Choose Me

by Hart, Delmire

  “Was he hurt?” Azumi spoke quietly to avoid startling the distressed omega but Renato wasn’t entirely sure if Toru was aware enough to have noticed even if she yelled.

  He shook his head in response, not willing to stop crooning just yet. The healer frowned and looked over Renato himself, the frown deepening as she spotted the shallow cut on his thigh. She pulled apart the cut material of his trousers and inspected the wound. “This needs cleaning. I can’t see if there was any poison used but the flesh of the wound is not reacting as yet, which is a good sign.”

  Renato peered down at the now limp slave in his arms. He appeared to have passed out, most likely from exhaustion. He gathered him up in his arms and stood, stepping away from the bed as Luca and Azumi switched places. The healer went to her large leather bag sitting by the door, while Luca stepped forward and began removing Renato’s pants.

  Jamil seemed to have finished with his inspection of the assassin’s corpse and Renato moved his attention to his master-at-arms while his wound was cleaned and bandaged.

  “No evidence of who sent him. Not a single thing on him other than the clothes and weapon. The weapon doesn’t appear to be poisoned.” The bulky alpha directed the last comment at Azumi who hummed in acknowledgement. “Did he scale the manor?”

  Renato nodded at the other man’s assumption. “Correct. I would be interested to know who was on guard duty today.” His tone was mild but the others knew him well enough by now to know the anger that simmered under the surface of his expression.

  He had been distracted by comforting his little slave but now that he was asleep the anger clawed its way back into his awareness. He watched Jamil’s expression harden. The man was normally quiet and laid back when off the battlefield but he was fierce when roused.

  “I will have the names of all those potentially involved by midnight.” Jamil gave a small bow and strode from the room. Renato watched the other alpha leave before turning his attention to his frowning steward. The beta stood staring at the limp omega in his arms.

  “What happened?”

  Renato chose not to answer right away, instead turning to Luca. “Go fetch someone to clean up this mess.” The beta nodded and scurried from the room. Renato turned back to Morse, “I am not entirely sure. The assassin came in through the open balcony door and attacked. Toru handed me my sword and I killed the attacker. It was after that when Toru panicked.”

  “Flashback.” They both turned to Azumi who stood, having finished bandaging Renato’s thigh. “I would bet anything on it. Did he seem sluggish or slow to respond during the attack?”

  Renato thought for a moment before replying. “No. He was shaking when he handed me the weapon but still seemed there, if frightened.”

  “Perhaps it was the blood then.” The healer looked pensive. “Or maybe the death itself. Time heals such things, so to have such a strong reaction… Perhaps it is tied to the state with which he was brought to us in. It would do us good to know what is a trigger for him, such a reaction could be lethal if there was another attack.” Azumi helped Renato into a clean pair of pants before she grabbed a new cloth and gestured for Renato to sit.

  She carefully cleaned the jagged wounds Toru’s nails had scored into his flesh. “You Highness, he will need to eat but he most likely will not want to, you may need to hand feed him. I recommend a selection of sliced fruits and some light crackers. He may also be clingy and need extra attention for a few days. There is also a possibility of nightmares, given how he reacted.”

  Renato nodded and looked over to Morse but the beta didn’t react to the unspoken command and continued to frown at the slave instead. “If I may be so bold, I don’t see what is so worth the hassle, especially given the condition he was brought to you in.”

  The alpha’s lips twisted into a smirk. “You will see in time.” The beta’s frown just deepened. He opened his mouth to protest again but caught Renato’s raised eyebrow and snapped his mouth shut. He gave a small bow and strode from the room.

  “You will need to be careful not to tear open your wound as well.” Azumi stepped back and surveyed them both. She gave a small, satisfied nod and set to packing up her bag. “It might be good for you both to relax for a day or two, a day spent in bed together would do you both good, provided you don’t do anything too strenuous. It would help strengthen your bond as well.”

  Renato made a noncommittal sound at that back of his throat but didn’t reply further. Azumi was an excellent healer and almost fanatical in her care. Not just regarding her charges physical health, but also mental health. This was especially true for bonded pairs and she was more than happy to take every opportunity to state her mind on just how to strengthen those bonds. Which had resulted in a rather hilarious sex talk with himself and Toru.

  Azumi was oblivious to social cues and had given a rather long and detailed list of sexual activities that did not need bonding, as though they were adolescents fumbling through sex. He almost snorted at the thought. He couldn’t fault Azumi for her overzealous care, especially as it had proven exceedingly entertaining watching Toru stutter in mortification.

  The memory dulled his anger somewhat and Renato stood with Toru still in his arms. He carried him effortlessly into one of his entertaining rooms and settled into a large plush chair, arranging the omega so he could hold him but still leave his arms somewhat free. It wasn’t long before a few of his staff entered to remove the corpse and clean the blood from the carpet.

  Morse appeared soon after with reports to read through and a candle to provide more direct reading light. The beta made no further move to question Renato, but he caught the odd disapproving glance to the sleeping omega while they discussed the running of the Cosa.

  Toru still hadn’t stirred by the time Luca returned with a platter of sliced fruits just like Azumi had ordered. The beta lay the fruits on the small table by the chair and curled up on the large cushion in the corner of the room, quietly dozing while he waited for any orders. They stayed like that until Renato requested his own dinner.

  Morse took the documents they were finished with and left for the kitchens not far behind Luca. Luca returned shortly with his dinner while Morse returned sometime later to continue going through the reports. Toru didn’t even stir until after Renato had finished his food and Luca had fallen asleep on his cushion.

  He seemed to come back around slowly, cuddling closer to Renato before suddenly tensing as though he realised where he was. Interestingly, the slave didn’t move or protest like Renato thought he would—instead he seemed content to stay in the alpha’s lap and doze. It wasn’t until Renato decided to feed Toru that he got a reaction.

  He indicated for Morse to read out the reports instead and used his now free hands to re-arrange Toru on his lap. The omega blinked dazedly at him, his big blue eyes seemed almost world-weary. He brought a slice of mango to the slave’s lips and a familiar flash of defiance sparked in his eyes. The omega glared up at Renato. It was less fiery that usual but the alpha was pleased to see it, nonetheless. Toru was still there, hiding away under the withdrawn exterior.

  Renato crooned softly and Toru grimaced. “You can stop that now, I’m not some- mmphh!” Renato cut him off midsentence and forced the piece of fruit into his mouth. That got a more intense glare. Good, he was coming out of his stupor. The slave’s eyes fluttered shut as the taste hit his tongue and he slowly chewed, savouring his favourite fruit.

  Hemiko, the head cook, seemed to have developed a soft spot for the young man, if the fact that the plate was filled with all his favourites was anything to go by. Renato waited until Toru finished his mouthful and opened his eyes again before holding up his fingers in front of his plump lips.

  “Now, lick the juices off like a good little boy.” Toru lunged forward and bit down on air where his fingers had been moments ago. Renato chuckled as his teeth snapped shut with an audible click, having expected the reaction. Instead he picked up a half strawberry and offered it to the omega who attempted
to grab it in his own hands. Renato expertly captured both wrists in one hand and proceeded to force feed his stubborn little slave.

  Morse was standing there watching them with an odd look on his face. It was a mix of confusion, disbelief, and a hint of amusement. He snapped back to attention when Renato waved at him to continue. He cleared his throat and started to read again only to be immediately interrupted by Jamil. The hulking master-at-arms strode into the room and stopped with a bow in front of him. Renato forced another piece of mango between Toru’s pouting lips before he spoke.

  “Report.”

  “Negligence and incompetence.” Jamil spoke evenly but his fury was palpable. “I have three men all from different stations that should have seen the assassin as he made his way onto the manor’s grounds. One was found sleeping on duty.” Renato’s eyebrows jumped, Jamil personally trained each of his staff and was good at weeding out those looking for a free ride. “He is one of the new lot from the city and I made sure to give him a rude awakening. I would like to request permission to deal with the three men myself.”

  “What did you have in mind?” Toru took the opportunity while he was distracted to bite at his fingers again and this time only narrowly missed. He shot Renato a toothy grin, showing off his sharp teeth. Renato leaned forward and bit his ear in retaliation. Not hard enough to bruise, but enough to pull a startled yelp from the disobedient omega.

  Jamil dutifully ignored their interruption and continued. “Dismissal for the sleeper and cleaning duties down in the slums for the other two. On top of extra training, of course.”

  Renato smirked: The two that would stay in his employ were in for long and gruelling days under Jamil’s watchful eye followed by a little public humiliation of the most disgusting kind. “Granted.”

  The other alpha bowed, murmuring his thanks before withdrawing. Jamil generally spoke little, preferring to speak with actions instead. Renato wondered how many more bruises would be had in the training yard tomorrow while he worked off his steam.

  Morse cleared his throat again and after a moment continued with his report. Toru seemed to have finally seen the futility in the situation and had settled against him, now mostly obediently opening his mouth for the fruit. He fell asleep like that, curled up against Renato’s chest.

  Toru remained asleep even as Renato carried him into the bedroom, removing both of their clothes and curled protectively around him once in bed.

  ***

  Toru woke up feeling tired and groggy and groaned as the feeling hit him full force. He went to roll over but was stopped by something around his waist. Eyes snapped open and he came face to face with a muscled chest. It took a few moments to realise that his pillow was not actually a pillow and instead a bulging bicep.

  A soft rumbling croon reverberated out from the chest in front of him and Toru felt his body relax, the rigid tension he wasn’t even aware of draining from his body. He cursed his traitorous body before placing his hand on Kessler’s chest and shoved, moving himself backwards so he could scowl up at the smirking man.

  “You can stop that,” he said irritably. “I’m not some crying kid that needs comfort.”

  “No one ever said you were, little one.” Toru’s eyebrow twitched at the way the alpha referred to him. He made to move away but thick arms tightened their hold, pulling the omega forward so his face pressed back into Kessler’s chest. The crooning started up yet again and Toru scowled.

  “You!” He tried futilely to escape Kessler’s grasp but remained locked in place. “I told you I’m not a kid! Stop with the crooning already! And what are you even doing in bed still, anyways? Don’t you normally get up with the sun?” The bright light streaming in from the open balcony door told Toru that while this was his normal time to wake up, it was certainly not Kessler’s.

  “Healers orders.” Kessler nuzzled into his hair with another small, gentle croon and Toru knew he was doing it on purpose now. “Azumi recommended a day cuddling in bed to recover from yesterday. She had quite a few rather delicious suggestions as to how we could spend our time.” A warm hand trailed down the bumps of Toru’s spine and he shivered in response. “But we’ll have to forgo those seeing as you are still being stubborn.”

  Toru bit back a small moan of pleasure as the hand skirted across the edge of his ass, the touch sending tingles of pleasure up his spine. He cursed his body once again and slapped his hand on Kessler’s chest in an effort to escape properly this time. Kessler moved with lightning speed and Toru found himself flat on his back with the larger man straddling his thighs. The alpha captured his wrists above his head and he leaned forward, invading his space and causing his body to react embarrassingly.

  The omega felt his cock twitch in interest at the display of dominance and slick slowly dripped from his hole in preparation. Determined to ignore the reaction, Toru instead focused all his willpower on levelling his best defiant glare at the alpha. He was beginning to suspect that Kessler would actually keep his word about not touching him without permission, barring the odd liberty taken.

  “Why do you still insist on denying me? I can smell your reaction.” Toru face flushed but he kept his eyes firmly on Kessler’s golden ones, looking away would just be giving in. Kessler moved even closer and Toru forgot how to breathe as their noses touched. “As much as I adore that fiery look, I must say that I would like to see the face you make when I show you a whole new world of pleasure.”

  A soft knock of the door interrupted any retort that Toru had. Kessler called out for them to enter but didn’t move from his position on top of the smaller man.

  “Ah, sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

  Toru broke eye contact at Luca’s voice and glanced over to the beta. He flushed even more at being seen in such a compromising position but the beta just flashed him a cheeky grin as he sat a tray down on the small bedside table before fleeing out the door. The beta gently shut it with a soft click and once again they were alone. He gulped but didn’t turn back to face the man on top of him, he wasn’t sure he would win a stare down now he had been thrown off by his friend walking in.

  Kessler released his wrists and sat back. “If you are good while I feed you then you can do as you wish for the rest of the day.”

  Toru finally turned back to the other man to find golden eyes surveying him with amusement. “And if I’m not…?”

  “Then you get to spend the rest of the day cuddling with me in bed. Perhaps we can even try some of Azumi’s suggestions.”

  “I’ll be good.” His voice came out like a squeak and he scowled as Kessler’s smirk widened.

  “Such a stubborn little omega I’ve landed myself with.” He leaned forward again, this time so that his lips just brushed against Toru’s ear. “But that just means it will be even more satisfying when you give in.”

  Toru couldn’t help the small shiver and gasp that slipped from his throat. The man’s voice was just so deep and seductive, it always sent little jolts of desire through Toru. Thankfully he rolled off him after that and instead sat propped up against the headboard with some pillows, completely at ease with his nakedness. Toru avoided looking down as he crawled over at Kessler’s gesture. He suddenly became painfully aware of his own nakedness when the alpha manhandled him onto his lap.

  “What happened to my clothes?”

  “I undressed you last night.” Kessler’s voice was thick with amusement. “It is far more comfortable to sleep like this, don’t you think? And I would hate to break those delicate chains, it was such a thoughtful gift.” A steel arm wrapped around his waist, trapping him in place. “I may just have to invest in more, maybe some with little silver bells. Would you dance for me, Toru?”

  The omega looked up from the tray piled with food to stare at Kessler with wide eyes. “Y-you pervert.” The words were quiet, though, the gleam in the alpha’s eyes washing away Toru’s coherency.

  “For you, yes. You always taunt me with such delicious reactions and a ravage-able little body.
Now, you promised to behave.”

  The alpha held up a piece on mango and pressed it to Toru’s lips. He fought down the reactions to the man’s words before opening his mouth to reluctantly allow the man to feed him.

  Until right at the end when the last piece of fruit was slipped between his lips. He suddenly lunged forward and finally managed to nip at Kessler’s nimble fingers. Triumphant at proving himself to be less docile, he turned to find Kessler smiling at him wolfishly. He looked every inch the predator. He leaned forward, Toru frozen in place with an odd mix of fright and arousal.

  The look in the man’s eyes was positively feral but yet it did things to Toru’s insides. His pulse raced, breathing coming in pants while his stomach leapt to his throat but still he couldn’t move. The attraction between them right at that moment was electric.

  Kessler leaned in until his lips ghosted across Toru’s, both of their eyes remaining wide open, before he took Toru’s lower lip between his teeth. Kessler bit down, just hard enough to have a slight sting. They stayed like that, locked together for a seemingly endless moment. It wasn’t quite a kiss, but it wasn’t quite not either.

  Finally Kessler let go and moved back. “Be careful who you play with, little omega.”

  Oh yes, this man was very, very dangerous.

  ***

  Toru pouted as he followed Luca through the manor. The beta had been teasing him endlessly about his bruised lip and the fact that he now smelt like Kessler. It wasn’t like he could do anything about the fact that he spent all of last night and most of this morning curled up against the alpha. And that not quite kiss was enough to have him tripping over his own feet at a mere thought, let alone Luca mentioning it.

  Apparently, the beta was mostly amused because Toru became a blushing, fumbling mess every time he brought it up. It was an unusual reaction for a pleasure slave, to say the least.