The absence of fear and dread only for it to be replaced with joy and pride was dizzying. Vlad's head was still spinning, even with Theo nestled comfortably in his lap, languidly feeding on the blood he provided.

It was nothing compared to what a healthy and mature vampire could drink but every drop that Theo managed to swallow, was sustenance that would keep him alive.

Mindlessly letting his hand wander over Theo's back, Vlad was more than pleased when the Omega slowly but surely fell asleep. Still latched on like a newborn, refusing to let go of the blood that was giving him life and sustenance.

It drew a soft and tender smile on Vladimir's face as the vampire brushed a few stray tendrils of Theo's hair out of his face. Already his blood was doing wonders, the eerie paleness washing out of Theo's skin and being replaced with a healthy flush.

Vladimir didn't need the machinery to announce Theo's heartbeat. He could hear it, feel it thump steadily against his own chest. Its presence offered both warmth and comfort, soothing away the gnawing fear in the vampire's heart.

Theo's scent was slowly intensifying, losing the damp unexplainable scent of sickness and death. Nobody could describe it but it was a clear, potent scent that clung to one's body until they recovered...

Or ceased to exist.

A shiver darted down Vladimir's spine, realizing just how close they had gotten to that later option. Theo was fine now but it could've ended up different. Like the many Smothered before him, he could've died and turned rogue, forcing Vladimir to kill his own Beloved. Which only made him even more grateful that Theo had managed to struggle through.

But why is Theo fine?

The niggling thought he had earlier raised its ugly head once more. As one from the Council, Vlad knew from experience that Smothering didn't have a good ending.

If people were lucky enough to catch it in time, there might be a chance to undo it and help them recover. Even with those rare cases, the result had always been the same.

With the Smothered heavily scarred, often mute after their ordeal. The fact that Theo was able to communicate, willing to do so even if it was over their shared bond, was unique. Yes, he was incredibly weak and frail right now, but he was responsive.

Relaxing further against the back of the bed, Vlad sighed as he plucked his cell phone from his pocket. Shooting off a quick text to Alaric, knowing his sibling would hurry over as soon as he could.

Which proved to be within ten minutes as Alaric was barely able to catch the door from slamming into the wall after one disapproving look from Vlad.

"Dude, quiet." He scolded with a pointed look at Theo. "He's asleep." Vlad huffed at his brother, who relaxed after a few moments grumbling to himself.

Waving with his own cell phone, Alaric bit back "What do you expect when all you text is 'I need you here.'? I fucking thought something happened-"

Alaric stopped as Vladimir grimaced with guilt. He could only imagine what his brother was thinking when he got that message.

"I'm sorry. There is just something on my mind I need you to look into. I can't really move as Theo might need more feedings." Vlad motioned towards the snoozing Omega, making Alaric smile softly as he approached.

"He fed?" Alaric sounded pleased, observing them both for a moment. Vlad could see the relief flood over his brother's face when he too noticed Theo's healthier flush.

Vlad nodded, grinning when Theo grumbled for a moment, nibbling slightly on Vlad's skin before he relaxed. Even Alaric snickered, muting the sound as best as he could.

Approaching the bedside, Alaric leaned in before smiling at Theo's sleeping expression. Still latched onto Vlad's pulse point and refusing to let go for even a moment.

"Just like a newborn." Alaric commented with amusement before his eyes flitted down and he shook his head "And just as messy as one too." Vlad couldn't quite see the mess Alaric indicated with his finger but he could feel the blood drying on his neck and throat.

Alaric disappeared in the adjacent bathroom for a moment, coming back with a damp hand towel so Vlad could clean up a little bit.

His shirt was more than likely ruined but Vlad didn't care about that. The shirt could easily be replaced, he was pretty sure he had identical ones tucked in his suitcase.

However, Theo could not. And he would rather bleed out over all of his expensive suits and dress shirts than to make Theo self-conscious about his feedings and unintendedly cause the Omega to refuse to feed in the future.

Cleaning away a slight trail of blood from Theo's lips, Vlad discarded the towel and sighed contently. "I'm honestly surprised you didn't check in earlier today." Vlad teased, making his brother scoff and toss his hair back in annoyance.

"Unlike someone else who got the luxury to slack off, I actually have to do the job we came here to do." Alaric motioned with his chin to the window, indicating the pack just outside those walls.

It made Vlad's fangs lengthen slightly at the idea of Theo's abusers being so close... And yet he couldn't do anything about them...

I gave Theo my word...

However now that he focused, Vlad did pick out Lycaon barking orders at the pack and the muffled whines of protest that followed.

"He's currently weeding out the worst from the pack." Alaric explained unprompted, smirking wickedly. "The filth is being gathered and sent over to traditional packs aiding the Council."

This time Vladimir couldn't stop his own smirk. While it was nowhere near the physical and mental torture they'd heaped upon Theo, it was a rightful punishment.

All those Omegas who pranced around like they owned the place, thinking they stood above everyone simply because they batted their eyelashes at the most powerful of the pack...

They would learn what it meant to be a part of the traditional pack. After treating Theo like scum because he didn't fit into their image of an Omega, acting like they were in a traditionalist pack, they would now experience it in the flesh.

"Who's?"

Alaric's smirk deepened, eyes flashing maroon for a split second. "Eomir's. When we told him we had a handful of Omegas acting as if they were the King of Alphas, he was more than willing to set them straight."

Eomir was a renowned Alpha who had gained the approval of the Council after taking over a corrupt pack, broke it down and built it back up. While they valued traditional ideas, everyone within the pack was there according to their own will and treasured those values.

Omegas had a free will but rules to follow just like the Alphas and Betas did. And Eomir was eager to teach those who lacked manners, especially arrogant bastards that overflowed this pack, thinking they were above the rules.

After all, Eomir despised hypocrites. Omegas who wanted to be coddled and handfed, being treated like the most valuable commodity yet at the same time they disrespected everyone else and spat upon those who held them accountable.

"They're going to hate every second." Vlad snickered, licking at his fangs as they were still eager to sink into the flesh of those who had abused his Beloved. The small taste he had wasn't enough, wasn't a true feeding, but it would have to do for now. Alaric nodded in agreement and Vlad sensed his own disgust and hatred mirrored within his brother.

"Especially any of the Betas and Alphas. Eomir holds them at even higher standards than the Omega and absolutely despises slackers." Both brothers smirked before Vlad looked down at Theo. Honestly, the punishment the pack got was far too lenient for his liking.

But he also knew Alurea loved to rehabilitate those who were worthy so Vlad would wait for his time. Because he had a sneaking suspicion there would still be fools among the pack who would blame Theo for everything happening to them.

Knowing Lycaon, he'd keep those bastards for himself and work them to the bone. After all, those were the least likely to be rehabilitated and they'd need the Lycan's attention the most.

The room stayed silent for a moment longer, only interrupted by their breathing and Theo's sleepy huffs. Vlad couldn't help from pressing a soft kiss to Theo's face, smiling when Theo leaned subconsciously into the touch.

"So, what did you call me here for?" Alaric broke the silence, gently taking a chair to sit beside the bed. "I doubt you invited me to enjoy your lovey-dovey bond developing."

Instantly Vlad's mood sank, exhaling through his nose before focusing on his brother. Luckily the soft vanilla and cinnamon scent of his mate was enough to suppress the worst of his rage. "From the few encounters with Smothered we have a record of, none of them are as reactive as Theo."

Vlad was ever grateful for his brother's intelligence as the man didn't need anything else. His mind had already spotted the issue the second Vlad presented it and realised the issue, judging from the softly muttered "Shit!"

"Is it a bad thing?" he couldn't help but wonder out loud as Alaric started pacing, eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

The vampire's own rosewood scent flared with stress but he stamped it down as he turned to Vlad. "It might be. But it could be a good thing. Normally Smothered survivors are catatonic at best and it takes ages for them to respond. Hell, even the Smothered saved by Alpha Drake hasn't verbally responded to their own mate. Yet-"

"Theo responded instantly, albeit through our link." Vlad sighed, feeling his muscles twinge under stress. "He's still incredibly weak and unable to move properly. But according to our data, it should be worse."

Both had seen the after-effects of a Smothering that was barely stopped. With the poor Smothered laying in a bed, machines keeping them alive as all they could do was stare at the ceiling. Looking every bit like a living corpse instead of a Smothering survivor.

Alaric hummed in agreement before pausing, eying the slumbering Omega when Theo inhaled deeply. For a moment both vampires held their breath and then chuckled as Theo took a few whiffs of Vladimir's leather and sage scent before calming down.

"It should be. But none of our data involves Soulbound individuals." Alaric slowly stated as he took his seat once more, this time turning it to face Vlad and Theo. "What if Theo's rejection and the resulting Smothering wasn't so traumatic because of the Soulbound?"

It was just a theory, a very simple one, but it would explain so much. "Hisoka is going to eat this up." Vlad murmured as Alaric started typing away on the laptop. His brother snorted but couldn't help but agree.

Both of them had spent years with Hisoka and they both knew the Kitsune was eager to learn about anything novel. Such a rare case as Theo's would be more than enough to intrigue the kitsune in order to investigate and aid them.

While Vladimir was more than grateful that Theo's condition wasn't worse, it was unnerving that the omega was so responsive compared to others. The more he thought about it, the less sense it made.

And like a puzzle piece sliding into place, it slowly clicked.

"He's Soulbound."

Alaric sent him a confused look, brushing his hair out of his face. "Yes. We know that." He drawled slowly, as if Vlad was a barely conscious child asking silly questions. It made Vlad roll his eyes at his brother and shake his head.

"You don't understand Alaric. He's a Soulbound Omega with an Alpha wolf. Both halves of different souls. Yet rejection only affects the whole." Vlad pointed out whilst looking down at his Beloved. "The reason why Theo is still responsive-"

"-is because only half of him got rejected." Alaric finished his sentence, a hush of silence waving through the room. Looking down at the Omega who bore half of his brother's soul with him. And since he was Soulbound, those two halves were recognized as a whole by their shared body.

Both halves probably felt the pull, considering that they were melded together. Both felt the pain and agony of being rejected. But only one half got truly rejected. The other half, who was deceased, couldn't be rejected as there was no possible way to reject the dead.

"Theo survived the rejection and Smothering only because his wolf was already dead." Vlad brushed a hand over Theo's cheek before pressing a light kiss on his forehead. "Because of that, the rejection's impact was split and lessened."

Alaric sighed, drawing Vlad's attention. Drawing Theo closer to his body, sharing his warmth with the Omega as Alaric pointed out, "But losing your Soulbound sibling hurts just as much as a rejection. Perhaps the true rejection was what finally broke him."

It only made Vlad's hold on Theo tighten as his darker nature, that urge rearing its ugly head. The part of him that wanted to tuck Theo in warmth and kindness was warring with the part that wanted to go outside and slaughter everyone who so much as laid a finger on Theo.

And yet the slightest wiggle from Theo, feeling his heartbeat thrum against Vlad's own chest, instantly soothed the beast. It instantly purred and stared in awe at the slightest gesture Theo made. Even something as silly as a yawn had both beast and Vlad fully enthralled.

"I'm just wondering..." Alaric murmured, gesturing at the sleeping Theo "...how is he even alive? Technically speaking, he has half a soul. He shouldn't have survived losing his own wolf even with the soul bond that connected him with his brother's wolf."

A single finger pointed over Alaric's shoulder, indicating the rest of the pack. "We all know what happens if those mutts lose the human connected to their soul. They become rogues; unforgiven, ruthless murder machines. So why didn't the Alpha wolf? Werewolves that lose their wolf basically become human, yet Theo retained his brother's shift and still has all the capabilities of a werewolf."

Indeed. There were so many things that were off in this situation, so many factors unknown. Vlad rolled his head back, sighing deeply as he tucked a pillow behind his neck for more support. "There's so little we know of Smothered... You think Hisoka would be willing to come over and investigate?"

Alaric pursed his lips thoughtfully before nodding. "Probably. They're still developing an antidote for that nasty drug that was created a while back, but I'm more certain they'd be upset if we didn't give them this opportunity to research Smothered."

Both of them snorted with amusement knowing that the kitsune would kick their asses if they'd hide a precious opportunity to learn something new.

And if it helped Theo's chances of survival, of getting better without being permanently scarred by the Smothering and Rejection, Vlad would gladly invite Hisoka over whenever the kitsune pleased. He dug through his pocket to get his phone, making sure that Theo was still deeply asleep before going through his contacts.

Before he could even tap the screen to connect the call, his phone vibrated with a message, making Vlad's brows raise as he muttered "Aight, this is just downright freaky."

"I'm currently packing my belongings and will be at the pack around dusk. Alpha Roland has already been informed and is more than happy to aid us in anything that might help Theo.

As soon as Theo is stable enough to be moved, we can return to Council HQ and have him fully registered. I took the liberty to update our data with all of his information so our employees know who he is and what he means to us.

I might have an idea of what caused Theo's situation but I need to confirm it. See you all tonight.
-Hisoka"

"Their power of premonition is scary at times." Alaric agreed before standing up with a groan, stretching his limbs. "With Hisoka and Lycaon here, the pack is going to lose its shit." He snickered before sighing deeply. "At least I can spread the workload a little bit while you slack off and do jack shit."

"Bebelus mare." (big baby) Vlad muttered under his breath, laughing when Alaric flipped him off without looking back. "Alaric." He waited until his brother turned around with an inquisitive look before smiling genuinely. "Thank you. For everything."

His brother's smile softened as he inclined his head, wordlessly accepting the gratitude. "Relax and enjoy, fratte mai mic. I'm happy for you. Truly." (little brother)

As the door closed behind Alaric, Vlad couldn't help but sigh and nuzzle closer with Theo. Judging from the way his heart rate spiked slightly, the Omega would need another feeding soon. And Vlad would gladly provide for the one being that was now his entire world.

His entire being, his soul rested within that gentle, fragile palm of an Omega that had been rejected by pack and mate alike. And he would be damned if he'd let Theo shed a single tear over any of the bastards that had hurt him.

While he knew he couldn't put the omega in bubble wrap and keep him safe from everything, Vlad was going to try his best to make Theo's life as good as it could get. He would offer him anything and everything his heart desired, if it meant to see the Omega smile and hear his laughter.

Unable to resist the urge any longer, Vlad leaned forwards and pressed another kiss to Theo's forehead, nose burying into the pup's hair. The soft vanilla and cinnamon scent tickled his senses before he smirked as he could detect a hint of his own musk mingling with Theo's.

The blood is doing its work. Slowly but surely.

Vlad could sense it coursing through Theo's system, strengthening weakened muscles and returning his strength slowly but surely. He slowly pried himself loose from Theo's hold, the wound that allowed his Beloved to feed long healed.

And couldn't help but snicker when a frown was instantly cast upon Theo's face as if the Omega was subconsciously protesting his removal. Normally there wouldn't be any issue but Vlad wanted Theo to be able to rest properly, even though he wanted to be selfish and hold his Beloved within his arms.

Plus, he knew that Theo would need to feed again soon. His body and soul had been on the brink of death; while Theo had fed only moments ago, the amount he took surmounted to nothing compared to what he needed.

With Theo's own blood now circulating Vlad's system, the vampire knew its healing effects on his Beloved would be amplified even more. Soon enough Theo would recover and would be able to sit on his own, to leave this room and get some fresh air.

Hell, perhaps he would find the strength to speak out loud without hurting his throat. While Vlad enjoyed Theo's mental voice, it wasn't the same as hearing his actual voice.

But before that, the Omega needed time and rest. Time to process everything that happened to him, time to heal the hurt from having your own beast turn against you. Theo's wolf would need to put in a lot of effort in order to fix all of its mistakes and even then, Theo might still be afraid of the beast.

Only time would tell what would happen.

There was a groggy hum coming from Theo, making Vlad smile sympathetically. He knew that Theo needed his rest but now that Theo's weak body had a taste of Vlad's blood, it would demand regular feedings until he was recovered.

And judging from the low whine that slipped from Theo's lips and the liquid gurgling of his stomach, he was due another feeding.

Theo didn't need any encouragement when Vlad scraped his claw over his own throat and cradled his Beloved closer. Soon enough lips latched onto his throat and the vampire shivered when Theo released a soft moan of delight.

You'll be the death of me, sweetheart.

Luckily he hadn't changed out of his shirt yet because he had a feeling it would've been ruined once more. Instead of worrying about their predicament, Vlad simply relaxed in the bed while gently petting over Theo's back, accepting that he wouldn't be able to leave Theo's side for the foreseeable future.

Not that he ever had any intention to do so, unless the Omega demanded it. Though judging from the way Theo stretched closer, forcing his unwilling body to move and creep closer to Vlad, he didn't need to worry.

So he just relaxed, knowing Alaric would contact him if anything changed. Relaxing with his beloved and inhaling his scent until his heartbeat slowed to perfectly match Theo's.