Crying.

Sobbing like a baby.

That was all Vlad could do as Theo's eyes tiredly blinked up at him. Vladimir, one of the strongest vampires on the Council and feared among many covens, was reduced to a blubbering fool.

Yet he couldn't wipe the smile on his face as he kept his eyes on Theo. Smiling as he gently squeezed Theo's hand between his, feeling the sparks flow freely.

And Theo could feel them too, judging from the widening of his eyes and the sluggish look at the hands squeezing his.

"Mrs. Elaine, if you'd be so kind as to remove the tubes." Vladimir asked, noticing Theo's rising panic at being intubated. "Shh, it's alright darling. Those tubes are just helping you breathe while you were asleep. Everything will be alright."

Luckily the Omega calmed down quickly and Vlad watched intently as the tubes were gently removed from his Beloved's body.

Besides a few coughs, Theo didn't seem to be too bothered. However, Vlad could feel the gnawing confusion in the back of his head and smiled.

"Allow me to explain what happened. The Alpha noticed your Smothering and alerted the Council just in time to save your life. And as you have noticed," Vlad gently squeezed Theo's hand, creating another burst of sparks, "It seems we've been Bonded."

Tears flooded over Theo's cheeks, stunning Vlad until he heard the barely inaudibly croaked, "I'm sorry." The young Omega's voice broke while Vlad leaned closer, gently soothing the stress and anguish flowing off Theo.

"You have nothing to be sorry over, my sweet." Vlad couldn't help the pet name and smiled warmly when he heard Theo's breathing hitch in response.

Even if Vlad didn't want to intrude, he could hear the whispers in Theo's thoughts. The self-hatred and self-loathing were extremely present. He wasn't apologizing because the Council had intervened or that he got Smothered.

Theo was apologizing to Vlad. For being his Beloved.

Anger simmered in the vampire's gut, bubbling and churning as the rage wanted to overflow and lash out. He figured that Theo's self-esteem would be low but now that he was faced with the harsh reality that it was non-existent...

How dare they? How dare that vermin make Theo feel that way for years?!

Vladimir struggled to contain himself, to fight back against the more monstrous side of him. Rationality demanded he calmed Theo down and stayed by his side. Reassure the Omega that he was nothing but utter perfection.

The vampiric, bloodthirsty side wanted to tuck Theo in bed and then head back upstairs to hunt down every single one who so much as brought a tear to Theo's eyes.

He didn't need to question what his Uncle would've done. The myth wouldn't have thought twice and decimated anyone and everyone involved in the abuse.

Even if their slaughter might reach his Beloved's ears, it would've been better to ask for forgiveness than beg for permission.

Hell, Dracula had led by example and had slaughtered vampires left and right to the point that multiple covens ceased to exist.

The surviving covens had crawled to the Council and begged for them to intervene, to save their pitiful lives against Dracula's just wrath.

Naturally his wife had been distraught after she awoke from the change but Dracula made a very valid point to her. She was his reason for existence, his beacon of light in the darkness.

Anyone who was prepared to snuff it out should expect the same in return.

Now those words echoed within Vlad as instincts flared wildly. Seeing the anguish and pain in those vibrant azure depths, Vlad was torn between providing for his mate and wanting to make sure nobody would ever harm him again.

Instead of struggling against his instincts, Vlad managed to redirect him with a simple thought that instantly halted his vampiric bloodlust.

Theo needs me.

Instantly the vampiric instincts simmered down, redirecting all of its hatred and spite to the fragile young man in front of them.

Raising Theo's hand to his face, Vlad pressed a gentle kiss against his knuckles. "You never need to apologise for who you were born to be, darling." Vlad reassured and smiled when Theo blinked tearfully at him.

"If you are worried about the connection between us, don't be. I'm honoured that you were destined to be my Beloved. Don't ever doubt that."

Theo snivelled before releasing such a pitiful whimper that Vlad's muscles jolted. As if wanting to jump up and erase whatever was the cause of Theo's distress.

He barely managed to relax, gently brushing his fingers through Theo's hair as he smiled reassuringly at the young Omega... HIS Omega.

Theo swallowed thickly, drawing Vlad's attention to the undoubtedly soreness of Theo's throat. "Darling, if it's more comfortable to you, you can speak to me over our connection."

That made the pup's eyes widen, hesitating for a moment before Vlad felt the softest touch caress his mind. He nearly visibly shivered, cherishing the first ever conscious touch of Theo's awareness.

And also let Theo experience his own emotions. His gratitude that he was alive, that he had survived his smothering. Vlad's genuine joy and elation at having found his Beloved, not caring that Theo was an Omega soulbound to an Alpha wolf.

"Soulbound?"

Vlad smiled, unable to resist pressing his lips against Theo's knuckles. Smile turning into a grin against Theo's flesh when a lovely flush spread over the Omega's cheeks.

The vampire took his time explaining what Soulbound were, comforting Theo when the young Omega realised what had happened. And when Theo's own wolf spoke up, sharing the encounter with their sibling, Vlad carefully pulled Theo in the softest hug he could manage.

No matter how much he wanted to squeeze and hold Theo against his chest, he knew he couldn't. The Omega had just woken up and needed to recover.

Yet every bit of Vlad's instincts were demanding that he held his Beloved and cared for him. And he could tell that the only reason Theo wasn't squirming away, was due to their bond.

If the Omega hadn't sensed their genuine bond and Vlad's feelings, Vlad suspected that Theo would've tried and struggle free from his arms.

Even with their bond, Vlad didn't want to rush headfirst into this relationship. He wanted, no, needed to give Theo time to recover and process everything that has happened to him.

The last thing Vlad wanted to do was make Theo feel like their bond, their relationship, was forced upon him.

So with that, Vlad reluctantly released Theo, tucking the Omega back in his covers as he smiled reassuringly. "Now that you're awake, we can try giving you some food to gather your strength."

Theo barely managed to give a nod, shuffling his weight slightly before he released a muffled whine of discomfort.

"What is it?" Vlad stood by Theo's side before the pup could blink, eyes flitting to the multitude of medical appliances that had kept Theo alive so far.

A clearing of the throat made Vlad and Theo aware of Elaine's presence, as the pack doctor had taken a few steps back to let the pair bond.

"While the absence of the wolf was a few months, we have to remember that Theo was gone for more than a year. I can only imagine that your muscles are incredibly sore and your body feels heavy?" Elaine questioned, making Theo give a barely perceptible nod.

The doctor gave Theo a full inspection while Vlad averted his gaze. Despite being Theo's Beloved, he also wanted to give the Omega a choice whether or not he showed his body to Vlad.

Ah... right. I did wash him when he was in his coma.

Vlad scratched his nape awkwardly, feeling like his younger self after receiving yet another scolding of his mother. While his intentions had been good, they may come across differently in Theo's eyes.

Shit.

He'd have some explaining to do. Even if Vlad had respected Theo's nudity while cleaning him, it was still a breach of trust. Vlad wasn't his doctor or nurse, nor did Theo even know he was his Beloved before his awakening.

Instead of worrying about it needlessly, Vladimir sighed before tossing his long black hair over his shoulder. Turning instantly on his heel when his name was called, he looked back at Elaine.

She offered him an understanding smile and motioned towards a slightly flustered looking Theo between them. "Theo's muscles feel sore and he experiences a heaviness in his body. While anyone can massage his muscles to relax them, a mate's touch will always give better results."

Deciding now was the best moment, Vladimir looked directly at Theo after her explanation. "Let me first state that I did wash you whilst you were unconscious before. I couldn't ask your consent or that of your wolf because you were both unconscious, I apologise for that."

Theo's cheeks were set aflame as Vlad lowered his head respectfully. Spending so many years with Asami had integrated some of her habits from her culture into his body.

Even without her presence, Vlad still felt inclined to bow when he was showing genuine remorse or gratitude.

"If I'm allowed to help, I will but I'll need your consent." Vlad added, looking at the flustered Omega on his bed. Theo slowly nodded, licking his dry lips before averting his gaze.

"You just...washed me. It wasn't like you did it to look. You did it to help... Right?"

Vladimir instantly shook his head, nose curling at the thought. "You're not an object of perversion, nor should anyone ever lay eyes on you like that. While some would think it's my right as your Beloved, your consent trumps our bond."

"Whilst I certainly wouldn't mind looking at you or your body, that would have to be later. When you feel comfortable about it and not because you think it's only natural for mates."

Theo nodded once more and Elaine smiled proudly before motioning for Vlad to copy her motions. Vlad made sure to engrave everything she did in his memory.

Of course half of his attention was on actually learning what Elaine was doing, how to relax Theo's limbs and muscles with a gentle massage. Because the other half of his brain was hyper aware of Theo's skin beneath his fingerprints.

You just gave this speech about Theo's consent and your control, so control yourself!

He struggled to do so, nearly biting his tongue to prevent his touches from becoming more sensual. The only way Vlad prevailed was by remembering this was for Theo's recovery.

If he messed this up, Theo would suffer. And that was the last thing that Vlad wished for the poor Omega.

When he noticed a shiver in Theo's leg, Vlad paused for a moment, glancing down at his beloved with worry. "Everything okay? Does it hurt?"

Theo shook his head, moisture collecting at the corners of his eyes as he replied softly. "No. It feels good. I just didn't think that...-"

When Theo didn't continue, Vladimir knew not to press further. Of course Theo didn't think he'd feel this way, after being rejected by his Fated before.

Undoubtedly the man hadn't even touched Theo, only directing his attention to what he considered worthwhile; Theo's wolf.

Theo would be starving for affection after the pack's treatment of him in a normal case. But Theo was an Omega.

And Omegas not only craved physical contact, they thrived on it. To be denied physical contact, warmth and kindness...

Vladimir deepened the touch, smiling as he heard a pleased whine from Theo. He stored the sound in his memory and nearly scoffed as he looked down at Theo.

The young man was still sick, pale and thin from his ordeal. And even now, he made quite a stunning sight with his cheeks flushed and mouth slightly ajar.

Everyone who cast aside such a treasure like Theo, was nothing more than a fool. Anyone with a bit of intelligence and eyes would have seen Theo's brilliance and would've treasured it, kept it to themselves.

In a way, Vladimir was grateful for that mangey pup that had Rejected his beloved. Because he wouldn't make that mistake and would treasure and adore Theo with every neuron of his being.