😊

Ivory's POV

I tried to calm down. Steady my breathing and stem the flow of tears. My heart was still pounding against my chest. I wish it would just stop, so I could die here before he turned on me.

And still he just sat there, waiting for me to calm down. I didn't want to disappoint him I was trying to stop but the sobs just kept coming. My shoulders shook uncontrollably and the room was hazy through my tears as I tried to control myself. I was proving my dad right. He always says I'm weak, a childish crybaby, a useless slut, he was right... right about all of it.

Tyler's POV

He seems so scared, but I don't know why. I feel so useless for not helping him, but if I try to get closer it will probably just make things worse. He's still crying, shaking and holding onto my pillow for dear life.

Who could have hurt him that he's this scared? Anger starts to bubble up inside me as my mind races to all the possibilities. My fists clench as I watch him mutter to himself through his tears. I swear I'm going to find everyone that's ever hurt him and kill them. How could anyone hurt such a quiet, innocent boy?

My rage turns to worry again as I catch a few words of what he's muttering. "Slut... deserve everything... my fault" Finally I decide to speak up, "Ivory listen to me, it's okay, whatever you're scared of it won't hurt you" I reach out carefully towards him and he shys away. The realization of what he's afraid of suddenly hits me.

"I... I won't hurt you Ivory. I'm going to help you. You're safe here, no one is going to touch you, it's all okay." He looks up for the first time. He's still shaking and breathing heavily but at least he's focused on me.

"But, but you're a...a alpha" he stutters, tears still streaming down his cheeks. "Yes but I'm not going to do anything against your will... I would never. Let me prove it." Ivory looks up at me through teary lashes, considering my offer.

Slowly his breathing evens out, his lower lip still trembling from the tears. I decide to take a chance and reach out towards him. This time he doesn't try to get away, but flinches when I gently touch his arm. He's still clutching my pillow, burying his nose in it. Suddenly the realization hits me. My scent, he's using my scent to comfort him.

"Ivory, is this okay? Can you look at me...is it okay if I come a little closer?" The omega was breathing heavily, struggling to keep eye contact. He seemed to be lost in his own thoughts. "Hey, look at me. Can I come closer?" This time Ivory's reaction was different. His eyes moved immediately to look at Tyler, who could see him struggling not to look down again. Finally he responded, "You c-can do whatever, whatever you w-want to m-me."

Tyler's heart broke for the omega, "No no no this is not like that, what can I do to make you feel better?" He paused, "You can trust me." Ivory gave the tiniest nod, squeezing his eyes shut and huddling into the corner as the alpha approached.

Reaching out slowly, Tyler was as gentle as he could be as he lifted the boy. He was going to try something risky, but hoped it would get him out of his head. He rested Ivory gently in his arms, holding him and rocking gently. Ivory has tense at first, his breathing quick, and his eyes closed. Eventually though, he opened them, and did something that made Tyler's alpha instincts scream.

Ivory turned his head, nestling into the crook of the alphas neck. He buried his nose in Tyler's scent glands, inhaling deeply and shuddering. Almost immediately he began to calm down, visibly growing sleepy. Before Tyler even had time to fully compose himself, the omega was fast asleep in his arms.