Broken Dreams (Unhingedverse)
Broken Dreams: Chapter 11

QUINN

Linus was the sweetest as we showered. I’m reeling, overwhelmed by our change of circumstances. We have a nest?! I don’t know how to process that.

Who made it and why? Did they have another omega? Will it smell like her or him?

“Baby, I wish you’d tell me what’s on your mind,” Linus says as he dries my skin with the fluffiest towel I’ve ever seen.

I give him an apologetic look, making him shake his head.

“No, I know. I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just, I can feel the wheels turning in your head. This house is insane, and the water pressure made me want to cry. It doesn’t feel real,” he says with a sigh. My lips twitch because he’s right about all of it.

Linus’ strong, sure hands continue to rub the towel over my skin before reaching for the clothes that are on the counter waiting. Duncan or Callum must be ninjas to have been able to have brought those in so quietly that we didn’t notice. Those alphas amaze me still.

It’s been years, and yet they’re still so steady. That amount of time stretches for miles, feeling as if it could separate us if I let it.

Fuck.

Lifting the shirt Callum was just wearing, Linus pulls it over my head, allowing me to push my arms into the proper places. While he picks up a pair of gray sweatpants that look both sinful and comfortable, Linus continues to think out loud. I adore the sound of his voice. It’s kept me sane all this time.

“I think that just because it feels too good, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try,” he says, pulling on the pants. “Baby, feel these.”

Reaching out, I sigh as I feel how buttery soft his sweatpants are.

“Sorry, I’ll focus, but holy shit,” he mutters. The shirt is the next to go over his head. “There’s a pack of panties too that seem new. Huh, I wonder why they left the package sealed.”

Opening it, he helps me into them, even though I can do it. It’s just the way he is. Now that he can touch me whenever he wants, he can’t seem to stop. I fucking love it.

“I’ll brush my teeth last,” Linus says, his hands moving me to stand in front of the sinks. “Go ahead, and I’ll tackle your hair.”

Working together, I begin to brush my teeth as he starts on my hair. It’s not as odd as you’d think when you’re used to having limited bathroom time.

“Alright, so you grew up with these guys, and they were your best friends,” he begins, ticking off what he knows. I blink to agree, since my head is being held hostage at the moment. “I’m going to take this to also mean that they’re good people. I spent roughly three and a half days with them. They were so focused on you and what you needed, and when you seemed uncomfortable, pulled me in. I was only in the room because Bret is a douchebag who was two seconds away from being punched.”

His words make me almost choke on my toothpaste, a clear sign that I need to finish up before I inadvertently kill myself.

As Linus continues to detangle my long hair, I do just that.

“It feels weird though, like we just survived something no one else understands,” he murmurs as I rinse my mouth. “I don’t even know where to start to move away from it.”

Pulling my hair forward, I glower at it. There’s so fucking much of it. I haven’t been able to make a single decision regarding my appearance for so goddamned long, I replace myself wanting to.

“Well, nevermind then. It appears you do,” he says. “Do I need some scissors and a video tutorial, Makayla?”

“Really?” I ask, forcing the word out.

“If I fuck it up, we’ll figure it out, but I think I can manage it,” Linus says with a shrug. The amount of confidence he exudes about something he knows I need is sexy as fuck.

Turning, I tackle him in a hug, enjoying his slight grunt. Moving away, I allow him the space he’ll need to brush his teeth, thinking about what I want to say to the men downstairs.

Opening the door once Linus is done, I’m surprised to see Duncan now waiting in the hallway.

“Find everything you need?” he asks.

“Yes,” Linus answers as I nod, still playing with the ends of my hair. “Ah, we’re going to need some cutting shears soon for Makayla.”

Duncan’s gaze moves to the ends of my hair that I’m fussing over, and nods.

“We have the computer open with things to add to the online cart. Show me which ones will be best for what you need. Fuck it, I’ll open a browser and do some research if you’re not sure. Let’s go eat before it gets cold, yeah?” he says abruptly, moving in the direction he wants us to follow in.

Damn, he’s a force of nature. His ass in his jeans is also fucking edible. You’d think my sex drive would be dead after my heat, but funny enough, it’s not. I’m not planning on jumping into the sack with either of them though.

I can be an adult about this. Mmhmm. Damn.

“You’re thinking about his ass, aren’t you?” Linus’ sinful voice asks in barely a whisper.

Biting back a moan, I nod as I begin to walk down the stairs. I’m frightfully transparent right now.

My mind moves back to my heat, and I decide I’m not upset about it. I’ve had to release any romantic feelings that I may have ever had about sex. It’s just something I do regularly, like brushing my teeth or washing my ass.

It’s part of my everyday life.

How can I possibly be upset that five decent alphas took care of me through my heat? Two of which were there to plan our escape? I can’t, and I won’t waste any more time thinking about it or allowing Duncan or Callum to feel guilty about it.

I’m a realist at heart, it’s what’s kept me alive this long.

I’ve been in my head so long, I have to shake myself as I walk into the kitchen. It’s beautiful, and most importantly, feels lived in. The pots are hung above the island, there are chairs surrounding it so everyone can see each other.

They’ve made a home here.

Callum places plates of food on the table, and I see that it’s linguini and meat sauce. God, that used to be my favorite. My stomach growls, reminding me that I haven’t had a proper meal in God knows how long. There’s also a pad of paper and a pencil in the middle of the table and an open laptop.

They’ve thought of everything.

Sitting on a chair, I reach for the pad of paper and write simple words of gratitude.

Thank you. For everything.

Callum and Duncan crane their necks to read my words before looking at me.

“Quinnie, this is the bare minimum we can do for you,” Callum says before taking a breath. “Okay, hard stop. Your name. What do you want us to call you? I keep wanting to ask.”

Shit. I’ve been Makayla for a really long time. I’ve always loved my real name, though. I can’t think of anything I’d want more than a name I have good memories with.

Linus settles next to me, and I now have three people waiting for me to decide.

Quinn, I write out, turning the notepad to face them. Since that’s decided, I pick up my fork and begin to twist pasta around it. In my mind, I’m done with the conversation.

Duncan huffs out a laugh, shaking his head as he begins to eat.

“You always have been very succinct, Sweet Girl,” Callum murmurs as he also picks up his fork.

I can’t answer because there’s a kaleidoscope of flavors hitting my taste buds. I’m currently chewing my first bite, and I moan as the seasoning used on the meat, the garlic, ricotta, fucking all of it is a party in my mouth.

“It’s really fucking good,” Linus groans in agreement.

“I’ve never been this hard during a meal,” Duncan says, hiding a smile as he eats.

“I’m really happy you like it,” Callum says, amused.

Along with the scent of food, I can smell rum, coconut, dark molasses, and my own lilac scent. They all meld as if they’ve always been together. Is that what it’s like to be scent matched? I still don’t feel the pull that’s discussed when biology and fate override everything else yet.

Bret is a dick.

This is his fault.

“What is that face about?” Callum asks. “I know it’s not because of the food.”

Putting down the fork for a moment, I write out the thought I had, along with: My nose is fucked.

“Mine too,” Linus says, seeing what I wrote. “I expect it’ll take time to work through whatever he’s been giving us. We’ve been getting those injections for years.”

Sixteen mother fucking years. Ugh. I hate him.

Picking up my fork again because I’m hungry and I refuse to allow the tiny dicked alpha to ruin my appetite, I continue to eat.

Callum and Duncan keep the conversation light as we finish, probably so I won’t get side tracked. It’s a pain to stop eating to have to answer each time I have a response to a question, which is why no more are asked for the duration for dinner.

“Anyone want more?” Callum asks. After years of never eating enough, I’m stuffed from a single plate. Shaking my head with a smile, he nods as he begins to clear the table.

“Okay, first order of business is to replace the right hair cutting shears,” Duncan murmurs, turning the computer to face himself. I haven’t touched anything electronic in years.

I’m a little jealous at how easy it is for him.

“Quinn, you used to be a beast as a coder,” Callum says from the sink. “Any interest in getting back into it?”

My enthusiastic nod as he glances at me makes his lips split wide in a grin.

“Truth be told, you were better than me,” he admits. “Morris is really good too, and I know a guy named Caelin who’d probably be willing to take you under his wing if you surpass us both.”

The simple way he offers me resources makes me squeeze my thighs tightly together. God, does this make me easy?

“I found what looks to be the simplest to use and recommended for cutting hair,” Duncan says, clicking on something. “I have some basic things here at the house, but I want to get what you want and need.”

“We have clothes, toiletries that are our own, and beds. I’m pretty sure I’m set,” Linus says, shrugging.

The funny thing is that he’s serious and I agree as I nod.

“Uh-uh. No,” Callum says as he loads the dishwasher. “Dig deeper. I definitely need to get you bras, because otherwise I may die, Quinn. Watching your tits sway underneath my shirt is making my dick leak. Please, baby. Save me.”

Oh my God. I’m pretty sure my mouth is hanging open. I’ve heard a lot of dirty talk in my life, but fuck me. I think I may actually be blushing.

“Your tits are pretty amazing,” Linus says, his voice low. It’s all man, and hooded desire.

We’ll never get through this if you don’t stop using your sex voices on me! I write furiously.

Linus reads it aloud, grinning wide.

“You’re adorable,” he says, chuckling. “I don’t think we’re going to be able to buy bras without knowing her size, though, so that may have to wait. Panties, boxers, maybe more of these sweatpants?”

Duncan adds this to whatever site he’s on, nodding.

“It’s summer, so shorts, jeans, t-shirts and a dress for Quinn?” he asks.

That’s more than I’ve owned in a long time, I write out, blinking in shock.

“It’s only spoiling you if it’s over the top, and you can’t go out naked,” Duncan says firmly. “We can’t keep you locked up, Quinn. There’s a whole fucking world outside of these walls.”

“You’re going to want to experience it,” Callum says firmly, closing the dishwasher door and starting the cycle. “Okay, I have a kind of difficult question. When did you stop talking, Quinn?”

My eyes unfocus as I think, trying to pinpoint it. It wasn’t exactly when I was kidnapped, nor when I was delivered to my buyer, Alpha Miles. I didn’t actually go on auction when I was fourteen. He was a private buyer who contracted my kidnapping.

I have no idea how he knew about me, and the idea that he’d been watching me is creepy. I was the girl he wanted that day, not the others.

It brings up so many unanswered questions and concerns. Who was responsible for helping him to do this? Did he get the girls I was with to somehow lure me out?

I wish, I wish…

Wishes can’t help me here.

Shuddering, I continue to work my way backwards in time. Hands touch me as I swallow hard, trying to remember. Blinking to come back to present after what feels like forever, I replace Callum, Duncan, and Linus huddled around me.

“Quinn,” Callum breathes. “I’m⁠—”

My hand slams down on the island because he doesn’t get to tell me he’s sorry. None of this is his fault. I made stupid choices, which led to irrevocable consequences.

My hand shakes as I pick up the pencil, and I break the fucking tip of it when I press too hard. The writing utensil is tugged away from me, a pen put in its place.

Keep breathing in and out. He can’t hurt you. Not anymore.

I’m not sure how well my pep talk works, but I’m able to write out the word, though it’s as mangled as my thoughts.

Seventeen.

As Alpha Miles’ last hurrah the day before my birthday, he thoroughly enjoyed himself with my body, along with his two grown sons and two brothers. The bastard sold me the following day. I couldn’t walk, bleeding from places I can’t even fathom as an omega.

Violated isn’t a strong enough word for it.

The betas at the auction house had to hold me up so I could be sold on the stage.

I begged Alpha Miles the night before my birthday, screaming myself hoarse as they hurt me. They stuffed my mouth with other things so they didn’t have to listen. I haven’t told anyone this, Linus doesn’t even know. It’s a story that’s locked inside of me, much like my voice.

No one cared then, so I hid away the one thing everyone seems to want now: my words. I can force out a word or two if I’m speaking to Linus or I’m lost in pleasure. It’s as if the chokehold on my vocal cords relaxes just a bit. I don’t know if I can speak now at all.

It’s all so tragic and unfair.

Taking a ragged breath as Callum reads the word, he nods. “Fuck. So there’s no pressure to talk to us, okay? If it’s years or not ever, we’ll manage,” he rasps. “It’s a damn miracle we found you two at all. I’m not about to squander it over something that’s not your fault.”

He seems so confident that it’s not, yet…

It is, I scrawl out before sending the pen skittering away. I don’t trust myself with it.

Covering my face, I rub my temples, feeling wrung out. There’s no tears, it simply feels as if something is tearing at my insides, and the old wounds are oozing puss and shit.

“No,” Duncan grunts, the word causing me to flinch as if I’ve been shot. “Did you kidnap, sell, and hurt yourself? I don’t fucking think so. None of this is your fault. God, we shouldn’t have let you go to the mall without us.”

“The whole thing fucking stunk to high heaven,” Callum agrees. “Things have been strained with our father ever since. It never should have happened.”

“Quinn,” Linus breathes. Whimpering as he uses my real name, I shake my head as I hide my face. “No hiding, baby girl. It’s you and me, remember? We don’t do that shit, and we’re not going to do it with our alphas either.”

The room fills with two sets of purrs, and it slowly becomes easier to breathe. My shaking hands get steadier, awareness of my alphas filling me. Well, Linus and mine.

It’s mindblowing that they found us, and in some ways it makes sense. Callum, Duncan, and I have always been end game. There were just too many obstacles between us when I was a kid.

Duncan wraps his arms around me, despite my hands still over my face, his vibrating chest at my back. It’s soothing, and the stubble on his face both tingles and stings as he scent marks anywhere he can touch that’s not covered with his hands.

“Are you going to listen to our omega?” he growls.

Fuck me. I’m going to need more panties.

My spine straightens as my hands drop down. I’m pretty much panting with the myriad of emotions I’m feeling.

“There’s our Sweet Girl,” Callum purrs. “I need to know, so we can nip this in the bud. Why is any of this your fault? Leaving the house doesn’t count.”

Thoughts swirling, I take the offered pen I practically threw earlier. God, there’s so many little things I shouldn’t have done.

I listened to our parents. Dad wanted me to go to the mall for mafia family politics.

Lips pursed, Callum’s nod is more of a sharp jerk than anything else.

“I never would think this possible, but would he have sold you if he thought he’d make enough money from it?” he asks.

“Hudson has been very successful since you disappeared,” Duncan mutters. “Ayla has never been the same, though. Your mom is a shell of herself. They attend mafia affairs, but your mom is always very quiet.”

Dad… would he have done this? I want to deny it, but he was so cold the day I went to the mall. I just don’t know.

Maybe, I scrawl instead. It’s possible.

“Listening to our dads isn’t an admission of guilt,” Duncan says. “We grew up together. I remember a lot of conversations where Hudson was in attendance during a dressing down.”

“Your dad’s always been so serious,” Callum sighs. “I want to pursue that with your permission. I also don’t want to tell your parents you’re alive and back.”

His unspoken words that it may not be safe ring clear in my mind. I show I agree before waiting patiently to see if there’s anything else. Instead, the guys allow the silence to settle around us as Duncan kisses my hair before he goes back to his seat.

Callum sits across from me again, checking the list of things on the computer.

“Add a laptop,” he murmurs. “How else am I going to code with her?”

“Hmmm, yes. Linus, what were your interests before this?” Duncan asks.

They’re laser focused on Linus, and my best friend shifts under the weight of it. Meanwhile, I search my memory for something he said about his time in school.

Computer Engineer, I write proudly. My lips are tipped up in a whisper of a smile, knowing how damn smart he is.

“Holy shit,” Duncan says with a bob of his head. “Did you graduate?”

“No,” Linus says almost apologetically. “I had three months left to graduate.”

“Is that something you want to pursue?” Callum asks curiously.

“I’m sure things have advanced so much in the past eight years, I’d have to start all over,” he sighs.

“I could pull your transcripts, change the name on it, and submit it to the University of Lyons,” Callum says. “Give you our last name if you’re cool with it so it can’t be traced. We can at least see how many of your credits would transfer to catch up on the technology changes.”

“That’s… wow,” Linus says, appearing gobsmacked.

We were just discussing how big the world felt, and here Callum is laughing in its face. Wow, indeed.

They want to claim us in all ways and give us the world?

“Is that seriously even possible?” Linus asks.

“Callum can do a lot behind a keyboard,” Duncan says with a smirk. “If he can’t, he’ll reach out to someone who can. Now, what else do we need?”

They just take everything in stride, replaceing a way to get around every obstacle. The elephant in the room is still Alpha Miles, though none of them know his name. He’s a black stain on my soul, as he was determined to break me completely before he threw me away.

Eighteen was simply too old for him. He likes his omegas between the ages of twelve and seventeen. He made me do a lot of sexual acts before he took my virginity. Anal wasn’t off the table, and he liked to make me cry.

On the day he dropped me off at the auction house, naked and bleeding, he told me he already had a fourteen year old being delivered to his home to break in.

I screamed and screamed, but not a single noise came out. My soul made those noises for the lost soul who was going to be forced to go through what I did. My face didn’t twitch as I watched him walk away, my vocal chords completely silent.

I didn’t speak to anyone else until Linus. I’m fully convinced that we saved each other the year he came to Slick Dreams.

Blinking, I plug into the conversation being had at the island, and Linus simply covers my hand with his and squeezes, doing a better job at anchoring me to the present than anything else.