The Night Movers S2 - Ch. 2.5 (Rain's POV) (Patreon)

This is just something I'm going to try where I occasionally pop an alt POV in just for funsies or context. I might keep them out of the main book and make them Patreon exclusive or offer them as bonus content. A lot of it will be backstory, flashbacks, etc. I need to do the next what happened during Ridley's heat chapter but I'm tapdancing as fast as I can. I hope you enjoy sweet little Rain's POV.

Rain sat outside Titus’s door, knees tucked to his chest, making himself as small as possible and just…listening. First to Ridley screaming, panic sharp in his voice. Then to them mating loudly, Titus’s filthy words making him blush. Now, to their rhythmic breathing, occasionally broken by Ridley’s quiet whimpers.

Rain sometimes had nightmares, but he rarely starred in his own dreams. They were usually of other people, other places. Kento had once laughed at him: Your own subconscious doesn’t think you deserve to star in your own dreams. Why should anyone else? Rain had stupidly thought Kento was his friend. But alphas and omegas could never just be friends. Not when one life provided monetary support for the other.

Ridley had so many nightmares. He was restless at night, crying, thrashing, kicking off blankets. Rain sometimes laid across him just to keep him calm. Ridley never woke when he did it. So Rain never told him.

It was a weird thing to do.

They weren’t pack.

Rain was just a pet, pampered or not. He wasn’t sure how Ridley would react if he knew…maybe he’d be angry. Maybe he’d laugh. Maybe he’d stop letting him share the bed and make him sleep on the floor like an actual pet. Rain’s stomach churned. Did Ridley like him? Would he think Rain deserved to comfort him through his nightmares? Ridley had six alphas. Real alphas, dangerous alphas, every one of them ready to protect him.

Somehow.

Rain envied Ridley in so many ways, but alphas scared him. They were a constant source of stress and fear. He never understood what they wanted–aside from the obvious–which always ended in punishments and humiliation. Alphas had never been a source of comfort for Rain. But somehow, they were for Ridley.

And that...that was the part Rain didn’t understand. It was like one of those optical illusion puzzles, the ones with the hidden picture. But the more he stared, the blurrier it became. Not that it should surprise him. Rain wasn’t very smart. Still, even he could see something was off.

Ridley tried to maintain the illusion, acting like he deferred to the alphas. But acting wasn’t his strong suit. It was obvious he was running the show. He was so blindly confident. Maybe that came from knowing he was protected. Or maybe Ridley was just his own particular brand of stupid.

What would Rain be like if someone had ever protected him? Maybe he’d be powerful too. He hadn’t even known omegas could be powerful until he met Vesper. A powerful omega. More powerful than Ridley. More evil too. Or so he hoped. He wanted to believe Ridley was good. Needed to believe Ridley was kind, that he was caring, that he truly meant to protect Rain.

Why else would he have rescued him? From Rurik. From the Kage Okami. From a life worse than any nightmare. For now, anyway.

Why had Ridley’s alphas let him rescue Rain? And not just let him, they’d helped him. Titus had killed Rurik for insulting Ridley. His Queen.

It made no sense. The Night Movers were the worst of the worst. That was known far and wide. Titus was the king of the underworld, and nobody challenged the king.

Except maybe Vesper.

And it wasn’t just lip service. Rain had seen it. He’d been there when Titus beheaded a Scavenger for touching his car before a race. He’d seen them drag omegas off crying and begging, never to be seen again.

But not here.

Here, they pretended Ridley was property. Cherished, but still property. Important, but not respected. Like one of Titus’s prized cars. But Rain saw the truth. When Ridley collapsed after seeing Ren, they panicked. They rushed to him, fretted over him. Titus came running and never left his bedside until he opened his eyes.

That wasn’t for show. That was real.

The show had been for Rain, so he wouldn’t see that Ridley had somehow infiltrated the worst pack alive and tamed them all.

Was it a secret? How could it be? Ridley had bitten Titus back. Ridley had collared an alpha. Ridley had ended Rurik’s life with a single request.

But how? Why? And why didn’t they want Rain to know how deep it went?

Because they didn’t trust him. Why would they? Rain didn’t trust them either. He was good at pretending. Good at being meek and subservient. Good at being a pet, a whore, a confidant. Whatever he had to be to survive.

Rain was small even for an omega. Sometimes, people pitied him. Like Kento had. He’d learned to use that to his advantage when he could. When he had to. Sometimes an omega’s only defense was their tears.

Rain bit back a whimper at the thought of Kento. His former pack’s heir. They’d been raised together. Yumi had purchased Rain at six years old. First as a companion for her son. Then, once he presented, as a prize. An incentive. A bargaining chip.

The worst part was that Rain had been grateful. 

At first.

Kento had made promises. Promised that when he was in charge, he’d make them teach Rain to read, to write, to do math. Basic skills Rain would need to survive. Promised that whoever Rain went to would treat him kindly.

It had all been lies.

Rain still couldn’t read. Couldn’t write. Anything.

Maybe it would have been different if Yumi hadn’t given him to Hideo. But probably not.

Hideo hadn’t been overtly cruel. Not like Rurik. He didn’t treat Rain like a punching bag. Just shoved him, slapped him, corrected him when he had to. When Rain misbehaved, embarrassed him, or during his rut. Or just sex in general. Always framed as discipline. Always ‘for his own good.’

Those days had been…unpleasant. But tolerable.

Rain thought they were okay. He thought Hideo was content with him. Maybe not happy, but content. Rain wasn’t special, not like other omegas. He had no skills, no talents. His gift was useless. But he was well-behaved. Quiet. Respectful. He did what he was told.

Hideo had never claimed him, not even as pack omega, but Rain thought if he just behaved long enough, he would.

Then Hideo offered him up as a prize. Like he was nothing. Like he was furniture. Like an old car he was trading away. He hadn’t even looked broken up about it.

The only one upset was Orochi. He’d always wanted Rain. But not because he cared. No, Orochi wanted whatever his brother had. Rain was no different. He’d been fending him off in secret for years. When he learned of the bet, he’d accused his brother of doing it just to spite him. Like Rain was nothing more than a favorite toy.

But clearly not. Rain was nobody’s favorite anything. That became crystal clear–even to someone as stupid as him–the moment Hideo offered him to Rurik.

It shouldn’t have hurt as much as it did, but it felt like someone had opened a trapdoor beneath his feet and dropped him straight into hell.

Of all the people to offer him to.

Everyone knew what Rurik did to omegas he ‘won.’ Rain should be grateful to still be alive. But the things he endured at that alpha’s hands were so bad, so painful, so wrong, that the only way he survived was by retreating into himself, hiding in a corner of his own mind while his body endured. Rurik broke him in less than a week. Rain gave up all hope.

Until Ridley.

Ridley had treated him like a person. Even if he called him pet. Sometimes, when he was alone, Rain touched himself the way Ridley had, just to remember what it felt like. Pathetic. Weak. He couldn’t let himself get comfortable. Ridley had pretty words and big ideas, but he was still an omega.

But then so was Vesper.

And Vesper gave orders to the worst packs alive. Vesper had a gift. Just like Ridley. Just like Rain. But maybe Rain should keep that to himself. Who could he trust with a secret like that?

He bit his lip as thoughts of Jensen flooded his brain, his body responding in ways he didn’t want to examine too closely.

He couldn’t explain his attraction to Jensen. It wasn’t scent. It wasn’t looks. It was deeper. Whenever Jensen was near, Rain felt…safe. Safe enough to sleep. Really sleep. If Rain was a pet, then Jensen was the only master who had ever made him feel free.

And Ridley saw it. Teased him about it daily.

Rain knew it wouldn’t last. Jensen belonged to Ridley. Jensen was bonded to Ryker…somehow. They looked at each other with something Rain had never been given. Not even in the best parts of his old life. They looked at each other with love. With respect. With longing. They looked at each other like equals. Something Rain would never be.

Rain didn’t even mind the idea of sharing. Packs shared. They always had. Even back when omegas were sacred. Coveted. Holy. They were still the pack’s omega. Meant to bare all of their children. Bigger packs had more than one omega, but they’d been respected, revered. If things were different, Rain would want Jensen and Ryker both. He’d be good to them both. Hell, he’d be good to all of them, if it meant being safe. If it meant being cared for. If it meant being…revered, like Ridley.

But that didn’t matter.

What mattered was what had happened in Jensen’s room.

The static. The screen. The vision.

It hadn’t just been Ridley. Rain had seen something too. Felt it. It was like something inside him had turned on. Electric. Buzzing. A hum behind the static. It wasn’t the first time he’d felt it. But it was the first time he’d actually seen something come of it. Something more than quiet droning or whispered voices that were never quite clear enough to make out.

Was this all Rain’s fault? He should keep it to himself. That would be smart. But Rain wasn’t smart. They’d established that years ago.

And he needed to get this off his chest. He needed to tell someone.

He needed to tell Jensen.

He stood on shaky legs, letting instinct guide him. His bare feet padded soundlessly down the hallway. He passed Ryker’s room, paused briefly, then kept walking. The door to the tech suite was cracked, the glow of Jensen’s monitors spilling into the hall like a beacon.

Of course.

He found Jensen exactly where he expected him: bent over a desk, cables and tools in meticulous chaos around him. His curls were pulled back, glasses perched low on his nose. He looked up, sensing Rain before he heard him.

“Hey,” Jensen said softly, pushing back from the desk. “Can’t sleep?”

Rain shook his head. He hesitated in the doorway.

Jensen studied him. Then, gently asked, “Wanna come in?”

Rain nodded and stepped inside.

Jensen patted the stool beside him, but Rain slid down to the floor at his feet instead, pressing his cheek to Jensen’s thigh, eyes falling shut when Jensen’s hand found his hair.

“You okay?” The alpha’s voice was smooth, low, soothing in a way Rain wanted to wrap himself in and hide forever.

He’d come here to tell him about his…gift. But now, with those fingers combing through his hair, he hesitated.

“You can tell me. I can smell your fear, your anxiety,” Jensen said, voice calm, steady. “I also know why you came to me. So just tell me. You’re safe with me. You know that. I know you do.”

For now, a voice whispered meanly.

“Something happened. When he saw the…the girl. Ren?”

“Go on,” Jensen encouraged softly. “It’s okay.”

Rain pulled away, tucking his knees to his chest, arms locked around them, suddenly freezing. Only his eyes peeked out over the tops. “I saw it too. The screen. The static. The…girl.”

Jensen turned his chair towards him, elbows braced on his knees, leaning in. “What do you mean?”

“It’s–It’s not new,” Rain mumbled. “I’ve noticed it since I was little. Storms make it worse. Places with lots of towers or electricity give me headaches.”

“I’m not following,” Jensen said carefully.

“When it happened, I…felt something. Inside. Like a switch flipped. It happened just before Ridley saw what he saw. I think I’m the reason it happened. I think I’m the…radio tower.”

Jensen didn’t laugh. Didn’t tease. His brows drew together, thoughtful. “I’m listening.”

Rain’s chest squeezed. He tried to explain, the feeling, the hum, the way he’d seen the girl too but hadn’t felt safe saying so, too afraid of what it meant.

“I think I helped him see her,” Rain whispered. “I think…I think I was the reason it happened.”

Jensen’s expression darkened, and Rain instantly flinched.

“I’m sorry,” Rain rushed. “I didn’t mean to–I don’t know how to control it. It doesn’t happen just ’cause I want it to. I never want it. It feels awful, like biting a fork. I swear, I—”

Jensen dropped to the floor beside him in one smooth movement. “No, Rain. No. I’m not mad. I’m thinking.”

Rain’s voice was a whisper. “You think it was me too. Don’t you?”

Jensen didn’t answer right away. He pulled in a slow breath. “I think you might have been a conduit. Like a signal boost. Ridley’s ability isn’t designed to pick up the past. But Ren’s psychic imprint was powerful. Maybe too weak to reach him…until you were near. Ridley sees the future. Maybe Ren projected the past through her bond with him.”

“So it was me? I’m the reason he saw her.”

Jensen nodded once. “Maybe.”

Rain felt like crying. “Then maybe I can help? Maybe I can do it again somehow?”

“We’re not going to tell anyone about this. Especially not Ridley. Not until we figure out exactly what triggered this, and whether you can do it again on purpose.”

“But…I can’t lie to him. He saved me,” Rain whispered.

“Do you care about Ridley?” Jensen asked.

Rain nodded, tears spilling down his cheeks.

“Then think about what will happen if he thinks you’re the radio signal that boosted the imprint of his sister. He’ll try to recreate that moment again. Over and over. He won’t stop. He’ll push himself until he breaks.”

“He’ll hate me,” Rain said.

Jensen wiped his tears away with gentle fingers. “Nobody could hate anyone as sweet as you,” he said with a soft smile. “But if it makes you feel better–I’m telling you, as your alpha–this stays between you and me. I’ll tell people when I feel they need to know. In the meantime, you’re going to help me.”

His alpha…Rain didn’t want to read into the words, but Jensen grinned. “You like being called mine, huh? You smell so sweet right now. Cute.” 

Rain buried his face in his hands. “Stop.” 

Jensen laughed softly, then suddenly something warm was wrapping around him. It smelled like him. Rain brought it to his nose and inhaled deeply. His hoodie. Had he been shivering? It was always cold in this place.

“How am I gonna help you?” he finally thought to ask. 

“We’re gonna figure out how your gift works. Try to see if we can get you to trigger it on purpose. Once we know how it works, then we’ll have a better shot at helping Ridley find Ren. That makes sense, doesn’t it?”

Rain chewed on his bottom lip. “Yeah, I guess.” After a moment, his curiosity got the best of him. “Does everybody include Ryker?”

Jensen smiled, dropping from his crouch to sit cross-legged beside Rain, mirroring his posture, knees tucked close. “You don’t think I keep things from Ryker?”

“Do you?” Rain asked.

He huffed out a soft laugh. “No. But I didn’t think we were that obvious.”

Rain’s eyes went wide. “Is it…a secret? Are you two–Can I ask–It’s none of my business. Never mind, I’m sorry,” he rushed.

“It’s not a secret. Not intentionally, anyway. Ryker and I have known each other a long time. We’re best friends.”

“Just friends?” Rain asked hesitantly.

“We’ve never really defined anything past that.”

Rain thought of letting it go, but he wasn’t sure he’d ever get another chance. “But you are…you do…”

“Fuck?” Jensen supplied with a grin.

Rain flushed. “Yeah.”

Jensen laughed, eyes crinkling at the corners. “Yeah.”

“But you’re not…officially together?” Rain asked.

“Why?” Jensen teased. “You interested in my bestie?”

Rain shook his head furiously before the words were even out. “No. No. That’s not it.”

“You’re so easy to play with,” Jensen said.

“Sorry,” Rain murmured. “I’m not good with that kind of thing.”

Jensen frowned, his face softening. “What kind of thing?”

“I need people to tell me things plainly. I don’t always get sarcasm or teasing. And that makes people mad.”

“People? You mean Hideo?” Jensen asked gently.

It was only fair, Rain had started asking questions. “Yeah, him. Kento didn’t mind, but Hideo said I was a…simpleton. That I probably couldn’t read even if they tried to teach me.”

“You can’t read?” Jensen asked.

The surprise in his voice made Rain shrink. He shook his head. “Kento promised to teach me, but when Yumi gave me to Hideo, he said it was a waste, like trying to teach a dog math. He said I was bred to warm beds, not read in them.”

Jensen’s jaw tightened. “He sounds like an asshole.”

Rain’s chest squeezed.

“Well, he’s dead now. Why are you being so nice to me? You kill omegas like me. Don’t you?” he asked in a rush, before he lost his nerve. 

“I think you know the answer to that,” Jensen chided softly. “But you’d be smart to pretend you don’t.”

“Nobody accused me of being smart,” Rain shot back with a hint of a smile, then remembered who he was talking to. “Not that–not that I’d tell anyone. I’m smart enough not to tell anyone. I promise.”

“Breathe, petal. Nobody’s mad. You’re safe here. Especially with me.”

Rain tried to calm down, but his nervous system wasn’t listening. “Can you do the thing, please?” he begged.

It only took seconds for pheromones to flood his senses, his whole body going slack, his head falling onto Jensen’s shoulder. “Thanks.”

“Rain?”

He flinched at the sound of his name. “Can you…call me the other thing?”

“The other thing?”

“Petal…” he whispered, too high to be embarrassed.

“Sure.”

“What were you going to say?”

“Would you like me to teach you to read?”

Rain’s breath hitched. He wanted to look up at him but he was too tired. “You’d do that?”

“I wouldn’t offer otherwise,” Jensen said.

Of course he wanted it. But how long would they even keep him? How much could he really learn before they sold him off again? Still, he couldn’t squander the chance. Right?

“Yeah, I’d like that,” he managed, eyelids heavy.

“Then sleep, petal. You can sleep in my bed tonight…if you want?”

Rain managed to crack his lids enough to ask, “You and Ryker?” 

He couldn’t see his face, but he could hear the grin in his voice as he said, “Sure, petal. If that’s what you want.” 

“That sounds nice,” he said, before he slipped off to sleep.