Chapter 1 - Saving You
October 17, 2010
I was sitting at the table along with several others. Surrounding the table were officers Benny Lafitte, Garth Fitzgerald, and our Commanding Officer, Jody Mills. I'd worked with them all since I joined the police force at 21. I knew them well and trusted them with my life.
Sitting to my right was the head of Cyber Crimes, Charlie Bradbury. Charlie was young to be the head of Cyber Crimes but she was very good. I'd seen her find information in minutes where others had worked for hours. I wasn't sure about her background and I'd only known her for about two years.
Beside her were the District Attorney, Bobby Singer, and his Assistant District Attorney, Donna Hascum. Donna was rather new to the district attorney's office and was proving to be tough on sexual offenders or anyone involved in sex crimes. She worked tirelessly to present the facts in ways a Jury could understand them as well. I liked her for this reason.
Bobby had been in the District Attorney's office for well over ten years now. Outside law enforcement, Bobby was like a father to me; he'd even encouraged me to join the police force.
Jody rose from her spot at the head of the table. "Alright fellas. We've got one job today. Save as many lives as possible. Dean, are you aware of your assignment?"
I nodded. "I'm going in as an alpha who is looking to buy a new omega or beta for my home. I'm open to spending what it takes, and I'm looking for someone who won't complain and follows directions."
Jody nods. "And you remember the rules here?"
"Yes, Ma'am. I've got my wire on and camera active. Once Mr. Wainwright has taken the money, I take possession of the individual. I must make it out of the doors for the sale to be considered complete. After that, the SWAT team will go in and arrest or save whoever is inside."
"Bobby, do you need to add anything?" Jody asks.
"Be careful what you say, Dean. You shouldn't stray much from the task and don't ask any questions not related to your own purchase. However, it would be nice if we had a guess on how many are held there before SWAT goes inside."
"It would be, but it's not a deal breaker," Jody replied.
"Right. Our goal today is to arrest and charge Alistair Wainwright. We've got a good case on him for human trafficking, forced prostitution, and even drug related crimes. He has been seen purchasing and selling various drugs but we were unsure if he used those on the individuals he held captive. We don't want to blow this arrest and tip him off to our suspicions. We need solid evidence," Donna explained.
The sting was happening today, and soon. We'd been following and making contact with Alastair Wainwright for several months now. We wanted him, primarily, but we would arrest anyone that needed to be, and charge them with whatever we could. They needed to be brought down.
We had done stings before and arrested dozens of alphas, betas, and even omegas. We saved countless lives because of this. Even though our society had changed a lot just in the last few decades, in regards to rights for omegas, some still had the belief they were only good for breeding, despite the fact that betas could also have children. It was known that betas often didn't relieve rut or heat symptoms, though. The people under Alistair were often not there by choice, having been forced into trafficking. These individuals were often alone and unable to fight him, which was why we were there.
"Dean, did you remember the contacts Garth got for you?" Donna asked.
I glanced at her and smiled. "I have them on. I learned my lesson."
The last sting I'd gone in on had several extremely young omegas. My red eyes had alerted the sellers, and they shut me down before I was able to make a sale. Garth had recommended the contacts so that if I got pissed, my eyes wouldn't give me away. If no one here had even noticed, then the makers of my contacts had done a great job.
"Alright, let's get ready."
The next few hours were spent checking my wire and camera, ensuring they both worked properly and were well-hidden under my clothes. Thanks to Charlie, they were undetectable. The others geared up with anything and everything they may need to take them down. Guns, ammo, stun grenades, stun guns, and various types of gasses. They made sure their own equipment was in working order, and at a quarter-to-ten we were on the move.
I usually drove my 1967 Impala. She was my baby, but I'd never put her in harm's way! The cars would be parked on the street, and the potential for the car to be damaged with gunshots was too high to drive her. So, I was driving a police-impounded hot rod. I didn't even like this model, and it didn't drive or ride very well. I parked in front of the address Alistair had given me just last night and, while I couldn't see my backup, I knew they were in place and waiting. I got out, got the bag from the passenger seat, and then headed to the door. A knock had his bodyguard, simply known as Ace, checking the peep hole and letting me into the warehouse.
The front of the place was dark and dreary. A large room had two doors coming off it and a long hallway leading straight down with more doors. Ace led me to the right side where the office was. Alastair was sitting behind his desk, smug look and all.
"Good Morning, Mr. Winchester."
The nasally voice grated my nerves, and had for months at this point. But, hopefully today was his last day of freedom. "Good Morning, Mr. Wainwright. I was expecting this to be a... fancier place, given our previous meetings."
His smile made me cringe. "Fancy is not where our merchandise belongs. Your information was vetted by my guy and you've passed. Otherwise we wouldn't be here."
"I'm glad that I passed. I'm hoping we can make an arrangement today. I'm a bit eager."
"We have a good selection. You didn't mention a preference. Of course, the previous meetings were held in very public locations and we couldn't discuss the kinkier side of things or what you were specifically wanting."
I smiled. "That they were. I have two house-betas already, both well trained. But neither are capable of keeping up during ruts. I think I would like to aim for an omega if possible."
"While I do have some awesome betas available, I do have a few omegas as well. They're not as easy to come by. Did you have an age preference?"
I nodded curtly and contemplated the question; if I said the wrong thing he could back out. "I would prefer someone younger, but not a child. I'm hoping to start a family soon and want them to be able to carry."
He pulled out the drawer on the left side of the desk and peered inside. I made sure I was angled so the camera caught this, even though I couldn't see what was inside the drawer. Once we were able to gather evidence, we'd have him on camera looking at whatever was in there.
"I believe that I have two here that could fit the bill. One... in particular is very... tame."
I didn't like the sound of that. "Tame" often meant they'd been heavily abused. But I smiled. "Let's see them then."
He got up and I followed him out, letting him lead me down the hallway. I could see into some of the rooms, showing people sitting on beds-- some sleeping, some reading. It was hard to immediately tell if they were here on their own. Sometimes the sellers have individuals who enter prostitution voluntarily -- they were often kept in the same conditions and offered to be sold if they wanted that. Determining if each person fell under that category wasn't always easy.
"You can hold, what? Fifteen or so here?"
He nodded stiffly. "Potentially more, if needed. Although, the ones here now are usually amenable to the buyers. If not, we do have contacts. Don't fret, Mr. Winchester. If we don't have what you are looking for here, we can find whatever you desire." A moment later he was stopping outside a door and using a key to unlock the brass bolt. "Option one."
The smell that drifted out of the room was sweet and reminded me of cherries. The scent also told me she was here on her own; there were no signals of distress or depression. The overly sweet, happy scents were not the norm for individuals held against their will and forced to do things they don't want to. Odds are, this omega was looking for a sugar daddy to take her home. The smell wasn't the only clue either. The room had posters, a book stand with various titles, and even colorful bedding. All signs that she was here willingly.
I could take her and get the show moving, but she couldn't truthfully tell a judge or jury that she was held against her will. She would tell them she was here willingly. It would get us a prostitution charge, but nothing else, even though Alastair was essentially selling her to me.
"She is very nice. But, I'm not really wanting someone who requires major upkeep. She doesn't seem like she would tolerate that well."
Based on her expression, I was right on that. Alastair nodded and then relocked her room.
"Option two is male. Is that okay? You haven't really stated whether or not you would tolerate a male."
"As long as he can take my knot, I don't care."
"I'm sure he can."
He moved farther down the hallway and to the very last door, which had two locks versus the one on the girl's. The smell outside the room was acidic, and tinged with the scent of blood. I couldn't detect any trace of sweetness or underlying omega scent. He swung the door open, and I stepped up. The smell got more pungent as I moved in. I could tell why once inside the door.
The omega in question was strapped down to a breeding bench with leather cuffs around his ankles and wrists. From the looks of the bruising, he'd been there awhile. I walked over closer and could tell he was underweight. I could see ribs on his sides. Dark black hair hung limply around his head, but I couldn't see his face. I could see fabric ties around his head, though. He was either blindfolded, gagged, or both.
I moved around the bench, inspecting him like Donna had asked me too. Large welts ran from his shoulders down to his knees. I could feel the heat sweep through my veins as anger suffused me. I was positive that, behind the green contacts, my eyes were starting to fade to red. I ran my finger over one welt and found it was fresh, but he didn't react at all to my touch. As much as I didn't want to, I kneeled at his feet. He was shaven clean, a silver cock cage encasing him. It was too small. I could see visible red marks around the base and behind the balls. Not to mention the inner thighs showing signs of the cage rubbing.
From this view, I could also see the semen running down his thighs, and the artificial slick. That, combined with the redness around his hole and cheeks, said it was most likely not something he asked for or wanted.
"Someone has been inside him recently."
"They must earn their keep. He hasn't been knotted in months though. Most of my alpha clients don't like that he complies, they want fighters. Betas don't care."
"And the whipping he just got?"
He simply shrugged, and while I wanted to demand an answer, I couldn't. It might set off an alarm if I appeared to care too much. I hadn't asked for a virgin, after all.
"I assume that he knows his place?"
"Yes. He does," he replied.
His voice was ripping my nerves apart now, so damn calm and I didn't know how anyone could look at this omega and be okay. I was going to regret asking but had to.
"What price are you asking for him? He seems young, has a pretty nice ass though."
"Five thousand." He stated.
I blinked. "I think I misunderstood, five thousand? That seems...low. The betas I purchased years ago were more than that."
His eyes traveled to the omega. "Alphas are our primary client, he doesn't fight and you can smell him as much as I can. Even during heats it doesn't improve much. He's worn out his time with us. If he's not up to your standard then I can certainly find another omega."
"I can smell him and, well, I like the idea of not fighting." I made one more pass around the bench, more for the camera itself than for me. The omega had barely moved at all, the rise and fall of his back the only indication he was even alive.
"I'll take him, preferably today if possible."
"That can be arranged. As soon as the payment clears."
We returned to the front and from here I could see two others enter the room at the end of the hallway. I presumed they would get him presentable enough while we made the exchange of money. Phones were used to make the transfer, something Charlie was monitoring in the van. Of course, the account I was using was not my own; it was a department account set up for this purpose. Money was no object and five grand was a piece of cake. Still, it took ten minutes for the transfer to go through and him to declare it complete. He made a call and some small talk before we went back to the front entryway. Five minutes later they were walking him up the hallway.
"I see why you said to bring a long coat."
"Yes, our merchandise doesn't own much. The cage is included."
The only thing he had on was what looked like a potato sack and once he was closer I could see it was! A quick reminder that I had to get out of the building before I could deck this asshole. The sack wasn't even long enough to cover him and the front of his legs looked just as rough with marks as well. I imagined his chest and abdomen would be the same. The collar around his neck was too tight, I could see puffs of skin above it, but he seemed to be breathing okay. The end of the chain was handed to me and I noted it was connected in the front as well as the sides, using it to guide him. His head was so far down I could only see a little of his forehead.
"Is there anything left to do?" I asked.
"No, payment has cleared and your merchandise is here. He is yours to do what you please with."
"Thank you, I am sure I will thoroughly enjoy him once I am home."
As he stood, he was indecent to even be outside in public. So, I got the brown trench coat I had dug out of my own closet. His head remained down even as I put the coat around his slender frame.
"Enjoy your new toy."
I nodded and as much as I hated it, gave the leash a gentle tug. As if on cue he walked forward and this close I could tell he wasn't steady at all, but it wasn't far to the door.
"Come now, you can make it ten feet to the door and then to my car."
His stance didn't improve, but the distance I mentioned was more for Jody and the team than him. My duty was done for this raid. As soon as I got him outside, the team would storm in. I'd only be allowed in again once I had protective gear on.
I gently maneuvered him to the door and slowly he followed my lead. The moment his feet touched the pavement he whined and held back. It broke my heart. I wholeheartedly wished I could just pick him up and go.
"Fifteen feet and it's fine."
We made it ten feet away from the door before the swat vehicles screeched to a halt, before the police cars, sirens, and other noises alerted them to the raid. I got another three steps before gunshots erupted and then all hell broke loose.
I put him against the wall and shielded him with my body. I heard a grunt and this close there was still an acidic smell, the smell of dirty omega as well. Clearly they didn't bath him before sending him out. I could feel his head on my shoulder and the air moving around my neck as he breathed in deeply.
"It's okay. You're safe."
I could feel his body shaking against me, his breathing was good though. Yet, I could still sense the distress in the overly acidic scent and I could also feel the moment he began to fade. I should wait for someone to clear me but I couldn't risk it, he was passing out on me. He needed medical attention.
It took a bit of maneuvering but I picked him up and headed south again, before Ellen met me with a stretcher.
"What's up?"
"He passed out and I don't know if it's health related or just the noise was overload. He whined when he got outside. He's been assaulted and whipped, that collar needs to go as well. He's literally got a potato sack under this. Also, that fucking cage needs to go."
"I'll tend to what is most important."
Now that he was laying on a stretcher I could really see his face. The shallow appearance indicated malnutrition, but I had figured that based on his weight. His face was also very pale, which could be why he hesitated as well, along with the hot pavement. He probably hasn't been outside in a while.
What I didn't expect was for him to look so young.
Now that he was laying on a stretcher I could tell he was really young but his face showed malnutrition because of the shallow appearance. He was also very pale.
"I'm going to head back and help them. See if Charlie can identify him."
"Will do."
My first task was to see Jody. Make sure it was okay for me to head into the building. Once I was cleared by her I got a vest for safety and then headed inside.
Alastair and four others had been arrested and were sitting in different squad cars. They would be taken in for interviews soon.
More ambulances had arrived as well. Ellen was running the medical side of this raid. I could see a paramedic in the ambulance with the omega I brought out though.
For the next hour or so I helped other officers. Whether it be fetching a paramedic, clearing an area of debris, calming down a victim, or helping eject those that were here on their own and didn't want to leave.
A few of the victims were in rough shape with bruising, welts, or general malnutrition. None were as bad as the Omega I took out first. I did understand why his price was so low though.
The ones here on their own were between happy and pissed. The one he had shown me first was pissed because she claimed to have it good here. At least one other one was pissed too and didn't want to leave.
I brought out my last victim and started to head back in when Charlie stepped in front of me.
"You. Me. Now."
I didn't argue, just followed. Once we were at her van she instructed me to take my shirts off so she could retrieve the wires and camera device. She needed to handle those properly for evidence purposes. I stripped them off and sat down on the little bench.
"Have they been able to identify anyone yet?"
"Yes, mostly those that were here on their own. An older beta was named Mildred Green, she'd been held for two years and was delighted to tell me her name."
"And the others?"
"I've gotten prints from some. The one you brought out first, I have his but can't run them without reliable Internet."
"Is he still here?"
"I have no idea."
I nodded, he was most likely already gone to the hospital.
Once she was done with me Jody called my name. I bid Charlie a farewell and went to the group huddle. Jody gave an overview of what had happened.
We arrested four bad guys and it was clear at least one had gotten away. We had rescued five people who were here on their own and a total of fifteen who were not. It was time for us to wrap up and let crime scene techs take over. Thankfully, no one had died.
The part of my job I hate the most was next - paperwork. I loved saving people and putting criminals behind bars but I hated the paperwork.
The last ambulance had left at quarter to three and the crime scene was now going inside after our final sweep. Jody had put two in charge of Alastair's office specially.
"Whose doing interviews?" I asked.
Jody looked at me. "You don't want to?"
"Oh, I want to. But, I don't think I can, Jody. I wanted to hit him so badly that I may rage out if I had to hear him say how those people wanted to be treated this way."
She eyed me for several moments. Jody was a damn good cop and had come up through the ranks quickly. She and I got along well and in the last few years have developed a bond. Jody was an alpha like me and understood alpha rage.
"How about instead of perps, you interview the victims?"
"I think I can do that."
"Good, go with Charlie then. We sort of shot your car up."
"I saw. I'm not bothered by it."
"I didn't think you would be."
Charlie was in her van packing up. I let her know that I was going with her to the hospital. She was going to see if she could print the ones she couldn't here or get more information from them.
It would be a long afternoon, but I also wanted to talk with Ellen about the omega I'd saved first.
Ellen hadn't had time to tell me anything before she headed back. I'd find her first for an update and to ask which patients I can talk to first. It would be her call after all.