Page 13 of The Omega Thief

Raz trailed a fingertip gently over what was clearly a bite mark. “It’s where my wolf bit and claimed his mate.”

Attiker shuddered, and Raz smiled at the reaction. He knew touching the bite would arouse Attiker, but Raz could wait. They were bonded for life. There was no rush.

Attiker took a determined step away from Raz. “So we’re bonded just because you say so? I don’t have any choice in the matter?” His words were bitter, challenging almost. “And I thought the royal family only bonded with shifters? Don’t tell me you ran through all of them? And then, there’s the merchants. There are plenty of non-shifters with a little class. I can’t believe you were so desperate you had to go looking in your own dungeons for someone—”

“Stop it,” Raz snapped. “I will not have you denigrate yourself so.”

“I’m speaking the truth,” Attiker nearly yelled. “I was desperate enough to think about that purse. I paused for a fraction of a second because it was the honor weekend, but if it hadn’t been, I would’ve stolen it. You heard Grape. Is that what you want to tie yourself to? A pickpocket and a slum-whore?”

Raz shut him up the only way he could think of. He clasped Attiker’s arm, tugged him close, and slammed his mouth over his bonded’s.

Attiker froze and Raz gentled. He would never—could never—force him into anything, but then a moan escaped Attiker’s throat, and Raz deepened the kiss. His tongue scraped over Attiker’s teeth, tangling with his bonded’s. Attiker moaned again, and Raz felt Attiker’s arms slide up Raz’s back and press him closer as if he wanted no distance between them. He broke off, murmuring soothing noises, unintelligible words that promised safety, love. Told him that Attiker was his. That he would be safe. That Raz would protect him with his life, and that no one would ever hurt him again.

Raz eased Attiker down on the bed, tucking him into his side but making no attempt to undress either of them. He brushed another lazy whisper of a kiss against Attiker’s swollen lips. “Our wolves knew each other instantly. The bond is absolute and can never be broken save death.”

Attiker stared at Raz in confusion. “What do you mean, our wolves?” The last word was choked out, and he sat up, but he didn’t attempt to leave. “I’m not a shifter. I’m sorry, but these sorts of dreams don’t happen outside of stories told to children.” Attiker looked up, and Raz caught the glint of moisture in his eyes. “And I put away all manner of childish things when I was seven and my dad died.”

Raz sat up and clasped Attiker’s hand. He didn’t want to force a shift. He could, but Attiker had been hurt enough already, and he would never take that choice away from him.

“Close your eyes,” Raz whispered. “Close your eyes and tell me what you feel, what you smell, what you see.”

Attiker shook his head slightly, but his eyes fluttered shut.

“Take a breath and try to relax.”

Attiker’s lips curled in a fleeting smile, and Raz was helpless not to touch them lightly with his own. “What do you smell?”

“Spice,” Attiker murmured. “I don’t have a name for it, but it’s the rarest, most exotic scent there is. I want to rub it all over my skin, drown in it almost.” Attiker swallowed and pulled at his tight pants, trying to give himself a little more room.

“And further? What else?”

Attiker inhaled slowly. “The cook’s making bread downstairs.” He frowned. “Are you near the kitchens?”

Raz chuckled softly. “Not so much. What else?”

“The ocean,” Attiker said in wonder. “I can smell the port. The fish, the people. So many people. But this is farther, cleaner.”

Attiker squeezed his hand gently. “Now I want you to look at something. No, keep those pretty eyes closed,” he added when Attiker blinked.

“You make no sense,” Attiker whispered, but he kept them closed, and Raz noticed the faint blush tinging Attiker’s pale skin.

“What do you feel?”

Attiker’s breath hitched. “Your hand. Your touch is gentle, but I know you’re one of the strongest people I know.”

Raz smoothed his thumb over the back of Attiker’s hand. “What else?”

Attiker took another deep breath, and his head tilted a little in concentration before he shivered almost imperceptibly. “It’s soft, like fur. I can feel your hand, but this is almost as if it’s touching my mind.” He brought his other hand to his chest as if touching his heart, and Raz covered it with his own.

“And what do you see?”

Attiker’s lips parted soundlessly, and Raz knew he was looking at the same thing he was. Raz’s Fenrir, tall and proud, standing protectively next to a smaller white wolf. The white wolf raised its head, and the Fenrir lowered his until their muzzles touched. The Fenrir gently licked the white wolf’s nose and then lowered himself so they were lying side by side.

Attiker opened his eyes, and Raz watched as a single tear escaped one of them. “That’s…” He seemed to run out of words. He gazed at Raz. “But how? Why didn’t I know?”

“Because you’re an omega,” Raz explained. “Omegas don’t shift for the first time until they meet their alpha.”

“You.” It wasn’t a question, and Raz nodded, bringing Attiker’s hand up to his face and gently kissing the palm. Raz would have let go, but Attiker entwined their fingers together and gently tugged Raz closer. Raz sighed in contentment as Attiker took charge of the kiss and deepened it in response.

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