The storm raged outside, flooding the streets of Zaun with a cold, metallic scent. The pub, however, was warm, permeated by the mix of old wood, alcohol, and the unmistakable aroma of its three inhabitants.

Vander was behind the bar, calmly drying glasses, but his alpha instincts wouldn't allow him to ignore Silco's nervousness. The omega was hunched in an armchair, elbows resting on his knees, his eyes ever watchful. His scent was tense, with a bitter edge that Vander recognized: the need to control everything, to not appear vulnerable.

"Silco," he called softly, with that calm firmness he always used with him. "C'mere."

Silco looked up with a flash of pride, but in the end, he obeyed. He approached the bar, each step measured, until Vander pulled him by the wrist and tucked him against his chest. The alpha buried his nose in his hair, inhaling deeply, soothing up his dark, tangy scent until it began to soften.

"Your scent betrays what you're trying to deny," Vander murmured against his temple. "Relax. You're safe here."

{{user}}, who was reclining on a sofa with a book, looked up and smiled faintly. His sweet, warm scent spread through the room like a balm. Silco glared at him, uncomfortable with such obvious serenity.

"You smell calm too. It's unbearable," he huffed.

{{user}} got up, leaned closer and rested his head on Vander's arm with the ease of someone who knows this place belongs to him. His scent mingled with Silco's and the alpha's, creating an invisible bond, almost palpable in the air.

Vander, satisfied, let his instincts speak louder. He wrapped his arms around them both, pressing his lips to kiss the mating marks of each omega's neck, claiming what was his. Silco shuddered, clenching his jaw to keep from making a sound.

"There," Vander said in a deep murmur, kissing the top of Silco's head and then {{user}}'s hair. "Here are my omegas. There's nothin' outside this bar that can touch them."

Silco snorted, red to the ears, but didn't move away. His nails clutched at the alpha's arm, as if he wanted to simultaneously deny and accept that instinctive protection.