Hayce pulled away from his bond point just before it became overwhelming. The biting, harsh kisses softened as he neared the corner of Ehlian’s mouth, lingering there—an almost kiss—but he didn’t cross the line, retreating instead to leave a mark on the delicate skin just below Ehlian’s ear.
Ehlian rarely had sex at the start of his heat. Some omegas claimed it helped reduce the fog, while others said it made no difference. For Ehlian, though, it felt soothing, the momentary fear of being left alone in the prison vanishing.
Hayce’s hand trailed down to Ehlian’s cock, the glide of his palm matching the rhythm of his thrusts. Head falling back on Hayce’s shoulder, Ehlian revelled in every movement—quick or slow, hard or soft—and in the rapid rise and fall of Hayce’s chest against his back, each breath laboured.
Ehlian’s climax built steadily. He was so close, so close—
He came with a silent cry, spilling over Hayce’s fingers. His orgasm was intensified by Hayce’s quickening thrusts and quiet grunts. Hayce’s arm tightened around Ehlian’s chest as he came too.
Minutes later, the water started running above his head again, washing away the mess. His skin felt cooler, less sensitive, but he knew it wouldn’t be long before the torturous cycle started again.
Strangely, there was no fear.
He wasn’t alone.
*
Ehlian’s heat hit him with full force less than a week later.
Hayce made sure no one set foot in their cell between the waves; the only three omega guards in the prison were stationed outside their door. Damn, it really felt like Hayce was running the place, and that only made the stupid, reckless omega in Ehlian more pleased. Obsessed.
Between the sizzling waves and toe-curling sex, Hayce made sure Ehlian was well-fed. He wouldn’t budge until Ehlian ate enough, until he drank water, gulp by slow gulp, Hayce holding the glass for him.
It touched Ehlian in a delicate spot, and he hated how it made his heart flutter. He didn’t want flutters or warm feelings. Yes, he was stupidly attracted to Hayce. He wanted him, and he wasn’t ashamed to admit it. He’d be a fool to deny it at this point. But there was nothing more there. He didn’t want more. It was a deal, a convenience, an illusion.
It was just the heat, throwing his hormones and thoughts into chaos.
He just didn’t know anymore how to untangle the chaos.
Chapter 13
Another small package awaited Ehlian one afternoon.
His face lit up as he grabbed it, sitting next to Hayce on the bed. Like the last one, it had been torn open, the small cake inside cut in half.
He pulled out the letter, carefully brushing away the icing stuck to it, and unfolded the simple piece of paper. The curving letters of Willian read:
This is to celebrate that you survived half a year in prison.
Below it, there was a printed image of a sandy beach with another short message:Soon.
Ehlian couldn’t believe half a year had already passed.
“Is he taking you there?” Hayce’s voice yanked him from his thoughts.
Hayce’s eyes lingered on the picture of the beach for a moment too long.
“Yes, once I’m finally out,” Ehlian said with a small smile. “He’s already booked the trip.”
Hayce measured him with an unreadable expression. A strange, almost cold disapproval skimmed through the pack bond.
Blinking, Ehlian stared at him in muted confusion. “You disapprove?”
The feeling receded at once.
“It took you months to come to me,” Hayce said evenly, “but two cheap cakes and a trip, and you’re already back to him.” His expression became even more unreadable. “That’s not like you. That’s all I’m saying.”
“These aren’t from Geald.” Ehlian said as his mind slowly caught up. “Willian sent them.”
