Page 31 of Fated or Knot (UnseelieVerse: The Omega Masquerade #1)

31

LARK

I didn’t have a sense for how much time had passed, except the sounds of moving furniture had ceased outside of my nest. After wiping away the grogginess on my face, I gathered up my crutches and left the nest, just to stop and admire a new jumbo dresser added to the attached bedroom. It wasn’t the only unexpected addition to this room.

Fal was seated at the foot of the bed in a pose of elegant boredom. It was the kind of perfectly crafted arrangement of his limbs and expression that suggested he had a while to sit there and get it just right. “Did you have a nice dream?” he asked.

I slid a little closer to him, though it was hardly a subtle motion with the crutches. “It was good. Did I keep you waiting long?”

His face creased with amusement. “Nay, sweet p’nixie. I could soak in the smell of your slick for hours. That must’ve been a very nice dream.”

I turned red so fast I could feel the heat rushing over my skin. Any thoughts of laying a clumsy seduction attempt on Fal transformed into embarrassment. Stars, I should’ve retreated straight back to my nest.

“Don’t fall. Come here,” he said, layering in a bit of his alpha’s presence to the order.

Unlike Marius, who had the kind of bark that hit with the force of a punch, Fal’s was a thread of authority. Subtle but meaningful, the kind of power he could wield unnoticed if he wanted to. The fact that he didn’t hide it had me yielding without a struggle and closing the space between us. He pulled me up onto the bed, lifting and tugging my legs until I was straddling him. It reminded me intimately of my dream, especially since he was already hard and pressing against me through the barrier of our clothes.

“Did you fuck Kauz in your dream?” he asked.

My pussy fluttered and clenched. His nostrils flared, and he gained that smug look that suggested he knew exactly what I was going to say.

“Yes,” I answered anyway.

“Hmm.” For a moment, I expected some kind of disappointment from him. There was no sign of it, though, as he asked, low and intent, “Did you like what he had to show you, mo stór ?”

“Y-yes,” I answered breathlessly, caught by the intensity of his gaze. “If you want, we could?—”

He pressed a finger to my lips before I could finish the thought. “Some advice for the inexperienced. Don’t invite an alpha into your bed unless you have hours to spend there. Which you don’t.”

“What do you mean?” I mumbled. He was saying no? I could hardly believe it when I felt his cock throbbing between my thighs. I rocked my hips against him, and his breath hissed out between his teeth.

“I know, I know. I’ve been hard since a certain omega stole my disguise at the Omega Masquerade. It seems some relief may be coming soon,” he said. I gave him a look of utter disbelief, which had him laughing. “You didn’t even notice. Such an innocent li’l bird.”

“I’m sorry.” I really hadn’t realized this had been a problem.

“Don’t be. Anticipation makes the moment to come all the sweeter,” he said in a low purr. He thrust back at me, just once, and I made a needy whine from the friction between our bodies.

He flashed his fangs in a wider smile. Somehow, he was still able to talk with his usual poise while I remained seated on his erection, neither of us grinding for more as he spoke. “Alas, this evening I’m only here as a messenger. My sisters have invited you to a nixie night. Only one of the four has met you so far, which is a travesty . As I have come to understand, every omega needs to clad herself in pajamas and gather in a pile with other omegas to gossip about anything and everything. And since you haven’t…had a chance to meet them yet, I accepted the invitation on your behalf.”

Maybe he wasn’t in full princely form, since I caught the hesitation in what he’d been about to say. My aroused flush disappeared, leaving me a little cold as I realized what he’d almost implied. He knew I didn’t have any omega friends. Cymora had made sure I was raised without any close contact with the few other pixies in town.

Falindel was there for the questioning as well. He listened to it all without flinching. That’s love, kid.

If Rennyn hadn’t told me, I would’ve read Fal’s next touches as sexual, as he steadied me with an arm around my waist. He swept my hair back behind my pointed ears, his knuckles brushing my cheek in a slow glide. No, that was tenderness, the same soft feeling that danced in his cat’s eyes as they met my gaze.

I smiled back with shy affection, overwhelmed by the sudden shift in my awareness of him. I loved him too. He cared about me enough to forego his own needs so I could have something new. My throat felt like it was closing up, my lips getting that familiar wobbly feeling in the face of each of my mates’ kindnesses.

“When is nixie night, then?” I forced myself to ask, even though every bit of me wanted to stay with him instead.

“Right now,” he answered.

I startled and flapped my wings, though he had me held securely to him, so I barely budged. “Right now!” I echoed. “Stars, I’m not ready. Let me down. I should rinse off, at least.”

“Now seems like the time I should I tell you we dismissed your house moths for the evening.” He still helped me stand with my crutches. I was happy to have their solid lengths under me, because my legs couldn’t be trusted to bear my full weight right now. “If you need help with anything, I’d be happy to assist.”

I’d only let Jani and Lon help me get in and out of my clothes because of the cast. Having this be the first time Fal saw me naked was a big no thanks . “I can handle it. Do I need to bring anything?”

“Just a blanket and pillow to make a cute little joint nest for the night,” he answered, pausing as I maneuvered to close the bathroom door. “Reconsider letting me help you, mo stór . Even the thought of you struggling with your clothes is driving my instincts crazy.”

“I’ll be okay,” I tried to assure him.

“Of course. I have no doubts,” he said with a vague yet elegant twirl of his hand. “But I’m your pack lead, and it’s my job to look after you. Marius feels the drive to protect you, Kauz gets his dreams with you, and Tormund sees to your comforts. That’s just how it is.”

On the outside, I probably gave him an odd look, somewhere between longing and fear. For the longest time, I had thought Ellisar would be the male I’d answer to as my pack lead, once he and his brothers forced themselves on me. He’d threatened to use the bond to force me to heel, and I’d come to equate the intricacies of a pack bond with fear and a lack of control.

But fuck Pack Ellisar. They weren’t here, and Kauz had promised their deaths if they tried to come for me. It just hadn’t sunk in yet that Fal had already taken over the role and turned it around to be the male to know and supply everything I needed. I thought of how he’d put himself between me and various dangers, be they my stepfamily or a raging Marius, and how he always seemed to show up if one of his brothers needed him. And, of course, how he put me ahead of his desires.

He was a solid pack lead. In that moment, I forgot why I would tell him no and push him away. “The boot gives me the most problems,” I said, shuffling aside so he could join me in the bathroom.

Fal knelt and unlaced it while I leaned against the nearby counter and started stripping off my tunic and underclothes. My nipples were pearling from their exposure to the cool air when he glanced up. Though his only reaction was his pupils dilating until they were round rather than catlike ovals, I still felt his awareness skimming my curves and shivered, my nipples tightening into little buds.

“I should dismiss your house moths more often,” he said under his breath.

Then he helped me out of my pants, working the right leg off more carefully. I worried he’d lose his self-control as my soaked panties followed. My chocolate and honey crackers scent was sweeter than ever, warmed by the edge of heat that always seemed to follow me no matter how much I suppressed it.

“You’re gorgeous.” He scented the air and groaned, breathing a soft “ Foc .”

“Fal…” I didn’t know if I was going to apologize, ask him to leave, or see if he’d join me in the shower. He shook his head and rolled to his full height in a graceful motion. With his help, I walked inside the small rain room, and he closed the door behind me.

He’d been holding his breath and drew in as I started the shower and humidity began to fog the glass box around me. “May I head into your nest to pick out the things you’ll need?” he asked.

“Yes. Consider yourself invited in,” I said, knowing I wouldn’t regret it.

I caught the impression of my favorite wicked smile of his before he left. I took two palmfuls of soap and delved straight between my legs to clean away the evidence of my recent naughtiness. My folds were swollen and tender to the touch.

Being this aroused by your mates is perfectly normal, I reminded myself. Right? It wasn’t like I had anything to compare it to, but I had the impression that it was only a taste of what I was capable of when it came to lusting after my princes.

When I was done rinsing, Fal was waiting with a change of underclothes and my pajamas. He may’ve been on his best behavior, but I was still hyperaware of how he framed my hips and squeezed once I was fully clothed again. He declared me presentable for nixie night and carried a folded blanket and a pillow that he’d filched from the top of my nest’s bed.

He followed me as I took in the changes to the rest of my rooms with some awe. Just a change of furniture and rugs, plus the addition of a few artworks, had really transformed the space. I could see myself spending time working in the study, with its new overstuffed armchairs and the extra-large writing desk that’d been installed to replace the tiny one that had been there. My mostly forgotten Serian primer and journal had appeared on the desk.

Tormund was still in the receiving room, adjusting a couch by lifting it mostly off the ground and then setting it back gently. I’d nearly forgotten he had redcap strength hidden under his extra padding until I saw it in action. Turning, he adjusted the little spectacles sitting on his nose and beamed when he spotted me. “Li’l bird! What do you think? Does it look more like home now?”

I crutched my way over to him, and Fal hung back to give us a moment. “It’s perfect, Tormund,” I assured him. “I’m amazed you got everything swapped around so fast. It must’ve taken a lot of work.”

He shrugged. “I’d do it over again tomorrow if you didn’t like the result,” he said.

“You don’t need to. And you’re wearing your glasses,” I noted.

He touched them self-consciously. “ Ach . Just because I wanted to see the li’l bird.”

It probably wasn’t a big, strong alpha thing to wear tiny spectacles, but he’d reminded me that he’d started wearing them more because I’d asked him to. That was how he expressed love. Request it, and it was mine, and in the case of food, a lot of it too. More than his brothers, he was an acts-of-service kind of male.

Apparently, I was letting all the feeling in tonight, because I acknowledged in that moment that I loved him too. I needed to find the kind of things he liked in return to show him. “It feels like home,” I said, answering his earlier question. “Because you’re here.”

He breathed a soft “aww” and picked me up, crutches and all, for a hug. “When do you get the cast off again?” he sighed. “I’m tired of worrying about breaking these twigs when I want to hold you.”

“Soon, I hope.”

I snuggled in with him, and we purred in harmony for a few minutes before he let me down to the ground with a pat on the wing. “Enjoy your nixie night,” he said.

“I’ll try. And you should go eat something. My rooms are perfect,” I said again.

“Okay, okay.” He waved me off playfully. “I’ll get them extra perfect and go.”

I headed for the door and only fumbled the knob for a second before it opened on the other end. Marius held it for Fal and me before letting it slip from his fingers. The dark elf continued walking down the hall until he was out of earshot.

Marius resumed his post a few paces from the door, back straight as a rod, though his lips quirked as I took him in. He had a recent addition tied to his belt, a mace just big enough to do serious damage to any alpha who crossed him. It fit his personality well.

“What is it?” he asked.

“You don’t have to guard my door like this,” I said.

He watched the hall as he responded. “We’ve been over this, p’nixie. You’re injured and unclaimed. There’s no chance I’ll leave you vulnerable.”

“Yes, and I appreciate that. Have you considered I’m equally not vulnerable if you’re in my rooms with me?”

This earned me his full attention and his raised brows. “You’ve reconsidered, then,” he said more quietly.

“Sorry. Reconsidered what?”

“Reconsidered what,” he echoed in a poor imitation of my voice. “Only what’s been constantly on my mind. Bonding, silly female. I want to be yours. Whatever I can do to put you at ease, I’ll do it for you. Let me show you the depths of my loyalty.”

I blinked in surprise. I’d thought the offer for this earlier today had been all Niall. But here was the prince in full control yet looking at me with the same level of desire as his feral side. He didn’t allow himself to be as vulnerable as his brothers, so I wasn’t sure lust and loyalty equaled the same softer feelings from them. They could be equivalent, I supposed.

“Tell me what you’re thinking,” he murmured, watching my expression intently.

I hesitated. But if I didn’t give a little, neither would he. “You only get one kelpie bond, right?” I asked.

He tipped his head and gave me a meaningful look. “Aye. And only one mate. Luckily, mine has recently returned from the dead.”

“We’ve only just…started,” I said, stumbling over the words a bit. Started what? Liking one another? He’d certainly only begun to see me as his real mate.

Blowing out a long breath, he considered for a long moment before he spoke. “Listen, p’nixie. It’s the start of a process. Your bite is a claim. If I accept it, which I will, the next step is to lure you to the nearest body of water so we can swim together and solidify a connection while you ride on my second form’s back. Once it’s in place and we can communicate mind-to-mind underwater, I claim you back by sinking knot-deep in you. Then we’ll be fully bonded for life.”

I shifted, blushing as I imagined that last part. His nostrils flared, and he growled deep in his chest. “Since we can’t do most of that while you’re in a cast, it’s simply…cosmetic for now. I’ll shave off half my hair, and everyone will know I’m happily claimed.”

“Oh, I see,” I said, mostly to myself.

His lips tilted into a grimace. “One thing I should mention. I’m a little worried a finished kelpie bond will give Niall a way to whisper my every intrusive feral thought straight into your head. He is my wild side, after all.”

“Do you have many intrusive feral thoughts?” I murmured.

“Plenty. Some are nice, others unhinged. It’s unpredictable.”

Did I really want to know? Of course I did. “Like what?” I asked.

“All right. Something nice: you look very soft right now,” he said.

“You could touch me and see,” I suggested.

Ear flicking, he ignored the invitation. “And…something unhinged: wondering what color coat our first colt will have.”

“Oh, that’s not that unhinged, as long as Niall understands it’ll be a while before… you know, kids.”

“I agree. I’m not ready to be a father,” he said immediately.

Well, it was a relief we were on the same page there. “He’d probably be blue. You are very blue,” I mused.

He laughed. The rare sound was deep and rich and had me leaning forward a bit for more. “I called our potential future son a colt, and you didn’t even bat an eye.”

“What can I say? I like horses,” I said gently.

His expression softened as he asked, “Even a feral one?”

“Wild horses have spirit. I imagine feral kelpies do, too. Imagine the adventures and companionship one has to offer,” I answered.

I held myself still as he reached between us, hesitated, and then skimmed his fingertips down the side of my face. He touched me with the same energy as someone testing to see if something was real. He wrapped his hand around the back of my neck and squeezed once before releasing me, his intent expression saying mine .

“Tomorrow?” I offered breathlessly. “If you’re sure.”

“I’ve rarely been more certain of any important decision.” His feral side rose as he smiled slowly, baring his fangs. “Tomorrow,” he agreed in a rumble.

I felt those vibrations down to my core. My wings fluttered, betraying my reaction. “Now that that’s settled, why don’t you take the evening off? I’m going to nixie night.”

“Implying I won’t be guarding Tanith’s door instead,” he remarked.

I began to crutch down the hall, and he followed at my pace. “Just take a break, is all,” I mumbled.

“I will. I’m…it’s a joke, p’nixie,” he said. “The guard presence along this wing doubles right before dinnertime and continues throughout the night. I do occasionally trust those males so I can rest.”

“Marius trusting someone?” Fal said with a dramatic gasp as he fell in on my other side when I passed by where he was waiting. “Name a rarer occurrence.”

“Shut the fuck up,” Marius muttered, switching to Serian. “I trust you with my mate, don’t I?”

“You have that backward. I’ve been trusting you with my mate, despite my better judgment,” Fal replied in kind.

I sighed heavily. Could these males not go five minutes without picking a fight? It made the small nixie waiting for us down the hall an even more welcoming sight when she waved with both arms. “Hi! Oh, stars, hello! Are you my new sister?” she called.

Ambriel was the spitting image of the girl I’d spent a night dreaming with. I wondered if she would recognize me. She was speaking Serian, though, which meant Fal answered for me. “She sure is. Head inside so we can get her settled, then you can meet her, Happy Fins.” She nodded eagerly and ducked into the nearest room. Tanith’s suite, I assumed.

Fal turned to me and switched back to speaking Theli. “That’s Ambriel, the current baby of the family. Fully blood related to this male, if you can believe it.” He hooked his thumb toward Marius, whose ear flicked as he glared back. “She’s a ray of sunshine. You’ll love her, mo stór .”

I already knew I did, smiling to myself at the chance to meet her for real.

“Is that Fal I hear?” an unfamiliar female asked, followed by a nixie’s head full of red hair leaning into the hall. She switched to Theli too as she shook out her wild mass of wavy locks. “Stars, the newly mated, though. Did it really require two of you to escort her over here?”

Eletha stepped out behind her, waving. “Lark! You made it.”

A third adult nixie peeked around the first and flashed a shy smile. “We didn’t have to pry her away from our brothers after all,” she murmured.

Fal smacked his lips. “Implying you all could pry anything from me, especially my mate.”

All three of his sisters rolled their eyes at nearly the same time. They went back into the room. After a few hugs, Eletha took my blanket and pillow from Fal, and all the nixies present shooed my males out and threatened them with pelted pillows when they tried to delay. Fal didn’t even make introductions before he took the hint and left, with Marius following after one last, lingering glance in my direction.