Chapter 11

The afternoon was comfortably warm, even in the coolness of the north parlor room.

I was nestled into a cozy nook in the far corner, leaning against Jekia as he read a book and gazed out the open window at the vibrant flowers in the nearby garden.

We’d been home for a bit by then, and Jekia had wanted us to take some time to unwind while we had the chance.

Emelio had assured him that there were no urgent matters in his lands at the moment, so he was free to do so. But it was clear that this period of relaxation wouldn’t last long.

With the new ruler of the eastern lands stepping in, there was bound to be some turbulence among the original three for a while.

I let out a long sigh, closing my eyes and letting my mind wander back to the meeting I’d been allowed to attend that morning. I listened to the steady rhythm of Jekia’s heartbeat through his half-open shirt.

I’d expected the other two rulers to be like him, but I hadn’t anticipated their unique appearances. They were such extraordinary creatures.

A phoenix and a chimera. It was amazing to realize that such beings truly existed.

“Are you tired?” Jekia asked me out of the blue. His voice was soft, and he didn’t move to put down his book.

“A little. I didn’t sleep well until you came back,” I admitted.

Jekia chuckled. “Seems like you enjoy having me around at night.”

“I won’t deny it. There’s a certain comfort in sharing a bed with you, more than I thought there would be,” I confessed.

“I can understand that,” Jekia agreed. He set his book aside and shifted slightly, allowing me to snuggle up closer to him with my head resting on his shoulder.

“It’s strange to realize how lonely a bed can feel without you in it. Maybe I’m getting used to having you around.”

“Would that be a bad thing?”

“I don’t think so.”

I glanced at the ring on my finger as I rested against him, my hand on his chest. The yellow stone sparkled in the soft light, and I could swear I saw a glow deep within it.

My thoughts drifted back to the meeting, and Merrick’s harsh reaction to my presence.

“Jekia, do you think Lord Merrick truly accepts me as your wife, or did he just drop the subject to keep the peace between you two?” I had to ask.

“Are you really worried about what he thinks of you?” Jekia countered.

“I don’t see why I shouldn’t be. He’s one of the rulers, and I’d think that all the rulers’ opinions matter,” I pointed out.

“In some ways, yes, but Merrick’s opinion of what I do doesn’t really matter. I can do as I please in my own lands, and I can choose the woman I want to be with.

“If the Higher Ones don’t have a problem with it, then he can’t say anything against it. He knows that,” Jekia explained.

“I guess,” I reluctantly agreed.

Jekia ran his fingers through my hair as we lay there together, letting out a soft sigh.

“Regardless,” he continued, “I do wonder what will happen now that the ogre is dead.

“While I don’t have a problem with someone who could be considered a half-breed, it’s concerning to think about the power he might have.”

“Do you think he might turn against you and the other rulers like the ogre did?” I asked, sitting up a bit to look at him.

Jekia stayed as he was, his golden eyes gleaming in the dim light. “While it’s possible, I don’t think it will happen.

“If anything, he stepped up because he was angry about what was happening there.

“That’s enough to prove someone is worthy of that position, especially if they want to protect others.”

“Is that why you took this position as well? Because you wanted to protect the people in these lands?” I asked.

“I’ve always wanted to do that.” Jekia sat up with me. “Like I told you before, I don’t believe in social classes, and I definitely don’t believe in the powerful exploiting the weak.

“I won’t stand for that, so I make it my duty to prevent it and step in when I need to.”

“Is that because of what happened to your family before?”

I hadn’t thought before I spoke, and I immediately worried that I’d crossed a line.

Jekia looked surprised, but he didn’t react the way I thought he would. I’d expected him to scold me or even slap me for bringing up such a subject. But he just spoke quietly.

“Did Sage tell you that story?” he asked me.

“I’m sorry.” I lowered my head.

“I know I shouldn’t pry so much, but I was really curious about you, and you haven’t wanted to talk about yourself much, so I asked Sage what he could tell me.

“I understand if you’re mad at me. I shouldn’t have asked so freely.”

“No, I like that you’re interested, but I also don’t see any reason to get angry at you,” Jekia replied softly.

I stayed still as he lifted my chin, making me look at him.

“But let’s not talk about that anymore. I don’t want to revisit those memories, especially now that I have you.”

“Okay. I understand.”

Jekia looked out the window again, taking in the view of the garden. “Tell me, would you mind leaving here with me for a bit? There’s something I want to show you,” he said.

I tilted my head, a little confused. What a sudden change of topic.

“No, I don’t mind at all. I feel like I haven’t seen much of this world yet, and I’d feel safe with you,” I replied.

“Good. Then let’s get ready, and we’ll head out. Edifel!” he called.

In a matter of seconds, Edifel was sliding down from the ceiling to the floor near us. “Yes, my lord?”

“Jekia, I’d like you to take Lana and get her ready for our trip to the forest,” he commanded.

“Of course, sire,” Edifel agreed without hesitation.

I rose with Jekia, trailing behind Edifel as we left the room and navigated the maze of hallways to one of the dressing rooms. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, trying to figure out what Jekia had planned for us.

When he mentioned going out, I hadn’t anticipated a trip to the forest. Was he planning to visit another village, perhaps?

The dress Edifel handed me was similar to the others she’d made for me. It was a dark green fabric, the skirt short in the front but trailing longer in the back.

The top was sleeveless, wrapping around me and tying securely at the back.

“This should allow you to move freely while maintaining modesty in case we encounter others,” she remarked, stepping back to assess my appearance.

I stood before one of the mirrors, scrutinizing my reflection. “I like it, it’s comfortable. But I’m still unsure about Jekia’s sudden plan to venture outside,” I admitted.

“You’re overthinking it. Lord Jekia simply wants to spend time with you. Unfortunately, his time may be limited in the near future.

“Things change when a new ruler takes power, especially as he must prove himself to the others,” Edifel explained.

My mind flashed back to the reactions of the rulers when they heard the news. Merrick, in particular, seemed to dislike the idea of this new ruler.

His main issue seemed to be the fact that this creature was a so-called half-breed. I wondered if that should really matter.

Power is power, and if this new ruler could govern those lands and help the oppressed, I didn’t see why anyone should oppose him.

Unable to shake off this thought, I turned to Edifel.

“Edifel, could you share your thoughts on this matter?” I asked.

Edifel nodded. “Certainly. I’ll answer any questions you have.”

“Then, please be honest. Do you think it’s wrong that this new ruler is a half-breed?” I asked her.

“No, I don’t,” Edifel replied. She led me to a nearby vanity, picking up a brush to smooth my hair as she spoke.

“There are many different creatures in this reality, and it’s not uncommon for some to be a mix of two different kinds.

“While this ruler is unique, for now, I don’t think it will affect who he is.

“Some may dislike him simply because he’s considered a half-breed, but I’m confident he’ll be accepted, even if it requires a decree from the Higher Ones.”

The Higher Ones.

I’d heard these beings mentioned quite a bit. They seemed to be the ones who gave orders to the rulers. Could they be heavenly beings, perhaps even serving under God Himself?

Yes, even though I’d questioned the existence of God before, I was now fully convinced.

If a world like this existed, then surely heaven and hell must exist too.

These thoughts occupied my mind as I rejoined Jekia after our conversation.

He’d changed into a lighter white shirt and dark pants, clearly aiming for comfort during our journey.

“This is perfect for our outing,” he remarked, eyeing my dress.

“You don’t think it’s too revealing for being outside?” I asked.

“Not at all. The fairy women wear much less,” Jekia assured me.

He extended his hand to me. “Let’s go. I’d like to leave before the afternoon gets away from us.”

I agreed, taking his hand and accompanying him through the courtyard to the gateway leading to the forest. All was quiet as we stepped outside.

Sunlight streamed through the leafy canopy, and the sounds of the forest echoed around us. I took in the sights and smells, feeling a sense of peace.

This place could be beautiful, as long as I felt safe with Jekia.

“It’s a lovely afternoon, and the shade makes it less hot,” I observed.

“The shade does help with the heat this time of year,” Jekia agreed.

He looked around. “We’ll get there faster if I carry you. We have some distance to cover before we reach our destination.”

I complied, allowing him to lift me. Then we were off, Jekia sprinting through the labyrinth of trees.

I held onto him, watching the scenery whiz by, wondering where he was taking me. It seemed to be in the opposite direction of the village we’d visited before.

Jekia finally slowed as we approached a small, secluded area, stopping just before it. I gazed in awe at the sight before me.

It was a hidden spring, surrounded by lush green grass and sparkling blue water fed by a small waterfall. Jekia effortlessly jumped down with me, then let me stand on my own.

“It’s beautiful. I didn’t know there were places like this in the forest,” I said, looking around in wonder.

“There are a few, and this is one I claimed for myself long ago.

“I like coming here when I need a break, and I wanted to share it with you,” Jekia explained.

I smiled at him, feeling a surge of excitement. It wasn’t anything grand, but I preferred places like this.

I guess it was because I was raised in the countryside and wasn’t used to crowded places.

“I’m glad you brought me here. I love beautiful places like this,” I replied. I walked over to the pond, dipping my fingers into the water.

“It’s a bit cool, but refreshing.”

I glanced over my shoulder to see Jekia raising his hand, causing the top of the small valley to be covered by thick leaves, ensuring our privacy.

I felt a little safer knowing that. At least nothing could get in there with us.

“As I mentioned, I also prefer a place like this for my own privacy. I’ve wanted this spot for a long time for that very reason.

“It’s my escape when I need it, especially after I became the ruler here.

“There have been times when I’ve struggled with things I can’t change. Coming here helps me clear my head,” he explained.

I watched him as he came over and sat next to me, taking in the sight of the gentle waterfall nearby. He seemed to be relaxing a bit more now. Maybe this place had that effect on him.

“I can imagine it’s tough being in your position, for you or any of the others. Do you think the new eastern ruler will be able to handle it?” I asked, sitting next to him.

“Only time will tell,” Jekia replied.

“Are you worried he’s unfit because he’s a half-breed, like Lord Merrick thinks?” I continued.

Jekia shook his head, looking regretful. “Not at all. Merrick needs to learn some humility, or his comments will come back to bite him.”

“You’re one to talk about humility, from what I’ve seen since I got here,” I pointed out.

“You have a point. I haven’t been very humble around you, have I?”

I shook my head. “No, but I guess I can understand a bit. It’s not smart for a ruler to show any weakness, and humility might be seen as that.”

“Maybe not,” Jekia conceded. He looked back at me. “But for now, I don’t want to talk about that anymore. I’d rather just enjoy being here.”

“Yes, I agree.” I nodded.

“Would you like to swim with me?” he asked.

I quickly shook my head. “Oh, that wouldn’t work for me. I don’t know how to swim and I’ve never been around water like this,” I admitted.

“It’s not hard, and the water is shallow enough at the far end that you won’t be over your head. I can also make sure you’re comfortable in it,” Jekia said.

I looked around us, hesitating. It did sound like fun, but I was still a bit nervous.

“Well, I guess that’s okay, as long as we can’t be seen…” I said.

“I’ve made sure of that, and I don’t like the idea of anyone seeing me naked either, so I’ve never let it happen. My canopy is very secure,” Jekia reassured me.

I couldn’t argue with that, and he stood up, moved to the other side of the pool, and started to undress. I let out a soft sigh, slowly standing up and walking over to do the same.

I could trust him that no one would see us, and it’s not like he hadn’t seen me naked many times before.

The water was cool as I took my first steps in. I let it reach my thighs, enjoying the refreshing feel of it.

This was different, not unlike bathing, when I thought about it. The mud under my feet was soft too.

Jekia stepped in front of me, taking my hands. “Come out with me,” he encouraged.

“Are you sure about this?” I asked as he pulled me deeper into the water.

Jekia laughed. “Don’t worry so much. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

I was still a bit nervous as the water got deeper, but he kept his word and didn’t let go of me, easily floating back with me against him.

The water around us was a beautiful clear blue, with a bit of foam near us from the waterfall. I was starting to relax a bit more now. At least he made me feel safe.

“Didn’t I say I wouldn’t let you feel uncomfortable?” Jekia asked as we floated together.

“You did, and I trust you,” I admitted. “It’s a bit surprising though. Do you like to swim?”

“Sometimes. It’s relaxing for me when I can,” Jekia replied.

“I can see why. You seem so busy all the time. Is that normal for you?”

“It can be.”

Jekia moved us back to a shallower area where we could sit together, though I stayed lying against him. It felt too good to move away.

For his part, Jekia relaxed with his back against the soft bank rising up from the pool. I could feel him running his fingers over my back.

“You know, I hope we can have more times like this. I don’t like the idea of leaving you alone too much,” he said quietly after a while.

“Are you still worried I’ll run away again?” I asked, finally sitting up to face him.

Jekia just shrugged. “I can’t say I’m worried about that as much anymore.

“I guess I just don’t like leaving you alone so much, especially considering who I have to leave you with.”

I was confused at first. Didn’t he trust Edifel with me? Then it hit me. He must have been talking about Sage.

“You do realize you’re the one who made that deal with him about me. He has every right to have me when I agree,” I reminded him.

“Yes, that’s true,” Jekia admitted.

He sat up a bit straighter. “But can you really blame me for being a little jealous when I think about him having you? I’m the one who claims you, after all.”

“Of course you are, and I’m not thinking about Sage over you,” I reassured him. I couldn’t help but look down at the water though.

“But I do admit that I look at myself afterward sometimes and scold myself.

“I’ve become quite an improper woman since I got here, especially with all these lustful thoughts I’ve been having lately.”

Jekia let out a sigh. “Do you really see yourself that way? I guess it’s just human nature, and what they’ve drilled into your head.”

“I get that, but how can someone change that if they’ve believed it their whole life?” I asked.

“True, it’s not the easiest thing to do,” Jekia agreed. “But I’ll tell you this, your place here is nothing like it was in your world.

“You’re an omega, and even though it might bother you now, you’ll eventually understand that sexuality is part of your nature, at least until you’re bred.

“That might calm it down a bit, but only time will tell.”

I sighed deeply, shifting in the water and watching as my long hair floated around me.

“I still don’t get this difference though. Why would an omega or even a powerful beta be so sexual in nature? What makes the desire they feel within them so different?”

“I don’t think I can give you a clear answer,” Jekia admitted. He looked at my body as he continued. “One could make different guesses.

“You seem to only show strong attraction toward me and Sage, so I’d guess that some of it has to do with how powerful the alpha around you is.

“A powerful beta would certainly have a desire to procreate with a powerful alpha more than any other, so we could look at it that way.

“But, you’re the only known omega to exist, so you might fall under some different rules.”

“Maybe it’s as you just guessed, and my body simply wants to procreate with one it feels compatible with,” I suggested.

“That’s possible. But there’s also the possibility that my taking you that first time woke up the lust that an omega is born with.

“Only a powerful alpha can satisfy such lust for you, so of course it draws you to ones like me and Sage,” Jekia proposed.

He made good points, but I could also see flaws in his theory.

“Yes, that does sound plausible, but I didn’t feel that longing around the other rulers, and they’re also powerful alphas, aren’t they?” I asked.

Jekia thought about it. “That’s true, but maybe it goes back to the point that your body has chosen the ones it wants most. It’s at least worth considering.”

“That could be it.”

I lifted my left hand out of the water, looking at the diamond ring I wore. The stone sparkled in the soft light. I loved this ring so much.

I never thought that I would have one, especially not so beautiful, and especially not from a non-human male.

Jekia leaned back again, letting out a long breath as he closed his eyes.

“Either way, as I was saying before, I don’t like the idea of that fox having you, even if I did agree to it just to keep the peace between us.

“As much as I hate to admit it, it does stir up feelings of jealousy in me, and I have to remind myself that it wouldn’t be in my best interest to just take you as soon as I see you.”

“Do you think I would object to that?” I asked.

“It’s hard to say. You do seem to enjoy our encounters, so I guess that counts for something.”

Yes, he was right. I did love being with him. I realized then that I loved both spending this time with him and our more intimate encounters. Again, I had to remind myself not to get too attached yet.

His jealousies might have just stemmed from his desire to have me all to himself. Maybe the idea of Sage having me hurt his pride.

“It’s true. I do enjoy being with you in many ways,” I admitted, moving a little closer to him. “I also agreed to be your wife and to do what you wanted of me. I wouldn’t go back on my word.”

Jekia smiled at me. “No, you haven’t, and I don’t think you want to.”

The kiss we shared was slow and deep. I moved closer to sit on his lap, feeling his strong chest and abs under my hands as his tongue tangled with mine.

No, I couldn’t deny the desire he stirred in me too. It already felt like my blood was heating up with just this one passionate kiss.

“This is…,” I breathed as we pulled away and I looked down, still running my hands over him.

“You don’t realize the desire you awaken within yourself. It’s sweet torture, isn’t it? But not one I would ever deny you, if that’s what you want,” Jekia whispered to me.

I knew that I couldn’t deny the heat coursing through my veins. I wanted to be taken again. There was no way I could say I didn’t.

“It is,” I whispered back. “I want to feel you inside me so badly now.”

“Hmm, I doubt I could deny such a thing even for myself,” Jekia breathed. He easily lifted us out of the pool, laying me on the soft grass.

A soft moan escaped me as he leaned over me and our lips met again. My mind was starting to shut down, consumed with the desires of my body.

Maybe Jekia was right about desire being part of who I was, at least with him. I wondered if I could use it to enjoy this more.

Sitting up a little as I kissed him again, I let my hand wander down him. Yes, he was quite excited now. His manhood was very hard and firm as I wrapped my fingers around it.

He let out a moan as he pulled away from our kiss and rested his head on my shoulder.

A soft giggle escaped me as I continued stroking him. It was quite enticing to see him react like this, probably because he was the one usually in control of these intimate encounters.

“Do you like this?” I teased softly.

“I do, but I don’t know how much I can take,” Jekia confessed.

“I’m really getting to you with this?”

I was a bit surprised by that. Who would have thought that my touches in his most private area could arouse him like this?

Jekia held my hand, slowly making me let go of him and lay back again as he hovered over me.

“Come on, my dear. I can’t let you have complete control of this,” he teased back.

“No, I guess not,” I found myself agreeing.

I didn’t stop him as he moved inside me, just let him do as he wished while I reveled in the pleasure that pulsed through me with each of his thrusts.

Was this what it meant to be an omega? Was it really not wrong for me to be like this with him?

After all, I ~was~ his, and that included my body.

The sensation of pleasure unfurled within me, and a wave of euphoria washed over me.

As always, he followed my climax with his own, gasping for breath as he leaned over me, his forehead lightly brushing against my right shoulder where my still-healing scars were.

I shut my eyes, soaking in the silence around us and the warmth that filled my womb. The only sounds were the waterfall and our shared breathing.

I had to admit, I felt good in that moment, despite the lingering thoughts of my own impropriety.

The sensation of Jekia gently kissing one of my healing wounds pulled me back to the present.

“I need to hunt down that lycan for this,” he murmured.

“I know you’ll do what you want, but this was partly my fault. I could have been attacked by anything when I ran into the forest alone,” I quietly reminded him.

“Even if that’s true, I won’t let anyone hurt you,” Jekia replied. He moved off me to lie on his side next to me, and I turned to face him.

It was still strange to realize that all of this was real.

This beautiful man—or rather, this beautiful creature who looked so much like a man—was the one who called me his, and the first to claim me as a woman.

It felt like I was caught in some kind of erotic fairytale, something so taboo that no woman would dare to admit she wanted it.

“I know now that you’ll always protect me.

“You have since the moment I was born, and no matter what happens, I trust you,” I confessed, resting my head on my arm and closing my eyes.

I was suddenly exhausted. Maybe the events of the past few days were finally catching up with me.

Jekia was silent as he listened to me. After a few moments, he moved closer to me, and I felt him pull me into his arms as he relaxed beside me, letting out a contented sigh.

“Knowing that you trust me makes me happy. I’ll do everything I can to keep that trust,” he promised softly.

I didn’t see his words as anything more than sweet nothings. I was just getting used to my place next to him.

What I didn’t realize was that this first week was just the beginning of the life I was meant to lead.

And it would shape my place, not in my own world, but in the world I was destined to be a part of, along with the one I was destined to meet.