John felt uncomfortable and vulnerable as he stepped into the busy hotel café. It was busy. People rushed back and forth, checking in and checking out, heading to meetings on the upper floors, grabbing lunch or meeting clients. He chose a small table by the long window with a street view. It had been five days since he'd slept with Lin, and he hadn't seen him since. He'd made a point of avoiding it for as long as possible. Over those five days, he'd spent most of his time with Rei, who thought it a good idea to get as much out of his system as possible before his heat took hold.

John was quietly dreading his heat that month, though that wasn't unusual. With Lin's constant texts and phone calls, he'd at least managed to eat. Although he hadn't gained any weight yet, he still felt better than he had before his previous heat. He didn't dread the physical toll it would take on his body, though that was certainly a concern. He was more worried about being with Lin. The last few times he'd dreaded being a sex object, but now he dreaded being a substitute. Being a replacement for Gene somehow felt worse. Especially since now...I-I think I really care about Koujo...He knew it could just be his omega's influence. It always got stronger around his heat.

"John!" Rei looked even more handsome than usual. His ebony locks were shining, his chocolate eyes were bright, his skin was healthily flushed, and his sea foam scent was quite soothing, like waves crashing on a beach. He was also well dressed in a deep navy suit, clearly just coming from work. "Sorry, I just finished my meeting," he apologised with a sigh as he sat down with a cup of coffee. John waved it off kindly, relieved to no longer be alone in the crowd. It was difficult being in such a place with all the different scents pressing in, especially around his heat.

"What is it?" John asked as he noticed Rei's eyes widen slightly. Rei sat a little further forward, clearly intending what he said to remain between them.

"Your heat's almost here, isn't it?" It wasn't a question. John flushed and nodded. He'd already received a message from Lin telling him to pack up tonight to go to his apartment. He expected his heat to start within the next two days. To Rei, his heat smelled even closer. Something he was sure Lin would have known if he'd seen him over the past few days. He looked troubled as he reached out with his scent, forming a small bubble around their small table to block out other scents. He didn't want John to be overwhelmed, and he already looked sickly. "And you haven't spoken to Lin." Again, it wasn't a question.

"I can't seem to...He was calling for Gene in his sleep...I don't want to be a replacement..." Rei apologised as he quickly sent a message on his phone. It wasn't like him to be distracted. It almost made John feel bad. Rei had been so good to him recently, cancelling other commitments or squeezing him in between meetings as he asked for more time. "I know they think I'm like Gene, but I'm not him...It isn't fair!" A flurry of different emotions swirled in his chest. His omega ached for Lin's touch. It was close to his heat, and he wanted to be in his nest, at Lin's apartment, buried in Lin's clothes, safe in Lin's arms, with his alpha pinning him down, making him writhe in ecstasy. At the same time, John was desperately unhappy. It was devastated to have gotten so close to Lin, only to find out he didn't truly love him. He felt trapped, like he was in a fake relationship with no way out. It was lonely.

"It's alright, I'm here for you," Rei assured softly as he leaned across the table and laced a large hand in his blonde hair. John flushed. It was such a familiar gesture, but the touch felt so different. He couldn't help but smile. He'd become quite close to Rei during their past few sessions. It felt like they'd known each other much longer than two small weeks. It surprised him how kind he was. He'd taken time of out his busy schedule for the past five days and listened to him talk for hours. He'd tried so hard to offer reason and reassurance.

"How do I compete with a dead man?" John sat back with an almost defeated sigh. They sat for hours. Rei quietly encouraged him to explore his feelings of sadness, resentment, bitterness and insecurity. The more he thought about it, the more helpless he felt.

"You can't, and why should you have to? You're not the same...How does Lin feel about you? Have you asked?" Rei seemed perfectly at ease as he sat back and crossed his legs. John averted his gaze, unsure he actually wanted to explore that particular avenue. It's all too much...It's too painful...He was surprised as he noticed Rei had moved to sit beside him. He suddenly felt uneasy as he looped an arm across the back of the sofa. He wasn't used to people, particularly alphas, sitting so close these days. "Do you love him?" Rei asked, giving him a searching gaze.

"W-what? I-I don't...We were mated so quickly...It's hard to know what I'm feeling, and what our bond is making me feel..." John suddenly felt uncertain about a lot of things. He'd never been attracted to Lin before their mating. The attraction hadn't happened overnight either. What if these new feelings I have for Lin are just forced by our bond? He felt vulnerable as Rei leaned a little closer. The bitter scent of coffee mingled with his ocean breeze scent.

"How much is your mating bond affecting your feelings? Maybe you don't really love him at all..." John stiffened as he fought with his omega over that issue. His omega was adamant that it loved Lin, but John wasn't so sure he felt the same. And even if I do feel the same, is it fair? Lin only mated me on a whim, for my own good...Is it right to tie him to me when he doesn't truly want me? "John." He turned his head to answer when he felt a large hand grip the back of his head and draw him in.

Blue eyes widened as Rei's soft lips moulded against his own. It was perfectly fine, nice even, but it wasn't the same. It didn't feel right. John's omega was immediately on edge. This alpha wasn't Lin. It was unsettled, and it showed in the way John's body stiffened. He was shocked and speechless. It had come out of nowhere. He wasn't sure what to do now it had happened. Surely this breaks some sort of doctor-patient code...He gasped a breath as they parted, though Rei didn't go far. Their warm breaths mingled as he examined his flushed cheeks and reddened lips.

"I can release you from it...Your bond with Lin...Would you like that, John?" Rei asked seriously, chocolate eyes piercing his uncertain ocean blues. John could barely breathe as the fresh salty scent swept in like a tide and carried him away. He felt hazy and unfocused as he looked at him. Physically, he wasn't so different from Lin. He was large and powerful, his ebony locks were glossy and bouncy, and his chocolate eyes were so deep. "I have a room upstairs...Come with me," Rei urged sweetly as he kissed the pulse on his delicate wrist.

John's cheeks flushed as he watched Rei kissing his pale skin, leaving tingles in his wake. It's...not a bad idea...It will be easier this way...John nodded, almost feeling light-headed as Rei took his hand and led him to the elevators. This is probably for the best...Lin didn't want to be mated anyway...Rei pressed the call button, clicking his tongue at how far up it was. He caressed John's flushed cheek as he leaned against the shiny wall by the metal doors. Suddenly, he didn't feel so good. Hazy blue eyes looked up into pools of deep brown. Why do I feel like I'm not...thinking straight?

"You won't regret this John...I'll be a good alpha for you," Rei promised as he leaned in, lips claiming his once more. His omega writhed in his chest, discontent at the turn things were taking, but his mind felt so hazy. If I'm just a replacement for Gene, then I'd rather...John slowly raised his arms to embrace Rei. His hand was barely an inch from coming to rest on his shoulder when a strong hand gripped his wrist and yanked him free. John's eyes widened as a familiar spice hit his senses. His blue eyes were suddenly focused as he looked up at Lin's towering form.

John felt his body turn until his back came to rest with a thud against the hard wall. When he looked up again, he saw Rei tumbling across the reception floor. Lin growled possessively as he stood between them, dark eyes sharp and almost animalistic as he stared down at Rei. His incisors were sharp, hands poised, ready to pound the other alpha into the ground if need be. His alpha had complete control, stepping in to protect what belong to him. John was terrified. He'd never seen Lin so angry, not even at Honeyz.

"It's about time!" Rei grunted as he slowly pushed himself up. One hand gripped his sore ribs as the other reached into his suit pocket. He kept his body low and moved slowly under Lin's feral gaze. Lin was surprised as he tossed him a room key, and John was confused. Rei's scent had retreated. The haziness he'd felt before was completely gone, his mind clear. "You two have a lot to talk about...Take your time. It's booked until tomorrow," he added, holding up a hand in farewell as he left. John was about to call out to him when he found himself roughly pulled into the elevator. He winced as he fell against the mirror at the back of the small box, barely catching himself on the rail.

"You just let another alpha touch you? While we're mated?" Lin's voice was a deep growl. His eyes were still sharp with fury, as were his teeth. John cowered against the back wall, hoping that Lin managed to rein in his alpha soon. They were only going up a few floors, but the small box was so tense it felt like an age. John cried in protest as Lin dragged him down the hallway, desperately trying to break free of the strong grip on his small wrist. He stumbled and tripped, trying to plant his feet and pull Lin to a stop. He could twist free. The iron grip seemed to tighten every time he pulled back.

"Ah! Koujo! You're hurting me! Stop! Lin!" Lin opened the door and tossed him inside, not caring as he tumbled to the carpet and dragged himself away from him. He could smell John's fear, but he couldn't stop himself. As soon as he'd locked the door, he fell upon his smaller body, caging him against the ornate carpet. John could feel Lin's body heat as he leaned over him like a tiger ready to strike. He was terrified. The deep spice suffocated him with its intensity, weakening his body and stealing his breath.

"Who do you belong to? Say it!" Lin growled, watching John's omega cower at his unbridled fury.

"I-I...Y-you..." John replied in a meek voice, raising his arms over his head protectively.

"Louder!" Lin felt John flinch beneath him as he roared.

"You! I belong to you!" John replied submissively, panicking as Lin pinned his hands above his head with one hand and roughly devoured his lips. The grip was tight and painful. He kicked and writhed in protest, small whimpers of objection breaking free as he struggled. Lin continued to kiss his unwilling mouth, slowly feeling his resistance falter. He slid a hand up his shirt, caressing the milky skin and popping the button of his jeans. A moan slipped from John's lips. His omega purred at the dominance of its alpha. Lin slipped a hand into John's jeans, growling as he found him slowly hardening. They were both breathless when Lin broke the messy kiss and stared down, eyes full of hurt and betrayal.

"Why?" He sounded almost vulnerable. John's lips twitched before he pressed them together and looked away. He felt horrible. Dirty. "I won't know if you don't tell me!" Lin snapped, using his free hand to force John to face him. He'd never felt more hurt than when he'd watched him accept the kiss from that alpha. If Rei hadn't sent him a message, he would never have known. He would have lost him without a fight, without a chance. His alpha was beyond furious as it urged him to take John's small body and show his omega who was in charge.

"I'm not...I can't be...Gene." Lin's eyes widened, grip loosening in shock. He pushed himself to his knees, and John sat up and crossed his legs. They were both silent, lost in their own thoughts. Lin had thought he'd managed to keep his feelings under control for the most part. John just felt terrible. How Lin felt about Gene wasn't really his business. He was just his omega, after all. It wasn't like he had to love him. But I want...I want...Lin seemed to pick up a little of it as he softened.

"Is that really what you think? That you could ever replace Gene?" John's chest tightened at the cruel phrase. Lin gripped his wrist tightly, forcing him to pay attention. "You could never replace Gene...And no one can ever replace you. I know I don't...talk about it...but you can ask me anything." Lin was slowly calming, dark eyes returning to warm chocolate. John's cheeks flush as he looked away vulnerably. He was very aware of the way his heart pounded, just from having Lin touch his wrist. His omega was pressing him. Encouraging him. Lin was his alpha. He could tell him anything.

"All I hear about is how similar we are...The way you look at me sometimes...how you said his name...I feel like..." His eyes burned as the tears spilled over. He felt Lin's arms reaching for him and pushed his chest firmly, holding him back. "You never wanted to mate me! It would be easier for both of us if I-" Lin's lips cut him off. He almost drowned in the intensity. Lin's scent was crushing him, trying to tell him something important as he pulled him closer.

"I'm sorry...I can't tell you I don't love Gene, and I can't say that I'm in love with you yet, but...I care about you John...I want you in a way I've never wanted anyone else...It doesn't matter how our mating came about. It happened, and I'm glad...I'm so glad...I don't want anyone else to have you." Lin crushed him against his chest, burying his face in his shoulder. His larger body was quivering slightly, and it didn't take John long to realise that Lin was crying too. That made him cry more. He gripped Lin's arms tightly, crying into his blazer.

"But you only thought about it for a few hours before mating me! How can you be so sure it wasn't just a mistake?" John asked, letting his pent up stress and vulnerability pour out. The sweet scent, mingled with his distress, made Lin's alpha rise protectively. His tight hold loosened into something more tender and assuring. He ran a soothing hand through his hair, and it felt so right. Lin's touch, his scent, the warmth of his body. It was what he wanted more than anything.

"I wouldn't have mated you if I didn't think I could come to love you...I gave myself to you when I mated you...You'd understand if you'd mated me too." Lin's voice sounded quiet and vulnerable as he murmured the last part. John stiffened in his arms and Lin drew back so he could look at him. He seemed quietly stunned as he sniffled, cheeks flushed and stained with tears. Lin knew he wouldn't look any better. John averted his eyes uncomfortably.

"I didn't think you'd want me to do that." Lin tilted his head in question. "You never brought it up, so..." John trailed off nervously, subconsciously leaning into the hand that cupped his flushed cheek, uncaring of the tears that wet his palm. He looked up as Lin turned his face and stroked his smooth skin.

"I assumed you didn't want to because I forced our mating...I want you to. I've always wanted..." Lin's cheeks flushed as he held his gaze. He meant it. He really meant it. John felt his heart skip. He felt nervous. Now that they'd broached the subject, it seemed like he should do something about it. But is he really sure? That would mean...we'd really be stuck together..."John...please..." His dark eyes were horribly vulnerable as he leaned down until their foreheads touched. Accept me...He ached for it. John could scent it in the air.

"But...are you really sure?" John's omega trilled happily as he felt Lin nod against his forehead.

"You have no idea how much..." The confession sent a shiver down John's spine. He felt self-conscious as he got to his feet, taking Lin's hand to guide him to the bed. But how do I...They settled on the bed. Lin sat back on his hands with his legs stretched out in front, cheeks flushed as John timidly climbed onto his lap and straddled his hips.

"I don't want to stain your shirt," he muttered nervously as he tried to unbutton Lin's shirt with shaking hands. Lin huffed out a small chuckle as he took over, easily unbuttoning the fabric and letting John slide it down his shoulders. John stared at the pale, unmarked skin as if for the first time. Lin was beautifully sculpted, with just the right amount of muscle for his taste. Though until Lin I never really had a taste...

"John..." Lin murmured in a pleading tone as he angled his head to the side and wrapped one arm around his still clothed waist. John stammered an objection as he pulled his own hoodie and top off. He didn't want bloody his own clothes, either. He shivered as Lin ran a finger over their mating mark. After this we'll finally match...John's stomach tumbled at the thought. He was so nervous he was shaking. If I do this, then we're really mated...We'll really belong to each other...His omega urged him on, silently pining for its alpha's touch.

John shivered as Lin leaned in and traced his lips over his mating mark, licking and kissing the scarred skin. John whimpered at the contact, lacing a hand in his ebony locks to pull him closer. I want to make him feel like this, too. His incisors lengthened as his desire flared, sharp tips digging into his lip. John leaned against the opposite shoulder, so that they were both kissing and nibbling each other at the same time. He took his time licking and mapping out the perfect spot to sink his teeth in. The marks should be identical, so trusted his omega to sniff out the right place. He felt Lin pant and shiver against his throat as his tongue swirled and teased, softening the flesh in preparation.

He gave no warning before sinking his teeth into the pale skin, sharpened teeth easily rending tender flesh. He heard Lin let out a keening whimper, a sound he'd never dreamed the alpha would make. It made him seem strangely submissive and vulnerable. John felt desperate hands on his spine and head, urging him even closer. He sucked at the wound, tasting his alpha's blood. It made his jeans tighten uncomfortably.

"Thank you," Lin whispered in a slightly quivering tone before sinking his own teeth into John's mating mark. John moaned against his shoulder, still holding on as he flooded Lin's system with his essence. His pheromones would rage through Lin's perfect body, forever marking him as his territory. Other people would catch his scent and know Lin was taken. Other omegas would know he was claimed. The hand in his hair tightened its grip. "Johnathan..." John's eyes widened as a shudder ran through his body. He'd never heard his full name said like that. He felt tears prick his eyes as he drew back, suddenly exhausted.

"Jo..." Lin's wide eyes were the last thing he saw before he fell.