“Fog of lust,” I repeat, my voice softer than intended.
“Omegas tend to lose their sense of reality during estrus, as they’re consumed by passion and pleasure. That’s why they run shortly before the heat sets in—while they’re still coherent enough to evaluate an Alpha’s worth.”
My lips form an O without sound. I… I knew the heat would be intense. But he makes it sound like I’ll be out of my mind.Lost in a fog of lust…
“See, Omegas in estrus want to breed, and they need to ensure their Alpha’s seed is worthy of procreation. That’s the point of the chase. And an Alpha’s instincts are driven by the need to hunt and claim.”
And now my throat just feels tight. Like I can’t breathe. Or maybe that’s my lungs.
Yet somehow I manage to whisper, “So… so you’re going to hunt me and breed me… in this labyrinth.”
“Yes.” No hint of hesitation, and just the word alone makes my stomach drop. Only, in the next breath, he adds, “Unless you refuse me.”
I’m not sure how to respond to that. “You just said I’m going to be out of my mind with lust and that you’re going to pursue me through this maze and knot me… Now you’re saying I can refuse? How?”
“Because I won’t even attempt to hunt you without knowing it’s your wish for me to do so,” he says.
I stare at him. He’s called me his mate and his wife countless times. Yet now he’s saying he won’t pursue me unless I give him permission? That feels… off base… given everything we’ve been through.
“Serapina, I understand if my intentions feel unclear to you,” he tells me, obviously having read the incredulity in my features. “But I do value consent. That’s why I never impregnated Persephone. She didn’t want to risk bringing another Omega into our world. And I respected those wishes. Just as I’ll respect whatever requests you make of me.”
I… I want to believe him.
But I refuse to be that naïve.
And he must see that opinion because he sighs andsays, “We’ll return to this discussion in a moment. I want to talk about your actual heat. You’re going to crave a knot, which I gather Morpheus has discussed with you.” His jaw seems to tighten as he utters the words, something dangerous flashing in his gaze.
I don’t want to worsen whatever dark emotion that is, so I say nothing and let him make assumptions.
“Has he explained that knotting will hurt at first?” he asks.
“N-no,” I reply, swallowing. “But Alina kind of mentioned it would be overwhelming… and then okay.” Or that’s what I gathered from what little she told me.
He nods. “Once the initial pain of your first time dissipates, you’ll enjoy it. But the knot is what ties the Alpha to an Omega for procreation.”
“So you didn’t do that with Persephone?” I ask, my brow furrowing. “Since she didn’t want a child?”
“I, um, no. I still knotted her. But Alphas can control our seed. It’s linked to our ability to manifest, just in a unique way.” He pauses before adding, “Basically, we ensure life doesn’t blossom.”
My eyebrow arches. “You chose that flower reference for me, didn’t you?”
“I did.” His discomfort is clear. “But you understand?”
“Yes. I think so.”
He nods. “Then it was worth the reference.” He clears his throat again. “Anyway, as I said, you’ll crave a knot during your heat. And if you choose to reject an Alpha, your estrus could become excruciating. But I’ll do my best to help you mitigate that pain, if you go that route. However, there will only be so much I can do.”
I stare at him. “Are you telling me this so I accept your knot?”
His eyes widen. “No, I’m trying to… Fuck, you’re right; that’s how it comes across, but that’s not what I meant. My point is, Omegas always have a choice, and many have chosen to go through their first few cycles without Alphas, as they were searching for an appropriate mate. It’s not unheard of, but it can be painful.”
“So my body will punish me if I reject you,” I translate.
He closes his eyes now and blows out a breath. “That’s not what I’m trying to say either. I just want you to understand the process.” He pinches his nose for a long moment before dropping his hand and looking right at me. “I’m not good at this, am I?”
The question is so earnest that I can’t help but smile a little at his self-deprecation. “It’s not exactly an easy conversation to have, is it?”
He doesn’t seem to find humor at all in the situation because he scowls. “I swear I wasn’t always this inept.”
