Locking horns

Upon hearing Robbie's voice, my eyes widen in shock. Did Robbie forget that my heat cycle was not over yet? Although I have taken my heat suppressant, nothing has changed. His body is most susceptible to the effects.

Astonished by Robbie's voice, Fred let go of me and stared at him with his mouth slightly open. I understood the reason for his surprise when I looked at Robbie. He was wearing a mask covering his nose and mouth. His hair was falling over his forehead, he looked calm, but the sharp gaze on his grey eyes betrayed his irritation. He was standing quietly, looking like a painting. He had his arms crossed and was eyeing Fred coldly. It was so unfair that even with a mask on, he still looked princely. Unbeknownst to me, my expression turned sour. After the initial shock, I noticed that he was leaning against the wall. Because of his quiet and cold demeanor, without any sweat or hard breath, I knew he was waiting for a while. I was astounded. He has a very impatient attitude which never allowed him to wait for anyone or anything.

"Who are you?" Fred asked, narrowing his eyes in suspicion.

"I don't think that is any of your business. I came to talk with him," Robbie said, pointing at me with his chin.

"And what if I do not let you?" Fred answered, raising his eyebrow.

Robbie glared. Fred was not phased. He scrutinized him from top to bottom, and then his eyes locked on Robbie's eyes. I could see comprehension dawning on his face. His face quickly changed color from tanned to red to purple,

"No wonder! I should have known. So, you are the bonded Alpha! What a pleasure to see you face to face," Fred said in a sarcastic tone.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, interfering.

Before these two Alphas start locking horns, I wanted to diffuse the situation. Robbie's glowering eyes softened as he turned to me. He exhaled heavily, as if trying to calm his distressed nerves and said in his usual tone,

"You shouldn't let any random people inside your house. Don't you know how dangerous it is nowadays?"

"He is no random person; he is my friend. I have known him since I came to this city, and I trust him," I answered patiently. I don't know what Robbie's deal was, but I am not about to let him insult Fred.

Fred was delighted by my reply. Robbie, on the other hand, looked thoroughly disappointed and depressed.

"Someone like you talking about danger to Tony is nothing but hypocrisy," Fred replied with his words laced with venom.

"What are you trying to imply? Tony is my bonded Omega and Twen is my son. Why would I ever put any of them in danger?" Robbie hissed.

"Says the guy who left both of them to starve on the streets," Fred immediately gave it back to Robbie.

Robbie flinched at Fred's words, is perfect features twisted in a grimace. He had no answer to Fred's rebuke. Despite his apparent distress, he refused to look down, but I could see that a tinge of sadness and guilt lingering in his eyes.

"Broh, you have some guts to be proclaiming Tony and champ to be yours after everything. Where were you and all this fake affection when you threw them away to beg on the streets? Where were you when champ almost died because of starvation?" Fred said, his face turning red with fury.

Robbie was totally tongue-tied. He could not answer and barely choked out the words,

"I know my wrongdoings; you don't have to rub salt on my wounds."

I saw Fred open his mouth angrily when I stopped him. Even though Fred was right, I also knew that Robbie was genuinely sorry about his actions. Poking his sore spot repeatedly won't change the reality, it is just plain cruel. I looked at Fred and said in a soft tone,

"Let it be!" both of them looked at me, but my eyes were fixed on Fred, "If I am not wrong, you still have some work to complete. You should leave now; it's turning dark. I'll call you later."

"But-" Fred said, looking worriedly at Robbie.

I understood his concern and looked at Robbie, speaking in a stiff tone, "Robbie, I don't think it's a good time for you to be here. I believe you haven't forgotten about yesterday," I said, turning to him.

Fred seemed to remember something and glared fiercely at Robbie again. Robbie looked as reluctant as Fred to leave.

"I have something to talk to you about," Robbie said, abruptly.

I bit my lips. This was not the best of times. I was worried that he might again lose it. I said decisively,

"For a few days, I believe it is in both of our best interests to keep some distance."

"It is really important." Robbie insisted.

"Stop forcing, pal. Don't you see he isn't interested? You should have some self-awareness. You know it well that his pheromones affect only you," Fred growled, giving Robbie a loathful look.

"I believe I was talking to Tony and not you. I wouldn't even have come if it was not urgent," Robbie answered. However, this time he did not speak with as much irritation as before but kept glowering at Fred.

"Being Tony's friend and well-wisher, I find it necessary to warn you. Tony is not a toy that you can play with and throw away as you wish." Fred hissed.

I sighed. What was with both of them? I could totally image two growling wolves going at each other. In fact, they really moved closer to each other. I came in between and spread my arms like a live 'STOP' sign making them back away. I saw Robbie immediately turn his head away. Looking at both of them, I said,

"Stop it already! Fred, you can leave! I can handle the rest," I said, gesturing Fred to leave.

Fred looked at me anxiously. I looked back at him firmly. He sighed, giving in, and finally nodded, saying, "Fine. If you say so. Are you sure everything will be fine?"

"Yes!" I said, strongly.

"Okay," he said, eyeing Robbie, who was not looking at him, "if you are in trouble, call me, I'll be here as quickly as possible."

This was said as a warning to Robbie. I knew he was still worried, but he did not push to stay back. I nodded to say that I will keep his words in mind and smiled. He smiled back before leaving. Then, I turned to Robbie, who was adjusting his mask,

"I don't think we can talk with you always trying to hold your breath," I said, shaking my head in exasperation.

"I promise not to lose control. What I want to discuss is important. In the last month, whenever we met, we either argued or got into... well...awkward situation. But today I really need to talk."

"Fine, if you're so stubborn, then come. If you lose it like last time, I am kicking you out!" I warned him.

He looked relieved and nodded. Though I can't see his mouth, I knew he was smiling. I wonder which side of Robbie is real. The one I saw in high school, the one who rejected me, the one am seeing now or all of it!? No matter what, even I want to talk to him and clear all my doubts and my convoluted feelings for him, once and for all!