Sitting across from the man who seemed to be staring at him cheekily, Pete poured himself a glass and hastily gulped it down. He was beginning to regret asking Vegas to come over whenever he wanted to. For sure, Vegas was going to utilize his shot to the maximum extent.
"They found out who you are sooner than I expected." Prem broke the lingering silence. "Vegas is something else. I like him."
Pete's eyes flared with annoyance. "But I don't."
"Really now, even after the stuff you did during your heat?" The old man teased even though he had no idea of the details.
Pete walked around the desk nonchalantly and stopped beside Prem. "That man is crazy. I have no idea how my life got entangled with him." He breathed out. "Should I call him and take back my words?"
"You dare not. He's Violet's son after all. I'd advise you to keep him. He can't be that bad." He shrugged and Pete frowned.
"You met her?"
Prem nodded. "I met her last night to discuss business." That was all he said, no further details were given.
The look on his face asked Pete not to question him further which the young man grasped. "I won't ask more."
He then went ahead to say. "I won't ask you to completely let down your guard or trust Vegas but at least get to know him. I've been saying this a lot of times over the years. Not every alpha is bad like you think."
Pete had wanted to speak but he suddenly locked eyes with an eavesdropping Joey. Being caught, listening awkwardly, he made his way over while tugging the end of his clothes.
"I wasn't... I wasn't listening in on your conversation. I was just passing by." He lied. He was just so curious to know why Pete hid he was an omega.
Pete yanked him closer and the young man flinched at the act. "Spill what's on your mind."
Joey blinked vigorously, trying to find the right words. "You... You're just like me. Why did you hide it?!"
"Do I have to answer to you?" Pete sneered.
Out of nowhere, Joey threw himself at Pete, wrapping his arms around his savior. Pete was startled and tried pushing him away but the little man wouldn't budge. "OMG! How can you be an omega and be so strong? Hey, can you teach me a thing or two? I promise I won't spill your secret." He pleaded.
Pete felt he couldn't breathe from how hard he was being held. "Let go." His tone was stern but no way that would intimidate Joey.
"I don't want to be so weak. I can't even go against Pun. That bastard." He suddenly looked annoyed. "He's so rough when we're having sex and I sometimes want to punch him but he's too strong!" He spilled the words before he realized.
Pete leaned back at stared curiously at Joey. "You still see that guy? Do you even go as far as having sex? What's wrong with you?" Pete scolded him harshly because he did not like Pun very much.
Joey sighed. "I have no choice. He keeps insisting we should be mates."
"How stupid are you? He's a tricky alpha damn it!" Pete said in fury.
Prem hilariously stared at the duo. Pete suddenly looks like an overprotective parent and he couldn't help but wonder what he's gonna be like should he have a child. "It's fine if you don't want to enjoy life to the fullest but allow Joey to do what he wants. It's not like the said person is forcing him anyways."
"Tell me, did he force you? I'll go kill him if he did." Pete urged.
Joey quickly shook his head. Pun got on his nerves but he couldn't deny the fact that he liked him. "No no, he did not do anything of the sort. I did it willingly."
Pete's expression relaxed. "But you're not allowed to see him again until I'm sure he's not trouble."
"You can't do that!" Joey yelled.
Pete snickered. "You still owe me lots of money. Do as I say or get out of my house. The choice is yours." He threatened but deep down he did not mean any of that. He's become attached to Joey over time and sees him like the little brother he never had. That explains why he's so concerned about his well-being.
Joey pouted before scurrying out of the room. Pete was impossible.
"And if I prevent you from seeing Vegas, what are you going to do then?" Prem asked, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning more into his seat.
Pete walked around the table and settled back in his seat, hands resting on the desk he said, "You know I don't care about him so don't waste your breath."
The duo had random conversations until they both were exhausted and retired to their rooms to settle for the night.
This was a night where memories came flooding back in vivid detail once more. Pete bringing himself to sleep was once again impossible even after all the alcohol he took in. Sitting on the bed with his face buried in his palm, his heart ached. The guilt for not finding the one who put his family through so much pain ate into every nook of his body. "When is this going to be over?" He couldn't help but mumble to himself, feeling he was failing his parents.
He shifted on the bed as he scanned the time and realized it was 2 am. Sighing, he rolled off the bed to get himself a glass of water.
Meanwhile, Vegas' fingers tapped his thigh calculatingly, contemplating whether to call Pete. It was quite late and didn't want to disturb his sleep but he wanted to hear from him. Coming to a decision, he decided to send a text.
To Pete
Sleeping?
Vegas waited for about a minute and his brightened when the reply came in.
From Pete
You had to disturb me at this time?
To Pete
Can I call?
From Pete
Unless you want to die
Vegas chuckled at the text and placed a call through. Seconds after,
"Why are you still up?"
There was a little silence on the other end but the fellow finally answered. "What do you want."
"Still unbelievably cold towards me. I asked why you're up this late?" Vegas asked again.
"I don't remember permitting you to call me this late. Want me to cancel the deal?"
"Hey, don't dare Pete, you can't take back your words."
"And If I do?"
"Then you'll see me at your end right this minute and I doubt you want that. Tell me why you're still up or I get there right now."
"What do you..."
"Getting my car keys, I'll be there soon if you don't answer me."
"Fine! I just couldn't sleep no matter how much I tried. Don't you dare come here at such an ungodly hour!"
Vegas could see Pete gawk at him at the other end of the line after answering his question. But the alpha was more concerned about the reason he couldn't sleep.
"Mind sharing?"
"It's not your business, Vegas."
"Alright, I won't insist. I'll come to see you tomorrow."
"Don't wanna see you."
"But I want to see you, baby."
"I'll hang up now."
The call dropped before Vegas got the chance to say anything more. He smiled to himself at Pete's attitude. Sooner or later, he was going to tame Pete and break down his walls.
~~~~~
"And why should I do that? Are you testing me?" Macau shot at his brother. "You know I don't like him so why give me such a task? Isn't it enough I agreed not to mention him being an omega now you want me to deliver this to him?"
Vegas smacked Macau's head lightly. "I raised you so don't give me that. You do what I ask you to do." He handed him the object of the current argument.
Vegas planned on seeing Pete today but had to go out of town and wouldn't be back till late, hence, asked Macau to deliver flowers to Pete in his stead but, Macau was unwilling because he still did not see eye to eye with Pete. Sadly, there was no way he could go against Vegas.
"Deliver this to him or I'll seize your car and bike. The choice is yours."
Macau sighed frustratingly. "There's no need to go that far, bro. I'll do as you've asked." He took the bouquet and hauled out of the room, got into his car, and got on the road.
Pete lazy strolled around the house as he took a day's break. Prem insisted he took care of his health to which he was given no chance to decline. "Such a boring day." He settled in the garden, staring at nothing in particular with a blank face until...
"Hey."
Pete turned around to see Macau. "What's your mission here?" He couldn't get why Macau of all people would come to see him.
"Good morning to you too," Macau answered back sarcastically.
Pete knew the kind of feeling the young man harbored towards him and didn't bother with his rude tone. He gave Macau no reason to like him anyways. "State why you're here and get out. I need to rest."
Macau scoffed. "Look, I wouldn't be here if Vegas hadn't asked me to do him this favor." He countered.
"Mind your rude tone," Pete advised.
"Mind yours too." Macau refused to back down. "How are you so different when you're with my mom but act impossible with me and Vegas?" Macau asked curiously. "If she sees this side of you I bet she'll rethink her decision of taking you in as a son."
Pete tilted his head to the side, scrutinizing the young man to have a complete picture of him. "You speak like a jealous son. You're mad she likes me more now?" He let out in a teasing tone. "I should get all her time and attention then?"
Macau at this moment wanted to stomp his foot like a spoilt brat but refrained from doing so. He saw how Violet treated Pete and it was silly but he felt a tiny bit of jealousy and Pete wasn't helping the situation by reminding him. "I can never like you, Pete." He sounded like he gave up fighting Pete.
"Thanks for the compliment." Pete sneered. "Why are you here?"
Macau got closer and handed over the flowers to Pete whose face squeezed into a frown. "Vegas asked you to bring me this? He told me he was going to come by but he sent you instead?" A little disappointment sprung through his heart and he quickly kicked it aside but it did not get past the rude brat.
"Did you just sound disappointed because my brother couldn't make it?" Macau finally took his chance. It would be fun teasing Pete too. He immediately sat across from Pete. "Hey, you miss him?" He wiggled his brows. "I should tell Vegas."
"Are you insane? I'm grateful he didn't make it. It's been my headache throughout the night." Pete replied, trying his best not to give Macau any reason to make fun of him.
"Hm... I'm quite certain about it, Pete. Why do you pretend not to like Vegas but your face dropped when you learned he's not coming over? His charms finally got to you? I knew you were just putting up a tough front."
Pete's fists were itching to give a punch but he couldn't do that to Macau so he held back. "Quit being annoying already, kid. Go back to where you came from." Macau looked less threatening for an alpha but Pete still didn't want to get close.
Macau relaxed more in his seat before saying. "Not until I'm certain you're not throwing these flowers into the trash like last time. Vegas got it with all his heart."
Pete peeked at the gift and his heart warmed up a little. Vegas got the same kind from last time and he couldn't believe how thick-skinned the alpha was. "Go into the house and play with Joey or something. Whatever I do with these is my business. Start moving." He ordered and Macau shot lasers worthy of throwing one off a cliff.
"I hope you don't mess it up this time." The younger man advised before leaving.
Pete felt he could finally breathe. He picked up the bouquet and brought it closer to his nose to smell. "Mn... smells nice but not as great as Vegas' scent." He blurted out unconsciously and right after, he bit his lips for thinking this way. "What on earth did I say? Ain't no way I said that. No, that wasn't me." He ran his hand roughly through his hair. "Pathetic."
~~~~~
Vegas' mood heightened as he felt a sudden flare of joy. His spirit soared so high at the thought of seeing Pete in a few. He hurried with his business and got back earlier than planned thus, headed directly for the Black Phoenix to see his source of happiness. Arriving, it was around 8 pm but he had planned to explain to Pete just so he wouldn't get mad and kick him out.
He entered Pete's study knowing very well he was always there working out documents but to his surprise, Pete wasn't in today. He turned back to leave but something caught his attention. He saw the flowers settling inside a vase that was placed on the desk. Vegas couldn't contain the happiness that flooded his heart. "He kept it this time?" He admired the sight for a while and closed the door behind him.
"Hey, Prem, where's Pete?" Vegas approached the older man who was sitting in the living room.
"He went up to his room not long ago," Prem replied with a shrug.
"Mind if I go up to see him?"
Prem stared. "You'll still go in there even if I said no so just do what you want." He let out and Vegas wasted no time and hurried away. "This brat didn't waste any time."
Vegas prayed in his heart he does not get kicked out. This was Pete's room and his personal space but he felt the urge to go in there. It was a harmless visit so there shouldn't be any problems.
Knocking once, twice, there was no response. "Is he asleep already?" He knocked again and to confirm his words, he turned the nob and peaked his head through the little opening. "Pete?" He called but there was no reply this time too. Vegas got in fully and his eyes swoon around to find Pete. "Where's he? Prem told me he was in here.
He glanced in the direction of the bathroom and just then, he heard groans coming from in there. "Pete?" Vegas rushed to open the door and the sight that met him broke his heart. Pete was painfully clutching his head with both hands with his whole face contorting into agony.
"Ahhhh..." Pete cried as he tried to hold onto the sink but his hand slipped, making him stumble back.
Vegas panicked and rushed to hold him before he fell. "What's wrong, Pete?"
Pete could hear the voice but the flashes in his mind wouldn't permit him to open his eyes to see who it was. He was sweating profusely, his body trembling and his heartbeat pulsating abnormally.
"Don't come out until all this is over, son."
"Don't hurt her," Pete yelled as he thrashed around in Vegas' arms.
"Pete, calm down," Vegas uttered but he was too gone to hear him.
"Don't die, Mom!" His screams got louder. "Don't touch her you asshole!" His body shook uncontrollably." He gripped tightly into Vegas and the alpha felt his skin would be ripped off.
"Please calm down," Vegas begged.
"No, no, don't kill her, please... Please don't die, Mom!"
BANG
Pete heard the sound of the gunshot just like it was 10 years ago. Pictures of Vine laying in a pool of blood appeared in detail and Pete felt he would die. He clenched his chest painfully, still not aware someone was holding him.
"I hate you... I hate you with every bit of me!" Pete continued to scream.
Vegas felt he needed to bring Pete out of where he was. "Please be calm." He said calmly but the latter wasn't willing so, "Calm the fuck down, Pete!" Vegas growled and Pete flinched at the thunderous voice with his eyes still shut. He recognized it faintly but went bazaar after realizing someone was grabbing him.
"Don't touch me, you asshole. I'll kill you!"
"It's me, Pete, not the asshole who got you like this," Vegas said again but this time, very gently. "Open your eyes, no one is going to hurt you. He held on firmly. "I'm not going to hurt you."
The voice, the scent, the grip, they were familiar and his body quickly recognized them. "Vegas?" Pete called hoarsely, trying to open his eyes. His vision was a little blurry but slowly, it began to clear. After making out Vegas' face, Pete did something unexpected. He crushed into Vegas in a ragged heap because he could no longer contain his pain and sadness as grief poured out in a flood of uncontrollable tears.
"He killed her." He muttered with his throat tightened. Vegas quickly hugged him back with all his might.
"Mom suffered so much that day and I couldn't save her because I'm useless." Pete for the first time after his mother's burial was shedding tears. He promised not to be weak and allow anyone to see his tears but today, he didn't care. He felt tired, he felt drained and needed a shoulder to cry on just to let everything out. He sobbed and Vegas' clothes were heavily drenched but he let him.
"I... I feel... Useless because..." Pete mumbled incoherently as he choked on his sobs.
Vegas was greatly angered and he couldn't explain it. His alpha instincts were getting the better of him and he felt his possessiveness taking over. His hands slightly twitched as he ran reassuring circles on Pete's back. The urge to destroy whoever got Pete in such a state was far too strong and he couldn't resist. With gritted teeth, his jaw clenched and his eyes became filled with passionate anger toward the person.
"It's alright, Pete, I'm here."
Vegas carried him up and Pete curled his legs around his waist and still sobbing against the alpha. Vegas walked them to the bed and sat down with Pete still clinging to him. Time passed and Pete seemed to be calming finally. He constantly sniffed in the alpha's scent and Vegas realizing he was the drug, released a few of his pheromones to help Pete relax completely.
Pete eventually stopped crying and his eyes felt heavy to the point he couldn't keep them open. He dozed off in the mafia's arms and Vegas felt relieved. He settled Pete in bed and covered him with the sheets but before he could leave, Pete held his hand.
"Don't leave." His eyes were half opened.
Vegas nodded and agreed to his request. "Go to sleep, I'll stay here with you."
Pete hearing this closed back his eyes and drifted off.
Vegas stayed quietly beside him and he watched him sleep soundly. "You're still pretty in your sleep." He leaned closer and gently placed a kiss on Pete's forehead. "Have a good night." He whispered.
Making sure Pete was soundly asleep, he left the room and went straight to see Prem. He had no time to knock so he barged in, startling the older man.
"Don't think I can't beat you up because you're an alpha," Prem said after recovering.
"Sorry for my manners but I couldn't help it." He apologized but Prem could see right through him. "What's with the murderous gaze?"
Vegas clenched his fists. "Who's the bastard who hurt Pete?"
Prem pursed his lips. "He told you what happened?"
"He had an episode earlier but thankfully I was there in time." Looking at the worried face Prem was suddenly making, he assured, "Don't worry, he's fine now and already fell asleep."
"I'm glad then."
Vegas nodded. "He wasn't very much conscious but said a few things that made me grasp a little bit of what was going on. Fill me in on it."
Prem hesitated. "And what would you do if you found out who's behind his trauma?"
Vegas couldn't believe he was being asked such a question. "I'd kill him." He stated simply.
Prem broke out a laugh in his throat. "You're that head over heels for him? Willing to kill his enemy?" He knew Vegas liked Pete but had no idea how deep it was.
"Prem," Vegas called. "Ever since I took interest in Pete, it was set in stone." He eyed the man before saying. "His friend will become my friend and his enemy will also become my enemy."
The older man stared in awe. "You mean it?"
"Try me," Vegas breathed out with renewed vigor. "Now spill and leave no stone unturned."
~~~~~
Pete shifted a little bit to the side and his hand touched something. He slowly opened his eyes to check what it was when his eyes met Vegas seating in a chair with his head lying on the bed, a little closer to Pete. "How's he here?" He recalled his last episode and, "Uh... I remember but didn't he leave?" Thinking hard, "It's the first time I slept soundly after having a breakdown."
He got himself up and rested his back against the headboard and watched Vegas sleep. He would have kicked Vegas off his bed but seeing how peaceful he slept, he decided against it. Driven by his instincts, he brought his hand up to brush the hair away from Vegas' face. He looks handsome when he's not making trouble. Pete admitted inwardly, his hand now on Vegas' face, caressing it gently.
Seconds later he decided to retrieve back his hand but a bigger hand landed on his, keeping it still. Vegas even in his sleep held on tightly and Pete scowled at him but his expression relaxed. If Vegas is still here then it means he stayed to take care of me. Is he really different?
After staring at Vegas for what felt like forever he said, "I'll lend you my hand for today if it makes you sleep better but I'll kick your ass if you try it next time."
Hearing this, Vegas felt content and smiled to himself but Pete missed it.
♥♥♦♥♥
Because of a few things that came up with me, I'll be limiting the update to twice a week (Wednesdays and Fridays) I hope you can bare with me.
See you at the next update.