chapter 16: Nox

I groan softly as light hits my eyes. Ryan and I had been coated in darkness for what felt like ages during his rut. It was strange to be greeted by the light again. I roll over and peer at the figure by the window. He was shirtless, giving me the opportunity to admire his strong back. He had scars running over his shoulders, down his back, and disappearing under his pants. Slowly, my eyes trace the pattern back up his back to his neck. My mating mark was a dark red and stood out against his dark skin. Above that was a perfect jawline framed by dark brown hair. I sit up and Ryan looks back at me. His face looks grim, his dark eyes seeming uncertain. I wrap my arms around myself.

"Good morning," I breathe, my voice raw from the sounds I had uttered through the days.

"Morning," he mutters, moving to my side. "How do you feel?" he cups my cheek and I lean into the touch without breaking eye contact.

"I'm fine," he nods and drops his hand.

"We should inform the king that we're finished and head out," I nod and push myself to stand. A soft gasp leaves my lips as a spark of pain rolls over my hips and up my spine. Ryan instantly grabs my hips.

"What?"

"Hurts," I mutter unhappily. He sighs.

"I'm sorry. I guess I got a little too carried away," I shake my head.

"No! It was fine! I'll be okay! It just stings a bit," Ryan nods and slowly his hands leave my body. He bends and hands me my clothes. I quickly slip into them and together we leave the room.

"Nox, please, come with me," I jumped at the sudden appearance of one of the hand maids. I squeeze my eyes shut at the pain that follows. I nod and let her lead me away from Ryan.

"The king will have you shower, then you will be examined," I nod again, looking over my shoulder at Ryan. He didn't look back as he was led in the opposite direction. I sigh and look down to the ground. My bath is… thorough, to say the least. The handmaid pushes her fingers into me to dig the leftover cum out. She then washes every part of me, ensuring Ryan's scent no longer lingered on my skin. She ignores my mark, which makes me grateful. I probably would've hurt her had she tried to touch it. Once my bath is complete, she braids my hair and takes me to my examination. A towel is placed over my eyes and my body is violated. When finally it is over I am brought back to Ryan. He takes my hand silently, but doesn't look at me. I frown and look to the floor again. After a few moments, the king calls us in.

"General Lucas," the king says in a gruff voice. "Your mate was not pupped successfully," I could hear the grin in his voice. "But, since you both tried very hard, I will let this one slide," I look up. The king was never this generous. I had seen him rip the wombs from omega's before for the same reason. I cling to Ryan nervously, there had to be a catch.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. We are grateful for your generosity," the king nods and waves his hand in the air as if to deflect Ryan's words.

"That being said, General Ryan, a war has broken out in the east. I need a strong General to take over. I assume I can count on you?"

"Of course, Your Majesty. Please allow me time to return my mate home and gear up for battle. I will join the troops in two weeks time," the king nods.

"Very good, General. You are dismissed," together, we bow before walking quickly from the room. There is silence between us as we leave the palace and begin our journey home.

"Something isn't right about this," I whisper.

"That doesn't matter. My king has given me an order and I will obey,"

"What about me?"

"What about you?" I flinch at the words. I bow my head and nod.

"Of course… May I make a request?"

"Go ahead,"

"May I stay with Kero? I would feel safer having him around rather than being alone in your cabin,"

"You would rather stay with a stranger than in your home?" he growls out.

"I didn't mean it like that, Ryan. I just have a bad feeling. Can we at least stop for a visit? It might be a good idea for a doctor to look into your mating mark.,"

"Fine, we can visit. But you're going home. I refuse to allow another person access to you while I'm gone," I nod.

"Of course, thank you, Ryan," I look to the ground and wrap my arms around myself. I wanted to cry. What had happened to my kind and caring alpha? Did he truly not want me? Did he regret what happened? I close my eyes and take a deep breath. It didn't matter now. We were mated and that was the end of it. There was no going back.