Evening---Railway Station
Lev gripped Matev's tinny hand tightly as they stepped into the station. The crowed was thick, buzzing with noise, but Lev's heart was louder.
He couldn't do this anymore. Dimitri knew. He had to know. Lev seen it in his eyes yesterday --- the silence, the way he stared. He wasn't guessing anymore.
And Lev couldn't risk it. he had packed quietly that morning, told Matev they were going to visit somewhere ''Cool.''' His son smiled, clueless.
But now, standing in the crowed, Lev's breath stuttered.
His phone vibrated. Dimitri: Where are you, Lev? He didn't reply.
Suddenly, a loud honk echoed outside. People shouted. Traffic jam. Screech of tires. Lev instinctively pulled
Matev closer ------
Except....his hand was empty. ''Matev?'' he said. he turned.
Matev was gone. Panic. Pure panic.
''Matev!'' he shouted, running into the crowed. His voice cracked. ''Matev, answer Papa!''
People turned. No once helped.
His chest tightened. His knees buckled. Tears pricked his eyes. He checked every stall, every waiting bench, every wide, breath short.
Where is he? What if someone took him? What if Dimitri-----
He collapsed onto a metal bench outside the station, gasping for air. The sky had started to darken. His phone was dead. His body was frozen.
And then-----
A tall figure blocked the light.
Lev looked up, heart leaping into his throat.
Dimitri.
He stood still, black coat whipping in the wind. And beside him.. Matev. Crying. Safe. Holding Dimitri's hand tightly. Lev jumped up, eyes full of teras.
''What did you do?'' he snapped, rushing over and pulling Matev into arms. ''What did you do to him?''
Matev clung to him, confused. ''Papa....'''
Dimitri's jaw tightened. ''You really thought I'd hurt my own son?'' he said quietly.
Lev froze.
Dimitri looked him dead in the eyes. ''Yes, Lev. I know. He's mine.''
Lev's breath hitched.
Dimitri crouched down in front of them. ''He was on the road, Lev. Standing alone. A car swerved last second.'' His voice shook now. ''You left him.''
''I didn't mean-----'' Lev started, panic flooding again.
''You were running away. Again.'' Dimitri's voice rose. ''You can't even hold onto your own baby in a damn crowd!''
Lev flinched. people were starting to watch. Whisper.
Dimitri stood up. Walked to his car. Opened the passenger door. ''Get in.''
Lev didn't move.
''I'm not asking.''
Lev's arm curled protectively around Matev. But the child looked up, eyes big and teary. ''Papa, I don't wanna get lost again...'' Lev heart shattered. He held him together. Slowly---without speaking --- he stood up. Walked to the car.
Dimitri held the door open. Lev slid into the seat, clutching Matev onto his lap.
Dimitri closed the door hard. Got into the other side. Started the engine.
Silence.
Lev started out the window, trying to stop his hands shaking. Matev looked between them, confused, scared.
No one spoke.
Until finally, Dimitri's voice broke the silence.
''You're not running anymore, Lev.''
''This ends now.'' ---------------------------------------------------
The car ride was silent. Lev stared out the window, his arms wrapped tightly around Matev, who had finally stopped crying. Dimitri drove without a word, jaw clenched, eyes glued to the road. The city blurred past, bur Lev couldn't focus. His head was spinning.
When the car finally stopped, Lev blinked. Looked up. They were parked in front of a tall, modern building. Black gates. Private elevator. Expensive. Dimitri's place.
''Out,'' Dimitri said simply.
Lev hesitated.
''I won't say it twice, Lev.''
Lev opened the door slowly. Dimitri didn't help, didn't rush. He just stood there, watching Lev carry Matev out of the car like he might disappear if he let go.
Once inside the building, they stepped into a private elevator. Dimitri pressed the top floor button. Lev stomach turned.
Inside the penthouse.
The elevator doors opened with a soft ding. The penthouse was massive--marble floors, dark wood, soft lighting, but it felt like a trap.
Lev stepped slowly. Matev blinked at the big space, clinging to his omega's neck.
Dimitri walked ahead and tossed his keys on a table. ''Bedroom's down that hall. Second door. Use it.''
Lev didn't move. ''I'm not staying here.''
''You are,'' Dimitri said. Calm. Final. ''Unless you want another incident like today.''
Lev's throat tightened. He opened his mouth closed it again. I don't have a choice. He walked toward the hallway silently, whispering to Matev,''It's okay, baby .... just for tonight.'' ..............................