Ryedir made a noncommittal sound at the back of his throat but didn’t reply further. Laret was an excellent healer and almost fanatical in her care. Not just regarding their physical health, but also mental health. This was especially true for bonded pairs and she was more than happy to take every opportunity to state her mind on just how to strengthen those bonds. Which had resulted in a rather hilarious sex talk with himself and Kari.   Laret was oblivious to social cues and had given a rather long and detailed list of sexual activities that did not need bonding, as though they were adolescents fumbling through sex. He almost snorted at the thought. He couldn’t fault Laret for her overzealous care, especially as it had proven exceedingly entertaining watching Kari stutter in mortification.   The memory dulled his anger somewhat and Ryedir stood with Kari still in his arms.

  Kari pouted as he followed Nevis through the manor. The beta had been teasing him endlessly about his bruised lip and the fact that he now smelt like Ryedir . It wasn’t like he could do anything about the fact that he spent all of last night and most of this morning curled up against the alpha. And that not quite kiss was enough to have him tripping over his own feet at a mere thought, let alone Nevis mentioning it.   Apparently, the beta was mostly amused because Kari became a blushing, fumbling mess every time he brought it up. It was an unusual reaction for a pleasure slave, to say the least.   Still, Nevis talked more than normal and kept a watchful eye on Kari. The beta didn’t once comment on the marks on his neck, however. Kari had to wonder if it was about what happened yesterday. In light of Ryedir’s teasing, he had temporarily forgotten his woes but it all came back to the front 

  He should have known it wouldn't be easy.   Logically, Kari knew it wasn't going to be a walk in the park but Ryedir had far too much fun dancing circles around Kari before knocking him on his ass.   One of the entertaining rooms had been temporarily repurposed into a training room with all the furniture pushed against the walls. In the morning, he would have to help Nevis re-assemble the room but for now, it was a good spot away from prying eyes.   Kari had been skeptical at first but now he was glad for the plush rug helping to cushion his fall. He had been even more confused over being made to keep the same attire as normal, Ryedir had only replied that it’s what he would be wearing during an attack so he may as well get used to it and that it was also an incentive.   He didn't understand what the alpha meant until he was knocked to the ground, tunic flying up an

 “How are you feeling?” “I’m fine,” Kari grumbled sulkily while trying to remove himself from the alpha’s clutches. Ryedir was having none of it, however. “You were having a bad nightmare last night.” Kari pulled his chin out of the large hand and lay his head back down on the man’s chest. It was still embarrassing, but he was still too tired to care too much. It was better than looking into those knowing eyes, anyway. “I’m fine.” Ryedir made an unconvinced noise in the back of his throat but said nothing else. Instead, he sat up, pulling the omega into his lap and pursuing the tray of food. Kari groaned and was about to protest any more hand feeding but they were interrupted by a slightly ruffled looking Trois. Apparently some merchants fr

 Kari groaned as he missed Jaid’s lunge and was knocked to his ass. It was like training with Ryedir all over again except that this alpha would politely avert his gaze from him while the omega righted himself. So at least he didn’t have to deal with leering golden eyes while he picked himself up off the ground. It didn’t lessen the knock to his ego every time he hit the ground though. Ryedir had given Kari permission to seek out training with the quarterstaff from Jaid and it had taken a week to convince the hulking alpha to agree. He wasn’t entirely sure if it was his perseverance finally winning the man over or if Ryedir said something but Jaid eventually agreed and even had a custom-made quarterstaff commissioned to Kari’s size. And much like Ryedir, every time he crowed in delight over having ‘mastered’ something, Jaid quickly knock