chapter 13: Ryan

Damn it. How could I be so foolish as to forget my rut? Because of my incompetence, I was putting Nox and myself in danger. Anything could hurt us if I fall into a full rut before we reach the palace. Hell, I could hurt Nox; force him to breed, and inflict a mating mark. He'd be trapped with me for the rest of his life. We needed to be fast. If we could reach the palace then I could ride out my rut in a safe place where I wouldn't hurt Nox. I nod to myself. I needed to get to the palace tonight . I growl and lift Nox into my arms, making the omega release a startled sound.

"Sorry," I grumble and take off in a run. Nox was too slow on his own feet, we would make better time if I carried him. And if I let my nose fall to his scent gland every few minutes, no one needed to know. He smelled delicious, by the way. Like the flowers that used to grow in my village. Like something sweet, some kind of floral pastry wrapped up in a delicious little package. Such a perfect omega. I should just claim him as my own while I've got him pinned to my chest. He isn't struggling, hell, he's offering his neck to me every time I drop my head. I open my mouth, but clarity sparks over me again. I shake my head and pull away. Get to the palace so Nox would be safe. That's all I had to do. No biting, no mating. By sunset, we've made it. I don't set Nox down until we're at the gates of the palace and I'm yelling at the guards for entrance. Nox clings to my arm, shaking violently. I could smell his fear and it made me sick. I was right there, for fucks sake. I wouldn't let anyone hurt my omega. I bite my lip. I wouldn't let anyone hurt the omega. Nox was not, and would never be, mine. Even though I knew this to be true, I let out a bit of scent to reassure him. He looks up at me with those big, storm-cloud eyes, begging me for something. I continue to chew my lip as the gates open and a guard leads us inside.

"General Lucas, what an interesting surprise!" the king calls loudly when we enter the palace fully. His lip curls when he gets a whiff of our scents: frightened Omega and an alpha on the verge of rut.

"Is there something wrong with your gift? It's been over a month and I can't help but notice the scent of rut on you, but no mating mark on him. Was there a problem?"

"Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for this gift, but I do not believe I can accept him," I bow and Nox lets out a soft cry, his grip on my arm tightening.

"Oh? Is he not to your liking? He is royalty, you know. That would boost your status. Plus, he is very fertile, so he can bear you many strong pups."

"I understand, Your Majesty. I really am grateful, but I am not yet ready to mate," The king growls and I instinctively pull Nox closer to keep him safe.

"Why then do you protect him? Why then did you keep him for a month and deliver him yourself? There is something else going on? Tell me before I have the both of you executed for treason," I tense at the king's words. I was one of the best warriors, he would kill me just for not accepting the omega. My brow raises and I take a deep breath to calm myself. My rut was making my head spin and my body tense. I would be getting aggressive soon if I wasn't locked away. I growl and hold Nox tighter as he begins to fidget.

"Your Majesty! I was attacked during my journey. I believe Ry- General Lucas may think I am impure now. Perhaps an examination will help?" I peer down at Nox with wide eyes. How dare he speak out against me.

"Attacked? By whom?"

"My escort, Your Majesty. He tried to rape and claim me on our journey to General Lucas' cabin. I managed to escape though and found my way to his cabin," The king lifts his brows and looks over Nox with angered eyes.

"You, take Nox to the medic and have him examined," the kind orders, pointing to a random servant who was lingering in the room. I snarl at them as they get close to Nox. The omega pulls away from me and allows the servant to take his arm and lead him out. I am stopped when I try to go after them.

"I will slaughter everyone in this room if he isn't returned to me," I snarl.

"Calm yourself, General Lucas. We will begin searching for Lieutenant General Colin Silva. Once Nox is confirmed to be pure, we will bring him to your rut room so you may claim him. Guards, take him to a secure rut room," I snarl and lash out at the guards as they grab me and drag me away.

"Let me go! I will fucking kill you! Let me go and return my omega to me!" I howl, kicking out against the guards. I gasp as something connects with my head and the world goes black.