“I’m not leaving, Ehlian.” Hayce’s lips skimmed the edge of his bond point at the side of his neck, igniting the sensitive nerve endings in the soft, thin skin.
Ehlian shifted his head further away on the pillow, clearing his throat. “Too close.”
Hayce began to slip away from him, and only when his warmth started to retreat completely did Ehlian realise that he was actually moving away. He grabbed Hayce’s arm, pulling him back. “Not that far away. Just stay away from my bond point.”
Soon, he was wrapped in Hayce’s arms again, Hayce’s head resting behind his on the pillow.
“I’d never bond with you.” Hayce said. “Didn’t think I had to make that clearer.”
“You’d better stick to that,” Ehlian said, ignoring his wounded omega pride. “Or I’ll make your life miserable.”
“I have no doubt you would, either way.”
Ehlian stilled. What the actual fuck. “I’m not miserable.”
“Hmm.” Hayce hummed dismissively.
“I’mnot,” Ehlian argued.
He didn’t know why it bothered him so much that Hayce thought he was miserable. No omega liked to feel that way in front of an alpha, whether they wanted them or not, so—
He heard Hayce’s quiet laugh from behind.
Scowling, Ehlian let out an annoyed breath. “You think that’s funny?”
“A little bit.”
“You’re an absolute dickhead,” Ehlian tsked. “And you have a shit sense of humour.”
“You have nothing to worry about,” Hayce said. “Try to relax a little.”
Hayce wanted him to be relaxed and happy in this shithole? That was rich, coming from him. He was always reserved, bottled up, far too controlled. Maybe today was the first time Ehlian felt like Hayce was actually at ease. Relieved. Which was… odd. It had to have something to do with that visitor. Someone from his past. Someone important.
Ehlian had always found it strange that Hayce never received a call, a letter, a visitor. He had to have influentialbusiness partners. Friends. Lovers. An omega he’d once held close to his heart.
Ehlian blinked into the darkness of the cell. Fuck. That was it, wasn’t it.
Hayce had met an omega today. Someone who still mattered to him. Someone batshit-crazy enough to want him, even after Hayce had killed his father. Ehlian wasn’t giving Hayce what he wanted, so he’d gone to see an old lover.
Of course Hayce was relaxed. He must’ve been fucking that omega all day, maybe even put them down on their knees with ease.
Well… good. Good for him. And good for Ehlian. He didn’t mind. At all.
Hayce sighed. “What is it this time?”
“It’s nothing,” Ehlian said tightly. “And stop spying on me—on what I feel. That’s not fair. Get out of my head.”
“I’m not spying on you,” Hayce said drily. “And I’m not inside your mind, which probably saves me from a splitting headache.”
“Not funny, Hayce. Just block the pack bond,” Ehlian grunted. “Block me out.”
“I’m not blocking you out,” Hayce said, his voice clipped. “If you want my protection, this is non-negotiable.”
“How is that protecting me?”
“You already know.” Hayce said.
Ehlian frowned. Then, slowly, it clicked.
