The river was within sight of their camp but they were heading downstream to where it apparently opened up into a small pool that’s good for swimming.
Rocket had found it the day before when he was out hunting with Caige. Terni and Linus were already stripping out of their clothing and they looked up at his approach.
Terni slipped into the small inlet off the main river with a contented sigh while Linus waited for him to get closer.
“Brite got sick of me hovering and shooed me off to come for a swim too,” he explained, feeling a little awkward suddenly.
He felt almost like he was intruding somehow, but Linus gave him an easy smile before turning to wade into the water.
“The water’s nice here, if a little on the cool side. A swim should take your mind off of things.”
After a moment of dithering on the shore, Skye shucked off his clothes and gingerly dipped a
Dyllen’s fever broke that night.It had gotten worse during the afternoon, to the point that Skyewas truly fearing for the alpha, but thankfully,he pulled through. For the first time since that morning,he slept peacefully, undisturbed by lucid dreams.He had healed the wound further as well, so it looked like Dyllenmight finally be in the clear. Of course, they couldn’t be fully certain until the wound healed all the way but the omega was feeling confident now.Only once he had told the rest of the band, watching them visibly relax bit by bit, did he realizejust how tense they had been under the façade of normality. He had been too stressed himself to notice.The omega was changing the bandage on the alpha’s thigh, gently pressing in a healing compress to help his body along while keeping the wound infection free, when a gravelly voice interrupted him.“Fuck that hurts,&rdqu
The next morning,Skyewas able to heal Dyllen’s wound enough that they could begin to travel again.It still wasn’t fully closed and could be easily re-opened if he wasn’t carefulenough, but the alpha had been quick to promise his cooperation.Whether because he wanted to avoid Skye’s stinging herbs or the look the other three alphas gave him when he hesitated, he wasn’t sure. It was enough that the alpha was keeping his word.The band had set out on the beaten dirt road, passing a few travelerson foot, and Skyefound himself riding beside his mate with Dyllenon the other side of Linus.The air around the band had been relaxed and joking and Skyelearnt that they weren’t far from their destination.Pearlcrosswas a large coastal trading town on the border of the kingdom known for exotic goods from across the seas. It was a prosperous town for merchants loo
Linusdidn’t reply, only gave Dyllena look that told him he thought he was being stupid.It would take a lot more than him scolding him for being an idiot to get through that thick skull, especially after what had happened to him in the past.Dyllenhad to nearly die to even begin to accept Skye, what would it take to get him to believe he was worth more than dirt?Although Skye’s sudden anger and backbone towards Dyllenwould go a long way to earning his respect.Companionable silence fell over them and Linustook a moment to enjoy the soft breeze ruffling through his hair. The easy banter of the band, the laughter and jokes made a nice backdrop for their travels.While it was possible to have a private conversation on the road, it was rare that anyone chose to and as such,someone was always butting in. It made their travels far more interesting and fun though, a far cry from his time as a
Struggling not to sway in the saddle, Skyedesperately tried to pretend everything was fine.Linusseemed to be keeping a close eye on him and it was making it so much harder to act normally but he recognizedthe symptoms he was beginningto experience.The tiredness, the heavy limbs, the need to be pressed against his mate, the need to be tucked up in a warm, safe nest.He tried to push the feelings away. Now was not a good time for his heat to hit but he knew he couldn’t fight it off forever.Still, if he could somehow hold it off until after their contract was complete, that would be best.His healing ability meant that he could heal himself unconsciously of any sickness or injury and since heat was never a disease or injury but a normal physiological function of an omega, thus it cannot be healed. Though he had found out that he could hold back his heat using it.It was a conscious effort that took
Whatever Linushad expected when Lejendcame running to grab him, it was not to find Dyllencarrying his mate to him.As soon as he had gotten close, he immediately realizedwhy.Skye’s face was flushed, eyes glazed, and as soon as Linusreached out to take him, the scent of an omega in heat washed over him.He had never experienced something so powerful, so instantly consuming before and all the stories about alphas losing their minds over omegas in heat suddenly seemed more realistic.He had no experience dealing with omegas, let alone one in such a state. The few ones who had tried to seduce him with their heat, he can and had easily been able to ignore.But now, his instincts kicked in with a roaring force and it no longer mattered.Dyllenbacked off after telling Traceto find them some place safe, and the snarl Linusdidn’t even realizehe was giving the other alpha
The first light of dawn streaked the sky in oranges and reds when Linusfinally carried Skyeback to camp.The omega’s heat had quickly eased but the last dregs of it had lingered for many hours. They both stink of sweat and sex and Skyehad been very clingy with him even once the last of the heat fled his system.The alpha had put little thought into it before but his mate was always independent, so it had surprised him when he wanted to be carried back.It made a nice change though and it soothed his alpha instincts to hold the omega in his arms, especially after his heat. His scent hadn’t changed after the heat had fled so Linusassumed that his mate hadn’t fallen pregnant this time and he wondered how his alpha side would have been affected if he had.Not surprisingly,most of the band were still sleeping but Briteand Lejendwere already up like usual.Britegave him the b
It turned out that Lejend’snicely bite sized cut fruit was for Skye.The beta was treating the omega like he would one of his sick animals and it was interesting seeing the normally standoffish man fret over a person rather than an animal.Linuswas given a share of the fruit as well, much to his amusement, but the beta seemed less concerned with his health.Interestingly, everyone seemed to be keeping an eye on the omega and it was obvious that he had wormed his way into each of their hearts.Traceslipped away with Skye’s sheepskin after he had finished sleeping, only to return with it freshly clean and combed. He hung it out to dry on a nearby tree before wordlessly continuing about his day.Urkanebrewed Skyetea with some fragrant wild roses that grew nearby while Dyllenscolded him every time he tried to help with the chores.Everyone seemed to be constantly offering him food, al
Two and a half days of watching and waiting had come to an end. They had spent hours discussing the plan and the layout of the guard patrols around the manor. Damning evidence had been found against Chisakiin the form of a body of a young woman being disposed of in the forest surrounding the manor. Worse still, it had been left out for the wild animals instead of properly buried. The woman had been in bad shape and the tell-tale whip marks across her exposed flesh told a grim tale. Britehad been seeing red since he found out and Linusand Urkanehad to physically hold him down at one point lest he takes off in search of Chisaki’s head on his own. Now here they were, a short walk from the manor and all armoured up. Well, as armoured as they could be for a stealth mission. It was one of the risks of their plan-plate and chain mail were noisy and would alert the guards of their presence before they’ve ha
Months passed…Dyllengroaned as Linusstormed into their bedroom looking wild-eyed and panicked.The darkness invading the room where the flickering candlelight of Linus’s lantern didn’t reach gave him an idea how late it still was.He certainly felt like he hadn’t gotten the chance to sleep at all. Beside him, Eicianmirrored the groan but neither of them dallied as they sat up.They knew the reason for Linus’s sudden visit.“She’s coming!” he exclaimed, a slight note of hysteria in hisusually quiet and nonchalantvoice.Dyllenwould have found it funny if he hadn’t been assigned the duty of keeping the other alpha in check while Eicianhelped Skyebring their daughter into the world.Between the two omegas with their Healing Sight, they had determined the baby’s gender early on, allowing them to
Thank fuck no one else was around because Dyllensounded like nothing but a prepubescent teen, voice breaking on every other word.Why the fuck was this so hard when Eicianhad already given his fucking answer?“I, uh…” he tried to continue but was distracted by his lover.Eician’s eyes were wide but a huge grin slowly took over his face. He looked positively radiant in that moment and he grabbed Dyllenby the shoulders, tipping his toes and aggressively pulling him in for a kiss.The passion startled Dyllenbut he returned the kiss with equal vigour. His omega’s small body pressed up against his as their lips clashed together and Dyllenpulled him in even closer.Eician’s scent enveloped him like a drug, the smell a mixture of need and want.“I love you,” Dyllenwhispered against Eician’s lips, not wanting to pull apart from his mate.T
The would-be assailant tumbled to the ground, taken completely by surprise, and Dyllenwasted no time in ending his life.Eiciangasped as he watched in horror, turning away at the last minute.The sound of the man being run through turning his stomach and he heard Skyewhimper in distress, no doubt feeling the same. Linusrushed past him in a blur of movement to scoop up his mate in his arms.Turning, Eicianfound himself face to face with Dyllen’s chest before he was also scooped up in a fiercely protective hug, his feet leaving the ground. He didn’t even remember dropping the dagger but nothing remained in his hands, he realized.“I’m okay,” he whispered, sounding as strangled as he felt.He patted Dyllenon the back but the alpha seemed reluctant to loosen his hold. It was comforting to be so close to his alpha after their harrowing event, and he knew Dyllenwo
A few moments ago… Eicianwatched with wide eyes as he saw the side of his lover he knew existed but had never seen. Almost immediately upon leaving the house, the alpha came across a single man, a bandit by the look of the mismatched armoured and dirty appearance. Dyllensnarled as he swung his sword with such force and precision that he cut the man down in one blow. The alpha stood there for a moment, head moving as he scanned the battlefield and his entire being radiated power. It was a confidence in his movements, a surety in each step, combined with a steely aura of determination and cold anger. It was as breathtaking as it was scary. Eicianfound that he didn’t fear Dyllen, not now that he knew the man underneath, but right in that moment, covered in the blood of the man he killed, his alpha was intimidating. The omega looked to the side to see the three kids with him watchin
“That’s the alarm!” Eicianexclaimed, sitting up on the bedin alarm.“It is,” Dyllenagreed as he armoured up lightning fast, years of practicein similar situations making the task easy.Once done, he pulled open their bedside table drawer and reached in to grab out a long, sharp dagger. He’d had the blade for as long as he’d been on the road, jokinglynaming it ‘Dyllen’s Claw. It was deadly sharp so it could cleanly skin and gut game they found on the road.“Take this,”holding out the knife to his omega, he waited for him the grab it.Eician’s hands shook as he took the weapon but he clenched it tightly and didn’t ask any questions. All he did was nod, that look of grim determination taking over his beautiful features even as his limbs trembled with his fear.Whoever called omegas weak was a fool.Eicianmight be
Eicianfollowed him, shivering as they left the cosy warmth of the kitchen.He wanted to go back to the kitchen fire or even better, curl up in bed with Dyllen.With the alpha taking the second night watch, he’d been hoping Dyllenwould come back for a morning nap before his second shift and he could somehow get away with staying curled up in bed all morning.Instead, they were trudging over the frosted ground towards the stables. As they approached, he spotted three of the UAalphas standing beside the horse enclosure fence with three of Dyllen’s kids. Though he supposed, they were kinda his kids too.He missed a step at the thought and stumbled, catching himself before he fell. It left a warm feeling in his chest that matched the heat building in his cheeks.“Careful,” Skyecautioned as he waved to his mate as they headed past them. “It’s slippery with the ice.”Af
Eicianslowly became aware of where he was.When he stretched out his hand, he found no warm body on the bed beside him. He must have fallen asleep on Dyllenstraight away afterwards. Disappointment flashed through him when he realizedthat Dyllenwasn’t still in bed with him until he remembered that he had the second night watch.Ah, well, he could stay in his warm nest and doze until the alpha returned. He realized that the alpha must’ve cleaned him down while he slept. The thought sent embarrassment coursing through him but more than that, warmth flooded at the sweet and considerate action.He was just drifting back off to sleep when a knock interrupted him.The door opened almost immediately after and he groaned when a familiar chirpy voice greeted him.“Morning, Eician!” Skyewasn’t the biggest morning person but he was always chirpy once he’d woken up. “Com
“Dyllen!” Linussaid, appearing in the doorway looking relieved.“I just wanted to chat, if you’re free…?”“Sure thing, let’s go!” the other alpha grabbed his arm and yanked him from the house.Dyllengrunted at the force but let himself be dragged away. The look of complete desperation on his friend’s face had Dyllenfeeling a little less stupid over his own drama.“Is it okay to leave him?” Dyllenquestioned as they strode in a random direction, bypassing the mess hall where everyone was gathering for food.“Yep, I can’t be fucked arguing with him anymore. Teruo’s always been an incompetent idiot but I can’t believe he’s still employed in the palace. If anything happens, it’s my father’s fault for coming when we weren’t prepared,” Linusgrumbled, looking ruffled. He was dressed but h
Dyllenpaced slowly along his patrol line, desperately trying to keep his focus on his task.Kadencetrotted along beside him, looking uninterested. The beta had started out full of alertness due to his worry but it quickly morphed into tired boredom.Unlike Dyllen, who was wide awake and far from bored.Memories of Eiciansitting above him, body flushed with his pleasure, eyes blown black, and lips puffy,haunted him. As did the musical sound of his omega’s moans, playing in a loop through his head.It had been pure torture to have such a sexy little thing bouncing in his lap and not take care of his own needs but his need to look after Eiciankept him in check.Right up until Eicianopened his sinful lips to utter those words. Nothing could have stopped Dyllenafter being asked- no, begged- like that.After that, it had been a mission to not throw him to the bed and swarm over him, pre