“A mating bite—a true bond, would be a stronger argument.” I uttered the words slowly and matter-of-factly, but my heart pounded like it wanted to escape the confines of my chest.
Sol snorted. “Yeah, it would but—” His face turned pale. “Wait, are you serious? You and me?”
“Yes. Would it be so bad? My bite during knotting would fade soon, but if you reciprocate, we’d be mated.” Hope sprang in me, and peaceful images filled my head of Sol walking around the house or sitting on a blanket outside, enjoying the sun.
“That’s insane. I tried to trick you.” Sol sat up, pulling his knees up.
“But you chose to tell me the truth instead.”
“Being ruined has repercussions only for me. A bond…” He looked to the ceiling and sighed. “No. You’re high on my pheromones, and both of us would regret it in a few days.”
Ouch. He was right. “That’s fair. So maybe I can offer your parents money. Would that help?” I had transferred a fair sum to Sol already, but I could sell some land if it got Sol his freedom.
“I don’t want them to get anything. They—” He clenched his jaw. “They earned enough on me over the years.”
“Fuck. I’m sorry.”
“I’ll be fine. You’re helping me through the heat, that’s a lot already.” Sol smoothed my short hair back. “Come sit on the couch. Keep touching me.”
I didn’t like the idea of him going somewhere without a plan, but I wouldn’t force him to stay either. I took a seat, put his legs over my lap, and rested my hands on his knees.
He sighed and wiggled his toes, then frowned. “Why is your plug across the room?”
Heat spread to my cheeks. “I came so hard when I knotted you, I pushed it out projectile style.”
The smile on Sol’s face grew slowly before he burst into giggles. “I wish I saw that.”
“No you don’t.” I chuckled. “But if you mean it, I can demonstrate it later.”
Sol’s eyes softened, and he put his hand on top of mine. “That and so many other things.” He looked toward the wall of windows.
“How did your love for horses start?” I asked.
“When I was six, my parents announced that we would attend a horse racing event. I was so excited, I picked out my clothes days in advance. We arrived early, so I begged to see the stables, but that wouldn’t be appropriate for me. I loved watching them run. It was my dream to visit them often, or learn to ride and take care of them.” His forlorn expression hurt my heart. “But my parents raised me to be pretty, not touch manual labor so my hands would be gentle and smooth, not risk breaking, scratching, and heaven forbid scarring on any part of my body. So that was a no to riding lessons and a hell no to buying a horse. I could only see them during a race. Sometimes a horse wouldget hurt, and no one would tell me what happened to it. That part was always hard to watch.”
“We probably attended a few events at the same time then.”
“Really?”
“I would help my uncle bring and prepare the animals before a race. I loved it.”
“Is that how you ended up with so many horses? Being a military Alpha and all makes it a bit unusual.”
“I spent my summers at my uncle’s ranch. He took care of racehorses. Many rich families want a horse for show, but don’t actually keep it. So I got to help around during summer, then whenever I could once I joined the ranks.”
“Why army?” Sol grimaced. “The military is owned by the government. The same one who allows omegas to be auctioned, hunted, and treated like property without giving us any sensible protection. You’re an Alpha, you can do whatever you want, but you choose to follow orders.”
“I see why you’d think that. And I’m well aware of the horrors of our society and government.”
“Maybe I’m just bitter.” He sighed. “I risk so much to have freedom of choice, and you’re the opposite.”
“Not everything is black and white, not even an Alpha’s life.”
“It’s pathetic that I actually want to hear your excuse. I believe you’re different, despite my better judgement. Go on then.” Sol’s tone wasn’t malicious, but his words hurt nonetheless.
“All Alphas from my family serve the country. It was expected of me to do the same. Not become the black sheep like my uncle. Everyone ridiculed him for being weak and a coward.” I stroked his calf, dancing my fingers over his skin. “I come from privilege too. But unlike you, as you said, I had more choices, even if my parents had their own ideas for my future. As long as I joined the military and followed in their footsteps, I could have a career but also have money and freedom to pursue other things.”
“Took you long enough to find someone to fuck you, though.” He smirked.
