Chapter 20

Months seemed to pass in a heartbeat.

Autumn arrived, painting the world in vibrant hues before giving way to the chill of winter. The cold wasn't as harsh as I remembered from my mortal life, but it still bit at my skin. Yet, I found myself handling it well, perhaps because I was genuinely happy for the first time.

Not much had changed in my life during this time, except for the fact that I was becoming more assertive and confident. Jekia was encouraging me to venture outside the palace more often, either with him or with Sage. Emelio was allowed to accompany me too, but Jekia seemed to prefer the other two.

I suspected Jekia was still a bit miffed at Emelio for revealing more about my omega awakening. But I didn't hold it against any of them. I was actually starting to like the person I was becoming.

Over the past few months, I felt like I was transforming into a new woman—stronger, more capable, and more self-assured. I no longer feared the creatures I met outside the palace. They treated me as an equal to Jekia, with respect and friendliness.

I was getting to know the towns and villages around the lands, as Jekia and Sage took me to visit them several times a week. By now, I had earned a fair amount of respect as the bride of a ruler.

But as spring arrived, so did another significant change in my life. It all started one afternoon.

Jekia had to leave for a few days to meet with the other rulers in the eastern lands. It was an annual tradition. Although I could have accompanied him, I chose to stay behind in the northern lands to help with any arising issues.

Most of the responsibility would fall on Emelio, but I liked the idea of being able to contribute my own suggestions. Emelio agreed, and with Sage around, Jekia was okay with me staying.

One afternoon, I decided to let Sage take me back to his den. I had been intrigued by his home since the first time I saw it and wanted to learn more about how the foxes lived.

Sage told me that dens were common homes for foxes. There were several other fox dens in the same area, including one belonging to his remaining brother, a fox named Musket.

I had only seen Musket once. He was a beautiful creature, much like Sage, with silver hair, golden eyes, and multiple tails. From what I understood, foxes like Sage and Musket were incredibly rare. Their nine tails indicated they were over nine thousand years old, which was quite an achievement.

Musket's hair, ears, and tails had turned silver when he reached that milestone, while Sage's had always been that way. He was a unique fox among his kind.

But that didn't matter to me. Sage was my friend, my guiding fox, and my secondary lover when Jekia wasn't around.

Lying in his den, I watched the dim light from a small lamp above us play on his silver hair and ears. The den was surprisingly comfortable, even as we lay there with nothing on.

I hadn't planned on any intimate activities when we came here, but I didn't turn them down when the opportunity arose. I had been feeling rather needy lately.

“This is quite comfortable. I should bring you here more often,” Sage said, his ears laid back as he closed his eyes and rested his head on a plush pillow.

“Well, this is one of the few times it's just us. Jekia has been making an effort to be with me as much as he can. He wasn't even comfortable about not taking me to those meetings with the other rulers,” I pointed out.

“While I understand his concerns, he needs to loosen up a bit. You're quite independent now, and you've been making good decisions lately. I believe the Higher Ones are pleased with what they're seeing,” Sage assured me.

I moved closer to him, running my fingers over his soft ears. The creatures like him and Jekia still fascinated me, and I suspected they always would.

“Tell me, Sage. You've seen these Higher Ones, haven't you?” I asked.

Sage opened his eyes, giving me a smile as he turned to his side. “I have. I take it you're curious about them too.”

“You know I am. None of you have ever explained to me exactly who they are. Are they angels, or something similar?” I asked.

“Well…” Sage paused, considering his answer. “You're half-right. The Higher Ones we refer to, who oversee the rulers on this side, are just below the angels in rank. They're called Sumarians, created just below the angels. Think of them as defenders, enforcers between the mortal world and the Veil.”

“Sumarians,” I echoed. What an intriguing name. “What are they like?”

“Let's see. They mostly look like humans, as they were once humans in their mortal lives. Sumarians are chosen and created after their mortal deaths. While we respect all of them, there are three who currently lead them and oversee everything with the rulers. The first, Lacula, is the main one we deal with when issues arise. The others, Lumae and Morosa, also contribute to his decisions and decrees, but not as much as him,” Sage explained.

Lacula, Morosa, and Lumae. I recognized Lacula’s name. Jekia, Emelio, and Sage had mentioned him before. They always spoke of him with reverence.

These creatures were incredibly powerful, I realized.

“I get it,” I said, nodding. “So, humans can turn into these supernatural beings after they die.”

“Indeed, they can,” Sage agreed. He was twirling a lock of my hair around his fingers, a smile playing on his lips. “I’m glad they’re recognizing your growth.

“You’re turning into an amazing omega. Your mind is so strong, and you fit so well into this world. It’s hard to believe you were once a timid, shy girl.”

I smiled back at him. “That’s good to hear. I’ve been working hard to open my mind and become more. I hope I’ve done enough for them to let me have children with Jekia soon.

“I can’t stop thinking about how much I want to be a mother,” I admitted.

“That’s just part of being an omega. You’re nurturing, so it’s natural that you’d want to bring your own children into the world,” Sage explained.

I rolled onto my back, staring at the dirt ceiling. He was right. There was a longing in my mind for this, and I had to admit it was stirring up a certain desire in my body.

This had been happening for the past few days, and I’d been doing my best to ignore it.

But being where I was now, it was hard to ignore. Even though it hadn’t been that long, I wanted to feel Sage inside me again.

Sage moved closer to me, and I shivered as his breath brushed against my ear.

“You’ve had a rather enticing scent today,” he whispered.

“Really?” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Absolutely.” Sage shifted so he was lying on top of me, a knowing smile on his face.

“It’s quite intoxicating. Even though it was somewhat satisfied after being with you earlier, it’s come back stronger. I have to say, it’s stirring up every part of me.”

I didn’t know what he was talking about. I couldn’t smell anything unusual about myself, just the scent of flowers from my bath earlier that day.

But looking into his golden eyes, I could see they were dark with desire.

Seeing that sent a wave of heat through me, settling in my most intimate areas.

I didn’t even realize I’d spread my legs until I felt the tip of his cock against my entrance.

“Please,” I whispered, “don’t tease. I need to feel you inside me again to quench this heat.”

I didn’t have to beg any further. Sage slowly pushed into me, his hard cock filling me.

A soft moan slipped from my lips as he started to move, establishing a steady rhythm of thrusting in and out of me.

I clung to him as he lifted me into his lap, my mind lost in the pure ecstasy of the moment.

While I’d enjoyed sex since the first time Jekia had taken me, this time felt more intense, like my body needed it more than anything.

My hips moved with his as we shared deep kisses and intimate touches. It was getting hard to tell where he ended and I began.

Our bodies felt like one as he moved deep inside of me.

It felt like an eternity as we continued, with me begging him for more and not to stop. Eventually, he laid me back on the bed, his thrusts slowing as he lay on top of me.

My lower body was consumed by a wonderful heat as he moved, a heat I needed him to satisfy.

“I can’t hold back,” he whispered against my neck. “I need to fill you.”

“Oh yes, please, fill me with you,” I breathed.

He thrust deeply into me a few more times, then buried his cock inside of me as a moan of pleasure escaped his lips. I cried out, feeling his seed fill me.

Yes, this was what I needed. The heat within me was finally quenched.

Sage was panting as he lay on top of me, and I could still feel him twitching deep inside of me as his orgasm subsided.

“That was…,” he whispered.

“It was beautiful. I love being with you,” I whispered back.

“Yes, I love it too.”

I knew he meant it, but I also had this strange feeling that something was bothering him. I wasn’t sure why, it was just a nagging feeling.

“Is everything okay?” I asked, reaching up to touch his cheek and brush back some of his silver hair.

Sage quickly regained his composure as his breathing started to even out.

“Yes, everything’s fine. I just didn’t expect it to be so intense this time,” he replied.

Reflecting on this later, after I’d returned to the palace, I had to admit I didn’t fully believe his answer. I could have pressed him further, but I didn’t have the heart to.

Maybe it was because of who he was to me. Even though I stood up to him and Jekia, I still found it hard to question them about certain things.

Besides, I didn’t see how not pushing the issue could cause any harm.

I’d had quite a few sexual encounters with Sage by now, and nothing more had come of it except pleasure and occasional jealousy from Jekia, which I found oddly endearing.

I spent the evening wandering around, mostly in the parlor, painting. It had become my hobby over the past month, and I’d gotten pretty good at it.

I loved painting the scenery I’d seen there, and the piece I was working on was of the glen where the fox dens were.

But as I sat there in front of my canvas, I felt a strange sensation within me. I put down my brush, closed my eyes, and thought about what had happened earlier.

How strange. When had I become so lustful? Was it because my mind was awakening as an omega?

If that was the case, this could become a problem. Even as I sat there, I could feel that heat slowly returning.

I frowned, opening my eyes and looking down at my lap. This wouldn’t do.

I’d have to figure out a way to control these feelings if they kept up. I didn’t want to be a slave to my own desires.

I was so lost in thought that I didn’t hear the footsteps entering the room.

“Been sitting here a while, haven’t you? Everything okay?” Jekia asked, breaking my reverie.

I looked up, surprised to see him standing there. A familiar warmth spread through my belly, but I quickly tried to suppress it.

“Yeah!” I replied, forcing a smile. “I didn’t think you’d be back tonight. I thought you’d be gone another day.”

Jekia returned my smile, a soft one, as he sat down on the bench next to me.

“Yeah, I thought so too, but we wrapped up early. I’m glad, honestly.

“It seems like we’re all settling into our roles, which is good for everyone,” he said.

“I agree. I’m glad you’re back. I missed having you around,” I admitted.

“Has everything been okay while I was gone? I know it’s only been two days, but a lot can happen in one,” Jekia asked.

“Yeah, everything’s been fine. I visited Lucia yesterday, and Sage showed me around the fox glen today.

“It was really interesting to see their homes and learn about the different types of foxes. I didn’t realize they came in so many colors,” I shared.

“That’s true. Most young foxes aren’t silver. They only turn silver when they get their nine tails, although I’ve met one who’s a bit different.

“He’s stayed completely black, even with his nine tails. Maybe it’s like Sage being born silver,” Jekia mused.

“Maybe.”

“Anyway,” Jekia said, standing and offering me a hand, “let’s take it easy tonight. I’d like to have dinner with you, then we can clean up and spend some time together.

“I’ve been looking forward to the warmer nights so we can stargaze.”

I smiled. “Sounds good.”

I enjoyed spending time with him, and since I’d been working on myself, Jekia had been doing the same.

He’d been making more of an effort to spend time alone with me, even if it was just in the evenings, and he’d stopped making demands.

For my part, I’d been more open about what I wanted, whether it was going out or just asking him to do something with me around the palace.

Those were the good times, the times when I felt like I was seeing the real Jekia, not the stoic Luna Dog who’d first brought me here.

Jekia was genuinely kind, the kind of husband any young woman would want.

But even as we ate dinner together, I couldn’t shake the warmth in my belly. It was uncomfortable, but I tried to keep it to myself.

Jekia had just gotten back after two days, and the last thing I wanted was to worry him.

Besides, I was sure I’d be fine. This was probably just some weird side effect of my omega awakening.

But Jekia noticed. He was perceptive, and as we sat together on the north terrace, he brought it up.

“You sure you’re okay, Lana? You’ve seemed a bit off since I got back,” he said, looking at me with concern.

I shook my head, deciding to be honest. “I think I’m okay. I’ve just been feeling a bit weird today, and I think it might be because of my omega awakening.

“Maybe it’s changing my body too.”

“What kind of weird? Can you describe it?” Jekia asked.

“I’m not sure. It’s like a strange heat, like a lust that’s hard to suppress,” I confessed.

Jekia thought about what I’d said, staring at the night sky.

“It could be related to you being an omega. I’ve heard that betas sometimes go through periods of intense lust for their alphas.

“I’d guess it’s even more intense for an omega, especially with your mind awakening like it has,” he finally said.

That made sense. From what I’d heard and read, it fit with being above a beta. I must be going through one of those periods.

“Maybe. It’s just been a bit uncomfortable,” I admitted.

“I can imagine,” Jekia said.

He gave me a mischievous smile. “But we could also take care of that. I came home early, and I wouldn’t mind a more... intimate welcome.”

I returned his smile, not about to turn him down.

I had to admit, making love with him had become a sweet addiction, and with the way I’d been feeling, I was sure this time would be just as satisfying.

And I was right. It didn’t take long for us to end up in bed, with me clinging to him as he moved inside me. The heat in my belly grew with each thrust.

In the back of my mind, I was grateful he’d come back early. Part of me wanted to spend the whole night like this, experiencing this pleasure over and over.

“You feel amazing tonight,” Jekia murmured, lying back with me on top of him.

“So do you,” I whispered back. I leaned down to kiss him. “I’ve missed you so much, even if it’s only been a few days.”

“I don’t plan on leaving you for that long again. I want all our nights to be like this.”

Soft cries escaped me as he moved faster, deeper. My mind slipped into a lustful haze. It felt like it lasted forever, but ended too soon.

The heat inside me faded as I felt him fill me, and I savored the soft moan that escaped him.

This was what I needed, and I knew he needed it too.

Jekia’s breathing was heavy as he pulled out of me and lay beside me. We shared a few more passionate kisses before finally settling down.

Sleep came easily after that, but it led me into what I thought was a strange dream.

In this dream, I found myself standing in a vast field, gazing up at the sky. The world around me was dim, caught in that twilight moment between dusk and complete darkness.

I didn’t know why I was there, only that I was supposed to be.

Suddenly, the sky seemed to split open, and a beam of golden light poured down on me. Visions flashed before my eyes, quick and strange, featuring myself, Sage, and Jekia.

It seemed like there was some sort of conflict, but I couldn’t make out the details. All I felt was a deep, heart-wrenching pain, a pain so akin to loss that it was nearly unbearable.

Then, the vision started to fade, and I felt myself beginning to wake up. But just as I did, one last vision appeared. Two small figures, running toward me with arms outstretched…

I woke up abruptly from the dream, my eyes focusing on the ceiling above the bed. My heart was pounding, but not from fear.

Instead, it was as if a profound longing had welled up within me, so intense that it brought tears to my eyes even though I wasn’t crying.

Was that dream real, or was it just a manifestation of my yearning for the family that had been denied to Jekia and me since I arrived?

I finally managed to glance to the side of the bed, seeing that Jekia was still asleep.

I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep anymore, and since dawn was approaching, I decided to get up and freshen up.

I could always find something to occupy my time until Jekia woke up, and he did need his rest.

The day passed peacefully.

I cleaned up and retreated to the library to read for a while, hoping to distract myself from the dream. Eventually, Jekia woke up and joined me for breakfast.

I didn’t mention the dream to him, nor did I feel the need to. He was already aware of my desire for a family with him, and he shared that desire.

So, we simply enjoyed our time together, eventually venturing out to one of the nearby towns to spend the day mingling with the locals.

Days turned into weeks, and the dream slowly faded from my mind. Strangely enough, so did the intense longing within me. Since my day with Sage and Jekia, I hadn’t felt it.

Although it was odd, I let it be, considering it a blessing. At least I wouldn’t have to dwell on it anymore, and hopefully, it would only resurface occasionally.

But there was something else I started to notice. I was getting tired more easily and developing an aversion to certain smells.

At first, I tried to ignore the latter, but it became so severe that I eventually asked Edifel to avoid serving certain dishes.

While she found my request a bit peculiar, she didn’t question it and simply complied.

Jekia also noticed my fatigue and strange sensitivities, but I assured him that I was fine. Humans sometimes went through odd phases, especially us women.

I had been pushing myself hard in recent months to improve as an omega, so it might have been catching up with me.

At least that’s what I thought, until that evening.

I had been resting in the bedroom when I heard Jekia come in. I hadn’t been feeling well earlier and thought it best to rest and let my stomach settle.

He came over to me, and I felt his hand touch my forehead.

“You’re starting to worry me. If you’re sick, we need to address it.

“You’re still human, and there’s a chance you’ve been carrying an infection that’s now trying to take hold,” he said softly.

“I don’t feel sick like it’s an infection, and it comes and goes. I should be fine if I rest more,” I insisted.

“You’re being stubborn again. At least let yourself be checked,” Jekia countered.

I let out a long sigh. “If you’re that worried, then I suppose I can.”

“I am. I don’t want to see you suffer,” Jekia told me.

He sat on the bed next to me, leaning over to kiss my temple. But as he started to pull away, I felt him freeze. It was as if something had taken him by surprise.

“Jekia?” I asked, hearing the uncertainty in my voice. I turned to my side to see him frozen in place. “What’s wrong?”

“Your scent. It’s the same, but different.” Jekia leaned closer to me, sniffing again. He tensed up even more, then slowly stood up. “It can’t be,” he murmured.

I was starting to panic as I heard this, sitting up in bed and doing my best to ignore the nausea that the sudden movement brought.

“What is it? What’s wrong with me?” I asked, fear creeping into my voice.

Jekia didn’t answer me, instead looking to his left.

“Emelio, come here immediately!” he commanded.

Emelio appeared as soon as he was summoned, bowing politely. “You called, sire?”

Jekia looked back at me, and I was startled to see that he looked very uncertain now. It was as if the mere thought of something had unsettled him.

“I think I know what I’m smelling on her now. I want you to confirm it,” he said quietly.

“Ah yes. I noticed it as soon as you called me in here, although I suspect it’s also in the notice I just received,” Emelio replied.

He held up his hand and a golden envelope materialized in it. I watched with Jekia as he opened it and pulled out a golden parchment.

Jekia looked even more apprehensive now. “What does the notice say? Tell us immediately.”

Emelio complied. “Yes, of course. But as you said, you suspected it as soon as you detected the change in her scent.”

He held up the parchment, maintaining his usual smile as he delivered the words that shook me to my core.

“Lady Lana is expecting.”