as fast as you can.

Henry glanced around them briefly, embarrassed that he'd be caught teaching his Omega a lesson so publicly. He didn't care either way, whatever trained her to be obedient. He was growing tired of finding himself humiliated by Taylors actions, however. "You want to make me happy?" Henry growled, caging her between his arms. "You want to make me happy, hmm?" He repeated her again, his eyes completely blackened. "Then stop disobeying me, Omega," he barked, grabbing her by the wrist and pulling her away from the cop car. He forced her back down the sidewalk, back towards their home.

"You do not leave that stoop unless you get direct permission from me, do you understand?" He growled. "I am to know where you are at every second of the day." Henry didn't care if he was being overdramatic. For all he could assume, Taylor had been trying to sneak away from him again. "Get inside the
housee, Omega," he demanded, pointing towards their front door.

Upset that he had to return to work, Henry wished he could drag her through the front door by her hair. But he was needed back on his route. "I'll be back in a few hours," he snapped towards her, the look on his face all but daring her to talk back to him, to do anything other than scurry back inside. His talkie started to buzz against his chest, a code being called over the speaker on his chest. Cursing under his breath, he waited for Taylor to listen to him, before he would retreat back to his car.

@ castle.

Taylor flinched as his other hand came up to box her between his arms. It was never any other time than when she was between her arms that she felt so small. She was reminded of their size difference and what had made her feel like she could fall in love with him. He'd been a giant teddy bear, where she was safe and cared for. Now, being this close to him with the way Henry was acting... Taylor knew this wasn't anything to be happy over. Her stomach twisted, letting out a sharp gasp as Henry snapped in her face. She winced at the grip on her wrist but still, she rushed after him to keep up so she didn't trip over her feet and end up scrapping her knees or something.

Wrapping her arms around herself when Henry ordered her up the stairs, Taylor didn't need to be told twice as she rushed up to their front door. She heard the talk over the radio and she couldn't help but be slightly relieved. Henry would go back to work and maybe by the time he returned, he would be in a better mood. Taylor sank down on the couch and curled up, trying to ignore the nerves.

When it got closer to the time that Henry was supposed to be getting home, Taylor pushed to her feet as she busied herself with preparing dinner. She wasn't the least bit hungry after what had happened earlier but she knew that Henry would be and she wanted to make the best impression that she could. Hearing the car pull up out front, Taylor was quick to plate Henry's pasta before moving to the dinner table with it. She set his plate down beside his drink before she turned toward the entrance to the dining room. Her hands clasped in front of her, her head lowered as she waited for Henry to join her.

It had been a tiresome day after Henry had returned to his route. He had missed work while he had been tracking Taylor down, but now that he was back behind the badge, while she waited alone at home... He found this was the last place he wanted to be. Even after the way she had frightened him that morning.

His cruiser pulled up in front of the house and he sat there for a moment, just looking up at the windows before he unbuckled his seatbelt. He wondered if she was lurking around inside like a hurt kitten after how he had treated her. It had been so obvious she wasn't trying to run away, but still, he was couldn't believe anything else.

Coming through the front door, Henry smelled dinner from the kitchen and he couldn't help but feel his heart sink a little. How long had it been since he had come home and been met with a warm meal, his mate waiting for him at the door? It was enough to make him swallow the anger he still held close to the surface.

"Little one?" He called, his footsteps nearing the dining room. Through the doorway, he saw her standing there and he couldn't ignore the way his heart fluttered at the sight of her. Seeing her tending to her omega duties, caring for him by having dinner done despite their altercation earlier in the day. Maybe she was learning. He closed the distance between them in two large strides and took Taylor up in his arms, nuzzling his jaw against her head. "I missed you," he breathed.

@ castle.

Taylor couldn't even bring herself to call out to Henry and tell him where she was. She shifted her weight from one side to the other, hoping like hell that the meal she had cooked would prove to make him happy. She wasn't trying to get out of this because she knew damn well that Henry would end up punishing her for what had happened earlier but if she made him happy, if she could turn this around and prove to him that she could take the punishment well.. that would be good. Right?

Sighing as Henry pulled her into his chest, Taylor buried her face into his neck. The hug was welcomed by her and for a moment, she wished they could just stay like this forever. That way she didn't need to worry about doing something silly and getting herself in trouble. Her arms slid around his waist and Taylor clung to him.

"I didn't mean to scare you," Taylor murmured against his skin. It was the truth. It was the only thing that she had been able to think about since she got home. Henry had only been so angry because he had thought she was going to try to run away. That wouldn't have happened if she hadn't run in the first place. This was all her fault. Her stomach churned at the thought, even as Henry held her close. "'m sorry," she added with a whimper. Taylor's omega was desperate to make him happy, to please him, to show him that she could be what he wanted her to be. The thought of Henry being with another omega made her want nothing more than to disappear.

"I only made spaghetti and meat sauce. I.. hope that's okay," she said after a beat of silence had stretched between them. "Some garlic toast, too."

Henry hid his face in the crook of her neck as she apologized, breathing her scent in deeply. His hands ran over her back, his grip keeping her tightly pressed against him. Though he wasn't thrilled with what had been made for dinner, he wasn't going to complain. He had stopped her from going out to the market and he knew there hadn't been much left in the kitchen to work with. His omega had still made him dinner and that was something to praise her over.

"My good, sweet Omega," he smiled, pulling away for a moment to stare down into her eyes before he garnered soft kisses all over her face. "It smells delicious." His hands rubbed over her shoulders gently before he tightly squeezed them. Only then did he step away from her, drawing himself deeper into the dining room, where his food was waiting for him.

Today had been a long day and he was starving. He hadn't had time for lunch, if he had, he might've returned home during his break to continue carrying out Taylor's punishment. Missing his lunch had been fortunate for her. He had been kept away from home long enough for him to cool off. "I should be home earlier tomorrow," he told her, sitting down at his place by the table. By now the sun had already set, but tomorrow it should still be daylight when he would get off. "We will both go to the grocery store, so you can get more things for the house."

@ castle.

Taylor had stood in the kitchen, completely stressing as she had tried to figure out what to make for Henry. She knew that the spaghetti she had made wasn't particularly exciting but she hoped that it would be enough to appease him. Even as Henry held her against him, Taylor wondered if she had made the right choice. There had been a few other options but with Henry out so late, she knew he would be hungry so she thought this had to be the best option for her to make. When Henry praised the food, Taylor all but melted against him. She sighed, nodding slightly. She was reluctant for him to even move away from her but she was quick to follow after him.

She hadn't bothered to eat yet, knowing that she needed to be available while Henry ate. Taylor could always have a small plate of pasta later if she decided she was hungry. Right now, she wasn't even the slightest bit hungry because she was so concerned about making Henry happy. Taylor sat beside him, one leg tucked beneath her as she listened to what Henry had to say. She nodded hurriedly, biting down on the inside of her lip.

"I'll make a list while you're at work tomorrow. That way we don't have to stay out longer than we need to," Taylor offered quietly, figuring it would please Henry if she was prepared to go into the store with a plan so they didn't stay out any longer than they absolutely had to. Before she had run from him, Henry didn't like her being around strangers. Even his friends had been iffy at best and she certainly hadn't been allowed to have her own friends. The omegas she had been close to.. Taylor hadn't spoken to in years. "Is there anything you want me to put on the list? Or make in particular?" She asked, already making a list in her own mind.

Henry wasn't the slightest bit pleased by what Taylor had chosen to make for him, but it had been so long since having her home that he didn't see the point in bringing it up. His omega was becoming acclimated to being back under his watchful eye, he could only hope she would do better. He was just completely shocked that he had come home to any dinner at all. Half expecting Taylor to be tucked away in a nest somewhere, scared or saddened.

Taking his seat, he looked down at the spaghetti and began to eat. Positively starving. He would've much rather preferred some protein, opposed to the carbs, but he had to remind himself that she didn't really have much to work with, and she had tried to go to the store. Glancing up at her as she came to sit next to him, he straightened his posture and smirked up at her. "Roast," he suggested, thinking of all the meals he had missed while she had been frolicking across the country, forgetting all of her responsibilities to him.

He just hoped he could relax now, leave the house for Taylor to tend too without worrying about her disappearing again. Finishing his food, he left the empty plate on the table for her to pick up. Rising to his feet, he only grabbed his glass, glancing over his shoulder at her as he took another sip, walking from the dining room. "Have you cleaned anything today, omega?" He asked, walking into the living room. Running a finger over the fireplace mantle, he inspected the dust that had collected there. "This home has been abandoned for months. You should've already had it back in shape."

@ castle.

Taylor nodded at the mention of roast, knowing full well that it was exactly what she would make for Henry not tomorrow but the day after. It would sit in the slow cooker all day long, filling the house with delicious smells that would be a little torment to her but she wouldn't so much as snack without Henry telling her to. She knew that she had done wrong, she had to do everything that Henry wanted from her until she was back in his good graces. Even after that, Taylor would do the same. She didn't want to find herself in the same position that she was in at the moment.

On her feet the moment that Henry stood, Taylor grabbed his plate and turned to head over to the sink. She started to rinse the plate off, only to freeze as Henry spoke to her. Her eyes flicked up, a pit forming in her stomach. Hesitating for a moment before she turned the water off, Taylor moved to the entrance of the living room. She shook her head, chewing on her bottom lip as her eyes found a spot on the floor to focus on.

"I was.. I was nervous this morning. I was... trying to find the courage to go to the store. When I got.." Taylor paused, her face scrunching a bit as she spoke. "Home, I was mad at myself. I hadn't made you happy and.. that's all I want to do," she tried to reason. Taylor was reluctant to look up, seeing where Henry stood by the fireplace. She swallowed thickly, her unease only growing. "I'll clean all day tomorrow. I promise it'll be better when you get home tomorrow, alpha," she said, her voice gentle, hopeful that Henry would let this slide. That he would see she was trying but that it would take a bit before she was in the proper mindset for him.

All Henry was hearing was excuses and his patience was wearing thin. He dropped his hand from the mantle, tightening his hands into fists as he moved away from the dusty fireplace. "I'm trying to give you time here, Omega." Henrys voice dipped, his tone no longer light and gentle like it had been when he praised her moments ago. Why was he even being so compassionate to give her time to find her place again? She had spent months living her life as an unclaimed omega, and now that he found her and brought her home, he needed to tiptoe around her? To make her comfortable?

The way he saw it, his home should've been cleaned from top to bottom before he arrived home. Whether she was scared or not. "If you were so upset you hadn't made me happy...why didn't you think to clean?" Henrys scent was being tainted by something burnt, even if he was doing everything he could to remain calm. "You'll clean it tonight," he finally demanded, turning to look over his shoulder at her. The way she hunkered in the doorway, fearful of how he might lash out. He could hear the desperation in her voice. He felt like he had to become more strict, to really put his foot down with her.

Henry was terrified of her leaving again. The joy he felt when he came home to a warm meal was all but gone now, completely replaced by paranoia and anger. "Have you just been sulking around inside all day?" He growled, turning to fully face her, his hands resting on his hips.

@ castle.

Henry's scent changing as always the first hint Taylor got that something was wrong. Her stomach twisted into knots as she felt a wave of a panic surge through her. She wanted to start crying but she knew better than to. She knew if Henry was already this upset, that crying was the last option that she wanted to do. Taylor hadn't even thought about cleaning the house and when Henry pointed that out to her, she felt like she'd been smacked in the face. She felt ridiculous like she was failing at all of her duties as his omega. "Yes, alpha," she forced the words from her lips, already ready to turn and begin cleaning but she wouldn't leave until Henry dismissed her entirely.

Taylor's mouth opened and closed several times, unsure of how she was supposed to answer Henry. The truth was obvious but now, she was realizing how badly she had done today. It was her first day alone and she was obviously not doing anything right. Her fingers wrapped into the bottom of her shirt, her nerves getting the best of her as she gave a tiny nod of her head.

"I-I'm sorry.. I just.. I'm not.." Tayor dragged in a deep breath. She didn't know what to say because she realized her excuses weren't going to get her anywhere. "I should have done better," she finally said, her shoulders sagging as she stared at her feet.

The last thing Henry wanted to hear was a pathetic excuse about how she had grown lazy. "You runaway from me and it's like you forget entirely how to be an omega," he breathed, closing the distance between them as he circled her. His fingers ran through her hair, the loose strands falling as he stepped away from her. "My little omega would never leave the house in such disorder."

It enraged him to think all she had done throughout the day was hide away in bed. Even the thought of her nesting, something so primal and sweet, had his rage building. Before he could think about his actions, Henry had backhanded her, forcefully smacking her down to the floor.

He looked down at her, shrinking in on herself as she whined, her hand nursing her cheek. Fighting back the urge to sink next to her and pull her into his arms, Henry cursed. "Get to it," he barked, motioning around to the filthy house around them. Truly, it wasn't that bad. Some dust had settled, candles needing lit, laundry needed washed, small things like that... But he wasn't going to falter now.

"Don't come crawling into bed until it's all done," he seethed, growling at her through his teeth as he walked away, towards the stairs that would take him to their bedroom.

@ castle.

Taylor's breath hitched as Henry's fingers moved through her hair. She shivered, a chill running down her spine as Henry's hand dropped. She felt like a failure as she stood in front of him. "I'm s-" she started to apologize, only to cry out as Henry slapped her. She whimpered as she hit the ground, pulling her knees to her chest as she cupped her cheek. She was so utterly terrified, wanting nothing more than to sink into the floor beneath her.

She wanted Henry to lean down and hold her, to tell her that everything was going to be okay but she had been the one to cause all these problems in the first place. Taylor didn't deserve her alpha's comfort, she knew that. She gave a small nod of her head, slowly pushing herself to her feet. It wasn't until Henry started up the stairs that Taylor felt brave enough to move. She headed into the kitchen first to pack up the leftovers before cleaning the kitchen from top to bottom.

Taylor moved throughout the house, methodical, one room at a time. Hours passed before Taylor even started up the stairs, cleaning the bathroom and spare rooms while avoiding their bedroom. She decided that she would leave their ensuite alone as well, not wanting to wake Henry while she tried to clean. It wasn't until well after three in the morning that Taylor felt confident in the fact that she had cleaned the house to Henry's standards. Even so, Taylor was still on edge as she eyed their bedroom door. Deciding it was best to take a quick shower before climbing into the bed beside Henry.

Completely and utterly exhausted, Taylor wanted nothing more than to bury herself into Henry's sleeping side but she was still, not wanting to disrupt Henry's sleep in the slightest bit.

As he climbed the stairs, Henry wanted nothing more than for his omega to be following him. Leading him to the bathroom where she would start his shower and make sure he was completely clean before stepping out. Where she should be waiting for him with a towel. But instead, he knew he had to leave her where she lie on the floor. Taylor had to relearn her place.

Henry started his own shower, washing away the stress and grime that the day had placed on him. It was a quick, hot shower. Drying off after he stepped out, Henry retired to their bedroom, his towel hanging loosely around his hips. He left the bedroom door slightly ajar, able to hear Taylor moving around downstairs. The vaccuum was running in the living room and all he could do was sigh, sinking down into his bed, alone.

He should've let her wait until tomorrow. Now his omega would have all day with nothing to do, but he was sure she'd be able to find something. There was always something that could be organized or done for her alpha. It had been hard for Henry to fall asleep without his omega in his arms, but well after three in the morning, his head perked up when he heard the shower start in the bathroom that was joined to their room. She was done. He settled back into the sheets, closing his eyes again until he heard the shower turn off and the little pattering sound of his omegas feet, bringing her to bed.

When she slid into the bed, the mattress dipped below Henry and he opened his arms for her. He pulled her into his side and sighed, placing a kiss against her head. "Good girl,..." He mumbled, sleepily.

@ castle.

Taylor's eyes flew open when Henry's arms reached out toward her. She couldn't help but let out a small sigh of relief as she settled into his chest. She pressed her hands against his chest, her heart fluttering at the praise that left Henry's lips. She hated that she was being sentenced to a life where she couldn't so much as step out onto the front lawn without Henry's permission but it was becoming more and more clear to her that her decision had already been made for her. She didn't have a choice in the matter, Taylor just needed to find the happiness in the role set out for her.

She leaned up, pressing a gentle kiss along Henry's jawline. Anything for you, alpha," she murmured, her voice barely loud enough to even be a whisper. With how exhausted she was, it didn't take long at all before she was drifting off to sleep in his arms.

---

Taylor was more than disappointed when Henry's alarm went off. In the morning, she would head downstairs to make his lunch for the day and start breakfast for him while he got ready to head into work. With only a few hours of rest, Taylor felt like she had just managed to fall asleep. Reluctantly, Taylor pushed the blankets off of her body before she rolled out of bed.

Heading downstairs, Taylor started to make breakfast for Henry. Sausage with eggs and hashbrowns on the side. She made more than she normally would have, hoping that given how clean she'd managed to get the house, Henry would let her eat with him. When she heard him step into the kitchen, Taylor spun to face him. "Alpha," she greeted quietly, her head lowered in greeting. "I've started coffee for you to take into work. We've only got orange juice to drink right now," she added softly as she met him halfway into the kitchen. Taylor set her hands on his chest before leaning up to kiss him quickly.

"Is it.. okay if I eat a bit, with you?" Taylor tested the waters, hoping the request wouldn't be too much for Henry.

Taylor had already slithered out of his arms the moment his alarm went off. He slowly peeled his eyes open, grumbling under his breath as he looked up at his ceiling. He hadn't had nearly enough time to snuggle with his omega in his arms. Even if he had gotten more sleep than she did, it didn't feel like it. He pulled himself to his feet, pulling uniform on, placing his badge on his chest before sliding his belt around his waist. Making sure his gun was holstered properly before he headed downstairs.

Taylor spinning to greet him was enough to bring a smile to his face, little wrinkles appearing around his tired eyes. He let out a gentle sigh when he felt her hands on his chest. His own arm slipped around his waist as he leaned down to press a kiss to her lips. She deserved it. The smell of breakfast was wafting through the kitchen. So far, she had been doing her job.

"Good, lil girl." He smirked, gently squeezing her hips as he walked by her. Only freezing when she asked if she could join him for breakfast. "No." He answered her almost immediately. It didn't matter how happy it made him to wake up to his omega preparing a warm breakfast for him. She had still done so much lately to upset him. "You eat after me," he declared, taking his seat at the table as he waited for her to ready his plate.

@ castle.

The joy that Taylor had felt by Henry's praise was dashed just as quickly as it had appeared. Henry had frozen and gave her a stiff reply to her question. She let out an indignant noise, wishing that she could have said something more to him but instead, Taylor found herself nodding her head. She was going to focus on her instincts and let them be what lead her because if she didn't, she knew it was only going to cause more problems in her relationship with Henry. That wasn't what she wanted. She would have to sacrifice to have her life with him.

Moving back over to the stove, Taylor plated Henry's food before pouring him a glass of orange juice. She returned to the table with both that she was quick to set in front of him. Taylor slid into her seat beside him, chewing on the inside of her lip as she glanced around the room. "Is there.. anything, in particular, you want to be done today?" She asked softly, turning her attention back to him.

"I'm going to clean the ensuite and our bedroom today. I'll probably go through our clothes and put away our summer things to make room for all of our winter stuff," Taylor was quiet as she spoke, figuring that if Henry had issue with what she had planned to do, he wouldn't be shy to let her know.

Henry raised an eyebrow, tilting his head in her direction when he heard the little noise she made. Clasping his hands together, he rested them on the tabletop, his stare all but daring her to back talk him. He was surprised when instead, she slumped her shoulders and moved back to the stove.

It was a dominance thing, but Henry didn't believe he was necessarily better than his omega. It was a respect thing, for her to make his meal and him eat first, while she watched. Henry made sure, as the alpha, that he went out to work every day, grueling long days, so she could stay comfortably at home. No, she would not eat with him.

A smile appeared on Henry's face as she slid his breakfast in front of him. "Thank you, Omega." Placing a soft kiss to her forehead, he turned his attention to his food as she continued to speak. "Oh, there is something I need you to do today. Can I trust you to make a trip to the dry cleaners?" He sat his fork down, turning to give her his full attention, his gaze narrowing. "I need my suit pressed. You know the one I like. Dark blue with the pinstripes? There's a banquet this weekend, for the police force."

He rolled his shoulders back as he stabbed a bite of hashbrowns. Should he request she get one of her dresses cleaned? Henry hadn't entirely made up his mind on whether she would be attending with him. After last time...he didn't know if he could trust her.

@ castle.

Taylor's eyes were focused on the table in front of her, chewing on her bottom lip as she tried to decide what else she would do today. She couldn't just sit around all day and do the few things she had already listed because she knew that if she did, it would only serve to upset Henry. he worked long, hard hours to provide for her. The least that she could do for him was to make sure his house was clean and he never had to worry about a meal.

Her brows pulled together at the mention of the dry cleaners. She looked up to him, nodding hurriedly as she smoothed down the material of her shirt. "Of course, alpha. I'll go straight away so that they have as much time as they need to clean it," she answered quietly. Taylor couldn't help but wonder, a slight frown growing on her lips. Would Henry want her to go with him? The last time she had accompanied him to an event had been the last night she was here before running away.

"Did you.. should I.." Taylor stumbled over her words, unsure of how to ask without coming across like she was assuming one way or another. "Have one of my dresses down as well? Or would you prefer I stay home?" Taylor added the last bit hurriedly, not wanting Henry to think that she wanted to go so that she could get into trouble by speaking to another alpha or something. If Henry was suspicious, Taylor knew she wouldn't be accompanying him whether she wanted to or not.

Henry popped his jaw to one side, before bringing the bite of hashbrowns to his mouth. "Have that golden number I like cleaned," he finally told her after a short pause. He wasn't going to tell her whether she was going or not, because at the moment, he still wasn't sure if he could trust her. "Just in case you go." He tacked on, not wanting her to get her hopes up.

It would be odd if he showed up to the banquet alone, especially if he were to receive an award for his work, but it wouldn't be much of a surprise. His outburst from the last party was still circulating. The gossip had only picked back up when he returned to work. It pissed him off to think people were talking about him, that his omega had brought such an embarrassment to his name. Still, it would be nice to have Taylor on his arm this weekend.

After finishing his breakfast, Henry pushed the plate away and rose to his feet. He stretched, heading over to the counter to grab the coffee she had made for him. "Dry cleaners and that's it's, Taylor, do you hear me? You go to the dry cleaners and then you come home," he made sure to speak slowly, placing emphasis on each of his words. Closing the distance between them, he placed his hand on the side of her face. "My sweet girl. No detours, hear me? No stopping by any shops you may pass, not even a park. Drop the clothes off. And come home."

@ castle.

The dress that Henry had mentioned came as no surprise to Taylor. It had a low back, accentuating her curves and displaying her bonding mark perfectly. It was no secret that she was claimed by an alpha, no one stood a chance and Taylor wouldn't have it any other way. She only wished that she had the chance to do other things. She would happily tend to their home but things didn't have to be cleaned again if they were already clean. Couldn't she head to the book store or to a cafe to grab a latte? In the beginning, Henry hadn't had an issue with it. The change was still hard for her to stomach even if she was doing as she was told.

Taylor's attention was drawn to Henry when he spoke, lifting her head to meet his gaze. She was quick to nod her head, chewing on the inside of her lip. "Just the dry cleaners," she agreed in a low voice. She shivered as his hand cupped her cheek, reminding her who she belonged to.

"Is there.. a way I can let you know when I'm home?" Taylor asked after a moment of silence. She had had a cell phone in the past but now, she didn't know if that was something that Henry was going to allow her. It would give her far too much freedom, she knew that was an argument that Henry would raise and she wouldn't dare disagree with him. "Just so you don't have to worry about.. me," she added, the words making her stomach plummet. She had broken his trust, no wonder he was always so unhappy with her.