Ryedir made a noncommittal sound at the back of his throat but didn’t reply further.
Laret was an excellent healer and almost fanatical in her care. Not just regarding their 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 Kari.
Laret 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 Laret for her overzealous care, especially as it had proven exceedingly entertaining watching Kari stutter in mortification.
The memory dulled his anger somewhat and Ryedir stood with Kari still in his arms.
Kariwoke 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 realizethat 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 Karifelt 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 Ryedir’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.” Kari’s eyebrow twitched at the way the alpha referred to him.He already know that he was small. No need
Karipouted as he followed Nevisthrough the manor. The beta had been teasing him endlessly about his bruised lip and the fact that he now smelt like Ryedir. 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 Nevismentioning it. Apparently, the beta was mostly amused because Karibecame a blushing, fumbling mess every time he brought it up. It was an unusual reaction for a pleasure slave, to say the least. Still, Nevistalked more than normal and kept a watchful eye on Kari. The beta didn’t once comment on the marks on his neck, however. Karihad to wonder if it was about what happened yesterday. In light of Ryedir’s teasing, he had temporarily forgotten his woes but it all came back to the front 
Karifroze. 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 Kariarrived. He knew pieces of information: alpha, warrior, harsh but fair, kept his word. Ryedirseemed to be able to see right through him, read even the slightest reaction in his body language. But Karididn'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 crimesIcommitted." 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