality that he would soon be forcibly turned into an Omega. Perhaps his intended would simply drop to all fours and present himself for Harry to take right there.

Of course, Harry wouldn’t be so cruel as to take the other Alpha publicly. He would grant them both privacy for their mating. As opposed as he was to the prospect of marrying his enemy, he had to admit there was something thrilling about mating with another Alpha, enforcing him to become an Omega. The Styles family would certainly rejoice when they learned that Harry was the true Alpha of the pair. The Tomlinson clan would no doubt be shame-faced, thus giving the Styles’ the true upper-hand.

“There you are Harry,” his mother beamed. “Come along. We have the Cowell’s downstairs. So far they are not responsive to our interrogation. It is time to get a little more persuasive. Nick will join you, he has a unique way of getting under Cowell’s skin. Literally and figuratively. But try not to take too long. We have an appearance to make at the grand opening of the new Youth Centre at one. A further business transaction scheduled in for two-thirty. Then we need to pick up your wedding suit from the tailors at four.”

“Of course, mother,” Harry agreed walking alongside her. “Mother, tell me, have you ever met the Tomlinson boy?”

“Feeling nervous about the mating are you?” Anne asked.

“Hardly,” Harry drawled. “I was merely curious. Most of the tales I hear about him tend to contradict each other.”

“Well I’m sure he’ll be no match for your strength,” Anne said. “He has an impressive reputation from what I know. But I daresay he’ll make a wonderful Omega soon enough. Some say turned Omegas are even better than the natural ones. Everything is new to them, they’re vulnerable so soon after such an intense change, and you as the Alpha get to shape them to your liking. I did meet Louis Tomlinson once,” she recalled.

“And?” Harry prompted.

“Such beautiful blue eyes,” Anne declared.

“Anything else?” Harry asked.

“He was only a pup at the time, just six or seven years old,” Anne shrugged. “Very spirited if I remember rightly. I’m sure he’s grown up to be a handsome young man.”

“Let us hope so,” Harry said. “A pretty Omega will at least make this arrangement tolerable.”

XXX

At four pm, Harry was stood on a pedestal in what would be his wedding suit. He admired his reflection, pleased with the dominant aura he so naturally exuded.

“My son,” Anne sighed proudly, hands over her heart and a genuine tear glistening in her eye. “You are with out a doubt the most handsome Alpha of them all. That Tomlinson is one lucky boy.”

“That he is,” Harry agreed, nodding at his mirror image approvingly.

“I suspect he won’t even put up a real fight,” Anne suggested. “As soon as he sees you he’ll be so eager to be your Omega.”

Harry smirked in response, more confident than ever. After all, there was no way he could possibly be the one to give up his Alpha status. The mere thought of being forced to his knees and made to present his ass to take Tomlinson’s knot was beyond mortifying. Come their wedding night, Louis Tomlinson would be the one to bend over. There was no other possible outcome to the mating. Harry Edward Styles was an Alpha.

XXX

The prospect of being wed to a Styles was not something Louis had ever been happy with, though he had long since accepted it was his fate. His mother had always been open and honest as to her reasonings for suggesting the arrangement. He understood the merit in her politics at least.

“Do you think I could possibly grow to love him?” he wondered aloud to her on one of those occasions where they sat by the fire drinking tea and talking long into the night.

“I have faith in the future, Louis,” Jay assured him. “Perhaps it’s the hopeless romantic in me, but I even think it could be love at first sight for you two.”

“Unlikely,” Louis rolled his eyes.

“It could happen,” Jay smiled, ever the optimist. “If it helps, I have it on good authority that your future mate is a very good-looking young man. Apparently he’s not one for smiling, but there are rumours that he has dimples when he does.”

“Dimples, great,” Louis said dryly. “Now the marriage is sure to be a happy one.”

“The marriage will be what you make it,” Jay responded. “If you are both determined to make the other miserable, then miserable you both shall be. But put in the effort to make the partnership work and you could have something truly wonderful.”

“A Tomlinson and a Styles?” Louis winced. “I understand that uniting our feuding families through marriage is a tactical move. It’s a genius strategy in the long-run. Perhaps one day people won’t even believe that Tomlinson’s and Styles’ were ever enemies. But right now… this match seems doomed to fail. We’re both wedding and mating for the sake of duty, not for love. If he feels about this situation the same way that I do then he’s going to be bitter and resentful and we’re probably going to take that out on each other.”

“I know it isn’t fair, to either of you,” Jay said sympathetically. “But I believe in this, I really do.”

“Back when you first planned all this, did you ever consider that we might both be Alphas and the mating would have to involve a forced turning?” Louis asked.

“Of course I considered it,” Jay replied. “I also considered the possibility of Beta and Omega presentations. The team worked on backup options in case one of you died young, or how we might retaliate if the Styles’ pulled out of the arrangement. Honestly, the two of you being Alpha’s is one of the better outcomes.”

“If you say so,” Louis remarked sipping at his tea.

Back when he had presented as an Alpha at age fifteen, Louis had just assumed that the Styles boy would eventually present as an Omega. Clearly that had been a foolish notion. It had certainly been a shock for him when he was made aware that his future husband was also an Alpha.

“The wedding’s so close now,” Louis sighed.

“Indeed, less than a week,” Jay seemed excited for the big day, but Louis did not share her joy.

“I’ve always known this day was going to come. But somehow I can’t believe it’s nearly here,” Louis said. “And we’re both Alphas. One of us is going to have to force the other into submission. This really isn’t how I expected things to go.”

“Just because something is unexpected doesn’t mean it will be bad,” Jay comforted him.

“What if I lose to him?” Louis asked her. “What if Styles turns me into an Omega?”

“Mind your ego, Louis,” Jay reprimanded gently. “There is no shame in being an Omega.”

“Of course not, sorry,” Louis offered by way of an apology. “Oh mum, do I really have to marry him?”

“Yes, you do,” Jay answered. “It’s the right thing.”

“But I hate him,” Louis insisted.

“You’ve never met him,” Jay laughed. “Trust me, you’ll feel differently on your wedding day.”

“Maybe,” Louis mumbled, though he very much doubted it.

Chapter Text

TWO

Louis was seated at the back of a dive-bar, beer in hand and a sullen expression on his face. His closest friends surrounded him, all loud and leary as they knocked back pints and shots. Stan stood up, swaying on his feet and slurring his words as he toasted to Louis’ last night of ‘freedom’.

“I’m going for a smoke,” Louis declared, his friends’ jokes about the upcoming wedding only serving to make him more miserable. Slipping out the back, he stood in the dark alley, leaning against the rough brick wall as he lit a cigarette. “Fuck my life,” he sighed breathing out a cloud of smoke.

“Alright there, lad?” Oli asked stepping out to join him, considerably more sober than most of the other rowdy lot inside.

“Living the dream, mate,” Louis remarked sarcastically.

“The Styles kid might be nice,” Oli told him.

“Maybe,” Louis shrugged. “Guess I’ll find out soon enough.”

“Nervous?” Oli asked, no hint of teasing in his tone, just support, warmth and understanding.

“Terrified, mate,” Louis admitted. “So much is riding on this marriage. If it works out, we could put an end to this rivalry for good. But if it goes wrong, it could turn into a bloody massacre.”

“It’s gonna work out,” Oli assured him. “I’m no fan of the Styles Pack, but Anne is said to be a woman of her word. She’s committed to ending this feud, just like your mum. I’m sure she’s raised her son to realise and appreciate how important this marriage union is.”

“I suppose,” Louis acknowledged taking another drag of his cigarette, withdrawing his pack from his pocket and wordlessly handing one to Oli who lit up and took a long drag of his own. “It’s not the wedding I’m worried about anyway. I can be polite and respectful and fake a smile. But when it’s just me and him, when it’s time for us to mate… I don’t know what the hell’s gonna happen.”

“There’s no shame in being an Omega,” Oli claimed, guessing that the possibility of going through the change was the cause of his friend’s concerns. “Only arrogant knot-heads look down on Omegas. Nobody’s going to look at you any differently if you’re the one who gets turned. You’ll still have our friendship, our loyalty and our respect.”

“So you think I’m gonna lose to him and become the Omega then?” Louis asked, feeling a little dejected that his friend didn’t view him as ‘Alpha’ enough to win.

“No clue, mate,” Oli answered. “I’ve never met Harry Styles so I can’t judge what you’re up against. And I’m sure you’re both strong Alphas in your own right. It’ll probably just come down to who wins in the moment. It doesn’t mean one of you is better or stronger than the other. If you end up as the Alpha in the relationship, great. If you end up as th eOmega, that’s great too, Lou. You’ve definitely got the ass for it,” he teased.

“Fuck you,” Louis swore, but there was no malice in his words and an amused smile threatened to spread on his face.

“Some advice though…” Oli said delicately, and Louis nodded, signalling for him to continue. “If Styles does overpower you, don’t struggle. Relax and let him have you. It’ll be easier on your body if you don’t resist.”

“We’re Alphas. It isn’t natural for us to submit. Our instincts we’ll be screaming at us both to fight back,” Louis reasoned. “Even the rare Alpha couples who consent to one of them undergoing the transition struggle and try to fight their partner off.”

“Not saying submission will be easy, mate,” Oli took a final drag before dropping his cigarette to the ground and stubbing it out with his shoe, Louis doing the same. “But if that’s the way things are going, if you’re going to be turned into an Omega, then you’ve got to at least try to make it easier on yourself.”

“How painful do you think it will be?” Louis asked.

“I read somewhere that turned Omegas say the initial change is worse than childbirth,” Oli answered, and Louis winced. “The pain levels are probably on par with torture. Taking an Alpha knot is the most natural thing in the world for an Omega. But it’s the most unnatural thing for an Alpha. You’ll be tight, you’ll be dry, and it’s gonna hurt like Hell. Struggling will make it worse.”

“Great,” Louis huffed, rolling his eyes.

“You could try preparing yourself,” Oli suggested. “Use some lube, finger yourself, maybe wear a butt-plug.”

“No,” Louis shook his head. “If I lose to Styles… fine. I’ll take the mating and his stupid Alpha knot like a man. But I’m not going to stand at the aisle with a plug shoved up my ass as if he’s already won. Nothing’s set in stone yet. Styles might be the one taking my knot up his ass.”

“Maybe,” Oli replied. “Try and be gentle with him if you do win,” he advised.

“Why should I?” Louis scoffed. “You think this Styles brat is worried about being gentle towards me?”

“I don’t know the guy and neither do you, we have no idea what he’s thinking and feeling,” Oli pointed out fairly. “He could be just as scared about this as you are. And I know you, Lou. If you abused him during the mating and made things unnecessarily brutal you’d feel guilty as shit for it in the morning. That’s not who you are, mate. I know you’re not looking to make Styles your bitch. You’re hoping for him to be your husband, a true mate, someone to trust, love and protect.”

“That was the dream I had when I was a kid,” Louis responded. “I’m not that naïve anymore. The best I can hope for is that we don’t rip each other’s throats out during the mating. He’s never gonna fall in love with me and I’m never gonna love him. I should just run away. Grow a beard, change my name, and go around solving crime with an animal side-kick.”

“Is that really what you want?” Oli asked. “Because if you want to do a runner this is probably your last chance. I’d help you out if that’s really what you wanted.”

“You know I couldn’t leave my mum and the Pack to deal with the fallout if I took off,” Louis answered. “C’mon, let’s head back inside. See if Stan’s still standing or if he’s laying in his own puke and piss.”

“Remember the time he shit himself?” Oli sniggered, throwing an arm around Louis’ shoulders as they made their way back inside the crappy little bar.

“Who do you think had to wipe the twat’s backside?” Louis shuddered at the memory. “Oi, oi, lads,” he called out as they rejoined the others at the table. As it happened, Stan was still upright (just about).

XXX

In honour of Harry’s last night of freedom before wedding and mating with a Tomlinson, he had booked out a posh restaurant to host himself and his nearest companions. They sipped on wine, dined on escargot, salmon and fillet mignon as they lit up cigars and shared memories of Harry’s most impressive feats. Harry smirked smugly, enjoying the compliments he received, his confidence ever increasing.

“Just think,” Nick chortled, “by this time tomorrow you could have your knot nestled in Tomlinson’s ass.”

“That’s true, I suppose I will,” Harry acknowledged. “I shall have to bathe thoroughly once the mating is completed,” he added snidely. “Hopefully he’ll be knocked up and will produce me an heir, so I won’t have to degrade myself by touching his body again.”

“Impossible,” James informed him. “Tomlinson will need to complete the change before he can bear you a child. He’ll still be an Alpha during the first mating. You’ll need to lower your standards and bed him at least for a second time to conceive.”

“You should wait for his first heat as an Omega,” Nick advised. “The chances of pregnancy will be greater.”

“Will you be merciful on your husband to be?” one of the others asked. “Or can we expect to witness a public mating?”

“The mating shall be private,” Harry insisted, scowling slightly and releasing a full-on growl when somebody else made to object. “I do not need you all to witness the shame of me fornicating with a Tomlinson. Besides, public matings are for inferior Alpha types with low intellect and no decorum. Matings ought to be private and sacred. While I don’t expect to feel any affection for Tomlinson I shall at least afford us both the dignity of a private mating. He will be a Styles by marriage after all, it is important that he receives respect.”

“But will you take him gently?” Nick enquired. “Or will you make him beg, bleed and cry as you make him your bitch?”

“You really are a deranged pervert,” Harry criticised.

“Guilty,” Nick acknowledged and everybody at the table laughed.

“I am wedding and mating Tomlinson out of duty, nothing more,” Harry said. “If he bleeds and cries while I knot him then that is regrettable but so be it,” he shrugged uncaringly. “His pleasure is of no importance to me. And I will find my pleasure with other more worthy Omegas, discreetly of course.”

“Does that mean we can take turns with Tomlinson?” Nick asked. “I hear he has the most magnificent ass.”

“You will not touch what is rightfully mine,” Harry responded. “The last thing I need is for my Omega to produce pups that look like you. Besides, I will not allow him to sully the Styles name and disgrace himself by spreading his legs for other Alphas.”

“What about business?” James asked seriously. “Are you going to allow him to continue working or keep him at home playing housewife?”

“He has potential to be useful,” Harry admitted begrudgingly. “It depends how the change impacts him. If he becomes overly docile or weak-willed as an Omega then it will likely be too dangerous for him to work. He may have to stay at home for his own safety.”

“More wine for the table, Sir?” a young waitress asked timidly, eyes lowered to the ground.

“Another bottle of red and white,” Harry requested.

“And how about a lap-dance for the Groom-to-be,” Nick said lecherously shoving the young woman onto Harry’s lap amidst wolf-whistles, taunts and cheers from the others. “Don’t be shy. I’m sure a pretty young thing like you has some dirty moves.”

The waitress blushed, tears shining in her eyes.

“Dance,” Nick demanded with a laugh, some of the others joining in with a chant of ‘dance, dance, dance’.

Clearly mortified and afraid, the young woman began to awkwardly wiggle and writhe on Harry’s lap, teardrops slipping down her cheeks.

“Don’t be a tease, shake it,” Nick hollered reaching out to grab at her blouse, ripping a button and exposing an indecent amount of cleavage.

“Please,” she whimpered, her small voice barely audible above all the lecherous jeering.

“Enough!” Harry commanded, unimpressed. “This is a restaurant, not a strip-club,” he hoisted the waitress off his lap. “Show some respect for yourself,” he tutted at her.

“Sorry, Sir,” she sniffed, readjusting her skirt that had ridden up and awkwardly holding her blouse closed.

“The wine,” Harry prompted her with a snap of his fingers, and she scurried off.

The group left no tip once they were done, but Nick did sleazily snake his hand up the woman’s leg and tuck a business card with his phone number into her panties.

XXX

The day of the wedding arrived. Louis woke early and sat by himself at the dining table with a cup of tea and a plate of toast that he struggled to eat. Then he took a shower, the warm water doing little to ease the tension in his body. He supposed it was normal to feel nervous and jittery on your wedding day. But he doubted it was common to feel so sick and be absolutely filled with dread.

As the morning progressed, he styled his hair to perfection and got ready, looking fresh and handsome in his finely made suit. Friends and family were in and out, wishing him luck and displaying various levels of excitement and trepidation on his behalf. Everybody seemed to have some kind of wisdom they wished to impart. Louis nodded politely, releasing general murmurs of assent but he hardly listened to their words.

“Nearly time to go,” Jay announced. “Let’s have a toast,” she handed out champagne flutes and poured everybody a bit of bubbly. “To Louis’ wedding day,” she beamed. “Wishing him a lifetime of love and happiness.”

“Love and happiness,” the others repeated.

Louis barely raised his glass and took the smallest possible sip.

“Ok there, lad?” Oli asked resting a hand on his shoulder.

“Too late to run?” Louis replied, only partially joking.

“There’s still time,” Oli told him seriously.

“… No, it’s my duty,” Louis sighed.

“It’s gonna be ok,” Oli assured.

“Yeah, sure,” Louis replied, not believing it.

“Time to go,” Jay said excitedly, and they headed out to the awaiting limousine. “Smile, Lou. It’s your wedding day.”

“Mm,” Louis did his best to fake a smile for her.

XXX

Unlike Louis who woke early, Harry had to be shaken awake. Bolting upright in his large bed with far too many cushions, Harry growled menacingly, fingers latching around the neck of the poor servant who had been tasked with rousing him.

“Get out of my sight or you’ll be sleeping with the fishes,” Harry threatened. Making himself comfortable, he pulled the covers back over himself, eyes closing as he returned to the pleasant dreams he’d been having.

Two more people tried to wake him. The first left with a bloodied nose, the second with a broken wrist. So his mother sent a maid in laden with a tray so the Groom could enjoy breakfast in bed. After enjoying his meal, Harry relaxed in a luxurious bubble-bath. While he was not looking forward to the wedding and the prospect of mating with Louis Tomlinson, he had to admit that he was eager to be the centre of attention and couldn’t wait for people to learn that he, Harry Styles, had turned a Tomlinson into an Omega.

Emerging from the bath, he draped himself in his silk robe and stepped into his fluffy slippers. He wandered through the mansion back to his room where two maids were waiting to help him dress. He admired himself in the mirror once dressed, very pleased with his stunning reflection.

“Tomlinson will drool at the sight of me,” Harry stated arrogantly.

The two maids began work on his hair, Harry criticising and berating them for their work before losing his temper and practically roaring at them in outrage and banishing them from the room. In the end, his mother joined him, carefully combing through his curls.

“You look like a handsome Prince,” Anne gushed.

“I think I’ll wear my hair up,” Harry decided. “I look more Alpha and domineering that way.”

“Yes, you’re quite right,” Anne agreed, and she carefully pinned her son’s hair up into an elegant bun atop his head. “It is time,” she told him, squeezing his shoulders.

They left the room, Harry offering his arm to her before they made their way downstairs where the rest of the wedding party was waiting.

“There he is, the man of the hour,” James beamed.

“You’re gonna knock that Tomlinson boy dead,” Nick said. “His hole might even slick itself up at the sight of you.”

“Remember not to be too rough when you knot him,” James said cheekily. “Go easy on the poor thing.”

“I’m not going to hurt him,” Harry rolled his eyes. “Much,” he added with a devilish grin.

“Be respectful,” Anne chided lightly. “And best behaviour, all of you,” her eyes narrowed at Nick specifically. “This day has been a long time coming and I will personally castrate anybody who dares to jeopardise this wedding.”

“Don’t worry about a thing, mother,” Harry told her. “I will make you proud today.”

“I know you will,” Anne smiled and pressed a kiss upon his cheek.

A number of fancy cars arrived to take James, Nick and Harry’s grandparents to the venue. Anne and Harry settled themselves into the horse-drawn glass carriage so as to arrive in style.

XXX

At the church, Harry and Anne walked down the aisle first. James and Nick stood at Harry’s side acting as his best men. Standing tall and proud, Harry presented a genuine smile to the guests on his side. The smile morphed into more of a smirk as he cast his eyes upon the other side of the congregation.

Then the double doors opened, and the pianist danced their fingers over the keys of the piano while the choir began to sing. Sunlight streamed into the church, and it took several seconds for Harry to be able to see properly. But at last his eyes landed upon the other Alpha who was to be his mate. He kept the smirk on his face at first, though it slowly melted away as Louis came closer. The other Alpha was shorter than he was, but nowhere near as petite as some had rumoured. He was not the effeminate and delicate creature some people had claimed.

“Join hands,” the priest instructed.

Silently, Harry and Louis joined hands. The priest began the ceremony, but Harry wasn’t listening. He was glaring hard at the man he was to marry, his lip curled into a sneer. Personally, Harry had never been one to feel insecure about his looks. He knew how blessedly attractive he was. Yet somehow, he found himself feeling vulnerable and lacking confidence under the scrutiny of Louis’ blue stare.

He was used to people blushing and stammering around him. Fawning, flirting and generally making fools of themselves as they hoped to impress him. But Louis was wearing his best poker face, looking remarkably unaffected by Harry’s height, looks and Alpha energy. Louis’ own aura was quietly confident, and commanding and Harry was ashamed to realise his fingers were trembling in the other man’s hands. For the first time, Harry began to doubt himself and whether he would ‘win’ and be the Alpha of the relationship.

Chapter Text

THREE

People had not been lying about Harry Styles, Louis realised. The younger Alpha was indeed a handsome man. His eyes were a captivating shade of green. Louis might be susceptible to getting lost in them one day. If Styles would ever stop glaring at him that is. The sneer on the younger boy’s mouth by no means disguised his beauty, though Louis was sure a natural smile upon his lips would make Styles appear quite breathtaking.

As they joined hands, Louis felt the other Alpha’s fingers quaking. Without even thinking about it, Louis stroked his thumbs across the backs of Harry’s hands in a soothing fashion. The considerate act made Harry’s mutinous stare intensify, but the tremble of his fingers ceased. Louis might find it oddly adorable. Or at least he would if the man before him wasn’t a damn Styles. He cast his gaze up and down Harry’s form, maintaining a blank expression on his face before averting his attention to the Priest.

An amused grin tugged at Louis’ lips as he genuinely felt Harry’s glare deepen. Clearly his soon-to-be husband was something of a spoiled Prince who was used to being adored rather than ignored. A low growl rumbled from Harry’s chest, loud enough to be heard by the guests in the first two rows at least. Louis wasn’t sure if the sound was intended to intimidate or entice him. Either way, Louis refused to acknowledge it, keeping a polite smile on his face as he gave the Priest his undivided attention.

A louder growl tumbled from Harry’s lips, his eyes a shade darker. Schooling his features into a bored expression, Louis settled his eyes upon him. He gave the green-eyed boy’s hands a brief comforting squeeze, one eyebrow quirking in amusement as Harry growled again.

“If anybody has any reason as to why these two should not be wed…” the Priest continued.

Several tense moments of silence passed as they waited to see if anybody would object. Louis met Oli’s eyes briefly, his friend giving him ‘the look’, silently offering to be that guy and make the objection. Louis grinned, the kind of smile that really showed off his cheekbones, but he gave his friend a subtle indication of ‘no’.

They exchanged rings, repeating the vows after the Priest. Louis’ ring finger was adorned with a simple silver band. Harry’s ring was more elaborate, a gold piece with a large emerald surrounded by delicate yet sparkling diamonds. It was truly an impressive looking jewel, though more feminine than Louis would have expected his future mate to choose. Of course, he had very little knowledge of the man he was marrying. But it was safe to assume that the taller Alpha was far more materialistic than Louis would ever be.

“I know pronounce you husbands,” the Priest announced. “When you mate, you two will share the last name of the true Alpha. But for now, may I present to you all… Harry… and Louis… you may kiss,” he permitted.

Harry scowled so Louis simply brought his hands to his mouth, dropping a kiss to his knuckles. There were a few ‘awws’ from the guests. Louis was pretty sure his mother was one of them. He was quite certain that Harry’s cheeks had pinked up a little too. He wondered how often and how easily he would be able to make his new husband blush, and just how red he could make him go.

Placing a hand to the small of Harry’s back, Louis began to guide the other Alpha out. Harry recoiled at the touch, a frown on his face, his eyebrows pinched together as he practically sulked as they walked back down the aisle. Louis at least had the good grace to nod, smile and shake hands with guests from both sides.

They stepped outside the church, Harry taking quick strides to the car that awaited to take them on to the reception venue. He stopped by the vehicle, crossing his arms over his chest and releasing an irritated huff as he tapped his foot impatiently.

“Problem, love?” Louis asked, head cocked to the side as he casually strode towards him, hands in the pockets of his smart trousers.

“Door,” Harry stated with a snap of his fingers.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I had no idea you were unable to open a car door,” Louis apologised, rushing to pull it open for him. “You must forgive me, darling, nobody informed me you were mentally challenged.”

“I loathe you,” Harry grumbled, stomping on Louis’ foot as he got into the car.

“Mutual,” Louis grimaced shaking out his aching foot before sliding into the car alongside Harry. “So… we’re really married,” he looked at the ring on his finger.

“This is the worst day of my life,” Harry complained dramatically, awkwardly twisting his own wedding ring around on his finger, as though he found it physically itchy and uncomfortable.

“Yeah, love you too, sweetheart,” Louis remarked dryly.

“Remember that when I knot you, Tomlinson,” Harry jeered. “What’s the matter, no witty comeback?” he goaded when Louis didn’t retort.

“Be serious for a minute, mate,” Louis replied. “Are the rumours true?” he asked gesturing between Harry’s legs.

“What rumours?” Harry looked clueless.

“You know… about you,” Louis said, dropping his voice to a whisper. “People say the Styles boy is tall… but small,” he held his thumb and forefinger close together.

“Who dares say that? Tell me their names, I will bury them alive,” Harry seethed, and Louis burst into laughter.

“Just kidding, lad. People don’t spread rumours about your tiny dick,” Louis chuckled.

“There is nothing tiny about my dick,” Harry snapped. “As you’ll find out when it splits you open later,” he added with a dark leer.

“You like it rough, eh, Styles?” Louis asked.

“You’ll be a hole to me, a vessel to bear my pups, nothing more,” Harry told him coldly.

“How romantic,” Louis deadpanned.

“I hate you,” Harry muttered, turning to stare out of the car window, body hunched over and angled away from Louis. He suddenly looked and sounded much younger.

“How old are you again?” Louis asked.

“Eighteen,” Harry’s tone started out smug, though it turned self-conscious during the second syllable.

“Still just a kid,” Louis murmured under his breath. “Barely out of your first rut.”

“I’m not a kid,” Harry argued. “I’m of legal age. That’s why we’re married now. And I’ve had five ruts.”

“Wow, big bad Alpha,” Louis said condescendingly.

“Shut up,” Harry responded, no real power in his voice.

“For what it’s worth… I’m sorry about all this,” Louis told him. “Being made to wed and mate isn’t fair, to either of us. I’m sure you imagined a different kind of wedding day. I know I did.”

“Whatever,” Harry droned. “Our mothers have everybody’s best interests at heart,” he stated. About the only sensible thing to have come out of Harry’s mouth since Louis had met him at the altar. “Ending the rivalry between our families will serve us all well in the long run.”

“My mum has always believed in this strategy,” Louis said. “I hope we won’t let her down.”

“Then present your ass like a good bitch and take my knot,” Harry retaliated with a wicked smirk.

“We’ll see, kid,” Louis replied.

“I’m not a kid,” Harry huffed. “How old are you anyway?”

“Twenty-two,” Louis answered, and Harry paled just a fraction. “Problem?”

“No,” Harry scoffed. “I always knew you were a bit older… didn’t realise you were that much older.”

“Four years,” Louis pointed out with a shrug. “It’s not like I’m old enough to be your sugar daddy or anything. Though you’re bratty enough to be somebody’s sugar baby.”

“Hey,” Harry glared.

“Just being honest,” Louis raised his hands in surrender.

“I’m not a brat, I just insist upon getting my own way,” Harry replied. “Usually I am successful too. Mother can rarely deny me of the things I want,” he boasted.

“You are a pampered Prince,” Louis groaned. “Being married to you is going to be insufferable.”

“Please, it’s far worse for me being married to the likes of you,” Harry said. “I’m a Styles and I have to stick my dick in the asshole of a Tomlinson,” he shuddered.

“Right, of course, because you’re the big bad Alpha with the big fat Alpha knot,” Louis replied. “I’ve got some advanced years on you, kid. You talk the talk, but I think you’re the one who’s gonna be on his hands and knees tonight.”

“I will fight you tooth and nail to be the one who knots you,” Harry stated seriously.

“I don’t doubt it,” Louis said. “Quite looking forward to the challenge to be honest. I don’t think you’re gonna just lay down and give it up to me. I suspect you’re gonna make me work for it.”

“You’ll never break me,” Harry claimed.

“No, love,” Louis reached out, teasing a loose curl that had fallen free of Harry’s bun before gliding his knuckles down the expanse of Harry’s throat, the contact making the other Alpha gasp and shiver. “As much as we hate each other at this moment, I promise that I’ll treat you good.”

“Well don’t expect the same mercy from me,” Harry huffed.

“We’re nearly there,” Louis observed looking out the car window. “How do you want to play this? Want to put on a united front, pretend we’re a happy couple, greet our guests together and dance together? Or are we just going to ignore each other and spend time with our families and friends until it’s time for the mating?”

Harry stared out the window, not bothering to respond.

“Ignore each other it is,” Louis commented.

XXX

“Congratulations, darling,” Jay beamed, pulling Louis in for a tight hug once he met her in the beautifully decorated hall of the grand hotel that was playing host to the wedding reception. “I told you the boy was handsome.”

“You’re right, he is,” Louis acknowledged.

“Are you happy, Louis?” she asked hopefully.

“This match has great potential,” he told her diplomatically.

“So proud of you,” she gushed smacking a kiss to his cheek before moving along, Louis finding himself swarmed by other guests wishing to offer their blessings.

“Commiserations, Tommo,” Stan said gravely finally getting a moment alone with him. “Today’s a sad day.”

“Yeah, well, Styles is miserable about it too, so I guess I take some comfort in that,” Louis replied.

“The kid’s tall,” Stan observed. “Got a mean look as well. He was glaring at you all through the wedding ceremony like he wanted to rip you apart, and not in a kinky sex way.”

“It’s a forced marriage, the kids allowed to be angry about it,” Louis said in his new husband’s defence. “Not like I was expecting today to be all sunshine and rainbows. But hey, we didn’t kill each other on sight so all in all it’s pretty successful.”

“How was the car ride?” Oli asked as he joined them with a fresh round of drinks, Louis eagerly accepting his. “Did you get a chance to set aside your differences?”

“Not really,” Louis admitted. “But then I didn’t expect to.”

“Any talk about the mating?” Oli whispered.

“Says he’s gonna fight tooth and nail to make sure he’s the one to knot me,” Louis answered. “Apparently there will be no mercy when he splits me open on his dick.”

“So he’s a romantic,” Stan joked. “Seriously now, do you think this marriage is gonna work?”

“It has to,” Louis sighed. “Got a lot riding on it.”

“He seems quite arrogant and up himself though,” Stan criticised.

“Probably just the pressure of the day,” Louis said. “He’s only eighteen.”

“That young, really?” Oli was surprised.

“Do you think he’s still… you know?” Stan asked.

“He’s a good-looking lad, he’s probably fucked more people than I have,” Louis rolled his eyes.

“Don’t be so sure,” Oli mused. “I think there’s something… innocent about him. Once you get past the intense glaring and the stuck-up attitude that is.”

“Who are those sleazy looking bastards with your new husband?” Stan asked nosily.

“I think they’re Harry’s version of you and Oli,” Louis said.

“Ah, well, we’re clearly the superior friend group,” Stan claimed on his and Oli’s behalf. “Definitely better looking and considerably younger. I mean they look about mid-forties. Probably older.”

“It seems a shame that he doesn’t have any friends his own age,” Oli remarked. “And I’m pretty sure that’s Nick Grimshaw on the left. No wonder your husband is such an arrogant prick if that’s the kind of people he hangs around with.”

XXX

Throughout the reception, Louis did the dutiful thing, taking time to speak with all the guests from both sides. For his part, Harry seemed to do his best to ignore everyone outside of his friend group. Though he did at least have the decency to be respectful to Jay when she stopped to say ‘hello’. Louis was sure his mother even managed to pull a genuine smile from his husband – he really did have dimples. But Louis and Harry had no proper interaction save for catching one another’s eye across the room every now and then.

Later in the evening, they were called to the dancefloor, their mothers insisting that they share a dance together. There was some good-natured cheering from their guests. So it was that Louis approached his husband, extending his hand to Harry.

“Urgh, fine,” Harry remarked under his breath. He took Louis’ hand and then marched towards the middle of the dancefloor, dragging Louis behind him. “I’ll lead,” he insisted.

The pair didn’t exactly dance gracefully together. Their moves were stiff and awkward and there was plenty of space between them to easily fit another person, perhaps two. They avoided eye-contact, Louis wincing every few steps when Harry stomped on his toes, an action the older Alpha suspected was deliberate.

“Having fun, love?” Louis asked, hoping an attempt at conversation would make the situation more tolerable.

“A little,” Harry answered before stomping on Louis’ foot again.

“I’m really gonna be spending the rest of my life with you,” Louis suddenly realised.

“Well… don’t give up hope just yet. We still might kill each other during the mating,” Harry stated.

“Funny,” Louis commented.

“I thought so,” Harry replied before stamping on Louis’ foot again.

Apparently that was as civil as things were going to get for the time-being.

XXX

Inevitably, it was time. Louis stopped to give his mother a kiss on the cheek.

“Good luck,” Jay told him. “Be kind to each other,” she advised.

“Of course,” Louis nodded with a smile.

For the sake of keeping up appearances, he bid goodnight to Anne and gave her a kiss on the cheek too.

“Welcome to the family,” Anne cupped his cheeks, and Louis just knew she fully expected him to take her son’s knot. He knew his own mother would support him whatever the outcome. He hoped for Harry’s sake his mother would not be disappointed if he didn’t emerge as the true Alpha.

Moving along, Louis stopped to make goodbyes to some of his friends. Harry seemed to be doing the same.

“Public mating!” Nick suddenly called out.

“Yeah, public mating!” James whooped.

“Public mating! Public mating!”

Though it was only Nick, James and a handful of others chanting, their combined voices were incredibly loud.

“Knot that ass, Harry!” Nick encouraged.

“Public mating! Public mating!”

“Enough!” Harry barked irritably and his friends fell silent. “The mating will be private.”

Nick looked ready to disagree but by now he had Anne and Jay glaring warningly at him so he wisely kept his mouth shut.

“The key to the mating suite,” a staff member announced.

Harry snatched the key from the man’s hand and headed out the double-doors.

“Thank you,” Louis smiled touching the staff member’s shoulder briefly before walking briskly after his husband. He caught up to the younger Alpha at the elevator, Harry jabbing his finger at the button. “That won’t make it come any quicker.” Harry kept pressing the button anyway.

At last, the doors opened, and they stepped on, standing at opposite sides of the lift as it carried them up to the top floor of the hotel. They rode in silence before stepping out and walking down the corridor to the mating suite. Harry fumbled with the key, struggling to fit it into the lock.

“You ok?” Louis asked gently.

“I’m fine,” Harry growled, his fingers trembling far too drastically to have any success with the door.

“Let me,” Louis offered, and Harry punched angrily at the door, denting the wood and scuffing his knuckles. “It’s ok,” Louis placated, cautiously stepping closer, placing his hand over Harry’s and helping him manoeuvre the key in the lock.

Harry growled again before kicking the door open and then shoving Louis through. The shock had Louis sprawled out on the floor and the other Alpha was immediately on top of him, snapping and snarling while he urged Louis to ‘submit’.

“Didn’t realise you were so eager, lad,” Louis managed to quip as he shoved the larger boy off of him, elbowing him in the ribs. Scrambling back to his feet, Louis quickly closed the door to their suite and locked it. “I’m sorry it has to happen this way, love,” Louis said. “It’s our wedding night. It should be… nice… romantic… not like this.”

“Just shut up and submit, Tomlinson,” Harry seethed at him.

Louis had to admit, the eighteen-year-old Alpha made for an intimidating figure. He was clearly full of rage and determined to win for the sake of his pride and reputation. But with more curls falling loose from his bun and framing his face, Louis thought the Styles boy looked younger and more nervous.

“You’re gonna fight me tooth and nail, right?” Louis said calmly. “Well, I’m gonna give as good as I get. Let’s try not to kill each other, yeah?”

“I’m gonna make you beg for it,” Harry retorted. “… Bitch,” he added with a sneer.

“Come on then, lad, let’s see that big fat knot,” Louis replied with a smile.

He carefully removed his own clothing while Harry hurriedly tore at his. Soon, they were both naked. Louis stood confidently while Harry appeared almost shy, not that he had anything to be self-conscious about. The younger Alpha’s body was as beautiful as his handsome face. Louis thought back to his earlier conversation with his friends and the speculation that Harry may still be a virgin. He’d dismissed the suggestion before, but looking at his young husband now, Louis could see what Oli meant. There was something ‘innocent’ about him.

“I’ll try and be gentle,” Louis offered by way of reassurance.

“I’ll make you bleed!” Harry screeched, baring his teeth and growling at him.

Louis roared back, ready to fight for the position of Alpha.

Chapter Text

FOUR

They collided in the middle of the room, grappling with each other, nails digging into one another’s flesh as they tumbled to the floor. Harry was on top for a while, pinning Louis’ wrists to the carpet, teeth bared and saliva beginning to trail down his chin, glaring at Louis like he was a piece of meat.

“Submit,” Harry demanded.

“Make me,” Louis challenged before throwing Harry off of him then jumping back to his feet, cock and balls bouncing from the sudden movement. “C’mon, love. I’m sure you’re not ready to give up yet.”

On all fours, Harry rushed towards him, sinking his teeth into Louis’ calf to yank him back down onto the floor. Louis yelped, the fresh wound stinging as he gripped the back of Harry’s head and bashed his face against the floor (not exactly gentle, but certainly not as rough as he could be). They continued to viciously wrestle, panting harshly and both earning a carpet burn or two as they dragged each other back and forth.

Despite his youth, Harry was indeed strong, probably a better fighter than Louis had been when he was that young if the older Alpha were to be completely honest with himself. The Styles boy was putting up an impressive fight and Louis was genuinely struggling against him. But of course, Louis was strong and skilled too. As he gained the upper-hand for himself, he took the time to land a spank to Harry’s exposed ass. The slap echoed around the room, Harry’s butt-cheek jiggling from the contact, the younger man releasing a splutter of indignation before fighting back against Louis with renewed energy, his movements frantic.

They were back on their feet, hitting and scratching one another, Harry twisting one of Louis’ nipples so hard the blue-eyed man genuinely worried it might be torn off. He reached between Harry’s legs, yanking out some of his pubes before shoving him hard in the chest. He took a couple of steps back, trying to get his breathing under control as he rubbed at his abused nipple.

“Submit!” Harry hollered crowding Louis against the wall with his larger frame. He backhanded Louis across the face, the large jewel of his wedding ring leaving an ugly imprint on Louis’ cheek.

“Ow, fucker,” Louis winced, momentarily seeing blind spots from the force of the hit. He clasped his hands together and landed a harsh thump into Harry’s gut. Harry rolled over, clutching at his side and kicking his foot out to bring Louis down. Harry curled into the foetal position, looking like he might hurl. “Get up, Styles,” Louis wheezed, whacking at Harry’s flank as he moved back to his feet himself.

Taking a moment to bang his fist angrily against the floor, Harry pushed himself up. Most of his hair had fallen out of his bun by now. He was panting harshly, red from anger, the glare in his eyes was still a menacing one. Harry gave a deep growl and Louis replied in kind as they circled each other.

Seemingly impatient, Harry made the first move, breaking into the space between them and throwing his fist towards Louis’ head. Ducking out of the way, Louis caught Harry around the middle and spun him, shoving him face-first up against the wall, creating a loud thud. Harry threw his head back, cracking his skull into Louis’ face and making him stagger backwards, his vision blurring again and the room spinning. They grappled some more, each of them landing a few nasty hits before Harry yanked at Louis’ legs. The older Alpha landed heavily on the floor, Harry dragging him across the carpet, the rough material scratching and burning against Louis’ bare back.

“Submit,” Harry snarled as he straddled Louis’ waist, a triumphant glint in his green eyes believing he was back in control.

“Nah,” Louis replied, his tone irritatingly casual and winding the other Alpha up, “don’t feel like it.”

“Grr!” Harry grumbled in frustration, his large hands locking around Louis’ throat, squeezing dangerously tight.

“Damn it,” Louis squeaked out, nails digging into Harry’s arm, clawing at his skin as he fought back. Harry growled louder in response to the pain but did not let up his hold on Louis’ neck. Getting desperate as he struggled for breath, black spots beginning to compromise his vision once again, Louis reached his hands up and dug the pads of his thumbs into Harry’s eyes, hard. Harry shrieked, hands immediately pulling away from Louis’ neck and throwing himself backwards away from Louis to spare his eyes the agony.

“You fight dirty,” Harry realised with an accusatory tone.

“Welcome to the Mafia, baby,” Louis gasped out, massaging his throat, focusing on the blurred image of three Harry’s until he could only see one.

“I was winning,” Harry insisted rushing back at Louis who had just about managed to get on his feet again. “I was winning,” he repeated petulantly, aiming punch after punch at Louis who just about dodged and deflected them. “Admit it and submit you asshole.”

“Alright,” Louis punched Harry square in the jaw then kicked him in the shin. “You might have been winning,” Louis relented. “But you haven’t won yet, kid. You’re fighting well though,” he complimented. “Proud of you, lad.”

“Kiss my ass,” Harry sneered.

“Soon,” Louis promised, one eyebrow lifting in amusement.

They scratched and bruised each other up some more. Harry repeatedly hissed for Louis to ‘submit’ but the older Alpha was insultingly unbothered by the younger one’s desperate demands. Harry’s hair was completely out of its bun by now, his curls falling about his shoulders in a wild disarray. Louis’ perfectly styled quiff had long been mussed up too.

“Ready to admit defeat?” Harry asked after striking Louis across the face.

Louis spat out a mouthful of blood and straightened up.

“Just getting warmed up, love,” Louis claimed, and Harry scowled before making to punch him again. Louis caught Harry’s arm and forced it halfway up the younger boy’s back, Harry grunting irritably. “You doing ok or does the pampered Prince need a break?” he teased before leaning his face in uncomfortably close and licking some blood from Harry’s cut eyebrow.

“I should just kill you,” Harry spat fighting his way out of Louis’ hold and kneeing him roughly in the groin. “Don’t worry. You’re not gonna need that anyway once I’ve sunk my knot in your slut ass.”

“What is your childhood trauma?” Louis asked with a condescending sigh as he cradled his balls.

“Getting told I was betrothed to you,” Harry retorted.

“Ha, good one,” Louis nodded his head in respect for the witty comeback before blocking another attack from Harry.

They resumed circling one another wordlessly, both quietly trying to get their breath back and evaluate a strategy to take the other down. As they paced, Louis briefly considered giving in to that urge to just kill each other rather than force a mating. It certainly held some appeal, though thankfully not enough for Louis to act on it. This whole thing was about so much more than just Louis and Harry themselves. Killing each other would be an easy way out for them but would leave unimaginable mayhem behind. The mating had to proceed.

“Submit!” Harry shouted in frustration.

The menacing look in his eyes had faded by now. Instead he looked tired and desperate, his tone pleading rather than threatening.

“Just submit,” Harry whined.

“Sorry, love,” Louis apologised, genuinely feeling a little remorseful.

He smacked Harry hard across the face, punched him in the gut and then grabbed him by the balls, his other hand locking around Harry’s throat and pinning him against the wall, his feet dangling slightly off the floor as he panicked and struggled in Louis’ grip. Seeing Harry’s eyes begin to roll back in his head, Louis released him, letting the other Alpha fall into a heap at his feet.

“You actually look quite good on your knees,” Louis said. “Alpha,” he added a touch mockingly.

Harry slowly lifted his head to scowl up at him, his fuming glare positively murderous. The look sent a chill up Louis’ spine. He was sure plenty of others had died after being on the receiving end of that particular stare. But he wasn’t going to allow himself to become one of them. He kicked Harry hard in the chest and grabbed a fistful of his tangled curls. He dragged the younger Alpha across the room towards the bed, Harry going frantic as he kicked and screamed before Louis threw him down atop the pristine sheets.

“No,” Harry panicked, scrambling to get up but Louis was already on top of him. “Get off… GET OFF!” Harry yelled.

“Sorry it has to be this way, love,” Louis told him. He flipped a still struggling Harry onto his front, pressing his knee into his back to keep him trapped as he dug a set of handcuffs out of the bedside drawer. “But we both knew this mating was going to be a mess,” he cuffed Harry’s hands behind his back, the click of the metal locking into place sounding ominously loud. “I know you hate me right now,” he massaged the younger boy’s shoulders lightly, Harry recoiling at the touch. “And I know every Alpha instinct inside of you is screaming for you to fight this. But try and relax. It’ll be easier on your body if you accept me as your Alpha and let this happen. Think you can do that, love?”

“Go to Hell,” Harry said, his tone ice-cold and making Louis’ insides churn with guilt.

His body was trembling, and Louis could hear in his voice that he was on the verge of crying. The younger Alpha was clearly scared, still making a futile effort to get away even though he must realise it was a useless endeavour. Reaching his hand out, Louis brushed the mess of curls away from Harry’s face. The tears had started, already making their way down Harry’s blotchy face. Fuck, he was so young. And he looked so ashamed of himself, so defeated. Louis almost wanted to let him up.

“It’s gonna be ok, love,” Louis spoke softly, hoping to offer some reassurance. He gently brushed some of the tears away, Harry twisting his head to bite savagely at his fingers. “Fuck,” Louis winced yanking his hand back.

“I hate you,” Harry sobbed.

“I know,” Louis sighed stretching back to the nightstand to grab the fresh bottle of lube that had been supplied. He pulled one of Harry’s ass-cheeks to the side, exposing his dusky pink hole. Harry shuddered with humiliation at the revealing display, more tears streaming from his eyes and his body trembling with greater intensity. “I’ll go slow,” Louis promised in a whisper looking down at that virginal dry hole.

“Just get it over with,” Harry pleaded, burying his face into the comforter, possibly trying to suffocate himself in the sheets.

Popping the cap on the bottle, Louis poured a quarter of the contents over Harry’s ass-crack. He worked his thumb through the goo, smearing the lube all over his young husband’s opening. He took his time, gently probing one finger into Harry’s untouched hole. Despite the liberal amount of lube, the younger Alpha’s body resisted the intrusion, naturally fighting to keep Louis out.

“Try and relax,” Louis advised, sinking his finger into the first knuckle.

“Stop, please stop,” Harry begged. “It won’t work. My body can’t take it.”

The boy sounded hysterical, still trying to squirm away from Louis’ touch which wasn’t making the situation any easier. Pushing his finger in up to the second knuckle, Louis was genuinely beginning to worry that it really wouldn’t work. If Harry’s body was struggling so much with just a finger, how could the poor boy be expected to take Louis’ knot?

“I’m not an Omega… I’M NOT AN OMEGA!” Harry cried out.

“Calm down, calm down, love,” Louis soothed.

He withdrew his finger, Harry whimpering with relief, his tiny hole closing right back up.

“This might help,” Louis suggested as he settled himself between Harry’s legs and pried his cheeks apart.

Harry gasped as Louis’ tongue flicked over his opening. In Louis’ experience, rimming had always helped Omegas and Betas to relax. Omegas of course had the added advantage of producing their own slick, but nervous Omegas could run a little dry and rimming was a great way to get them leaking. The Betas Louis had been with seemed to thoroughly enjoy the act too, always being more relaxed and pliant afterwards, their bodies accepting the probe and stretch much easier. Of course, no Beta was as tight as an unwilling Alpha.

“Please,” Harry sobbed. “I don’t want this… Just submit to me… I should be the Alpha… I can’t be an Omega. I can’t do it.”

“You can, lad. You’re strong enough for this,” Louis said supportively.

“I’m not… I’m not,” Harry disagreed. “We can pretend we mated… we don’t have to do it for real… nobody has to know.”

“They’d know, love,” Louis pointed out. “I know this isn’t easy for you. But it’s gonna be ok. Let’s loosen you up some more,” he dipped his tongue back into Harry’s rim.

“I can’t… please, I can’t,” Harry sniffled.

Rubbing his calves soothingly, Louis licked deeper, trying to get his husband as wet as possible with his saliva and hoping the stimulation of the rimming would help his body to relax. Harry was still crying when Louis pulled his mouth away from his hole. Snatching the bottle of lube back up, Louis poured another quarter of the contents over Harry’s opening. He pressed his finger between the younger Alpha’s butt-cheeks, carefully digging into him.

“Fuck, you’re tight,” Louis swore. Somehow, his husband seemed even tighter than he had been before.

“Can’t do it… can’t do it,” Harry sniffled.

“Sorry, love,” Louis apologised before forcing a second finger in. The resulting scream from Harry suggested the stretch was far from pleasant.

Realistically, Louis had known the forced mating would be a difficult process, that the experience would be painful for whichever one of them would become the Omega. He hadn’t really given much thought to how devastating it would feel to be the one inflicting that pain though. Not so long ago, he would have sworn to anyone who would listen that he hated Styles. But seeing the state the boy was in now, listening to him cry and plead, Louis couldn’t find it in his heart to hold on to that hatred.

“I’m sorry,” Louis said as he pushed in a third finger, Harry screeching and wailing. “You’re not loosening up at all.”

“Please,” Harry choked out. “Just let me go.”

“Harry,” Louis sighed, the first time he had spoken his husband’s name.

“I can’t do it… hurts too much,” Harry pleaded.

“I know it hurts… I’m sorry,” Louis told him. “I wish I could take the pain away. But you know we have to do this.”

As he continued gently pumping his three fingers inside of Harry, Louis was sad and horrified to realise that he could feel his husband’s hole getting wetter. Though not from slick. That wasn’t possible, not when his body hadn’t gone through the change yet. No. Harry’s hole was wet with his own blood. Just the fingering, gentle and careful as it was, was enough to make Harry bleed.

“It’ll be over soon, just keep being brave for me,” Louis said kindly.

“I’m not brave,” Harry whimpered.

“You are,” Louis insisted, keeping his fingers lodged in Harry’s ass while he squeezed what remained of the lube over his cock to slick himself up. “You’re making me really proud.”

Withdrawing his fingers, Louis gulped as he spied the blood. Trying to swallow down his guilt, he wiped his bloodied fingers on the bedsheets as he lined his cock up at Harry’s entrance. He was sure he could see the boy’s hole already closing back up. Fuck. There was no way to do this without seriously hurting him.

“Here,” he braced his arm in front of Harry. “Bite down,” he advised.

Harry immediately sunk his teeth into Louis’ forearm, screaming into his skin as Louis pushed his cock in, forcing Harry’s unwilling body to accept the unwanted intrusion.

“It’s ok… it’s ok, it’s ok, it’s ok,” Louis told him, hoping that at least one of them would believe it.

As Louis gently rocked his hips, Harry sobbed, screamed and wailed, eventually pulling away from biting at Louis’ arm and crying with his face buried in the bedding instead. Louis softly shushed him, dropping delicate kisses across his back and shoulders. Pulling back just a bit, he unlocked the cuffs, tossing them aside so Harry’s hands were free.

Harry didn’t try to fight. Just moved his hands up, digging his fingers into the pillow that he was screaming in to. He seemed so small, so young and fragile. Hardly recognisable from the arrogant little knot-head Louis had met at the church altar. He was bruised and bloody, looking utterly defeated. And Louis had done that.

“I’m so sorry, love,” Louis thrust back and forth as slowly as he could manage. “Nearly over,” he said encouragingly.

Buried balls-deep in Harry’s battered body, Louis gave a meaningful lick up the column of Harry’s throat.

“Submit,” Louis requested gently.

With a sob, Harry bared his throat and Louis sunk his teeth into the vulnerable flesh. As he did so, he pressed ever deeper into Harry’s tight hole, his knot popping through the ring of muscle, stretching Harry painfully and causing fresh tears and new screams.

“Calm down, calm down, love,” Louis soothed as he rolled them onto their sides, his knot nestled firm in Harry’s sore ass. “You did so well, Harry. You’re my good boy.”

“I hate you,” Harry whimpered brokenly.

As soon as Louis’ knot went down, he eased out of Harry’s body, swallowing thickly as he glanced down and saw the blood covering the backs of Harry’s thighs.

“Try and relax. I’ll get you cleaned up,” Louis got up from the bed, finding a fresh flannel.

“Don’t fucking touch me,” Harry complained, shying away from Louis’ touch as though he’d been burned.

“Sorry. I’m just trying to help,” Louis said.

“Don’t want your help… I can do it myself,” Harry insisted.

“Ok, love,” Louis handed him the flannel. “I’m here if you need me.”

“Don’t need you,” Harry remarked sourly. “Ow, fuck,” he winced as he tried to clean up the mess of his no longer virginal asshole.

“Harry, come on, lad, you’re making it worse,” Louis pointed out. “Just let me help you. Please.”

It took a lot of coaxing, but Harry finally relented and accepted Louis’ help. He refused to accept the Alpha’s affection though. Harry curled up on one side of the bed, arms cradled around himself, his back to Louis.

“Oh fuck,” Harry whined at least an hour later.

“Something wrong?” Louis asked.

“The change… it’s starting,” Harry gritted his teeth. “I can feel it… oh god.”

“Is it really as bad as people say?” Louis asked sympathetically.

“It hurts,” Harry admitted moving onto his back and reaching his hand out to Louis.

“It’s ok, I’m here,” Louis assured him.

“You fucking asshole,” Harry bit at Louis’ arm as a fresh wave of agony rolled over him.

“What’s going on, talk to me?” Louis brushed a hand through Harry’s tangle of curls.

“I’m losing my knot,” Harry glared at him.

Curiously, Louis glanced down between Harry’s legs. Sure enough, the younger Alpha’s anatomy was beginning to transform before their eyes, and it looked red, itchy, swollen and extremely painful.

“You’re ok, it’s all gonna be ok,” Louis said. “I’m right here with you.”

“Ah fuck,” Harry swore biting down on Louis’ shoulder as he endured another bout of intense pain.

It was without doubt the longest night of both their lives and come morning, Harry’s body was still changing. Not fully Omega yet, but definitely not the Alpha he had been.

Chapter Text

FIVE

Harry was curled up in the hotel bed. He was doing his best not to show how much pain he was in, but he couldn’t prevent the occasional whimper. He hadn’t really slept during the night. He hadn’t been able to, not when the pain was so great. His body was sore all over. He was covered in scrapes and bruises from the fight with Louis. There was the pain that lingered in his asshole from the mating itself. And of course there was the intense burning and itching all over his body as he slowly and painfully went through the change.

Aside from the loss of his knot, there wasn’t much in the way of physical changes. Not externally at least, though his nipples definitely felt more sensitive than he could ever remember them being. Much of the change was happening internally. He could feel things shifting around inside of him, his body redesigning itself for the purposes of child-bearing. At times, the pain was so severe he believed he may die. There were even times when he wished he would. The rest of the time, the pain was tolerable. Still awful, but tolerable.

“Here, try and drink some water,” Louis encouraged him gently.

Not having the energy to glare at his husband, Harry let himself be manoeuvred into a sitting position. He took a few gulps of some much-needed water before dissolving into a painful coughing fit, the other Alpha patting him on the back. No, not the ‘other Alpha’, Harry thought miserably. Not anymore. Louis was an Alpha. Harry… was not.

“You’re doing good,” Louis told him. “Through the worst of it now.”

Harry made a mental note to glare and bitch at him later. For now, he dropped his pounding head back onto the pillow, trying his best to breathe through the pain. Eyes closed, he thought back to their fight, replaying it all in his mind. He imagined different things he could have done, different ways he could have defeated Louis and emerged the triumphant victor of the Mating. He pretended that he was the true Alpha, that Louis had been forced to scream, cry, beg and bleed while taking his knot.

Then his mind was assaulted with memories of what had really transpired. It had been him shoved down onto the bed, his hands cuffed uselessly behind his back. His hole had been violated. Blood had seeped down the backs of his thighs while tears dripped down his cheeks, scream after scream ripping from his throat as he was trapped under Louis, feeling helpless, weak and a little claustrophobic.

“Fucking hate you,” Harry seethed. He reached out for Louis’ arm, biting into the older man’s skin again and screaming through another intense bout of agony.

“It’s ok, it’s ok,” Louis told him. “Breathe through it, lad. You’re doing good.”

Harry bit the Alpha’s arm harder, irritated and offended when Louis didn’t wail in pain or try to pull away.

“Wanna be alone,” Harry grumbled, when the burning feeling settled back down to an itching sensation.

“Not leaving you, love,” Louis replied calmly. “Your Omega needs me near.”

“I’m not an O-” Harry made to object before stopping himself. Another brutal reminder.

“I know it’s a lot to handle, mentally and physically,” Louis said. “I’m sorry this is how things are. But you’re not alone in this, I’m here for you.”

“Just shut up,” Harry complained, covering his ears.

“Alright,” Louis whispered tucking the covers more securely around them both. “Get some rest,” he advised setting one hand gently over Harry’s hip.

Harry instantly slapped the Alpha’s hand away. He immediately missed the comforting touch too but wasn’t prepared to admit it. Slowly, and feigning sleep, Harry gradually inched closer and closer to Louis’ warm body. His back ended up pressed against Louis’ front, the Alpha’s hand settling on Harry’s hip again. This time, Harry didn’t reject the touch, but he promised himself he would deny that it ever happened if Louis dared to mention it at any point.

“Fuck,” Harry swore more than an hour later as the burning feeling became more intense. He pulled away from Louis’ body, finding the Alpha’s close proximity to be too hot. He was panting and sweating, his vision blurry as he reached out for more water.

“I’ve got you,” Louis said softly, and Harry was relieved to feel the cool liquid sliding down his throat.

“Can’t… do this,” Harry said groggily. “Not Omega… Alpha… I’m the Alpha… my knot…” he whined.

In his head, they were fighting again. He had Louis on the floor. He was begging and pleading as he tried to get away, but Harry was too strong for him, easily pinning him down. Louis whimpered and bared his neck, spreading his legs wantonly as he accepted his fate as Harry Styles’ Omega Bitch. Harry stood proudly, leading Louis behind him as he bragged to his cheering friends about how he had so easily won the fight and proved himself the true Alpha.

He slipped in and out of consciousness for a while, feeling rather feverish. The next time he was able to fully open his eyes, he found Louis perched over him, a concerned expression on his face as he held a cool flannel to his sweaty forehead.

“How you feeling, lad?” Louis asked.

Harry’s tongue felt too big for his mouth, his limbs too heavy to move. He mumbled something unintelligible, probably an insult or declaration of hatred, before letting his eyes fall shut again.

They were fighting once more. Bruising each other up, breaking bones and drawing blood. A sassy insult here, a witty retort there. Hands on throats. Eyes glaring. Teeth bared. But it was Harry sinking to his knees, feeling small, oh so small as Louis loomed menacingly above him.

“Please… stop,” Harry whimpered, moving fitfully in his very disturbed sleep.

He was face-down on the bed, hands restrained behind his back. Louis was on top of him. The walls were closing in, the room getting smaller and smaller, spinning faster and faster. Harry couldn’t fight, couldn’t move, could hardly breathe. He was suffocating under Louis’ weight, panicking as he felt the first finger. It hurt too much. He couldn’t handle it. His body wasn’t made for it, he was too tight, it wasn’t going to work. He’d never felt pain like it. Never experienced shame such as this. The Alpha was tearing apart his insides. He was bleeding. He was crying, broken and bleeding. And Louis would not stop.

“You hurt me,” Harry said tiredly as Louis continued to mop his brow.

“I know,” Louis sighed. “I’m sorry.”

Harry wouldn’t have been sorry. He wouldn’t have tried to be gentle either. He’d have hurt Louis far worse and then bragged about it for all to hear. He’d have left him by himself in the mating room afterwards, leaving Louis to suffer through the transition, scared and alone. Probably. Maybe? Or would his heart have softened seeing Louis so helpless? They’d never know now how sweet or awful Harry might have been if the situation was reversed.

“’M a monster,” Harry slurred, suspecting his behaviour would have been abhorrent had he won.

“Being an Omega doesn’t make you a monster, love,” Louis assured him.

If Harry wasn’t experiencing another jolt of stabbing pain through his entire body, he might have laughed at Louis’ misunderstanding. As it was, he whimpered and whined instead, not fighting when Louis pulled him into an embrace, gently shushing him as he promised it would all be ok.

After passing out briefly, Harry woke up to find Louis missing. He panicked, heart and stomach clenching, desperate to have his Alpha nearby. A needy whine escaped his throat and tears pricked at his eyes.

“It’s alright, I’m here,” Louis rushed towards him from the adjoining bathroom. “Not leaving you,” he cupped Harry’s face and Harry nuzzled his husband’s palm. “C’mon, I’ve got a bath ready.”

Another needy whine sounded from Harry’s lips. Muttering sweet nothing’s, Louis scooped Harry up bridal style and carried him to the adjoining bathroom. The Alpha carefully situated them in the large tub together, the hot bubbly water spreading a calmness over Harry’s whole being. Eyes fluttering shut, he leaned back against Louis’ strong chest. There was a pleasant aroma from the bath bubbles and the scented candles. But Louis himself was suddenly smelling very appealing. Harry twisted his face towards him, not even bothering to be discreet as he inhaled, committing that scent to memory. Peppermint and tobacco.

“Talk to me, Haz, how are you feeling?” Louis asked.

Harry wrinkled his nose at the nickname, unsure if he liked it or not. Then he tried to answer the question, but he’d already forgotten what Louis has said. So he breathed in the Alpha’s scent some more. Tobacco and peppermint.

“I know you hate me,” Louis said in a gentle and understanding tone. The developing Omega inside of Harry wanted to scream in protest, but he didn’t have the energy to cry out, and the human part of Harry wasn’t yet ready to make nice. But breathing in the older man’s scent, the skin-on-skin contact, that was all soothing the new Omega part of Harry. “And I know that I hurt you. But I promise, love, I’m going to take such good care of you.”

Something that sounded suspiciously like a purr reverberated in Harry’s chest. Relaxing in the water, resting against Louis’ torso, Harry realised that he felt safe. Safe in the arm’s of his greatest enemy. What a peculiar feeling.

“Would have… would have tortured you,” Harry murmured. An admission, an apology? He wasn’t too sure. “Bad Alpha… so bad.”

They washed up and Louis carefully towelled Harry dry. It hurt a little. Harry was still sore in intimate places. Once they were both in fresh underpants and joggers, Louis sat Harry down and plugged in the hair-dryer, working it over the long curls.

Preening under the attention, Harry found himself drifting again. They were back at the church. His mother was walking him down the altar, Louis waiting for him at the other end. Eyes blue, so blue. He hadn’t realised it at the time, but that was the moment he met his Alpha. That was the moment Harry was ruined.

“…Ruined,” Harry mumbled as Louis brushed out his hair. “I’m ruined.”

“You could never be ruined, Harry. Trust me, you’re perfect,” Louis pressed a kiss to his cheek.

XXX

The pain was significantly less now. Though there were still some severe stomach cramps every twenty minutes or so. And there was still an ache in his anus and lower back as a result of the Mating. But drowsiness seemed to be the key player now. Harry could hardly keep his eyes open. Somebody had been in to change the bedsheets while they were bathing. The covers felt so silky and the mattress so soft in a way Harry hadn’t noticed during his fitful sleep the night before.

Then there was Louis. Strong and warm beside him. Harry cosied up to him, taking comfort in the peppermint scent and cuddling Louis like he was a giant teddy-bear. It seemed he was going through a bit of a clingy phase of the transition process. He purred in contentment every now and then, feeling like he never wanted to leave the safety of the Alpha’s arms.

Another stomach cramp hit, Harry whimpering against his husband. Louis’ hands rubbed up and down his back affectionately, whispering soothing words to him. Harry settled almost immediately, feeling delightfully peaceful as he slept against his Alpha.

XXX

His stomach cramped again. Though this time, Harry suspected it was a whine of hunger rather than part of his transition. Sitting up, he was surprised to find that the room was dark. Louis had left the bed. The Alpha was perched on the window ledge, a cigarette in hand as a cloud of smoke escaped his lips. Harry was pretty sure there were rules against smoking in the Hotel, but he made no mention of it, not particularly wanting to have Louis’ attention on him.

“’M hungry,” Harry grumbled.

Louis looked over in surprise before stubbing out his cigarette and dropping it out the window.

“You’re awake,” he stated the obvious and Harry suppressed an eye-roll. “Was starting to get a bit worried.”

“Just… make yourself useful and bring me some food,” Harry requested grumpily.

“Of course, your highness,” Louis remarked sarcastically.

“Please,” Harry huffed, his stomach growling loudly.

“What are you in the mood for?” Louis asked crossing to the menu provided so they could place an order with room service. “Sandwiches… pizza… sushi… fruit platter…”

“Sandwiches,” Harry requested. “And the fruit platter. But no raspberries.”

Louis ordered a selection of different sandwiches with various fillings as well as the fruit platter. He also asked for some pizza for himself.

“How’s the pain?” Louis asked. He was sitting at the window again, munching on his pizza.

Harry had moved to sit on the sofa, a blanket draped around his shoulders as he tasted a few sandwiches.

“I’m still sore from… the fight,” Harry answered. It felt less shameful to say ‘fight’ than ‘mating’. “But the burning, itching and cramps have all gone. I don’t think I’m feverish anymore and I’m not tired.”

“Feel like an Omega yet?” Louis asked. Harry glared slightly, even though his husband’s tone had not been teasing.

“I feel… different,” Harry acknowledged sadly.

“Still hate me?” Louis gave an uneasy laugh, trying to lighten the mood.

“I’ll always hate you,” Harry responded.

The next bite of sandwich did not taste good. A twisting sensation tangled around Harry’s belly. His eyes stung a little and it felt like there was something swelling up in his throat. Keeping his head down and not looking at the Alpha, Harry scurried to the bathroom. He locked the door and clamped a hand over his mouth, trying to muffle the anguished cries that soon escaped him.

“Harry?” Louis was knocking gently on the door. “Harry, is everything ok, love? Tell me what’s wrong, lad.”

“Damn it, Tomlinson… just let me have some fucking privacy,” Harry complained.

He braced his hands on the sink then looked at himself in the mirror. He promptly burst into tears, his entire body wracking with heaving sobs. Rationally, he knew he was just oversensitive from all the new hormones. It was natural for his mood to be a bit all over the place. Still, it felt awkward and embarrassing as hell to be locked in a bathroom crying like a toddler while his new husband stood on the other side of the door.

Turning on the tap, he splashed some water over his face, dried off with a towel and blew his nose. Glancing in the mirror again, he wiped at his eyes. His face was unchanged. He still looked like himself. But he didn’t feel like himself. The Alpha he had been was gone. He dissolved into a fresh wave of tears.

“Harry, c’mon, you’re freaking me out,” Louis banged more urgently on the door.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Harry retorted hotly as he wrenched the door open, Louis nearly falling down face-first. “Is my body’s slow and painful change from Alpha to Omega starting to take its toll on you?”

“There’s the angry pissed-off husband I know and love,” Louis remarked dryly. “No more cuddles?” he asked.

“Screw you,” Harry shouldered him on the way out of the bathroom. He dropped back down onto the sofa and managed a few more bites of sandwich. Another stream of tears came as he peeled the skin off a banana.

“What’s the matter?” Louis asked, patiently. “Why are you crying?”

“I don’t know,” Harry sobbed throwing the banana down onto the tray and turning to hide his crying eyes.

“Don’t worry,” Louis joined Harry on the couch. “It’s just the new hormones.”

“I know it’s the new hormones, I’m not stupid!” Harry shouted before attacking Louis with a sofa cushion.

“Whoa… calm down… hey… ow… shit, Harry,” Louis blocked and dodged the attacks before wrenching the cushion out of Harry’s grip. “Calm down, love,” he said gently cupping Harry’s jaw in one hand, petting his curls with the other.

“Stop it,” Harry whined, even as he leaned into the comforting touch.

“Sorry, lad,” Louis said. “How about watching a movie or something?” he suggested gesturing to the sizeable TV.

“Fine,” Harry agreed. He knew he was unlikely to fall asleep anytime soon due to snoozing through most of the day. He certainly wasn’t ready to face the outside world yet. And watching a movie seemed more appealing than having to actually talk to Louis.

“Classic comedy, that should cheer you up,” Louis decided.

It wasn’t an emotional film. There were no tear-jerking moments. But Harry still ended up bawling like a baby. Clearly the oversensitive weeping stage wasn’t over just yet.

XXX

Approaching midnight, Louis was leaning out the hotel window for another smoke. Finally out of his crying phase, Harry took some time for himself in the bathroom. He stripped off and faced the full-length mirror.

Some of the scratches had already healed up. The rest were at least beginning to look better, less angry. As for all the bruises (and there were a lot of bruises) they were looking worse. Harry sighed as his eyes moved over all the abrasions marring his skin. The rings of bruising around his wrists were from the handcuffs. He couldn’t really remember exactly how Louis gave him the others. Aside from the bite at his neck of course.

He turned his head, gently running a finger over that claiming bite on his throat. An odd thrill sparked through him. The touch gave him an echo of pain as he had expected. It also served a spike of arousal that he had not anticipated.

Glancing down at his chest, he tried to decide if his nipples were darker or not. They definitely felt more sensitive, and Harry thought they looked different in some kind of way, but he wasn’t fully sure. Perhaps he was just imagining it. He cupped them in his hands then gave a light pinch.

“Ouch,” he gasped before roaming his eyes further down his body.

He placed his hands to his hips. Again, he wasn’t sure if his hips were just a little more curvy, or if it was his mind playing tricks on him.

Looking between his legs, the difference there was clear. He knew he wasn’t imagining the absence of his knot. That part of his anatomy was well and truly gone. But at least he wasn’t itchy, red and swollen down there like he had been when the change begun.

Inspecting his genitals from all angles, Harry was satisfied that he still boasted an impressive length and girth. His balls were a nice and reasonable size too. His dick certainly wasn’t anything to be embarrassed about, even if he couldn’t pop a knot anymore.

Turning around, he looked at himself over the shoulder, gazing at his bum. He was sure it looked the same. Bringing his hands down, he parted his ass-cheeks, craning his neck to get a look at his asshole.

“Ah,” he hissed, feeling a slight sting as he exposed himself.

It was difficult to see properly. He couldn’t tell if he was sore or swollen there or not. And he wasn’t prepared to ask Louis to check for him. Facing his reflection again, he stared at his cock some more, trying to get used to it all. Thankfully, it wasn’t wildly different. Noticeable, sure. But nothing drastic. He wasn’t left with some tiny little cock and no balls – rumours he had heard about Alpha’s who went through the change.

After getting redressed and stepping back into the bedroom, Harry caught eyes with Louis who was just climbing down from the window after finishing his cigarette. Meeting Louis’ blue gaze made his stomach swoop, but in a pleasant way. A tingling sensation danced up his spine, his cheeks began to pink, his nipples hardened, and his dick gave a faint little twitch.

“Alright?” Louis asked.

“Tired,” Harry lied.

Silently, he moved towards the bed.

“Don’t look at me,” he ordered when he changed into some sleep clothes.

“Not looking,” Louis promised.

Harry looked over his shoulder to check, ready to scold him and throw something at him for being a pervert. But true to his word, Louis wasn’t looking. A pleasant swooping sensation skipped through Harry’s stomach again.

“Want some company?” Louis offered.

“Fuck off,” Harry responded. “I’m still bruised and achy… You can sleep on the couch.”

“Charming,” Louis commented. “Oof,” he grunted when Harry threw a pillow at him. “Wow, I even get to have a pillow. Lucky me.”

“Don’t say I never do anything for you,” Harry said.

“Alright. Sweet dreams then, pookie,” Louis replied.

“Call me that again and I will kill you,” Harry threatened.

“I’ll stick to ‘love’ shall I?” Louis asked. “Goodnight then, love,” he said gently a few minutes later when Harry failed to give a response.

XXX

The following morning, Harry woke up sticky and wet. He knew what that meant. He was an Omega now. His scent had probably changed by now too. Everyone would know it. He wouldn’t even be able to lie and claim he was the Alpha, and that Louis was his Omega. They would all know immediately that he was the one to have gone through the change.

He wasn’t looking forward to having that conversation with his mother or making that announcement to his friends. He didn’t want to be an Omega. He didn’t want to be Louis’ husband. He didn’t want to be known as Harry ‘Tomlinson’. And most of all he was dreading his first heat.

Chapter Text

SIX

They showered separately. Louis went first, cleaning himself up in a quick ten minutes. Then he emerged from the bathroom, a tiny mint-green towel wrapped around his waist, resting low on his hips. His hair was still damp, water droplets slowly trickling down his golden skin. He held back a smirk as he caught Harry ogling him, the new Omega promptly blushing and forcing his gaze away.

“See something you like, love?” Louis couldn’t help but tease.

“Yeah, something I’d like to punch in the face,” Harry muttered, and Louis laughed, making his younger husband glare.

“You’re cute,” Louis said, and Harry looked outraged.

“How dare you?” Harry remarked as though Louis had shot a beloved puppy in front of him rather than simply telling him he was ‘cute’.

“Don’t get me wrong,” Louis continued. “You’re also an egotistical entitled little brat in need of a good spanking but… there’s something adorable about what a menace you are.”

Harry scowled in retaliation but seemed not to have a verbal retort immediately available. Louis could practically see the boy’s mind whirring, trying to form a scathing response. Before he could speak, Louis silenced him in a whole new way when he gracefully dropped the mint-green towel, showing off his nudity without a trace of embarrassment.

A very flustered Harry struggled to keep his eyes off of Louis’ manhood, those pretty green eyes of his just kept on travelling back to Louis’ cock and balls. Louis couldn’t hold back a smirk this time, but he did refrain from any verbal teasing. In no great hurry, Louis moved around the hotel room, bending over unnecessarily to show off his ass before laying out some clothes on the bed. He pulled on a pair of socks and then a t-shirt before crossing to the window and lighting up a cigarette, still naked from the waist to his ankles.

“Will you just put that thing away?” Harry huffed.

“What thing?” Louis asked with a dirty amused grin.

Not answering with words, Harry snatched up Louis’ boxers and threw them at him. It was quite a vicious throw too, so Louis was lucky it was only underpants and not something heavy that could cause damage.

“I’m going for a shower,” Harry announced. “Don’t come in and perve at me,” he warned.

“You’re the one who’s been staring at my dick,” Louis retaliated with a smug grin.

“Fuck you,” Harry swore, eyes settling on Louis’ cock again before he disappeared into the bathroom, the sound of the Alpha’s soft chuckle following him. “Fucking asshole,” Harry swore as he locked the door.

Stripping off his clothing, he studied himself in the reflection of the mirror again. He sighed sadly looking at his knotless cock. It didn’t help that Louis had been waving his big Alpha knot around in the main room. The asshole Alpha was probably doing it on purpose to torment him, reminding him what he no longer had, Harry thought sullenly.

Climbing into the shower stall, Harry turned it on, holding his hand out under the spray of water until it warmed up to his liking. Stepping under the stream, he tipped his head back and dragged his hands through his curls before shaking the water away from his face. Looking down, he watched the water circle the drain, quietly hating his life and resenting his marriage. He glared at the wedding ring on his finger, wanting to rip it off and launch it far, far away never to be seen again. But freeing his finger of the ring would not free him from the marriage, and nothing in the world could undo what had been done to him. He was an Alpha who had been forcibly turned into an Omega, and there was no turning back to his original Alpha state.

Soon, they would be leaving the hotel. They had plans to meet with both their mothers for brunch at a restaurant nearby. His mother would soon learn that he was now an Omega. Harry worried she would be disappointed that he was the one to go through the change, and not Louis as they had so confidently assumed. His father would certainly be ashamed of him, were he still alive.

He reached for the hotel provided shampoo, working it into his hair and massaging his scalp as the water beat down upon him. As he moved on to condition his mane of curls, he felt something on the back of his thigh. He panicked for a few moments, worrying his hole was releasing slick and that a heat might be upon him already. Reaching a hand back, he scooped up the substance onto his finger and looked at it warily. Then he poked his tongue out to taste it, promptly spitting at the strong and horrid flavour.

“Ew, yuck,” he spat before tossing his head back and catching shower water in his mouth to get rid of the taste. Much to his relief, it was not slick or an impending heat. It was just some conditioner.

Taking his time to enjoy the relaxing spray of the shower and how it soothed his aching muscles, Harry lathered himself with the shower gel several times before finally shutting the water off and stepping out. He bundled his wet hair into a mint-green towel before carefully drying his body off with a dark emerald one and wrapping it securely around himself before returning to the main room.

To his relief, Louis was now fully dressed, no longer waving that stupid knot of his around. Harry clenched the towel tighter to his body as he padded barefooted towards the bed, feeling the Alpha’s eyes on him all the way.

“I know I’m more gorgeous than anybody you’ve ever seen in your entire pitiful existence, but quit staring at me, you creep,” Harry said.

“You’re definitely the prettiest Omega I’ve ever seen,” Louis responded, and Harry gave him the most intense murderous stare he could muster. “Sorry, low-blow,” Louis acknowledged. “Couldn’t resist.”

Having no retort, Harry simply focused on getting dressed, doing his best to shield his body from Louis’ gaze. Though every time he looked over his shoulder, Louis’ eyes were focused on the television, politely granting him his privacy. Once dressed, Harry plugged in the hair-dryer and got to work on his hair, hoping that the noise was disturbing his husband. Then he brushed through his dry curls, opting to leave his hair down, so it was easier to hide his face.

“I’m ready when you are,” Harry declared.

“Alright,” Louis turned the T.V off and moved about packing up his things. “Aren’t you gonna pack?”

“You’re the Alpha, you take care of it,” Harry replied.

With a roll of his eyes, Louis did so, carelessly tossing Harry’s things into his stupidly expensive designer suitcase.

“Come on then, lad,” Louis beckoned as he gathered both their bags.

They left the Mating room and Harry walked a few paces behind Louis, following him to the elevator. It felt strange being out of the hotel room and Harry wasn’t sure he liked it. Not that he’d particularly enjoyed his time spent in the Mating room either. But at least in those walls, it was only Louis who knew that he had lost the fight. Now they had left the room, it was only a matter of time before everybody found out that Louis was the true Alpha and that he, Harry, was the Omega.

Stepping out of the grand doors of the hotel, a limousine was already awaiting them, the driver stepping out to take the bags from Louis and place them in the boot. Harry supposed his husband had organised the transport while he was enjoying his prolonged shower.

“After you, Mr. Tomlinson,” Louis said holding the car door open for him.

“Urgh, don’t call me that,” Harry complained as he carefully slid in.

“How are you feeling?” Louis asked gently as they were driven towards the restaurant.

“How do you think?” Harry glowered.

“Are you excited to see your mum at least?” Louis replied and Harry gave no answer, turning to stare out the window and act as though Louis wasn’t there. “This was always a possible outcome,” the Alpha reasoned. “Your mother is a smart woman, she must have been prepared for this. She might be a little surprised to be confronted with the reality of it all, but I’m sure she’ll still love and support you. This deal, this marriage, it was never about who would be the Alpha and who would be the Omega. It’s about ending the feud between our families and uniting us together.”

“Everyone expected me to the true Alpha,” Harry stated, choosing to carry on staring forlornly out the window rather than look at Louis. “Nobody for a second considered I would come out as the Omega. I don’t know how the people in my life are going to respond to this… I don’t know if my mum will accept me this way,” he admitted in a whisper.

“She will, love, of course she will,” Louis insisted.

“You don’t know that,” Harry took to examining his fingernails, glaring slightly at the wedding ring on his finger.

“Well… I suppose I don’t know for sure,” Louis said. “But if your mother’s anything like mine then she’ll love you no matter what.”

“And if she doesn’t?” Harry asked.

“Then it’s her loss,” Louis stated. “And you won’t be alone in this. I’m your family now. Your husband, your Alpha. I’ve got you, Haz,” he scooted closer along the seat and carefully brushed some hair away from the Omega’s face.

“Why are you being so nice to me?” Harry gently pushed Louis’ hand away. “You’ve grown up hating me, I know you have. And you didn’t want this marriage either. So why are you… why… just why?”

“I may not have wanted this marriage,” Louis acknowledged. “But I accept it as my duty. And I accept my responsibilities as your husband and Alpha. Maybe we’ll fall in love one day, maybe we won’t,” he shrugged. “But I’m not some abusive asshole. I will not go out of my way to be cruel to you.”

Harry fiddled with the wedding ring on his finger before looking back out the limousine window. If their roles were reversed, he would have likely been an abusive asshole Alpha. He could just see it now. Keeping Louis chained up like an animal, treating him like dirt, constantly messing with him for his own amusement, and to show off in front of his friends. His stomach clenched. He felt sick and guilty just imagining it.

“Come on, love,” Louis said gently as the car pulled up outside the restaurant. “We’re here.”

XXX

Entering the restaurant, Louis approached the welcome desk and gave his name. They were then led to a private room in the back where their mothers were awaiting them. Placing his hand to the small of Harry’s back, Louis gently guided his husband into the room.

“Good morning,” Louis greeted as the two women stood. “So lovely to see you both,” he dropped his hand from Harry’s person and stepped into his mother’s embrace. “Mum,” he smiled kissing her temple. “Anne,” he pressed a kiss to the back of her hand before stepping back slightly, reaching out to squeeze Harry’s shoulder.

“Great to see you again, Jay,” Harry said politely, his smile clearly forced.

“You too, my dear,” Jay took him into her arms and leaned up to kiss his forehead. “You look well,” she squeezed his shoulder, just as Louis had done.

“Mother,” Harry greeted uncertainly, eyes down as he turned to Anne.

Louis watched the interaction carefully.

“You smell like cherry blossom,” Anne noted.

“Yes, mother,” Harry replied, eyes still downcast.

Louis exchanged a look with his mum, neither sure what to make of the situation. Neither of them knew Anne or Harry well enough to tell if the ‘cherry blossom’ comment was one of acceptance or an admonishment. Watching Anne’s face, Louis believed he was detecting a degree of surprise and disappointment, but if there was anger or disgust it was well hidden.

“Let us be seated,” Anne declared, pulling her chair out and dropping into her seat with a flourish.

Jay followed her example, and Louis pulled the chair out for Harry before sitting beside him.

“So…” Louis opened a menu, scanning his eyes over the fancy foods briefly before flicking his gaze to his mum, hoping for some assistance in creating a conversation.

“The wedding ceremony was just beautiful,” Jay gushed. “The two of you truly make a handsome pair. Don’t you agree, Anne?”

“Why yes,” Anne replied. “Our boys certainly look stunning together. And the wedding was splendid. Everybody had a wonderful time.”

“I didn’t,” Harry mumbled.

“Beg your pardon?” Jay asked, not having heard him.

“Eggs benedict, looks delightful,” Harry lied as he looked over the menu.

“Everything looks delicious,” Jay agreed.

A waitress came to take their orders. Louis noted that Anne was very brash and dismissive of the girl. His own mother was always polite and respectful to every kind of server and had raised Louis to be so also. But seeing Anne’s lack of consideration towards those she clearly thought of as ‘beneath her’, Louis could understand why Harry was somewhat of an entitled brat. Though he was relieved that his husband wasn’t overtly rude to their waitress. Of course the Omega wasn’t his usual arrogant self. He was a little subdued since the change, still quietly processing everything and no doubt concerned about what his mother truly thought and how others in his life would respond.

“I suppose we ought to discuss how we can proceed to collaborate more effectively on a business front,” Louis suggested. He wasn’t sure what to say exactly, he just couldn’t stand the idea of the table lulling into an awkward silence. Really, he wanted to establish how Anne felt about Harry being an Alpha, but he didn’t want to outright ask such a thing. “And obviously arrangements must be made for Harry to leave the family home.”

“Of course,” Jay supported. “The two of you are married now. It is only fitting that you live together. Living apart is no way to proceed with a marriage. Surely you agree, Anne?”

“Indeed,” she smiled. It was forced, much like Harry’s had been when they entered. “As much as I’ll miss having Harry so close by it is only expected. Where is it you live, Louis? Are you still in the family home?”

“My home will always be open to my son,” Jay said. “And to my new son-in-law,” she added to Harry who smiled weakly.

“Sometimes I stay at the family home,” Louis told Anne. “It is convenient during certain business transactions and for security reasons. But I also have my own place for when I want to get away and take some time for myself. Now it can be time away for Harry and I.”

“Sounds charming,” Anne replied. Louis genuinely wasn’t sure if it was sarcasm or sincerity. “Looks like the mating was rough,” she closed her eyes as she said it, looking uncomfortable with the conversation topic but clearly needing to address it.

“The fight was intense,” Louis stated bringing his glass of water to his lips. He continued to survey her carefully, waiting for her to acknowledge the fact that Harry was now an Omega. “I’m sure you both would have been impressed as well as proud.”

Harry stomped on his foot and Louis disguised a pained grunt as a cough.

“I’m sure you both fought admirably,” Jay said. “And I’m relieved you were able to go through with the mating. It would have broken my heart if you’d killed one another. I’m certainly proud of you boys, both of you,” she smiled warmly.

“Mmhm,” Anne murmured as she sipped at her drink.

Louis sighed a little, sharing a quick look with his mum. It didn’t seem like Anne was proud or pleased with how things had turned out.

“Oh thank you,” Jay beamed as the waitress returned setting down their food.

“Looks delicious, thank you,” Louis added. He gave a discreet tap to Harry’s thigh.

“Thanks,” Harry croaked out. There was no enthusiasm in his tone, and he didn’t make eye-contact with the server, but it was better than nothing.

“Oh no, this won’t do,” Anne criticised before making no less than five complaints about her brunch and sending it back to be re-done ‘correctly’. “Terrible service,” she rolled her eyes dramatically. “No need to wait for me, if you’re satisfied with yours then dig in,” she told them.

Louis and Jay shared yet another glance, Jay imperceptibly shaking her head, quietly warning Louis not to make a fuss of it.

“I must say,” Jay spoke up. “We were never sure how this mating would pan out. But I hope that we’re all happy with the outcome.”

“Mmhm,” Anne took another sip from her glass, her lips pursed. “I’m sure Louis will be a wonderful Alpha,” she gave a tight smile, her gaze briefly flicking towards Harry before moving away.

“I will be,” Louis claimed placing his hand to the back of Harry’s neck, a gesture widely known to soothe Omegas. “I’ll always take incredible care of my husband.”

“And I’m excited to have Harry as part of our family,” Jay added. “And it’s lovely for my son to have such a strong and spirited Omega at his side.”

“Mmhm,” Anne repeated just as the waitress returned with a fresh plate for her. “Is this really the best you can do?” she tutted.

“My apologies, Madame,” the waitress blushed making to take the plate away again, but Anne lightly slapped her hands away.

“It will just have to do,” Anne sighed dramatically shooing the young woman away.

Louis frowned, displeased with the woman’s behaviour, but he held his tongue.

“How are you feeling after the change, Harry?” Jay asked and Anne looked to her son curiously.

“Fine,” Harry lied. “In fact I hardly feel any different at all. Nothing of significance has changed. I’m still the same person I was.”

“You say that now, but just wait until that first heat kicks in, you’ll hardly recognise yourself when you’re whining for a knot,” Anne stated.

“Excuse me,” Louis set his knife and fork down, sitting back in his chair with his arms crossed over his chest. “Was that comment really necessary?”

“It’s only the truth, darling,” Anne rolled her eyes.

“…Are you ashamed of me, mother?” Harry asked quietly, head down.

“Oh, Harry,” she sighed. “Please, don’t burden me with your emotional Omega nonsense.”

“Have I disappointed you?” Harry lifted his head. “Are you mad at me?”

“What do you expect me to say, darling?” Anne groaned. “This is not the outcome I was hoping for. You’re so tall and strong. I thought for sure you would be the true Alpha. But apparently I was mistaken,” she shrugged. “But oh well. It’s nothing worth crying over. Now, let’s talk business. Honestly, Jay, now that we’re family I could really use your support with the Osborne mess.”

XXX

After the brunch, Harry and Louis were back in the limousine together and the Omega confided that he wasn’t ready to return to his family home to pack up his things yet.

“I know I’ll have to back and collect my stuff eventually,” Harry said. “But I can’t face it right now.”

“That’s ok,” Louis told him. “My clothes probably won’t fit you, but we’ve got the stuff in your suitcase, and we can buy more if needed. Maybe we could head into town, take you on a shopping spree. Would that cheer you up?”

“No,” Harry frowned. “I’m not some spoiled pampered Prince, despite what you may think.”

“Ok… then what do you want to do, kid?” Louis asked.

“I’m not a kid,” Harry rolled his eyes. “And I don’t know… I just… I just want to get out of town for a while.”

“How about out of the country?” Louis offered. “We’re husbands, we just got married. Why not jet off and have a honeymoon?”

“You’re serious?” Harry quirked his eyebrow.

“It’s not like money’s an issue,” Louis pointed out. “Come on, love. Where do you want to go?”

“…Paris,” Harry smiled after giving it some thought. “I want to go to Paris.”

“Great,” Louis approved. “Romance capital of the world. See, lad, you’re already falling in love with me.”

Harry took his wedding ring off and threw it at Louis’ face in response, the piece of jewellery smacking into the Alpha’s jaw and creating a brand-new bruise. Harry smiled, green eyes sparkling with merriment.

“Well… at least you’re smiling,” Louis commented tucking the ring safely in his pocket.

Chapter Text

SEVEN

There was something different about Harry in Paris. Sure, he was still miserable and moody and tended to glare at Louis any time he had to listen or speak to him, but he seemed to breathe just a little easier in the foreign country. It was a little escape, Louis supposed. Nobody knew them here. They weren’t about to run into any of Harry’s acquaintances and have to deal with negative reactions to Harry’s new Omega status. The people of Paris truly did not care which of them was the Alpha or the Omega. They were able to walk around and simply enjoy their time.

Even the way Harry dressed was different than anything Louis would have anticipated. He assumed the younger boy would be all fancy designer suits. Presumably the contents of his wardrobe back home reflected just that. But Harry had avoided designer shops when shopping for some new clothes in Paris. Seeing his husband in beige chinos and a colourful knitted cardigan was not something Louis could have ever guessed at. The ensemble ought to look ridiculous, but Harry made it work somehow. And seeing him ride an old-fashioned bicycle, his long curls flying free, a wicker basket at the front of the bike filled with baguettes, that was an endearing sight Louis would cherish forever.

Returning to the little home they were renting for the week, Louis seated himself in the back garden. He sat on one of the garden chairs, his feet outstretched and resting on another. He had a cigarette burning in one hand as he held a book in the other, sunglasses covering his face as he read. Meanwhile, Harry was inside preparing the baguettes for their late lunch.

“Here,” Harry announced bringing out a plate of cheese and ham salad baguettes along with a bowl of strawberries. He set them on the garden table then wandered back in to the kitchen, returning again with a bottle of white wine and two glasses.

“Looks good, love,” Louis complimented as he stubbed the cigarette out in the ashtray and set down his book.

“Yeah… well… I poisoned yours,” Harry joked.

“Poison, really?” Louis was amused. “Nothing more drastic like stabbing me while I sleep?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Harry scoffed. “If I’m going to stab you it’ll be while you’re awake.”

“Good to know. Care to make a toast?” Louis changed the subject, carefully filling their wine glasses.

“Not really,” Harry shrugged despondently.

“Alright… let’s just toast to lunch then,” Louis said lifting his glass. “To lunch,” he declared, and Harry rolled his eyes.

“Fine… to lunch,” Harry clinked his glass against Louis’ before drinking it down, little finger poking out.

“Mmm, that’s beautiful,” Louis groaned as he took a large bite of baguette, Harry cringing at the mouthful of bread and cheese in the Alpha’s mouth. “Nothing like a French baguette.”

“At least try to eat with your mouth closed,” Harry pleaded. “Anyone would think you were raised by pigs.”

“Come on,” Louis swallowed down his mouthful and licked some butter off his fingers. “Tell me more about you.”

“Rich, powerful, mafia,” Harry listed with a shrug. “What else do you need to know?”

“We both grew up in the life. I know what you do,” Louis said. “Tell me about who you are. What kind of music do you like? What books do you read? Favourite food? Biggest pet peeve? We’re married. We should get to know each other, right?”

“I think people ought to get to know each other before they get married,” Harry replied. “But I suppose our arrangement goes against the norm. I don’t really read much,” he admitted. “I like most music. And I hate being in the mafia,” he said quietly.

“Really?” Louis asked, shocked at the honesty.

“Well, I guess I don’t hate it all the time. I recognise it comes with a lot of privileges,” Harry said. “But… this isn’t the life I would have picked for myself. Took me a long time to realise my upbringing wasn’t normal,” Harry picked out a strawberry, twirling it about in his fingers before taking a bite, tongue flicking out to catch some runaway juice. “I was actually twelve, nearly thirteen, when I understood how different we are.”

“Wow,” Louis commented. He was probably six himself when he realised his life wasn’t a typical one. It wasn’t until he was nine years old that he seriously began to truly understand just how different his lifestyle was. At age twenty-two, he’d had more than a decade to come to terms with everything. Yet here Harry was, still only eighteen, and his realisation that they weren’t the norm still relatively fresh. “So… what do you want to do?”

“What?” Harry frowned.

“If you hate being in the mafia so much then what do you want to do with your life?” Louis asked.

“Doesn’t matter,” Harry shrugged. “Not like anyone can just walk away from the mafia. Especially people like us who are so high up in it.”

“True,” Louis nodded. “But if you could?”

“I don’t know, never really thought about it,” Harry nibbled down another strawberry before picking up a baguette. “I guess I just wanted to be normal. Have a boring job, live a boring life. Have a proper marriage instead of an arranged one.”

“Kids?” Louis asked.

“Maybe,” Harry answered noncommittally. “I’m only eighteen. I didn’t want to be married yet, nevermind thinking about pups. I especially didn’t think I’d be the one getting knocked up and giving birth,” he cringed. “It would have been nice to have had the chance to live my life a little bit more, you know. Explored the world on my own a bit. Lived away from home. I don’t know,” he shrugged. “Maybe have a pet dog. Or a snake.”

“A snake?” Louis repeated.

“Yeah,” Harry smiled to himself. “They might not be a cuddly kind of animal, but I’ve always liked them. Anyway… tell me about you. Who’s the real Louis Tomlinson?”

“What you see is what you get, love,” Louis gestured down to himself.

“Oh great, you’re a moron,” Harry deadpanned.

“Yeah, but I’m your moron,” Louis brandished his wedding band.

“Lucky me,” Harry sighed.

“Could always be worse, lad,” Louis said.

“Yeah… I guess so,” Harry acknowledged. “I just… I’m not ready for this. Any of it… the marriage, being somebody’s husband… being an Omega. I know it’s pretty much always been planned this way but…” he trailed off awkwardly.

“It came around way too soon, didn’t it?” Louis asked in an understanding tone. “Look, I know we both married out of duty. This whole thing isn’t fair to either of us. I’ve spent my life dreading this as much as you have. But in the church, seeing you for the first time… I wasn’t feeling too sorry for myself. You’re a handsome lad, Harry.”

“Mmhm,” Harry responded, the resemblance to his mother suddenly striking. Louis cocked his head as he surveyed the younger boy, wondering exactly how he had managed to piss him off.

“Something bothering you?” Louis asked biting into a strawberry and taking a sip of wine, red juice from the fruit and gold from the liquid in the glass dripping down his chin.

“Urgh, you were raised by pigs,” Harry claimed shaking his head at the mess Louis was making.

“Seriously, lad, what’s wrong?” Louis wiped his chin on his shirt-sleeve, Harry scowling at the action slightly.

“What’s wrong?” Harry repeated with an inelegant snort. “Pretty much everything.”

“Sure, I get that,” Louis said patiently. “But what was it specifically that annoyed you enough for an ‘Mmhm’. I noticed the way your mum did that when we had brunch with her. It’s like ‘Mmhm’ is some kind of Styles code for ‘fuck everything and fuck you all’.”

“I don’t know,” Harry shrugged. “Who cares anyway? It’s not like you’re my therapist.”

“Do you have a therapist?” Louis asked.

“No way, I’m not mental,” Harry replied indignantly, and Louis lifted his sunglasses off his face, perching them on his head so he could see his husband better. “What?” Harry grumbled as the Alpha fixed him under an intense gaze.

“I’m trying here, lad,” Louis told him. “It’s a shitty situation we’re in. But I’m trying to make the best of it. Would it kill you to meet me halfway?”

“It might,” Harry mumbled reaching for the bottle and pouring himself more of the white wine. “What do you want from me?” Harry sighed.

“A little bit of effort,” Louis responded. “I’m your husband, yeah? Try and treat me like it instead of acting like I’m the enemy.”

“I made you some lunch,” Harry gestured to the table. “And I’m not treating you like the enemy. If I were then you’d have significantly more stab and bullet wounds right now.”

“I suppose that’s true,” Louis admitted. “But still, you’re not exactly making this marriage easy.”

“Well excuse me if I don’t magically know how to make a marriage work,” Harry remarked snidely.

“Have you at least had a proper relationship before?” Louis asked.

Harry was silent as he suddenly became very interested in the contents of his wine glass.

“Ever been in love?” Louis asked gently. “Or had a friend with benefits? Had more than one date with the same person? Ever had a date… ever?”

“Nope, I’ve been saving myself for you, dear husband,” Harry muttered sardonically.

“Harry,” Louis groaned, beginning to lose patience.

“I had my first date when I was fifteen,” Harry sighed. “With a girl,” he shrugged.

“Ok, and?” Louis prompted.

“Awkward as hell,” Harry cringed at the memory. “We went for milkshake. She insisted it would be more romantic if we shared one. I drank too much, too fast, and got brain freeze.”

“Brilliant,” Louis grinned, and Harry levelled a glare at him.

“She laughed at me for it,” Harry complained, a bit of a pout on his mouth that made Louis smile fondly. “And because we were sharing the milkshake, our faces were quite close together. I got a whiff of her breath, and it was really bad. Made me gag a bit. Then I accidentally knocked the milkshake over and it splattered all down her pristine white top.”

“Epic,” Louis chuckled.

“She called me a clumsy idiot, said she never wanted to see me again, then slipped over on her ass when she stormed off,” Harry recalled. “Of course, when she fell over I pointed and laughed. Then everybody in there looked at me like I was the dickhead.”

“You were kind of a dickhead,” Louis told him.

“Well she was a stuck-up bitch who didn’t brush her teeth properly,” Harry grumbled defensively.

“Hey, she was a dickhead too,” Louis stated fairly. “But you weren’t exactly Prince Charming in that story.”

“Well what about you, Romeo?” Harry asked. “How did your first date go?”

“Not bad,” Louis finished his glass of wine before pouring some more. “I was thirteen.”

“Slut,” Harry interjected.

“Me and my friend went on a double-date with these two girls,” Louis continued, ignoring Harry’s jibe. “I wasn’t too interested, but my friend was crazy for this girl, and she’d only agree to go out with him if he brought a friend along for her friend.”

“Was she pretty or were you cheating on me with a troll?” Harry asked.

“She was a really nice girl actually,” Louis said. “Quiet, quite shy, a little bit of a stutter that she was embarrassed by, but I found it quite sweet. And… wait…” he frowned, his mind catching up to what Harry had said. “Did you just accuse me of cheating on you?”

“We’ve been betrothed to one another pretty much our entire lives,” Harry pointed out. “I’d say anytime either of us has looked elsewhere qualifies as us being unfaithful.”

It was on the tip of Louis’ tongue to object, to tell Harry he was being ridiculous. But the words never came, and Louis quietly wrestled with the idea that maybe his husband made a valid point.

“Right, well… Jenny was nice,” Louis continued. “The four of us had a cinema date. Shared my popcorn with her.”

“Of course you did,” Harry muttered.

“The movie was fun,” Louis said. “Jenny was sweet. We became good friends afterwards. Had a couple of dates to McDonalds. Kissed a few times. It was nice. Not really anything to be jealous of, love.”

“I’m not jealous,” Harry scoffed.

“Come on then, how many other people did you ‘cheat’ on me with?” Louis asked.

“Sort of kissed a girl at a house party,” Harry said.

“Sort of kissed?” Louis queried. “You’re gonna have to explain that one, lad.”

“This was when I was still fifteen,” Harry told him. “But after the terrible milkshake date. Different girl,” he clarified. “Nothing wrong with her breath.”

“Good, good,” Louis nodded.

“And it’s kind of dumb,” he conceded, “but we were playing ‘Spin the Bottle’. I didn’t really want to play but I kind of got dragged into the circle and I thought I’d look like a loser if I tried to leave. So this girl, I’d never met her before, didn’t even know her name… she spun the bottle, and it landed on me.”

“Lucky girl,” Louis said, and Harry turned his gaze away, hand reaching up to neaten his curls.

“She crawled over and straddled my lap,” Harry explained. “I guess I got a bit nervous because I started babbling. I don’t even know what I was saying really. But I talked random crap all through the kiss. She looked quite annoyed when it was over. So… yeah… a ‘sort of kiss’.”

“Ok,” Louis nodded in understanding. “Any other dates or kisses?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Harry replied.

“Come on, I wanna know,” Louis encouraged.

“Well… there was this guy, on my sixteenth birthday,” Harry answered.

“Yeah?” Louis asked. “Share the dirty details, Haz, don’t get shy now.”

“Nick and James took me to a club,” Harry said, and Louis frowned.

“For your sixteenth?” Louis’ tone was disapproving.

“Oh, whatever, plenty of underage teenagers sneak into clubs,” Harry claimed.

“Sure,” Louis accepted. He certainly had after all. “But usually that’s the dumb shit you pull with friends your own age because you’re all too young and stupid to know any better. Grimshaw and Corden are old enough and ugly enough to know that taking an underage kid to a club is messed up. They never should have taken you to a place like that or let you get drunk, or fuck knows what else.”

“They’re my friends,” Harry defended. “They just wanted me to have fun. They took care of me.”

“I think I’ll be the judge of that,” Louis responded. “Tell me what happened.”

“Nothing bad,” Harry insisted.

“Good, tell me then,” Louis prompted.

“So, we went to this club,” Harry shrugged like it was no big deal. “Had some drinks. A couple of beers, a tray of shots, a few glasses of vodka and coke. I can’t remember what else. Just had fun dancing.”

“Who were you dancing with?” Louis asked.

“Nick and James mostly,” Harry said. “Competing to see who could do the silliest moves. But it’s a club, so plenty of other people there, you kind of just naturally end up dancing with other people. I danced with a few Omega girls. They were practically throwing themselves at me,” he boasted. “Most people do… or, well, they did… I guess I won’t get that kind of attention from Omegas again,” he stated bleakly. “Anyway, at some point during the night another Omega came up to me. A guy. He was desperate for it. I could smell how wet he was, everybody could. Nick encouraged me to go for it. He gave me the keys to his car and told me where his condoms were.”

“The keys to his car?” Louis enquired.

“Oh don’t worry, Nick doesn’t drink and drive,” Harry assured. “He’s actually really sensible about that.”

“So this friend of yours, this grown-ass adult friend, was sober and encouraging you to go fuck around with some stranger when you were drunk off your ass yourself?” Louis asked angrily.

“I wasn’t that drunk,” Harry mumbled.

“Was this Omega at least close to your age?” Louis asked.

“Um… sure,” Harry answered, an obvious lie.

“How old was he?” Louis demanded to know.

“I’m not sure exactly,” Harry fiddled nervously with a strawberry.

“Give me an estimate,” Louis did not look impressed.

“Late twenties,” Harry said tentatively. “Early thirties maybe. Good-looking though.”

“Oh, he was an attractive predator, that makes it all ok then,” Louis commented.

“He wasn’t a predator,” Harry huffed. “It’s not like he knew I was underage.”

“Even if he thought you were eighteen or nineteen, that’s still way too bloody young,” Louis reprimanded. “Fucking hell, lad. I’m twenty-two and I’d feel vulnerable and taken advantage of if some twenty-nine or thirty-year-old guy was hitting on me. An age-gap like that is not ok. Especially when you were only sixteen for fuck sake. What the hell did that perve make you do?”

“Hey, I was an Alpha then,” Harry pointed out. “He was just an Omega. I was the one in control, I had the power.”

“Bullshit,” Louis shook his head. “Tell me you didn’t get into the back of Nick’s car with him?”

“Didn’t realise you were such a prude,” Harry remarked.

“What happened?” Louis asked and Harry struggled to maintain eye-contact with his husband, continuously getting uncomfortable and glancing away.

“We climbed into the back of Nick’s car,” Harry sighed. “Kissed for a bit. It felt good. He told me how hot I was. Said I was the sexiest Alpha he’d ever seen, told me how wet he was for me, that he wanted my knot.”

“And?” Louis forced himself to ask.

“He cupped me through my trousers,” Harry revealed. “Gushed about how big I was, told me how desperate he was for it.”

“And… did you?” Louis sighed.

“He got my cock out,” Harry said. “Stroked me a bit. Then he pushed his trousers and pants down. He… kind of rubbed against me… got his slick over my dick… we kissed some more and…”

“And what?” Louis asked.

“I was sixteen, nobody else had touched my cock before,” Harry flushed. “I… embarrassed myself ok. Then he passed out on me a minute later anyway. I left him in Nick’s car. He was gone by the time Nick drove us home. I threw up in the alleyway and went back inside and danced some more. It was a good night.”

“Shit, Harry, that was so messed up on so many levels,” Louis shook his head sadly.

“Whatever,” Harry rolled his eyes.

XXX

The next day, the newlyweds indulged in some of the big tourist attractions of the city, visiting the Eiffel Tower and exploring some of the museums. After a long but enjoyable day, they returned to the house they were staying in and Louis cooked for them.

“Wow,” Harry teased. “Perhaps you should leave the mafia to become a professional chef.”

“Hey, I could totally be a chef,” Louis insisted picking up his fish-finger sandwich and taking an unattractively large bite.

“Well when we get back to England you are officially banned from the kitchen,” Harry told him.

“Gonna be a good little husband and take care of your Alpha, eh?” Louis grinned.

Harry peeled off the crusts from his sandwich and threw them at Louis’ face.

“Hey!” Harry complained, stunned when Louis had the audacity to throw the crusts back.

“Don’t dish it if you can’t take it, love,” Louis replied.

Harry stared the Alpha down, Louis glaring right back. Then they descended into a full-blown food-fight, smashing fish-fingers, bread and ketchup into each’s others faces and hair.

XXX

After they had cleaned up, they wandered down the streets of Paris until they found a cute little restaurant. They dared each other to eat snails, frogs legs and other French delicacies before sharing a large pizza and fighting over who got the last slice, Harry winning when he childishly licked from the tip to the stuffed crust. To Louis’ annoyance, Harry didn’t even finish the piece, only taking two little bites.

XXX

Back at the house, Louis stripped down to his boxers, not a trace of shyness as he did so. As for Harry, he did his best to shield his body as he changed into pyjama shorts and t-shirt.

“You’ve got no reason to be embarrassed about the way you look, love,” Louis told him kindly.

“Shut up,” Harry grumbled.

“I mean it, Harry,” Louis said. “You’re beautiful ok. That hasn’t changed.”

“Alright, just shut up about it,” Harry blushed profusely before burying himself under the quilt covers, his back to Louis.

“Haz, come on,” Louis replied in an exasperated tone. “I’m trying to be supportive here.”

“I don’t need you to be supportive right now, I need you to shut the fuck up,” Harry responded. “It’s my body… just keep your comments to yourself… please,” he added meekly.

“We’re gonna have to talk about this at some point,” Louis insisted. Harry closed his eyes and pulled the quilt up over his head. “Fine… goodnight then,” he said tersely as he turned the light off and climbed in beside his younger husband.

XXX

Sleep didn’t come easily for Harry. He found himself living through the fight and the mating all over again. The memory of Louis’ weight on top of him, the metal of the handcuffs digging into his wrists, the blood, the pain, the humiliation. It was all too much. He jolted away, unable to stifle his tears.

“Ssh, ssh,” Louis was instantly there to soothe him. “It’s ok, love. It’s alright. You’re safe.”

He didn’t want to fall into Louis’ arms and burrow into his chest, not really. But he didn’t exactly have anywhere else to go, or anybody else to lean on. So Harry sobbed onto Louis’ bare chest, breathing in that peppermint and tobacco scent that wafted from the Alpha.

“It’s ok,” Louis assured him stroking his curls and pressing a kiss to the top of his head. “I’ve got you. I’m here.”

The nightmares persisted throughout the night, forcing Harry to relive his suffering over and over. And Louis remained by his side, somehow offering a comforting presence despite being a large part of what Harry was having nightmares about. It was very confusing, and exhausting.

XXX

“What do you feel like doing today?” Louis asked in the morning, the pair still in bed.

“Nothing,” Harry answered dragging a hand through his curls and tussling them up.

“Fair enough,” Louis accepted. “We can stay in, have a quiet one.”

“You can go out and explore if you want,” Harry said. “I don’t mind. I’m just gonna…”

“Wallow in self-pity?” Louis asked.

“I was going for ‘brooding with dignity’,” Harry replied.

“Wanna talk about it?” Louis offered.

“No,” Harry said.

“Alright,” Louis turned away. “I’m gonna grab some breakfast. You want anything?” he asked from the bedroom doorway.

“No,” Harry responded.

The door clicked shut softly as Louis left. Sinking back down into the pillows, Harry sighed loudly. He couldn’t be bothered with anything today, not even the streets of Paris. He was too tired. Flipping his pillow, he spread out on the bed, settling down to try and get some sleep, hopefully nightmare-free.

XXX

A little after lunchtime, Harry finally emerged from the bedroom. He found Louis in the garden, reading his book and smoking a cigarette.

“That’s a disgusting habit you know,” Harry criticised. “Those things can kill you.”

“So I’ve been told,” Louis replied taking another puff. “I make it look a little sexy though, right?” he grinned, eyes crinkling as he blew out another puff of smoke.

“You pronounced ‘repulsive’ wrong,” Harry shot back.

“Feeling any better, love?” Louis asked flicking some ash into the tray.

“Don’t feel worse,” Harry shrugged.

“Feel like doing anything?” Louis prodded gently.

“Jogging,” Harry answered. “I feel like jogging.”

Louis’ face fell a little, obviously not a fan of the idea. Nevertheless, he agreed. The Alpha found out a pair of tight-fitting jogging bottoms. Harry didn’t really have anything appropriate so settled on a pair of clean pyjama shorts and a large tank-top. He piled his curls up onto a bun atop his head and with trainers on their feet the pair did a few warm-up stretches before leaving the house and jogging down the street.

“Hang on,” Louis wheezed stopping and bending over. “I’ve got a stitch.”

“Another one?” Harry complained. “Man-up, Tomlinson. Even James can out-run you. Hell, that pregnant lady is doing better than you,” he pointed across the street where a heavily pregnant woman was casually jogging, looking effortlessly glamorous as she did so.

“What kind of person goes jogging when they’re pregnant?” Louis asked wiping at his sweaty forehead. “What a freak,” he muttered under his breath.

“Could you please try to jog for longer than two minutes?” Harry asked. “You’re embarrassing me. How you haven’t been murdered in our line of work is beyond me.”

“Oi, I can run if my life depends on it,” Louis said. “But who the hell jogs for fun?”

“I do,” Harry claimed.

“Urgh,” Louis groaned. “Think I know why our families have been feuding all this time. Clearly your great-great-grandfather or whatever tried to make mine go jogging with him and we’ve correctly despised the Styles’ ever since.”

“Yeah… well… Tomlinson’s can’t cook,” Harry retaliated.

“We give great head though,” Louis winked.

“Including your mum?” Harry shot back.

“Ok, I didn’t think that through,” Louis said as he straightened up. “Are we nearly done jogging now?”

“Five more minutes,” Harry replied. “Then we’ll do Yoga.”

“Yoga?” Louis blanched.

XXX

Eating warm croissants while walking along the Seine was certainly a more enjoyable experience for Louis than jogging or doing Yoga. Shooting a sideways glance to Harry, the Alpha believed the Omega to be enjoying himself a little too. Stopping to sit down and admire the view, Louis cast his eyes over the people wandering by. It was fairly easy to identify loved-up couples by the way they walked close together, arms around each other, hand-in-hand, stopping for kisses or simply unable to pull their eyes away from their beloved.

There was a considerable bit of space between Louis and Harry. He doubted many people would realise they were husbands. They probably barely even passed as friends at this point. It was quite sad really, Louis thought. Being in the ‘City of Love’ with his new husband, neither of them actually in love. Finishing off his croissant, he promised himself to return to Paris with Harry one day if they ever did fall for one another.

They continued on, walking along the river and enjoying the pleasant weather. It was silent between them, but not uncomfortable. At least Louis didn’t think so. He had no idea what Harry was thinking.

“Sorry,” Louis apologised to Harry as his phone began to ring. “I have to take this. Business,” he said, and Harry gave a nod of understanding. “Talk to me,” Louis answered the call. He fell several steps behind Harry, concentrating on the phone call, but keeping his husband well within his sights.

Walking further on by himself, Harry stopped to lean up against a wall, looking out across the river. There was something very model-like about the way he had positioned himself, though it came across as completely natural rather than a deliberate pose. He looked casually beautiful, and a little delicate almost, despite his height and muscular frame. The gentle aroma of the Omega’s cherry blossom scent also wafted off his person. It wasn’t a surprise really that Harry was approached by another Alpha.

“Do what you think is best,” Louis said, watching the Alpha like a hawk. “Don’t fuck it up,” he warned before ending the call.

Hands in pockets, Louis calmly stepped towards Harry and the other Alpha. Getting closer, Louis could hear all the poetic lines the Frenchman was delivering. His words were charming and romantic, not sleazy or disrespectful. And he had the French accent to boot. He looked to be Louis’ age, possibly a little younger. He was very good-looking and there was definitely a faint blush blooming on Harry’s cheeks.

“Bonjour,” Louis greeted as he came up to the pair, determined to remain calm and not be overprotective or possessive. “Making friends, lad?” Louis asked Harry.

“This is Gabriel,” Harry introduced, shrugging one shoulder.

“I was telling Harry here that he is the most beautiful Omega I have ever been privileged enough to lay eyes upon,” Gabriel proclaimed. “I saw this gorgeous young man and I just had to introduce myself to him and learn about the beautiful person inside.”

“Yeah, Harry’s a handsome lad alright,” Louis agreed. “Gotta warn you though, Gabriel, he goes jogging for fun and he likes Yoga.”

“Wonderful,” Gabriel beamed. “I am training to be a Yoga instructor. I would like to get to know you better, Harry. Let me take you to dinner tonight,” he took Harry’s hand, dropping a kiss to the Omega’s inner-wrist, maintaining an intense gaze.

“Um, thanks, but… I can’t,” Harry answered uncomfortably as he pulled his hand back, Gabriel looking disappointed as he pulled away and crossed his arms over his chest, staring down at the ground. “Nice to meet you though,” he toed his boot across the ground.

“Alpha to Alpha,” Gabriel turned to Louis. “Perhaps you could persuade your Omega friend to give me a chance?”

“He’s told you ‘no’, mate, that’s all there is to it,” Louis replied patiently.

“Am I not your type, sweet creature?” Gabriel asked looking at Harry sadly.

“I’m married,” Harry announced awkwardly, Gabriel’s eyes glancing down to his finger suspiciously.

“You wear no ring,” Gabriel pointed out.

“I took it off,” Harry shrugged.

“So… not a happy marriage?” Gabriel asked. “Perhaps you need me to rescue you from some awful Alpha beast?”

“Nice meeting you, Gabriel,” Harry grimaced. “I’ve got to go.” He walked on ahead.

“How can your friend be married yet so sad?” Gabriel asked Louis.

“It’s complicated,” Louis answered, not taking his eyes off of Harry. “Not so long-ago Harry was an Alpha. It was an arranged marriage.”

“A forced mating,” Gabriel tutted, shaking his head in dismay. “What monstrous Alpha forced such a thing on that sweet, beautiful boy?”

“That would be me,” Louis admitted. “Au revoir, Gabriel,” he said before catching up to Harry. “Gabriel seemed nice,” Louis told Harry.

“Maybe,” the Omega shrugged.

“I wouldn’t have blamed you if you wanted to have dinner with him,” Louis said.

“I didn’t,” Harry replied.

“You ok?” Louis asked uncertainly.

“Fine,” Harry answered. “I guess I didn’t really give much thought to the idea of Alphas hitting on me now that I’m an Omega… It’s flattering, I guess… Nice to know I smell good… Can we head back to the house now?”

“Of course,” Louis accepted without challenge.

XXX

“Alright there, love?” Louis asked.

They were back at the house, Harry sitting cross-legged in front of the fire in the lounge. Louis had just returned with some takeout.

“Fine… hungry,” Harry responded.

“Feeling cold?” Louis gestured to the lit fire.

“Not really, just wanted to watch the flames,” Harry answered.

Louis nodded quietly, sitting with him on the floor and setting out the takeaway food. Feeling hot so close to the fire, Louis stripped his t-shirt off, Harry’s eyes roaming over his golden skin.

“Can I see your knot?” Harry suddenly blurted out.

“Huh?” Louis raised his eyebrows in surprise, uncertain if he’d heard correctly.

“Don’t be an asshole about it,” Harry cringed, blushing. “And don’t be weirdly nice about it either, just… can I see your knot, or not?”

“Ok,” Louis agreed.

Finishing his bite of food, he sucked his fingers clean before standing up and unfastening his jeans. He pushed them down to his ankles, his boxers following shortly after, revealing his soft dick.

Still cross-legged on the carpet, Harry shifted up onto his knees, his face rapidly turning crimson as he took a closer look at his husband. He swallowed thickly, eyeing the part that proved Louis was an Alpha. Of course, it wasn’t swollen to its full potential, but the fact that Louis was capable of popping a knot was clear and undeniable. Harry felt a pang of envy as he studied the part of Louis’ manhood that he was now missing from himself.

“You alright, Haz?” Louis asked.

“Yeah… fine,” Harry said slowly, tearing his eyes away. “Put it away,” he requested, and Louis quietly pulled his underpants back up.

“Well… I showed you mine,” Louis said tentatively. “Gonna show me yours, love?”

“No,” Harry answered, sounding like he might cry.

When a few tears slipped down his cheek, Louis politely looked away and pretended not to notice.

Chapter Text

EIGHT

Before they returned home to England, Harry had found himself approached by a few more Alphas. He couldn’t deny that it fed his ego a little bit to know he was still desired. But receiving attention from Alphas instead of Omegas still made him feel deeply awkward. At least the French seemed to be respectful and well-intentioned with their flirtations. He could only imagine the vulgarity he would be subjected to back in the United Kingdom. He may have to start cutting out Alphas tongues whenever they spoke crudely to him.

“Do you still have my ring?” Harry asked Louis as they were packing their cases, preparing to leave for the flight back home.

“Of course, I’ve kept it safe for ya,” Louis answered taking it out of his trouser pocket. He tossed it into the air and caught it, twiddling it in his fingers, the sunlight catching the jewel and making it shine brighter.

“Give it back,” Harry demanded. “A wedding ring won’t stop all Alphas from shooting their shot, but it might stop some.”

“Not a fan of the Alpha attention?” Louis asked. He took a gentle hold of Harry’s hand, the Omega flinching a little at the contact but ultimately holding still so Louis could slip the ring back on his finger.

“I don’t know. On some level it’s nice to know people still find me attractive… mostly it feels weird…” Harry frowned. “I don’t really know how to handle it to be honest.”

“You’ll figure it out,” Louis told him confidently, giving his hand a gentle squeeze before stepping back to resume the task of packing both their suitcases (because once again Harry refused to do his own, content to stand back and watch Louis do all the work). “For what it’s worth, I think you’ve been doing great so far. I don’t know how I’d have coped with all this if the mating had gone the other way, and I was the Omega.”

“Yeah, well, doesn’t really matter does it,” Harry muttered resentfully. “You’re the Alpha… with your Alpha knot… and I’m…” he gestured down at himself sullenly.

“You’re Harry Freaking Tomlinson, love, that’s who you are,” Louis told him.

“Should hurry up,” Harry fiddled with the ring on his finger, still finding it odd to think of himself as a ‘Tomlinson’. “Don’t want to miss our flight.”

XXX

Back in the UK, a limousine was waiting to pick them up from the airport. Harry released a long sigh as they climbed into the car.

“Ready to go home and pack up your stuff yet?” Louis asked.

“Not today,” Harry shook his head. He really didn’t have the energy to deal with his mother, or indeed anybody else right now.

“Alright,” Louis accepted. “Would you be up for properly meeting some of my people?”

“Do we have to?” Harry grimaced.

“Eventually, yes,” Louis answered. “But it doesn’t need to be today.”

“Good,” Harry said. “The less socialisation required right now the better. What are we going to do? Check into a hotel or something?”

“If that’s what you’d prefer,” Louis offered. “Or we could go and spend some time with my mum. Or head back to our house.”

“Our house?” Harry furrowed his brow in confusion. “Since when do we have a house?”

“Since we’re married and what’s mine is yours,” Louis responded wiggling his wedding finger pointedly.

“Oh, right, you have your own place,” Harry recalled. “It’s not really ‘ours’ though is it? I mean, it’s your house. Filled with your shit. I’ll basically just be an unwanted guest in it.”

“If that’s the attitude you have, then yeah,” Louis replied. “But if you’re a bit more open-minded we can make it feel like a shared home. Put your personal touch on the place. And you’re not ‘unwanted’.”

“Mm,” Harry hummed distractedly. “Would your mum mind if we stayed at yours for a night or two?”

“I’m twenty-two-years-old,” Louis reminded him. “I am allowed to do things without my mum’s say so.”

“Right, I know. I just… I don’t want her to think I’m the bratty new diva husband stopping her precious son from seeing her,” Harry stated.

“Aw, you think I’m precious,” Louis grinned.

“Ew, shut up,” Harry cringed, and Louis chuckled.

“I promise you, my mum won’t mind,” Louis assured. “She’s a very supportive and understanding person.”

“Yeah… wonder what that’s like,” Harry murmured.

“Your mum’s a narrow-minded judgemental idiot,” Louis said.

“Hey!” Harry complained.

“Well she is,” Louis retorted.

“Obviously,” Harry rolled his eyes. “But she’s still my mum so you can’t say shit like that.”

“Right… sorry,” Louis apologised. “I could assassinate her for you,” he offered jokingly, and Harry glared. “Kidding, kidding,” he laughed before grunting in pain as Harry booted him hard in the shin.

“Maybe I’ll assassinate you,” Harry threatened.

“Nah,” Louis nudged the Omega’s leg with his foot. “You’d miss me too much.”

XXX

They ended up heading back to Louis’ place, a modest but cosy home on the outskirts of the busy town. Carrying the bags and guiding Harry inside, Louis gave him a quick tour of the two-bedroomed house.

“Wow, your taste in curtains is appalling,” Harry summarised after looking around. “They look like something my nan was too cool to own.”

“They’re not the best,” Louis admitted. “But the sales lady was impossible to say ‘no’ to. Pretty sure she overcharged me for them too.”

“You’ll have to get new ones,” Harry insisted.

“Whatever you want, love,” Louis said amicably. “Anything else you’re desperate to change?”

“The bathroom needs to be redecorated,” Harry told him. “The peach colour scheme is offensive.”

“If you say so,” Louis smiled.

“We’ll have a light blue theme instead,” the Omega decided. “And we’re going to have to hire a team of gardeners because it’s a jungle out there,” he claimed peering at the back-garden through the window.

“Yeah, I have let it get a bit overgrown,” Louis said sheepishly.

“There’s overgrown and then there’s that,” Harry tsked.

“I’m sure you’ll get everything in order for me,” Louis stated confidently. “Come on, let’s go unpack.”

“You can just do mine for me,” Harry responded.

“I’d rather you do it yourself,” Louis said. “It might help you feel more at home that way.”

“Doubt it, it’s just one suitcase,” Harry rolled his eyes.

“Even so,” Louis replied, setting Harry with a serious blue stare.

“Urgh, fine,” Harry relented, and he followed his husband up the stairs to the main bedroom.

Of course, Harry didn’t have much to actually put away with most of his possessions still being at his mother’s house. But as they unpacked he discovered that Louis had already made space for him in the walk-in wardrobe. The Alpha hadn’t had a chance to return to his home since before the wedding, so Harry knew Louis must have gone to the effort of creating space for him in advance. It was an incredibly thoughtful gesture, something Harry would have never considered to do for Louis. He ought to express some kind of gratitude for it, even opened his mouth to offer a ‘thank you’ a few times but never quite went through with it.

“You good?” Louis checked.

The Alpha was always considering his feelings, always ready to listen and give him support.

“You don’t have very many cushions or blankets,” Harry stated turning to eye the neatly made bed.

“Um… I guess I’m not much of a cushion and blanket type of guy,” Louis shrugged.

“Mmhm, well that’s going to change,” Harry informed him. Louis didn’t argue.

“So, I don’t really have any food in,” Louis said apologetically as they meandered back downstairs. “Just some old tins of baked beans. Fancy going food shopping?”

“Don’t you have people do that for you?” Harry frowned.

“No, I’m a big boy, I can do these things for myself,” Louis responded, just a touch condescending. “You wanna come with me or would you prefer to stay home?”

“… I’ll come,” Harry decided after a few moment’s consideration. As welcoming as Louis was being, the house didn’t feel comfortable enough to feel like ‘home’ to Harry yet. He didn’t particularly want to sit around alone for a long period of time.

Instead of being chauffeured around, Louis got his car out of the garage, and they drove to the superstore.

“I thought you’d drive something flashier than this,” Harry said.

“It’s a nice little out-of-town area I live in,” Louis told him. “I want to blend in with the locals. I don’t need some over-the-top flashy car that screams ‘mafia’ or ‘fancy rich boy’.”

XXX

Not that he’d admit it, but Harry actually quite enjoyed the shopping trip. There was something freeing about roaming the shelves and choosing the items he wanted to add to the trolley. And Louis let him pick whatever he wanted.

The trip was a little less enjoyable and a lot more awkward when Louis quietly guided him down the Omega hygiene aisle, but Harry knew he would require some of these products in the near future. He blushed profusely as he read the information on the backs of different packaging, trying to decide which products would be the best. He also kept darting his eyes around, paranoid that he would be recognised and laughed at.

Selecting various treats from the snack aisle was certainly more fun.

“Tell me something,” Louis said as they returned home, Louis putting the shopping away while Harry seated himself on the kitchen counter, swinging his long legs back and forth, a lollipop in his mouth. “How does a lad like you know how to cook when you’ve never even done something as basic as your own food shopping? I’d have thought you had a personal chef or something.”

“Three chefs,” Harry corrected. “Four before Madeline was boiled to death for trying to poison us.”

“So if people cooked for you all your life how did you learn?” Louis asked him.

“I had a fascination with baking when I was younger,” Harry answered. “I’m rather talented at it too,” he boasted. “I spent a lot of time in the kitchens when my parents were attending to business matters. Marco encouraged my love of baking and coached me in cooking. My father would complain about it sometimes, when he was still alive. I can’t say my mother was supportive of it as such, but she never took issue with it.”

“Well, I think it’s time you cooked for me, show me what you can do,” Louis said.

“Alright, get out of my kitchen then,” Harry ordered.

XXX

“Mmm,” Louis moaned approvingly as he tasted Harry’s food later on. “You are good.”

“I know,” Harry replied smugly.

“Do you bake as good as you cook?” Louis wondered.

“I’m an even better baker,” Harry claimed.

“Brilliant,” Louis grinned. “I suppose now that I’m married I can let myself go and just get fat on cake.”

“Absolutely not,” Harry refused. “For every cake I bake you you’ll owe me ten sit-ups and a jog around the block.”

“So… do you think you could see yourself feeling at home here with me?” Louis asked after they’d finished eating.

“Dunno, maybe,” Harry raked his fingers through his curls nervously. “I guess it’ll feel more like mine… or ours… when all of my stuff is here too.”

“Let’s hope so,” Louis said. “And after you’ve redecorated the bathroom and got the back-garden sorted is there anything else you’d be looking to change.”

“Maybe upgrade for a better-looking husband,” Harry joked.

“I’m the man of your dreams and you know it,” Louis replied calmly.

XXX

Later that night, Louis was on a business call. He’d taken a couple of personal and business calls during the evening. Harry still had his own phone switched off, not ready to speak to anybody yet. The Omega listened in on the Alpha’s call for a while, but he quickly grew bored only being able to hear one side of the conversation. It still felt a little weird for him to be moving freely around the house (it was just too difficult to think of it as ‘theirs’ rather than just Louis’) but Harry wandered about on his own anyway. He hoped that if he strutted around as if he owned the place he might begin to feel like he belonged there.

Up in the bedroom, Harry managed to resist the temptation to nosy through Louis’ things. Instead he climbed onto the bed, spreading out and shifting around, trying to decide if he wanted to demand to sleep on the left side or the right. Judging by the scent, he would guess that Louis slept on the left side as that’s where the smell of peppermint and tobacco lingered strongest.

Getting up, Harry opened the walk-in wardrobe. There was a full-length mirror on the inside of the door. He stripped out of his clothes and shyly studied his body. His sensitive nipples were darker and perkier, he was sure of it now whereas before he’d been uncertain as to whether it was simply his imagination. He was convinced there was something curvier about the shape of his hips too. It was subtle, but it was there. And of course there was his knot-less cock. He sighed, still missing that part of himself.

Reaching between his legs, he teased two fingers down the length of his cock before carefully fondling his balls, testing if there was any difference in sensitivity compared to when he had been an Alpha (there wasn’t). Turning his back to the mirror, he spread his butt-cheeks apart, straining his neck to try and inspect his hole. He suddenly found himself wondering if he’d always been that pink back there.

Feeling awkward and shy, but also curious, Harry sucked on two of his fingers, coating them with his saliva. Then he moved his hand around to his ass-crack, tentatively dragging the tip of his finger over his opening. He jumped at the touch, forcing himself to take a breath and hold still before prodding with more confidence. His hole clung to the tip of his finger, and he grimaced, not convinced that he enjoyed the feeling. Still, he persevered, pressing his finger in a little deeper.

It still felt odd and strange to him. Deciding it wasn’t comfortable, he pulled his fingers away and straightened up, facing the mirror again. He wasn’t really sure what he was expecting exactly. Maybe a gush of slick? Or the beginnings of what would be his first heat? Perhaps some kind of miracle button inside himself that would make his knot grow back?

Harry jumped in surprise when the bedroom door opened, Louis stepping inside, his blue eyes landing on the naked Omega.

“Fuck off, don’t look at me!” Harry snapped snatching one of Louis’ hoodies that was hanging in the wardrobe and yanking it over his head, desperately tugging the hem down to try and cover himself.

“Sorry, sorry,” Louis apologised, hands raised in surrender as he turned around.

“Would it kill to you knock?” Harry huffed rummaging around for his own pyjama bottoms and pulling them on.

“Sorry, love,” Louis repeated. “Can I open my eyes now?”

“I’ll allow it,” Harry sighed.

“You look cute in my hoodie,” Louis told him.

“Shut up,” Harry blushed as he closed the wardrobe, crossing his arms over his chest.

“And you look beautiful in all your naked glory by the way,” Louis added.

“Pervert,” Harry grumbled.

“Just speaking the truth,” Louis said. “In case you were still feeling insecure.”

“I’m not insecure,” Harry objected.

“Ok,” Louis replied calmly, and Harry glared at him for his pleasant demeanour. “Ready for bed?”

“Need to clean my teeth,” Harry said, and he stepped around Louis to move down the hall to the bathroom.

When he returned to the main bedroom, Louis was stripped down to just his boxers, because of course he fucking was. Harry rolled his eyes in annoyance, trying and failing not to sneak looks at the Alpha.

“Sure you’re ok?” Louis checked.

“I’ll survive,” Harry shrugged.

They settled into bed together, Harry’s back to Louis. For a long time, Harry held his position, practically teetering off the edge of the bed in his determination not to be too close to Louis. But naturally, he scooted back, rolling and shifting until he was pressed up against the Alpha, his head on his chest and drooling over his collarbones.

Chapter Text

NINE

“Are you sure you’re ready?” Louis asked sitting across from Harry at the table as they ate their cereal and toast.

“Can’t keep putting it off,” Harry sighed. “I’d rather just get it over with now.”

“Ok,” Louis accepted. “Did you want to call your mum, let her know we’ll be over?”

“… I guess,” Harry mumbled.

He finally found the courage to switch on his phone, waiting for the device to come to life. Naturally, he was bombarded with a high number of missed calls and messages. He gave the missed call log no mind. However, he couldn’t stop himself from scrolling through several of the texts. There was some crude talk from the likes of Nick and James, a message of congratulations from a distant relative who hadn’t been able to attend the wedding, his mother had sent him a link to an article entitled ‘The 10 Best Ways to Ensure Omega Obedience’. That was followed up with a ‘Never mind’ text. At some point during the Paris trip, she had sent him a link for an article called ‘How Not to Disgrace Yourself After The Change’.

His eyes skimmed over a few more messages. It would seem the news of him being the Omega in the relationship hadn’t been cascaded down yet. Surely if that knowledge was commonplace he would have at the very least have been teased for it by now. The only thing he seemed to have received relating to his new Omega status was the link to that offensive article from his mother.

Deciding to ignore the remaining unread messages, Harry made a call to his mum. It rang for a solid minute before going to her voicemail. He hung up, his throat too tight to speak. Realistically, he shouldn’t be so surprised that she couldn’t be bothered to answer his call. She genuinely was a busy woman, and taking time to talk to her Omega son over the phone was surely an inconvenience. But the rejection (because that’s clearly what it was) still hit him like a ton of bricks.

He sent her a brief text message to let her know he and Louis were stopping by to collect his things. For the remainder of the car journey, he kept checking his phone every few seconds to see if she’d responded or even read it. Just under thirty minutes later he was left on ‘read’. The lack of a reply was not particularly shocking. But it was certainly hurtful.

XXX

The security team allowed Louis to drive on up to the mansion, though it looked like it physically pained them to permit entry to a Tomlinson. For his part, Louis took it in stride. Harry found himself slouching down in the passenger seat, hoping to go unnoticed. Of course, they all saw him. Harry Edward Styles (well, Tomlinson now), the former Alpha Styles heir. Now he was just an Omega. An Omega to a Tomlinson.

“You ok?” Louis asked as he parked the car.

“Fine,” Harry lied.

They stepped out of the car and moved up to the front door. Two Alpha guards were standing at the entrance. Ordinarily, they would greet Harry with a respectful nod of acknowledgement when opening the doors for him. But that was back when he was an Alpha. Now, it was Louis who got the respectful nod (albeit begrudgingly). They completely ignored Harry.

“They seem cheerful,” Louis commented sarcastically as they stepped over the threshold.

“Yeah, should have been comedians those two,” Harry said dryly.

Arms crossed over his chest, Harry strode quickly through the house. Somehow, the place felt cold and uninviting, not at all like a true home.

“Nice house,” Louis stated politely. “Must have been fun growing up here.”

Harry didn’t respond. Truthfully, it wasn’t a nice house. It was big and lavish, yes. Filled with posh and expensive things. A truly impressive visual feast. But it wasn’t ‘nice’, and it wasn’t ‘fun’. Harry had never really noticed the lack of warmth in his family home before, but it stuck out painfully to him now. He was suddenly relieved to be moving out.

Leading Louis into his childhood bedroom, Harry discovered some of the servants already hard at work packing up his things.

“Alpha,” one of the Omegas greeted, bowing to Louis.

“Alpha,” another repeated with a curtsey.

Soon they were all acknowledging Louis’ presence in such a manner.

“Um… hi,” Louis responded awkwardly, clearly unused to such treatment.

Without a word to Harry, the Omega servants resumed their task of packing up his possessions. Every now and then Harry would feel one of them staring, though they quickly looked away when he caught them. There was no fear in their eyes. No respect. None of the lustful glances he occasionally received when one of them was close to a heat or simply dropped their professionalism. There may have been a glimmer of pity from a couple of them. To Harry, their pity was even more humiliating than simply being ignored.

“Oh, that looks heavy, let me help with that,” Louis offered approaching two of the Omega girls who promptly tensed up, looking incredibly fearful. “Whoa, not gonna hurt you,” he said.

“Just let them do their job,” Harry said grabbing Louis’ elbow and lightly yanking him back. “Continue,” he directed the Omegas, but they didn’t move. “Bloody hell,” he grumbled before nudging Louis pointedly.

“Um… please continue,” Louis commanded gently, and they resumed. “What the hell?” he asked his younger husband.

“You just need to let them do their job,” Harry explained. “In this house, a useless Omega is an unnecessary Omega.”

“Meaning?” Louis asked.

“You know what it means,” Harry responded.

Louis took a breath. Given the family he was born into and the lifestyle they had, yes, he knew what Harry meant. It wasn’t uncommon for people to be killed in their line of work. And sure, if certain people needed to disappear then Louis had ways of making that happen. But potentially killing an Omega servant simply because they were considered ‘useless’ or ‘unnecessary’, that was not something Louis considered to be normal.

“Your mother is scarier than I thought,” Louis whispered to Harry.

Harry said nothing. He’d never really questioned his mother’s behaviour before. Sure, he knew she was a formidable woman. He’d always been rather proud of that fact. But now that he was an Omega himself he was beginning to see how callous and deranged she actually was. And how foul and obnoxious he had often been himself. While Harry had never treated every Omega he met rudely, he was definitely guilty of unfair treatment to far too many. Random memories zipped through his brain, making him cringe as he realised how awful he had frequently been. And such behaviour had come so naturally to him. It was shameful. He tugged awkwardly at his bottom lip with his thumb and forefinger. He knew he owed every Omega in his room (and the rest who worked in the household) a massive apology. But he kept quiet, his eyes on the carpet as he waited for them to finish packing.

XXX

“You sure you’re ok?” Louis asked, his car loaded with Harry’s belongings as they drove away from the Styles mansion.

“Just… get me away from here,” Harry sighed. He covered his face with his hand, eyes clamped shut until he was sure the large house was out of sight.

“How often does your mother deem an Omega ‘unnecessary’?” Louis asked.

“Often enough to maintain the fear,” Harry answered. “I honestly couldn’t give you an exact number of how many Omegas have been unfairly punished, tortured or killed. I couldn’t even guess.”

“Didn’t it ever bother you?” Louis asked.

“No,” Harry admitted sheepishly. “I barely even paid attention. They were just Omegas. I didn’t care.”

“Fucking hell,” Louis swore shaking his head in disbelief.

“It’s just the way she was raised,” Harry defended half-heartedly. “It’s normal to her. Expected even. She doesn’t know any different.” Maybe he was trying to make himself feel better.

“I don’t know if our marriage is going to change anything,” Louis spoke up, keeping his eyes on the road as he drove. “If this is the way your mother thinks, believes and behaves… I don’t know how to be her ally.”

“So what?” Harry asked as he fiddled with his wedding ring nervously. “Are you going to divorce me? Send me back to my mother and reignite the Styles-Tomlinson feud? Have I not been humiliated enough by you forcing your knot up my ass and turning me into an Omega? Now I have to face your rejection too?”

“Hey, you’re my husband,” Louis told him, reaching across to rest his hand on Harry’s leg, just above the younger boy’s knee. Harry stiffened at the touch, glaring hard at Louis’ hand. “I’m your Alpha, and I’m going to take care of you,” Louis vowed. “But I don’t know if I can trust your mother.”

“You can’t,” Harry answered without hesitation.

“What about your people?” Louis asked. “Grimshaw, Corden? Are they loyal to you?”

“I used to think so. But now that I’m an Omega… probably not,” Harry replied. Louis gave his leg a gentle squeeze before placing his hand back on the steering wheel.

“Do you think your mother was ever serious about ending the rivalry?” Louis wondered.

“Dunno,” Harry shrugged unhelpfully. “I always thought she was serious about it. But from the beginning her expectations were clear. I was supposed to be the Alpha, and you were meant to be my Omega. It hasn’t worked out the way she wanted so now… her pride has been wounded… she’s disappointed in me… maybe she blames you, and by extension anyone associated with the Tomlinson’s for it all… or maybe she’s indifferent… But I guess it would be foolish not to consider that she could be a threat,” he muttered quietly, as though if he said it quietly enough it might not be true.

“Don’t worry,” Louis replied. “We’ll figure something out. We’ll talk to my mum about all this soon. See what she thinks.”

“And what if she thinks the best cause of action is for you to abandon me?” Harry asked.

“My mum’s not like that, Haz,” Louis said calmly. “Even if she thought divorce was the best option I wouldn’t take that advice. I’m the one who turned you into an Omega so I’m responsible for you. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me, lad.”

“Lucky me,” Harry responded. The tone was a lot more sarcastic than he’d intended. Truthfully, he realised he was lucky to have Louis on his side. He wasn’t sure he’d ever truly had somebody on his side before.

XXX

Back at the house, Louis carried all the bags and boxes inside, but he insisted that Harry unpack his own things. Harry grumbled and scowled, making numerous scathing comments about it while Louis lounged on the sofa watching T.V, but he did find an odd sense of peace as he placed personal ornaments and pictures in different rooms of the house. Things were going rather well, until he opened his first suitcase of clothing.

Instead of hanging clothes up in the wardrobe or folding them to be placed on the shelves, he ended up throwing a heap of fancy shirts to the floor. The eighteen-year-old glared at the offending pieces angrily, outraged by the loud patterns, the bright colours and the overly expensive materials.

For years he’d been strutting around in designer shirts with costly price tags, arrogantly boasting his wealth, believing the various labels to be a necessary extension of his Alpha nature. Confronted with the large pile of extravagant shirts now, he felt foolish. They were ridiculous and far too… effeminate.

Barely keeping tears at bay, he ripped up the shirts with his bare hands, creating a mess of scraps across the bedroom floor. After throwing the torn pieces of the pink shirt with white polka dots aside, Harry found himself yanking down some of Louis’ hoodies and t-shirts from the shelves along with a couple of smart (but masculine) shirts. He curled himself up in the pile he’d made out of Louis’ clothes, the Alpha’s scent soothing him.

Cuddling one of the hoodies to his chest, the lump lodged in his throat became too painful to ignore and he began to sob. He heard Louis’ footsteps climbing the stairs, obviously having heard him. Harry wanted to disappear through the floor, never to be looked upon again. He hid his face under Louis’ hoodie, waiting for his husband to… to… be nice to him. That’s what would happen, he realised. Louis wouldn’t yell. Louis wouldn’t judge. He would be calm and comforting.

“Harry?” Louis asked softly. “What’s going on, love?”

Sniffling, Harry sat up in the pile of clothes. The Alpha didn’t look mad, just concerned.

“Sorry,” Harry mumbled an apology as he furiously rubbed the tears away from his eyes.

“Hey, it’s ok,” Louis soothed. “Just… just tell me what happened. Let me know how I can make it better.”

“Give me my knot back? Make me an Alpha again?” Harry asked in an empty tone, knowing full well there was no reversal for what had already been done.

“You ripped up all your shirts,” Louis stated the obvious.

“Don’t like them anymore,” Harry replied, still hugging Louis’ hoodie to his chest, taking comfort from the tobacco and peppermint smell. “They’re too girly,” he criticised. “A real Alpha wouldn’t be caught dead in something like that. Just a stupid fake Alpha like me. I mean… what is this… what the hell is this?” he despaired holding up fragments of what had once been a very shiny shirt. “By dressing like that I was just begging to be turned into an Omega,” he scoffed derisively at himself.

“I don’t know what to say, love,” Louis answered honestly. “It’s just… it’s just clothes, lad.”

“It’s NOT just clothes,” Harry whined.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean… look, it’s gonna be alright,” Louis told him. “Just… what do you need from me? Help me out here. Tell me what to do.”

“I don’t know,” Harry despaired.

“Wanna take a walk?” Louis suggested. “Have a drink… grab some food… watch T.V?”

Harry shook his head solemnly.

“We could go for a jog, do more of that Yoga stuff,” Louis offered.

“No,” Harry declined. “Just… lay down with me,” he whispered.

“We’d be more comfortable on the bed,” Louis pointed out.

“Here,” Harry insisted as he rolled onto his side, burrowing his face into Louis’ clothing.

Wordlessly, Louis crawled into the walk-in wardrobe and positioned himself behind Harry. He draped one arm and leg over the Omega and hooked his chin over the curly-haired boy’s shoulder.

“This ok, love?” Louis asked.

“No talking,” Harry requested.

Squeezing Harry a fraction tighter, Louis pressed a delicate kiss to the Omega’s temple. Harry stiffened at the contact but didn’t voice any complaint or shove Louis away.

XXX

After Harry had calmed down from the ‘fancy shirt’ debacle he spent some time in the kitchen baking. Louis poked his head in to check on him every now and then, but ultimately he left Harry to it.

The next day, Louis drove them into town, and they went shopping so Harry could replace all the shirts he had ruined. It wasn’t a particularly enjoyable experience. Louis wasn’t much of a fan of shopping anyway, and Harry was clearly feeling stressed and miserable about the ordeal. He refused to look at anything too eccentric or colourful that matched his former style. Yet he seemed equally offended by anything too plain and simple. Finding something that fell between the two extremes was surprisingly difficult.

In the fifth shop, Harry was trying on some simple V-necked sweaters in a few different colours (nothing too vibrant but nothing boring like grey or beige). Louis was waiting just outside the changing area, a few shopping bags already in hand containing some short and long-sleeved t-shirts as well as some classic styled smart dress shirts. Then the hairs on the back of Louis’ neck stood on end as his ears picked up the sound of Harry sobbing.

“Haz?” he called out cautiously moving towards the locked stall his husband was in. “Everything ok, love? Um… do you want me to find a different colour?”

“Forced Omega?” the shop assistant asked curiously.

“Um… yeah,” Louis answered her, eyes down on the ground at the admission.

“The change is a challenging time,” the lady said, the light overhead making the grey of her hair and the wrinkles of her skin more pronounced. “Forced matings aren’t too common anymore, but it was quite the trend back in the seventies,” she told him. “A lot of the turned Omega’s experienced episodes like this. It’s quite normal,” she reassured.

“Thanks,” Louis replied awkwardly. “Any wisdom on how to help him through it?”

“Give him a spanking to toughen him up,” the lady suggested. “That’s how the Alphas in the seventies used to handle it.”

“Harry,” Louis rapped his knuckles on the door, choosing to ignore the elderly woman. “Come on, lad.”

Half a minute later, Harry opened the door. His eyes were a little puffy and his cheeks a little splotchy.

“These ones are ok,” Harry said hoarsely holding up two of the sweaters.

“Great choice,” Louis smiled. “Let’s go pay,” he ushered Harry out of the changing room.

The old lady tapped him on the shoulder and Louis paused to look back at her, feeling confident he wouldn’t approve of whatever she might have to say.

“Collars were also favoured by Alphas back in my day, really helped a forced omega to learn their place,” she shared.

“Noted,” Louis said tersely, hand placed to Harry’s lower back as he guided him further through the shop, away from the old lady.

“Don’t like her,” Harry mumbled.

“Can’t say I’m a fan either,” Louis replied.

“Would seriously consider killing her if she wasn’t already so old,” Harry glowered.

Louis wasn’t entirely sure if Harry was joking or not, but he chose not to question it. Instead, they paid for the few items Harry had settled on before heading back home.

XXX

After Harry had put away his new clothes and changed into the pastel green V-necked jumper, they were back in Louis’ car, driving to Louis’ mother’s.

“Some of my friends are going to be joining us as well,” Louis warned. “I hope that’s ok.”

“Would you tell them all to fuck off if I said it wasn’t?” Harry asked.

“If that would make you more comfortable,” Louis replied calmly.

Harry turned to look out the passenger window. His husband really would be willing to turn his friends away for his benefit. If Harry wanted to, he could probably take advantage of Louis’ good-nature for quite some time. Strangely, he didn’t want to. Maybe it was his new innate Omega nature yearning to behave for his Alpha. Or maybe he knew damn well Louis was treating him far better than he deserved, and he didn’t want to throw it back in his face.

“It’s fine,” Harry spoke up. “You should see your friends… catch up… have a laugh… brag about making a Styles your Omega bitch,” he added. It was supposed to come out as a playful joke, but it only sounded bitter.

“I don’t think of you as a ‘bitch’, Harry,” Louis told him.

“Right… yeah… I know,” Harry answered. “They’re all gonna hate me aren’t they?” he asked worriedly when they pulled up in the driveway.

“Of course not,” Louis said. “Just give them a chance to get to know you.”

“Know me,” Harry rolled his eyes. “I’m a selfish spoiled little rich boy who got massively humbled by being forced to take a knot. Don’t think I’ll be winning any popularity contests.”

“Just try and be positive, lad,” Louis advised as he carefully parked the car. “Treat people with kindness,” he took a gentle hold of Harry’s face, looking into the younger boy’s eyes. “Be polite, be respectful, maybe try and smile a little. You’re not walking into the enemies lair. You’re a Tomlinson now, remember?”

“Will any of them give me a hard time?” Harry asked, gently pushing Louis’ hand away from where he was cupping his chin. “For being the Omega?”

“Tomlinson’s aren’t disrespectful to Omega’s, love,” Louis claimed. “Neither are our nearest and dearest. Some of them might be curious and ask about the change. You’re under no obligation to share anything you don’t want to. But I promise, they won’t be giving you a hard time. They just want to get the chance to know you properly and see how married life is treating us so far.”

“Well it’s not exactly great is it?” Harry frowned.

“Things could be better,” Louis acknowledged. “But I’m not pitying myself. I’m willing to try and make this marriage work… Are you?”

Harry fiddled with the wedding ring on his finger. Truthfully, he didn’t really feel as though he had any other choice but to try and make the marriage work. But he didn’t say that out loud, suspecting Louis wouldn’t particularly appreciate such a statement.

“I want to make it work,” Harry stated. “Don’t know how but…” he shrugged.

“Plenty of time to figure it out,” Louis said. “Ready to go inside? Pretty sure it’s just my mum at the moment. Other people shouldn’t be arriving for another… thirty, forty minutes,” he said checking the time.

“Yeah, let’s go in,” Harry replied glancing over his shoulder to the baked goods in the backseat. “Maybe the cookies and muffins are a bad idea… might make me look too desperate for approval, like I’m trying too hard to be liked.”

“They’re a lovely gesture, my mum will really appreciate them,” Louis assured. “And with your baking talents they’ll be a massive hit with my friends too.”

XXX

Louis’ mum’s house wasn’t as big and ostentatious as the Styles mansion. The signs of wealth were clearly present, but it wasn’t being flaunted in one’s face so obnoxiously like the Styles décor. There was also an undeniable homely charm to the place. As soon as he stepped inside, Harry felt ‘welcome’. Still awkward and nervous, sure. But welcome.

His eyes flickered curiously around the place. There were a couple of tasteful art pieces, presumably picked out because Jay genuinely liked them rather than being selected for the purpose of boasting such a work was owned. Mostly, the walls and shelves were decorated with personal photos. Harry was treated to captured memories of Louis as a tiny baby, an adorable toddler, a mischievous looking child, an awkward teen with acne, and an admittedly swoon-worthy handsome young man.

Jay greeted them both with a tight hug and a firm kiss to the cheek. She graciously accepted Harry’s baked gifts, enthusiastically biting into a cookie and praising him endlessly. It was certainly more heart-warming than the occasional ‘adequate’ he received from his own mother when he had first developed an interest in baking.

“Tell me, boys, how was Paris?” Jay asked as they sat down to drink tea and enjoy Harry’s homemade treats.

Harry noted that Jay didn’t have an Omega servant prepare the tea and serve them, instead she made it herself (using a teapot that Harry guessed to be a family heirloom) and brought it out on a tray, seemingly enjoying the opportunity to treat them in such a way. Harry couldn’t remember a time when his mother had ever made a cup of tea or coffee for herself, much less anyone else. He suddenly wondered if she even knew how to make a hot beverage or cook a simple meal.

“Paris was beautiful,” Louis said. “I’m sure we’ll go back there one day. It was definitely nice to get away for a little while. Right, Hazza?”

“Right,” Harry nodded his agreement, wishing he had something more substantial to say.

“And how are you coping with the change my darling?” Jay asked, setting her warm gaze on Harry.

“It’s… rough,” Harry answered honestly. His mother would no doubt scoff and roll her eyes at such an admission (not that she’d care enough to ask in the first place). But Jay’s gaze remained soft. Harry didn’t feel like he was being judged. He felt genuinely safe and protected in her presence. It was… strange… very strange… but nice… more than nice. “But Louis’ been calm, patient and supportive… so, you know… he’s not a totally useless husband after all,” he said.

Jay let out a delighted laugh at the comment and Harry breathed a small sigh of relief, pleased that the teasing joke had landed correctly and not come out offensive.

“Have you visited your mother yet?” Jay asked.

“No,” Harry suddenly became very interested in the pattern on his teacup. “I suspect she’s too busy to see me right now… Have you spent much time with her at all?”

“We worked on a couple of business matters together while you were in Paris,” Jay stated. “But I haven’t spoken to her in a personal manner. We had made arrangements to meet for dinner one evening but she had one of her assistants inform me she had to cancel last minute. I reached out to her about rescheduling but I’ve yet to hear back.”

“You won’t hear back,” Harry said. “Not until she needs something from you.”

“Yes, I thought that might be the case,” Jay replied.

“Do you think the Styles-Tomlinson feud is truly at an end now that we’re married?” Louis asked. “Is Anne somebody to be trusted?”

“I am unsure,” Jay told them honestly. “What are your thoughts, Harry?”

“I don’t know,” he answered. “Sorry,” he added weakly.

“Don’t worry,” she assured him, reaching her hand out to touch his arm. “Time will tell. And no matter what happens, you are a Tomlinson. You’re family.”

Harry kind of wanted to hug her. Maybe sit on her lap and sob his heart out like a hysterical child until he fell asleep. He settled for drinking down some more tea instead.

“Ah, that’ll be some of the lads,” Louis grinned when there was a knock at the front door. He moved to his feet, eagerly making his way to answer it.

Palms feeling sweaty, Harry rubbed them on his trouser legs, suddenly feeling a bit queasy.

“Breathe,” Jay reminded him gently. “And relax. Come sit beside me,” she invited patting the space on the couch beside her.

Harry quickly moved to join her, neatening out the hem of his pastel green sweater as he did so. He still felt sick and nervous, but with her hand resting comfortingly on his shoulder he felt like he could better mask his anxiety.

There was a lot of excited sounding noise. Although Harry couldn’t see Louis and his friend group, he could hear the camaraderie in their jubilant exchange of ‘hellos’ and ‘good to see you’s’. As the group entered the living-room, Harry was a little surprised that it was only a small group. Judging by their loudness he had expected a significantly larger crowd. He wasn’t entirely sure if fewer people was a good or a bad thing. On the one hand, it was less people to be introduced to and try to impress. On the other hand, a larger gathering might have made it easier for him to hide away in a corner and go unnoticed.

“It’s ok,” Jay told Harry quietly, squeezing his shoulder as she stood up, Harry moving with her. “Hello boys,” she smiled as she welcomed Louis’ friends into her home.

“Alright lads,” Louis moved to step beside Harry, setting a hand at his waist. “I’d like you to formally meet my husband. This is Harry,” he gave the Omega’s hip a squeeze.

“Hi,” Harry offered, his eyes fixed on the hole in the knee of one of the lads ripped jeans.

There was a chorus of ‘Hi Harry’.

“This is Stan… Oli… Steve… Bebe and Ed,” Louis introduced.

Harry could feel his skin heating up as they all looked at him. He kind of wished a hole would open up beneath his feet so he could fall into it and escape the scrutiny. Or better yet, perhaps a hole could open up underneath everybody else’s feet.

“Congrats on the wedding,” Stan stated. “Beautiful ceremony and the reception was great. I had a hangover for about two days afterwards, but hey, I had fun.”

“Come on, everybody, sit down, sit down,” Jay directed, and Harry gratefully dropped back down onto the couch. “Drinks, we need drinks.”

“Sit down, I’ll sort it,” Louis said heading towards the kitchen.

“I’ll help,” Oli offered following after him.

Crossing one leg over the other, Harry placed his hands in his lap, fiddling with the ring on his finger. He could still feel Louis’ friends gazing at him curiously and he struggled not to shift uncomfortably, biting down on his tongue so he didn’t snap and say something rude. He wished Louis would hurry up.

“So you boys went to Paris, I love Paris,” Bebe gushed dreamily. “It must have been so romantic.”

“Not really,” Harry blurted out. “I mean… we’re still getting to know each other,” he added on.

“Well Louis’ a really great lad,” Stan claimed.

“Yeah, top bloke,” Ed agreed.

“And you two look so cute together as a couple,” Bebe declared.

“Mmhmm,” Harry murmured, still playing with his wedding ring as Louis’ friends sang his praises.

XXX

“Your husband seems… quiet… shy,” Oli said helping Louis get some cans of beer out the fridge along with a bottle of white wine.

“Forced matings aren’t fun,” Louis answered, stretching up on his toes to reach the fancy wine glasses.

“I bet,” Oli replied. “How bad was it?”

“The Mating?” Louis asked and Oli nodded. “Brutal, mate. Kid put up one hell of a fight. It really could have gone either way. But… forcing him like that,” he winced at the memory. “I’ve seen a lot of shit in my young life, done a lot of dirty dodgy things… but our wedding night…” he shook his head.

“You did what you had to do, man,” Oli told him supportively.

“I know it had to happen one way or the other but… that’s probably the worst memory of my entire life,” Louis said. “The kids still only eighteen. Having to beat him down, force him to take my knot… it didn’t feel good. And he was so defeated, in so much pain. I felt like a fucking monster.”

“Shit,” Oli sighed, not knowing what else he could say. “But how’s it been since? Has he had his first heat?”

“Not yet,” Louis shook his head. “And I’m feeling pretty nervous for when it does happen. So I can only imagine how shit scared he’s feeling.”

“Are you getting along though?” Oli asked. “Getting to know each other? Falling in love?”

“He’s still adjusting to the change,” Louis answered. “We’re not living out some magic fairytale romance. He can hardly stand to let me touch him most of the time, always tensing and flinching… not that I blame him… he’s struggling with being an Omega and he won’t really talk about it. Doesn’t help that his mum reacted poorly.”

“Yeah, Jay told me about the brunch with Anne,” Oli said. “Has Harry met up with his friends yet?”

“No,” Louis shook his head. “Can’t say I really want him to. I don’t imagine the likes of Grimshaw and Corden to be particularly respectful and supportive.”

“We could just kill them,” Oli said. “Make it look like an accident.”

“Oh trust me, lad, if I need to kill those two knotheads then it will be deliberate and it will be slow,” Louis commented. “Come on,” he picked up the wine bottle and glasses while Oli carried the beer cans.

XXX

Harry felt a bubble of relief fill inside of him when Louis returned to the living-room. That bubble promptly burst, being replaced with disappointment when the Alpha sat amongst his friends, leaving an empty space beside Harry. If it weren’t for Jay still being on his other side, Harry may well have had a panic attack or burst into tears.

“Thanks,” Harry murmured as one of Louis’ friends (Oli?) handed him a glass of white wine.

“Mm, Harry, man, these muffins are delicious,” Steve praised. “Seriously, you are a God.”

“Maybe we should organise a party of some kind soon,” Ed suggested. “With both Packs. Things were still very divided at the reception. But it could be a great way to encourage unity once things have settled a bit more. What do you think, Harry?”

“Maybe,” Harry answered. Though a Tomlinson-Styles party event sounded like a nightmare. He wasn’t even sure he could trust his own mother at this point and his hopes weren’t high for his friends taking his new Omega status well either. “Um… tell me some embarrassing stories about Louis?” he asked.

“Mm, brilliant,” Stan clapped his hands together after guzzling down some beer. “I have so many, where do I even start?”

“Dead pigeon,” Bebe cackled.

“Yes, the dead pigeon,” Stan smirked before launching into the story.

Sitting on the sofa beside Jay and sipping at his wine, Harry still felt awkward and tense, but hearing humiliating tales from Louis’ life was rather enjoyable. He glanced towards his husband every now and then. Louis took it all in stride, blushing a little at times, but mostly laughing along with his friends. Ruffling up his curls, Harry kept secretly hoping Louis would come and move to sit beside him, but the Alpha remained wedged between Oli and Steve, Stan practically in Louis’ lap on occasion when he got particularly animated about sharing an embarrassing story. So Harry found himself taking comfort from Jay’s scent. Like her son, she smelled of peppermint.

Chapter Text

TEN

It was late when Louis’ friends left. Late enough that Harry didn’t protest when Jay insisted they stay for the night rather than driving out of the city to their own humble home. The three of them cleared things away. Admittedly, Jay and Louis were doing most of the tidying, but Harry genuinely put in the effort to assist. He could have been of more help if he knew the set-up of the house better and where different items were kept. Still, for a boy who had grown up being weighted on hand and foot he thought he had done fairly well.

“Ok, goodnight boys,” Jay kissed Harry’s temple before pressing kisses to Louis’ cheeks. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Night, mum,” Louis replied throwing the last of the empty beer cans away. “Have fun, love?” he asked Harry.

“Wasn’t awful,” Harry shrugged. “Your friends were… loud,” he stated.

“Yeah, they are,” Louis acknowledged with a small chuckle. “But nobody made you feel uncomfortable, right?” he checked.

“No, they were… nice,” Harry answered. “It was awkward being the outsider,” he admitted. “But they weren’t jerks about it.”

“Would you be ok with spending more time with them in the future?” Louis asked.

“I guess so,” Harry replied. “As long as you’re there with me too.”

“Aww, do you miss your Alpha?” Louis teased playfully.

“Shut up,” Harry rolled his eyes. “Why didn’t you… nevermind,” he shook his head.

“No, hey, tell me,” Louis encouraged him to finish the question.

Releasing a long sigh, Harry crossed his arms over his chest (feeling defensive) and tilted his head back, staring up at the ceiling so he didn’t have to look at Louis directly.

“Why didn’t you sit by me?” Harry asked, heat rising in his cheeks as his words came out in an insecure tone.

“What do you mean?” Louis frowned.

“Nothing… forget it,” Harry shook his head, ruffling a hand through his curls. “I’m gonna head to bed… um… which way?” he asked awkwardly realising he didn’t know where they were staying.

“C’mon, love,” Louis led him upstairs to his childhood room. It wasn’t much changed from when he had been living with his mum permanently. There was also plenty of spare clothes and such for whenever he was visiting. “Are you talking about tonight?”

“What?” Harry frowned, doing his best to shield his body from Louis’ gaze as he changed into a pair of his Alpha husband’s spare pyjamas.

“Me not sitting by you,” Louis clarified.

“It doesn’t matter,” Harry dismissed.

“Hey, if you’re upset then it matters,” Louis insisted.

“I’m not upset,” Harry huffed. “I just…”

“Just what?” Louis asked as he stripped down to his boxers, gazing at Harry with a mixture of confusion and concern.

Licking his lips sub-consciously, Harry stared at the trail of hair that ran down from Louis’ belly-button, disappearing into his boxer-shorts.

“Look, I know that lot are your friends,” Harry said as he forced his eyes away from Louis’ nicely muscled torso. “You haven’t seen them since we got married. There’s a lot you wanted to talk about. I get it.”

“But?” Louis prompted.

“But… I’ve never met them properly before,” Harry pointed out. “I don’t know them. I’m not even comfortable in my own body right now, nevermind being in a strange house full of people I don’t know. It’s not easy being the Omega freak.”

“You’re not a freak, Haz,” Louis told him.

“Well I feel like one,” Harry retorted. “And since the change, the only thing that makes me feel remotely calm is you and your stupid Alpha smell.” He really wished he hadn’t just admitted that. But too late now. “I just… this whole time, you’ve been there for me, supporting me… being kind, being patient… but the second you see your friends it’s like you forgot I even existed. I spent the whole night sat by your mum because you both have that peppermint scent, and it was the only thing that was comforting me and stopping me from embarrassing myself with some kind of pathetic Omega meltdown.”

“Oh,” Louis responded. “I didn’t realise,” he said honestly.

“Yeah, whatever,” Harry grumbled.

“It’s not ‘whatever’,” Louis sighed. “I’ll try and do better.”

“I didn’t mean… I don’t need… you don’t have to…” Harry faltered over his sentences, unsure how to respond. “Fucking hell,” he sighed turning his back to Louis as he felt himself getting emotional. Eyes closed, he took a steadying breath and swallowed thickly.

“Come on,” Louis stepped up behind him, arms slinking around Harry’s waist as he propped his chin on the younger boy’s shoulder. “Let’s get into bed. Have lots of cuddles.”

“I don’t want cuddles,” Harry objected.

“You love cuddles,” Louis retorted.

“Do not,” Harry glowered.

“Well the Omega part of you does,” Louis told him patiently. “We can leave a big cold space between us if you like, but we both know you’re gonna end up cuddling into me. And I like the cuddles too by the way.”

“Just because my inner Omega craves the affection doesn’t mean I’m just gonna give in,” Harry stated.

“Why fight it, lad?” Louis asked as he settled into the bed, Harry still standing awkwardly in the middle of the room. “You realise you have an affect on me too, right? Your scent soothes my inner Alpha, and I feel the need to hold you in my arms and protect you. What are you gaining by denying our natural instincts and making us both suffer?”

“Well… making you suffer does sound like a perk,” Harry drawled.

“Into bed, love, come on,” Louis encouraged yanking the covers back for Harry to climb in.

With an overly dramatic sigh, Harry turned off the light then crawled into bed. He rolled onto his side, his back to Louis. The scent of tobacco and peppermint was tempting him to curl up closer to the Alpha, but he ignored it. Harry had hoped that maybe Louis would fall asleep quickly and then he could snuggle against him. But he could tell by the sound of Louis’ breathing that he was just as awake as he still was.

“I suppose…” Harry spoke up. “Um,” he hesitated slightly.

“What’s up?” Louis asked, hand reaching out to gently grip Harry’s hip.

Harry tensed a little at the touch. The Alpha’s hand felt warm. It was pleasant and comforting.

“I suppose if you’re struggling, I could move a little closer,” Harry suggested. “If you think being near me would comfort you?”

“It is torture being so far away from you,” Louis replied. “I’d definitely appreciate some cuddles.”

“Needy Alpha,” Harry tutted.

He rolled over, facing Louis, and slithered up close to his husband. He rested his cheek on Louis’ chest, the warmth radiating from Louis’ skin helping him relax. Harry didn’t flinch or tense at all as Louis settled his arms around him. Obviously they both knew Harry needed and wanted the close proximity just as much as Louis did (as a new Omega, Harry probably yearned for it just a little more strongly). Still, Harry appreciated the older lad going along with the pretence that Harry was cuddling Louis for the Alpha’s benefit.

It was much easier to fall asleep being wrapped in the Alpha’s arms. Harry felt secure and cosy. He was practically purring as he enjoyed Louis’ scent and listened to his heartbeat.

XXX

“Morning, sleepyhead,” Louis greeted.

“Mm,” Harry murmured, stirring slightly. He sat up, pushing some stray curls away from his face, wondering if the kiss placed on his forehead had been real life or part of a dream. “Time is it?”

“Nearly eleven,” Louis answered, and Harry’s eyes widened slightly in shock. “I’ve tried waking you every half hour since eight o’clock, but you kept kicking me.”

“Did I hurt you?” Harry asked, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his palms.

“Nah, I’m good,” Louis assured.

“I’ll try harder next time then,” Harry said cheekily.

“I don’t doubt it, lad,” Louis seemed to appreciate the banter rather than being offended. That was good. “Why don’t you shower and get dressed and then I’ll take you out for lunch?”

“Ok,” Harry shuffled out of the bed. “Will your mum be joining us?”

“Sorry, she left for a work thing super early,” Louis apologised. “She’s a little extra busy at the moment.”

“Oh,” Harry scratched his arm awkwardly as realisation dawned on him. “She’s so busy because you’re not working right now. Because you’re… babysitting your new Omega.”

“It’s not a problem, love. Don’t worry about it,” Louis said. “Now how about that lunch date?”

“Date?” Harry repeated, his stomach twisting into nervous knots.

“We are husbands,” Louis pointed out. “I think it’s acceptable for us to go out on a little lunch date. Besides, it’s been a while since I’ve had a Happy Meal,” he teased.

“Screw you, I’m not that young,” Harry rolled his eyes while Louis laughed at his own joke.

“We can go any place you’d like,” Louis told him seriously. “Let me spoil you. Show you how things might have played out if this was a regular relationship.”

“Sounds cringey but… alright,” Harry agreed, and Louis beamed at him, his blue eyes twinkling.

“Who knows? I might even make you fall in love with me,” Louis said playfully. “Feel free to think about me while you’re in the shower,” he added with a flirty grin.

“Choosing to ignore you,” Harry replied making his way to the bathroom.

XXX

Of course, as soon as the hot water was raining down upon him, he could think of nothing but Louis and that tantalising trail of hair that disappeared into his underpants.

“Stupid Alpha,” Harry grumbled as he washed himself.

With soap suds covering his lengthy body, his cock stirred in interest. Harry didn’t particularly want to give in to temptation and touch himself. Not because he was feeling insecure about his body. Not even because he was still waiting for his first heat experience to hit. He just knew that stroking his dick would only lead to more thoughts of Louis Tomlinson. Probably lewd and scandalous thoughts at that.

Masturbating was a perfectly normal and healthy thing for an eighteen-year-old to do. But Harry found the idea of jerking himself off to thoughts of his new husband to be utterly humiliating. They may well be married, and technically they’d had sex (and what a harrowing experience that had been), but their relationship still didn’t feel particularly ‘strong’ or ‘real’ to Harry. And touching himself while thinking of the Alpha… surely that would mean Harry would have to admit to some kind of attraction.

“Damn it,” Harry grumbled as his cock throbbed.

He curled his long fingers around himself and started stroking. He didn’t even bother trying to block out fantasies of his husband. He let the dirty thoughts burn through his mind, soft whines spilling from his mouth. His asshole began to twitch. He may have been growing a little moist back there. It was hard to tell with the shower water already soaking him. But his hole was definitely fluttering, and he felt a strong desire to be filled.

Moving his free hand behind himself, he rubbed his middle finger back and forth across his opening. The stimulation felt kind of nice, though not nearly satisfying enough. His body craved more, but Harry didn’t feel brave enough to fully push a finger in. He just lightly teased his hole while frantically jerking off. It wasn’t nearly as satisfying as Harry would have liked, but it achieved the overall goal. With a groan of something that did NOT sound anything at all like ‘Louis’, Harry watched his cum swirl away down the drain.

He quickly finished with his shower and returned to the bedroom to get dressed, relieved that Louis wasn’t waiting for him there. He wasn’t sure he could handle any teasing about what he got up to in the bathroom, and he was sure Louis would be able to tell somehow.

As he was pulling on the rainbow knitted cardigan he’d bought in Paris, his phone buzzed with a new message. Frowning, he stared down at where it rested on the nightstand. He wondered if his mother had maybe sent him a link to another disparaging article about being an Omega. Perhaps if she had he could send back a link to an article about narcissistic mothers or something.

Picking up his phone, he discovered the message was not from his mother. It was Nick inviting him for a late lunch. Harry pulled at his lower-lip with his thumb and forefinger, unsure what to do.

Agreeing to meet up with Nick would mean cancelling his lunch date with Louis. It would also mean revealing his Omega status, assuming his friend didn’t know already. But avoiding the meet-up would surely look suspicious. In fact, declining the invitation would no doubt clue Nick into the fact he was the Omega. Clearly he was taking too long deliberating the matter because the phone started to ring, the screen flashing up with Nick’s name and number.

“Grimmy,” Harry drawled as he answered the call.

“He’s alive!” Nick responded triumphantly. “Had us worried there. Was beginning to think you and Tomlinson had killed each other after all. Now, come and meet us for a late lunch so we can catch up.”

“My schedule’s a little busy right now,” Harry replied. “Maybe we could arrange something for next week?”

“Absolutely not,” Nick objected. “I am not going to let you become one of these boring married men who forgets to relax and have fun with his friends. That Tomlinson wanker can cope without you for a few hours. See you at the usual restaurant in an hour. If you’re not there I will come and kidnap you.”

“I already have plans,” Harry tried to explain.

“One hour, Harry,” Nick told him in a sing-song voice before hanging up.

“Fuck,” Harry swore.

XXX

He made his way downstairs, unsure how to approach Louis about the situation. The older lad was in the kitchen enjoying a cup of tea. His eyes crinkled as he smiled at Harry.

“You look nice, love,” he complimented.

Harry tugged at his colourful cardigan a little self-consciously. He’d worn plenty of fancy and flouncy shirts in front of his friends before, all designer labels or custom-made items that boasted his wealth. But he’d never worn a knitted cardigan every colour of the rainbow. Surely he would be in for some merciless teasing if he wore it in front of them.

“Any thoughts about where you want to go?” Louis asked. He actually sounded quite enthusiastic about their lunch date.

“Um… something’s come up,” Harry said. “I need to go and take care of something. Business,” he lied, straightening up to his full height as though that would settle the matter and somehow disguise the deceit.

“Bullshit,” Louis stated. He was no longer smiling and the warmth in his blue gaze was absent. “Try again.”

“Louis,” Harry sighed with a roll of his eyes. “You don’t control my life ok. Just because you’re the Alpha doesn’t mean I have to do what you tell me to. I’m not your Bitch.”

“Hey, that’s not fair,” Louis shot back. “I have never disrespected you and treated you like you’re just a Bitch. I’m not that kind of Alpha. Now, if you don’t want to go to lunch you can just say so. I’m prepared to put in the effort to make this marriage work, but if you’re not, then I guess we’re just doomed to stay trapped in a loveless relationship.”

“This isn’t about you,” Harry replied.

“Of course not,” Louis laughed hollowly. “It’s all about poor Omega Harry… Shit,” he swore after he said it. “Haz, I’m sorry.”

“Fuck you,” Harry seethed. “You don’t know what this is like for me.”

“Maybe I’d understand better if you opened up to me more,” Louis suggested. “You don’t make things easy, love. Just… tell me what’s going on. Why don’t you want to go to lunch?”

“My friend Nick asked to catch up,” Harry said.

“Grimshaw,” Louis grimaced. “I don’t suppose there’s any chance you told him to go to Hell?”

“He’s my friend,” Harry defended. “Or at least I think he is. Guess I’ll find out.”

“Fuck sake,” Louis grumbled, obviously displeased. “Alright,” he sighed, pouring the remainder of his tea down the sink. “Let’s go meet up with him then,” Louis said.

“You weren’t invited,” Harry stated bluntly.

“I’m your Alpha, and I don’t trust these friends of yours one little bit,” Louis replied. “I should be there to protect you. Make sure they don’t…”

“I can handle myself,” Harry cut him off. “And I need to do this on my own. It’s going to be difficult enough walking in there and seeing those guys and them realising that I’m the one who got turned. But at least if I walk in independently with my head held high I stand a chance at keeping my dignity and maintaining their respect. If I show up with my Alpha they’ll give me hell for it.”

“I don’t like this,” Louis shook his head, and he began pacing the kitchen. “I don’t trust them. And if they dare hurt you I’ll…”

“I don’t care if you like it or not,” Harry replied. “I’m doing this. Alone.”

“Fine,” Louis clearly still wasn’t happy. “But I’m driving you there and I’m waiting outside in the car.”

“Ok,” Harry agreed. He needed the ride after all. “And don’t think you’re forgiven for that shitty ‘poor Omega Harry’ comment. You’re not.”

“Fair enough,” Louis accepted. “I’m still sorry.”

“As you should be,” Harry mumbled.

XXX

The drive to the restaurant was quiet and tense. Louis parked the car and Harry suddenly found himself really regretting the brightly coloured cardigan.

“I can’t wear this,” he decided shrugging it off. “Give me your jacket,” he requested.

“Sure you want to smell like your Alpha?” Louis asked as he took off the light blue denim jacket and handed it over.

“Not really, but if nothing else your smell makes me feel safe,” Harry grumbled as he squeezed his long arms into it. “Wish me luck?”

“Good luck, lad,” Louis told him. “I’m here if you need me.”

“It’s fine,” Harry smiled weakly. “I’ve got this.”

XXX

Each step closer to the restaurant filled Harry’s insides with dread. He had a bad feeling. But he continued walking. He had to see this through, no matter the outcome. Standing tall, he strode into the restaurant, heading towards their usual table. He heard his friends before he saw them, loud and rowdy as they often were. Then his eyes were assaulted by an obscene amount of pink and glitter.

He froze on the spot, his stomach plummeting. The area had been decorated with balloons and banners, all in various shades of pink and covered in sparkles. It was rather like a baby shower, or a gender reveal party announcing a baby girl. Except it wasn’t. It was some kind of ‘Omega Shower’. Clearly, word had spread, and his friends knew about the change.

“There he is,” James’ voice boomed out as he spotted Harry.

The group all turned to Harry, and they clapped and wolf-whistled, Nick gesturing him over.

“Welcome to your Omega party,” Nick beamed. “What do you think? I even blew up the balloons myself.”

“Explains why they look shit,” Harry responded, and Nick howled with laughter, clapping Harry on the shoulder before yanking him into a hug.

“Sit down,” he directed, guiding Harry into a seat. “Huh, you smell good,” Nick noted, leaning far too close as he helped Harry into the chair. “Like… cherry blossom,” he winked.

Keeping his face impassive, Harry quietly surveyed James and the other handful of Alphas and Betas at the table. He knew it was important to appear calm and unbothered. He could not show weakness.

“You!” James barked, snapping his fingers at the passing Omega waitress. “More champagne,” he ordered.

Different comments were made about the wedding and the reception. Harry nodded when appropriate and gave the occasional one or two word answers. He noticed Nick was seated much too close to him, his hands consistently finding excuses to touch him. Harry wasn’t sure what to make of it. He was certain Nick had never been so touchy-feely with him before. James was largely considered the tactile one among the group, always the most likely to hug someone unexpectedly. But Nick seemed incapable of keeping his hands to himself and seemed compelled to lean in close to talk directly into Harry’s ear.

Was it some kind of protectiveness on Nick’s part? Did his inner Alpha feel the need to soothe the Omega at his side? Nick may have bedded many an Omega, but he never developed any connections with them. But he and Harry had been friends for some time. It wasn’t totally unreasonable that Nick would feel protective now that Harry was an Omega. Perhaps this gauche ‘Omega Shower’ (as mortifying as it may be) was Nick’s misguided attempt to embrace Harry’s new status. Or maybe Harry was foolish and being far too hopeful.

The way Nick let his fingers rest at the nape of Harry’s neck was not comforting. Harry shifted in his seat, but Nick’s fingers followed. It felt far too invasive and disrespectful. Only Louis’ hand or fingers ought to touch Harry there.

“Have you had your heat yet?” Nick asked, lips tickling Harry’s ear. “It doesn’t smell like it,” he added, dragging his nose down the column of Harry’s throat.

“Not yet,” Harry answered cautiously. He studied Nick’s face, the Alpha leering back at him. His pupils were blown wide, eyes almost black. He looked predatory and Harry did not like the idea of being the prey one bit.

“Is something wrong?” Nick asked, leaning in close again so only Harry could hear. “You smell nervous, little wolf.”

“I might get the prawns,” Harry mused as he looked at the menu, hoping to change the subject.

The waitress returned with the champagne bottle. Harry offered her a mumbled ‘thank-you’, his group of friends didn’t acknowledge her existence at all. Harry would guess the girl was probably thankful for that. Instead, their attention was focused on him. The attention itself wasn’t unusual. But it was a different kind of attention. They were lusting after him, he could smell it. Most of them anyway. James seemed unaffected by his new Omega status and the Betas at the table weren’t really a threat. But most of his Alpha friends were looking at him like he was a piece of meat. And Nick was literally pawing all over him.

It was very different to having Omegas flirt and throw themselves at him when he had been an Alpha. Harry had always felt in control of the situation back then, even if he’d never really accepted the advances of any admirers. But now that he was an Omega surrounded by Alphas who looked like they wanted to mount him… Harry truthfully felt terrified.

“You smell so sweet when you’re scared,” Nick whispered huskily, his hand slipping under Harry’s t-shirt, fingers stroking across Harry’s quivering stomach.

“Tell us about the wedding night,” James asked, sounding genuinely curious rather than perverted. “How was it taking Tomlinson’s knot? As painful as they say? Or are you a kinky bastard who enjoyed it?”

“Well, I…” Harry struggled to form a response as he forcibly moved Nick’s hand away, nails digging into the older man’s wrist.

“Playful,” Nick hissed, using a napkin to dab delicately at the tiny bit of blood.

“I can’t believe you let Tomlinson knot you,” one of the Betas scoffed.

“I didn’t let him,” Harry glared. “He just… bested me in the fight,” he blushed furiously.

“No way,” James laughed shaking his head. “Tomlinson is a tiny gentle Alpha. You’re a tall strong beast. I’ve seen the way you fight, the way you kill. If Tomlinson genuinely beat you in a fight then some part of you must have wanted it.”

Harry didn’t know what to say. So he reached for the champagne bottle.

“Here, allow me,” Nick took the bottle and poured Harry a glass as well as one for himself and then passing the bottle around. “Let us toast,” Nick held up his champagne flute.

Harry lifted his glass too, unsure if he would appreciate what came out of Nick’s mouth next.

“To Harry,” Nick declared. “Our precious Omega,” he smirked, dragging a hand through Harry’s curls.

“Our precious Omega,” the others echoed.

He still wasn’t sure if they were showing support for him or taunting him. But that uneasy feeling in his gut suggested it was the latter.

“Gifts,” Nick grinned, dropping a hand to rest high on Harry’s thigh and giving a very deliberate squeeze.

James produced a bubble-gum pink giftbag with a fancy bow and handed it to Nick who placed it on the table in front of Harry.

“Hope you like it,” Nick smirked.

He wasn’t going to like it. Harry knew he was not going to like it. But he kept his expression neutral as he opened the giftbag. Inside was a moderately sized butt-plug with a shiny pink jewel at the base. There was also a white leather collar decorated with pink crystals along with a matching leash.

They were definitely mocking his Omega status. Harry was sure of that now.

“You should spend your first heat with me,” Nick said with a roguish grin, fingers running up Harry’s inner-thigh, inching closer to his dick. “I bet you’ll make such a pretty Bitch wearing your new pretty collar.”

“I’d look exquisite, no doubt,” Harry said with a confidence he did not feel. “Now if you’ll excuse me,” he rose to leave, Nick standing with him and gripping his hips.

“You don’t need to go running back to that Alpha or yours,” Nick laughed. “There’s plenty of Alpha cocks to occupy you here,” he pressed his hard length up against Harry’s ass.

With a few swift moves, Harry had Nick sprawled on the floor with a sprained wrist and a broken nose. He’d also pulled a gun on him (yes, he’d brought a gun to the restaurant). There was quite the hysteria around them as other tables noticed one of the customers was wielding a gun.

“Ok, Harry, just calm down,” James said, and Harry sent him a look that immediately silenced him.

“I might not be an Alpha anymore,” Harry acknowledged, glaring down at Nick, his gun still trained on him. “But even as an Omega I can rip you apart limb from limb and you fucking know it,” Harry snarled.

“Then why don’t you?” Nick challenged, his bloodied nose swelling up something dreadful.

Harry stomped on Nick’s crotch, hard. He relished the yelp as Nick curled up on himself. Then he shot a final scathing look to the rest of his ‘friends’ before storming out. He’d barely stepped out of the restaurant when he walked into Louis. Presumably the Alpha had gotten a little chilly waiting in the car because he was draped in Harry’s rainbow cardigan, the sleeves rolled back so they didn’t cover his hands.

“I heard screaming,” he said, eyes worried.

“I pulled out my gun,” Harry admitted.

“Fuck,” Louis swore, placing a hand to the small of his back and quickly ushering him towards the car. “Don’t worry, we’ll sort this.”

They made a quick getaway and Louis made some calls. They ditched the car, getting picked up by Oli while somebody else dealt with the abandoned vehicle.

“Don’t worry, boys,” Oli said. “As we speak those witnesses are being convinced there was never a gun, and all camera footage has been doctored accordingly. I’m just going to drop you boys off at a safehouse to lay low for a little while so we can be sure this whole thing has blown over.”

XXX

The ‘safehouse’ was a cabin located by a lake and surrounded by woodland.

“Great, our own little horror movie,” Harry remarked.

“Have fun, I’ll come back for your bodies in a few days,” Oli joked as he tossed an emergency duffle bag at Louis’ feet before driving off.

“Do we really have to stay here?” Harry asked.

“It’s just for a little while,” Louis told him as he lit up a cigarette. “Didn’t your mother ever tell you not to pull guns on people in classy restaurants?”

“I know I fucked up,” Harry dug his hands into his pockets, shoulders slouching. “I’m sorry ok.”

“Did they hurt you?” Louis asked, blowing out a puff of smoke, taking care to make sure it didn’t go in Harry’s face.

“No,” Harry shook his head. “They were just… it was a shit-show basically.”

“Were you in danger?” Louis asked gently.

“Maybe, maybe not,” Harry shrugged. “I just didn’t feel particularly safe,” he admitted.

“Hey, if your gut was telling you that you weren’t safe, then you weren’t safe,” Louis said. “Don’t be sorry for protecting yourself.”

They were quiet for a little while, Louis smoking his cigarette and Harry looking distastefully at the lake, trees and cabin.

“You look ridiculous in my cardigan by the way,” Harry told the Alpha.

“Yeah, it’s not really my style,” Louis acknowledged. “Definitely looks a thousand times better on you. But I don’t actually give a shit, lad, because it’s bloody warm and cosy.”

He took the last drag of his cigarette and flicked it to the ground, stubbing it out with his shoe. Picking up the duffle, he slung it over his shoulder before holding his hand out to Harry. Quietly, Harry took the Alpha’s hand and followed him up to the cabin.

“Here we go, home sweet home,” Louis declared as they stepped inside.

Much to Harry’s relief, he found that the interior of the cabin wasn’t anywhere near as bad as he was dreading. It was actually quite nice and seemingly secure and well stocked with food and other essentials.

“Do your people use this place a lot?” Harry asked.

“Comes in handy more often than you’d think,” Louis said. “We always like to keep the place tidy and everything. Me and the lads sometimes sneaked out here for wild parties when we were your age. Damn,” he sighed.

“What?” Harry frowned.

“Nothing,” Louis smiled softly. “Just a weird thought.”

Harry cocked his head to the side, silently asking Louis to elaborate.

“It’s just weird to think that when I was seventeen, eighteen, I was being an idiot and partying with my friends,” Louis continued. “And here you are, eighteen-years-old, a forced Omega married to a family enemy… It’s… sad.”

“…Yeah,” Harry sighed.

“Let’s see what food we’ve got in. I’m starving and you still need to eat too, right?” Louis asked.

“Yeah, feed me,” Harry pleaded tailing Louis to the kitchen where they were able to throw together a simple pasta dish.

“So… you gonna tell me what went down at the restaurant?” Louis asked as they ate.

“Well, I think… I think… my so-called friends might know that I’m an Omega,” Harry deadpanned.

“Did they take it better or worse than your mother?” Louis wanted to know.

“Depends on your perspective I guess,” Harry murmured. “It wasn’t explicitly said, but I think Nick wanted to make me his Omega Bitch and then pass me around like a joint at a party.”

“How painfully do you want me to kill him?” Louis asked.

“I can handle it,” Harry assured. “But thanks for the offer.”

“I’m serious, I’m happy to kill him,” Louis said.

“I know, but I don’t need you to,” Harry replied.

“Tell me the truth, Haz, did they touch you, hurt you?” Louis looked concerned.

“Nick got way too handsy,” Harry grimaced. “Hence why I aimed a gun at his face. But I didn’t get hurt.”

“Good,” Louis said. “I’m sorry your friends are jerks.”

XXX

“You sure you’re ok, love?” Louis asked as they settled into bed together that night. “If you need to talk…”

“Not sure what to say really,” Harry responded, his tone a little lifeless. “They were my friends… now they’re not.”

“It’s their loss,” Louis stated. “And honestly, you’re better off without them.”

“Yeah,” Harry agreed. “I wasn’t that close to most of them anyway. I never actually bothered learning all of their names,” he admitted. “But Nick and James… especially Nick… that was different.”

“Different how?” Louis gave him a gentle squeeze and Harry burrowed into the Alpha’s warmth.

“They were my best friends, whatever that means,” Harry rolled his eyes slightly. “I trusted them with my life, truly. And I had fun being around them. Driving around with James, singing at the top of our lungs, watching chick-flicks together in secret… I guess when I think about it, I let my guard down with James and was more my real self around him than anyone. He’s a flawed human being, I’m not blind to that, but he was always good to me. Even today he wasn’t like the rest.”

“What do you mean?” Louis wondered.

“He wasn’t giving off the same rape-y vibes as Nick and the others,” Harry answered. “Didn’t seem that bothered about me being the Omega, really. I mean, he teased me a bit, but it seemed more playful and light-hearted than cruel. And he…”

“What, tell me,” Louis encouraged gently.

“He asked about the wedding night,” Harry said. “Not in a gross way,” he rushed to explain. “Sounded like he was genuinely curious. But… he said how he’s seen me fight and everything, and that you’re a tiny gentle Alpha…”

“Tiny?” Louis complained. “I’m five foot fucking nine.”

“Of course you are,” Harry rolled his eyes. “Anyway, James didn’t think it was possible for you to best me in a fight unless… unless I wanted you to. Like… maybe deep down I wanted to be the Omega and take your knot… Maybe… maybe part of me did want it… I don’t know.”

“So… is James still your friend?” Louis asked. “If there’s a chance that he is, it may be worth reaching out to him. If you wanted to.”

“I don’t know,” Harry sighed. “Besides, he’s known Nick much longer than he’s known me. They’ve literally been friends since before I was born.”

“Well, you can always make new friends. Better ones,” Louis told him.

“Maybe. But since being married to you I have had to re-evaluate my life and myself,” Harry said, “and it turns out I’m actually kind of an asshole.”

“You behave like an asshole sometimes, but you’re not actually an asshole,” Louis replied. “It’s just your upbringing and the dickhead so-called friends you were surrounded by. Especially that Grimmy. I’ve only ever heard shit and sickening things about him.”

“Probably all true as well,” Harry murmured. “But he was still my best friend. He was kind of like… I don’t know… an older brother type… a cool uncle… he was even a bit of a father figure to me at times. It… hurts,” he admitted, eyes feeling moist. “The way he was touching me today… those dirty things he said… Fuck, it hurts,” he sobbed. “This wasn’t some random Alpha. This was Nick. My best friend… It hurts.”

“Of course it does, love,” Louis rubbed Harry’s back and stroked his hair.

“It hurts worse than my mother,” Harry sniffed. “Even worse than the mating… He was my best friend,” tears streamed down his face. “It hurts.”

“I know,” Louis whispered softly doing his best to comfort him. “I know,” he pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.

Chapter Text

ELEVEN

His nipples were tender. He was warm. Too warm. Clothes felt itchy against his skin, so Harry stripped them off and stepped outside the cabin. Barefoot and entirely nude, he walked towards the lake and stepped into the water, walking until he was waist deep. He looked down, watching the ripples grow. It felt soothing.

“Harry, what the hell are you doing, lad?” Louis panicked, diving fully-clothed into the lake to catch up to him. “Haz?”

“Alpha,” Harry whined, burying his face in the crook of Louis’ neck, inhaling deeply.

“Ah fuck,” Louis swore realising his husband was in heat. “C’mon, love, back to the cabin.”

Harry murmured unintelligibly in response, simply clinging to the older lad.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you,” Louis picked him up bridal style and carried him out of the water and back to the cabin.

Then he placed Harry carefully into the shower stall, turning the water on to a pleasant temperature before peeling off his own sodden clothing. Climbing in behind Harry, Louis made sure to get them both thoroughly clean after being in that dirty lake.

“Harry, can you hear me sweetheart?” Louis asked once they were out of the shower, and he’d covered the younger boy with a robe. “Do you know what’s going on?”

“Heat,” Harry murmured. “Omega… real Omega now.”

“That’s right, love, it’s your first heat,” Louis guided him to the living-room. “Just sit down. I’ll get you some water.”

When Louis returned with a glass of water in hand, Harry had loosened the robe and spread his legs wide. His head was thrown back against the sofa, gentle moans escaping his lips as he lightly thrust his hips, seemingly fucking the air.

“C’mon, Haz, drink this,” Louis instructed placing the glass in the Omega’s hand. “That’s it, drink up,” he encouraged.

“Mm,” Harry certainly seemed to appreciate the refreshing liquid.

“Look at me, kid, are you with me?” Louis asked concernedly.

“Not a kid,” Harry grumbled.

“Good, good, there’s my boy,” Louis was relieved to hear a bit of his husband’s usual snark. He positioned himself on his knees between Harry’s spread legs, carefully moving the sides of the robe to cover Harry’s lower body back up and protect his modesty. “I’m not really sure what to do here,” he admitted. “You’re not completely lost in the heat-haze yet. But it’s only a matter of time.”

“Right,” Harry closed his eyes and shut his legs, pulling the robe tighter around himself and squeezing his thighs together. “I guess we have to… you know… fuck,” he trailed off awkwardly. “At least it will hurt less this time,” he shrugged with a humourless chuckle.

“Harry, love, we don’t have to do anything you don’t want to,” Louis assured him.

“But… it’s a heat,” Harry frowned in confusion. “You’re my Alpha. Aren’t you supposed to just shove your dick inside me and knot me until it’s all over?”

“I’m not gonna do anything without your consent, lad,” Louis said.

“Didn’t stop you on our wedding night,” Harry pointed out.

“That’s different,” Louis replied. “I know the Mating was Hell for you, Harry. I’m sorry, but there was no way to avoid it. One of us had to turn the other. For what it’s worth, that was the worst night of my life. It made me sick to my stomach having to hurt you like that. I promise you, I’m not ever going to hurt you like that again. So tell me… how do you want this heat to play out? It’s all up to you, lad. You set the boundaries, you call the shots.”

Sighing, Harry gulped down some more water and shifted on the sofa. He readjusted the robe he was wearing, letting the material slip off his shoulders, leaving him bare.

“I’m starting to get wet,” Harry confessed with a blush.

“It’s ok, it’s totally normal, don’t worry about it,” Louis said.

“Does it smell?” Harry asked, squirming on the sofa cushions as he felt the moisture gathering at his hole. “I feel like it smells.”

“Yeah, I can smell you,” Louis told him honestly. “You smell really good though.”

“Like cherry blossom still?” Harry wondered.

“No, your scent is different during your heat,” Louis explained. “You smell like a mixture of candyfloss and toffee popcorn. I really like it. Kinda makes me want to kiss you all over,” he admitted.

“Don’t want you to,” Harry responded, eyes downcast.

“That’s alright,” Louis answered gently. “I won’t kiss you if you don’t want me to. This is about what you want, sweetheart. Just tell me what you need, yeah?”

“I’m scared,” Harry whispered.

“I know,” Louis smiled softly up at him as he took the now empty glass and set it aside. “This whole thing is new and scary. But we’re gonna get through it together. Just tell me what the rules are? Do you want me to disappear for a few days while you ride this out?”

“No, stay!” Harry panicked, trapping Louis with his long legs.

“Whoa,” Louis overbalanced, crashing into Harry, his face smashing into the younger boy’s stomach. “Relax, I’m not going anywhere,” Louis lifted his head up, hands planted on the sofa either side of Harry, the Omega still keeping him trapped with his legs. “I’m gonna stay.”

“Want you close,” Harry said. “Want to be able to smell you… want you to hold me… but no kissing and no sex.”

“Ok, no kissing, no sex,” Louis agreed. “You gonna let me up?”

Wordlessly, Harry set his feet down and Louis moved off the floor, tentatively sitting at Harry’s side on the couch.

“Oli packed a dildo in the emergency duffle bag,” Louis revealed. “New in box, never been used. Using it through your heat will probably help.”

“No, don’t want it,” Harry refused.

“Are you sure?” Louis asked. “You’re gonna get pretty desperate as the heat progresses.”

“I know,” Harry sighed. “I know I’ll be desperate. I know I’ll beg for your knot. But you need to tell me ‘no’,” the Omega insisted. “I’m not ready to have sex with you and I’m not prepared to do it with a toy.”

“But you’d make such a lovely couple,” Louis teased. “Ow,” he laughed as Harry smacked him hard in the chest.

“No sex… no toys… promise me?” Harry panted as he wiggled and squirmed.

“I promise,” Louis told him.

“… Fuck, I’m leaking,” Harry whimpered, covering his flushed face with his hands as slick seeped out of him.

“I could run you a bath,” Louis offered. “Or we could cuddle up in bed.”

“… Yeah… bed,” Harry agreed.

The Alpha stood up and extended his hand to Harry. With a groan of effort, Harry accepted Louis’ hand and moved to his feet, slick trickling down the backs of his thighs. He shifted awkwardly on his feet, clenching his butt-cheeks together.

“Don’t… don’t look at me,” Harry placed one arm over his sensitive nipples, cupping his groin with the other.

“Not looking,” Louis replied, placing his hand close to Harry’s lower-back but not actually touching. “C’mon, let’s go to the bedroom.”

“Don’t look,” Harry repeated self-consciously.

“Still not looking,” Louis said as they moved to the bedroom.

Stepping inside, Harry shuffled towards the bed, taking small steps as he struggled to keep the slick from gushing out onto the floor. As he crawled onto the mattress, Louis moved to open the window to let some cool air into the room. He also placed some towels down on the bed for Harry to lay upon.

“You doing ok?” Louis asked.

“Mm,” Harry spread out on the bed, resting his hands on his stomach. “I feel… kinda floaty… Ooh,” he sighed as another puddle of slick gushed out of him. “Come closer,” he pleaded, and Louis moved to perch on the bed. “You smell good… You smell like…”

“Like what?” Louis prompted, a smile playing at his lips, fully expecting a joke of some kind.

“Mine,” Harry answered sincerely, and Louis felt a warm feeling of pride spread through his chest. “You smell like you’re mine… My Alpha.”

“I am your Alpha,” Louis confirmed, and Harry moaned at the affirmation.

“Fuck,” Harry swore, placing the back of his hand to his forehead. “I’m… I’m slipping… I feel it.”

“It’s alright,” Louis told him. “I know it’s scary. But your heat is a perfectly natural part of the Omega experience. It’s gonna be ok, love. I’m right here. You can let go. You’re safe with me, Haz.”

“Yeah… yeah… I’m safe,” Harry breathed out, eyes fluttering closed, a pool of slick forming on the towel beneath him as he moaned obscenely.

XXX

For another fifteen minutes or so, Harry seemed quite serene. Louis rather enjoyed watching him sensually wiggle and writhe, the wetness expanding on the towel as Harry made the most beautiful whimpers. The Alpha lay on his side, head resting on his hand as his eyes swept up and down Harry’s form. His Omega certainly made a beautiful figure. Stretching his hand out, Louis gently rearranged some of the curls on Harry’s head. His husband rewarded him with a new chorus of moans.

Harry smelled so sweet and looked positively sinful. Louis was definitely aroused by the Omega. But he wasn’t a mindless knot-head. He was in control of himself. He was there to comfort and protect his younger husband, not satisfy his own urges.

“Mm, Alpha,” Harry sighed out. “Need you.”

“Right here, love,” Louis responded soothingly.

The peaceful serenity began to wane. Harry soon appeared more flustered and agitated. He began begging for his Alpha’s touch, desperately requesting to be fucked and knotted. They both knew it was inevitable for Harry to act this way. But the Omega had made Louis promise to tell him ‘no’ and deny him so that’s what the elder lad did, despite the wave of sobs and tears it caused.

“Need you, Alpha,” Harry whined. “Need your cock in me.”

“It’s alright, love, you’re gonna get through this,” Louis assured.

“Cock,” Harry whimpered.

“Just touch yourself, sweetheart,” Louis suggested. “Go on, that’s it,” he gently directed Harry’s hand to his own dick. “Good boy, that feels better, right?”

“Nrgh,” Harry clumsily stroked himself, hips jerking upwards. “Want you… Please,” he gazed up hopefully at Louis from underneath his lashes.

“No, love, we agreed not to,” Louis told him calmly. “Just touch yourself. You don’t need me.”

Harry grumbled and whined some more, using some of his own slick as lube as he aggressively tugged at his cock.

“Whoa, slow down,” Louis advised grabbing Harry’s wrist to halt his movements. “You’re supposed to respect Harry Junior, not abuse him. Be gentle.”

“It’s not… not enough,” Harry complained.

“Try slipping a finger in your hole, that might help,” Louis advised. “Do it slowly, not too rough.”

“It’s not right… it’s not the same,” Harry snapped in frustration. He flipped onto his stomach and began humping the bed. “Uh, uh… no,” he sobbed after a few awkward thrusts. The friction of the towel was unpleasant, and he felt so empty. “Alpha,” he reached behind himself to part his cheeks, showing off his glistening opening. “Please,” he looked at Louis with glassy eyes.

“No, Harry, I promised not to,” Louis explained. “No kissing, and no sex.”

“Stupid promise… break it,” Harry huffed. “Want your dick, Alpha.”

“No, Harry,” Louis replied patiently.

“Dick!” Harry whacked Louis upside the head.

“Ow,” Louis rubbed at the sore spot, unsure if Harry was still begging for his dick or simply calling him one.

“I need it,” Harry let out a pitiful sob. “Please… if I don’t get your dick I’ll die… I’m gonna die… I’m dying,” he claimed dramatically as he straddled Louis’ leg and began viciously humping him.

“Maybe I should get you that dildo,” Louis muttered as he struggled to get Harry off of him. “Bloody hell,” he grimaced. His Omega was strong and breaking free from his hold was a challenge. But Louis managed to slip away, Harry wailing in despair when he wasn’t nearby. “It’s ok, love, I haven’t left you,” Louis told him as he hurried back, ripping the dildo out of the packaging. “I’m still here, Haz. This is gonna help,” he placed the dildo into Harry’s hand.

On his back with his legs spread, Harry blinked at the toy for several moments before slapping Louis with it then launching it across the room.

“Fuck, that hurt,” Louis winced.

“Alpha cock, not fake cock!” Harry shouted, actually stomping one of his feet down on the mattress, his lower-lip jutted out.

Naturally Harry would be a mixture of a toddler throwing a tantrum and a diva making demands during his heat, Louis thought fondly.

“Sorry, Haz, but I promised you I wouldn’t give in,” Louis said.

“Need an Alpha… want an Alpha,” Harry curled up into a ball, body shaking and tears dripping down his cheeks. “My Alpha doesn’t want me.”

“Hey, no, no, love, that’s not it at all,” Louis told him. “Of course I want you,” he placed a hand on Harry’s shoulder, the Omega recoiling, rocking himself as he cried. “Our relationship is still new. We’re not ready for this yet. You’re not ready. We agreed I’d stay close by, but I wouldn’t fuck you. Because you don’t want me to. Your body might want it. But in your head and in your heart, you’re not ready for it yet, baby.”

“Bad Omega… My Alpha doesn’t want me… Bad Omega,” Harry criticised himself before he began slapping his own face, yanking at his hair, digging his nails into his skin and making himself bleed.

“Shit, Harry, stop,” Louis wrestled with his husband, getting him onto his back and pinning him to the mattress, trapping him under his weight. “Don’t hurt yourself, love, please.”

“Bad Omega… I’m all wrong… not good enough… don’t deserve my Alpha,” Harry sniffled.

“Haz, babe,” Louis sighed.

“You don’t want me… you don’t want me… you don’t want me,” he repeated over and over.

“Fuck,” Louis swore under his breath feeling utterly helpless. “Ok, I’m gonna… I’m gonna get up. I need you to be a good Omega for me. Just stay still, yeah? No hurting yourself.”

“You hurt me,” Harry murmured back.

Louis wasn’t sure if Harry was accusing him of hurting him or asking him to. Either way, it made his blood run cold.

“Just stay still… good boy,” Louis praised when Harry remained in position. “Good boy,” he repeated. “Close your eyes, take some deep breaths. Try and get some rest.”

“Don’t need rest,” Harry whined.

“Please, Haz, just rest a little for me,” Louis asked. “I need to make a call.”

“Sending me away,” Harry whispered.

“No, love, of course not,” Louis said. “I just… I don’t know what to do here. I need to call my mum, get some advice.”

“Getting rid of me,” Harry was full-on sobbing again. “Bad Omega… doesn’t want me… Nick… I need Nick… Nick will take care of me.”

“No!” Louis growled, placing his hand firmly on Harry’s chest to keep him down. “Grimmy isn’t coming anywhere near you. You’re my Omega, Harry, my husband. Trust me to take care of you, love.”

“Please,” Harry sat up, resting his forehead against Louis’, his hand reaching between the Alpha’s legs to cup his groin. “Please,” he squeezed his husband’s dick.

“Fuck sake, Harry,” Louis felt himself crumbling.

“Please,” Harry whispered, breath ghosting over Louis’ lip.

“I promised you I’d say ‘no’,” Louis said, and Harry pouted at him.

“Alpha,” Harry murmured sadly.

“Fuck…” Louis couldn’t find it in himself to resist any longer. “Forgive me?” he begged before sealing his lips over Harry’s, kissing him urgently.

“Mmm,” Harry moaned back against him, needily begging for more.

“I’ve got you, love, I’ve got you,” Louis assured, kissing him deeply and spreading him out on the bed.

“Don’t go!” Harry panicked as Louis moved away.

“Still here, still here,” Louis soothed, returning with a condom in hand (courtesy of Oli’s emergency duffle). “Gonna take care of you.”

He made quick work of getting himself ready, condom on as he settled between Harry’s spread legs.

“Are you sure?” Louis asked.

“Please, please, please,” Harry begged.

His green eyes were wide and bright. He looked a little like he was drugged truth be told. Louis knew he was taking advantage of his husband. He was betraying Harry’s trust, breaking the promise he had made.

“I’m sorry, Harry,” Louis spoke in the Omega’s ear. “Please don’t hate me for this.”

“Alpha,” Harry keened, looking relieved and serene with Louis’ cock deep inside him.

XXX

The next three days were spent much the same way. Harry begging for Louis’ cock, and the Alpha filling him up, begging for forgiveness each time. After the final knotting, Harry collapsed against the bedsheets in a deep sleep.

Pulling out, Louis peeled off the used condom (they’d nearly used up the entire pack) and threw it in the bin. Placing a kiss to Harry’s forehead, he moved away to the bathroom and cleaned himself up quickly. He returned to the bedroom with a damp flannel to clean up his husband. Then he covered him with the blankets before leaving him to sleep.

In the kitchen, Louis made himself a cup of tea. Drinking it slowly as he put himself through an intense session of self-loathing. Then he returned to Harry’s bedside, watching over him and waiting for him to wake. If Harry wanted to scream insults at him when he woke, then Louis would listen, accepting every hateful word. If Harry wanted to throw things, Louis wouldn’t duck out of the way. If Harry wanted to throw a punch or two, Louis wouldn’t fight back.

Chapter Text

TWELVE

Waking up, Harry’s body ached all over. It wasn’t as severe as the morning after the Mating. Nowhere near as painful as that thankfully. He wasn’t bruised or scratched up and he didn’t have that same feeling of being so utterly defeated. His muscles just felt a little cramped and sore. Though Harry supposed that was normal given just how much sex he and Louis had engaged in over the past few days. Presumably the Alpha was feeling the aches to some degree too.

“Fucking hell,” Harry sighed to himself, dragging a hand through his tangled mess of hair. An uncomfortable feeling was setting in to his lower belly (the psychological kind). As well as feeling sore all over, he felt grimy and mentally drained.

The idea of staying in the soiled bedsheets was far from pleasant. But the prospect of crawling out of bed and facing the day (and Louis) seemed a herculean task. Their marriage was already awkward and tentative at best. Recent events would certainly not improve their situation.

Sitting up, Harry felt a dull ache in his anus. Not painful exactly, but definitely an uncomfortable reminder of how he had repeatedly taken Louis’ dick. He tried to assess how he was feeling about everything. He had survived his first heat. His transition to an Omega was fully complete now. And Louis had knotted him what felt like ninety-nine ways to Sunday (or whatever day it was… Wednesday? Thursday?). Should he be mad at Louis? Did he even have a right to be angry? Louis was his Alpha husband taking care of his Omega during a heat. Did Harry even get a say in what happened to his body anymore?

His mother would likely say ‘no’. Most of the people Harry knew would be in agreement. Omegas ought to serve their Alpha superiors without complaint or face the consequences. That was how Harry had been raised to think.

But Louis and his Pack didn’t view things that way. They viewed Omegas as equals, worthy of dignity, respect and love. Harry was relieved about that. While being forced into marriage at eighteen-years-old didn’t feel like a blessing, Harry knew he was fortunate that Louis was his Alpha. Once again, he found himself imagining how different things may have been had he not lost the fight to Louis during the Mating. If he had emerged the true Alpha between them, Louis’ life would have surely been made a living Hell.

Or perhaps not, Harry thought. Maybe he would have been changed by the brutality of the Mating and taken mercy on Louis, wanting to protect him as any worthy Alpha should. Perhaps he would have proved a good husband and kept him safe from the likes of his mother and so-called friends. Maybe, just maybe, he wouldn’t have behaved like a monster.

Though if he had, Harry was sure Louis’ mother, along with his friends, would have torn the Styles’ Pack apart to rescue Louis from their cruel clutches. Because Louis had a mother who loved him no matter what, and friends who were loyal and true.

He wondered how Louis was feeling about the events of his heat. Guilty maybe? Or was he angry with Harry for being so needy? Did he feel sorry for Harry? Or did the Alpha think this was a big positive step in their marriage? Would he expect regular sex from Harry going forward, regardless of if a heat was involved?

Harry shuddered slightly. Despite feeling sore all over, he knew the sex had felt good (physically at least). But he wasn’t ready for their relationship to be that physical. It was too soon, it didn’t feel appropriate. Louis would understand, right? He’d be respectful, wouldn’t he? Or maybe he’d be annoyed and think Harry was a tease? Maybe he’d start bringing other Omegas home and enjoying their bodies instead?

Kicking the covers off of himself, Harry climbed out of the bed. The bedroom still reeked of sex and dried slick and cum. For a moment, the Omega worried he might throw up. He stood still, taking a few calming breaths as he waited for the nausea to pass. Grabbing a fresh set of clothes, he moved on to the bathroom and stepped into the shower. Eyes closed and head tipped back, he let the warm water wash over him. He felt dirty and gross, and he suspected the shower wouldn’t really be of help in that regard. At least another dozen showers or so would be required.

His memories of his first heat were far too clear for his liking. He would have preferred for the past few days to be hazy and vague, unable to accurately remember the way he had begged and demanded Louis’ cock. It was embarrassing how desperately he had thrown himself at his husband. Not to mention how vocal he had been while they were fucking. The Alpha’s touch had felt good. Harry had enjoyed it. Worse still, Louis had surely been able to tell just how much he had been enjoying it.

But despite how enthusiastic he had been in the moment, no matter how good it had felt physically, the fact remained that he hadn’t wanted it. That uncomfortable feeling in Harry’s gut grew larger. Turning his face downwards, Harry gasped for breath as he shook the water droplets away from his face. He had been in heat. His inner Omega had yearned for his Alpha. Harry had needed Louis’ touch, his cock, his knot. He had needed it more than anything. But he hadn’t wanted it.

Snatching up the shower gel, Harry squeezed more than half the bottle out and rubbed it into his skin. He’d told Louis he wanted him to stay. He wanted him nearby, to smell him, to hold him, to feel safe. But no kissing and no sex, those had been the rules. Louis had agreed to it, he promised him. He’d promised.

And Harry had believed him. Truly. He knew it wouldn’t be easy. He knew his heat would reduce him to a pathetic whimpering mess begging for an Alpha knot. But Louis was supposed to tell him ‘no’, and Harry genuinely believed that the older boy would keep his word and respect the boundaries that had been set.

He began to sob, his legs feeling weak. He sank down to the shower floor. He drew his knees up to his chest, locking his arms around them and rocking back and forth, crying to himself under the spray of the shower water. Even when the hot water ran out and the droplets turned cold as they beat down upon his skin, Harry remained where he was, still rocking himself back and forth.

“Shit, love, you’re fucking freezing!” Louis exclaimed when he came to check on him. “Harry, Haz?” he called out to him.

Harry knew the Alpha was there. He’s smelled the tobacco and peppermint scent even before Louis had kicked down the bathroom door. He could hear him urgently calling his name, could feel the touch of his hands as he carried him out of the shower, wrapping him in a towel and drying him off. But Harry couldn’t find it in himself to respond.

In the living-room, Harry could feel the softness of the sofa cushions and the blankets Louis had piled around him. But he couldn’t find it in himself to lift his head and look Louis in the eye. Or to speak. Or drink the hot tea. Or eat the buttered toast. He just stared silently into space, disassociating from the situation, feeling empty and numb.

XXX

Louis was panicked. He’d never seen Harry so unresponsive. He’d met arrogant Harry. He’d done his best to take care of a devastated and defeated Harry. He’d rather enjoyed trading banter with a sassy Harry. In the short time since they’d been together, Louis had felt all manner of emotions towards the younger lad. Sympathy, frustration, pride, affection. Learning how to deal with him and work on their marriage was a challenge. Probably the toughest challenge of Louis’ twenty-two years. But he’d never faced such a fractured Harry. Not the night after the Mating, not after his mother learned of his new Omega status, not after the disastrous meet-up with his friends. On those occasions, Harry had given him ‘something’, be it anger, bitterness or tears. But right now, Harry was giving him nothing.

Taking out his phone, he called his mum, hoping she wasn’t attending to any business and would be available to talk. He started to feel a little anxious on the fifth ring, but thankfully she picked up on the seventh.

“Mum,” Louis sighed. “I’ve broken my Omega,” he said before explaining everything.

“Ok, just calm down,” Jay told him patiently over the phone. “Everything’s going to be fine. And you haven’t broken Harry,” she chided gently. “He’s not an object that needs fixing. He’s just a young man going through some intense changes and trauma. He’s going to need time and support to adjust.”

“Trauma?” Louis repeated, sounding agonised at the idea.

“Yes, trauma,” Jay affirmed.

“Because of me?” Louis asked, pained. “Because I… because I couldn’t resist.”

“Yes, Louis, because of you,” Jay told him gently.

“He must hate me,” Louis said sadly. “Even more than he did before.”

“Harry doesn’t hate you,” Jay assured. “But he’s going through a lot right now. Physically, emotionally, socially. Things will improve, but you have to be patient. And maybe look into some therapy.”

“I suggested therapy once before, he shot me down,” Louis replied. “If I tried bringing it up again he’d probably literally shoot me down… I haven’t been able to get him to eat or drink yet,” he said worriedly. “He’s just been staring into space, hardly even blinking. I’m out of my depth, mum. I don’t know what to do.”

“Don’t panic, that won’t help anybody,” Jay advised him. “Just do your best to get him to eat and drink. Make drinking the priority. I’ll be on my way shortly to pick you up and bring you home. In the meantime, just be there for him. Talk to him.”

“He’s not even listening,” Louis said.

“You don’t know that,” Jay responded. “Just because he’s retreated into his mind right now doesn’t mean he doesn’t know you’re there, and just because he isn’t talking doesn’t mean he isn’t hearing every word you say. So sit with him, comfort him, talk to him. Tell him about your childhood… share memories of you and your friends making idiots of yourself… talk about the future you hope to have with him and my grandbabies. I’ll be there as soon as I can, ok.”

“Yeah, ok,” Louis answered, the worry, stress and nerves still clear in his voice.

“You’ve got this, Lou,” Jay assured him.

XXX

Apparently Louis wanted at least three children. He also wanted to give them ridiculous names. Harry wasn’t sure if the Alpha was being serious or just trying to get a reaction. But the Omega barely batted an eyelid. He didn’t have the energy to debate the names of their hypothetical children right now. But make no mistake, there was no way Harry would allow their children to be named Meadow, Skippy or Winston.

As Louis talked about the possibility of them revisiting Paris together one day, Harry obediently parted his lips, drinking down some of the water his Alpha offered to him.

“We could even make a Paris trip an annual thing, as an anniversary maybe?” Louis said conversationally. “Or we could go to other places. Explore the world together. I could see you riding a camel in Egypt. Or an elephant in India. But I’d definitely like to take you to Paris again. At least one more time. Maybe… maybe we could save it for when we’ve fallen in love… if we ever do fall in love, I mean.”

Harry and Louis Tomlinson falling in love. It sounded so far-fetched. Of course, not too long ago, the odds of losing the Mating and being turned into an Omega had seemed impossible to Harry.

As Louis began talking about old times with his friends, Harry tuned out. He recalled old times with his ‘friends’ instead. There were some happy memories in there. He’d genuinely enjoyed their company and had fun. It had been real, hadn’t it? Those friendships had meant something. Or at least they had when he was an Alpha.

But what if he had been a natural Omega all along? Would the likes of Nick and James ever have befriended him at all? How might his mother have reacted? Would she have been so ashamed and disappointed that she would simply abandon him to the Tomlinson’s early?

“…and that’s how Stan superglued his hand to his penis,” Louis concluded. “Do you think you could try eating something for me, love?”

Stomach grumbling, Harry offered an indistinct grunt. He wasn’t sure himself what the grunt had meant, so Louis couldn’t have possibly understood it either. But the Alpha had seemingly decided to interpret it as bringing Harry toast, cereal, a banana and some questionable looking biscuits. He took a bite of banana, Louis’ hand settling on his thigh and squeezing.

“That’s it, good boy,” Louis encouraged.

Harry’s stomach churned. The Alpha had said similar words several times during his heat. Chewing on another mouthful of banana, Harry recalled the way Louis had sunk into him, how slick he had been as Louis pounded in and out. He barely managed two more bites of banana before he threw up, Louis fussing over him to make the situation better, unknowingly making it worse.

XXX

Hearing the sound of a car, Louis crossed to the window, discreetly looking out to check that it was indeed his mother. Satisfied (and immensely relieved) Louis stepped out to greet her, hugging her tight.

“He’s had plenty of water now,” Louis said. “He tried to eat but it made him sick. He still hasn’t said anything. Or even looked at me. I kinda wish he’d just shout at me and hit me in the face or something. That’d be easier to handle than what’s going on with him now.”

“Yes, because everyone knows a good and healthy marriage needs more violence,” Jay remarked sarcastically.

“Just… see if you can get him to open up to you at all, please?” Louis asked.

“He’s my son-in-law, I’ll do anything I can,” Jay said as she followed Louis into the cabin. “Hello, Harry,” she greeted warmly.

There was no response. The boy was still and quiet. It was actually quite unnerving.

“Go and make some tea,” Jay instructed Louis gently as she approached the Omega. “Lovely to see you, Harry,” she said brushing some curls away from his face and dropping a kiss to his head. The only visible reaction was the way his eyes fluttered closed, and he imperceptibly leaned into her. “You must be exhausted after your heat,” she sympathised as she sat down beside him.

Eyes closed, Harry leaned into her, practically falling into Jay’s lap. He buried his nose in the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent, the peppermint just like Louis’. She was warm and she made Harry feel safe. Most importantly, she hadn’t broken a promise and put her hands (and more) all over him.

“It’s ok, love,” she cooed, gathering the tall eighteen-year-old onto her lap, patting his back and rocking him like a young toddler. “Just take all the time you need. Come back to us when you’re ready.”

He released an indistinct grunt. He intended it as appreciation, but the meaning was probably lost in translation. So the Omega just clung to her, mind tuning in and out sporadically as Jay and Louis talked over a cup of tea. There was a cup for Harry too. At some point, he felt the warmth of it in his hand and the burn on his tongue and down his throat. But then the cup was gone. He might have reached over and placed it on the table himself, but it had more than likely been done on his behalf.

“Am I a bad Alpha, mum?” Harry heard Louis ask.

“Of course not,” Jay assured him.

Harry opened his mouth, it was on the tip of the tongue to support Jay’s words, reassure his husband that he wasn’t a bad Alpha. But the words never made it out. Harry’s mind went back to the most recent occurrence of Louis’ dick rammed up his ass. As much as he had begged for it, thanked Louis for it, and writhed around obscenely moaning like a whore… he hadn’t truly wanted it. Louis was supposed to tell him ‘no’, that had been the deal.

“Do you think he’ll ever trust me?” Louis asked.

“Time will tell,” Jay answered.

“What if he never wants me to touch him again?” Louis asked.

“Then as his Alpha and as the man I raised you need to respect that and keep your hands to yourself,” Jay replied firmly. “But I’m sure it won’t come to that,” she added in a gentler tone, running her hands through Harry’s curls.

Harry leaned into the touch, practically purring.

“I don’t like it when he’s like this,” Louis stated. “Lost in his own head, completely disengaged. It isn’t right. What if something’s really wrong? Should we take him to a hospital?”

“He’ll be fine in good time,” Jay said confidently. “A first heat is a lot for a natural Omega. Even more so for a forced Omega.”

“I just… I just wish he would talk to me, I wish I knew what he was thinking,” Louis said.

“He’ll let you know that if and when he’s ready to,” Jay told him.

XXX

They were in Jay’s car. Harry was in the passenger seat, head turned to the side and staring out the window but not really noticing anything. He was vaguely aware of Louis seated in the back. Arriving at the house, it was Jay who helped Harry out of the car, arm around his waist as she guided him up the path, waiting for Louis to take out his key and let them in.

“Get him some more water,” Jay recommended. “And maybe try feeding him some soup or something.”

“Wait, where are you going?” Louis asked after she’d set Harry down on the sofa.

“I’m going home,” Jay answered.

“You’re not staying?” Louis replied.

“Louis,” Jay sighed. “Harry’s your Omega. It’s your position to take care of him. I can’t babysit the two of you.”

“But I don’t know what the hell I’m doing,” Louis pointed out.

“Which is exactly why I need to leave, so you can figure it out yourself,” Jay told him.

“But… but…” Louis spluttered.

“But nothing,” Jay rebuffed. “Man-up, Lou,” she teased. “Take care, Harry. I’ll see you soon,” she squeezed his shoulder and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

“Mum,” Louis practically whined as he followed her to the front door.

“You’re an adult, Louis. You can handle this,” Jay insisted. “Feel free to call me if the situation gets worse. But for now, go inside and be there for your husband. Try and make things right.” She kissed his cheek goodbye, and Louis gloomily watched her leave, feeling lost and hopeless and not at all like an ‘adult’.

Still, he closed the front door and turned back inside. A quick glance to Harry showed him his husband was in much the same state. Sitting still and quiet. With a heavy sigh, Louis moved on to the kitchen, looking through the cupboards for a tin of soup to heat up as well as preparing Harry a glass of water. He also buttered a couple of slices of bread, bringing it all out on a tray.

The Omega was still silent and largely unresponsive, but he allowed Louis to feed him. At one point, Harry’s tongue tickled Louis’ fingers as he nibbled a ripped off piece of bread. The small interaction made Louis’ spine tingle, though Harry looked completely unaffected.

“I’m so sorry, Haz,” Louis sighed, wiping some soup from the corner of the Omega’s mouth. “I should have kept my promise. I had no right touching you like that without your permission.”

Harry swallowed another spoonful of soup down. It didn’t really taste like anything. Maybe the soup itself was just incredibly bland. Or perhaps it was a result of Louis’ poor cooking abilities. But the bread didn’t really taste of anything either, and even Louis couldn’t mess up such a simple culinary task as buttering bread.

“Honestly, I thought our marriage would be in a stronger position by now,” Louis said. “I didn’t want to marry you. And I know you didn’t want to marry me either. We did it for our mothers, for the sake of ending the Styles and Tomlinson rivalry. Fuck… I don’t even know why our families are enemies in the first place.”

That was the novelty of it all. Nobody had a damn clue why and how the feud began, they just continued the rivalry anyway.

“But even though I didn’t really want this marriage, and I didn’t know how the Mating would play out,” Louis continued, “when we standing together at the altar and I put this ring on your finger,” he tapped the jewel on Harry’s left hand, “… I don’t know… I felt hopeful. I thought everything would be ok. That we’d surprise everybody by how good of a match we actually are together. I really thought we had a chance at being happy… But you’re not happy with me, are you, love? You married me out of duty. And you’re still here now because your mum’s a bitch and your friends are all knot-head assholes… You’re an Omega now and I’m your Alpha. You need me… but you don’t want me.”

Harry blinked a few times, slowly lifting his head and making eye-contact with Louis for the first time since he’d woken up from his heat.

“Tell me I’m wrong?” Louis pleaded.

But his husband wasn’t wrong. His words were painfully accurate to their situation. As an Omega, Harry needed his Alpha. More than just about anything, he needed Louis. But he didn’t actually ‘want’ Louis. He didn’t want any husband. He was eighteen-years-old. He wasn’t supposed to be married at such a young age. It wasn’t fair.

“I’m not,” Harry’s voice cracked from lack of use. “I’m not… miserable,” he offered.

“But you’re not happy,” Louis stated sadly.

“No,” Harry admitted. “Are you?”

“…No,” Louis sighed. “Whoa, Haz, stay with me, yeah?” he asked seeing the Omega’s eyes beginning to look vacant again. “Your heat… I fucked up.”

“You think?” Harry retorted and Louis almost smiled, relieved to hear some attitude in his husband’s tone.

“I’m sorry,” Louis apologised. “You can punch me in the face if you want to… ow, fuck!” he swore when Harry did just that. “Shit,” he winced getting back up off the floor after having been knocked off the sofa. “Feel better?”

“A little,” Harry looked down proudly at his knuckles. “Feel less guilty?”

“No,” Louis said.

“Want me to punch you again?” Harry asked sounding genuinely enthusiastic.

“Seriously, love, are we good?” Louis wanted to know. “Or are we just a complete mess?”

“I think we’re a mess,” Harry admitted.

“Can you forgive me?” Louis asked.

Harry thought back to the other night, when Louis had stopped resisting and given in to his begging. He’s whispered the words ‘forgive me’ into his ear. Did Harry forgive the Alpha? Could he, should he?

Then his thoughts moved further back, to the night of the Mating. He had struggled so hard against Louis, crying out pleas of ‘no’. His Alpha body had been violated, painfully so. It could hardly be labelled as ‘consensual’. It was a FORCED Mating after all. But one Alpha turning the other Alpha into an Omega was the intentional outcome. Had Harry not been the one to be ‘forced’, he would have been the one to inflict the ‘forcing’. But that was a different situation to his heat.

They didn’t know each other on their wedding night. And the Mating was what was expected of them. It had to happen, one way or another. But they had been growing closer ahead of Harry’s heat, slowly developing a tentative bond. They had a chance to talk, to set boundaries. But Louis had made a promise and he’d broken it. How were they supposed to move on from that? Why should Harry feel obligated to move on from that? Just because Louis was ‘nice’?

“Forgive you…” Harry scoffed. “You want me to forgive you?”

“I never meant to hurt you, love,” Louis said.

“I wasn’t hurt,” Harry shrugged. “A bit sore after constantly fucking for days but I’m not an Alpha anymore. I’m an Omega now. My body can slick itself up and take your knot. It isn’t like torture anymore.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Louis replied. “I meant that I didn’t mean to break the promise I made. I didn’t mean to break your trust.”

“Well… you did,” Harry stated bluntly.

“I know, I’m sorry,” Louis reached out a hand, making to tuck a stray curl behind his ear. Harry gripped his wrist, stopping him, slowly moving his hand away. “Sorry,” Louis apologised again. “But you kept begging me…”

“Don’t,” Harry closed his eyes. “Don’t blame me.”

“No, I’m not,” Louis said quickly. “I just… it wasn’t easy for me to see you like that. You were begging, pleading. You started hurting yourself. And shit, the things you said, lad. Calling yourself a bad Omega, thinking I didn’t want you. Calling out for Nick Fucking Grimshaw. I couldn’t… I couldn’t stand that. I had to make it clear that you were a good Omega, that you were mine.”

“… Oh…” Harry murmured.

“Oh?” Louis repeated uncertainly. “Harry?” he prompted, searching for clarification on what he was thinking.

“You didn’t lose control because I was begging and pleading,” Harry said. “You didn’t break the promise because you were worried about me hurting myself. It was because of Nick… You were jealous and possessive.”

“I… well… yeah,” Louis sighed. “The idea of you even thinking about going to that creep…” he shuddered.

“You broke your promise because you’re a jealous possessive knot-head,” Harry stated.

“Hey, that’s not fair,” Louis replied.

“You’re right… that’s too polite,” Harry murmured. “You raped me because you’re a jealous possessive knot-head.”

“H-Harry,” Louis stammered, voice catching and tears filling his blue eyes. “Haz, please,” he reached out for him as Harry stood up. “I’m sorry, I… fuck, I’m so sorry,” tears streamed down his cheeks. “I swear to god I never meant to… fuck, Harry, please…”

“Don’t,” Harry shook his head weakly, pulling his arm from Louis’ grip and taking a step back. “Don’t make me have to comfort you right now. Don’t you fucking dare.”

Louis took a respectful step back, putting some distance between them. He bit at his own knuckles, taking several moments to compose himself.

“What… what do you need from me right now?” Louis asked.

“Space,” Harry answered. “I’m gonna take a bath… then I might do some Yoga or go for a jog… then I’m probably gonna go and lay down… and I want to do it alone,” he said pointedly.

“Alright, love,” Louis’ voice still trembled. “I, um… I’ll find somewhere else to stay tonight. Maybe I can come back in the morning?”

“A week,” Harry responded.

“A week,” Louis agreed. “As long as my mum can stop by, just to check in on you.”

“Your mum is more than welcome,” Harry said. “Anybody else faces my wrath,” he warned before turning on his heel, heading upstairs to the bathroom.

Louis quickly packed up a bag before leaving the house.

Chapter Text

THIRTEEN

With Louis gone, Harry could at least relax a little. It helped that the Alpha’s peppermint and tobacco scent still lingered. As much as Harry hated to admit it, Louis’ scent was still of a comfort to him, even now. But the space between them was needed, and the time apart would surely be healthy and appreciated in the long-run. Harry had no intention to wallow in self-misery during the week-long separation. Instead, he was going to focus on enjoying himself and finding some level of inner-peace.

First, the Omega sank into the hot water of a relaxing bubble-bath, stretching his long legs out as much as the tub would allow. Once he had fully adjusted to the temperature of the water, he held his breath and ducked his head under, submerging himself fully. The water sloshed and rippled around him. The sound of his heartbeat seemed to thrum in his eardrums. He felt calm and fantasized that if he were instead under the ocean, he would simply keep holding his breath, allowing himself to drift away. However, given that he was in the bathtub, he sat up, water cascading down his face and body as he took in some oxygen.

Sometime after his skin had wrinkled up from the water, Harry stepped out, feeling shiny and new. Certainly more refreshed and at peace than he had been after sitting on the floor of the shower at the cabin. After getting dressed in some casual work-out clothes, he made himself a quick snack. Just half a cheese and cucumber sandwich, cutting off the crusts. He washed it down with half a glass of apple juice then performed some stretches before heading out for a run around the neighbourhood.

Jogging aimlessly definitely helped him to clear his head. He switched his mind off, shutting out all the noise as best as he could, determined not to think about his mum, or Nick, or most of all his husband. He just concentrated on the way his feet pounded the pavement, the warmth blossoming through his body as his heart rate increased, the tickle of the breeze caressing his skin. No destination in mind. Just running wild and free. His own decisions, his own consequences, his own Omega.

XXX

“You look like shit,” Oli stated when Louis turned up on his doorstep.

“Yeah,” Louis agreed. “Can I sleep on your sofa for a week?”

“I do have a guest bedroom,” Oli pointed out. “C’mon, come in you twat,” he invited. “Tell me what happened. Let’s see if your marriage is salvageable.”

Sitting in Oli’s back-garden smoking cigarettes, Louis explained how Harry had gone in to heat at the cabin. He shared how he had pulled the younger boy out of the lake and agreed to Harry’s no kissing and no sex rule.

“Let me guess,” Oli said with a wry smile. “You stuck to the rules and after the heat Harry threw a diva-fit that you didn’t give in to him?”

“No,” Louis answered quietly, and Oli cocked his head to the side in askance. “I broke my promise. I kissed him… and I knotted him… over and over. Without his consent.”

“… Well fuck,” Oli summarised taking an extra-long drag of his cigarette. “He must have been begging for you pretty desperately though. It’s only natural for an Alpha to want to care for his Omega in distress. Anybody in your position would struggle resisting. And the whole heat thing is tricky. It’s difficult to tell if the Omega genuinely wants it or not. For all you knew, Harry had genuinely changed his mind and really wanted you to help him through it. The two of you don’t exactly have an advantage of knowing each other well.”

“You don’t have to defend my actions,” Louis sighed. “I did what I did. Now I’ve got to live with the consequences of it.”

“How angry is he?” Oli asked.

“No idea,” Louis shrugged.

“That pretty bruise on your face?” Oli gestured. “Courtesy of your husband?”

“I told him he was welcome to hit me,” Louis said. “Obviously he took me up on the offer.”

“Just because he’s the Omega doesn’t make it ok for him to hit you,” Oli stated. “That’s still major toxic abusive territory.”

“I repeatedly raped him for three days,” Louis stumbled on the word ‘raped’, and Oli flinched upon hearing it. “I’m not really in a position to cry and complain over one punch.”

“That’s not fair,” Oli defended. “It wasn’t rape. He’s your husband. He was in heat. He needed you.”

“But he didn’t want it,” Louis pointed out. “He made that very clear before he was fully lost to the heat. And I promised I would ignore his inevitable pleading and tell him ‘no’ and that nothing would happen. Then… then I went ahead and fucked him anyway. His heat-addled brain might have wanted it in the moment, but Harry himself didn’t. We can try and make excuses so that I don’t sound like a complete knot-head, but the fact is that I took him against his will.”

“Fucking hell,” Oli sighed flicking the ash of his cigarette into the ashtray. “The kid should have probably hit you harder.”

“Probably,” Louis acknowledged, taking a drag from his cigarette. “And don’t call him a kid, please. Makes me feel so much worse.”

“Think you two are gonna be able to move past this?” Oli asked and Louis sighed heavily, smoke billowing out of his mouth.

“No idea, mate,” Louis admitted. “I mean… fuck. He was still a virgin when we got married. Our first time together, which was his first time ever, was the Mating. Nobody should have to lose their virginity that way. And now this is our first time being intimate since the wedding night. Harry’s only experience with sex so far has been fucked-up situations where he hasn’t really wanted it and I’ve forced him.”

“Well… do you want to fight for him?” Oli asked. “And don’t give me any crap about the Tomlinson-Styles feud and how marrying Harry was your duty to your Pack or whatever. Forget about the fact a failed marriage could lead to a full-on riot. Be selfish for a minute. Do you want this marriage to work? Do you want to fight for Harry Styles?”

“… I do,” Louis nodded. “I want it to work. And his name’s Harry Tomlinson,” he reminded his friend pointedly.

“Well then, lad, get ready to grovel and kiss some serious butt,” Oli said. “Because it’s gonna take a lot more than a bouquet of flowers to make things right with Harry.”

“So… two bouquets of flowers?” Louis joked and Oli scowled slightly.

“Get serious or I’ll bloody divorce you,” Oli threatened.

“You can’t divorce me, we’re not even married,” Louis frowned.

“Because I’m way too good for you,” Oli commented.

“Right, yeah, that’s the reason,” Louis rolled his eyes. “So we’re gonna spend the week apart. Give each other some space. And then I guess we should really talk and discuss where we’re both at before I actually return home. Once the week is up, Harry might feel like he needs more time. And if he does, I’ve got to give it to him, right?”

“You boys need professional help,” Oli claimed. “You need therapy.”

“I don’t think Harry’s open to that kind of thing,” Louis said. “Not with his upbringing. That Anne woman’s definitely the type to think opening up and talking about your feelings is a sign of weakness.”

“Well you can still go to therapy,” Oli reasoned. “Start working on yourself. That’s a way to demonstrate to Harry that you’re serious about improving yourself for him. And maybe that could help ease him into the idea of couple’s therapy. Or at least joining a Forced Omega Support Group or something. You can’t make him go, obviously. It would have to be his decision. But there’s no harm in mentioning it as an option.”

“Would inviting him out on a date be too much too soon?” Louis asked.

“Definitely too soon,” Oli advised. “But you could have a non-date date. Like going for coffee. Or feeding the ducks. Or volunteering together in a coffin dodgers home.”

“I guess that could work,” Louis nodded thoughtfully. “It’s a nice way to spend time together without putting on any romantic pressure… hey, did you just refer to the elderly as ‘coffin dodgers’?”

“Another way to win over Harry’s trust could be for you to wear a cock-cage and let Harry have the only key,” Oli suggested with a snigger.

XXX

On the second day of the separation, Harry got to work on making some changes to his and Louis’ home. He had paid good money for a small decorating team to come in right away and transform the hideous peach theme of the bathroom into a much more pleasing blue colour scheme. It was an all-Omega team Harry had booked, and he made sure to give them a more than generous tip.

As well as having the bathroom decorated, Harry had also organised for a gardening team to come and sort out the atrocity of the back-garden. Most of the recommendations online had been for Alpha workers, but Harry had managed to find a respectable Beta company with glowing reviews, feeling much more at ease with a team of Betas prowling through the garden than he would have done with unfamiliar Alphas.

By day three, the redecorated bathroom was complete. The work in the garden was finished the following afternoon on day four. While it wasn’t truly complete yet, it was a vast improvement from the jungle-like state Louis had let it get into. But now, Harry was able to get his own hands dirty and turn the back-garden into his own little passion project.

Jay happened to stop by to check in on him. After enjoying a cup of tea and some biscuits with her, she had graciously accompanied him to the nearest garden centre. He picked out some seeds to plant along with new garden furniture, pretty garden ornaments and a set of fairy lights. He also selected out some appropriate garden tools given that the few Louis had were rusted beyond any effective use.

Harry spent much of day five working out in the garden, grateful for the cooperative weather. He returned to the house dirty, sweaty and a little sun-burnt, but happy and satisfied with what he had accomplished. He took a shower then got himself comfortably dressed for a lazy evening watching movies and eating junk food. He may or may not have worn one of Louis’ hoodies.

XXX

“You know,” Oli spoke up over their second bottle of beer at the local pub. “You’ve spent a lot of this week either distracting yourself with work or moping around my house about Harry.”

“What’s your point?” Louis made no effort to deny what they both knew to be true.

“It’s just… you’ve only really talked about Harry,” Oli stated. “You’ve hurt Harry, you’ve broke Harry’s trust, you’ve let Harry down, Harry must be mad, Harry must hate you, Harry won’t want you back… I mean, sure, you’re mentioning yourself a lot… but your focus is on how Harry is feeling.”

“Of course it is, he’s my Omega,” Louis reasoned.

“But what about you, Lou?” Oli asked. “How are you feeling in all this? Your feelings matter too. With the whole heat thing your feelings must be pretty damn complicated right now, and I know you haven’t made any time to see a therapist.”

“I’ve been busy,” Louis defended.

“Hey, idiot, you pronounced ‘procrastinating’ wrong,” Oli retorted.

“Alright, smart-ass,” Louis grumbled.

“Look, if you don’t want to do the therapy thing, fine, whatever,” Oli shrugged. “But at least open up to me, man. Talk this shit through. How is it all impacting you?”

“I don’t know,” Louis sighed. He took a mouthful of beer, trying to organise his own thoughts. “I keep replaying it all in my head… I know I fucked up and crossed the line but… Am I an extra shitty Alpha for not really regretting it?”

“Sounds kinda shitty,” Oli told him.

“I just mean that it felt so good,” Louis explained. “Getting to be intimate with him. He was so pliant under me, and he held me so tight. It felt so amazing in the moment. The Mating was awful, I hated that. But being with him during his heat… that felt wonderful, it felt right… Am I a monster for enjoying it?”

“You’re an Alpha, he’s your Omega, plus he was in heat, it’s natural for you to enjoy it,” Oli acknowledged. “It’d be more concerning if you didn’t. Personally, I give you a pass on the physicality and biology of it all. It’s the emotional aspect of it all we need to worry about. Physically, you did what you needed to do, what Harry’s Omega needed you to do. But emotionally, you betrayed your husband and it’s devastating for you both. But you’re not a bad guy, Louis. And you didn’t give in to temptation just because you got jealous about that Grimmy piece of shit. Everything going on was overwhelming for you both. Harry was begging and needy, he smelled good which would have been tempting you like crazy, and he was hurting himself which must have freaked you out. The Grimmy thing was just your breaking point.”

“Harry doesn’t see it that way,” Louis murmured rubbing the back of his neck.

“It’s a tough situation. He’s allowed to be angry right now, or whatever it is he’s feeling,” Oli said. “Hopefully in a couple of days he’ll be open to talking things through. Do yourself a favour, lad, make it clear that you didn’t give in just because of the Grimshaw threat.”

“What am I going to do if he wants to divorce me over this?” Louis asked.

“Honestly, I don’t think he’ll ask for a divorce,” Oli replied.

“Really?” Louis looked up hopefully.

“He’s an Omega now,” Oli pointed out. “He’s vulnerable. And his family and friends don’t exactly have his back. He’s safer staying with you.”

“Oh,” Louis looked down. “So if he decides to stay with me, it’s probably because he has no other choice.”

“Sorry, mate,” Oli shrugged. “It’s a harsh truth. But even if he feels like he has to stay in the marriage that doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed. You’ve got time to work your shit out. Maybe you’ll actually fall in love one day.”

“At this point I’ll just settle for him not murdering me in my sleep,” Louis said.

“If he was gonna do that he’d have done it already,” Oli reasoned.

XXX

The week was up, and Harry was stressing over what he should wear for when Louis arrived home. He didn’t want to overdress and look like he was trying too hard to look good. But he didn’t want to look like he’d put in no effort at all. Rummaging through the wardrobe, he kept finding himself moving towards Louis’ hoodies, yearning to wrap himself up in that faint Alpha scent. He stubbornly refused, finally dressing himself in a pair of black skinny jeans and an unbuttoned green shirt over a plain white tee. The look really brought out his eyes.

Feeling nervous for Louis’ arrival, the Omega found himself unable to eat. He had the television on, but he wasn’t really able to focus on anything, simply taking comfort in the background noise provided. Harry wasn’t sure what he wanted to say to Louis. The week apart had definitely been the right thing, but truthfully Harry had missed the Alpha. Though he was sure he didn’t want to admit that to his husband.

Occupying himself throughout the day hadn’t been too much of a struggle. But the nights felt twice as long without Louis in the same bed. Harry missed his smell, his warmth and the way they would inevitably cuddle close together. He’d also found himself having dreams about Louis, the erotic kind.

He wasn’t sure what to make of the dreams really. Following his heat, it felt quite confusing to think of Louis that way. But then again, maybe it made sense. The Alpha’s touch may not have been fully consensual, but Harry couldn’t deny how good it had felt. His sexual experience was painfully limited, but damn, Louis had made him see stars over the course of his heat. Physically speaking, it was far better than Harry could have imagined after experiencing the brutality and humiliation of their Mating.

Harry was still mad at Louis for going back on his word at the cabin. Just because they were married didn’t mean that Harry was ready for sex yet, or that Louis was entitled to his body. He knew he had been a desperate begging mess during his heat, a fact that was particularly mortifying, but honestly horrifying. He was so out of control of his own body and decisions. It was such a dangerous and vulnerable time for an Omega, one in which they could severely be taken advantage of if they encountered the wrong Alpha. Harry had never truly understood that before.

There were far worse Alphas out there. Alphas who would be unnecessarily rough and cruel. The kind of behaviour Harry may well have demonstrated himself had he proved victorious during the Mating. But in their short time together, Harry had grown to view Louis as a better kind of Alpha. Sure, his mother and ‘friends’ would dismiss Louis as ‘soft’ and ‘weak’, but Harry had been learning that the Tomlinson way of thinking was vastly superior to the outdated views upheld by the Styles’.

In a way, Harry was grossly disappointed by Louis giving in to his begs and pleas during the heat because he had come to expect better of the man. Having had time to reflect, he knew that Louis hadn’t knotted him purely out of petty jealousy and a need to stake a claim. The time apart had given his emotions the opportunity to mellow so he could analyse the situation with a clearer mindset. There had been multiple contributing factors to Louis breaking his promise. It wasn’t solely about Nick Grimshaw. The threat of Harry seeking out Nick had just been Louis’ breaking point.

Still, it didn’t change Harry’s disappointment in his husband. Louis had really let him down.

XXX

Inevitably, a knock at the door came. Harry took a breath, walking slowly as he went to answer it, quietly appreciating that Louis was prepared to knock rather than just letting himself in with the key. Schooling his features into a neutral expression, Harry opened the door, mildly surprised to find Louis dressed so formally in a smart suit and tie.

“Hello, love,” Louis offered a tentative smile. “Can I come in?”

“It’s your house,” Harry shrugged stepping aside.

“Our house,” Louis corrected, wiping his feet on the doormat on his way in before carefully closing the door. “Is it ok for me to be here now? I understand if you need more time before we sit down and talk.”

“We need to talk, no point putting it off,” Harry replied. “Tea?” he asked.

“Please,” Louis respectfully kept his distance as Harry puttered around the kitchen.

Tea ready, Harry placed a cup in front of Louis and set the other down for himself. He then placed a few biscuits on two plates. Chocolate biscuits for himself, plain ones for Louis (a small way to show the Alpha he was still upset with him). Facing Louis again, he noticed his husband had removed his smart jacket, loosened his tie, and rolled the sleeves of his shirt back to his elbows. It was quite unfair how damn attractive that was.

“Been working?” Harry asked, gesturing to Louis’ attire.

“Yeah,” Louis nodded. “It made sense to take care of some business this week.”

“I guess,” Harry wrapped his hands around his teacup.

“What about you, been up to much?” Louis asked.

“Been exercising, working on the garden,” Harry told him. “Sorted out the bathroom. Ate a load of junk food and watched a bunch of crap on T.V. I did try making a Voo-doo doll of you and stabbing it with pins and things. I don’t suppose it worked at all?”

“Sure,” Louis lied. “I felt stabbing pains everywhere this week. Cried like a baby in public more than once.”

Harry smiled weakly in response before munching on a biscuit.

“Harry,” Louis sighed. “I need to tell you how sorry I am. I had no right to touch you that way when I’d promised you I wouldn’t let it happen. It wasn’t right, it wasn’t fair, it wasn’t respectful to you, or our relationship and I have no excuse.”

“I don’t want you near me when I have my next heat,” Harry interrupted.

“Um…” Louis faltered slightly, his mind trying to process what Harry was saying. “Fine,” he agreed earnestly. “That’s fine, love. Whatever you want.”

“Actually… I don’t want you near me for any of my heats until such a time where I change my mind,” Harry stated.

“Yeah, of course, anything you need,” Louis assured.

“And you’re sleeping on the sofa tonight,” Harry informed him.

“I’m sleeping on the sofa,” Louis agreed without objection. “But I really am sorry,” he implored. “The last thing I want to do is hurt you or lose your trust. And I should have had better control. I should never have…”

“Stop talking,” Harry told him. “You know I’m never going to go running into the arms of Nick Grimshaw, right?”

“I don’t know,” Louis replied. “He was pretty much the most important person in your life before we met. You told me yourself how much the way he reacted to you being an Omega hurt. He’s your best friend.”

“He was my best friend, not anymore,” Harry corrected. “And he isn’t a romantic rival. Even if he wasn’t such an asshole, even if he was still my friend… I’d never look at him like that. he’s old enough to be my dad.”

“Yeah, I know,” Louis replied. “I shouldn’t have let my jealousy get the better of me.”

“I thought you were a better an Alpha than that,” Harry offered him some brutal honesty.

“Yeah, I thought so too,” Louis picked up a plain biscuit, turning it over in his hands. “My mum definitely did her best to raise me better than that. But when it came down to it, I was just another knot-head. And I’ll always be sorry for that.”

They sat in awkward silence for a while before Harry offered to show Louis the garden. Stepping out, Louis smiled as he looked around.

“Wow,” he gushed. “I never thought it could look like this.”

“It’ll look even better when my plants start growing,” Harry boasted as the pair watched two birds dancing together in the birdbath.

“Seriously, Haz, it looks amazing,” Louis told him. “Does this… does this mean you plan to stay?” he asked hopefully.

“I plan to stay,” Harry answered. “It’s not like I really have anywhere else to go,” he added.

“You shouldn’t stay with me just because you feel there’s no other choice,” Louis said sadly. “I know there aren’t a lot of other options, but we could figure something out. There are places exclusively for Forced Omegas getting out of abusive relationships. And my mum would be more than willing to let you live with her for as long as you needed. You don’t have to stay with me if you don’t feel safe here.”

“Relax,” Harry rolled his eyes. “I do feel safe with you,” he admitted. “Maybe I shouldn’t,” he shrugged. “But I do. And… I don’t know… I might not have wanted to be married at eighteen-years-old, but I like the idea of being an eighteen-year-old divorcee even less. And don’t let it go to your head, but I genuinely missed you this week.”

“You did?” Louis beamed.

“I’m still mad at you,” Harry reminded him, and Louis nodded in acceptance. “And I’m not making any promises that this will work out between us in the long-run,” he warned. “But I’m not ready to give up on us just yet. So… try not to give me any reason to regret taking you back.”

“I’ll try,” Louis replied. “Thanks, love. And I missed you too.”

XXX

It wasn’t particularly comfortable sleeping on the sofa. The ticking of the clock was also rather annoying. Louis never really noticed the noise of it during the day, but in the dead of night it was impossible to ignore. The Alpha found himself itching to go upstairs and join Harry in their bed. He awkwardly spooned a couch cushion instead. At least it carried a hint of Harry’s cherry blossom scent.

XXX

The following morning, Louis did his best to make a not totally disastrous breakfast. The end result involved Harry hurrying down the stairs when the smoke detectors were set off.

“You burned pop-tarts?” Harry shook his head at him in disbelief.

“Sorry,” Louis apologised throwing the ruined food away. “Um… cereal?” he offered.

“If you think you can handle it,” Harry said through a yawn.

“Doesn’t look like you slept too well,” Louis observed.

“Or you,” Harry replied.

“No,” Louis acknowledged bringing the bowls of cereal to the table Harry was already seated at. “But I was on the sofa. You had the bed all to yourself. Thought that would have meant you slept like a baby.”

“Honestly… it’s been pretty tough sleeping without you,” Harry admitted. “Even harder knowing you’re just downstairs. All a part of my wonderful new Omega-ness,” he grumbled.

“Any ideas about what you want to do today?” Louis asked changing the subject.

“I don’t know,” Harry shrugged. “But I’m starting to feel kind of restless. I should probably get back to business. Or… well… Tomlinson business anyway. I don’t think my assistance would be appreciated with my mum.”

“There’s plenty of work for you to help out with,” Louis told him. “As long as you’re sure you’re ready.”

“I think so,” Harry nodded. “Maybe I could work with your mum for a little while. Learn the ropes on how the Tomlinson Pack handles things.”

“That can be arranged,” Louis said. “I also think we should seriously consider therapy.”

“I don’t need therapy,” Harry rolled his eyes. “I’m neither a lunatic nor a narcissist. Or an oversensitive cry-baby.”

“Plenty of people go to therapy, it doesn’t make you crazy,” Louis told him. “And honestly, I think it could be good for us. Individual therapy… couple’s therapy… you know there are support groups out there for Forced Omegas.”

“Drop it, Louis, I’m not going to therapy,” Harry replied sternly.

“Alright… just a suggestion,” Louis held his hands up in surrender.

XXX

The atmosphere between them remained tense and strained throughout the day. Occasionally they exchanged a bit of banter, but the playful energy would quickly disappear and Harry in particular had to stop engaging so as not to say something malicious and cruel. But they were together. They weren’t screaming at each other, nobody was throwing things, they weren’t physically fighting. It was awkward, but they were managing.

Then nighttime came and Louis adjusted the cushions and blankets on the sofa, ready to spend another night there. Biting his lower lip, Harry watched from the hallway. It was tempting to give in to his Omega instincts and invite Louis upstairs so they could cuddle up. Both would benefit from it, certainly sleeping better together than apart. Forcing Louis to stay downstairs was really only punishing them both further.

“Everything alright, love?” Louis asked turning to look at his husband over his shoulder.

“Fine,” Harry answered. “I’m going to bed… night,” he turned away.

XXX

It was another poor night’s sleep, tossing and turning, yearning for the Alpha who slept downstairs.

Chapter Text

FOURTEEN

Working alongside Jay was a great deal different than working with his own mother had ever been, Harry discovered. The woman immediately commanded the attention of everybody present as soon as she entered a room. But Harry noted that those around her weren’t necessarily captivated by fear. For the most part, people naturally responded to Jay with genuine respect. Obviously, their lifestyle and business inevitably involved some nastier dealings. Harry witnessed firsthand just how ferocious Jay could be, and yes, unfortunate souls definitely feared her, and rightly so. But there was always a warmth about her.

Most importantly, he felt like an equal working with Jay, like an actual human being and not just a tool or accessory. Sure, he had always felt his mother respected him back when he was an Alpha (and to an extent she had) but on reflection he had always been treated more like an employee than a son. Anne was happy with him so long as he was ‘useful’ and upholding the family reputation.

“Tell me, how are things between you and that son of mine?” Jay asked as they stopped at a humble café for lunch (the kind of establishment his own mother wouldn’t deem worthy to set foot in). “Any better?”

“It’s not worse,” Harry shrugged. “Things are still tense but we’re both committed to trying to make it work.”

“That’s good,” Jay smiled warmly. “But I hope you’re not making things too easy for him. He doesn’t deserve your forgiveness right away.”

“He’s got a lot of making up to do, he knows that,” Harry said. “But he’s trying,” he admitted. “And I appreciate that. When it comes down to it I know he’s not a bad Alpha. He just made a mistake.”

“Have the two of you talked about your next heat at all?” Jay asked.

“We’ve agreed Louis won’t be present for my heats. Not until I decide I’m comfortable with him being there,” Harry answered, and Jay nodded in approval. “I will feel comfortable with him at some point… right?”

“Just give it time,” Jay said reassuringly. “This isn’t a typical relationship. Everything is still new. It’s sensible to take your time and build up trust and affection in an authentic way before you delve into the physical intimacy, be that during a heat or out of it.”

“Yeah… that makes sense,” Harry mused as he licked the icing of his cupcake, Jay cutting up her tart with her fork across from him. “And I obviously don’t want to be around him when he goes into a rut. I mean… I didn’t experience too many when I was an Alpha, but I remember how out of control I was, how animalistic, how dangerous… now I’m an Omega I definitely don’t want to be around something like that.”

“Some Alphas learn to tame their beast quite well over time,” Jay replied. “Some never do. But even the gentlest Alpha can be wild and unpredictable when a rut hits. Next time Louis’ in rut you are more than welcome to stay with me,” Jay invited. “And any other time when you might want a break from each other.”

“Thanks,” Harry smiled. “But I don’t really need a break from him. I actually missed him when we were apart,” he confided, and Jay beamed at the admission.

“I know this marriage hasn’t exactly been a fairytale, for either of you,” Jay reached out a hand to neaten Harry’s curls. “But I suppose I’m a hopeless romantic at heart. I really want things to work out for you two. And you do make such a pretty pair. You’d make me some beautiful grandbabies.”

“Well we’re definitely not ready for that,” Harry laughed awkwardly.

“No, of course not,” Jay chuckled. “I’m not quite ready to be called Nanny or Granma just yet. Oh, but one day,” she sighed wistfully, picturing little pups running around. “It would be such a shame if things didn’t work out for you two. You both deserve to be happy.”

“I hope we can make it work,” Harry told her. “It’s not like I have any better options,” he shrugged, and Jay smiled sympathetically.

XXX

Arriving home, Harry stepped out of his shoes and took off his smart jacket. Moving into the kitchen, he found Louis in a pair of joggers and an old band t-shirt plating up a takeaway curry.

“Just in time, love,” Louis greeted. “Good day?”

“Yeah,” Harry answered as he followed Louis to the dining room and dropped into his favoured seat. “It’s kind of fun seeing and learning how the Tomlinson’s handle business.”

“Are things really that different?” Louis asked curiously tearing off a piece of naan bread and dipping it into his curry.

“A lot of the results are the same, but the approach is definitely different. More efficient, even,” the Omega acknowledged. “The Styles Pack could learn a lot from you if they weren’t a bunch of stuck-up stubborn knot-heads.”

“Pleased you like the way we run things,” Louis smiled. “My mum’s worked really hard to adapt the business the way that she has. I know people in charge before her were working to make changes and they definitely paved the way for her to bring forth her ideas but… that woman worked her ass off. I’m really proud of her.”

“Ok, mummy’s boy,” Harry teased good-naturedly as he fed himself a forkful of rice. “Thinking about it, my mother isn’t much of a hard-worker.”

“Really?” Louis cocked his head in surprise. “Her reputation is fierce and having met her… she’s… you know… a psycho.”

“She’s not a woman to be messed with,” Harry acknowledged. “And she always has everything organised down to every last detail. But it’s the people around her who do the work. She just gets the credit, rewards and reputation of it all. Your mum is a lot more involved with everything. She doesn’t just order people around.”

“I don’t suppose your mum has tried reaching out to you at all?” Louis asked.

“Have you seen any pigs flying around?” Harry remarked sarcastically.

“Sorry,” Louis winced. “I know it’s a sensitive subject.”

“Whatever,” Harry shook his head. “I’m not even sure I care anymore.” It was a lie. He still cared a great deal and the pain of everybody’s negative reaction to his being an Omega was still intense and raw. “I’m just glad to be getting back to work. It’s a good way to get out of my own head and get some order back into my life.”

“I’m glad,” Louis said supportively. “Mum introduced you to some more people today, right?”

“Yeah. I never realised there were so many Omegas actively working in the Tomlinson Pack,” Harry replied. “I know it’s a lot more Alphas and Betas in the business, but still, more Omegas than I expected. I thought I’d be the only Omega really. Maybe an Omega cleaner here and there,” he shrugged.

“The Styles Pack may underestimate Omegas, but the Tomlinson’s don’t,” Louis stated proudly. “Anyway, maybe you should reach out to your mum,” he suggested delicately.

“Ew, why?” Harry frowned. “It’s not like she cares about me. I’m nothing to her now I’m an Omega.”

“I know things are awkward, and I know Anne is a difficult woman,” Louis replied, and Harry snorted derisively at the understatement. “But we need to know where we stand with her. Our marriage was supposed to end the feud. There hasn’t been any kind of threat or attack to suggest the Styles Pack want to reignite the rivalry, but there isn’t enough evidence to trust that the feud is truly over. You may be our best way to find out where things stand.”

“I doubt she’d even be prepared to take my calls,” Harry mumbled scooping up some more rice with his curry.

“Maybe not,” Louis sighed. “But could you at least try?”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Harry shrugged.

“Thanks, lad,” Louis said appreciatively. “You’re a peach.”

“A peach?” Harry frowned.

“Sorry,” Louis’ mouth twitched into an amused grin. “What would you rather be? A banana? Kiwi, maybe? Perhaps a watermelon?”

“You’re a watermelon,” Harry said with some snark to his tone, Louis simply laughing before chewing down some more naan bread.

XXX

They slept apart again. Harry taking the bedroom, having the bed to himself. Louis downstairs on the living-room sofa, the tick-tock of the clock keeping him awake. The Alpha tossed and turned, trying and failing to block out the irritating noise.

“Bloody hell,” he grumbled to himself in annoyance, seriously considering reaching for his gun and shooting the clock to pieces. Grabbing a cushion, he held it over his face, hoping to mute the sound a little. Eyes closed, he tried counting sheep jumping over fences in an effort to help him fall asleep. At sheep number four, Louis decided that they were boring creatures. So he decided to count drunk Stans tripping over fences instead. “One drunk Stan... two drunk Stan…”

While imagining drunk Stans was more entertaining than thinking of sheep, it still got boring rather quickly. It also didn’t stop the damn tick-tock of the clock. If anything, the clock sounded louder to the Alpha’s ears now.

“Fuck it,” Louis reached for the remote and turned on the T.V, being sure to keep the volume down low so as not to disturb his husband upstairs. Resting on his side, he watched the screen absentmindedly, eyelids feeling heavy. The drone from the television was just enough to mask the ticking of the clock and certainly less irritating to the ear.

Gradually, Louis’ eyes slipped closed, and his breathing evened out as he finally fell asleep.

XXX

Two nights later, Harry was huddled under the covers and staring up at the ceiling. He couldn’t sleep. All he could think about was the Alpha downstairs and his peppermint and tobacco scent. Their situation was still tentative. Louis had been making a conscious effort not to overstep boundaries and touch Harry in any way. Harry understood why Louis was refraining from physical interaction, but the lack of contact was beginning to get to him. He craved affection even more now that he was an Omega. All he wanted to do was fall into Louis’ arms and feel safe and secure in the Alpha’s hold. Of course, his stupid stubborn self didn’t want to give in.

Whimpering to himself a little as he hugged a pillow, Harry wondered if perhaps he was some sort of masochist, hell-bent on making himself suffer unnecessarily. All he had to do was go downstairs and invite Louis back into the bedroom. They would both sleep far better together than in different rooms of the house.

Biting down on his lower-lip, Harry suppressed another whine and clutched the pillow tighter. He managed to fall asleep just a little before four am. Meanwhile, down in the living-room, Louis finally fell asleep just after four in the morning.

XXX

“You look rough, kid,” Louis commented to Harry as he clutched his cup of morning tea, Harry looking like his face might drop into his bowl of cornflakes.

“Nrgh,” Harry grunted tiredly in response before releasing a long yawn. “You’re not so hot either.”

“Can’t argue with that,” Louis replied, his words punctuated with a yawn he seemingly caught off of the curly-haired lad. He’s seen the dark bags under his eyes in the mirror that morning, he knew he looked like hell. “Any luck with your mum?”

“My calls all go straight to voicemail,” Harry yawned again. “I left one message just asking her to call me back so we could catch up. That was… two… three days ago,” he shrugged rubbing at his eyes. “I’m not prepared to leave any more messages for her to just ignore. I’ve still got some dignity.”

“Fair enough,” Louis said. “Thanks for trying. I guess we’ll have to figure something else out.”

“Mm,” Harry murmured sleepily.

XXX

That night, Louis was at breaking point. Kicking the covers aside, he stood up from the sofa, grabbed his gun and aimed at that blasted clock.

“The fuck are you doing?” Harry asked in a sleepy tone and Louis lowered his weapon, turning to the Omega.

“Haz, everything ok?” Louis responded and Harry shrugged, biting at his thumbnail.

“Can’t sleep,” Harry admitted.

“Yeah, me neither,” Louis replied. “Obviously,” he added scratching the back of his neck. “Want some tea or something? Maybe watch a crappy movie?”

“No,” Harry shook his head, lowering his eyes to the floor. “I can’t sleep without you,” he admitted.

“Oh,” Louis was surprised by the confession. He felt kind of pleased too but he didn’t want to show it. “Um, sorry, love,” he apologised. “Do you want… what do you want?”

“I just want a good night’s sleep,” Harry looked genuinely exhausted, and Louis wanted to wrap him up all cosy and warm and sing him a damn lullaby. “So just come upstairs.”

“You sure?” Louis checked, his entire body suddenly thrumming, excited at the prospect of rightfully being so close to his Omega again.

“Bring the blankets,” Harry told him gesturing to the couch. “You’re sleeping on the floor.”

“Lucky me,” Louis commented under his breath as he gathered up his makeshift bed and followed Harry up to their bedroom.

As Harry climbed back under the covers, Louis arranged cushions and blankets at the foot of the bed before settling down as comfortably as he could.

“Night, love,” he said.

“Mm, night,” Harry murmured in response.

With Harry being so much closer, Louis didn’t feel anywhere near as restless. He also didn’t hear any ticking from that stupid clock that had been driving him insane. While the floor wasn’t exactly comfortable, the Alpha still felt more peaceful than he had done down on the sofa. He took comfort in the sound of Harry’s breathing, longing to reach out and touch him, hold him, but respectfully resisting.

XXX

In the morning, Louis woke up with an ache in his back but a smile on his face and an armful of Omega.

“Morning, love,” Louis greeted, voice extra raspy. “Uh,” he grunted when Harry shifted accidentally, elbowing him in the stomach.

“Oops,” Harry mumbled.

“Hi,” Louis smiled, brushing the curls away from Harry’s face. “Didn’t expect to wake up with you down here with me. Not that I mind.”

“I don’t remember getting out of bed,” Harry claimed. “You sure you didn’t go all caveman Alpha and drag me down?”

“If I did I don’t remember,” Louis told him. “But I definitely slept well.”

“Me too,” Harry admitted begrudgingly.

XXX

That night, Harry wordlessly signalled for Louis to join him in the bed.

“Thanks, Hazza,” Louis said.

“Shut up or you’re back on the floor,” Harry warned.

Chapter Text

FIFTEEN

Two weeks later, Harry found himself feeling surprisingly settled in the Tomlinson work life. For the most part, he worked alongside Jay, occasionally leading smaller projects with some of the other Omegas. He had attended a couple of large group meetings, opting to sit away from Louis so as to try and establish himself as somebody independent from his husband and be taken seriously in the workforce.

Outside of work, Harry’s garden was thriving, and he had acquired an abundance of more cushions and blankets for the living-room and bedroom. As for Louis, he had been to a couple of therapy sessions, though he had not yet convinced Harry to give counselling a try.

‘Just let me concentrate on work, Louis,’ Harry always said, offering non-committal murmurings whenever Louis suggested they work more closely together.

XXX

It was nearly a month later before Harry and Louis actually did carry out some work together. Before their wedding, Harry had heard plenty of rumours about Louis Tomlinson (many pieces of gossip being contradicted by other tall tales). The suggestions that Louis was perhaps too ‘delicate’ for a true Alpha seemed rather laughable now. Witnessing Louis so calmly and unflinchingly snap a man’s neck with his bare hands had proved strangely arousing. Harry was both mortified and grateful when Oli discreetly handed him a heat pad. He excused himself to the nearest restroom, opening the pad and placing it on the inside of his boxers to absorb any slick. There was no discernible pattern to his heats yet, only having had the one. Based on how he was feeling, Harry didn’t believe himself to be on the precipice of another heat. Embarrassingly, he was just turned-on enough for his hole to be leaking a little.

The pad turned out to be an amazing and much needed gift, protecting Harry from the mortification of seeping through his pants as he watched on with the others as Louis easily beat down men twice his size. Swallowing thickly and hoping all the Alpha’s in the room couldn’t smell his reaction to the display, Harry wondered if there was genuine reason for all the violence or if Louis was simply showing off his Alpha-ness as a means to get him hot and bothered.

“Your man’s kinda cute when he gets aggressive isn’t he?” Oli whispered to Harry with an amused chuckle.

The ‘your man’ comment did not sound at all off-putting as Harry might have previously expected. If anything, it made Harry’s inner Omega feel smug and secure in the knowledge that Louis belonged to him. It was like a happy kitten purring inside his chest.

“I missed the briefing,” Harry whispered back. “What did these people do to piss Louis off so badly?”

“They said he was only five-foot-six,” Stan sniggered from behind them.

Harry rolled his eyes slightly. Of course that was just a joke… Probably.

XXX

They had invited Jay over for a homecooked meal, Harry taking extra care in the kitchen to ensure he provided a good quality dish. The setup was unlike any family meals Harry had ever experienced before. While eating together hadn’t been a rare occurrence in the Styles household, it lacked the easy-going nature and intimacy he found with his husband and mother-in-law.

Back in his childhood house, anybody seated at the table were spread out far away from each other due to the unnecessary size of the dining table. They rarely spoke during a meal, and on the occasions they did it was strictly business. Sometimes they would dine out in extravagant restaurants and posh hotels but showing off their wealth by eating pretentious food and sipping the most expensive wines was hardly an emotional bonding experience.

But eating at the table with Louis and Jay, Harry was treated to the sound of affectionate laughter and compliments for his cooking. It was a pleasant feeling, creating a bubble of warmth that expanded through his core. Twirling the spaghetti around his fork, Harry truly felt safe in their company and part of the family in a way he never had before. Swallowing a bite of his chicken scallop, Harry enthusiastically joined in the current conversation – somehow it transitioned to he and Jay teaming up together to mock Louis to his face. The teasing was good-natured, Louis taking it in his stride, shooting fond looks to the Omega between mouthfuls of food.

“By the way, I was with your mother yesterday,” Jay announced.

“Oh,” Harry was surprised by the change of conversation, unsure how to feel about it. His attempts to call his mother still went straight to voicemail and she never responded to any of his texts. “How is she?”

“She seems well,” Jay replied.

“How did the meeting come about?” Louis asked. “Did she reach out to you?”

“Actually, yes, she did,” Jay confirmed, and Louis glanced to Harry who averted his gaze. “She requested some assistance with a small business endeavour.”

“So she’s prepared to be your ally when she has need of you,” Louis stated. “But can we rely upon her if needed?”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out,” Jay sighed. “But Anne was professional, I can’t criticise her based on that. It hardly felt like I was in the company of a good friend, but I’m not sure if I was working alongside an enemy.”

“Did she mention Harry at all?” Louis wanted to know, and the Omega set his knife and fork down as he took a deep breath.

“No, she did not,” Jay answered. “I’m sorry dear,” she reached out to rest a comforting hand on Harry’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry,” Harry replied. “I don’t expect her to ask after me. As far as she’s concerned I’m Louis’ burden now.”

“You’re not a burden, love,” Louis told him, and Harry just shrugged.

“So… we’re still unclear where we stand in regard to the old family feud then?” Harry summarised.

“Unfortunately,” Jay sighed. “Your mother is a very difficult woman for me to read. She hasn’t taken any action so far to suggest she means us any harm, but I think it would be foolish of us not to keep our guard up.”

XXX

After Jay had left, Louis did the washing-up while Harry lounged on the sofa watching television, cuddling a cushion for comfort.

“You alright, kid?” Louis asked as he joined him.

“I’m not a kid,” Harry sighed, shifting slightly as Louis flopped beside him on the couch. “So my mum’s prepared to work on business with your mum, but she can’t even take a damn phone call from me?”

“Sorry, love,” Louis tentatively reached a hand out, fingers hovering just above Harry’s knee.

“I want to see her,” Harry stated.

“Right, of course, it’s natural that you’d miss her,” Louis said.

“I don’t miss her,” Harry scoffed, slapping Louis’ hand away from his leg. “I’m mad at her… You know, there’s a fancy place where she regularly goes to for brunch. Maybe I’ll be getting brunch with my husband at the same time,” he suggested.

“Ok, we can go for brunch,” Louis agreed.

“We will,” Harry insisted. “And we’ll ambush my mother while we’re there.”

“And try not to cause a scene, right?” Louis asked.

“Not making any promises,” Harry grumbled sourly.

XXX

As planned, Harry and Louis went for brunch with the goal of happening upon Anne. She was a no-show on the first visit, meaning the pair essentially had a cute little day date (Louis was definitely not a charming gentleman and Harry was not leaking slick or feeling butterflies!). But when they returned for day two, Anne was already seated at her favoured table, snapping at an Omega waitress for mistakenly bringing her still water when she had requested sparkling. Harry cringed at his mother’s classless behaviour (behaviour he knew damn well he used to exhibit himself).

“You sure you want to do this?” Louis asked.

“I’m sure,” Harry nodded confidently. “This is my battle,” he told his husband sternly. “Don’t get overprotective and fight it for me just because you’re the Alpha. You can be supportive but let me have the control.”

“Whatever you need, love,” Louis agreed. “You got this,” he assured him with a quick gentle squeeze to the younger boy’s hand.

Squeezing back a little harder than he intended, Harry straightened up to his full height and strode calmly towards his mother’s table where the water fiasco had been hurriedly amended.

“Hello mother,” Harry greeted with a tight smile.

“Harry,” she acknowledged, tone void of affection and her expression impassive. “And Louis,” she inclined her head respectfully to the other Alpha. “To what do I owe this unexpected visit?” Her question was directed at Louis rather than her son.

“You refuse to take any of my calls,” Harry commented before dragging a chair from the table and inviting himself to sit down, his mother’s lips pursing at the action.

“I see you haven’t trained your Omega to be respectful to his Alpha superiors yet,” Anne remarked distastefully to Louis with a cluck of her tongue.

“I’m right here, mother. This conversation is between the two of us. Look at me and talk to me,” Harry insisted but the woman merely rolled her eyes. “You’re behaving like a child,” he huffed irritably, Anne making a show of admiring the silverware on the table rather than respond to him.

“Have you any business matters to discuss, Lewis?” Anne asked.

“His name is Louis, and you know it,” Harry snapped defensively, Louis leaning in to grip his shoulder comfortingly.

“We’re not here for business,” Louis said.

“Mmhm, then excuse me if I have no interest,” Anne retorted. “Please leave me to enjoy my brunch.” The words were polite, but the promises of a threat were in her eyes.

“Is the feud between the two families truly put to rest?” Harry asked. “Or am I now your enemy?”

Acting as though she hadn’t heard him, Anne picked up her water glass and took a careful sip. Harry kind of hoped she’d choke on it or at least make a spectacle by dribbling it down herself. She didn’t. Recognising that the woman had no interest in answering him (a lowly Omega), Harry looked to Louis and gave a subtle jerk of his head.

“My husband asked you a question,” Louis prompted.

“Oh really?” she acted surprised. “And what was that?”

“Is the feud over?” Louis asked her, watching her carefully.

“But of course,” Anne responded before sipping another mouthful of water. “Now, is there anything else or will that be all?”

Louis turned to Harry.

“We’re done here,” Harry stood up and moved around the table. With one hand on the back of Anne’s chair, he bent down low so as to speak directly in her ear. Even if the woman refused to ‘listen’ to him, she would damn well ‘hear’ him. “If you have chosen to turn your back on your only son, then so be it. But should you ever dare to cross me or hurt my new family, then I promise you, mother, that I will be the one to make you pay,” he claimed before pressing a quick kiss to her cheek.

The woman didn’t flinch, but looking on, Louis thought her gaze may have hardened just a little. Stepping away from the table, Harry placed his arm around Louis, keeping his head high as they walked out.

“What did you say to her?” Louis asked.

“Nothing,” Harry chose to keep the details to himself. “It was just a goodbye.”

“Well… she said the feud is over,” Louis commented once they were in the car.

“That might have been what she said, but that wasn’t at all what she meant,” Harry replied.

“So what did she mean?” Louis asked.

“Probably… ‘the feud has just begun’ or something like that,” Harry answered. “She can’t be trusted.”

“She’s still your mother, Haz,” Louis pointed out.

“That she is,” Harry said quietly. “But her being my mother doesn’t matter now. She’s our biggest enemy.”

“How do we handle this?” Louis asked. “Keep our friends close but keep our enemies closer?”

“She needs to be eliminated,” Harry told him, his tone cold and harsh.

“Whoa, that’s pretty dark. This is your mother, Haz,” Louis reminded him.

“She’s the enemy,” Harry insisted.

“We don’t know that for sure,” Louis reasoned. “But don’t worry, we’ll figure something out,” Louis said.

XXX

It was odd that there had been no action taken against the Tomlinson family. The lack of any kind of attack made Harry feel unsettled. It wasn’t entirely out of character for his mum to bide her time. Sometimes playing the long game worked out remarkably well. But growing up as a Styles and knowing the heinous acts the Pack were capable of, Harry felt great unease.

“They’ve been too quiet,” Harry said. “They must be scheming something.”

“We have to accept it’s a possibility,” Jay sighed. “We always knew arranging the marriage to end the feud could backfire. It would be in our best interest to tread carefully.”

“What do we do?” Bebe asked.

“Somebody needs to infiltrate the Styles Pack, go undercover and figure out if they are plotting against us,” Jay said.

“The Styles Pack won’t let just anybody join their ranks,” Ed pointed out. “Getting a loyal and trustworthy Alpha in there will be impossible.”

“Yeah, if we could spy on the Styles’ we’d have done it years ago,” Stan added on.

“Things are different now,” Jay declared.

“How so?” Oli asked, intrigued.

“We have somebody who knows the ins and outs of the Styles Pack right here with us,” Jay smiled at Harry. “With Harry’s knowledge we’ll be able to safely sneak somebody inside.”

“But who?” Louis asked. “Even with Harry’s help this is a big risk. And we’ll have to make sure the spy is somebody the Styles Pack won’t recognise as being one of our own.”

“I could wear a wig,” Stan offered. “Or pose as a woman.”

“How about for now you just pose as somebody with an actual functioning brain,” Bebe quipped.

“What’s the matter? Worried I’ll look better in a dress than you?” Stan teased.

“Steve’s great at undercover jobs,” Oli mentioned, choosing to ignore the silly banter. “Maybe we could talk to him about it once he’s out of his rut.”

“He was at the wedding, he’s too close a friend to Louis, too easily recognisable,” Bebe pointed out.

“It shouldn’t be an Alpha,” Harry spoke up. “If we want somebody in there undetected, then it should be an Omega. They could pose as one of the servants. Nobody in the Styles Pack would suspect a thing because they underestimate Omegas.”

“He’s right,” Louis supported. “Anne barely even looks at an Omega properly. It’s like they’re invisible to her. She’ll never see it coming.”

“What do you think?” Harry asked Jay, eager to have his mother-in-law approve of his suggestion.

“Brilliant,” she smiled, and Harry beamed with pride. “Their own prejudiced attitudes and thinking of Omegas as less than may well be their undoing. Poetic justice.”

XXX

They didn’t rush into things. Jay, Louis and Harry took their time deciding on the most appropriate Omega candidate. They selected a woman named Jayne and had arranged for her to train with Steve. She was due a heat in another week, once she was through it they would resume further training with Steve before putting the plan into action.

XXX

In the meantime, while Louis still hadn’t convinced Harry to give any form of therapy a try, he was able to coax his younger husband to join him at the pub with some of his friends. Louis knew the transition from Alpha to Omega had been difficult for Harry. The fact he had lost his friends through it made the situation all the more heartbreaking. Of course, Louis didn’t exactly hold a high opinion of Harry’s former friends anyway, but still, he didn’t want Harry to feel miserable or lonely. He hoped the younger boy could make genuine connections with some of his inner circle, viewing the likes of Oli, Stan and Bebe as his friends too rather than just Louis’.

Louis got the first round of beers in. As he returned to their table and slipped in beside Harry, he could see that though the boy wore a polite smile he didn’t appear relaxed or comfortable just yet. He wasn’t too sure what he could do to rectify that, but he hoped a beer might at least help Harry to loosen up enough to enjoy himself and have fun.

For no particular reason, the gang began ripping into Stan, mocking his new haircut. Harry released genuinely laughter over some of the comments, but he made no jokes of his own. In the end, it was Harry who came to Stan’s defence, leading the conversation in a different direction.

A couple of drinks later, Harry and Steve were playing a game of darts. Leaving Ed with strict instructions to protect his husband with his very life if needed, Louis stepped outside of the pub with Oli and Bebe for a cigarette.

“Things are better,” Louis told them blowing out a puff of smoke and flicking some ash on to the ground.

“What about… you know… sex?” Bebe asked in a whisper, raising her eyebrows suggestively.

“We’re a bit old to be whispering the dirty words aren’t we?” Oli asked and Bebe shrugged, looking to Louis for a response.

“There’s no sex,” Louis revealed, and Bebe pouted a little. “But we’re sharing the bed again. That’s a big step.”

“Any kissing?” Bebe asked.

“No,” Louis admitted, and she frowned. “I think about it sometimes but… I don’t think he’s ready for that. Not after… everything.”

“You should try and be more romantic with him,” Bebe encouraged.

“It wouldn’t be welcome,” Louis said.

“It’s worth a try, mate,” Oli replied. “Not like you’ve got anything to lose. There’s a lot of tension building between you two.”

“Yeah,” Bebe agreed. “The way you look at each other when you think the other isn’t looking. You should go in there and ask him to dance.”

“He’d probably tell me to fuck off,” Louis said.

“It’d still give us a laugh,” Oli grinned.

“Whatever,” Louis rolled his eyes as he stubbed his cigarette out before heading back inside. Making his way towards Harry, he genuinely considered taking the advice to ask the boy to dance. But he chickened out. Clearly he hadn’t consumed nearly enough alcohol to give dancing a try yet. “How about a game of Pool?” he asked instead.

“Ok,” Harry accepted. “But I don’t really know how to play.”

“Not a problem, I’ll teach you,” Louis touched his shoulder lightly before leading the way to the table and setting things up.

Teaching Harry to play involved a lot of touching, the Alpha’s hands moving all over the Omega to help him position himself correctly. As Harry leaned over the table, Louis gently pressed down on the dip of the boy’s back, causing Harry to arch his hips, sticking his butt out.

“Perfect,” Louis praised taking a step back to admire the view, biting down on his knuckle.

“Pervert,” Harry said though he didn’t sound offended.

Maybe Louis let Harry win the game. Or maybe the Omega had a natural talent. Or perhaps Louis was too busy drooling over his husband’s ass to concentrate on his own shots. Either way, Harry won and naturally he and the rest of the group taunted Louis for it.

After Bebe had insisted on a tray loaded with a mixture of shots that they all knocked back, Harry perked up as a new song began to play.

“Mm, I love this song,” Harry commented, bobbing his head and wiggling his hips a little in his seat.

Grabbing the last shot, Louis tipped the glass, letting the liquid fall down his throat. He coughed a little and wiped his mouth on the back of his hand before standing up.

“Dance with me,” he requested, holding his hand out.

“Um… ok,” Harry threaded their fingers together, following Louis to a safe space nearby.

“Oh, just look at them,” Bebe squealed excitedly to Stan.

Louis pressed their bodies close together, settling his hands on Harry’s hips. Harry looped his arms around the Alpha’s neck, swaying with him innocently at first before working in a more sensual wiggle. It was tempting to reach his hands down to grope a handful of Harry’s ass, but Louis was just about able to respectfully refrain. Nothing could prevent the way his cock swelled up in his pants though, his hardon rubbing against Harry.

“Nrgh,” Harry groaned, placing his forehead against Louis’.

“Haz,” Louis rasped out.

“Ssh,” Harry continued to writhe against him and Louis genuinely worried he may spunk in his pants like an inexperienced teen. If he did, his onlooking friends would surely never let him live it down.

As the song continued, Harry’s thrusts became dirtier and more wild, Louis pretty content to stand there while the boy worked him like a pole. Then Harry was circling him, whisper-singing the words into his ear and Louis wanted nothing more than to bend him over and mount him right there. How he resisted would forever remain a mystery.

Miraculously, Louis managed to get through the rest of the song without blowing his load. As the final words faded out, Harry wiggled sensually one last time before stilling, his green gaze settled on Louis’ face. Squeezing the Omega’s hips, Louis leaned in, making his intentions for a kiss clear. He met Harry’s green stare with his own blue one, holding eye-contact, leaving room between their mouths so Harry could make the decision to close the gap or not.

Watching Harry flick his tongue out to run across his plump lower lip, Louis was sure his husband was going to go for the kiss. Instead, Harry slowly stepped away, creating space between their previously writhing bodies. Reaching a hand up, Harry ruffled his curls before turning on his heel and flouncing away, no kiss.

“Fucking tease,” Louis whispered, both amused and frustrated.

Chapter Text

SIXTEEN

Harry’s next heat arrived. This time, he was able to recognise the signs and understand what it meant. Slipping into a public restroom, the Omega fit a heat-pad into his underwear and doused himself with scent blocker. He then called Jay, explaining the situation to his mother-in-law and asking if she could arrange for somebody to pick him up. In less than fifteen minutes, Jay arrived to personally escort him back home.

“How are you feeling, love?” she asked as they walked up to the front door.

“Not too bad,” he answered, finding it endearing how Louis and Jay sounded the same when they said ‘love’. “It hasn’t fully hit yet. I could have probably carried on working for another hour or so, but I didn’t want to risk it.”

“Trust me, Harry, you should never risk it,” Jay advised. “Go and have a bath or a shower,” she suggested. “I’ll prepare some smoothies and snacks for you, and I’ll let Louis know not to come home tonight.”

The Omega enjoyed a leisurely bath before dressing himself in loose joggers and one of Louis’ baggier hoodies. Returning downstairs, Jay invited him to sit beside her on the couch. He clutched a cushion to his chest and leaned against her shoulder as she put the television on. They laughed together at the funny parts, shared an eye-roll at the cringey moments, and cuddled closer together during more emotional scenes.

“Sorry,” Harry apologised as he shifted away from her to tug the hoodie off, starting to feel too warm and clammy.

“It’s alright,” Jay soothed, resting her hand at his forehead. “Oh, you are burning up,” she sympathised. “I’ll grab you a smoothie and a cereal bar,” she offered. “It’s best to keep your energy up as much as possible before the heat fully hits.”

“Thanks,” Harry shifted around, beginning to feel itchy and uncomfortable in his own skin. “Mm,” he hummed appreciatively as he gulped down some of the smoothie. “Nice,” he complimented. “It helps.”

“Good,” Jay pushed some of his curls back. “I should probably get going. Take care of yourself, darling.”

“Any chance you could stay?” Harry asked tentatively, not really comfortable with being alone.

“If you want me to,” Jay replied. “But that does mean I’ll hear all the desperate heat-induced begging and moaning. It really doesn’t bother me, but you might feel differently about your mother-in-law overhearing such things.”

“As long as we never mention it when my heats over I don’t mind,” Harry responded. “I just don’t feel safe spending a heat alone and I’m not ready for Louis to be here. And there isn’t anybody else I trust.”

“Ok, I can stay, as long as you’re sure,” Jay said.

They managed to watch a little more television together before Harry began seeping through his heat-pad. He excused himself and headed upstairs. He washed himself up a little in the bathroom before moving to the bedroom and stripping naked. Grateful that nobody could see him, he pulled a few of Louis’ garments out of the dirty laundry basket (including a pair of boxers). He threw the pile onto the bed and climbed on top, burying his nose in the scent of Louis’ shirt and humping against a pair of smart trousers.

As his rational thinking mind switched off and the heat took over, Harry whimpered and moaned, using Louis’ dirty underwear to stroke himself.

XXX

After his heat had mostly abated and Harry returned to full consciousness, he slowly blinked his eyes open. The bedroom window was open, letting some fresh air in to battle against the stench of his heat. Jay was looming over him, whispering soothing words as she mopped at his sweaty brow with a cool flannel. The Omega mumbled incoherently, leaning in to the comfort of her touch. Harry was relieved not to be alone, and while he knew he was safe with his mother-in-law, he couldn’t help but wish it was his husband at his side.

“Here, drink up, love,” Jay instructed, helping him sit up and offering him some water.

Harry gulped it down, suddenly realising how thirsty he was. Finishing the large glass, he flopped back down against the pillows with a groan. He felt sticky and gross. A shower was very much needed, but he didn’t have the energy to leave the bed just yet.

“Is Lou coming home?” Harry asked as Jay placed the flannel back on his forehead.

“I haven’t called him yet,” Jay answered. “Do you want me to?”

“Yeah,” Harry spoke softly, arms wrapping around himself. “Want my Alpha,” he admitted.

“I’ll call him, I’m sure he’ll be here as soon as he can,” Jay said. “But for now, you need to eat,” she told him, handing him a bowl of different chopped up fruit.

As soon as his eyes landed on the strawberry, apple and kiwi, Harry’s stomach grumbled. He accepted the bowl from Jay, greedily shovelling pieces of fruit into his mouth while Jay left to make the call to Louis.

“He’s on his way,” Jay confirmed a few minutes later.

Suddenly feeling self-conscious about his appearance, Harry found the energy to climb out of the bed and make his way to the bathroom. While he showered and made himself presentable, Jay took care of stripping the bed and putting on clean sheets. Once dried and dressed, Harry gathered up the pile of Louis’ clothes he had been nesting in and took them downstairs to be washed along with the dirty bedding. As the washing machine whirred, Harry joined Jay for a cup of tea and some biscuits, grateful for the fact she made no mention of any of his heat-induced behaviour over the past few days.

They made amicable conversation as they waited for Louis’ arrival. Hearing the key turn in the door, Harry had to fight to remain in his seat and not run to greet him like an excited puppy.

“We’re in here, Lou-bear,” Jay called, and Louis entered the room.

Looking over to him, Harry swallowed thickly. His husband was in a smart suit with his hair styled into a perfect quiff. He was undeniably handsome, and Harry felt his skin begin to tingle.

“Alright, love,” Louis greeted, that raspy tone of his making Harry’s stomach do Olympic worthy somersaults.

Unable to restrain himself any longer, Harry jumped out of his seat and moved to embrace his Alpha, burying his nose in the crook of Louis’ neck, inhaling his tobacco and peppermint scent.

“Missed you,” Harry confessed, fingers clutching tight to Louis’ expensive suit jacket.

“Missed you too, Haz,” Louis answered with a grin, stroking his hand up and down Harry’s back.

Pulling his face out of Louis’ neck, Harry leaned in, pressing his lips to the older man’s mouth in a quick chaste peck. He was rewarded with a beaming smile from Louis. It made Harry want to lean in and kiss him again, but he resisted, his inner Omega calming down now his Alpha was nearby.

“Any business that I missed?” Harry asked moving back to his seat, wrapping his hands around his teacup.

“We’ve successfully got Jayne working in your mother’s household,” Louis informed him as he boiled the kettle to prepare a cup of tea for himself. “As you predicted nobody is suspicious of a new Omega servant. We’ve told her to take her time and not draw unwanted attention to herself. Her safety has to come first. But hopefully it won’t be long before she has valuable information to report back to us. Personally, I’d prefer to get her out of that environment as soon as she has any kind of evidence to confirm the Styles Pack are still our enemies.”

XXX

Once Jay headed out, Louis and Harry found themselves shyly dancing around one another now that they were alone.

“Wanna go for a walk?” Louis suggested. “Some fresh air will do you good after being cooped up in here during your heat.”

“Ok,” Harry agreed. “If you think it’s safe for me to be outside so soon after? I mean… do I still smell?”

“A little,” Louis told him honestly. “But you smell good. Fantastic even. Probably best to put some scent-blocker on though. Anyway, I promise you’re safe with me, love,” Louis assured him, managing to coax a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it display of those dimples Harry had. “I’ll just go change.”

A few minutes later, Louis returned dressed more casually in jeans and a hoodie and Harry had sprayed some scent-blockers to cover the toffee popcorn and candyfloss smell that lingered from his heat.

They stepped outside together, arms brushing as they walked along the path side-by-side. Further down the street, Harry received a wolf-whistle from a passing Alpha who made a comment about him smelling ‘fresh’ and ‘ready for it’. Louis growled at the other Alpha menacingly, placing a protective arm around his Omega’s waist.

“You alright?” Louis checked once they had moved on.

“Fine,” Harry answered, leaning closer to his husband, glancing back to make sure the other Alpha wasn’t following them.

Fortunately, the remainder of their walk proceeded without incident. They mostly walked in silence, occasionally sneaking glances at each other, Harry blushing and looking away whenever they made eye-contact. Upon returning home, Louis felt compelled to lift Harry up into his arms.

“Whoa, what are you doing?” Harry asked, his legs locking around the Alpha’s hips.

“Sorry,” Louis apologised, carrying Harry further into the house. “It’s getting harder to resist myself around you. Do you want me to stop?” he asked as he carefully placed Harry on one of the kitchen units, standing between the Omega’s legs, his hands resting on his younger husband’s thighs, just above the knee.

“No,” Harry shook his head minutely, as he looped his arms around Louis’ neck.

“Good,” Louis replied, cupping Harry’s jaw before moving in, slotting their mouths together. “Mm,” the Alpha was the first to moan as their tongues swiped together. “This ok?” he checked, pulling back slightly.

“Yeah,” Harry nodded, already guiding Louis’ head back in order to seal their lips back together.

Lifting the Omega back into his arms, Louis carried his husband to the living-room, placing him gently on the sofa and lowering himself on top of him. They kissed slowly, taking their time exploring each other’s mouths.

“Nrgh,” Harry grunted. “Get up,” he ordered, whacking at Louis’ shoulder lightly as they both started to get hard in their pants. They reversed positions, Harry climbing on top of Louis, ducking his head down to keep kissing him. “Clothes stay on,” the younger of the two demanded.

“Clothes stay on,” Louis agreed, one hand running through Harry’s curls, the other inching down his back, reaching to grope his ass as they carried on kissing. “Fuck, Haz,” he breathed out as his husband began kissing and sucking at his neck.

“That feel good?” Harry asked with a smirk, admiring the mark he’d created on Louis’ throat.

“Still got a bit of Alpha in you, eh love?” Louis teased over the possessive action.

“Guess so,” Harry shrugged. “Maybe you didn’t fuck me hard enough with that knot of yours after all,” he bantered.

Louis bit his lower lip to prevent himself saying anything too vulgar. He couldn’t stop the way his eyes roamed over Harry’s form though, quite blatantly eye-fucking the curly-haired lad.

“Alright,” Louis said, gripping at Harry’s hips and lifting the taller boy off of him.

“What’s wrong?” Harry asked now they were seated on opposite ends of the sofa.

“Nothing,” Louis assured, reaching his hand out to lay on Harry’s arm, Harry placing his larger hand on top of his Alpha’s. “But if we keep making-out like horny teenagers…”

“I’m eighteen, I am a horny teenager,” Harry reminded him.

“Right, yeah… shit, I forget sometimes how young you are,” Louis said. “My point is, if we keep this up… well…”

“Well what?” Harry asked.

“Are you ready to have sex with me, Haz?” Louis asked bluntly.

“Um… maybe,” Harry answered shyly.

“Well I’m not prepared to give you my knot until that ‘maybe’ is a fully confident ‘yes’,” Louis told him. “And you’re still pretty fresh out of your heat so that’s probably making you feel more clingy and needy than you’d normally be. I don’t want to be taking advantage of you, love. Not again.”

“Ok… yeah… makes sense,” Harry fought incredibly hard for his lips not to form into a disappointed pout.

XXX

A couple of days later, Harry was in the kitchen, singing along to the radio and dancing around in just his underwear as he made some French toast. He spun around on his heel, getting a little jump-scare when his eyes landed on Louis.

“Fucking hell, Lou,” he complained. “Lou?” he asked uncertainly.

The Alpha was standing in the archway of the door in nothing but a pair of black boxer briefs. His dick was notably hard, the head poking out obscenely at the top, a bead or pre-cum shining on the tip. His eyes seemed darker than normal, and he was growling low in his throat, looking like he wanted to pin Harry down and devour him.

“Why the fuck are you looking at me like that?” Harry demanded to know, refusing to allow his voice to quiver.

“Want you, love,” Louis claimed, his voice huskier than normal. He moved away from the doorway, stalking towards Harry, slowly circling him before backing him against the kitchen counter, bracing his hands either side of the younger lad to trap him in. “Want you bent over for me,” he spoke the words into Harry’s ear before tugging roughly at his earlobe, making Harry hiss. “Showing off that slick little hole… begging like a desperate bitch for me to fuck you… wanna stuff you full of my knot and pound you so hard you’ll forget you ever used to be an Alpha… my pretty Omega,” Louis leered, pressing himself impossibly closer to Harry, his fat cock digging into Harry’s belly.

“You’re… you’re in rut,” Harry realised, insides filling with dread.

“Mm,” Louis grabbed a fistful of Harry’s curls, yanking his head to the side before licking along the expanse of his throat. “Be a good bitch and present yourself for me.”

“Yes, Alpha,” Harry agreed meekly, eyes lowered submissively to the floor to appease his husband. Louis moved back enough for Harry to no longer be trapped, and the Omega took the opportunity to punch his Alpha in the face and knee him in the balls.

He ran out of the kitchen, fumbling slightly as he grabbed the car keys before darting out of the house, slamming the door behind him and throwing himself into Louis’ car. To his relief, the Alpha did not chase after him. Though Harry was fully prepared to run over him with the car if he did so.

Instead, he kept a lid on his panic, driving to Jay’s house in just his boxers.

XXX

“Louis will be ok won’t he?” Harry asked once he was safely in Jay’s home and wearing spare clothes.

“He’ll be fine,” Jay told him. “Having you nearby would have worked him up, making him more wild. With you safely out of the house he’ll be less of a knot-head. For now he’ll just be aggressively masturbating as much as he can until he gets it out of his system.”

“Didn’t like seeing him like that,” Harry confessed to her. “He was so unlike himself. The things he said,” he cringed.

“I can imagine,” Jay sympathised. “Unfortunately us Alphas are not at our most charming when a rut hits. Most of us behave like pigs until we learn better control.”

“How long does that typically take?” Harry asked.

“Impossible to say,” Jay shrugged. “Some Alphas never grow out of it. But many believe mated Alphas in a healthy and loving relationship gain control over themselves during ruts better than those that aren’t in committed relationships.”

“But Louis and I are married, so why’s he acting like a knot-head?” Harry frowned.

“Arranged marriage, darling,” Jay pointed out. “The two of you are only just really beginning to trust each other and get comfortable. And unless I’m mistaken, the two of you haven’t been intimate yet, apart from your wedding day and your first heat.”

“So… If I was having regular sex with Louis, that would make him less of a knot-head when he’s in rut?” Harry wondered.

“Possibly,” she nodded. “Though nothing is guaranteed. You must be having quite the impact on him though. Ever since he presented as an Alpha, the pattern of his rut has been like clockwork. Seems like you’ve triggered his rut early.”

“Oh… oops,” Harry said.

“Take it as a compliment,” Jay suggested.

XXX

During Louis’ rut, Oli and Stan showed up at Jay’s in order to keep Harry company. Harry couldn’t really find it in himself to vocalise his appreciation to them, but he definitely welcomed the gesture. He felt a little awkward and tentative at first, never having socialised with them without Louis there, but he felt comfortable.

True, it wasn’t anything like the bond he’d shared with Nick and James. As horrendous as Nick and James were, Harry had been blind to it at the time, but the friendship he’d previously had with them had felt so real. Losing them as friends had of course left a void, even if he was better off without them. Perhaps Oli and Stan would never fully replace what he’d once had with his former friends, but Harry was grateful of their willingness to be friendly towards him in the first place. Maybe one day, with people like Oli and Stan around, the ache left by Nick and James wouldn’t feel so severe.

Chapter Text

SEVENTEEN

All the blankets and cushions were organised into a large pile on the bedroom floor, half of Harry’s clothes thrown in along with it. Buried in the middle was Louis, the Alpha panting and shaking, a pair of Harry’s dirty boxers stuffed in his mouth as he jerked his cock. His knot swelled once more, and another load of cum gushed out of his dick, making a further mess of the blankets.

Spitting out the dirty underwear, Louis rolled around in his little nest, cuddling the cushion that smelled most strongly of his Omega to his chest. An irritated growl rumbled in his throat, escaping his lips as a pitiful and exhausted roar. No matter how much he stroked his cock or massaged his balls, the Alpha just could not achieve true satisfaction. The orgasms were more painful than enjoyable without his Omega.

“My Omega,” Louis tugged one of Harry’s socks onto his hand and began fisting himself, already hard again. “My Omega,” he thrust urgently into his sock-covered hand, eyes rolling as the friction burn made things more intense.

A few minutes later, he was throwing the cum-drenched sock into the pit of blankets, his throbbing manhood already fattening up again, his thoughts fixated on his green-eyed, long-limbed, curly-haired husband.

“My Harry,” Louis panted softly as he stroked himself at a gentler pace, his rut beginning to ease for a short period of time before ramping up in intensity again. “OMEGA!” the Alpha growled.

XXX

Elsewhere, work was fine. Work made sense. Work was a welcome distraction, something to keep Harry occupied while his husband was in rut. Of course, there was only so much work a person could do in a day. The Omega had set up his laptop, researching and working on things in the later evening, but Jay had frowned at him for doing so, urging him to relax.

Finding ways to unwind was not the issue. A nice bath, a little Yoga, or watching T.V were all great methods for Harry to chill out. The problem was that when he was relaxed, his mind automatically circled back to a blue-eyed Alpha he happened to be married to. Ideally, he preferred to be focused on some kind of task to prevent his mind from straying to his husband too frequently.

So during the third day of Louis’ rut, Harry decided to go grocery shopping. He walked to the local shop and grabbed a basket, searching the shelves. There wasn’t much that Jay immediately needed to stock up on, but Harry wanted to make himself useful by helping out a little. Plus, the shopping trip granted him the opportunity to keep his mind off of Louis for a while. Not knowing his way around the shop, it took longer than he expected to locate the few items he was looking for (bread, milk, teabags, chocolate biscuits).

Carrying his basket to the self-checkout, he bagged everything up, paid and left. Leaving the store, he was focused on rearranging the goods in the bag to make it easier to carry and ensure it wouldn’t split. Just around the corner, he crinkled his nose at a familiar scent, furrowing his brow as he tried to place it. Before he could make the connection, an arm wrapped around his middle, a pudgy hand clamped over his mouth, and he was shoved into the passenger side of a car. Dropping the shopping bag on the car floor, Harry tried to open the door. Predictably, it was locked. So he reached down to his ankle, lifting the leg of his trousers to grab the knife he had strapped there before turning to face his attacker, weapon raised.

“Didn’t your mother teach you not to play with knives?” James asked jovially, already driving the car.

“James,” Harry stated coldly as he appraised his former Pack member. He pressed the blade threateningly to James’ neck, feeling satisfied when he saw the older man tense up, his knuckles turning white where he tightly gripped the steering wheel. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t just slit your throat?” He applied more pressure, the knife just piercing the skin to show that Harry meant business.

“Well,” James said, trying to crane his neck away from the knife but Harry followed the movement, nicking his skin with the knife. “I won’t be able to drive very well if I’m dead,” James claimed now doing his very best to keep his head still. “Cut my throat and we’ll definitely crash. Maybe you’ll survive the wreck, maybe not. Maybe we’d hit that old lady with the walking stick,” he looked out the window, Harry glancing in that direction. “Or drive into that bus full of passengers,” James flicked his gaze to the other side of the road. “Or knock down that lady with the baby. Prepared to risk it, mate?”

Harry was not prepared to risk it, and James damn well knew it. Though Harry suspected James wouldn’t be so willing to risk such a thing either. The man could be a brute, sure. But he had always had a softness about him when it came to babies and children at least.

Sitting back, Harry slowly lowered the knife from James’ neck. The older man notably relaxed, breathing a small sigh of relief and wiping away a few beads of sweat that had gathered on his forehead.

“I don’t take kindly to being kidnapped,” Harry warned as he turned the knife idly between his fingers, conveying without words that he was prepared to make violent use of it if need be.

“Don’t think of it as kidnapping,” James said in a merry tone. “Think of it as two friends catching up.”

“Our friendship ended the day I was turned into an Omega,” Harry responded. “Don’t insult me further by pretending any different.”

“Harry, come on, nothing’s changed,” James claimed.

“Everything’s changed,” Harry insisted. “Where the hell are you taking me?” he demanded to know.

“Not taking you anywhere, we’re just driving,” James answered as he turned the car radio on. “Ah yeah, come on, sing with me,” he encouraged. “My love,” he crooned singing alongside Lionel Richie. “There’s only you in my life…”

Harry rolled his eyes, refusing to join in the duet, no matter how tempting. Seemingly undeterred, James continued singing along, finishing the song without Harry’s input. From his observations, it didn’t seem as though James was driving him anywhere in particular. In fact, they seemed to have gone in a circle at least once.

“How’ve you been, Harry? That Tomlinson guy treating you well?” James asked.

“You didn’t get me alone to talk about my marriage,” Harry said. “Out with it, James. What do you want?”

“My loyalty is to the Styles Pack, you know that,” James sighed.

“Right,” Harry clucked his tongue, fingers still gripped around the handle of the knife. “And I’m not a Styles anymore. I’m a Tomlinson now so you owe me nothing. Is that what you’re trying to tell me?”

“You’ll always be a Styles, Harry,” James claimed. “You may not be Pack anymore but to me you’re still family. It isn’t about blood, or your husband, or anything else like that. Family are the people you choose.”

“Well maybe I don’t choose you,” Harry retaliated. He delivered his words with a vindictive tone and a harsh glare. James’ expression immediately dropped, his eyes dimming, and the usual cheekiness present in his face notably absent.

“There’s no need to be a dick,” James shook his head slightly, driving back past the shop Harry had recently been in. “But you can go ahead and say as many shitty things as you like. It’s not gonna change the past or make me care about you any less. I don’t want to see you hurt.”

“If you’re worried about Louis, he’s not that kind of Alpha,” Harry said defensively. “He actually respects Omegas… I’m lucky.”

“Good, that’s good,” James gave a genuine smile. “But I’m not worried about Tomlinson hurting you. Harry… I have to warn you about Nick.”

A shot was fired. Two shots. Three… or was that four? Harry ducked down low in his seat, James lost control of the wheel, the tyres screeching as the car skidded along the road, up onto the pavement, crashing into the shop wall, airbags going off.

“James?” Harry asked frantically as he looked to the drivers seat.

No response. Face unblinking. Unable to find a pulse.

Teabags and chocolate biscuits were left squashed up at the bottom of the car as Harry slipped out, running away from the scene. Away from the smashed up car. Away from… the body.

XXX

He didn’t run straight to Jay’s, uncertain if he was being followed. For quite some time, Harry simply ran, putting distance between himself and the wreckage. Feeling somewhat safe in his surroundings, Harry took out his phone and put in a call to Oli. They arranged a meetup point, Harry luckily not encountering any danger along his way.

“I should take you to a safehouse, it’s best to lay low for a while,” Oli suggested.

“No,” Harry refuted. “You either take me to Jay or to Louis.”

“Lou’s still in rut,” Oli responded.

“Then you take me to Jay,” Harry said. “And somebody needs to check Louis’ ok and guard the house.”

Nodding, Oli continued to drive one-handed while making a call.

“Sorted,” he assured Harry. “Now what the hell happened exactly?”

Harry didn’t respond, just stared silently out of the car window. Oli accepted the silence, driving them safely to Jay’s, consistently checking to ensure they weren’t being followed.

XXX

“Tell me what happened, love,” Jay requested gently, fingers running through Harry’s mussed curls as the young boy cradled a cup of tea in his hands.

“Went to the shop… got grabbed and shoved in a car… by James,” Harry mumbled. “My friend… I think he was my friend.”

“Was?” Oli enquired.

“He got shot,” Harry’s hands shook. Jay quickly took the teacup away from him, placing it aside and holding his large hands in her own smaller ones. “He’s… gone,” he couldn’t bring himself to say ‘dead’.

“Did you see who carried out the attack?” Jay asked calmly.

“No,” Harry shook his head. “Didn’t see anything. I don’t even know if they were aiming for him… I might have been the target,” he shrugged.

“Why did James shove you in the car?” Oli asked. “Was he trying to hurt you?”

“He was trying to warn me,” Harry responded. “About Nick.”

“What about Nick?” Jay prodded gently.

“Dunno,” Harry said miserably. “He just said he had to warn me about Nick and then… that’s the last thing he said before… before it happened.”

“Do me a favour?” Jay requested looking to Oli. “Get Jayne out of Anne’s house as soon as possible.”

“You believe she’s in danger?” Oli asked.

“I sincerely hope not,” Jay sighed. “But I’d say her position as spy is no longer required. If James saw fit to try and warn Harry about Nick, then it’s serious. The Styles Pack are not our allies and cannot be trusted. We don’t know who the shooter was, or who they were aiming for. But if they were trying to stop James from talking, that’s indication enough that they’re up to no good. And if they were aiming for Harry… well, whoever the son of a bitch was better pray they don’t cross me or Louis in a dark alley.”

XXX

Out of his rut, Louis didn’t even bother taking the time to clean himself up or have a decent breakfast. He just got dressed and called for Stan to pick him up and drive him to wherever his Omega was.

“Harry’s safe, he’s been staying with your mum,” Stan informed him.

“You look awkward,” Louis observed. “More so than usual. What’s going on?”

“Some shit’s gone down,” Stan informed him, quickly giving him an overview of what had been going on.

“Jayne?” Louis asked. “Is she ok?”

“Perfectly safe,” Stan confirmed. “She didn’t see or hear anything useful though.”

“Doesn’t matter, as long as she’s out of there,” Louis replied. “Seems pretty clear the feud isn’t over just because me and Haz got married.”

“Yeah, guess not,” Stan sighed. “I really thought it would work you know? Thought your mum had this revolutionary idea, years in the making. But I guess it was always doomed.”

XXX

“Harry?” Louis called out as he entered his mum’s house.

“He’s upstairs,” Jay answered from the lounge. “Oh Lou, you reek,” she criticised.

“Um, yeah, sorry,” Louis cringed. “Part of it’s rut. But some of it’s the smell from Stan’s car… How is he doing? Stan said James was killed in front of him?”

“He’s been very quiet,” Jay sighed. “I think he’s taking it pretty hard.”

“Is he mad at me?” Louis worried. “The way I behaved towards him when I was in rut,” he shook his head in disappointment.

“We’re all guilty of being mutts at times,” Jay said. “Just be a grown-up and talk to your husband. Now isn’t the time to be asking mummy to fix your problems,” she teased. “And Lou… shower first,” she advised.

XXX

Heading upstairs, Louis bypassed the bathroom, seeking out his Omega. His younger husband was tangled up with three different blankets, staring blankly up at the bedroom ceiling, ‘Endless Love’ playing out of Harry’s phone.

“Hi, love,” Louis greeted tentatively.

“You stink,” Harry informed him.

“Yeah… sorry about that… Stan farted in the car on the way over here,” Louis claimed.

“Should shower,” Harry mumbled.

“Yeah… yeah, I guess I should,” Louis agreed. “Um… sorry to disturb you, sweetheart.”

He left the room, heading back to the bathroom and stripping out of his clothes. He wrinkled his nose in distaste – he truly did smell awful. Once naked, he stepped on into the shower, tipping his head back, letting the warm water beat down upon his skin. Hearing movement behind him, he shook the water away from his face and turned around, finding a naked Harry climbing in to the shower stall.

Neither of them spoke a word. Louis just opened up his arms and Harry stepped into the embrace. They quietly hugged for a few minutes before Harry reached for the shower gel, using quite an offensive amount (Louis didn’t stink quite that bad thank you very much).

After Louis had been scrubbed thoroughly clean, the Alpha got to work on washing his Omega. He soaped him up tenderly, admiring the bare flesh underneath the bubbles. Then he dug his fingers gently into Harry’s scalp, shampooing his mane of curls. Louis smiled in satisfaction as Harry practically purred under the attention.

“I’m here for ya, lad,” Louis told him comfortingly. “It’s all gonna be ok.”

XXX

Dried and dressed, they returned to the bedroom, climbing under the blankets together. Harry used Louis’ chest as a pillow, the ‘Endless Love’ song playing from his phone again.

“Do you need to talk about it, love?” Louis asked and Harry shook his head. “Ok,” Louis soothed petting the younger boy’s hair. “I’m here whenever you’re ready.”

Chapter Text

EIGHTEEN

A meeting was called, the most trusted of the Tomlinson Pack assembled in Jay’s living-room. Jay invited everybody to make recommendations as to what their next plan of action should be.

“We need to bide our time,” Oli said sensibly. “It would be foolish to react too rashly.”

“Screw that, I say we go in guns blazing,” Stan suggested.

“Ok, you go first, we’ll catch you up,” Bebe told him.

“Funny,” he rolled his eyes at her, and she simply smirked.

“We should wait and see how they handle things,” Louis spoke up, his hand resting at the nape of Harry’s neck, squeezing comfortingly. “We don’t know if those bullets were meant for James or for Harry.”

“Maybe both,” Ed pointed out glumly.

“Can’t rule it out,” Harry acknowledged.

“What usually happens when a member of the Styles Pack falls?” Louis asked his husband.

“Depends on the situation,” Harry sighed. “If a fallen Pack member was deemed to be a traitor then there would be a party of sorts.”

“I don’t suppose you mean a cute little tea party with happy music and balloons?” Oli guessed.

“Not exactly,” Harry grimaced. “The traitors dead body would be put on display. Any close friends or family they might have had outside of the business would be invited and forced to witness it all. Most never made it out of the party. And any family members of the traitor directly involved with the business would need to have their loyalty tested.”

“I’m afraid to ask how?” Bebe frowned.

“Nobody passes the loyalty test, ever,” Harry said. “It’s purposely designed for a person to fail. There aren’t many issues with traitors. But the parties hosted for a traitor are brutal. So much so my mother wouldn’t let me attend one until I turned ten.”

“Ten?” Stan gaped. “Shit, lad. I was still wearing superman pants and playing with toy cars when I was ten.”

“Pretty sure you still do that now,” Bebe teased.

“Batman actually,” he told her, yanking his jeans down a little to show off his underwear.

“Urgh, put it away,” Bebe threw a cushion at him.

“How do the Styles Pack handle the death of a member who was believed to be loyal?” Steve asked.

“Cremation,” Harry answered. “Everybody would attend, dressed in black like a funeral. But no flowers or speeches or anything like that.”

“Ok, so we need to find out if James received a cremation or the party treatment,” Jay said uneasily. “If he was cremated then they believed him to be loyal and were surely aiming for Harry.”

“Or that Grimmy sleaze could have been acting independently,” Bebe pointed out. “Maybe he realised James’ loyalty was with Harry over the likes of him so took him out before he could warn Harry of his plans.”

“I suppose that’s something we really need to establish,” Oli mused. “We know James tried to warn Harry about Nick. But if Nick was involved in the shooting – and I think it’s probably safe to assume that he was – we need to figure out if Nick was acting on Anne’s behalf or if he’s carrying out his own mission.”

“But how do we find out?” Steve asked. “I don’t think it’s wise to place Jayne back into the Styles household.”

“No, it’s not worth the risk,” Jay claimed.

“Maybe I’ll just ask her,” Harry shrugged. “I doubt she’ll answer, but I could try calling or texting. Just ask her outright if she tried to take me out.”

“Even if she did answer you, is she likely to answer honestly?” Stan wondered.

“Brutal honesty is one of mothers specialties,” Harry replied.

“Or perhaps I should invite her out for brunch, Alpha to Alpha,” Jay pondered. “What do you think, Louis? How do we play this one?” she asked her son.

“It’s difficult,” Louis stated, and they all nodded in agreement. “Here’s what we need to do… we need to find out if James was considered loyal or a traitor. If he was deemed loyal, then Anne and the Styles Pack at large may not have any involvement in whatever Nick Grimshaw is scheming. But if James was viewed as a traitor, then that would suggest whatever Nick is up to has Anne’s full support.”

“And then we need to find out what the hell Grimshaw is plotting,” Steve said.

“Undercover?” Ed suggested. “Torture?”

“Unnecessary,” Harry said. “Nick’s smart but he has his shortcomings. Being an overconfident knot-head Alpha is a big flaw. The man likes to brag, and if he thinks he has the upper-hand in a situation he’ll boast about all his dirty little secrets quite happily.”

“So we lead him into some kind of trap,” Bebe theorised. “Make him believe he’s in control of the situation, in a one-on-one position. Then once he’s ran his mouth we all jump out and yell ‘surprise’ because he’s actually outnumbered.”

“A surprise party, that’s your plan?” Stan shook his head at her in disbelief.

“I don’t mean for anyone to literally yell ‘surprise’ you moron,” Bebe retorted. “What do you think, Harry? Does it have a chance of working?”

“Possibly,” Harry mused. “I also know the kind of places he likes to hang out in. He’s very dismissive of Omega staff. He wouldn’t ever think to be concerned about an Omega overhearing any kind of bragging.”

“But are we prepared to put an Omega at risk?” Oli asked.

“The right Omega wouldn’t be at risk,” Harry said. “Nick’s always been more of a shit-talker than a fighter. He can get creatively violent if a victim has already been captured and strapped down for him, but he’s never really been the guy giving the beat down. An Omega who knows how to fight could outmanoeuvre him. He’s not used to Omegas who fight back. He wouldn’t see it coming.”

“We’ve got a few Omegas who might be up for the task,” Louis added. “But we won’t make any serious moves for now. Let’s research as much as we can first. Mum, see if you can arrange a brunch or something with Anne. If she agrees, make sure you are armed and do not go alone, just in case. Ed, Steve, snoop around, find out if James was cremated or not.”

“I don’t think that’s information the Styles Pack are just going to share with us because we ask them nicely,” Ed pointed out.

“Not a chance,” Louis agreed. “Not the Alphas or Betas anyway.”

“But an Omega might,” Steve said. “I’ll speak to Jayne. See what she thinks about the other Omegas in the Styles household. Maybe she has some kind of insight as to who would be most willing to talk.”

“Stan, Bebe, Oli,” Louis turned to the other three. “It is essential that we keep tabs on Nick Grimshaw. You can’t get too close yourselves, you’re too recognisable as part of the Tomlinson Pack.”

“I can give you a list of his usual hang-outs,” Harry offered. “Sneak in cameras, bribe staff members, send in Omegas to discreetly spy on him, whatever it takes.”

“We can do that,” Oli nodded.

XXX

Back at home, Harry sat outside, enjoying the peacefulness of his garden. There was a nervous feeling in the pit of his stomach that he was unable to shake off. He supposed the anxiety bubble would only continue to grow until the situation with Nick was resolved. Looking up at the clouds overhead, he thought about it all. Losing to Louis the night of the Mating, being forcibly turned Omega. His mother’s disappointment over his new secondary gender. The way his so-called friends had humiliated him. His first heat. Louis’ rut. James’ final warning. James’ unblinking eyes. James’ death.

“Alright there, love?” Louis asked appearing at his side with a cup of tea.

“Not even close,” Harry admitted, seeing no use in pretending everything was ok when it so clearly wasn’t. “Thanks,” he took the teacup from his husband, cradling it in his hands as he returned his gaze to the clouds. Oh how he did envy the way they could just drift away. “Any news?”

“Nothing yet,” Louis responded. “But it’s still way too soon to expect anybody to have any real update.”

“I feel kinda useless just sitting around waiting,” Harry said. “I wish there was something more I could do… If nothing else I should be beating the crap out of Nick and making him beg for death. I think I owe James that much.”

“We’ll deal with Grimshaw, we will,” Louis assured him. “We just need more information first.”

“I don’t know, the more I think about it, the more I like the sound of Stan’s suggestion to just rush in guns blazing,” Harry claimed.

“That might seem tempting, but you’re a smart boy. You know that’s the kind of behaviour that gets your ass killed,” Louis said.

“Yeah, I know,” Harry acknowledged begrudgingly. “Can you just… I don’t know… do something to take my mind off it all?”

“Like what?” Louis asked.

“Just… something, anything,” Harry’s tone had a desperate edge to it.

“Now when you say ‘anything’…” Louis trailed off suggestively.

“Urgh, you wish,” Harry scowled giving the Alpha a whack to the stomach, Louis laughing fondly.

“C’mon, let’s get out of here. Do something fun,” Louis told him.

XXX

As it turned out, Louis’ idea of ‘something fun’ was to take Harry indoor rock-climbing.

“Are you even tall enough to reach the first rock?” Harry teased.

“Very funny, Curly,” Louis rolled his eyes.

“No, but seriously, are you?” Harry asked.

“I’ll see you at the top,” Louis landed a playful swat to Harry’s ass before he began climbing.

He crawled up the rock-climbing wall like a spider, easily dragging himself higher and higher. Clearly this was an activity he was well practiced in. Still down on the ground, Harry admired the shape of the Alpha’s ass for a little while before beginning his climb, confident that he would catch up to his husband in no time.

“Everything ok down there, love?” Louis called, the Alpha already having easily reached the top.

“Fine!” Harry yelled back. “I’ll be there in a second. I’m like halfway already.”

Louis chuckled fondly as he watched the Omega struggle. After a few minutes of Harry puffing, panting and swearing, Louis made his way back down. Feet firmly on the floor, he crossed his arms over his chest, leaning against the rock-climbing wall.

“Sure you’re ok, love?” he asked Harry, his face incredibly close to that of his husband’s.

“Ok, screw this, I give up,” Harry huffed realising his feet were barely a few inches away from the floor. “Rock-climbing’s stupid anyway. Only premature ejaculating knot-heads with tiny dicks can climb to the top.”

“Wow, you truly are graceful in defeat aren’t you, Haz?” Louis taunted.

“Whatever, I’m still taller than you,” Harry retorted.

XXX

Their squabbling continued over a round of crazy-golf. To begin with, Louis was clearly winning the game, so Harry resorted to some dirty tactics. He’d distract Louis when the Alpha was taking his go, grabbing at his butt or rubbing up against him.

“You’re a menace,” Louis insisted as his ball completely missed the hole he’d been aiming for. “What exactly am I gonna do with an Omega like you, eh?” he asked, trapping Harry’s body against him with the golf club.

“Just worship me,” Harry responded. “Weight on me hand and foot. Treat me like a pampered Prince. Be my devoted slave basically.”

“Sure, love,” Louis grinned, and Harry squirmed a little in the Alpha’s hold, feeling tingly all over.

“Get off me, it’s my turn,” the Omega shoved at his husband’s chest, Louis taking a step away. “No distracting me, Tomlinson. Don’t even look at me. In fact, don’t even breathe my air.”

“Yes, your majesty,” Louis remarked sarcastically with an over-exaggerated bow.

“You’re still breathing my air,” Harry accused.

XXX

After their round of golf (which Harry won, though only by cheating) Louis took his young husband to a 50s style diner. The place was cute if a little cheesy, but their milkshakes were delicious, and they had the juiciest burgers.

The pair sat at their booth together, a waitress on rollerblades delivering their food and drink. Despite Harry insisting that he didn’t want any fries for himself, he seemed quite enthusiastic about stealing them off of Louis’ plate. Stan and Bebe were often guilty of similar behaviour, though whenever he was with them Louis would smack their hands away, refusing to share. But with Harry he allowed it, watching the Omega with a gaze that could only be described as fond.

“Is everything ok over here?” their waitress skated by to ask.

“Great, thank you,” Louis told her.

“Fries are amazing,” Harry said before she rollerbladed away.

“You could have got your own fries you know,” Louis pointed out.

“Taste better when they’re yours,” Harry shrugged before helping himself to the remainder of Louis’ milkshake.

A few tables away, a cute little old couple put some money in the jukebox to select a song that soon began playing throughout the diner. The old man was in a wheelchair. He had his elderly wife settle in his lap, gently swaying with her as much as his body could manage. Some nearby couples joined them, slow-dancing to the old love tune.

Biting his lower lip, Harry watched the happy couples dancing, secretly hoping that Louis would ask him but trying to appear aloof and disinterested. Wiping his mouth and hands on one of the napkins, Louis stood up.

“C’mon, love, come dance with me,” Louis invited.

“Fine, if you insist,” Harry shrugged as though he didn’t care.

Taking his hand, Louis pulled Harry away from their table and pressed their bodies flush together, his hand resting on the Omega’s lower back, just above the swell of his ass. They swayed slowly together, never breaking eye-contact. Harry didn’t even deliberately stomp on the Alpha’s feet. The pair simply enjoyed the few minutes dancing together before the song was over.

XXX

“Today was fun,” Harry admitted once they were back home. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome, Curly,” Louis replied. “Anything to treat my Omega Prince.”

Harry shut the front door then shoved Louis up against the nearest wall. One hand settled at the Alpha’s hip, the other gently palmed Louis’ cheek before Harry leaned in, smacking their mouths together. Louis’ lips parted for him, accepting the caress of Harry’s tongue as his fingers tangled through Harry’s curls before working their way down the younger boy’s back to grab his pert ass.

“This ok?” Louis checked, pulling back a little, teasing one of Harry’s curls straight. “Because we can stop,” he offered.

“Just kiss me you fool,” Harry demanded, yanking him back into another aggressive tongue-filled kiss.

They moved through to the living-room, collapsing down onto the sofa, Louis on top of Harry, the Omega panting and squirming as the Alpha sucked at his neck.

“Fuck,” Harry sighed before forcing their mouths back together.

“My Hazza,” Louis moaned softly between desperate kisses, their hard-ons rocking together.

“Oh shit,” Harry groaned pulling his lips away from Louis’ and grabbing a cushion, hiding his face behind it. “I’m wet,” he whimpered.

“It’s ok, love,” Louis assured. “Let me take care of you, yeah?”

“No… no,” Harry shook his head and pushed at Louis’ chest, the Alpha respectfully moving off of him. “I need to go shower… You wait here.”

Chapter Text

NINETEEN

Louis leaned quietly against the kitchen counter, a cup of half-finished lukewarm tea in his hand, watching his husband pace back and forth.

“I know this is a lot to take in,” Louis said gently.

“Don’t,” Harry waved a hand at him dismissively. “I just need you to be quiet right now.”

With a small sigh, Louis nodded, running a hand through his hair in agitation. He tried his best to be patient, but watching Harry pace up and down only served to make the Alpha feel more anxious.

“Come talk to me when you’re ready,” Louis said, setting his cup by the sink and moving on to the living-room to distract himself with watching the tele.

Harry resumed his pacing a little longer before venturing out to the garden, roaming back and forth amongst the flower beds instead. His life was ludicrous, not a damn thing made sense. It was all a circus, a freak show.

“Fuck my life,” he sighed dropping down onto the garden chair.

The Omega looked about the garden, the one he had so passionately tidied up from the jungle-like mess it had been when he first moved in. Everything looked organised and picturesque. If only his life were as calm and tranquil as the beautiful back-garden.

Sitting forwards, he rested his elbows on his legs and massaged his temples, feeling a headache coming, brought on by all the stress no doubt. While he of course knew himself to be eighteen-years-old, he was so mentally exhausted that he felt like a much older man. Simultaneously, he felt like a lost and naïve child, unsure how to deal with his emotions and hoping a real adult could clean up the destructive mess happening all around him.

After a small investigation, it was discovered that James had indeed been considered a traitor of the Styles Pack. There was no dignified cremation for his body. Instead, James had been given the party treatment. Harry’s stomach twisted itself into knots at the thought. The image of James’ corpse being strung up for all to see was not something Harry wished to think about, but he couldn’t prevent his mind from imagining it.

James was by no means perfect. It would honestly be a stretch to deem him a ‘good man’. But he had been Harry’s friend, his only true one perhaps. And now he was dead and dishonoured as a traitor, all for trying to warn Harry. Rubbing at his eyes with the heels of his hands, Harry relived the moment he’d heard the gunshots. He’d ducked down in the seat while James lost control of the car, crashing into the wall. The memory of James’ unmoving, unblinking body was still painfully vivid. So much so it was as though the older man were right there before Harry’s eyes.

“Damn it,” Harry sighed, blinking rapidly, trying to force the stubborn memories away.

Standing up, he meandered around the garden, this time wandering around in a figure eight pattern. Not only was James gone, branded a traitor, but Nick was out to get him. Worst of all, though not really all that surprising, Nick was not acting of his own volition. He had Anne’s full support. Harry’s own mother wanted him dead the cold-hearted bitch.

Stepping back into the house, Harry kicked off his dirty shoes and joined Louis in the living-room, pacing back and forth in front of the T.V.

“Sit down, lad, you’re making me feel antsy,” Louis said.

“I suppose I shouldn’t be shocked that mother has a new right-hand man,” Harry commented, coming to a standstill, hands on his hips. “Makes sense that she would choose Nick, right?”

“I guess so,” Louis answered uneasily.

“Do you think he was her first choice?” Harry wondered. “Or maybe she looked to James first and he refused? Or somebody else,” he shrugged. “Maybe Nick was just the first one to jump at the chance to plot against me, against us.”

“It’s gonna be ok,” Louis told him. “We know what they’re planning now. Thanks to James’ warning, we have the upper-hand here. Don’t worry. I’m not gonna let them hurt you,” he soothed, and Harry glared at him a little. “Not that you need my protection,” the Alpha added on hastily.

“They said Nick’s been bragging about his new position,” Harry huffed as he moved to slump alongside Louis on the sofa. “Says he’s like a son to her. A property worthy Alpha son,” he grumbled snidely.

“Your mother’s wrong about a lot of things,” Louis claimed. “Especially about you, love. She doesn’t even deserve to have a son as wonderful as you are. So let the stupid bitch play happy families with Nick Fucking Grimshaw.”

“She’s really given him the go ahead to murder me,” Harry said, and Louis rubbed his hand across the Omega’s back soothingly. “It’s insulting really. Does the woman think so little of me that she can’t be bothered to track me down and kill me herself? Your mum would never be so rude. Jay would kill you with her own bare hands if she needed to. You’re lucky.”

“Um… sure, lucky me,” Louis agreed to the wild statement.

“And they plan to frame you for my murder,” Harry continued. “So she can pretend to care about my death and have a valid reason to reignite the feud.”

“Gotta admit, it’s a smart plan,” Louis acknowledged. “Even before we got married lots of people were worried we might kill each other on the wedding night. If they’d acted sooner and had you murdered within the first week, even people in the Tomlinson Pack would believe that I’d killed you.”

“You know… if you’d just let me be the Alpha and taken my knot, none of this would be happening,” Harry claimed. “James wouldn’t be dead, and Nick wouldn’t be plotting to kill me under my mother’s approval.”

“I know,” Louis said quietly. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. But I’m the Alpha, love. And you’re my Omega. That’s just the way it was meant to be. Destiny or something.”

“Destiny should go fuck itself,” Harry mumbled bitterly.

“Right, but I fucked you instead,” Louis joked. “Sorry, sorry,” he laughed, arms held up in defence as Harry assaulted him with a cushion.

“You’re lucky this isn’t a sword,” Harry told him, still beating him with the pillow.

“Feel guilty if you cut me to pieces would you?” Louis asked.

“Not guilty,” Harry shook his head. “Just annoyed about having to clean up the bloodstains,” he bashed Louis across the head with the cushion once more. “Do something to make me feel better,” he requested.

“Sure thing, Princess,” Louis promptly agreed, Harry scowling slightly at the pet-name but happily soaking up the treatment that accompanied it.

To take his mind off things, Louis got Harry settled comfortably on the sofa, bundled up with cushions and blankets. He put a rom-com on the television and served up an array of tasty snacks. Louis moved about, at some point he was giving Harry a foot massage. A while later (and after having washed his hands) he was hand-feeding Harry some grapes. By the end of the movie he was seated with Harry’s head on his lap, simply carding his fingers through the Omega’s soft curls.

XXX

Figuring he had nothing to lose, Harry made an attempt to call his mother. Unsurprisingly, the woman did not answer. He considered sending a text, even began typing several different messages, but ultimately decided to let it be. Maybe they would speak face-to-face sometime soon, perhaps not. Harry was finding it difficult to care. Oh, but he wanted revenge. Not just on his mother, but on Nick too. He wanted them to suffer.

“Do we go for a capture or a kill?” Oli asked delicately, looking sideways to Harry sympathetically.

“Harry?” Jay looked to her son-in-law for his opinion. “This should be your call, love.”

“If it’s kill or be killed, take them out,” Harry stated. “If you’re able to bring them in without risk to yourself then please do so.”

“Is that applicable to everybody in the Styles Pack?” Steve asked.

“Just Anne and Nicholas,” Harry responded. Not ‘mother’, not ‘mum’. She didn’t deserve such titles. And ‘Nick’ suggested friendship, but Harry and Nicholas no longer had such a thing between them. “If Omega staff happen to be around, then they are not to be harmed. Kill any Alpha or Beta you deem to be a threat. These people are not allies. They do not want peace between the Packs. They are not loyal to me, I owe them nothing.”

XXX

“Maybe you should sit this whole thing out,” Louis recommended. “Stay at a safe house, out of harms way. You are the target after all. This would be like walking into the lion’s den.”

“I am not going to hide away in a castle, talking to animals and singing songs, hoping that someday my Prince will come,” Harry stated. “This is my fight, Louis.”

“I know, I understand that,” Louis replied. “I just… I worry about you.”

“I’m an Omega, I’m not helpless,” Harry huffed. “I can still fight perfectly well, thank you.”

“I know, Haz, I just… look at me,” Louis coaxed, dragging his younger husband’s attention away from the weaponry laid out on the table. “If anything happens to you,” he began, and Harry scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Or if anything happens to me,” Louis continued. “I just… the thing is… what I’m trying to say…”

“I’m not gonna get myself killed, ok,” Harry told him. “Not by Anne, and certainly not by Nicholas,” he scowled. “Just concentrate on making sure you stay alive. Can you handle that?”

“Ok, so neither of us die,” Louis bargained. “Deal?” he asked holding out his hand.

“Deal,” Harry agreed, taking the Alpha’s smaller hand in his larger one.

XXX

Perhaps it was fitting that the raging war between the Styles and Tomlinson Packs led Harry to facing off against Anne in his own childhood bedroom. There was nothing sentimental about the location. None of Harry’s possessions remained and he didn’t exactly have any warm and fuzzy memories attached to the place. By all accounts, there was nothing about the room that indicated Harry had ever inhabited it at all. Still, it felt symbolic all the same.

“You wouldn’t dare kill your own mother,” Anne claimed in a snarky tone. “You couldn’t,” she insisted as Harry backed her into a corner. “You’re too weak. Just a pathetic Omega. You don’t have it in you to turn your back on your own blood.”

Outwardly, the woman seemed as calm and unpleasant as ever. But Harry knew he had her rattled. That’s why she was talking so much. Trying to tear him down emotionally somehow. Such a tactic would have probably worked in the early days of his forced transition from Alpha to Omega. He had been so fragile then, so easy to break and manipulate. But Louis and Jay had been so careful and patient with him, tenderly building him back up from the devastated fragments he’d collapsed into.

“There are so many ways I could kill you, Anne,” Harry shoved her to the floor and towered over her. “So many slow, painful and excruciatingly humiliating ways,” he stepped on her cheek, squishing her face into the carpet. “But I don’t want you dead just yet,” he told her. “I want revenge. And I’ve got the sweetest most perfect plan for you,” he boasted.

“Get… off me,” she panted out, struggling to speak due to Harry’s boot heavy on her face.

“Manners, you never did have any,” Harry criticised. “They don’t cost a thing, you know,” he booted her hard in the chest and the stomach before sitting on top of her, hand at her throat, squeezing slightly. “We’ll talk again when you’re awake,” he said before withdrawing a needle, watching her eyes widen in a fear she could not disguise (the woman had always hated needles). He plunged the needle into her neck, injecting the drug.

Standing, he heaved the woman up over his shoulder and carried her out of his former bedroom, handing her over to two Omegas from the Tomlinson Pack. He smirked a little as he watched them carry her away. She would be mortified if she realised she was being carted around by ‘lowly Omegas’.

Moving on through the house, it was evident that the Tomlinson Pack were very much in charge. The Styles Pack were like lambs to slaughter. Especially when Oli had the brilliant idea to hand weapons over to the Omega staff so they could defend themselves when he advised them to run. True, some did take the opportunity to get out of dodge. But most stayed, only too eager to assist with the downfall of their abusive employers.

“Has anyone located Grimshaw?” Harry asked Stan.

“Jay got him,” Stan said. “She’s taken him alive.”

“Good,” Harry nodded.

At Stan’s side, they continued on through, taking out the last handful of the Styles Pack who were still putting up a fight. Harry kept his eyes peeled for Louis but didn’t spot his Alpha anywhere.

XXX

“Worried about your hubby?” Stan asked, noting how Harry was fiddling with the wedding ring on his finger.

“No, just bored,” Harry responded, shifting in the hospital seat.

“Relax, Lou’s gonna be fine,” Stan clapped him on the back. “He’s had much worse injuries, believe me.”

“Whatever, I’m not even worried,” Harry shrugged. “If anything I’m just embarrassed that he got wounded.”

“You really are adorable,” Stan teased, and Harry glared until the other lad looked away and picked up a magazine to pretend to read.

XXX

After Louis was released from hospital, Harry picked his older husband up in his arms and carried him down to the carpark, placing him carefully in the backseat of Stan’s car, climbing in beside him.

“Can’t believe you shot yourself in the foot,” Harry shook his head.

“Yeah, me neither,” Louis looked a little embarrassed.

“I think it’s brilliant, mate,” Stan laughed from the driver seat. “Where are we going, lads? Back to your place or to your mum’s?”

“What do you think, love?” Louis asked. “My mum’s got your mother and Grimshaw all locked up. There’s no way they’re escaping, I promise you. We can spend the night there or we can go home and see how you want to deal with things tomorrow. Entirely up to you.”

“Let’s go back to ours for now,” Harry answered. “If we stay with Jay I won’t be able to sleep knowing that they’re there. If we’re at home I might have a chance to get some rest.”

“So what’s the plan now then?” Stan wondered as he drove.

“To drive us home, you idiot,” Louis frowned at him.

“Duh,” Stan grumbled. “I mean what’s gonna happen with you two? This arranged marriage did bugger all to fix the feud. Now that we’ve wiped out Harry’s former Pack is there even any point in you two staying married if you don’t actually love each other?”

“Um, well… um,” Harry shifted uncomfortably.

“Just shut up and drive, Stan,” Louis advised.

“Shutting up,” Stan acquiesced.

XXX

Stan dropped them off and Harry moved around the car to help Louis out, lifting the Alpha into his arms and carrying him up to the house. He carried Louis into the kitchen and set him on the counter so he wouldn’t put pressure on his injured foot. After putting the kettle on to boil, Harry took off Louis’ shoes, taking great care with the wounded foot.

“Still can’t believe you shot yourself,” he shook his head in bemusement.

“Yeah, not my finest hour,” Louis agreed. “But we both kept our promise. We didn’t die.”

Harry made a noise of agreement before fixing them both a cup of tea.

“Thanks, love,” Louis cradled the cup in his hands.

“So… what happens now?” Harry asked. “I mean… Stan wasn’t wrong in the car. This marriage didn’t exactly put an end to the Styles and Tomlinson feud.”

“No, it really didn’t,” Louis acknowledged. “But… I’m not sure where we go from here. I guess since things didn’t work out, there’s no real obligation for us to stay married. We could divorce if that’s what you wanted.”

“Is that what you want?” Harry asked, eyes down.

“I just want you to be happy, lad,” Louis said. “And if giving you a divorce is what you need then so be it. Just know that I’m always here for you. To support you, protect you, no matter what.”

“Really?” Harry lifted his gaze.

“I’m not your enemy,” Louis told him seriously. “But it’s up to you whether I’m worthy of being your Alpha or not.”

“Most people probably expect us to just divorce,” Harry said.

“Probably,” Louis noted.

“Might be easier,” Harry continued.

“Yeah,” there was a slight catch in Louis’ throat. “Might be,” he forced a smile.

“There’s just one tiny flaw with us divorcing,” Harry said.

“Yeah, what’s that?” Louis cocked his head curiously.

“I’m in love with you,” Harry revealed, and Louis stared at him in stunned silence. “Just thought you should know,” the Omega added on awkwardly. “In case you maybe felt the same way… Do you?”

“I loved you the moment I saw you,” Louis said.

“No you didn’t,” Harry frowned.

“No, I really didn’t,” Louis admitted as he set his teacup aside and cautiously lowered himself down to the floor, being careful not to put his full weight on his injured foot. “You were rude and spoilt. Such an arrogant asshole. Kinda wanted to punch you in the face to be honest… But you’ve grown on me, curly. Now that I have you in my life, I don’t want to go back to the way it was before you were in it. Life’s just better with you here,” he confessed settling his hands on Harry’s waist.

“Plus with me here there’s someone to reach the top shelves,” Harry reasoned.

“I can reach the shelves, I’m five-foot-fucking-nine,” Louis insisted, Harry grinning. “There’s those pretty dimples,” he poked at the Omega’s cheek. “Call me crazy, but I really do love you, Haz. No doubt about it.”

“Ok… good,” Harry responded. “So…?”

“So,” Louis dropped to one knee and took Harry’s hand in his. “Harry Edward Tomlinson… will you stay married to me?”

“I suppose you’ll do,” Harry answered, and Louis pressed a kiss to the wedding band before standing up, wincing as he irritated his bullet wound. “You idiot,” the Omega chided affectionately before carrying Louis upstairs to bed.

Chapter Text

TWENTY

Waking up together felt different the next morning. Sure, they’d been waking up as a married couple ever since the wedding, but things had changed drastically since then. Both had married out of duty, nothing more. Though they’d been putting in the effort to make the best of an undesirable situation, things finally felt right between them. They were no longer husbands for the sake of resolving an old feud. At last they were together because they actually wanted to be.

“Morning, beautiful,” Louis murmured groggily as he kissed Harry’s shoulder.

“Morning,” Harry replied as he twirled the wedding band around on Louis’ finger before doing the same with his own.

“You ok?” Louis asked shifting around, resting his head on his hand as he gazed at his younger husband.

“Mm,” Harry grunted in response. “Feel like I should give some big emotional speech or something but… don’t know what to say,” he shrugged.

“Don’t need to say anything, lad,” Louis assured, just happy to be laying with his Omega.

“You know, you can kiss me if you want to,” Harry told him. “Anytime you like. Perks of being husbands.”

“Well don’t mind if I do,” Louis leaned in, Harry turning his head away at the last moment.

“Changed my mind, you need to clean your teeth first,” Harry grimaced.

“Oh like your morning breath doesn’t stink,” Louis muttered sarcastically.

“It doesn’t, everything about me smells wonderful,” Harry claimed.

“Please,” Louis scoffed getting out of bed, moving gingerly on his hurt foot. “I’ve been in the bathroom after you’ve had a shit. The stinks you make could kill a man.”

“Omegas don’t shit, only Alphas and Betas do that,” Harry replied.

“Of course,” Louis rolled his eyes. “I’m gonna clean my teeth,” he announced, “then I’m gonna come back and kiss you senseless. Then we can have some breakfast and get dressed.”

A few minutes later, the Alpha made good on his promise, kissing Harry senseless. The Omega whined softly into Louis’ mouth, cock fat in his boxers but thankfully not leaking any slick. Though if Louis kept nibbling his lip just like that it wouldn’t be long before he soaked through.

XXX

They had breakfast and got dressed, Harry squeezing himself into some leggings and a tank top. Louis then sat on the sofa, quietly watching as Harry stretched and bent his body in all manner of seemingly impossible positions. The younger man was still feeling a little stressed about his mother and former best friend being locked up at his mother-in-law’s home, so he wanted to do a little Yoga to help his mind and body relax. Louis simply appreciated the view, fantasizing about testing out his husband’s flexibility in the bedroom sometime, hopefully soon.

“Feel better, love?” Louis asked once Harry was done with his routine.

“Yeah, yeah I feel good… calm, powerful, in control,” he nodded, using the hem of his t-shirt to wipe at the sweat on his forehead. “I’m gonna have a quick shower and then we’ll go.”

Louis watched a little television while he waited. Around twenty minutes later, Harry emerged dried and dressed in a smart suit, his curls piled up into a bun atop his head.

“You look handsome,” Louis told him.

“I know, there are mirrors upstairs,” Harry smirked. “Call me old fashioned, but I do like to look my best when taking revenge on those who have wronged me.”

“And how are you planning to take your revenge exactly?” Louis asked. “I know Anne is a massive threat if we were to release her. But surely you can’t be the one to kill her. She is still your mother.”

“Death would be too easy, I have something far worse planned,” Harry responded. “I believe Oli’s already handled the arrangements.”

“What’s going on?” Louis wondered.

“You’ll see,” Harry said calmly. “Are you ok to drive?” he gestured to the Alpha’s injured foot.

“It’s not that far to mum’s, I’ll manage,” Louis replied. “You’re really not gonna tell me what you have planned?” he asked once they were in the car.

“If I told you, you might try and talk me out of it and that’s the last thing I need,” Harry said. “I just need to be focused, and I need you to be supportive. You’re my husband, my Alpha. You’re on my side, not theirs.”

“Well that doesn’t sound foreboding at all,” Louis joked.

“Just drive,” Harry encouraged.

XXX

They arrived at Jay’s, Louis parking the car and gingerly climbing out, hobbling a little towards the front door. Harry rolled his eyes slightly before moving to his side, wrapping an arm around his waist to support his husband.

“Honestly, I’m fine,” Louis insisted.

“It’s actually an embarrassment that the Styles Pack lost to the likes of you,” Harry said. “Perhaps you shouldn’t be allowed to carry a gun until you’ve had some basic retraining,” he teased.

“Just means my Omega will have to protect me,” Louis replied, leaning heavier against Harry’s side.

“I suppose I’ll have to,” Harry agreed. “Clearly you’re too dangerous to be trusted to look after yourself.”

“I’m never gonna live this down am I?” Louis asked in a resigned tone.

“Babe, you shot yourself in the foot, of course you aren’t going to live it down,” Harry laughed.

“Did you just call me ‘babe’?” Louis smiled taking out his key to let themselves inside.

“No,” Harry denied quickly, Louis failing to fight off a knowing smirk.

“There’s my boys,” Jay sounded quite relieved as she came to greet them, pressing kisses to their cheeks. “Stan said you shot yourself in the arse,” she looked at her son pityingly.

“What? That’s not true,” Louis objected while Harry sniggered.

“No, tell her what really happened,” Harry prompted with an amused grin.

“I shot myself in the foot,” Louis admitted, not meeting his mum’s eye.

“But his ass is fine,” Harry confirmed, snaking his hand down Louis’ back to grab a handful of it.

“I see,” Jay replied, squeezing Louis’ shoulder in comfort, biting down on her lip slightly.

“Go ahead,” Louis sighed. “You can laugh. I know you want to.”

Jay chuckled fondly before leading the pair into the dining area where a few other Pack members were gathered drinking tea and coffee.

“Lou,” Bebe came rushing towards him looking very concerned. “Stan told me you shot yourself in the groin and blew a testicle off. Does this mean you can’t have children?”

“Bloody hell, I did not shoot a testicle off,” Louis grumbled.

“I heard you got a gun stuck up your asshole and it had to be surgically removed,” Ed offered.

“Why would there be a gun up my butt in the first place?” Louis scoffed and Ed just shrugged. “Stan’s full of shit, don’t listen to anything that lad says, it’s all lies.”

“Louis’ got a massive cock,” Stan announced suddenly entering the room.

“But as we know, Stan’s full of shit,” Ed said. “So that’s a lie.”

“Yeah,” Bebe agreed. “Louis must be really small down there. Sorry, Harry,” she said sympathetically.

“It’s fine, I have toys to keep me satisfied when Louis underperforms,” Harry stated, and Louis frowned at him.

“You’d think you lot would be a bit nicer to a guy who got shot in the foot,” Louis complained.

“But you shot yourself in the foot so it’s hard to take you seriously,” Harry reminded him.

“Somebody get me a bloody tea,” Louis requested moving to drop into a seat.

“So… Anne and Nicholas?” Harry asked taking the seat beside his Alpha.

“They’re being held downstairs,” Jay informed him. “Steve is guarding them for the time being. And Oli said he had everything set up per your request at the agreed location. What exactly do you have planned?”

“You’ll see,” Harry told her calmly. “The transportation?”

“On the way,” Jay replied. “Oli gave an estimate of about forty minutes and that was around… twenty minutes ago,” she checked her watch.

“Ok,” Harry nodded. “They’ll both put up a fight about being moved. It may be easiest to drug them for the journey.”

“Consider it done,” Stan left the dining room with an air of determination.

XXX

“Your mother bit me,” Stan pouted when he returned, showing off the bite mark on his little finger.

“I warned you she’d put up a fight,” Harry told him. “You’re lucky she didn’t bite it off. I trust the situation is handled though?”

“Yeah, yeah, they’re both unconscious and ready to be moved,” Stan assured.

“Mmhm, good,” Harry said, straightening his smart suit jacket as he stood up.

Anne and Nick were cuffed, gagged and blindfolded, their unconscious bodies being placed into little caged crates one would typically use for a dog. Those cages were placed into the back of two separate vans, the captives being driven separately with an armed guard riding alongside them.

“If you’ll excuse me, I have some business to attend to,” Harry claimed.

“I’m coming with you, Haz,” Louis insisted, though he waited for the Omega’s nod of approval before standing from his seat.

“I’m coming too,” Jay said fixing on her coat.

“Can we come?” Stan asked on behalf of himself and the others.

“If you must,” Harry permitted.

“Great, this is so exciting,” Stan said.

“Where are we even going, what’s happening?” Bebe asked in a whisper.

“Ssh, we’ll find out,” Stan responded.

XXX

The location was that of an abandoned warehouse. Though this particular one was quite secure. There would be no escaping for Harry’s mother and former friend. It was a large space, the lighting dim but efficient. There were no windows and only two doors, both bolted shut and heavily guarded. Inside, there was a mini arena. A padded stage that was fenced off to the crowd, plenty of seating available for spectators.

“What is this, Fight Club or something?” Stan asked.

“Or something,” Harry replied mysteriously moving to meet Oli. “Are they ready?”

“As soon as you give the command,” Oli told him. “Your mother is in that room there,” he pointed. “Nicholas is still caged in the van. He’s already woken up.”

“Is he screaming?” Harry asked. “Crying? Shitting his pants? Begging for his life?”

“I don’t think he’s shit his pants, though nobody has checked,” Oli replied. “But he’s screamed, he’s cried, he’s made threats. Nothing out of the ordinary.”

“Good,” Harry nodded. “I think I’ll go pay him a visit. Make sure he’s comfortable. Let me know when Anne’s awake.”

“Yes, Sir,” Oli saluted.

“Harry, love,” Louis reached for the Omega’s arm. “What’s going on here? You’re starting to worry me.”

“Relax, it’s all going to be fine,” Harry assured him. “Now excuse me, I need to go catch up with an old friend,” he said darkly.

“Harry,” Louis made to go after him but ended up yelping as a fresh wave of pain spread up his foot. He fell against Ed who was nearest, the red-head helping him stay upright. “Mum, please?” Louis asked and Jay nodded, hastily catching up to her son-in-law.

XXX

Harry made no objection to Jay following him out of the warehouse and around the building to the guarded van. Approaching, Harry signalled for the men guarding to step aside. He then pulled open the van door, smirking as he looked inside at his old friend.

“Nicholas,” Harry greeted coldly.

“Styles,” Nick spat, rattling angrily at the bars of the cage. “Get me out of this thing!”

“Soon,” Harry said calmly. He slipped his phone out of his pocket, aiming the camera at the caged Alpha. “Smile,” he encouraged taking a few shots, Nick shying away from the flash of light. “You’ve never looked better, old friend,” Harry complimented.

“Shut up you arrogant, ungrateful little shit,” Nick snapped. He tried to straighten up in the cage, to make himself look bigger by showing off his full height no doubt. But the size and shape of the cage meant the man could do no more than raise himself on all fours, like a dog. “You wouldn’t be anywhere if it wasn’t for me. I practically raised you, damn it.”

“Yes, in a way I suppose you did,” Harry acknowledged, phone back in his pocket as he took the time to admire his fingernails rather than look at the caged Alpha directly. “I certainly wouldn’t be as ruthless as I am if not for your tutelage. My plans for you might even make you proud.”

“You’re bluffing,” Nick accused, eyes darting between Harry and Jay. “You’re just trying to scare me,” he scoffed. “But I don’t scare easily, boy. I certainly won’t be threatened by some Omega whore.”

“You watch your mouth,” Jay warned. “That’s my son-in-law you’re talking to.”

“It’s fine, Jay. Nobody ever taught this mutt any manners,” Harry said. “But I’m sure he’ll be broken in like a good bitch soon enough. Isn’t that right, puppy?” he asked condescendingly as he put a hand through the bars of the cage, patting at Nick’s head before roughly yanking out some hairs.

“You’re nothing,” Nick glared at Harry. “You’re just a weak Omega. You won’t kill me. We have too much history. And the Tomlinson’s are too soft, too merciful.”

“Our friendship is over, Nicholas,” Harry claimed. “But you’re right. I won’t kill you. Not because I can’t, and not because you don’t deserve it. I may be a Tomlinson now, but I was born a Styles. I promise you, I am not merciful. And I want you to know, I am going to enjoy every second of this. Every… second…” he emphasised.

“Listen to me, Harry, you’re making a huge mistake,” Nick told him, a touch of desperation in his tone that delighted Harry’s ears. “Let me out of the damned cage.”

“But you look so cute and comfortable in there,” Harry mocked.

“Let… me… out… LET ME OUT!” Nick screeched, yanking and kicking at the bars as best as he could. He screamed, sobbed and pleaded for a little while, Harry watching on in amusement before the Alpha’s body sagged and he took in deep breaths, calming himself down. “Harry,” he looked up at the Omega earnestly. “You don’t need the Tomlinson Pack. They’re beneath you. Forget about her,” he scowled in Jay’s direction, “forget about that Lewis…”

“Louis,” Harry and Jay corrected.

“You should be with me,” Nick said. “Be my Omega. Worship my knot. I’ll let you treat me like a King.”

“How touching,” Harry remarked sardonically.

“And they say romance is dead,” Jay quipped.

“Sorry, Nicholas, but I need a real Alpha to satisfy me,” Harry stated just as Oli arrived to let him know Anne had woken up. “It’s almost show time,” Harry told Nick. “Good luck in there,” he smirked. And remember… I’m going to enjoy every second,” he winked. “Have him brought in,” Harry instructed. “He goes first.”

“Yes, Boss,” Oli nodded respectfully.

“First for what?” Jay asked, following Harry back into the warehouse.

Inside the arena, Harry found Louis seated at the front. He moved to join him, Jay just a step behind him.

“Where is she?” Harry asked.

“Still in the back room,” Louis answered.

“Ed, Steve, would you be so kind as to escort our guest out?” Harry asked. “I’d hate for her to miss the show.”

“Gagged and bound?” Steve asked.

“Please,” Harry nodded. “Welcome,” he smiled pleasantly when Ed and Steve shoved the woman down at Harry’s feet. “Oh no, don’t get up,” Harry dug his foot into her back, keeping her trapped face-down on the ground.

“Seriously, Haz, what’s going on?” Louis asked.

“There’s nothing I do better than revenge, Lou,” Harry answered him.

The locked fence to the padded stage was opened and Nick was unceremoniously shoved through it. The Alpha stood, taking in his surroundings, eyes landing on Harry. He ran howling at the fence, grabbing it and yanking with all his might as though that would pull it down, demanding to be released.

Ignoring him, Harry found Oli and gave the man a nod. Another Alpha was brought out, though this one had not been caged or held against his will. This tall burly man walked freely. Oli unlocked the fenced gate for him, and he stepped through, joining Nick on the padded stage area while Oli resecured the locks.

“Public Mating!” Harry yelled out joyously, grinning in response to the horror-struck expression on Nick Grimshaw’s face as he realised what was happening.

“Public Mating!” Stan repeated, standing on his feet, beating his hands together.

“Public Mating! Public Mating!” Steve, Ed and others joined in with Stan’s chanting, mimicking the way Nick had led such a chant back at Harry and Louis’ wedding.

“No,” Nick shook his head, backing away from the larger Alpha advancing on him. “No!” he objected. “You can’t do this! Harry, please… no, no, no, NO!”

“Oh!” Bebe gasped, looking away and covering her eyes as Nick was stripped bare. “I don’t think I want to see this,” she admitted.

“You probably don’t,” Harry told her seriously.

“Come on, I’ll take you for dinner,” Stan offered. “You can pay though, right?”

She smacked Stan across the back of the head as they left the warehouse.

“You really should watch this,” Harry suggested, yanking Anne up by her hair. He took a forceful grip on her chin, angling her face towards the action. “Look at that. One might say Nicholas was born to take a knot.”

Nick screeched and wailed as he was forcibly taken. As Harry knew all too well, the change wouldn’t be immediate. The transition would take time, and it would be painful. But with another Alpha’s knot lodged firmly up Nick’s ass, the writing was on the wall. Nick Grimshaw was an Alpha no more, he was a forced Omega.

“Take a good look,” Harry hissed in Anne’s ear. “The same thing’s going to happen to you.”

“No,” Anne shook her head wildly. “I will not be an Omega, I will not. Kill me… just kill me!”

“Death would be too kind and easy for a heartless monster like you,” Harry told her.

When the time came, Harry dragged the woman to the stage himself.

“Good luck,” he sneered at her before shoving her in and unleashing a large strong Alpha upon her.

She fought harder and more viciously than Nick had, but ultimately she was no match for the Alpha she was up against. She screamed in agony as she was forced to take the Alpha’s knot, her transition to an Omega officially beginning.

Chapter Text

TWENTY ONE

It was somewhat of a chaotic couple of weeks that followed. Louis and Harry hardly spent any time alone together. There was so much ‘clean up’ to do after the Tomlinson Pack defeated the Styles’. The Omega servants who had worked in the Styles household were grateful for their freedom and promised their silence. A few expressed interest in joining the Tomlinson Pack and were welcomed in (though not in a servant capacity).

As for former Styles Pack members, many were dead, a few had escaped the attack and were being actively hunted in case they tried to retaliate and seek revenge. Some had begged for mercy, denouncing Anne and claiming they would be loyal to Harry.

“What do you think?” Jay asked her son-in-law.

“Not good enough,” Harry responded. “They weren’t prepared to be loyal when I first became an Omega. And now they’re only offering loyalty to me but not my husband and the rest of the Pack? I find that insulting.”

“You don’t trust them,” Jay stated.

“Not one bit,” Harry confirmed.

“So how do we play this?” Louis asked.

“I don’t know,” Harry admitted with a long sigh.

“Hey, it’s gonna be fine,” Louis assured squeezing his shoulder gently and leaning in to peck him on the lips. Jay smiled softly at the casual intimacy. “Perhaps we make a deal with our contacts in the police force,” the Alpha suggested. “Have them imprisoned rather than murdering what remains of the Styles Pack.”

XXX

Things had calmed down ever so slightly. At least enough for Louis to take Harry out to dinner at a nice restaurant. They swanned in wearing matching charcoal coloured suits complete with deep purple ties to add a pop of colour, Louis pulling the chair for Harry to take his seat first.

“You look beautiful tonight, love,” Louis complimented.

“I know,” Harry smirked as he surveyed the menu. He thought the Alpha looked extremely handsome too though he didn’t vocalise it. Instead, he wriggled one foot out of its fancy shoe and teased his toes up Louis’ calf. “Everything looks so good,” the Omega commented casually, avoiding Louis’ gaze as his foot moved higher. Louis spread his legs apart, granting his younger husband unlimited access to his crotch. “Think they have any… sausage?” he pressed his foot down on Louis’ cock.

“Sausage,” Louis repeated with a splutter of laughter.

“Is all well over here, Sirs?” a waitress asked.

Harry quickly pulled his foot away from Louis’ lap, awkwardly bumping his knee against the underside of the table.

“Perfectly fine, thank you,” Harry flashed her an innocent smile.

“Are you ready to order?” she asked.

“I think we’ll need a few more minutes please,” Louis told her, and she nodded politely before moving away, a loud squeak sounding out as Harry stuffed his foot back into his shoe. “Alright there, Curly?”

They each decided what they wished to order, Louis also requesting a bottle of champagne for the table and pouring them both a glass.

“To us,” Louis smiled lifting his champagne flute.

“To us,” Harry repeated, clinking their glasses together before taking a large sip. “Are you trying to get me drunk tonight, Mr. Tomlinson?”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Louis shook his head, reaching across the table, covering Harry’s larger hand with his own smaller one. “But I am one-hundred percent trying to seduce you,” he admitted. “Is that ok with you, Mr. Tomlinson?”

“I’ll let you know,” Harry said coyly taking another sip.

Their starters arrived, the couple feeding each other a few bites from their own portions to try. Under the table, their feet tangled together, occasionally running up one another’s calves. Atop the table, their fingers regularly found one another, their eyes rarely dropping from each other’s face.

“Something on your lip,” Louis told Harry.

“Gone?” the Omega asked after flicking his tongue out to lick the ‘something’ away.

“No,” Louis shook his head.

“Now?” Harry asked after using his napkin.

“Nah,” Louis grinned. “Here, let me get it,” he stood up and leaned across the table, cradling Harry’s face in his hands as he pressed their mouths together, stealing a kiss.

“You’re so cheesy,” Harry told him, though he blushed and grinned like a fool over it, his lips tingling from the minimal contact.

They enjoyed their mains, feet still rubbing each other’s legs under the table and continuing to exchange some serious goo-goo eyes above the table.

“Room for dessert?” Louis asked once their dinner plates were cleared.

“No,” Harry declined. “I’m ready for you to take me home, Alpha.”

Louis’ eyes darkened a fraction, those stunning blue orbs of his sweeping up and down the Omega’s form, making Harry squirm just a little under the intense gaze.

“Like it when you call me ‘Alpha’,” Louis admitted, and Harry rolled his eyes slightly.

“You taking me home or not?” Harry asked. “Alpha,” he added on with a playful grin, liking the way Louis got a little worked up.

Louis’ hand remained firmly placed on Harry’s upper-thigh during the car journey home. Parking the car, the older of the pair climbed out then hurried around to open the passenger door, offering his hand to help Harry step out.

“Still trying to seduce me, Mr. Tomlinson?” Harry asked.

“You bet,” Louis responded, placing his hand to the small of Harry’s back and guiding him up to the doorway and leading him through. “Let me get your coat. Are you feeling seduced yet, love?”

“Maybe,” Harry answered with just a touch of nerves. “What happens next?”

“Well…” Louis stepped into Harry’s personal space, gripping the purple tie and tugging him close, pulling their bodies flush together. “I was thinking I could kiss you,” he said softly, his breath tickling across Harry’s lips, mouths not quite touching. “And then undress you, see every beautiful part of you,” he continued, hands skating down Harry’s body to rest at his hips. “Then you could undress me, maybe even touch my… sausage.”

“Lou,” Harry cringed, whacking his husband in the chest. “Ok, new rule. We are never allowed to refer to our penises as sausages ever again.”

“Ok, deal,” Louis chuckled. “Can I kiss you now?”

“Not if I kiss you first,” Harry responded, immediately pressing his lips to Louis’, tongue swiping along the seam of his mouth.

“Mm,” Louis groaned eagerly into the kiss, hands roaming up and down the Omega’s back and cupping his husband’s ass. “Could kiss you forever,” he whispered.

“Sorry, babe, but I’m the one kissing you,” Harry insisted. “You’re just taking it.”

“Doesn’t bother me,” Louis grunted, arching his neck as Harry kissed and nibbled along the column of his throat. “Fuck, Haz,” he sighed before the Omega’s mouth was on his again, Harry’s tongue swiping urgently against his own. “Let me undress you?” he asked.

“You first,” Harry said, kissing the corner of Louis’ mouth before loosening the Alpha’s tie and unlacing it from his shirt collar. He dropped the neck tie carelessly to the floor before working open the buttons of Louis’ shirt. Shirt successfully discarded, Harry moved to his knees, green eyes glancing up at his Alpha as he unzipped his smart slacks. He dragged the material down Louis’ thick thighs, the older lad stepping out of them along with his shoes before letting Harry remove his boxers and socks. “I like this outfit on you,” the Omega claimed, long fingers wrapping around Louis’ dick.

“Good to know,” Louis grinned, hand working into Harry’s hair. “You can kiss it if you want to,” he offered, his dick twitching.

Harry bit his lower lip before leaning in, shyly pressing his mouth to the tip of Louis’ cock. The Alpha shuddered pleasantly at the brief contact before Harry stood up, still dressed while Louis was fully nude.

“Do I get to undress you now?” Louis asked hopefully.

“Please,” Harry murmured.

He quivered a little as Louis carefully stripped him, goosebumps rising on his flesh as his heartbeat quickened. Soon he was fully naked just like his husband.

“So pretty when you’re blushing,” Louis told him.

“Shut up, I’m not blushing,” Harry denied, Louis smiling fondly. He grabbed Louis’ face, kissing him again to restore a feeling of control. “Take me upstairs,” he demanded.

“C’mon, love,” Louis replied gently, taking Harry by the hand and heading up to their bedroom.

While it wouldn’t be accurate to say that Harry was a blushing virgin, the Omega couldn’t help but feel nervous, especially being confronted with the reality of his own sexual naivety. Their Mating had been brutal, neither of them wanting or being able to enjoy the experience. And the consent issues surrounding Harry’s first Heat made that a negative memory in their relationship also. So for the eighteen-year-old, this felt like a first time. The real first time. Emotionally if not physically.

“We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to,” Louis reassured him. “If you’re not ready then I understand. I won’t be mad,” he teased his fingers lightly through the Omega’s curls.

“It’s ok… I want to,” Harry took Louis’ hands, pressing a kiss to the Alpha’s knuckles. “Um… just lay with me for a little while?”

“Of course,” Louis agreed.

They moved to the bed, Harry resting his head on Louis’ chest, the Alpha’s arms enclosed around him. Closing his eyes, Harry simply breathed his husband in, taking comfort in that peppermint and tobacco scent. Turning his head a little, Harry dropped a few chaste kisses to Louis’ skin. Then he trailed his hand down Louis’ torso and curled his fingers around the Alpha’s dick, feeling the organ twitch in his palm.

“You ok, Haz?” Louis asked pressing a kiss to the top of his head.

“I’m fine,” Harry responded, giving a careful squeeze to Louis’ cock. “Touch me,” he requested.

Quietly, Louis reached down to hold Harry’s cock in his hand. Harry’s hips jerked a little and he hid his face in the Alpha’s chest.

“Relax, love,” Louis stroked his other hand up and down Harry’s back. “It’s ok, I’m right here. Just tell me what you want.”

“I want… I want…” Harry lifted his face and leaned in to kiss the Alpha fiercely. Once he was satisfied with the way he had devoured Louis’ mouth, he pulled back to look him in the eye. “Want you to suck me… and then lick me… get me nice and wet for you… You know, if you think you’re Alpha enough,” he teased.

“I’m plenty Alpha enough, baby,” Louis promised.

They kissed again, Harry nipping Louis’ lower lip with his teeth before the Alpha shuffled down the bed, guiding Harry onto his back as he settled between his parted legs. Swallowing thickly, Harry took a breath before glancing downwards. There Louis was between his legs and Harry’s dick pulsed at the visual. Digging his hands into the bedsheets, he gave Louis a nod to continue.

“Oh fuck!” Harry cried out as Louis’ tongue teasingly licked up the length of his dick.

“Need me to stop?” Louis offered.

“Stop and I’ll murder you,” Harry threatened as he spread his legs wider.

Rubbing Harry’s thighs soothingly, Louis grinned up at the eighteen-year-old as he dropped a kiss to the tip of the Omega’s cock. Then he kissed all the way down to the balls before licking his way back up and taking him in his mouth. Harry groaned and grunted, hands moving to yank at Louis’ hair, hips thrusting up slightly as his Alpha husband sucked him off.

“Lou,” he whined as the pleasure scorched all throughout his body. “Nrgh,” he groaned as Louis pulled off with a lewd pop.

“Still with me, love?” Louis asked, crawling up over Harry, cupping his cheek. Harry nodded mutely, pulling Louis down for a kiss. “Turn over,” the Alpha directed, and Harry shifted onto his front, head turned sideways on the pillow. “Let’s see how wet we can get you,” Louis said roguishly as he trailed kisses down Harry’s back before parting his young husband’s ass-cheeks to reveal his pretty pink pucker.

“Oh fuck, Louis!” Harry cried out as the Alpha licked over his rim.

“Just getting started,” Louis told him, burying his face between Harry’s plump cheeks, tongue working over the furled opening.

“Fuck, I can’t, I can’t,” Harry wiggled and squirmed.

“Harry?” Louis asked in concern. “Need me to stop?”

“No,” Harry whined. “Fuck, it’s just… it feels so good… not easy to keep still.”

“I could tie you up,” Louis offered.

“Don’t you dare,” Harry glared at him over his shoulder. “Just… just keep going.”

“You sure?” Louis checked.

“Please,” Harry reached behind himself, spreading his own cheeks apart, presenting his hole up like an offering.

Licking his lips in anticipation, Louis brought his face back down to Harry’s ass, admiring the tight little starfish in the middle.

“Look at that,” Louis cooed, his breath dancing over Harry’s opening. “Just begging for my tongue.”

“Quit teasing and just…” Harry huffed, grabbing at Louis’ head and yanking him forcibly between his butt-cheeks. “Oh yeah, fuck,” the Omega mewled as Louis’ tongue worked up inside him.

With a growing hunger, Louis swiped his tongue all over Harry’s perfect little asshole. He grinned with pride as the juices began to flow, sweet slick seeping out of Harry’s body.

“Mm,” Louis moaned at the taste. “So good,” he told him between licks and probes of his tongue.

“Uh,” Harry grunted, pushing back against Louis’ face. “Should have known you’d be so greedy for my sweet Omega ass… pervert,” he taunted affectionately.

“Can’t believe how wet you’re getting for me already,” Louis grinned. “But I bet I can get you even more desperate, have you absolutely dripping and begging for my knot.”

“Louis, please,” Harry whined.

“Yeah, just like that,” Louis chuckled. The Alpha dove back in, spearing his tongue as deep as he could manage, making the Omega buck and writhe as he pushed back against him. “Mm,” he slurped up some more of Harry’s slick. “Wanna knot this wet, messy hole,” he said, Harry’s body shuddering at the filthy words, more juices gushing out of him and dribbling down his thighs.

“Go on, Lou,” Harry panted. “Get me loose and sloppy for that big Alpha knot.”

“Holy fuck,” Louis gripped his fingers into Harry’s hips, tongue licking its way back into Harry’s sopping hole.

After a few more minutes, Harry was a trembling mess, begging for more than just a tongue. He keened as Louis thrust a few fingers in, stretching him open.

“How’s that feel, Curly?” Louis asked, his voice a husky rasp that made Harry whimper.

“Not enough,” Harry complained. “Fuck, I’m so wet… I’m so open and ready for you… need your fucking knot, I feel so empty right now. Need you to fill me up, Lou. Want your cock, Alpha.”

Louis thrust and flexed his fingers at a speedier pace, the volume of Harry’s whines increasing along with it. Ducking his head down, Louis worked his tongue back in as well, addicted to the candyfloss taste of Harry’s slick. Sitting up and pulling his fingers out, Louis carefully rolled Harry onto his back.

“Alright, love?” Louis checked and Harry nodded, winding his arm about the Alpha’s neck, pulling his husband down so he could attack his mouth.

“Need you inside me,” Harry stated, both their lips red and swollen from the kissing.

“Soon,” Louis left a kiss at the corner of his mouth before shifting away, Harry grumbling at the loss. Digging into the bedside drawer, Louis found a condom, Harry frowning at it slightly. “We’re not ready for pups, love,” the Alpha pointed out reasonably as he ripped the packet open. “You’re still a little Princess yourself,” he teased as he rolled the condom onto his cock.

“I know it’s way too soon for kids,” Harry agreed. “I just… kind of want to feel your cum spilling out of me… it’s a really gross and degrading yearning my Omega body seems to have.”

“Not gross, it’s fucking hot,” Louis told him. “We can get you on birth control and have my cum leaking out of you all day long some other time.”

“You’re so fucking gross,” Harry accused even as more slick gushed out of him, clearly aroused by the suggestion. “On your back,” Harry shoved his hand at Louis’ chest. “I’m gonna be on top,” he insisted before straddling Louis’ waist, carefully sliding himself down onto Louis’ thick dick.

“Oh, holy shit, love,” Louis exclaimed, hands encircling Harry’s hips, his cock pulsing inside of Harry’s tight wet ass.

“Uh,” Harry braced his hands on Louis’ strong chest, wiggling around on top of him a little, gasping as Louis’ dick nudged his prostate just right. “Fuck… fuck, fuck,” he panted out as he worked himself up and down on Louis’ lap.

“Look at you,” Louis’ hands moved from Harry’s hips to squeeze the globes of his pert ass. “My pretty Omega taking control and being on top. Uh,” he grunted as Harry raked his nails down his chest. Louis thrust his upwards, driving his dick deeper into Harry.

“Doesn’t bruise your ego does it?” Harry asked twisting one of Louis’ nipples, making the Alpha hiss.

“Nah… fuck,” Louis groaned. “Think it’s hot.”

“Well aren’t you a good Alpha,” Harry praised, leaning down and claiming Louis’ mouth, trapping his lower lip between his teeth and making sure to make the older man bleed just a little. “Mm,” he pulled away, continuing to wiggle his hips sensually atop Louis, bouncing himself up and down on the Alpha’s cock. “Need more,” he admitted. “Need to feel full… need your knot, Lou.”

“Yeah, love, gonna give it to ya,” Louis promised, palms roaming up and down Harry’s thighs. “You want it in this position?”

“No,” Harry shook his head, curls bouncing around his handsome face.

“Tell me how you want it, love,” Louis said, and Harry whined a little, brushing prettily as he tried to hide his face behind his tangle of curls.

Rather than respond verbally, Harry eased himself off of the Alpha, a gush of slick dripping out of him, his hole pitifully clenching around nothing as it mourned the loss of Louis’ dick. Gently pushing Louis aside, Harry braced himself on his hands and knees, head handing down low, his back arched and ass lifted upwards.

“You look good on your hands and knees,” Louis told him in a whisper, hand stroking down the length of Harry’s back.

“Nrgh, shut up,” Harry groaned, his face red hot from being in the ‘bitch’ position.

“I mean it, Haz,” Louis carded a hand through Harry’s hair, brushing the curls away to fully see the younger boy’s face. “You look good,” he pecked a kiss to Harry’s cheek, feeling the heated skin radiate through his lips.

“Just give me your knot,” Harry requested. “Please, need it,” he admitted sounding slightly ashamed of his innate Omega desires.

“Relax, I’m gonna take care of you,” Louis assured, kissing his temple lightly before moving to the rear of the bed. “You’re beautiful like this,” he complimented, and Harry shifted and squirmed a little under the scrutiny.

Hands ghosting up Harry’s flank, Louis took in the view. The Omega’s ass was presented to him so trustingly, the cheeks naturally parted ever so slightly to reveal just a hint of Harry’s hole, winking at him so invitingly. Taking himself in hand, Louis lined up his condom-covered cock at Harry’s entrance, carefully pushing himself back in to that tight heat and feeling Harry immediately tighten around him.

“Oh fuck,” Harry groaned as Louis filled him up. “Mm,” he purred slightly as Louis dropped kisses up the bumps of his spine.

“This ok?” Louis asked, moving back and forth slowly.

“More,” Harry begged. “Please, Lou, just fucking give me it.”

“You sure?” Louis checked.

“I can take it,” Harry replied pushing back against Louis, taking him deeper to prove his point. “I’m an Omega… I can take it.”

“Of course, love,” Louis smiled, pleased to hear Harry owning his Omega gender. He stroked one hand up Harry’s back then ran it down Harry’s underside, teasing his cock a little before cupping his heavy balls.

“Louis, please,” Harry whined impatiently.

Moving his hands to Harry’s hips, fingers digging in to the skin to leave the prettiest of bruises, Louis fucked into the Omega hard and rough. Harry gasped and moaned, pushing back to meet his wild thrusts, his slick perfuming the air. They groaned together, both sweating and panting as the headboard smashed against the bedroom wall, creating a few cracks in the paintwork.

“Alpha,” Harry mewled, his hole feeling so delightfully stuffed full yet still not full enough. “I’m yours… want you… need you… mine… my Lou… my Alpha.”

“Yeah, Haz, I’m your Alpha,” Louis grunted, slamming into him desperately. “Gonna knot ya,” he warned.

“Yes… fuck yes, knot me,” Harry pleaded. “Nrgh,” he moaned as Louis gripped the back of his neck, pushing him chest-down to the mattress as he plunged in to Harry’s hole, his knot expanding. “Mm, uh… fuck… ah, mm,” he whimpered, his rim stretched obscenely wide to accommodate Louis’ thick girth.

Reaching his hand round Harry’s front, Louis gripped the Omega’s hard cock, tugging him until he spilled his release over the sheets.

“Good boy,” Louis rasped, and Harry shuddered underneath him. “Feeling ok?” he checked, nuzzling against the side of Harry’s face and kissing his cheek.

“So full… so good,” Harry replied, and Louis grinned proudly.

They remained tied together for some time before Louis’ knot went down and he was able to safely pull out of Harry’s body.

“Fuck,” Harry sighed, his little fucked-out hole fluttering, missing the large cock that had been filling it.

Carefully, Louis peeled the used condom off, taking care not to spill any cum (of which there was a lot). He tied the end and threw it in the bin before rolling back over to his Omega, gathering him in his arms, pressing kisses over his face.

“No regrets?” Louis checked and Harry shook his head. “Good,” he cradled him closer.

“So empty,” Harry pouted.

“I know,” Louis chuckled slightly, kissing the Omega sweetly on the mouth.

“Get hard,” Harry gave a borderline painful tap to Louis’ cock. “Knot me again.”

“Bloody hell, love, give a man a chance to recover,” Louis laughed.

Harry’s phone started to ring.

“Urgh,” Harry grumbled shifting around to reach for it. “Fuck off Stan,” he mumbled seeing the lads name across the screen and ignoring the call.

“That might be important,” Louis said.

“He’ll call back if it is,” Harry shrugged.

A few minutes later, Louis’ phone started to ring.

“Stan’s calling me now,” Louis frowned.

“Just ignore it,” Harry urged. “Want you to knot me again. Come on, Alpha.”

“Fuck it,” Louis ignored the call, meeting Harry in a searing kiss, fingers slipping between his younger husband’s butt-crack.

Louis’ phone rang again. This time, it was his mum calling.

“Answer,” Harry nodded. If Jay was calling then surely it must be something important.

“Hi mum, is everything ok?” Louis asked.

Harry stayed curled close to him, absentmindedly listening to one half of the phone conversation.

“Yeah, um, I’ll tell him and I’ll get back to you a bit later… love you too… bye,” Louis hung up, his expression very serious as he faced Harry.

“Oh no, what is it?” Harry asked sensing it was bad news.

“Nick couldn’t handle being an Omega,” Louis explained. “He killed himself.”

Harry’s eyes widened in shock.