Page 64 of Trust No Alpha

“I like you, too,” Kris added in a whisper. His dark eyes sparkled. “A lot.”

Thorne warmed to hear him say it, though he wished for more. Love might be too much to ask so quickly, but every time he looked at Kris he wanted to be closer to him. He had great urges to care for him and protect him. And he had adored all physical contact with him. Kris might not realize it yet, but last night and now again Thorne could not deny a bond was forming between them.

After some silence, Kris clasped his hands in his lap and stared at them. “I have so many questions, though.”

“It’s all right. You can ask me anything.”

“Well, I just feel so different.”

“You mean after the Burn? You’re fully matured now. A full adult Alpha.”

“Yes, I guess that’s it.”

Thorne frowned. “Describe what you mean by different.”

“I guess it’s just me. After everything. It’s why I came to you last night. I feel wrong to not be near you. Is it still the pheromones?”

Was Kris feeling the bond, too? Thorne wondered. “It starts with pheromones but doesn’t lead to more unless there is compatibility.”

Kris chewed his lower lip. “I guess that’s what it is, then. But it’s not what I was taught.”

“What were you taught?”

Kris took a deep breath. “Father never took a real mate. He always used the farms. When he wanted a litter, he picked the Omega with qualities he wanted for his children. Like ordering off a menu or something.”

“That’s how it works for many Alphas. But not all.”

“Well, I was taught that’s how it would be for me and my brothers. Taking a mate was a rare thing that might never happen. Like feeling that compatibility you mention. He never ever talked about that. But I feel it with you after only one Burn.”

Thorne’s heart soared. “I’m glad.”

“I can’t imagine Father going his whole life not feeling that.”

Thorne shut his eyes, letting Kris’s sweet words sink into him. “Some people are not receptive to each other in ways necessary to form a bond. But it doesn’t mean they can’t perform a sexual act with another to make babies, or to assist an Alpha through his Burn.”

“It seems so cold. You were warm and tender and I can’t forget that. It’s why I had to come upstairs. I couldn’t sleep at all with you gone from the bed. I feel like some stupid kid saying that, though.”

“You’re not stupid. I’m glad you said it. I feel the same.”

Kris looked up, eyes shining. “You do?”

Thorne grinned at him. “I do.”

“I wish I was full Omega.”

“Why?”

“Because then I could form the mate-bond with you.” He flushed. “Is that too forward to say right now? Too soon?”

Thorne’s entire body warmed. “You feel what you feel. And something is definitely there between us. If you were Omega, I would say we were bonding.”

Kris smiled again. So beautiful!

“Well, whatever it is, I hope it never goes away!”

Thorne reached up and touched Kris’s cheek. “Me, either,” he said softly.

“Then when it comes time for your Burn, you’ll allow me to help you, right? That’s how it works.” His gaze was both shy and tender.