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"Commander Phoenix Greer," the man said, presenting a hand. "Marquis Vin Delefont."

Phoenix gripped his hand. "Marquis. Is this an official visit? I wasn't expecting you."

"No, no," Delefont said. "His Majesty the Emperor promised me a parcel of land east of here. A beautiful spot for a vacation estate. The bounty of fresh land just waiting to be lapped up is my favorite part of war." He swept his hand over the map. "I've always heard so much about the legendary Feral Fangs. You've captured a great number of victories for the Empire, Commander. When I learned you were stationed here, I had to take the opportunity to come and meet you in person."

The grim expression on Phoenix's face went unchanged. It was obvious that he didn't care for the man. "I'm sure those who've paid the ultimate price would be pleased to hear about your vacation home, Marquis," he said.

The man seemed to not hear him. He tucked his hands behind his back and walked around the room, inspecting things as if he were in a gift shop. There was a brief moment when Lars caught him eyeing him, and when their eyes made contact and the old man smiled and looked away. Lars felt a strange shiver go through him. There was something distasteful about that look. His erection had subsided but he was sure that the scent of his arousal still remained, and this old man was keen to it.

One wall of the command room was covered in windows that overlooked the grounds of the base below, with a view of the edge of the forest. In the distance beyond, Lars could see the shapes of mountains and knew exactly where they were. At the foot of those mountains was the capital city of Ekdol.

"Do you have territories staked in Ekdol, Commander?" Delefont asked.

"I do not," Phoenix said. An officer offered him a clipboard and he flipped through the papers attached to it, looking like he was trying to ignore Delefont's existence.

"A man like you should. You deserve it. The Feral Fangs broke the Ekdol defense. They took Carthonia and Delas Island, too. I've heard your spies even infiltrated the neutral territories. Is that true?"

"I could tell you, Marquis. But then I'd have to rip out your tongue and cut off your hands. Classified information. You understand."

Lars wondered if he was at all joking. He certainly seemed serious, but Delefont laughed, still oblivious to Phoenix's irritation. "Of course, of course. Well, a patriot deserves to have his pick of fresh territory. I can pull some strings for you if you have your sights set on anything in Ekdol."

"There's only one territory that concerns me."

"Oh? And what is that?"

Phoenix ignored his query. He suddenly seemed pensive, staring out the window. "Have you ever known what it's like to be tasked to restore honor, Marquis? The honor of an entire nation?"

"Hm. Do you mean bringing the Empire to be the great power that is today?" He laughed. "I'm afraid I'm notthatold, Commander, though I may look it."

After a moment, Phoenix turned away from the window. "We appreciate your visit, Marquis, but the war continues and I am busy. I'll have someone escort you if you wish to tour the base. I cannot do it myself."

"Certainly, I understand, Commander. You have a great task ahead of you. Honor to the entire nation, as it were."

"Lieutenant Luna," Phoenix said to one of the guards standing by the door. "See the Marquis out."

Delefont walked towards the exit and paused as he passed by Lars. The man's nose twitched, like he was sniffing the air. "Is this your servant, Commander Greer? Where did you find such a...fineOmega? I've never seen such a gorgeous one before, even in the capital. Is it an Ekdolian?"

"He belongs to my brother and I," Phoenix said, his voice lowering dangerously.

Of course, the man paid no notice. He moved around Lars, inspecting him. Lars stood still, doing what he could to hide his disgust and anger.

"Lieutenant, no need to accompany me," Delefont said. "This one can show me around." He smiled at Lars. "I'm sure that will be alright, Commander?"

Phoenix's eyes were like balls of flame. "Certainly not. This one is my Omega."

"Well, that's alright. We can all share servants. How about this? I'll pay you to let me use him." Delefont grabbed Lars's wrist. The reaction was immediate. Lars yanked himself away from him like the man's touch had burned his skin, snarling at him like a wild animal. The humming sensation that occurred with Phoenix and Griffin suddenly flipped, becoming what felt like a shrill and shrieking alarm that send waves of cold revulsion through his body. Then, suddenly, Phoenix was striding forward like a moving mountain. Delefont's eyes widened as the giant man grabbed him by the shirt and slammed him against the wall.

"Do nottouchmy mate. Do not look at him, do not eventhinkabout him."

"Y-your mate," Delefont stammered. "I... I didn't know."

"You knew," Phoenix growled, with murder in his voice. "Any Alpha could smell my mark. You've just forgotten yourself. Well, let me remind you. I'm well within my rights as an Alpha to destroy you for touching my mate. No status or money or rank can protect you."

The man was frantically nodding his head. "I'm sorry. Please, please forgive me! I didn't know!"

Slowly, Phoenix released Delefont's shirt. "It must be your decrepit nose. It no longer functions."

"Yes. Yes, that's it." He inhaled sharply. "It's always so stuffed up these days."