Chapter 57

Oscar licked his lips, eyes fixed on Hu Yetao as he reached down and unbuttoned the rest of Hu Yetao's shirt. He pushed the hospital-issued pajamas open, exposing Hu Yetao's chest and causing him to shiver again - from the cool air as well as from his mate's intense gaze.

Oscar sat back and promptly pushed his pants down, just far enough to allow his erect cock to spring free.

Hu Yetao's breath stuttered in his chest as Oscar began to fist himself, gaze still locked with his. Hu Yetao ran his hands up Oscar's thighs, which were lean but firm with muscle, eventually settling his hands at Oscar's hips, watching his mate's expression with rapt attention.

Oscar's breath was coming in rapid pants, huffed between parted pink lips, hand working quickly over his flushed cock.

Hu Yetao mouth turned dry; his mate made such an erotic picture sitting astride him and wanking, and he wished he had the energy to be an active participant.

All thoughts of the attack were completely wiped from his mind.

He knew it wouldn't be long as he watched a rosy flush work its way up to Oscar's pale chest and neck. Oscar's gaze suddenly shifted to the fresh claiming mark on Hu Yetao's neck and his eyes became half-lidded with a fresh wave of arousal.

A couple more pulls and Oscar was suddenly groaning, long and low, spurting generous amounts of cum and coating Hu Yetao's naked torso.

Oscar paused a moment to catch his breath, eyes closed and head tipped back, one hand still lightly clasped around his softening cock, drops of clear fluid still leaking out the tip and over his fingers.

Hu Yetao watched with interest as Oscar slowly opened his eyes and then leaned forward without a word; beginning to systematically spread his ejaculate over Hu Yetao's skin, a slight crease of concentration between his brows as he worked, silent and focused.

Hu Yetao found it to be the most core, most primitive, a moment of his inheritance so far. Maybe this was more Nundu than Alpha, but it was so primal that Hu Yetao didn't know what to say. First the bite and now this scent marking business...

All he knew was that he liked it; it was a possessive act but also one of cherished too.

Once Oscar was satisfied, he glanced up at Hu Yetao's face; eyes softening as he slowly came back to himself. He pressed a soft kiss to Hu Yetao's lips and then one to the claiming mark, before climbing off the bed. He slid his fingers into the waistband of his pants and began to slide them off.

Hu Yetao watched him in silence; wondering what else he was going to do. He thought it was odd that they weren't speaking - but somehow it seemed fitting too; communicating by touch and eye contact alone. He began to shiver as the warm fluid on his chest and abdomen began to cool, his body still feeling overly sensitive. His new claiming mark was beginning to throb dully as well.

Oscar tossed his dark underwear aside, frowning a little when he noticed Hu Yetao's shivering.

Without a word, he took a few steps back and then changed into his Nundu form.

Hu Yetao was startled but quickly shifted over to make room in the large bed, knowing that Oscar was in protection mode, and well aware that his cat form would provide the most heat for his mate.

Oscar leapt neatly onto the empty side of the bed and then nuzzled his way under Hu Yetao's upper body, lying across the two pillows at the top of the bed.

Hu Yetao smiled a little as he instantly curled up against his mate's soft furry side, dragging the blanket up over his shoulders and then sinking his fingers deep into Oscar's fur as he lay his head on his silky side.

Oscar craned his huge silvery-blond head around so that Hu Yetao's head was tucked in under his downy-soft chin. He huffed in contentment, warm breath ruffling Hu Yetao's dark hair.

Hu Yetao sighed and allowed his eyes to finally slip shut as the warmth of his mate surrounded him, chasing away any trace of cold. He covered a yawn and then chuckled in surprise as a loud rumbly purr started up just under his ear.

It wasn't long before the comforting vibration and soothing warmth forced him to drift off into a deep sleep.

Hu Yetao woke with a start; eyes snapping open, a rough gasp tearing from his throat.

He lay there a moment, heart pounding, staring up at the white ceiling and waiting for his body to calm down. The nightmare had been a vivid one and he had to actively remind himself that he wasn't trapped and drowning beneath the ice again.

He swallowed and his throat felt tender. He shifted a little, wondering if he needed a potion, and noticed how sore the rest of his body was as well - not to mention the persistent throb of pain from the claiming mark-making itself known.

It was then that he also realized that he was alone in the wide bed.

He frowned and carefully pushed himself up into a sitting position, grimacing at the pull of dried semen on his chest and stomach.

The sexy, romantic notion of scent marking was now completely gone; now he just wanted a hot shower.

The same house-elf who had brought them to the Manor last night suddenly appeared beside the bed with an almost soundless pop.

Hu Yetao quickly closed his pajama top to hide the mess of dried ejaculate. He flushed and hoped house-elves didn't have a heightened sense of smell.

"Master Yetao," Niào greeted with a low curtsy, plucking out the sides of her 'dress' as she did so. She seemed to be wearing what appeared to be an old fabric bag that contained apples at one point if the label on the front was anything to go by. "Mistress Shui Xian says you are to join her for tea in the conservatory."

"Erm, all right," Hu Yetao replied slowly. "I... I'm just going to pop into the shower first."

Niào nodded and then indicated a pile of neatly folded clothes on the chair by the desk. "Master Oscar brought you something to wear, and I was to remind you to take your yellow and red potions now."

"Oh... thank you," he stammered, glancing at the tray of potions and quickly spotting the correct vials. "I won't be long," he said, turning back to her.

Niào merely blinked her large brown eyes at him and didn't move, and Hu Yetao suspected she wasn't to leave until he'd taken his potions.

He swallowed the potions in quick succession - the yellow one was vile and the red one tasted of strawberries - and then Niào swiftly disappeared after bobbing another curtsy.

The pain instantly dulled into the background and Hu Yetao was able to have a quick shower and then dress without too much discomfort.

He peered curiously at his new claiming mark in the mirror; it was quite red and a little swollen. The indents where Oscar's teeth had pierced his skin were scabbed over and ugly, but he knew they would fade into a smooth, silvery scar at some point.