Ice Melts, When It's Hot Ch. 09

"But someone's hurt! Please... I-I can't stand the sound," Fae begged as he swiped pitifully at Frank's face.

An intense desire to help the tiny omega rose up within me and violently turned towards Frank, claws out.

"Don't you dare Willow," Maxwell whispered as he tightened his grip on my arm. "He will hurt you if you attack him. Stay put and be good! Please. It'll all be okay. I promise."

I growled softly but obeyed my alpha.

"Chill out damn it!" Frank scolded in the background as Fae burst into tears.

"B-but-" he attempted to speak but Frank was having none of it.

"You're being a distraction! Can't you see that's dangerous?!"

"M-Master please!" Fae begged pathetically.

I shot a look of alarm at Max. "Master?" I whispered with wide eyes.

Max gently squeezed my shoulders, "Please Willow, I need you to try very hard to be good for me. Don't freak out," he whispered once more before leaving me to approach the distraught omega.

"Shhh, calm down little omaga," he cooed as he placed a gentle hand on the man while his scent strongly filled the room.

I nearly swayed on the spot as slick flooded my pants. I was instantly hard and desperate for my Daddy when I could smell him like this but soon I was seeing red. That filthy little rat of an omega licked my alpha's hand and then proceeded to scent him! Max continued to comfort the brat, rubbing his back as the bitch licked my mate again. I could kill him!! I would! As soon as Frank was gone that stupid, unbearably gorgeous omega was dead!

"-wait here with Willow and Frank and I'll go see what's happened."

I gasped in shock at that, feeling my anger drain out of me in favor of pure terror. Max was leaving me with Frank? This wasn't part of the plan! I didn't want Maxwell to leave, even if I couldn't figure out why the thought was so unsettling. Yes, Frank had always made me feel uncomfortable but now I was downright nauseous over the idea of being left alone with him.

"But-" Fae protested loudly and I mentally protested with him.

"If someone is badly hurt then a doctor will be summoned immediately, no matter who is out there. Don't worry," Maxwell gently interrupted while washing Fae in his scent.

I felt my fury creep back up my spine.

"Do you promise?" Fae begged, looking so sweet and pitiful that I could have slapped him for it.

"You have my word Fae. If someone is badly hurt, they will get help. I won't let anyone die." Max promised with a gentle pat on his head before leaving.

I was back to seething. Max didn't kiss me or anything before he left me alone with Frank and the whore! Why did he always choose other people? It really hurt, especially when I was terrified to be here without him. I knew I was being immature and unfair, given the circumstances, but my wolf was going wild and I couldn't help the next words that came out of my mouth, the second Max was out of earshot.

"Get your own alpha," I quietly muttered as I flushed hotly.

"What?" The whore asked looking adorably perplexed.

"You looked too into his scent. M-Max- Max is mine! Just... don't forget that!" I stuttered foolishly as I glared at the floor, knowing Maxwell would absolutely disapprove of my behavior. He might have even punished me over it. This was a diplomatic emergency and I was acting like a scorned puppy. It wasn't very Luna-like of me. I was the worst at being good.

"N-no... you have it all wrong," he pleaded looking horrified by my accusation. "I l-love F-Frank," he stuttered, nearly choking on the words.

"Bullshit," I spat coldly before shoving my hands in my pockets, turning my back on him.

I wasn't allowed to say more and I really didn't want to get so worked up that I hit the whore. Max would be so pissed at me if I did that. I became distracted from my fury when I started to smell something odd, a scent that hadn't been there before. One of deep regret but I couldn't pinpoint where it was coming from.

"I'm sorry," the omega sniffled as he wrapped his arms protectively around his belly. "I didn't mean to enjoy his scent. I-I promise."

That's right. He's pregnant.

I suddenly remembered one of the reasons we were here and all the anger I'd previously felt vanished from my body. I was being so incredibly immature. I now felt extremely guilty for all my hateful thoughts. Being pregnant and stuck with Frank both looked and sounded like an absolute nightmare. It was probably making the omega feel extra vulnerable, on top of what he'd already survived. I couldn't imagine how I'd find the will to live if Maxwell ever abandoned me while pregnant to live with Frank. Especially if I was being treated like a prostitute or worse.

So.. maybe I could handle sharing Max, just for a little bit, since it was an emergency.

"Just shut up Fae," Frank interrupted with a snarl. "The little Luna has heard enough from you."

I growled quietly but neither of them acknowledged it.

"Yes Master," Fae replied sadly while Frank glared murderously at him.

Seconds later, all our heads turned to the door at the sound of a man shouting.

"-just let me in! Let me see him! I promise you, he'll tell the tr-" the voice was cut off by, what sounded like, a punch to the stomach.

"Cain," Fae whispered longingly while Frank paled, looking as if he'd heard a ghost.

"Show some respect rogue!" One of our guards yelled.

There was a moment of silence before that other voice replied, "If you value your life and the life of your Luna you'll let me pass. An army is headed your way and only I can stop them from burning this place to the ground."

I grinned to myself when I heard that. It would all be over soon and then I could leave this place and never have to be around Frank again! Too bad the rogue didn't realize he was setting himself up to be arrested.

"How much time?" Maxwell asked as if he didn't know what was about to happen.

"Less than ten minutes. I can sense them and they're coming in fast."

Good, I thought. The quicker I get out of this hell hole the better.

"Frank, fetch this rogue some clothes, will you. We very well can't hear him out while he's naked," Maxwell eventually replied.

Frank mumbled to himself the whole time while he collected a set of grubby looking clothes from a pile in the corner before heading outside.

"It's laundry day," Frank muttered, barely audible through the partially closed door.

"Max probably looks displeased," I explained conspiratorially with a smug grin to myself. Then I turned to address the omega properly. "Look, I don't know what your deal is but I know that you don't want Frank to be your mate. So my advice, when they come back in here, just tell the truth." I encouraged, wanting the pregnant omega to get out of this situation just as much as I needed for this mission to be over. I was beginning to feel like the drab walls of Frank's home were closing in on me.

"What makes you think that? I've been with Frank a long time!" Fae objected skittishly and his reaction triggered my sympathy.

Now that I had a handle on my jealousy, I could finally see why Maxwell had given the pretty man so much comfort. He looked so feeble and distraught that even I couldn't help but want to take care of him; even though I was sure he was older than me. I almost wanted to hug him too which, of course, was disgusting.

"No one would want Frank as their mate," I replied knowingly instead, hoping to sound encouraging rather than judgmental.

The door flew opened and a very beaten up alpha was shoved through, followed by Maxwell and Frank. I did a double take. That alpha looked so much like my Max only older! It was completely obvious that they were brothers by their looks alone that I couldn't believe how this wasn't a subject of gossip around Shadow Pack! I also couldn't believe that Max never realized they were related! There was no mistaking the similarities between the two. They both resembled their father, the former king Alistar, with just enough differences that you could tell they had different mother's.

I now understood why Fae had reacted so strongly to my mate. Great. Now I wanted to hug the tiny man even more and I didn't blame him at all for seeking comfort from Max. In fact, I felt even worse for feeling jealous over him. What was happening to me?! This rush of compassion was overbearing!

Fae looked my way, catching how I saw his needy expression when he gazed at his alpha. He blushed prettily and looked down at his belly. How stupidly adorable. I never had a thing to worry about. Clearly the omega was already deeply in love with someone else.

"Fae," Maxwell held his hand out towards the omega, motioning for him to come closer. "This rogue seems to think he has some claim on you. He said something about being one of your customers? Did he hurt you?"

Fae blushed and glanced at me. I did my best to give him a supporting sort of look even though it felt extremely unfamiliar to do so. I really did want him to know he could be honest now.

"Yes," Fae finally whispered, "He was a customer."

Fae's answer surprised me and I couldn't help but harshly judge the new alpha while my eyes narrowed. I knew what type of wolf treated their mate like a product and I hated that they even existed.

"And?" Maxwell asked, prompting Fae to continue.

"Well I haven't seen him since he replaced me with another omega. F-Frank took me back in after," Fae answered with a deep blush.

I couldn't believe my ears to be honest. I hadn't realized the depth's of how badly Fae's own alpha had treated him. It now made more sense to me as to why the idiot was packless. The alpha in question was a joke.

"I see," Maxwell answered looking deep in thought.

"I thought you said the boy would tell your truth?" Frank began to taunt the alpha, laughing in his face like he'd already won.

"Clearly he's too frightened of you to be completely honest!" The alpha spat back, tugging at the guards who held his arms. "But it doesn't matter what you make him say. He could marry you and it wouldn't change the fact that Fae is my mate. Mine. And I'm not leaving here without him!"

Both men looked as if they were about to tear each other apart when a small voice cut through their tension. "But you don't want a mate?" Fae questioned with a confused look on his face.

"I'm sorry Fae. I... I didn't mean it... well I did but I was on drugs and I wish I'd never taken them. I was awful, I said the worst things... I hurt you... and I know I can never make it up to you... I'm so sorry for ever saying that to you," Cain responded with a sincere look in his eyes.

I rolled my eyes. Sure, it wasn't my place to judge but given the circumstances I felt like Cain's apology could seriously use some work. No way could I be tempted back into my alpha's arms with such a poor speech if it came from Max.

"But... the omega?" Fae asked and I silently agreed, feeling outraged on his behalf. "Y-you wanted him instead!" Fae continued bitterly as Maxwell caught my eye, looking extremely apologetic for some reason. "I-I know what I saw! You-you left me...And Mast-Frank said-" the boy cut himself off and shot a terrified look Frank's way as my eyes narrowed.

"The omega meant nothing," the alpha answered gently. "I was trying to... well it doesn't matter. Things are different now. I just want you... only you. I promise." Then he asked, "Fae, why can't I smell you?"

"Pills," Fae murmured quietly with a look of sad acceptance. "I don't know how they work... is this... do you like me better now? If I never smell again, can I really stay with you?"

I felt my own heart ache over Fae's words. Once more I wondered how his alpha could do this to him when he was so submissive and so sweet. I wouldn't have lasted nearly as long with Frank.

"I like you the way you are, little wolf," Cain assured. "You don't have to change anything. I'm the one that needed to change... and I came back... to take you home," the alpha continued gently and this time I felt my heart soften a little, remembering what it felt like when Maxwell told me I didn't need to change for him.

"You really like me?" Fae asked adorably as he trembled.

"Let me go!" Cain growled, struggling desperately against the guards. "His wolf needs me! Can't you see? I'm telling the truth. I can feel his wolf. He's in pain. Only a mate can feel that!"

"You can feel my wolf's pain?" Fae whispered as he began to walk forward. Suddenly, the air was flooded with the smell of a tangled web of emotions, all coming from the shaking omega.

The scent was unbearable and heavy, filling up every crevice of the room until I was choking on it. The space was suddenly too small and I felt the desperate need to open up a window. Before I could suggest such a thing Frank stepped in front of Fae and roughly grabbed his arm.

"You know he doesn't want you. He left you with me. You're mine," the vile man hissed.

"Let go of me!" Fae growled as he attempted to break free.

"Let my mate go!" The alpha bellowed, in return, finally breaking the grip that the guards had on him to charge at Frank, shifting in mid air as he jumped onto the man.

Before I could react to any of this, my vision was blocked by Maxwell. He quickly huddled me into a corner and stood in front of me protectively. His large body completely shielded me from whatever was happening on the other side of him. I grabbed a fistful of Maxwell's shirt to comfort me, wincing and flinching as the sounds of the fight reached me. Suddenly, two gun shots sounded in the air followed by a heart wrenching scream as Max backed me even further into the corner, nearly smashing me against the wall. Next I could hear a commotion of people rushing around as well as loud, anguished sobs coming from the omega.

"What's happened? What did Frank do?" I asked timidly.

Maxwell turned to me and gathered my hands in his. "Frank shot the rogue but my men have intervened and are taking him to the hospital."

"What about your deal with Lotus Pack? Won't the queen be angry?" I objected, terrified of what she might do to my mate should he mess their deal up.

"I'll have him sent to Lotus Hospital that way she can still have the rogue but I'm not waiting for her permission. I'm not gonna let him die! He's family."

I nodded quietly, honesty surprised that Maxwell was that determined to save the alpha and that he wanted to embrace the man as family. Well then. If that's what Max wanted I supposed I'd have to get over my initial dislike for the alpha.

All at once, a chorus of howls filled the air coming from all directions and I allowed myself to relax just a little. Finally this whole thing was about to be over.

"Stay here, out of the way. I don't want anything to happen to you," Max ordered before kissing my forehead. Then he left me and walked back towards Frank.

"We are out of time it seems," Maxwell said to beta. "I did try to give you a chance."

"Max! What? What do you mean?" Frank asked, looking, fearful, uncertain and betrayed all at once. I'd never seen that look on his face before.

"The Lotus Pack army is outside your door. I've made a deal with them. I am sorry... You were like my brother, my friend, but I've heard too much, from too many. I've seen things today that make me even more inclined to believe the things I've heard."

"M-max what- what are you saying? You seriously believe some rogue over me?! What is he but a waste! It doesn't matter if he's dead or not! He tried to manipulate my mate against me! You saw that! You all saw it!" He yelled frantically as he looked around the room before appealing to the king again. "I've been your friend for years! I've been loyal to you, for years! You're my King, I'd do anything for you! You know that! The boy himself admitted to being my mate before the rogue showed up. How can you believe anything else?"

Because you're evil, I thought to myself as I glanced at Fae's sobbing form. I growled a little in retaliation, earning me a stern look from Max in response before he continued to speak.

"Frank, you'll have a fair trial. I promise. I can't have another pack go to war with us. I must hand you over. I asked for time to see for myself and... I've seen enough to convince me that you deserve to be tried for the charges against you. I am sorry," he finished with bright tears shining in his grey eyes, looking more heartbroken than I'd ever seen him look.

I hated that look so much and I wanted nothing more than to stand by his side but I stayed put. I would try to be good. I wouldn't make Max worry about me when he was in the middle of something important and difficult.

As the two spoke, the howls outside only grew louder and louder until they stopped completely. Then there was a knock at the door that was both harsh and insistent. Maxwell nodded to one of the guards who opened it, making way for three strong, female beta's to step in. Then they parted for another woman to make her way to the front. She was very tall and looked very tough but most of all she looked regal. She was dressed in all black with her brown and silver hair pulled back into a severe looking knot on top of her head. She studied my alpha dismissively with her cold blue eyes, as if he were nothing more than an insect to her.

I didn't like the look she gave him. She didn't respect my mate. That much was clear and it was enough to provoke me into attacking her but I did no such thing. I really was determined to behave myself. I figured the harder I tried, the sooner it would all be over and I could get out of this place. The walls felt too close, as if they'd cave in on me at any moment, and Fae's scent was still so strong it was making me feel nauseous. I tried to focus on counting my breaths in an effort to calm my wolf and ended missing most of what the queen said.

However, my attention was brought back to the present when Frank screamed, "Omega! Tell the King he's wrong! We're mates! We can't be separated! Tell them you're pregnant!" Frank begged.

"Is this true?" Maxwell asked with concern, though I didn't understand the point. We both already knew the rumor about the boy being pregnant.

Fae bared his neck before cautiously making eye contact. "There's a lot you don't know, your majesty. But... yes, I am pregnant, or I was. I'm not sure anymore."

"With Frank's pup?" Maxwell pushed as if he were leading the boy to confess the truth for once.

"No. With the rogue-" Fae started only to be cut off by Frank.

"You stupid little bitch!" Frank screamed, sounding so unhinged that I coward further into my corner. Before I could fully comprehend what was happening, the beta shifted and was completely on top of the tiny omega, making a bloody mess of the boy's neck.

I gasped at the sight, frozen with terror as I watched Frank get pulled off of Fae by Max and the three beta's that came through the door. Frank did his best to fight them off but he was unsuccessful. There were simply too many guards for him to handle and he quickly became overwhelmed. Unfortunately, Max took the brunt of Frank's attempts to fight back. The beta managed to lung forward at the last second, catching the right side of my alpha's handsome face with his sharp claws. Max barely reacted to the attack, even when blood began to drip from the red gashes down his eye and cheek. My gaze dropped down from my mate to the tiny omega that laid on the floor. I watch as his eyes fluttered closed and soon he was surrounded by a pool of his own blood. There was so much blood. I shuddered in fear as I wondered if I would bleed next.

Daddy!" I heard myself scream as I sank to my knees in horror while tears began to make their way down my cheeks. We had failed. My alpha was hurt, the rogue could be dying and the omega....

Maxwell practically flew to my side and in no time he had me up in his strong arms. He whispered soft words of comfort to me as he began to carry me out of the house but I could barely understand what he was saying through the sound of my own sobs.