Page 48 of Storms of His Wrath

Recognizing a new district wouldn’t be a problem, in fact it would strengthen Tsashokra’s trade. The Omegas seemed self-sufficient and if they needed security, that could be arranged. The main thing that gave him pause was the lack of control over the magical tools that the Sy Dynasty relied on, but that control was imagined because they already control it. In truth, their terms were reasonable. He was surprised they didn’t ask for a lot more.

“I will agree to those terms.” Akoro thought for a moment, and leaned forward, curious. “Why do they want to reintegrate?They’ve survived in isolation for generations, built something sustainable and safe. Why risk exposure now?” He left his last question unsaid: Why trust him after everything his family had done to them?

Naya took a small breath, her eyes lowered. When she looked up again, her expression had softened with the same raw honesty and vulnerability that had devastated him yesterday. “Omegas shouldn’t be hidden away. They shouldn’t be slaves or a separate closed-off society. We are a precious dynamic who have so much to contribute to society. And they deserve to find their Alphas if they want them.”

Suddenly, the air was thick with meaning. The tent felt smaller, more intimate, charged with the electricity that always sparked when they ventured into dangerous territory.

His little Omega was encouragingssukkurianOmegas to emerge from hiding, to seek connection with Alphas, even though she chose not to be with her Alpha. The contradiction struck him, followed immediately by something darker, more primal. If she truly believed what they shared was worth encouraging in others.…

He rose to his feet in one fluid motion and crossed the space between them, the predatory drive that had chased her through her forest awakening in him. Her scent shifted instantly, that aroma that signaled her body’s recognition of his dominance. She scrambled to stand, pressing her back against the tent wall, her pupils dilated with want.

“Akoro—” she began, but the words died as his hand closed around her throat and pulled her to him.

He didn’t squeeze, keeping his hand loose on her smooth neck, his thumb rested against the rapid flutter of her pulse. It was enough to remind her of his dominance, the beauty of her surrender, the power of their perfect opposition.

Alpha and Omega.

Her breath caught, eyes widening, and she gripped his tunic, clutching onto him balance herself. He surrounded her, hunched over her small frame, yet her scent was rich with an arousal that he wanted to drown in.

“You believe this connection between us is so good,” he murmured, his face inches from hers, “that others should experience it?”

Her cheeks darkened, her neck flaring hot underneath his hand. But her gaze remained locked with his, her chest rising and falling in shallow pants. “The experience itself... yes.” Her breath stuttered, raspy voice low. “It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever experienced. Nothing compares to it. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”

A desperate rage clawed up his throat at the finality in her tone. She spoke of their bond as though it was already in the past. He took a few moments to rein himself in, eyes searching her face. “Then let me have you.”

Shock blazed across her beautiful face, followed immediately by annoyance. “Akoro, I already told you?—“

“Until you go home.”

She frowned. “What?”

He breathed deeply, inhaling her, cock jerking. “You think we can work side by side and pretend this thing between us doesn’t exist? Your scent betrays you every time you’re near me, and mine calls to you just as fiercely.”

Her lips parted, but he continued before she could protest.

“Others will see it too. Feel it. Smell it on us—this desperate need. They’ll see how your pulse races when I enter a room, how my control fractures when you’re close.” His thumb traced the rapid beat beneath her skin. “We’re made to fuck each other, Naya. It’s going to happen. You know it, I know it. I’m not going to try and not touch you. I can’t.”

Her breathing stuttered, her scent sharpened, tangy and fragrant. She was wet now. His mouth watered, needing her sodden cunt.

“So let me have you,” he said, his voice a deep rumble.

She let out an uneven breath, lowering her head. “Why would I…”

“Why wouldn’t you?” he growled. “We’re true mates. You said yourself what we have is exceptional. Why shouldn’t we enjoy that for these next two weeks? I won’t stop you from leaving when this is over.”

Her eyes narrowed, suspicion sharp in her gaze. “This… this feels like a trap.”

“I’m not trying to trap you,” he said quietly. “I’m asking because... I need this time with you. Not to change your mind, not to make you stay. Just to have it.” His hand tightened slightly around her throat, and he felt her slow swallow. “It’s what I’ve wanted all along.”

She looked away, and he watched her wrestle with the decision, shadows playing across her flushed face. “You won’t like it,” she whispered.

He growled, desire flaring. “I always like it.”

“No, I mean….” When she met his eyes again, sorrow mixed with unmistakable longing. “I won’t give myself to you the way you want. I can’t do that again.”

Pain lanced through Akoro’s chest. He stared at her, drinking in every pretty detail—her warm brown eyes that looked up at him with such layered emotions, her quivering bottom lip, even the scar that marked her as his. “There are no conditions, Naya.” He exhaled slowly. “All I know is, when you smell like this, when you need to be held, fucked, dominated… when you need my purr or my arms or my tongue. I cannot walk away.”

The last words carried an edge of pain he couldn’t quite hide, revealing the vulnerability beneath his dominant exterior.

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