Chapter Text
This was it. Jack was finally, finally going to end this. He had obsessed over this moment for the past month, but truthfully he had a vague plan of how he would kill this man lingering in the back of his mind for years. Turning to it for a sense of hollow justice during hours of the night where he was feeling particularly unforgiving. So here, now, he strode towards the gate of the property with the determination of a man with singular purpose, unafraid of anything besides failure. Righteousness singing in his veins.
And, somewhat shocking to Jack, his entry into the impressively looming mansion was going smoothly. He’d successfully not only made it past the perimeter guard, but navigated past the CCTV into the downstairs bathroom without incident. He ducked into one of the lavish stalls and locked the handle.
He took advantage of his few moments of safety to refocus and allowed himself a couple minutes of quiet. No turning back now, so he readied himself to get on with it.
And then, Jack’s famously bad luck ruined this plan, too.
There was someone else in the bathroom. An alpha.
Jack lifted his feet to balance on the toilet and listened for the approaching footsteps. Whoever it was was simply pacing outside the stalls, lowly whispering harsh words, and by god was Jack going to skip right by his thoughts on that deep, gravely voice, no, he didn’t have time for that right now, focus.
The man’s voice was hushed so Jack could only make out a few stray words in the large bathroom, but he definitely seemed to be on the phone with someone. And from what little Jack could make out, he also definitely did not seem to be one of the guards. Besides, he knew their patrols, and no one was supposed to be on break right now. He also knew there were not supposed to be any visitors here tonight. So who was this guy?
Then the man abruptly stopped. Stopped pacing, stopped talking, stopped moving, and Jack held his breath for fear of disturbing the quiet of the room.
“Come out.” The man commanded, gravely and low, sending a bolt of panic through Jack.
Yeah fuckin’ right, Jack thought. He guessed there was still a chance the man didn’t actually know where he was, and even if he did Jack was safer waiting in the stall. If he wanted Jack out, he should have used his Alpha Voice.
A few beats passed and Jack heard the man slowly approaching the stall door, fuck.
“You want to come out while I’m still feeling… amicable.” And, yep, he was right outside the door now. “Trust me, you do not want me to come in and get you.”
And ok, Jack was still glossing right on by how that low timbre sent his blood thrumming to a particular region, nope. He’s gotta focus on a way out of here, and seems like the alpha isn’t going anywhere. So, without much of a choice, Jack levels his gun at the door, steels himself, and opens it.
And a few things happen very quickly.
Jack has a moment to be surprised that there is no one behind the door, and then the man is delivering a few swift blows and Jack has another moment to realize amidst the pain, oh, he was crouching, before his gun clatters to the ground and he is pushed harshly against the wall, one arm twisted painfully behind his back.
“What did you hear?” The man growls into his ear, still not using his Voice, which is… odd. And Jack can’t get a decent look at his face, what with the hand holding his head firmly against the wall, but he can make out black swept hair and dark eyes, threatening in their intensity. A shiver runs through him that is definitely fear and nothing else.
“Nothin’- ah, shite - I didn’t hear nothin’, alright?” Jack bites out as his arm is twisted further. Fuck, this guy is strong. “Who the fuck are you?”
The dark man lets out a huff of air that could be a chuckle, who knows. “Bold question for an intruder. I am a guest here. Who are you?”
“I’m a guest, too.” Jack says, although the end gets sort of lost in the groan he makes as the man wrenches his arm further, and Jack’s frankly surprised it hasn’t dislocated yet.
“An omega guest who cowers in the bathroom? No, tell me who you are. Or, I could make this simple for both of us and let security… escort you out.”
Well, Jack is sure as shit not letting that happen. Maybe his father's name can actually save him here for once.
“I’m… I’m Cormac McLoughlin’s son. I’m Séan.” He pants out between pained breaths. “He doesn’t know I’m here… I… just, please, just, let me leave. He can’t know I’m here.”
And Jack can’t see much of the man’s face, but he sees those eyes widen slightly in surprise and the grip on his arm loosens just enough for him to wrench free. And then they’re struggling again, Jack landing a solid punch to the man’s gut that elicits a strangled groan he’s quite proud of, before he’s pinned again, wrists held firmly on either side of his head.
Jack finally has a good look at the man’s face and the world just kind of… stops for a minute, because fuck is he gorgeous. The dark hair swept to one side, dark eyes intense and calculating, a strong jaw flexing in irritation, and all wrapped up in a pristine black suit that Jack is sure is worth more than he’s ever had in his bank account. Jack can see the power radiating out behind his tight control and that sends heat pooling low in his gut. And he can smell a similar twinge of desire on the alpha, under the scents of anger and frustration. The man’s presence is overwhelming, invading all of his senses, and Jack realizes this is definitely not good, as he fights the urge to tilt his head and submit.
Then the moment is broken when both men clearly hear from the hallway that said Cormac McLoughlin is looking for his houseguest.
Jack firmly pushes down the unhelpful thoughts because this is not the time, and puts on his most confident smirk. “You better get back, pops doesn’t like to be kept waiting. I’ll slip quietly away, I promise, I won’t interrupt your fancy business meetin’.”
And he can practically hear this guy thinking through the situation, tilting his head, considering his next move. Come on, man, this really isn’t that hard, just let me go. But of all the things Jack expected him to say next, none of them are what actually comes out of this man’s mouth.
“You’re going to kill him.” The man states it as a fact, no question, as if it’s something he learned in primary school.
Jack sputters, tries to deny it, and fails miserably as he sees the knowing look on the man’s face before he slams Jack’s head into the fancy Turkish tiling and everything goes dark.
***
Dark has two options. The easiest would be to call security and let them handle Séan. If he is Mr. McLoughlin’s son, he’ll be fine. It’s not Dark’s business, anyway, it’s a family matter. He should let Mr. McLoughlin do as he sees fit with his own family.
So why does that thought seem so unappealing to Dark?
The other option, which is far less sane and less practical, is to secret Séan back to his facility. Which...Dark cannot believe he is even entertaining as an option. Removing Séan from the mansion is a feat all on its own, and if he were caught it would mean the end of the carefully constructed, precarious partnership with his father.
The partnership which Séan could destroy depending on what he heard while Dark was on the phone with the detective.
Dark sighs. He only has one option, after all.
***
Dark somehow, by the grace of deities he has never believed in, manages to get Séan out of the mansion and into Wilford’s town car. They had taken the necessary precautions and bound his hands and placed a black hood over his head. So, naturally, when Séan awoke with a start a few minutes into the drive, he was clearly panicking, taking heaving breaths and struggling wildly against his bindings. Dark quickly held him still, hoping to ground him and focusing on calming pheromones.
“Calm down, you are not in danger.” Dark said in a firm tone. And was a little surprised at how quickly Séan settled. “I am taking you to my headquarters, which you cannot know the location of, but no harm will come to you unless you harm me or my associates, do you understand?”
Jack nodded, trying his best to calm the icy edge of panic in his spine. “Yeah, sure, ok, I’m perfectly safe, kidnapped in a car with two alphas, right. Just to be clear, you are the guy from the bathroom, right?”
“Yes.”
Jack huffed an irritated breath and shrugged the man’s hands off. “Well, wow, you - you sure know how to treat a fella, really, you shouldn’t have. Just one question, with no due respect - what the fuck? Why did you take me? Why couldn’t you just mind your own business?”
The initial panic subsiding, Jack now felt an intense surge of rage - he failed, and he was going to have to find the strength to start over when this was supposed to be done. And it was all this bastard’s fault.
Jack heard a chuckle from the front of the car, clearly from the other alpha, who spoke with a distinct, strange lilt. “I like him! He’s got spunk! Doesn’t seem terribly afraid of you at all, Darkling.”
Dark growled out a warning, his scent growing sharper with irritation, “Wilford.”
Jack seethed from the man ignoring his question. “Hey, asshole, ‘Darkling,’ whatever the fuck your name is, answer me. Why am I here?”
Jack heard Wilford chuckle again, and ‘Darkling’ spoke, “That’s not my name. You may call me Dark. Have patience, I will answer your questions in time.”
Jack bristled silently, but soon enough they were getting out of the car to enter what Jack assumed was Dark’s building.
“Well, I’m off, nice to meet you, Séan, dear! Do be gentle with our old Darkling, here. Goodnight!” Jack heard Dark let out an exasperated breath as Wilford supposedly left.
As Jack was led to Dark’s office, he listened to Dark’s conversations with the guards, and apparently it was unusual for him to escort a captive personally. Which, with everything else Jack had seen, probably meant Dark was pretty high ranking in this organization. This was definitely confirmed once Jack was seated in said office and the hood was removed, because wow was this place fuckin’ nice. Lots of mahogany, books, and expensive electronics. Not to mention the impressive display of antique weapons behind Dark sitting at his desk.
Dark was staring intently at Jack, expression unreadable, hands folded in front of him. His scent was controlled, considering, as if Jack was a particularly troublesome problem he couldn’t find an answer to. Jack started squirming under the scrutiny, and he hoped he was able to keep the fear out of his scent. Like most omegas, he wasn’t particularly fond of being alone with a strange alpha, especially bound.
“So, what, are you the big boss around here or somethin’?” Jack said to break the tension.
“Yes.” Dark rumbled back, in that goddamn voice of his.
“And what exactly do you guys do here? Make plushie toys?” Jack said with a smirk, trying for levity. “Can’t be very reputable if you’re meetin’ with my father.”
“No.” Dark stated simply, mouth twitching at the edge with smugness that told Jack he was not going to elaborate.
“Alright, fine, so what the hell am I doing here?” Jack bit out, this guy was so irritating.
“Tell me what you heard in the bathroom.” Dark commanded levelly.
“Christ, this again? I already told you, I didn’t hear anythin’. Just ‘can’t talk,’ and ‘yes we’re meeting soon’ and ‘no’ or some shite.” Jack had tried to mimic Dark’s voice, to which Dark raised an eyebrow, but Jack knew he got him spot on. Definitely. “Sounded like you wanted to keep it a secret and get off the phone fast, but I didn’t hear the actual conversation. Is this seriously why I’m here? Because you were worried I’d tell my cunt of a father some big business secret?”
If Dark was surprised by the way Jack spoke of his father, or the scent of hatred Jack knows he must be radiating, he didn’t show it. “Primarily. Although, there is also the issue of your attempt on his life.”
Jack rolled his eyes dramatically. “I already told you, I wasn’t -”
“Enough.” Dark commanded sternly, but still not using his Voice. He stood and traced his hand along the desk as he stalked towards Jack like a predator. “You were hiding in the bathroom with a gun. All visitors are stripped of their weapons on entry. You practically begged me not to alert Mr. McLoughlin of your presence.”
Dark leaned over Jack, bracing his hands on the arms of Jack’s chair, mere inches between them. “And you were fully willing to kill me when you thought I was in your way.”
Jack’s heart was stuttering from how close Dark was - his warm breath ghosting over Jack’s face, his intense gaze fixed on Jack as if he was a puzzle piece that didn’t quite fit. And this close his smell just wrapped around Jack, spice and leather, he smelled so good, it was intoxicating. Jack sucked in a breath, trying to ignore the surge of arousal that suddenly coursed through him, and fought the urge to bare his neck, holding his gaze.
“I never particularly liked your father, Séan. On another day I may have even helped you.” Dark tilted his head slightly as he studied him, if he scented Jack’s arousal he was ignoring it. “But I need you to confirm for me if you still plan to kill Mr. McLoughlin.”
And Jack… didn’t honestly know. He wanted to, that’s for sure, but after tonight… Jack just felt so crushed at the failure, and overwhelmed at the thought of starting from the beginning again. He was just so tired and this was supposed to be over by now, he was supposed to finally have some goddamn peace.
Dark suddenly lifted a gentle hand to cup Jack’s jaw, and swiped his thumb over Jack’s cheek to wipe away a stray tear. When had he started crying? Whether Jack was overtired or overwhelmed by the emotions of the evening or just touch starved, the tenderness of it wrenched a sob from him. And then another. And then he was leaning into Dark’s hand and crying in earnest. He couldn’t even find the energy to be ashamed, he just closed his eyes and let the sobs rack through him.
If Dark was affected by the need to comfort a distressed omega, he was blessedly polite about it. He kept stroking Jack’s cheek until he hung his head, and then Dark laid his hand on Jack’s head. Not stroking, like Jack’s mother used to, but comforting in its presence nonetheless. And when Jack’s sobbing finally subsided into small hiccups, Dark stood again, giving him space and calmly waiting for him to compose himself.
“I don’t know, alright? I just… I don’t know.” Jack said between hiccups. “You’re right, I was going to - when you found me I was going to kill him. Had it all planned out, I’d spent weeks making sure everything was perfect. And then I got in the place just fine, I was getting ready to make my way upstairs and it was gonna be one bullet for him, one for me. And then you showed up and turned shite sideways.” Jack could smell a sudden warm wave of concern come off of Dark, and he looked up, though Dark’s expression was still unreadable. “Why the fuck were you there? You weren’t on his schedule, what meetin’ is so secret that even the boss doesn’t write it down?”
Dark hums, and they both know he won’t answer, can’t answer the question. They sit in silence for a minute, until Jack’s breathing evens out and he’s suddenly overwhelmed with exhaustion.
“I’d… like to go home now.” Jack says, though he knows what the answer will be.
Dark hums again. “No, you’ll be staying here for now. Follow me.”
Jack would have protested, but honestly he was too tired to care at the given moment. He simply nods and stands to follow Dark down the corridor. They didn’t get on the elevator again, which meant that he would be staying on Dark’s floor. And Jack… was too drained to figure out what exactly that could mean as he followed Dark into a room.
The room was better than any apartment Jack has ever lived in. A large parlor, a kitchen - an actual kitchen, not a kitchenette - at least one bathroom, with another probably attached to the master bedroom because, yes, there were two bedrooms. Jack wondered if this was for valuable guests or if Dark stayed here when he was working late. Maybe both.
“Unfortunately, given the circumstances you will be restricted to this room for the time being.” Which Jack knew translated to ‘the door locks from the outside and I have the key.’ Dark strode over to him and made quick work untying the ropes from his wrists before moving back towards the door. “There are, of course, cameras throughout the apartment, except in the bathrooms. You will be provided with meals, and I will be back tomorrow. Rest well, Séan.”
It took Jack a moment to realize that Dark would not be spending the night with him, and that Dark was actually moving to close the door, so he called, “Jack. Uh... call me Jack, everyone does.”
Dark paused. “Goodnight, Jack.” And then the door was closed and locking.
Jack… was vaguely surprised that Dark had just left him alone. Objectively he realized Dark was more of a gentleman than your average knothead, but still, Jack’s want had been apparent and most alphas would have taken that as an open invitation. It was… refreshing and definitely a relief that Dark hadn’t.
Jack felt the exhaustion from the day settle into his bones. He toed off his shoes and started shrugging out of his clothes for bed. He realized Dark left him his smokes, and there was an ashtray on the nightstand, so he figured it was ok to smoke in this particular prison cell.
As he lit up his before-bed cigarette, the thought hit him that he never expected to smoke this one. He thought he’d be cooling in a morgue by now.
Jack doesn’t have any more energy to cry, or be angry, or even address his apparent desire for Dark, so instead he puts out his cigarette and just sleeps.
***
Dark in general, wakes up early. But last night after certain… revelations from Jack, he’d had trouble sleeping. After Dark returned to his study, he turned on the cameras to the apartment to watch Jack, naturally, as he needed to make sure Jack didn’t try to escape. And, of course, it would be… troublesome if Jack hurt himself. So he watched Jack ready for bed, turning over their conversation in his mind.
Cormac McLoughlin was an evil man, and Dark wanted him dead as much as anyone with an ounce of decency, but it surprised Dark that his own son would attempt to murder him. And it… twisted something in Dark to think that Jack had not expected to survive the encounter. It troubled him to think about the hurt he’d seen in Jack’s blue eyes.
And Dark firmly ignored these feelings. Jack was a stranger. His problems were not Dark’s concern.
So, Dark was kept awake later than he would have liked, processing through the pieces of Jack McLoughlin. Which meant that on this particular morning, he was still asleep when Wilford entered the office.
“Oh, Darkling, still abed at this hour? Wakey-wakey, my dear!” Wilford all but yelled as he pulled the throw blanket from Dark. “Why on earth are you even on this old couch?”
Dark sat up slowly with a grumble, running a hand through his hair. “Wil. Please.”
Wilford ignored him, strutting right around the desk to turn on the video feed of the computer, and gave a dramatic gasp.
“Damien, did you house our guest in the holding cells?”
Dark sighed, it was too early for Wilford’s games. He heard Wil hum and click to the next camera.
“Or, did you house our guest in your private apartment?” Wilford let out a chuckle as he watched Dark drop his head into his hands.
“Wil, stop. It was simply convenience.” He grumbled.
“Oh, yes, how silly of me. I forget how convenient your office couch is.” Wil clicked a couple more times on the computer and then, “Well, I suppose I better have the butler bring the little rapscallion his breakfast, eh?” Wilford ruffled Dark’s hair and called as he left the office, “Abe and I will be back later when you’re decent!”
And Dark… really needed some coffee before that disaster happened.
***
Jack was surprised by a knock on the door, but even more surprised by what followed.
“It’s Dark. May I come in?”
Jack had a moment of stunned silence at the idea that his captor was asking permission to enter, and then called out, “Yeah, just makin’ coffee.”
The door opened to reveal a slightly rumpled Dark, but still as composed as usual.
“Good morning, Jack. I trust you slept well?”
Jack took a moment to take in the wrinkle of Dark’s clothes, and the slight mess to his hair, wondering what happened. “Um, yeah, fine. Better than you, looks like.”
Dark hummed and locked the door behind him, stepping into the apartment. “The only shower on this floor is in the master bath.” He said, as if this explained anything. “And if you’re making coffee, make enough for two.”
Jack snorted. “Yeah, alright, a ‘please’ wouldn’t be missed, you know.”
Suddenly, Jack felt Dark’s presence at his back, and smelled the familiar spice and leather and want, and Dark’s voice rumbled in his ear, “Please, make me a cup of coffee, pet.”
A sudden shock of arousal hit Jack at that, leaving him tense and breathless. It was only by sheer will that he let out a huff of air instead of an embarrassing, needy sound. He fought down his want as he could practically hear Dark smirk and walk away.
“Fine! Since you asked so nicely!” Jack called, cursing the way he could hear his voice waver.
Jack heard the shower switch on, and pointedly did not think about that. Nope, he pushed out all images of Dark naked in the shower from his mind, that was not going to end well.
Sometime while Dark was showering, Jack understood that this was his apartment.
Not just his “at work” apartment, but his actual apartment. Which is why Dark came here to shower. And why the closet is full of his clothes. And why the entire place reeks of his scent. And Jack must have been really tired yesterday to have not figured this out.
And Jack… doesn’t know what to do with the information that Dark has housed him in his own apartment, and then actually slept somewhere else. Maybe it was because he was a valuable hostage?
Yeah, that sounded stupid even to Jack.
So, once Dark was dressed and sipping coffee with Jack at the table, Jack asked, “So, why am I in your apartment?”
Dark studied him for a moment, as if impressed he figured out this big mystery, and rumbled, “Convenience.”
“Oh, yeah, I’m sure there aren’t many holding cells convenient in your large building here.” Jack teased with a smirk.
“I assumed you would be more comfortable here than a cell. But, if you’re opposed to sleeping in a king bed, other arrangements can be made.” Dark said smugly.
“Uh, no, no, it’s fine. It’s all fine.” Jack said, a little ashamed. “Thank you. But, uh, if you don’t mind me asking, where did you sleep?”
Dark gave a knowing smirk, “Worried about me, pet?”
Jack pointedly ignored the nervous flip of his stomach. “No, just, uh, I feel bad, kicking you out of your bed and all. I mean, there are two rooms, if you wanted to sleep here.”
Dark chuckled, actually chuckled. “I seem to recall that I kidnapped you, Jack. If I wanted to sleep in my bed, I could have. You have nothing to apologize for.”
“So why didn’t you? Sleep in your bed, I mean. There are two rooms.” Jack said, insistent.
“I assumed you would not be comfortable.”
“What, on the queen? Oh, I can sleep just about anywhere, believe me. You should see some of the places I’ve slept - or, actually, for your own health, don’t do that. But that bed is nicer than all of the motel beds in LA, I can tell you that!” Jack tried for joking, but he knew his smile wasn’t quite reaching his eyes by Dark’s expression.
“I assumed you would not be comfortable sleeping near a strange alpha.” Dark stated simply.
And, well, he wasn’t wrong. Jack was still apprehensive around Dark, and he’s sure Dark can smell that. But, given the situation, Jack was also surprisingly comfortable with Dark. There was something about him, the way he respected Jack’s space, and maybe it was misplaced, but Jack trusted him.
“Well, you certainly are strange.” Jack joked, and that actually did get a small smile from Dark, which filled Jack’s chest with a warmth he did not expect.
***
Over breakfast, Dark thankfully did not bring up Jack’s total breakdown from last night. Jack was grateful that Dark let him have a peaceful morning to collect himself. But, when Dark excused himself to his office, he did let Jack know that he would be back to collect him later for another… interview.
Wilford and Abe were already waiting for Dark when he walked into his office. Wilford was sipping his morning martini. Dark could smell Abe’s anger from the doorway. He resigned himself and moved to sit at his desk.
“What in the hell are you playing at?” Abe shot.
Dark leveled his gaze to Abe. “I had no choice, he heard our conversation.”
Abe was stunned for a beat. “So, what, you just kidnap him?! Cormac’s son?! Since when is that a good plan? Hell, I can think of five other plans right here, right now, that are better than that cockamamy scheme. What’s the plan now? Keep him here forever?”
Dark sighed, rubbing his temples to stave off a headache from the other alpha’s anger. “I haven’t… figured that out yet. But, yes, ideally we could keep Jack here until our business is complete.”
Abe snorted. “That could take months, Dark. Do you really think Cormac won’t realize you have him? It could blow the whole investigation! It’s not just your ass on the line, here!”
Dark allowed his own anger to swirl in his scent at that, giving Abe a menacing glare. “You think I don’t know that? Do you think that I have forgotten that, for one single second?”
Abe bared his teeth in warning and growled, “Seems to me you forgot it last night when you were thinking with your knot instead of your head.”
Dark bared his teeth and growled in return, a challenge, which prompted Wilford to raise a placating hand, anxious about the rising conflict, “Ok, chaps, come now, we can be civilized alphas here. Really, all this fuss is uncalled for. It is what it is. Now, what do you say we help our dear old Darkling here to court his little omega, hm?” Wilford looked between them with a smile, as if he’d arrived at a great, amicable solution.
Dark and Abe exchanged glances, and Dark said, “Thank you, Wil. I’d appreciate that.”
Abe took Wil’s hand, “Actually, doll, I saw that Jack doesn’t have his own clothes here. I think it would be swell if you bought him some nice ones, and then Dark here could give them as a gift.”
Wilford’s face lit up at that, and he kissed Abe’s hand, “Oh, yes, brilliant. That’s a splendid idea. Darkling, your card? I’ll be back before lunch!” He kissed the top of Abe’s head, finished off his martini, and hummed on his way out the door. “Try not to maim each other while I’m gone, dears!”
Once he left, Abe sighed, “He’s… still not all there.”
Dark nodded solemnly, “I know.”
“And I can’t protect him from this. His fate depends entirely on you holding up your end of the deal.” Abe tried to sound strong, pointing an accusing finger at Dark, reaching for the anger from before, but he knew the sadness in his scent gave him away.
“I know.”
“So, why? Why risk it all for Jack?”
Dark had been considering this since he first made the decision. He had turned it over and over in his mind, and he supposed he knew the answer.
“I couldn’t leave him there, with that monster. But, I couldn’t let him go, either. He could have ruined our plans, he could have hurt himself, and, most of all, he is valuable to me as a hostage.”
“So, what you mean is, you wanted to protect him.” Abe says coolly, no malice, no anger, just a simple fact. Because Abe has always been perceptive.
And that - that’s hard for Dark to accept. It feels right, and Dark is afraid it’s right, but he’s in real trouble if that’s true.
“No, Abe, he’s valuable to me as a hostage.” He says, with much more conviction.
“Well, I hope he does end up being valuable, and not the goddamn ruin of us.” Abe says. And that seems to be the end of that, at least for now. “Now, since you essentially stood up Cormac Fucking McLoughlin last night, we need to plan your next meeting to smoothe things over with him. And you better pucker up, bub, because it’s gonna take a lot to get back on his good side.”
***
Abe and Dark spent the rest of the morning planning Dark’s next meeting with Cormac. Lots of luxury, extravagance, and ass-kissing, and Dark felt like he needed a shower just from discussing it.
Once Wilford returned, Abe and Dark figured they could take a break to wrap Jacks “gifts,” and the conversation turned to date ideas and embarrassing courting stories. Wilford was… aware for the most part of the deal Dark made, but it often upset him to discuss. Most matters of business upset him, these days, and he often changed the subject to something more palatable. Dark wasn’t sure he would ever get his old partner back, and, honestly, he didn’t know if he wanted to put Wil through that again anyway.
Mostly, it was just better to let Wilford smile.
Abe and Wil left for lunch, and Dark made his way back to his suite.
Dark knocked several times on the door, but when Jack didn’t answer he let himself in. The lights were off, and for a brief moment Dark wondered how Jack could have possibly escaped a locked room, until he caught the familiar scent of rain and sandalwood. Jack was in the master bed, but though Dark could tell he wasn’t sleeping, he didn’t acknowledge Dark’s presence.
Dark could smell the bitterness of tears and grief, and decided not to disturb Jack. Instead, Dark ordered lunch, hoping the smell of food would tempt Jack to get out of bed. It didn’t. Dark ate lunch alone, as he always did, leaving a plate for Jack, and went back to work.
***
The day had been… one of the more frustrating, trying to set up the meeting with Cormac, being intentionally ignored and baited and biting his tongue as he spewed apologies he hoped sounded sincere.
Dark returned to the apartment late in the evening. Jack’s lunch was cold on the table, and at some point the butler had brought up a dinner plate which had gone cold, too. Jack himself hadn’t moved since Dark had left. His scent hadn’t changed, either. Dark sat on the edge of the bed, trying to remember his irritation was not directed at Jack.
“Jack, it’s time for our interview. Meet me in my office in 10 minutes.” Dark said, with no response. “Jack, indicate that you understand what I just said.”
“Go away, Dark.” Jack said so quietly, he almost missed it.
“I will. And you will come to my office in 10 minutes for our meeting.” Dark stated again, and he left.
Dark was not surprised when Jack didn’t come to the office in 10 minutes. But he was angry.
Dark stalked back to the apartment, and stood by the bed.
“Jack, get up.” He commanded. No response. “Jack, get up. I will not ask again. If you continue to act like a child, I will treat you as such.”
Jack didn’t give any acknowledgement that he had heard him. Dark was generally in control of his emotions, but this made him irrationally upset. Dark needed information, he had too much depending on this information, the meeting was in 2 days and he could be walking into a trap, and he did not have time for this.
“Jack, look at me.” And this was the first time he used his Voice on Jack.
The effect was immediate.
Jack sat up and whirled on him, his eyes were burning with anger, his scent pulsed with it, along with the sharp scent of hurt. “What, Dark? What do you want? Are you happy, you’ve got my fucking attention now!”
Dark was taken aback momentarily by his outburst, but any sympathy he felt was quickly overwhelmed by anger. Still, he tried to keep his voice level as he met Jack’s glare.
“I need information. Information only you can provide. I have spent the day appeasing and groveling to rapists and pedophiles in an effort to placate your human trafficking, shitstain of a father in the hopes that I might salvage the relationship that you so nearly destroyed yesterday with your antics! A relationship which the lives of the people I hold most dear depend on. A relationship which might still be destroyed depending on your cooperation.”
Dark realizes that by the end of his speech, he was all but yelling at the omega. It had been a long, long time since anyone could get under his skin like this. But Jack didn’t seem cowed by Dark’s anger, if anything he was more defiant. But Dark knew this would not gain him any favors, and he took a deep, steadying breath before continuing.
“So, no, I have no time for your childish pouting about the big, scary alpha who protected you and provided you with luxury you don’t want and food you’re too good for. I just need you to answer a few simple questions, and then you can return to hating me to your heart’s content.”
Jack’s demeanor seemed to change at that. He was clearly still angry, still had the sharp glint in his eyes, but he seemed to be considering reason, which was good. Dark could work with reason.
“What do you want to know?” Jack asked, tone once again calm.
“Does your father know where you are?”
“I don’t know.” Dark huffed in annoyance, but Jack continued hurriedly. “No, I really don’t. Probably not? I can usually tell when he’s keeping tabs on me, but not always.” Jack huffed out a self-deprecating laugh, then, and looked at his hands. “At least, I definitely did my best to slip any of his agents before trying to murder him.”
Dark considered this for a moment. “Let’s start from the facts, then. When was your last contact with him?”
“About a month ago, I… I called him.” Jack hugged his knees to his chest. Dark could sense there was more here.
“What was the nature of this call?”
“What, really? You don’t need to know that, it was… personal stuff. Nothin’ related to you and your business.”
“I will judge that, if you please.” Dark said calmly. Jack’s scent was much less angry now, and was taking on that bitter edge of grief again.
“He… I - He k - He forced my boyfriend to break up with me. I was heartbroken, and I called to yell at him.” Jack was starting to tear up.
Dark could tell this was only most of the truth… but it satisfied him. He sat down on the bed gently, ready to move away if Jack wanted him to. “And have you had contact with any of his agents since?”
“Yes, I’ve seen a couple here and there, the last one was a week ago which is why I figured I was safe to move on my plan. But he definitely knows I’m in LA.”
Dark mentally cursed. “If… his agents were unable to locate you, would he be concerned?”
Jack huffed out a laugh, “I’m not sure if ‘concerned’ is the right word. Upset? Yeah. But he knows he’ll always find me eventually, no matter how long I avoid his snakes. The longest I ever managed was 3 months.” And this… was good news to Dark. Jack didn’t regularly check in with his father, after all. In fact, he regularly tried to avoid his father’s attempts to track him. And Dark is fairly certain he can finish his dealings with the man in 3 months, god just the thought of working with him longer makes Dark’s stomach churn.
Dark broadcasts the movement of his hand as he places it over one of Jack’s. He hears Jack’s sharp intake of breath, but he doesn’t pull away. “Thank you, Jack. You did very well. This means more to me than you know. I… apologize for my outburst, and hope you can forgive me.” And as Dark stood to walk away, Jack took hold of his hand.
“It’s ok, I’m sorry, too.” Jack met his gaze. “I want you to know that I don’t hate you. It wasn’t - my behavior today might be something that happens, but it’s not because of you. Please know that.”
And Dark knows there’s more to be said, but he also knows that Jack is trying to be vague so he doesn’t have to talk about it. Which is fine, Dark doesn’t need to know, doesn’t need to concern himself with the problems of a stranger.
“Will you - are you sleeping here tonight?” Jack asked quietly.
And that… is definitely unexpected, and there’s only one response Dark can muster, “If you’d like.”
“Yeah, it’s… comforting, knowing you’re in the next room.” Jack admits in a rush, glancing up at Dark. And oh, that unfurls something primal and protective in Dark’s chest. “Will you, just, sit with me a while, while I fall asleep?”
“Of course, pet.” Dark rumbles.
And he does. He settles in with a work IPad, and pays very little attention to it as he watches as Jack’s eyes grow heavy and shut, watches the lines of Jack’s face smooth in relaxation. And then he just watches the steady rise and fall of Jack’s chest, for longer than he’ll ever admit.