by Susan Hayes
An arrogant smile touched the corners of his mouth. “My omega wants my touch. Does she?”
She glared at him even as her mouth betrayed her. “Yes.”
A raw, rumbling purring sound tore from his chest as he gave her what she craved. Long, thick fingers stroked through her folds, spreading the slick proof of her arousal over her sensitive flesh. She rode his fingers, trying to get him to touch her where she needed it most.
When he touched her clit, she shuddered, a moan rising from her throat as pleasure washed through her. This was so much better than anything she’d been able to do to herself. Even mindless with need during the heats she hadn’t felt this good.
“Oh… oh!” she managed, clinging to him again and rocking her hips against his hand. But he wasn’t touching her enough, instead teasing her with the pleasure she wanted… needed… craved. So she snarled up at him again, a vicious little warning sound as she snapped her teeth.
“My omega is a demanding one when she doesn’t get what she wants.” He chuckled, that deep purring sound that made her shiver to her toes rumbling from him again.
“Please,” she gasped, feeling the familiar tension fill her body. “It hurts…”
That had always been the way with her. Pleasure was a two-edged sword. The more she tried to soothe it, to ease it, the worse it became.
His next breath came out as a hissed curse and his touch gentled. “No pain, little star. Tell me what you need and I will give it to you.”
“I don’t know. But before. This. The heats. They hurt. I’ve never…” She trailed off frustrated by her lack of knowledge.
“You need release.” It wasn’t a question, but she nodded anyway. Maybe he knew a way to… instead of stopping to give her something for the pain, he eased a finger into her channel, stretching her slowly and filling her in ways that felt so right she lost the ability to think. All she could do was react and chase this new feeling wherever it took her.
His thumb pressed down on her clit as he added another finger, moving faster now and driving her toward the brink of something she didn’t understand.
Tension increased with the speed of his fingers, and something deep inside her started to coil like a spring, building toward…
Pleasure hit her like the first front of an oncoming storm. She clung to him, wordless cries filling the air as she tumbled into a place she’d never imagined existed—a world of pure pleasure, entirely free of pain.
He growled again—that strange purr-like sound that both eased something inside her and tied her up in knots all at the same time—and gathered her closer. His strong arm around her back held her securely against him even as his huge hand kept her legs parted widely for him. She panted, her breath coming in short, hard gasps as he thrust inside her, adding another finger as he teased her clit with his thumb. Then he curled his fingers and pressed something deep inside her, and she broke.
“That’s right, little star. Come for me.” He didn’t stop moving his fingers, drawing out the exquisite moment until she was lightheaded and shaking in his arms.
Still gasping for breath, she barely had time to protest the removal of his hand before his mouth was on hers, blocking out the sight of what he did next.
She felt it, though. Bare thighs pressing between her legs, as powerful as tree trunks. Then the broad head of his cock was sliding through her folds, sending another shockwave through her body and making her moan into his mouth.
He growled and then tensed, holding himself still for several seconds. The purring sound he made helped her relax, and she melted into his arms, her lips parting to let him into her mouth.
“Mine.” She heard the word buried beneath his next growl as he pressed himself inside her.
She tried to stay relaxed and not stiffen up as he parted her. The horror stories she’d heard all her life tried to get purchase in her mind, and she whimpered. He pulled her closer, kissing her to distraction as he rocked his hips back. The small respite eased her, the pressure letting up, but a sense of disappointment filled her at his withdrawal.
Almost before she could register the crushing feeling, he was back. The relief as he pushed in, stretching her widely around him, was so complete she cried out, the sound lost under his kiss. His large hands smoothed over her skin, touching and caressing as he worked himself inside her with hard rocks of his hips.
The lack of pain confused her. The pleasure made her mind foggy and her thoughts as distant and fluffy as clouds. This wasn’t right… but at the same time, it was so right she wanted to scream and beg him to keep going.
Need crashed through her defenses and left her quivering. Her hands clamped down on his shoulders, her legs wrapping around his hips to pull him in closer.
She needed this. Needed him.
“Please…” she whispered. “I want…”
“Tell me,” he breathed, his lips whispering against hers. Teasing her with the kiss he was withholding. “Now.”
The harsh order made her melt against him, needs and desires she wasn’t familiar with filling her.
“Harder,” she growled, her nails digging into his shoulders. “More.”
Kinn threw back his head and roared as he powered into her, his hands gripping her hips hard as he gave her exactly what she’d asked for. She was past fear now, so lost in pleasure that not even his primal howl could distract her. She tightened her legs around him, heels pressed into the small of his back, feeling the muscles tense as he claimed her.
Betrayed by her body, all she could do was hold on as he took her to the heights of pleasure. With his mouth on hers, his huge body filled her again and again.
When she was on the brink, he tore his mouth from hers to stare down at her, his all-black eyes gleaming. “Who do you belong to?”
She knew what he wanted to hear, and in a moment of weakness, she gave it to him. “You.”
He growled in triumph, kissing her hard and fast. His clawed hand cupped the back of her head, some of his primal nature emerging as he sped up. She yielded to him, moving with him as each hard thrust took her closer to the edge. Then, between one stroke and the next, she was there. Tearing her lips away from his, she placed her hand in the middle of his chest over his heart as time stretched out. He looked down at her, their gazes connecting.
He thrust. Hard. And threw her over the edge.
Her senses scattered as her voice rose in a wild cry that echoed off the walls. Then he dropped his head to the side of her throat and bit her, sending her body into another orgasm, this one so intense she forgot how to breathe.
Pleasure danced with pain for a moment and then the pain receded, leaving her floating and stunned.
He came, roaring her name as he emptied himself inside her, his cock swelling, stretching her, filling her. Heat washed over her womb and then they were locked together, every movement taking her almost to the brink again.
He’d bitten her.
It took a moment for that to sink in. Alphas did that when they claimed an omega. It marked them as their property. She was his. Not just in words but in deed. She caught her breath, panic filling her as realization crashed over her. He’d taken her, bitten her and… a small moan escaped her. Oh god, he’d knotted her. Swelled inside her, stretching her. If he did it anymore, he’d tear her up from the inside.
“No!” he snarled as she started to struggle. He wrapped arms like steel around her to hold her still. “Stay still, female! You need to stay still!”
She froze, something in his tone making her obey him. Before she could say anything, he started to make that strange rumbling noise again. This time, she responded with something just like it. The sounds combined into something that calmed and relaxed them both.
He smiled, pressing his lips against her temple in a soft kiss she would never have believed him capable of.
“That’s better. You’re safe, little star. I have you. Always.”
5
He’d claimed his omega, bitten her and knotted her.
She should be in heat by now. But she wasn’t.
Kinn grumbled under his breath as he returned to his quarters… their quarters now, to find that she’d moved the tiny nest she’d made yet again. When he’d brought her back here, he’d provided all the necessary materials, but she’d only taken half, making a small nest not in the huge bed in the master bedroom but in the closet in the second bedroom. It was only large enough for her, not for them both.
He hadn’t mentioned it, figuring she was still adjusting to her new nature, especially when he’d managed to tempt her to share his bed every night since. It had taken some work, plenty of snarling and spat insults from her at him, but he’d managed it, knotting her again and again and making sure to quell her panic each time. He’d been so sure that her nests would get larger, that she’d accept her true nature and her place in his life… but she hadn’t.
“What is this?” he demanded, motioning to the nest under the table of all places as she stood, her arms folded over her chest and a mulish expression on her face.
“You tell me. I’ve never been one for blanket forts before, and now I can’t seem to stop making them.” She glowered up at him. “This is more omega weirdness. Isn’t it?”
“Nesting is normal omega behavior, yes. The way you are doing it is… not.” He frowned at the small pile of blankets and pillows. “Is that comfortable for you?”
“No. It’s weird and I don’t like it. It’s bad enough my body keeps wanting things my brain doesn’t. But now I purr and want to make soft places to sleep. You did this to me!”
He beckoned to her, a silent order to come to him that she ignored with a glare. “I didn’t do anything to you.” He sighed. They’d been through this. “You are an omega. These are your natural instincts expressing now that you are near your alpha.”
“This is bullshit,” she snapped back, putting the table between them. “One, I wasn’t a damn omega before you assholes arrived and two, my sis—” She slammed her mouth shut so fast he was surprised she didn’t break teeth.
“Your what?”
“Sister omegas. I’ve seen a few claimed ones. None of them did this.” She pointed at the blankets.
He’d have bet good money that wasn’t what she’d been about to say, but nothing ever came easily with his omega. She was as prickly as a salla berry vine, and her words cut sharper than a warrior’s blade. Had Var and Rath had this much trouble with their females? He wasn’t about to ask them. It would be an admission of weakness, but still… those few moments when she submitted to him were a heaven he’d never dreamed could actually exist.
He sighed. “You cannot fight your nature forever, little star. You are mine. The Lord Overseer has already given his approval.”
She turned away with a small huff. He took a step toward her, intent on putting an end to this nonsense once and for all, but his movement was altered by a knock at the door.
A frown creasing his brow, he strode over, waving his hand over the access plate in irritation.
“What?” he demanded, finding the beta Mother Superior standing in the corridor. A quick, assessing glance over her revealed she was paler than usual, her gaze cutting past him toward Serena.
“Lord Healer, may I speak with your… err, may I speak with Serena?”
“He’s not my anything, and of course you can speak with me,” Serena said before he could speak.
“I am your alpha,” he growled.
She shot him a sidelong look as she moved past him. “So you keep saying.”
“Mother Superior, what brings you here?”
The small female bowed her head, her white hair falling forward to hide part of her face. “I have news about a… mutual acquaintance.” Her gaze slid to Kinn. “It is a private matter.”
He folded his arms. “Anything you want to say to my omega, you can say in front of me.”
Serena shrugged. “His royal pain in the ass, lord of the healing hall doesn’t like to be left out of things. Even when they’re none of his business.”
He folded his arms and scowled, frustrated to be having this conversation yet again. “Anything that concerns you is my business. You are mine.”
“Ignore him. I need to hear the news. Who? What’s happened?” Serena asked.
“It’s about your sister. Once I knew you were here, I sent word out hoping it would reach anyone missing you. I just received word back.” The pale woman bowed her head again, her hand lifting to touch the religious symbol at her throat. “I’m sorry, Serena. The news isn’t good. Max was wounded. Badly. They’ve done all they can but…” She bit her lip and shook her head. “I thought you’d want to know.”
He saw the blood drain from her face, and the slight wobble before she locked her knees.
“Your sister?” he demanded softly, crowding her. He didn’t like the stricken look on her face. “You have a sister? Where? Is she an omega like you?”
Her eyes lifted to him and the expression there was like a punch in the gut. She was scared… no, she was terrified. “Yes, I do. Not here. No, she isn’t.”
Her words were clipped as she looked past him to Mother Superior, but the other female had already gone, her duty discharged.
“I need to go. Now,” she said suddenly, trying to brush past him. He caught her, his hand latched around her upper arm.
“Where? I will come with you.”
“You can’t. It’s not. No. That’s not going to work.”
He snarled. “You don’t go unless I am with you. Ever.”
She tried to pull out of his grip and failed. “You can’t come. They’ll kill you,” she hissed.
It took him three very long seconds to process that statement. She meant it. But who were they and what could a human do against a Tolathian warrior?
He bared his teeth, his fangs dropping. “Are you saying I’m too weak to protect my omega?”
She laughed. The short bark was filled with bitter amusement. “You won’t need to protect me. If anything, I’ll be protecting you.”
Her words didn’t make sense and he frowned down at her. Then he smiled, stroking his fingertip down the line of her jaw. “You didn’t argue that you’re my omega.”
“Oh for fuck’s sake, really?” She shoved at his broad chest. “Alright, yes! No, I didn’t argue. Yes, you can come with, but don’t come crying to me if they kill you. Okay?”
“I do not fear any human. I will not die. I will go and see if I can save your sister. But I want something from you first.”
She stilled. “You’re bargaining with my sister’s life? You are such an asshole.”
“Stop fighting your nature, Serena. That’s all I want. Surrender to me and I will do all I can to save your kin.”
He had her. He saw it in the sudden look in the backs of her eyes. A brief pang of… something filled him at using her sister, using her weakness, against her like this. Something that felt almost like guilt. He brushed it away. He didn’t feel guilty. He had no reason. She was an omega, his omega. It was what was best for her. He knew what was best for her.
“Fine!” she hissed, grabbing his jacket, her fists bunched. “Save her and I’ll do whatever you want.”
He covered her hands with his and then bowed his head to kiss her. “I will do all I can. How far away is she? What village?” He was already compiling a list of equipment he’d need to bring. “And we’ll discuss what happens when omegas keep secrets from their alphas another time.”
She gave him a look he couldn’t decipher. If he was feeling less generous given her submission, he would have said it was one of challenge. But he was prepared to be magnanimous given her emotional state. And… a sister. She had a sister who, despite her claims, very well might be an omega as well. If he could bring in another one, for one of his brothers…
“Bring your main pack,” she ordered him, the demand in her voice making him growl in the back of his throat and force down the need to remind her who was alpha here. “We’ll need your air-bike. It’s not far
.”
He was already reaching for his pack when the impact of her words hit him. “Not far? You were captured several days from here. Weren’t you?” He snarled and yanked at the straps to his bag. “How many lies have you told me?”
She snarled back. “As many as I had to in order to protect my people. Speaking of which, I need something from you, too.”
“You’re in no position to make demands, little star.”
“This is a deal breaker. You cannot tell anyone where you’re going or what you see when we get there. No one. My sister would rather die than expose any of our people.” She tipped up her head to glare at him. “And so would I.”
He growled in the back of his throat, backing her up a few paces. She went, but only because he herded her with his larger form. The look in her eyes was as hard as that of any alpha he’d faced.
“What’s it going to be?” she asked, her voice soft but her eyes hard. “Alpha mine?”
She’d named him as her alpha. Finally. His growl stopped and was replaced by the soft rumble of his parth. “You will not die. I won’t allow it. I will not tell anyone what I see.” He thumped his fist to his chest. “You have my word.”
She sagged and exhaled in relief. “Okay. Hurry. We have to hurry. She might already be…”
He slung the pack over his shoulder and gathered her to his side with his free arm, holding her against his chest. “I will do all I can for her.”
An hour later she sat on the seat behind him as he rode his air-bike through a picket for an enemy camp he had no idea even existed. Especially since it was practically in the shadows of the damn citadel. Or at the very least within sensor range.
“It’s me,” she called out as blunt-nosed weapons swung toward them threateningly. “He’s with me. He’s a doctor.”
“Healer,” he growled in a low voice, so only she could hear.
