There was another long silence and then a faint whimper.
Riot’s hands fisted on his thighs. His cock pulsed, leaking now—he could feel the wet spot spreading in his underwear, his body responding to every sound of distress like it was a mating call.
“You okay back there,cariño?“ Lilac asked, glancing in the rearview mirror.
“I’m... yes. Just cramping a little.” Cass’s voice was tight. “I was told we were born with our designations. That it was the universe’s plan for... for harmony. Brother Matthias said Omegas and Alphas were meant to complete each other. That it was natural law.”
“It’s biological manipulation disguised as natural law,” Riot said. “It doesn’t make the feelings less real. But the system was designed to benefit corporations, not people.”
“Oh.” Cass’s voice was very small. “That’s... that’s a lot to...”
He trailed off, and Riot heard him shift in his seat, fabric rustling against leather. The sound shouldn’t have been erotic. It was just movement, just cloth on upholstery. But Riot’s brain supplied the image anyway—Cass squirming, trying to get comfortable, his thighs pressing together as slick leaked out of him, that desperate empty ache building in his core—
Stop. Stop thinking about it.
“Take your time,” Lilac said. “It’s a lot to process.”
“Why is there a lift in the back?” Cass asked suddenly, his voice steadier like he was trying to distract himself. “Does someone in your community use a wheelchair?”
“My partner,” Lilac said. “Granny Lu. She runs the Collective. She’s not about to let a little thing like not walking stop her from getting around.”
“That’s really...” Cass paused, and Riot heard him swallow. “That’s really thoughtful. In Elysian territory, they always said physical limitations were signs of spiritual resistance. People who couldn’t walk or see properly weren’t allowed in the... in the main meditation spaces.”
The casual cruelty of that statement made Riot turn fully in his seat.
And there was Cass—beautiful, flushed, suffering Cass—looking at him with those blown pupils and that trembling lower lip, and Riot’s vision went gold at the edges. “That’s—” He caught himself before he swore. “That’s messed up.”
Cass flinched slightly anyway, and Riot softened his voice. “Sorry. I just mean... that’s not right. Physical disabilities aren’t spiritual failures. They’re just part of how some people’s bodies work. That’s all.”
“Oh.” Cass’s brow furrowed. “That makes more... more sense, actually. I always wondered why the meditation masters seemed so angry at people who couldn’t... couldn’t help their...”
“Riot,” Lilac said quietly, casting a glance in his direction. “His scent…”
I know. I fucking know.
“I’m okay,” Cass said, attempting a weak smile. His face was sheened with sweat now, and he was gripping the door handle so hard his knuckles were white. “Everything just... aches. And I can’t get comfortable. And there’s this... this feeling like...”
He stopped, flushing darker.
“Like what?” Riot prompted.
“Like something’s wrong inside me. Empty. I don’t know how to explain it.” Cass’s voice wavered. “Can you... would you come sit with me? Please?”
No. Terrible idea. Worst possible decision.
“Riot—” Lilac began, a warning in her tone.
But Cass was hunched over, arms wrapped around himself, trembling and trying so hard to be brave. And underneath the want—underneath the relentless pulse oftake him, claim him, fill him—was something softer. Something that wanted to gather Cass up and hold him until the pain stopped. Something that ached at the sight of those tears threatening to spill.
Oh, fuck. I’m in so much trouble.
He climbed into the backseat.
“Riot!” Lilac made a frustrated sound. “Keep your hands where I can see them,cabrón.”
“This is better,” Cass breathed, and the relief in his voice was palpable. He stayed pressed against his side of the seat, but Riot could see him fighting the instinct to move closer. “Just having you near is... it helps.”
“You don’t have to stay over there,” Riot heard himself say. “If proximity helps.”
