As Arthit and Kong drove home, their conversation gradually changed into a comfortable silence, the hum of the engine filling the car. Kong had almost dozed, Arthit had turned the volume of music to lowest so as to not disturb Kong.

Suddenly, Arthit hit the break and Kong's peaceful slumber was interrupted by the sight of a disturbing scene unfolding on the dimly lit street.

Arthit's grip tightened on the steering wheel as he spotted a drunk middle age alpha aggressively beating a young omega, no older than seventeen or eighteen.
The poor boy was shivering, cowering in fear under the alpha's belt.

Without hesitation, Arthit brought the car to a screeching halt, his expression hardening with determination.

"What's happening, phi?" Kong asked, his voice tense with concern as he glanced at the scene unfolding outside the car window.

Arthit's jaw clenched as he observed the altercation, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive. "Stay here, Kong," he told, his eyes blazing with righteous anger. "I will be right back."

Before Kong could protest, Arthit was already out of the car and striding purposefully towards the scene of the confrontation. With measured steps, he approached the alpha. Arthit's eyes had turned red, his dragon enraged beyond limits.

"Hey!" Arthit's voice cut through the air like a whip, drawing the alpha's attention away from the trembling omega. "What do you think you're doing?"

The alpha turned to face Arthit, his drunken stupor giving way to aggression as he narrowed his eyes menacingly. "Mind your own business," he slurred, his voice dripping with hostility, he turned to the omega " You are meeting men behind my back you unworthy scum? " he raised his leather belt to lashes at the omega again but Arthit caught the belt before it could touch omega's bare skin.

Arthit stood his ground, his gaze unwavering as he addressed the trembling omega huddled nearby. "Are you okay?" he asked gently, his tone filled with concern.

The omega took a step back, fearfully staring at the drunk alpha who was beating him. " I'm his mate" he stuttered " We are legally mated."

Kong, who had stepped down the car too, wound his arms around the omega
" Are you okay ? " he asked.
The omega looked at Kong with wide eyes, trying to wiggle out. " It's okay. Don't worry, I am an omega too..." Kong assured.

" But, You have beard." The omega answered wide eyed.

Even male omegas did not have much body hair growth. Even the ones that have preferred to be clean shaved - not wanting to be be called rough looking or alpha like. Omegas were prized for their delicate features, no omega in his sane mind would grow beard or wear- plain, straight cut alpha like clothes. They preferred flowy fabrics, bright colours and cuts that accentuated there physical features.

" Omegas can have beard too..." Arthit informed, tenderly.

"Aha, so the alpha's got himself a little omega beard to keep up appearances, huh?" The drunk alpha snickered.

"Oh, you wish ! " Arthit smirked. "Kongpob here is no beard. He's the lion to my pride. Keep spouting shit and you will see what he can do. "

"Nice try, alpha boy! Don't think you can fool me. I know an alpha beard when I see one. "

Arthit and KOng ignored the bumbling idiot but the drunk man wasn't ready to close his mouth.

"Come with me and I will show you what a real alpha is!" He leered at Kong "How much is he even paying for you to turn yourself into ugly muck ?"

" More than your drunkard brain can count " Still holding the omega in his arms, Kong kicked the drunk alpha straight to unconsciousness.

Arthit shrugged seeing the bag of mass crumbling to floor" Told you. Don't take chances! "

The omega leaped to help the alpha , by instinct .

" Let the scum lie in dirt " Arthit commented , full of hatred. Unconsciously alpha command slipped in to his voice, and the omega stood still, unable to move.

When the alpha didn't move, KOng screeched horrified " Did the alpha die phi?"

Arthit rolled his eyes " You are overestimating your kick strength now!"

Kong glared at the alpha" How about I roundhouse you too ?"

"Oh, you're threatening me with a roundhouse now, Prathit?"Arthit teased.

"Not threatening. Promising" Kong replied, murderous.

" Please, spare me, P'thit." Arthit teased " I'd rather not spend the evening nursing a bruised ego and a horrified omega. Poor guy looks like he will faint any second now..."

"oh!" startled, Kong looked at the omega in his arms that he had completely forgotten about."

"Are you okay? What is your name?" Kong asked.

The omega nodded timidly, tears glistening in his eyes as he whispered, "I-I'm fine, sir. Please, let me go. i am legally mated. i promise"

"its okay kid" Arthit assured " We are not cops or any authorities for that matter." Arthit tried to soothe the omega by releasing his alpha pheromones while Kong realeased omega pheromones making the young omega feeling safe and overwhelmed. " i am really legally mated"

"How old are you?"

"eighteen" the kid answered.

"truth" Arthit pressed, sternly.

"Sixteen" the omega hicupped " but I am legally..mated"

" You are not old enough to consent " Arthit reminded.

"I am " the kid insisted. " I am from Samsara." Samsara was a small neighbouring country where consent age was quite low. Arthit gritted his teeth "Doesn't matter where you are from. Omegas are legally considered adult at 21. Then by thar standard, You are still a kid. this is no age to consent."

"Calm down phi"Kong rubbed Arthit's shoulder and turned to the omega " What is your name, kid?"

"Anu..Anurak"

"Anurak, let's go to the hospital and get these wounds cleaned up. Then, we will talk about how to go ahead?"

"No need Khun" Anurak tried to smile through split lip "I know how to make pain salve. The bruises will go away within a week. "

"NO..you can not"

" I speak truth Khun" Anurak insisted " I always do that. It always works"

"Always?" Arthit raised a brow" how many times has it happened?"

" My alpha wasn't always like that. He was very nice when he visited my orphanage and chose me for a mate. Our three months of courting period was most cherished time of my life. It has only started two months ago when my alpha lost his job. "

"He tried to take out his frustrations on to you?" Kong asked .

"No. " The omega shook his head " Alpha had said that for few months we both will have to work. He got me a job at a massage centre. The owner was very nice at first but when I complained about the customers touching me inappropriately, he said I must endure since my alpha had taken my salary in advance."

"Did they force you?" Arthit spat the words with great difficulty.

"No phi..I ran away. My alpha had changed cities. Then we tried working in a rich unmated man's house but that man too tried some untoward things. I told my alpha I won't work there and he got angry saying it was my fault that every alpha tries bad things with me. I must be encouraging them in some way. "

"So, that is why he was beating you?" Kong asked calmly.

"No phi. That was a month ago. He only gave me ten lashes that time. But, after that same thing happened at two more jobs and alpha got really angry at me for leavng those jobs"

"Do you realise that the alpha is trying to put you in to prostitution?" Arthit asked, kicking the alpha " And making it sound like your fault?"

"No..phi. My alpha is not like that."

"NO?" Kong asked. "All those jobs were searched for you by your alpha, right?"

"Yes" Anurak nodded.

"Isn't it his fault that he was finding employers that molested you?"

"How would he know if those men were good or not?"

" True" Kong nodded. " How about we give you a job that has no chances of molestation even being a possibility?"

"What job?"

"Translator" Kong replied.

Arthit nodded " We will pay for you to attend school and learn language. After you get a certificate, you will work for us?"

"What will be the salary?"

"In the learning period - three thousand baht with free pass to canteen and health care." Arthit replied " Once you get your certificate - it will be ten thousand with all the perks given to our employees"

"But that is so less!" Anurak frowned "Those jobs were giving me fifty thousand for a week"

"Because they have hired service of your skills but body!" Kong informed.

"NO.."Anurak pushed KOng away. " Alpha Thawee is my mate. He can't do this to me."

"See, Anurak..I know you are shocked.." Arthit started.

"Don't alpha" Anurak hiccuped " How can you even say my mate tried to sell me? Can you sell your omrga for some money "

"Not another word" Arthit held the kid by collar, and glared at the kid " You will not even speak Kongpob's name that way"

Before the situation could escalate further, Kong pulled the omega back " Anurak, let's get medical attention for you and your alpha. Shall we?'

Kong guided the trembling omega away from the alpha, his protective instincts in full force. "Come with me," he urged gently, leading the omega towards the car while Arthit dumped the drunk alpha in the backseat but not before tying his hands behind his back with the leather belt.

Once safely inside the car, Kong wasted no time in driving the shaken omega to the nearest hospital.

"You can drive a car!" Anurak exclaimed .

"He can drive a helicopter too" Arthit added, chuckling at the sight of Anurak's eyes widening in amazement.

"You wear alpha like clothes and you can stand down an alpha. " the omega mumbled again" and you are abnormally strong. No omega can overpower an alpha. Also You have a beard"

" You are weirdly fascinated by my beard kid!" Kong remarked.

"Because, I have never seen an omega with beard who is also admired by an alpha"

"Admired by an alpha?"Kong chuckled " Now, where did it come from?"

"Your alpha does not mind your beard" the omega pointed out.

"He is not my alpha"Kong clarified.

The kid was horrified " What are you doing with him after sunset then? Won't your alpha be furious?"

"I don't have an alpha" Kong clarified.

"But you are so old" The kid frowned " In my village, the omega your age would be parents of a kid atleast seven eight year old."

"Kongpob is just twenty five" Arthit defended " not at all old, mind you"

"Omegas in big cities are different, I guess" the kid shrugged " In my village no alpha would marry a twenty five year old omega. Some widower's may."

"This is not your village" Arthit sternly reprimanded " And you are being rude."

"Sorry" the kid apologized, sheepish. But he couldn't stay silent for long. As soon as Kong expertly drove them through a narrow winding lane , the kid spoke up in awe " I want to learn driving too. In my country, they don't allow omegas to drive."

In this country too, omegas were only allowed to drive when an alpha is present beside them. " You can enroll in driving school with your alpha's permission" Kong informed.

Anurak stayed quite for some time and then spoke again. "How long did you lean fighting ? "

"Since I was three"

"If I start now. will I be able to take up on an alpha like you?"

Kong nodded " Alphas are naturally strong, they have that natural advantage. but when you train hard a grouch heartless trainer" Kong looked at Arthit through mirror of car " you get good at Kicking arrogant alpha asses"

Arthit just smiled giving a thumbs up.

.....

Once they arrived, the doctors quickly attended to Anurak's injuries, examining him with a mix of concern and dismay. The medical professionals noted the signs of malnourishment and the old bruises that marred his skin, evidence of the abuse he had suffered.After a thorough examination, the doctor approached Arthit and Kong with a grave expression. "I'm afraid Anurak has been through a great deal," the doctor explained gently. "He's malnourished and has sustained several injuries, some of which appear to be quite old. "

Arthit's jaw clenched in anger at the confirmation of Anurak's suffering. "Can you ensure he gets the care he needs?" he asked, his voice laced with determination. " Charge the bills on me"

The doctor nodded solemnly. "We'll do everything we can to treat his injuries and improve his overall health," he assured.

As Anurak received medical attention, the hospital staff contacted the authorities, including the police and representatives from the NGO dedicated to omega wellbeing. Soon, they arrived at the hospital, ready to assess the situation and provide support to Anurak.

Arthit and Kong stood by Anurak's side, offering him reassurance and support as the authorities conducted their investigation. They provided statements recounting the events that led them to intervene and emphasized the urgency of ensuring Anurak's safety and well-being.

...........................

The police began their inquiries, " Who is omega Anurak's mate?" The inspector enquired.

Arthit pointed towards the unconscious alpha lying nearby.

Inspector's eyes narrowed, he took out his mobile and took a picture of the alpha and roughly erased his hairs , making him look bald and also cropped his long beard.

"This man is wanted," Inspector announced, his voice grim with determination. "He's been on our radar for quite some time. Since ypu have caught him, you will be awarded 50000 prize money announced for him"Arthit and Kong exchanged a glance, their suspicions about Anurak's mate confirmed. It was clear that the alpha's intentions toward Anurak had been anything but honorable.

"But, he is my mate!" Anurak cried.

"He is also a wanted criminal and notorious omega trafficker known to fake mating with the omegas and then smuggle them here and sell into brothels. "

"But-"

"If you keep defending him, police will think you were involved too..."Kong informed. The omega looked sadly at the alpha " What will I do now? The orphanange will not take me back. I am mated now."

"I have doubt about that kid" The inspector cleared his voice, readying himself before asking such invasive question " Have you mated this man?"

"Yes!" The kid replied firmly, " We signed all the legal documents."

"If this man is involved, then I can assure you they were forged. I mean to ask have you shared a bed?"

"Yes!" The kid answered " The alpha even let me sleep on my favourite side"

Taking a deep breath, the inspector rubbed his forehead in frustration.

Kong took pity on the inspector " Anurak..the inspector means to ask you, did you make physical relations with alpha? In your heat or without?"

Anurak blushed " I have not. We were on the move, Alpha wanted to make it special for me."

"A virgin contract" Inspector informed " These bastards make the omegas fall in love with them, emotionally and mentally manipulate them and then sell them to highest bidders. The omega is lucky to get out before he got pushed in to the hell of servicing."

"Get this bastard handcuffed" The inspector ordered his subordinate. " We will cure all his diseases in jail"

With a sense of urgency, the police quickly took the alpha into custody, ensuring that he would face justice for his crimes. As they escorted him away, Arthit and Kong felt a sense of relief knowing that Anurak would no longer be in danger from his abusive mate. The Inspector had left behind two constables stood guard over Anurak till the omega welfare organisation come and discuss future course with Anurak.

...........................As the NGO workers approached Anurak, their expressions gentle but determined, he began to visibly tense up. Anxiety danced in his eyes, and his breath quickened as memories of past traumas flooded back.

Feeling the panic rising within him, Anurak instinctively reached out for Kongpob's hand, gripping it tightly as if it were his lifeline. Kongpob, , squeezed Anurak's hand reassuringly, silently offering his support .

Seeing Anurak's distress, Arthit stepped forward, his voice calm and soothing. "It's okay, Anurak," he said gently. "They just want to help you. You're safe here."

But Anurak couldn't shake off the overwhelming fear that gripped him. The thought of being separated from Kongpob, the one person who had shown him kindness and compassion in a world filled with cruelty, was too much to bear.

"I-I can't," Anurak stammered, his voice trembling with emotion. "Please. I have met people in dress like this before mating, they said that Alpha Theewa was very nice and I will have very good future with him. I only need to Listen to him."

Kongpob looked down at Anurak, his heart breaking at the sight of the young omega's distress. Without hesitation, he made a decision."I'll take him home with me," Kongpob volunteered, his voice steady and unwavering. "He'll be safe with us. Tomorrow, You can come and meet him" Seeing Anurak tensing again. Arthit quickly added "With both of us present ofcourse."

" It can't be a long term solution, Alpha " The rehabilitation officer advised " Our omega aid centres have on site specialists but we can't provide them there."

"How about you give me some names of specialists in omega care and we can take Anurak to them?"

" We will still need to moniter his progress and meet him time to time."

Arthit nodded in agreement, understanding the depth of Anurak's trauma and the importance of providing him with a sense of security and stability. "Thank you, officer," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

With Kongpob's offer accepted, the NGO workers reluctantly agreed to allow Anurak to stay with him temporarily, recognizing the bond that had formed between the two omegas and the need for Anurak to feel safe and supported.

As they made their way back to the car, Anurak held tightly to Kongpob's hand, finding solace in the reassuring presence of his newfound friend. And as they drove away, headed towards Kongpob's home, Anurak curled up in Kongpob's lap. " Will they send me back?"

"Do you want to go back?"KOng asked. Anurak shuddered " I have sent my alpha to jail. I will considered even more of a bad omen than an omega with dead mate"

"Then, you can still work for Alpha Arthit" Kong provided, carding his fingers through omega's hairs.

Anurak frowned " How do you manage in only ten thousand a month?"

Kong chuckled " I earn a bit more than that"

"Enough to have two time meal? Alpha Theewa said, we needed to earn atleast eighty thousand for a decent life style"

"What?" Arthit choked " Such a liar!"

"What do I need to do eighty thousand a month?"

"First start with what ypu have been offered and work hard and acquire new skill" Kong replied .

"Will you teach me fighting?"

"Shouldn't you ask me?' Arthit butted in " Since it was I who taught Kong?"

Anurak's eyes sparkled with determination as he turned to Kongpob. "Khun, would you teach me fighting? Please. I promise to wprk hard" he asked earnestly.Kongpob grinned, impressed by Anurak's eagerness. "Of course, I'd be happy to teach you," he replied warmly. "But be warned, it won't be easy."

Arthit raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "Hey, what about me?" he interjected with a playful pout. "Am I not worthy of being your sensei, Anurak?"

Anurak chuckled, shooting Arthit a teasing grin. "Sorry, Alpha Arthit," he replied cheekily. "But I think I'll learn better from Kong. After all, he's the one who kicked that alpha's ass earlier."Kongpob laughed, shaking his head at the banter between Anurak and Arthit.

Arthit rolled his eyes, unable to suppress a smile at Anurak's playful jab. "Fine, have it your way," he said with mock indignation.

Kong smirked "Aww...Don't be sad Alpha Arthit." KOng mocked You can" always lend yourself as dummy for us to practice upon"

With their roles settled, Anurak felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of learning from Kongpob. As they settled in for the night, he couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to train with someone as skilled and experienced as Kongpob, knowing that he would be in good hands. And as the car rushed to destination, Anurak dozed off in Kongpob's lap.

...........................................

As they arrived at Kongpob's flat, Anurak had woken up. He looked around with wide eyes, taking in his new surroundings with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. The apartment was modest but cozy, with warm lighting and comfortable furnishings that immediately put Anurak at ease.

Kongpob led Anurak inside, his hand still clasped gently in Anurak's, offering him silent reassurance. "Welcome home," Kongpob said softly, a warm smile playing on his lips.Anurak glanced up at Kongpob, a shy smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Thank you," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Arthit followed closely behind them, his exhaustion evident in the heavy lines of his drooped shoulders and the weariness in his eyes. He stifled a yawn as he entered the apartment, rubbing his eyes tiredly.Kongpob turned to Arthit, concern etched on his features. "You look exhausted, phi," he remarked, his voice filled with genuine concern. "Why don't you stay here tonight? You can rest on the couch."Arthit hesitated for a moment, weighing his options. He was indeed bone-tired, and the thought of driving all the way back to his own apartment seemed daunting in his current state."Are you sure?" Arthit asked, his voice tinged with gratitude. "I don't want to intrude."

"It's no trouble at all," Kongpob insisted, his smile warm and reassuring.

"What about keeping proffesional and personal seperate" Arthit asked " Office is a different space. Your home is your personal space of comfort and I don't want to ruin it for you Kongpob. I can always drive back."

"Have you seen time?" Kong chided " It's past one AM. Your eyes are half closed already. Go Sleep"

"But_"

"Let's think of it like, I want my boss who writes me fat cheques safe and sound. So I can't let you drive when you essentially sleep walking. "

"Thank you"

"No need to thank me. I am not that good of heart. I am offering you sofa because I still want you all achy with knots in your shoulders for dragging me to that thrice damned party."

"Both of us know, you would have given me the bed if not for Anurak sticking to you like Koala."

"Not at all" KOng opposed " No employee in this world would leave the chance to make his boss sleep on a squeaky sofa. "

"Are you only my employee, Kongpob?" Arthit asked, crowding Kong in to a corner.

" No" Kong avoided the eye contact." I am not only an employee but a lucky employee who has perfect excuse to make his boss suffer on sofa . So, his grouchy boss can't even complain.

" Good night Kongpob" Arthit mumbled, huggging the bewildered omega " You are not justb luckiest employee. You are also my most special person"

After few beats Kong relaxed in Arthit's hug, urging his traitor heart to stop trying to leap out of his chest.

...........................

As Anurak settled in for the night, his fears slowly melting away in the warmth of Kongpob's kindness, he mumbled to Kongpob " You are smelling like the alpha. I think the alpha likes you. or why would he scent you?"

" He has not scented me. He just hugged- i mean said good night"

"Does he say everyone good night the same way?"

"No, Anurak"

"Then he likes you. he is also very tolerant towards you and yours."

"Me and mine?'

"Yeah. His wolf recognises me as your kin. I saw, he was briefly angered by my denial to learn from him. But when he looked at you, you were smmiling and he calmed down"

" Nothing like that happened Anu"

"Anu? You are giving me nickname. Are you recognising me as yours?"

" Would that make you happy? " Kong asked. Anurak nodded. "Very. I want to become like you and Kick alpha asses"

Kong chuckled " Okay Anu. Sleep now"

Hearing Arthit groaning and tossingand turning sides, Kong walked in to the living room and blasted the AC to freezing temperatures Arthit revealed in. The ice dragon instantly calmed in to peaceful slumber.

When Kong returned in to his bedroom, he donned triple layer of thermal socks and covered himself and Anurak with thick quilt before giving way to sleep.

Anurak was confused. In his village, If an alpha left scent on an omega it was Sureshot way to know that they liked the omega. If the omega took care of alpha going out of way - it meant omega liked the alpha .

Who liked whom here?

If if both of them liked each other, why are they no mated?

City life was very confusing!

..........................

A/N ; Here are the pics I tried editing with beard.

Arthit.

Kongpob.

And here are the failed attempts. Purely for laughter 😃