Kari froze.
Just thinking about the memories set his limbs trembling. Saying it out loud would just make it all the more real, more tangible. Like he couldn't run away from the truth any more.
Worse still, he would be showing what a monster he really was to someone who he didn't know. The alpha was not any less of an enigma now than he was the first night Kari arrived. He knew pieces of information: alpha, warrior, harsh but fair, kept his word.
Ryedir seemed to be able to see right through him, read even the slightest reaction in his body language. But Kari didn't know how he would react in return.
What could he even say?
"Oh yeah, I just, you know, massacred half of your goddamn army. This is just my punishment for crimes I committed."
With a derisive snort the omega looked
He should have known it wouldn't be easy. Logically, Kariknew it wasn't going to be a walk in the park but Ryedirhad far too much fun dancing circles around Karibefore knocking him on his ass. One of the entertaining rooms had been temporarily repurposed into a training room with all the furniture pushed against the walls. In the morning, he would have to help Nevis re-assemble the room but for now, it was a good spot away from prying eyes. Kari had been skeptical at first but now he was glad for the plush rug helping to cushion his fall. He had been even more confused over being made to keep the same attire as normal, Ryedir had only replied that it’s what he would be wearing during an attack so he may as well get used to it and that it was also an incentive. He didn't understand what the alpha meant until he was knocked to the ground, tunicflying up an
Ryedirstared unseeing at the reports on his desk. He had long since sent Troisto bed and instead sat by his studycontemplating his little omega. He had proven to be a quick learnerand had been picking up all the different moves well. Ryedirhad taught others before and the constant repetition required to drill in the knowledge always tested his patience. Never had it been so fun to practice-the alpha had greatly enjoyed the view of tumbling asswhen the omega wasn’t quite fast enough to counter. Even more intriguing had been his unconscious reaction that evening. They had been going at it for a while and Karihad made considerable progress in being able to read and react to Ryedir’s attacks. However, he was starting to get tired and was slowing down, reacting too late and even completely losing focus. Then it seemed as though his fig
“How are you feeling?”“I’m fine,” Karigrumbled sulkily while trying to remove himself from the alpha’s clutches.Ryedir was having none of it, however.“You were having a bad nightmare last night.”Karipulled his chin out of the large hand and lay his head back down on the man’s chest. It was still embarrassing, but he was still too tired to care too much. It was better than looking into those knowing eyes, anyway.“I’m fine.”Ryedir made an unconvinced noise in the back of his throat but said nothing else. Instead, he sat up, pulling the omega into his lap and pursuing the tray of food. Karigroaned and was about to protest any more hand feeding but they were interrupted by a slightly ruffled looking Trois.Apparently some merchants fr
The entertainmentroom had been all set up and Nevishad been helping Karipractice pouring when Ryedir, Trois, and a large, round bellied man Karididn’t know came in. Nevisleft with Troisand the other two sat at a small round table.Karistepped forward and set to carefully pouring both men a glass of the expensive alcohol before folding himself up at Ryedir’s lap. It made Karibecome conscious of what it means as he recalled his talk with Nevis earlier but he pushed it away from his thoughts. Thiswas far better than sitting on the flooranyway.The omega huffed and had to fight a scowl from his face when Ryedir ran his fingers through his hair as though he was petting a favored animal.The talk was all business and bored Karito no end as he idly listened in. They seemed to be bartering over a shipment of silks in exchange for a mix of
Karigroaned as he missed Jaid’s lunge and was knocked to his ass. It was like training with Ryedir all over again except that this alpha would politely avert his gaze from him while the omega righted himself. So at least he didn’t have to deal with leering golden eyes while he picked himself up off the ground.It didn’t lessen the knock to his ego every time he hit the groundthough.Ryedir had given Karipermission to seek out training with the quarterstaff from Jaidand it had taken a week to convince the hulking alpha to agree. He wasn’t entirely sure if it was his perseverance finally winning the man over or if Ryedir said something but Jaideventually agreed and even had a custom-made quarterstaff commissioned to Kari’s size.And much like Ryedir, every time he crowed in delight over having ‘mastered’ something, Jaidquickly knock
Ryedircarried his dead-to-the-world omega into the main entertaining room and carefully laid him on the cushioned bay window. The lacy curtains kept out the harsh light of the sun and he leaned over to open the window so the omega could take advantage of the cool breeze. He had only given the omega a cursory wash down before stuffing him full of his favourite fruits. The omega promptly passed out in boneless exhaustion and would most likely sleep for some time. He smelt of sweat and sex and Ryedir. Karismelt and looked thoroughly used and Ryedircouldn’t help the fierce grin of satisfaction. He hadn’t wanted to do that so soon. He had wanted to wait until Karicame to him and was rewarded with the satisfaction of the omega willinglyasking for it from his own free will. But having Karitrust him enough to agree was still a win. As much as he pref
Big blue eyes blinked sleepily at them and it seemed to take a moment for him to register that there was another person in the room. He reeled back and looked to Ryedirin alarm. He beckoned his little mate forward. No doubt suddenly being in the presence of an unknown alpha was alarming. Karislid off the window seat and padded across the room to sink carefully onto his lap. He settled quickly and wrapped an arm around Ryedir’s neck, pressing his body close and resting his cheek on his chest. Oh, how Ryedirenjoyed that. It just screamed possessiveness. “My, my. He really is a pretty one.” Hanzengave a delighted laugh. “And what an expression! I can see now why Orangave him to you untrained. What a pleasure it must be to discipline his unruliness.” Ryedirreached out to stroke a hand through Kari’s hair in a soothing gesture.Ryedirfelt a thrill of sa
Karisighed as he dragged his feet towards Ryedir’s private quarters. He had spent the afternoon helping Nevisrun errands in the market square and was tired after all the activity. Not to mention that his head still reeled over what had happened that morning. Yhieris, what had possessed him to agree to let the alpha touch him so intimately? Instincts most likely and he had let himself be carried away by the situation. Had it been anyone else, he would have been mated and bonded by now, Kariwas sure. Ryedirmust have legendary self-control. He had seen other alphas lose their mind over just the scent of an omega, let alone touching them so intimately. Ryedirhad sent him over the edge of pleasure multiple times and at the end came again virtually untouched. Which showed just how much Kariaffected him and yet he didn’t act on it. Sure, the man too