CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE Rene regrets coming awake, it's already morning, and the first thing his hazel eyes land on is the broad, muscular back of his mate, who is standing a few paces away from the fire, which has died out sometime during the night. His backside is still tender from last night, and his hands are no longer tied up, but the skin around his wrist is already broken, leaving ugly stomach-churning bruises. Rene grasps the fur to cover himself and attempts to sit up, but the blinding burst of pain sends him back, crashing against the bed, breathlessly. His ankles have already turned several shades of blue and purple, it looks bad. Rene wipes another fresh surge of tears with the back of his hand just as Lyrien turns, his eyes coming to focus on Rene. They both stare at each other silently. Lyrien takes in his mate's bruised form. Rene looks away first, missing the intense flash of displeasure in Lyrien's features. A warrior enters inside, distracting Lyrien for some sec
CHAPTER SIXTY FOUR**"S__Stay away!" Soral suddenly remembers his knife, he has dropped it somewhere while freeing the rabbit.He searches around with his gaze and found the blade lying a few distances away. He meets the eyes of the monstrous dominant male and realized that he has also followed the direction of his stare and found the knife as well. The warrior's expression shifts from the blank, he now appears almost amused, there is no doubt in Soral's mind that this Alpha is thinking that even armed, he will not stand a chance against him. So he runs.Soral barely registers the directions, urging his legs to move faster. He gains speed already used to being in the forest, trees pass him in a blur but unfortunately, the sound behind hin picks up pace too. Hecould hear the heavy thump of the barbarian's footsteps.The barbarian utters some words but Soral can only register how deep and fearsome his voice was. He missteps.The sharp pain that travels through his ankle causes
CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE **"You are mine!" His possessiveness makes Soral's face flush with heat. The intensity of the Alpha's gaze threatens to devour him, and Soral feels the urge to hide from this fierce presence. Every about this dominant Alpha is similar to those Barbarians. The musky smell of wood and earth is heavy in the air, ticking Soral's nostrils uncomfortably. How long has this barbarian-looking male lived in these mountains? Has he been lonesome for too long that he cannot resist but capture the first omega that wanders through his path?No doubt, many females would want a dominant Alpha like him. Maybe if he tells him about his choices__ He may change his mind.Beauty isn't always flattering, What happened with Rene is the surest example.He is not as lovely looking as Rene, so why is the same fate befalling him?"I don't wish to be yours, you might be tempted because you haven't seen a female in a long time."Soral dreads to think about being a male's mate, but it seem
CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX * * They ride for what seems like hours with the burning village behind them. Rene's thighs are numb, his butt sore, the muscular arms wrapped around him is too tight, crushing his ribs. His whole body aches and his throat feels scratched from dehydration. He feels particularly weak, the wound in his neck throbbing slowly. Yet, no complaints leave his mouth. Words are not needed, it's unlikely that the Brute will listen to him anyway. His tired eyes flutter close as his head falls limp against his captive's broad chest. The moment his omega's head collapses on his chest, Lyrien feels the burning hotness of his skin. "Rene!" Two fingers tap Rene's chin. No response comes. "We take a break, set the camp!" Lyrien orders the warrior to halt. He scoops Rene's unconscious form in his arms and jumps down from the horse, for the first time, he notices Rene's red flushed skin, his teeth chattering with cold despite the scorching heat of the midday sun. The
CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN * * Lyrien knows that some of his warriors do not agree with his choice of camping in the middle of nowhere, but when it comes to what's important, Lyrien cannot risk his mate's life by travelling in his critical state. He has already informed Haesir to lead most of their troop back to their settlement. Lyrien's hand reaches to touch the already-healed spot on his forehead where Rene had attacked him with the bowl, and he scoffs, his lips twitching slightly. His omega has been the one who escaped with the enemy and even tried to sever their bond. Yet, he still behaves with a brazen lack of guilt, acting with an air of innocence which Lyrien finds unconvincing. Those wide hazel orbs which have been pleading with him only a moment ago and willing to do anything to appease him are now shrouded with a stubborn hate-filled glint. . . "You burned down half of the world just to search for him. You finally got him, yet, you don't seem any better," Haesir remarks,
CHAPTER SIXTY EIGHT **Lyrien burst into the tent, his heart racing with a mix of fear and urgency. His eyes lock on Rene's restless form instantly. His face is contorted into a grimace of pain, perspiration drenching his pale skin; as he turns wildly on the bed, Amala and a maid struggle to hold him down. The sound of his ravaged breathing and the cracking sound of burning incense permeates the air. "Get away, no don't touch it, it hurts!" Rene screams again, shoving Amala with his flailing hands just as Lyrien join them in two hurried strides."He won't allow me to touch the wound on his neck..." Amala says helplessly.Lyrien's eyes narrow at Rene, who appears to be in another shuddering episode of pain. The yellow and green inflammation on his neck is already worse than it was a few hours ago, and the infection has begun to spread all across the whole area of his neck."If it spreads to his chest. His heart may stop beating. . . " Amala says, "At this point, it's up to his wil
CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE**Soral jerks awake from the dreadful dream.He exhales raggedly, the nightmare felt so real, where the Dahome barbaric leader had gotten to Rene and wrecked havoc on the small village. Thankfully, it has only been a dream. The morning starts slowly, and Soral grudgingly watches the Alpha move about. Some minutes later, Soral is served the meal, which consists of dried fruits, smoked meat and some vegetables. He meets Vidarr's watchful gaze and instantly looks away, shuddering inwardly. Soral has no appetite, but he also has no wish to upset his captor, he does not want a repeat of what happened. His face flushes deeply with memory, it had been nearly impossible to fall asleep. Those long torturous hours during which was forced to be so close to the barbarian, and the way those muscular arms of his had drapes possessively around his waist all night long.Soral nibbles the food slowly, fully conscious of the opposite eyes searing into him. Just as the night b
CHAPTER SEVENTY * * The wolf jumps in the air, its canines bared viciously, preparing to feast on its frightened prey. Soral's eyes shut close, anticipating the pain of being shredded apart. His teeth sink hard against his bottom lip. A second blows past like a soft wind. No pain comes. Maybe he is already dead? A loud crashing sound jerks his eyes open. Shocked and too numb to react, he can only stare at the sight in front of him. It takes several seconds for him to realize that he is not imagining things. Vidarr. He is present in the flesh! Soral watches with a mixture of fascination and morbid shock as Vidarr struggles with the large black wolf on the ground for a few moments, grasping the beast by its thick neck. "Watch out!" Soral lets out a blood-curdling shriek when another wolf jumps high in the air to attack Vidarr. The Alpha and the wolves continue to struggle, and Soral doesn't think he will stand a chance against these scary creatures. Soral wants to ru
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN * * Rene inhales deeply and the smell of breakfast wafts into his nostrils, and all of a sudden, his stomach feels very queasy. Sighing, he climbs off the bed; much to his luck, Lyrien is nowhere in the hut as Rene disposes of the unpleasant-smelling food. If Lyrien finds out that he has been skipping meals, there's no doubt that he will throw a fit, but these days, Rene has zero appetite; perhaps this is also an aftermath symptom of the heat he recently underwent. His attention shifts to the door, the loud voices outside gnaw at Rene's curiosity, but the first step he takes outside the hut fills him with instant regret. His feet sway as dizziness attacks his whole body. Ugh. . . Not again! The morning air is cool but Rene's skin feels overly warm, his breath hot. When will these symptoms pass? But Kai had told him it's normal to expect a few changes until his body readjusts to normal cycle. It shouldn't be this severe. Why are my own thi
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWELVE * * Luca stiffens slightly as his eyes land briefly on the particular female who watches him with a strong flicker of hope in her eyes. Deranged, dark eyes, but then it is to be expected that she has completely lost her mind. "Brother. . . You came to see me, right?" Yara grips the metal bars to her cell, her stomach is bigger now, heavy with child. "I knew you wouldn't entirely forsake me," For some seconds, Luca's gaze roams Yara's now scrawny features; her eyes are sunken and red; she is certainly not doing well in this foul-smelling environment. "I'll put to birth any time soon, I cannot give birth here! Lyrien changed his mind, right?" She laughs, high and broken. "You're here to get me out, I know you are! Does he want the baby now? Will I become the Lady Chief? Why won't he want me? I was there for him first!" She suddenly screams, tears assaulting her eyes at Luca's dead expression. Luca's expression tightens, at this moment, he doesn
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVEN * * Tears spill freely down Soral’s cheeks now, hot and silent. His body aches in too many ways to count, but it's worse in his chest, his heart feels like a raw, open wound. “I'm scared. . .”He grasps Vidarr tightly, meeting the barbarian’s dark, now lust-filled gaze. “What are you afraid of?” Even now, Soral cannot bring himself to answer. A past already forgotten, perhaps speaking about it will manifest it into existence. Late into the night, the fires are now dim, but the pair does not need an external source to keep them warm. Soral's exhausted body drifts off and for the first time in a long time, the nightmare visited. He dreams of the old village. A slave to serve the noble Akleris, but Soral hadn't always been a slave. For the first five years of his life, he had parents like every child. “We are family, aren't we? Selling you will feed us for a week, can you not do this much for your family?” “Besides, you are an omega, keeping you
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TEN * * Soral blinks twice, his frantic mind scrambling for a response, how did the conversation suddenly sway in this unwanted direction? What prize is this barbarian even talking about?! Soral's hand flies towards his neck, as though to shield it from Vidarr's lazily wandering gaze, his body quivering with sudden chills. Only a few moments ago, he thought he'd completely wrap this barbarian around his fingers. . . Or had he not? "So. . . Mark or not?" Vidarr drawls, shattering the momentary silence; a concealed smirk tugs on his lips as he watches his flustered prey. Soral feels ensnared by the mysterious gleam in Vidarr's eyes, is fate toying with him? How can he suddenly demand this?! "No mark!" Soral shakes his head vehemently, he knows only little about mating bonds, but he knows they will become family in the truest sense if he bears this Alpha's mark. . . Such an intimate tie, yet, meaningless to those who have them. He doesn't need blood tie
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINE * * Soral whimpers, leaning up, his lips trembling as he joins it to Vidarr's "I’m yours. I need you." Vidarr’s control shatters. He seizes Soral’s mouth in a brutal kiss, plundering him without mercy. His hand yanks at the breeches clinging to Soral’s hips, ripping them down roughly with one hand, exposing him to the cold air—and to him. Soral clings to him, matching the kiss with frantic hunger, their bodies colliding as Vidarr fills him up in one solid thrust. Vidarr doesn't stop until he fills completely, and Soral, who adjusts past the initial discomfort, doesn't know if he can survive the pleasure of it all. Vidarr's hips rock into him with soft, unhurried movements. The pleasure is a slow build, bringing them higher and higher with each thrust. Their heavy breaths mingle together, bodies slick with sweat as each minute passes “Vidarr . . .” Soral whimpers, his fingers digging into Vidarr's shoulders as his scrotum tightens; Vidarr reaches
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHT **"He stays outside," Vidarr's voice rings with cold finality, slicing through the chill air, leaving no room for argument.Soral stares at the smaller cottage, which is isolated some distance from the larger one he shares with Vidarr. His chest tightens."At least, for tonight, can't he—""No."The flat, dead tone silences him.Soral bites his lip, glancing at Tyr, who shrinks under Vidarr’s glare. Fear flickers in the boy’s eyes. Soral’s mind whirls with questions, so many things only Tyr can answer—what had happened in the village, how he'd ended up with Yori.They hurt him.The thought squeezed Soral’s heart painfully. His shoulders slump with resignation when Vidarr doesn't soften. Vidarr has agreed to take the omega with them, but he would be damned before letting him invade his and Soral's space."Now," Vidarr’s voice drops, dangerously soft; Soral gazes up at him as he continues "How about you finish what you started earlier, omega? Your litt
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN**"Are you even listening to me? You've been quiet all day, what's going on?" Kai's lips pucker in a frown as he slumps beside Rene who doesn't seem interested in his rants. For some moments, Rene doesn't answer. His gaze is distant, lost somewhere deep inside himself. "I m-marked him, I love Lyrien." He whispers at last. Kai doesn't seem surprised by the confession, even if Rene doesn't say it aloud, he already knows. "So, what's wrong with that?""I shouldn't crave him so much. . ." Rene's hands twist in his lap, wringing invisible doubts, "After everything he's done, why do I feel like I can't breathe if he's not near? I want him so badly, do you think something is wrong with me?" Rene draws his knees to his chin, his voice trembling, his eyes blazing with confusion "Why do I love such a cruel person?"Kai nods in agreement. He also thinks that Lyrien doesn't deserve his mate. Perhaps no one deserves Rene's pure heart. Some days, Kai wishes to h
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SIX * * The Dahome dungeon, which is situated below the earth, is a black, rotting hole; not even the slightest flicker of sunlight penetrates. The wet walls are slimy, covered in mould that breathes a sick, sour stench, and the chains hang from the ceilings like deadly vines. A sound— drips of water. No, not just it. Footsteps. The figure sprawled on the cold ground, whose very senses have been sharpened from being trapped in the dark for so long, can hear it. A fire torch comes into view, and the light floods the dungeon, causing rats to flee to their hiding areas; the sounds of chains rattle as tormented prisoners hope to earn the intruder's attention, their mournful cries growing louder. The figure on the cold floor at the secluded end of the dungeon gives no reaction, alone in the cramped space of his cell, the rough edges of stones bite into his skin, leaving tender bruises. His body is too weak to draw in a breath, let alone make a sound
CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE * * Rene’s breath catches at the realization hits him hard, the brute is not angry about the mark; rather, it's because I don't want to acknowledge it. "Lyrien. . . " “Do you know I can feel you inside me right now? Your claim moving through my veins," Lyrien's voice drops low. “Every part of me aches when you pull away. I couldn't help how I feel about you before, Now, it's even more intense," Rene wants to block his ears, if he listens for too long, he may get lost. He will forget about the things that he shouldn't. "Stop talking! Everything that happened was out of my control and I'm sorry for marking you, but that's it. . . Don't think that everything is fine now because we had sex," Lyrien grasps the pair of hands that starts to push him away, "You still don't get it so you, I now belong to you, you have to take responsibility for me," Lyrien breathes out each word. "I can't be responsible for a grown male; get away from me; besides, you al