Page 19

Griffin rose. "That remains to be determined. Follow. We return to the tent. Phoenix is to be transferred into town and you will go with him tonight."

"You aren't coming?" Lars asked.

"I will be there in a day. Don't worry."

"I'm not," he muttered, immediately feeling disgusted with himself. He'd asked because if Griffin weren't around, that meant he couldn't be sated. The humming chord would grow and grow until it ached, threatening to crumble him from the inside. Neither brother would take him without the other present, and heneededtheir sex.

* * *

Although the Xyletian banner flew throughout Estria, everything was as Ekdolian as it had been before the invasion. The architecture, the decor, the furniture... Their room above the banquet hall was richly decorated, as was to be expected of the accommodations for dignitaries and royal visitors, and for the first time in weeks, Lars found himself in a truly familiar place. It felt like it could've been a room in the palace. The furniture was carved with the same ornate motifs that he saw in rooms around the royal residences. Even the drapes looked to be the same, with their intricate lacework. And the sheets—they were made of Ekdolian silk, the very same that he'd had in his own bedroom.

None of it brought him any comfort. It only served to remind him of the world that once was that no longer existed. He was in Ekdol; these were his people and he was doing nothing to help them. But what could he do?

How could he escape from this?

Phoenix's cock throbbed in Lars's grasp as he stroked him, signaling his imminent finish. The Alpha roared and thrust his cock back into Lars's mouth, where it spilled hot seed down his throat. Lars swallowed it, and he collapsed backwards when Phoenix pulled away, his cock still dripping with semen. Lars sank to the ground, gasping for breath.

"I'm afraid you'll get no more than that until Griffin returns," Phoenix said, walking to the window. He opened the blinds and sunlight flooded over his naked body, filling the room.

"I'm aware," Lars coughed. The taste of his Alpha's come lingered in his mouth, and he found himself licking his lips.

"Here," Phoenix grunted. Lars looked up and saw the man was offering him a glass of water.

"I don't need it," Lars said, turning away.

Phoenix looked at him out of the corner of his eye and drank the water himself. "Good. You enjoy my taste."

Lars ignored the comment and went over to the window. On the street below, a line of people waited to collect ration handouts while soldiers in both human and wolf forms patrolled. Lars watched as the wolves took their time to stop and investigate random people, invading handbags and jackets with their noses.

"What are they doing?" he asked.

"Searching for contraband," Phoenix said.

Lars drew in a surprised breath as he felt the Alpha's arms slip around his body and his face press into the spot on his neck where Griffin had bitten him. He could feel Phoenix's cock against him, teasing him.

"I can smell your desire for me," he growled into Lars's ear. "For us."

Lars closed his eyes. His fear of Phoenix was on a different level than Griffin. He was unpredictable and he didn't seem to have an ounce of compassion in him. All Lars could do was let go, to float away.

Phoenix released him and moved away. Lars released the breath that he'd been holding in and touched his neck where the man's lips had been.

"I need to leave," Phoenix said. Lars didn't turn from the window, staring out at the Xyletian flag that was fluttering from the eaves of the building across the street. He heard the Alpha move about the room and the rustle of clothing as he dressed.

This room would be another prison. How many would he experience?

Phoenix's heavy footsteps approached again, and Lars braced himself for whatever might come. He felt the soft drape of fabric on his shoulders, and when he looked down he was surprised to see Phoenix had given him a coat. It was a well-made garment, nothing like the cheerless servant's uniform that'd been his sole outfit.

"Take this," Phoenix said. "There are more in the closet."

"What for?" Lars asked.

"I feel your listlessness. You'll need proper clothing to go outside and stretch your legs."

"Outside? You mean... out there?"

"Where else? If you stay locked in these rooms there's no way you'll be fit to give us the strong child we need."

"Am I to go alone?"