Page 73 of Alpha & Omega

“Our relationship happened pretty fast, and at first, I was afraid because he told me all the things I needed to hear, and I wasn’t in a good place mentally, as you know. No one had ever been passionate about me before. While I was nervous, I loved it, too. I didn’t want you to stop my relationship, but things had only gotten worse. I’d met Justin at AA. We hit off really well, and our relationship escalated quickly. I… fell head over heels for him. While I tried to justify and lie to myself about the abuse, you and I had both seen it enough in foster care. We know signs. I just couldn’t do it anymore… not after today. That’s why I really called you, but I’m so scared. And my stupid brain keeps telling me he didn’t mean it.”

“You don’t need to be hurt to have love, Tony. In fact, those two words shouldn’t go together at all. Someone who truly loves you would never do this.”

He nodded. “I know.”

Soon, the doctor came in with the social worker and went over Tony’s injuries with his permission. Then he told the social worker his story and that he wanted charges pressed against his boyfriend.

The police were soon called in, and he gave them his statement before they headed out to arrest Justin for domestic abuse.

By the time we wrapped it all up, it was nearly four in the morning. Tony had to stay overnight for monitoring due to a concussion. He also had two cracked ribs, which they bound. Other than that, he sustained bruises and some lacerations. All in all, he would recover just fine… at least physically. He’d probably need help with therapy again.

When everyone left the room, I yawned and stretched. “I’m going to pack your things and bring you home with me.”

“Okay,” he said, nodding sleepily. “But only temporary. I still have a lease and… I need my space, King.”

“Fine, as long as that asshole doesn’t know where you are. We’ll find you a new job, too.” I leaned forward and kissed his forehead. “I’m going to get some sleep, and I’ll be back late morning.”

By the time I gathered my things and left his room, Tony had already fallen asleep. I felt more at ease with him coming home with me. He could save money and get his life back on track. Eventually, he could get his own apartment if he wanted, but I needed him closer to me in Baltimore.

When I stepped outside, I texted Harley that all was fine, which initiated an instant call back.

“Hey,” I said when I answered. “You didn’t have to stay up on my account.”

“I was worried about you and Tony. How is he?”

“He’s in a lot of pain with a concussion and two cracked ribs, but hopefully, he’ll be home later today.”

“Is he going to…”

I sighed. “Yeah, he’s having his boyfriend arrested as we speak. He’s going to press charges, thank fuck.”

“Thank god. Is there anything you need from me? Anything at all?”

“No, thanks, though. I’ll be home in a couple of days, and Tony’s coming with me. Fuck, this shit is going to sting financially, but it is what it is. It’s all out of my control now.”

“We’ll figure something out, baby. I’ll try to come up with some ideas to bring more business to Alpha’s. You’re going to be okay.”

“Thanks. Listen, I’m at my car. I’m going to crash at Tony’s place for a bit before I get him packed up.”

“Okay. Call me if you need anything.”

“I will.”

“Love you.”

I smiled at that. “Thanks. I needed to hear that.” My words felt so inadequate, but I just struggled to let those words tumble freely out of my mouth, even though I was sure I felt the same. Something kept holding me back, which was stupid because Harley was an amazing man. It just felt like everything was just currently weighing me down. I was waiting for that last weight to be added and watching my world just crumble around me. If I told him how I felt, the fear that it would all end was too much for me right then.

I got on the highway and drove to Tony’s place toward Arlington, fighting back the sleep and yawns. My eyes fucking stung from a lack of sleep.

I flipped on the radio to keep myself awake when something suddenly clipped my car hard enough to force the wheel out of my hands. My hands scrambled to get control of my car as it careened and spun across the highway until the airbags exploded, blinding me to where I was or what was happening. I suddenly crashed into something, and my car rolled and rolled until I hit something again and came to a stop. I hung upside down, completely dazed and in sudden pain, when something else struck me, spinning my car again before settling down.

I was even more disoriented and dizzy. Blood burned my eyes, dripping from my mouth, and I tried to wipe it away. I hung there, unmoving and processing, struggling to focus. My heart tried to punch through my chest, and I struggled to catch my breath.

Car accident. Someone hit me. More than one car hit me.

Then, the pain exploded everywhere, but mostly in my left leg. The fire. It felt like someone put my leg in a vise of burning fire. I tried to move, but there was blinding pain…

Darkness consumed me.

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