Chapter 7

I never considered myself an open book when it came to matters of the heart.

Maybe it was because of my upbringing. As I’d told Jekia, I wasn’t a wanted child.

In fact, the moment I was born a girl, my father wanted nothing to do with me.

From my earliest memories, my mother had me working alongside her on the farm, her only show of affection being a daily meal and an occasional pat on the head when I did something she deemed good.

I think my views on men were largely shaped by my father. He was far from a good man.

By the time I was eight, he spent most of his time at the bar in the nearby town, drinking away our earnings and his senses.

There were countless nights when he’d stumble into our tiny home, and I’d hide so he wouldn’t get any ideas about me.

Being touched once was more than enough for me, let alone the times I saw him force himself on my mother.

Those memories haunted my dreams as I woke up that morning. The room was warm, and the curtains were drawn to keep it dark and cool.

The summer heat was starting to set in within the Veil, and even the nights were warm.

Jekia shifted beside me, but he didn’t wake up. He’d been spending more time at the palace with me these past few days, and I didn’t mind.

As demanding as he could be, it was nice to have his attention.

He was a sight to behold in the dim morning light. Lying on his back, he looked peaceful in his sleep.

His body was like a work of art, as if divine beings had sculpted it to perfection.

His tail lay over his hips, covering his manhood, and his muscles were well-defined in the arm resting under his head.

It was hard to believe how much I admired him.

He wasn’t a human man. That was clear not only from his stunning looks, but also his ears, tail, pure white hair, and closed golden eyes.

But maybe it made sense that I’d be attracted to this creature, especially after my heart had learned to shun human men.

Still, I felt like a hypocrite. I’d sworn never to submit to a man’s demands, to run if I had to.

That’s what brought me to this world, my attempt to escape the fate my parents had planned for me with that count.

But in the end, I didn’t escape anything.

Instead of being dominated by a human man, I was now dominated by this Luna Dog ruler. The saddest part was that I was starting to crave his domination.

I turned over and closed my eyes, trying to shut off my mind. If I didn’t have to get up soon, I’d let myself rest more.

My wounds had almost healed, so I could sleep comfortably. I didn’t bother pulling the sheet over me. It was warm, and being naked was comfortable.

My mind wandered as I lay there. Enough time had passed that I couldn’t leave this world now.

Not that I was too upset about it. Even if I felt somewhat like a prisoner, it was a beautiful prison to be trapped in.

I was almost asleep when I felt the bed shift slightly behind me. Then there was a soft sensation of my hair being stroked back, followed by a kiss on the side of my neck.

“I know you’re awake,” Jekia whispered in my ear.

“I am, but I’m still tired, so I was resting,” I replied quietly.

“Do I really wear you out that much at night?” he teased.

“I think you enjoy doing so.”

I shivered as he planted more kisses on my neck and shoulder, his fingers sliding over my side and lower to caress between my legs.

A soft gasp escaped me as his fingers slipped inside me. He moved them in and out slowly a few times.

“I do,” he confirmed. I felt him lie down behind me, pulling me back against his firm body as he removed his fingers from me.

“I hope to enjoy this quiet time with you this morning. I’m not looking forward to what’s coming up.”

That caught my attention. “You have more to do?”

“It’s just a formality, but one I can’t avoid.”

I turned in his arms to face him, curious about what he had to do. It sounded important.

“Can I know what this business of yours is?” I asked.

“There’s no reason I couldn’t tell you,” Jekia conceded.

“It’s just a formality among us rulers in this world. Every year, we gather to discuss current issues affecting our lands.

“Of course, as you know, we have an ongoing issue with what’s happening in the eastern lands, so that will likely be the main topic of discussion.”

“Ah, I see. But it’s important that you all discuss these things. The people living in those lands are suffering,” I said.

Jekia sighed quietly and closed his eyes.

“That’s true. We can’t let this continue much longer. But this meeting also means I’ll have to be away for a few days.

“While I don’t like the idea of being so far from you, I also don’t want to take you there around the others.”

“Do you think they’ll covet me like you have?”

“No, I don’t. But I also don’t want you to be their spectacle, because of who you are to me.”

His words made sense. I had no doubt the other rulers would be interested in me.

I wondered if any of them had someone like me, but I decided not to ask Jekia. It might not be my place.

“I understand, and I won’t argue with what you have to do. I can stay here on the palace grounds while you’re away and make do with what I can find,” I told him.

“Yes, and I can assure you of that,” Jekia replied, his eyes opening again as he gently stroked my cheek.

“Even though I trust you won’t run away again, I’m still cautious about what could happen.

“That’s why I’m going to have Sage stick around to keep an eye on things around my barrier.”

“You remember the deal you made with him,” I reminded him.

“I do, but I don’t mind if you don’t. He’s the only one I wouldn’t have a problem with,” Jekia said.

“I guess,” I conceded. “And you’re going to this meeting today?”

Jekia nodded. “Unfortunately. But I plan on enjoying this moment right now. I don’t have to leave until later, so I have time to spend with you.”

A smile spread across my face as I played with his ears, marveling at their softness.

Yes, in this brief time, I was free to touch him as I wished. I figured it was a fair trade for letting him have me.

A chuckle slipped from him as I did this, and I felt his tail caress my thighs and backside.

“You’re quite fascinated with my ears, aren’t you?” he teased.

“I can’t help it. You’ve fascinated me since the moment we met,” I confessed.

Jekia rolled onto his back, letting me rest against his shoulder as he continued to run his fingers through my hair.

“I admit, you often fascinate me too. You’re the first human I’ve ever felt anything for, even though I’ve seen many of them over the centuries.

“Sometimes I wonder if your arrival in this world was some sort of divine plan,” he mused.

This was different. Jekia didn’t usually speak so openly about why he thought I’d ended up in this world, even if he did make a good point.

“I don’t know for sure why I ended up here.

“I entered that forest desperate to escape the fate they’d given me in my world, but I ended up here in a similar situation.

“It’s kind of strange when I think about it,” I admitted.

“Yes, that’s true, but I bet you’ve found a more satisfying life here with me, even if you think this isn’t the world you’re supposed to be in.”

“I won’t try to run away anymore. I think we’re past that,” I pointed out.

Jekia chuckled. “Yes, it seems we are.”

I didn’t think he believed I was telling the truth about not running away again, but I also figured that actions spoke louder than words.

As long as I stayed, as he asked me to, then one day he would realize that I’d accepted the situation he’d put me in.

Our morning passed quietly after that. After getting up and getting ready for the day, I joined Jekia for breakfast in the dining room.

Emelio was also there with us, discussing issues that were planned to be talked about.

“And Vincent is fully aware of these things?” Jekia was asking as Emelio stood near him.

“Yes. The issue of the eastern lands is at the top of the agenda.

“It seems that he and Merrick have also had a lot of problems with people fleeing from Jusei’s tyranny,” Emelio confirmed.

This was the first time I’d heard the names of the other rulers. Such interesting names: Vincent, Merrick, and Jusei.

“Excuse me, but I’m curious. Is Jusei the ruler of the eastern lands?” I asked Jekia.

“He is. He’s the ogre I’ve mentioned before, and I don’t like to say his name because of my disdain for him.

“Also, Vincent is the ruler of the southern lands, and Merrick rules the west,” Jekia explained.

“They’re a diverse group, but they’re very effective at maintaining balance in this hidden world and making sure humans know nothing about it,” Emelio added.

“I see.” I nodded. “It’s interesting that humans aren’t supposed to know about any of this, yet we still hold onto our beliefs and the stories of those who live on this side.

“I wonder if that was part of God’s plan.”

“There are reasons for all of this, but I’m afraid it’s too complicated to get into right now,” Emelio told me.

“And for that reason, we won’t,” Jekia interrupted. He stood up and looked at me.

“Time is passing quickly now, so I need to get ready to leave. You’ll stay here on the palace grounds while I’m gone. Is that clear?”

I nodded. “Yes. Of course.”

I had no intention of disobeying his orders. In the past few days, I felt like I’d reached a sort of understanding with Jekia and accepted my place.

If he wanted me to stay on these grounds, then I would do so without question. That was my duty as his beta.

It struck me as odd when I thought about it later. The afternoon was setting in, and I was alone while Jekia was away at his meeting.

Everything on the palace grounds was quiet during this time. I’d settled myself in the gardens of the courtyard, sitting in the shade among the roses and tall flowering trees.

My surroundings were so beautiful, so unreal. I didn’t think anything in the human world could compare.

I admit, I felt a sense of peace being here. No, I didn’t feel like I was anywhere near becoming more to Jekia than a lover, but at least I was treated well.

That was more than I could say if I’d gone to the count I’d been sold to.

I would probably be living in squalor there, and maybe even end up pregnant and dying from that soon enough. I’d seen such things happen to other poor girls like me.

My gaze dropped to my belly as I thought about that. As always, the top of my dress was tight and revealing.

The green fabric of my dress was split down the middle, held together only by a black thread that I’d laced as tightly as I could. It didn’t do much good, though.

The tops and inner sides of my breasts were still on display, along with a bit of my midsection.

I looked down at my belly, thinking about the future. I had no doubt that Jekia would want me to bear his children someday.

What would they be like? I imagined they’d be a lot like him. My human side would be too weak to have much influence on them.

But the thought of having children stirred a longing in my heart. When the time came, I’d take good care of them.

I’d be a loving mother, doing my best to protect and nurture them. I wouldn’t be like my parents, especially not like my mother.

Well, hopefully not like my mother in certain ways.

I shook my head, trying to shake off the memory of my father forcing himself on her. I hated that memory. I wished I could forget it, but it seemed to be permanently etched in my mind.

“You look troubled, my dear.”

I straightened up at the sound of the familiar voice and looked up at the tree branches overhead. As I expected, Sage was lying on a branch, a knowing smile on his face.

He was wearing a simple, loose white shirt that was mostly unbuttoned, and dark pants. His many tails were draped around his legs and hanging over the branch.

I found myself smiling back at him.

“Good afternoon, Sage. I see you’ve come to check on me,” I said.

“I couldn’t do less, especially since Jekia had to leave for a few days. But it’s to be expected.

“The rulers have to meet and sort out any issues that involve all of them, and the recent ones have been quite pressing,” Sage replied.

“It seems so,” I agreed. I patted the grass next to me. “Would you like to join me? It’s very nice here.”

“I think I will take you up on that offer. I prefer the softness of grass to the roughness of tree bark.”

Sage moved easily and jumped down to join me, landing without making a sound. I watched as he sat down next to me, his many tails spread out around us.

I couldn’t help but comment on them.

“It’s amazing how many tails you have.”

“You like them?” Sage asked.

“I do,” I confirmed.

“You can touch them if you want. I’ll make an exception for you,” Sage offered.

“That’s very kind of you.”

I took him up on his offer, gently running my hands over a few of his tails. They were as fluffy and soft as Jekia’s, and their silver fur shimmered in the sunlight.

“Do all foxes have so many tails?”

“It depends on our age and strength. Each tail represents our lifespan and the power we’ve gained.

“As I told you before, I’m one of a kind. I’ve lived for over nine thousand years, and very few foxes can say the same or have as many tails as I do,” Sage explained.

“Interesting. Is that why you’re considered an alpha?” I asked.

Sage laughed. “Not at all, my dear. Alphas are born, not made. But I admit, it’s always given me an advantage. Besides being born an alpha, I’m also unique among foxes.

“Most only get silver fur once they’ve lived for nine thousand years and reached a high level of power. I was born with silver fur, which means I was born to be one of the greatest creatures in this world.”

Normally, I would have thought he was bragging, but I had a feeling he was telling the truth. Sage was different from other foxes. I could sense it.

“I wonder,” I mused aloud. “Is that why I feel drawn to you?”

“I think so,” Sage replied. He leaned closer to me, playing with my hair.

“You see, darling, great powers often attract each other. You’re a legendary omega, so it’s no surprise that Jekia wanted to claim you as his own. Someone like you belongs with a ruler.

“But he also knows that someone like you would be attracted to someone like me.

“I like to think that Jekia and I are each unique in our own ways as alphas, so it’s only fitting for the only omega to be between us.”

“Maybe, but what about the other rulers? Jekia doesn’t seem to want them to see me. Does he think they’ll be attracted to me too?” I asked.

Sage shook his head. “I doubt it. The rulers respect each other’s boundaries, and a beta or omega claimed by one would be off-limits to the others, even in terms of attraction.

“I think he’s keeping you hidden because you’re new to your position and because of the urgent issues in the eastern lands.”

“That makes sense.”

I could feel Sage watching me as I spoke, and I knew he was taking in my appearance. I’d experienced this enough times with Jekia to recognize it.

“Tell me, dear,” he said, changing the subject. “Are you upset about the deal Jekia made with me about you?”

I shook my head, deciding to be honest. “Not really. I admit I’m attracted to you, even though I don’t fully understand why it’s so intense.

“I sometimes wonder if you’ve done something to make me feel this way.”

“You think I could do that?”

“I wouldn’t know unless you told me.”

Sage laughed. “You’re quite witty when you’re comfortable, and I enjoy that. I haven’t had such an entertaining conversation with a woman in centuries.”

I turned to look at him, taking in his relaxed demeanor. He seemed to be enjoying himself as much as he claimed.

“You just want to talk?” I asked, surprised. “I thought you had other intentions, based on what you’ve said before.”

“True,” Sage admitted, his gaze dropping to the front of my dress. His claws traced the string lightly.

“I won’t lie, you’re tempting. I never thought an omega could stir such desire in me. I can only imagine what you do to Jekia.”

“I’m not going to discuss that with you,” I warned him.

“Of course not. It wouldn’t be proper for a lady to share her intimate moments with a man,” Sage agreed, leaning in to whisper in my ear. “But I can’t help but wonder how it would feel if I were the one taking you.”

I wasn’t surprised. I knew Sage wouldn’t pass up the opportunity the next few days presented. But it also gave me a chance to probe deeper into the mysteries Jekia wouldn’t discuss.

“I’ll make you another deal,” I proposed quietly.

“I’m listening. Name your terms,” he agreed readily.

“It’s simple. I want to know more about the lycans. Jekia won’t talk about them, and I’m curious about his relationship with them. If you tell me what you know, I’ll give you what you want,” I explained.

It was risky, but it might be the only way to get the information I needed. And I had to admit, part of me was intrigued by the idea of experiencing Sage’s passion.

Sage agreed without hesitation. “I can do that. I know a bit about the lycans’ history and their hatred for Jekia. I’m willing to share.”

“Alright. Tell me.”

Sage leaned back against the tree, beckoning me to join him. I moved onto his lap, a shiver running through me as I felt his firm body against mine.

“Let’s see, where to start,” Sage mused. “The beginning is probably best. That was when the Veil and the mortal world were first separated, thousands of years ago.

“Back then, the Veil was a different place. Its inhabitants lacked direction and often fought, leading to the deaths of many innocents.

“The higher powers didn’t like that. They decided to divide the Veil into lands, each overseen by a ruler.”

“So they used cardinal directions to divide the lands,” I observed.

“They did,” Sage confirmed. “Back then, Jekia and I were young, but we were rising in the ranks. We were seen as prodigies, along with another—the lycan, Bastial.

“The three of us were initially considered for the position of ruler of the northern lands.”

That caught my attention. “You were considered for the position?”

“I was, but I declined. I wasn’t interested, and I didn’t think a fox would make a good ruler. We’re too impulsive when we’re young, and I had other ambitions.

“So it came down to Jekia and Bastial. Neither wanted to back down, but most thought Jekia was the better choice. He’d shown leadership qualities from a young age and had a knack for protecting the weak.

“But Bastial was persistent. He did everything he could to push Jekia out, including what led to Jekia’s current state,” Sage continued.

That sounded ominous. I shifted closer to Sage, resting my head on his shoulder for comfort.

“You make it sound like Bastial did something terrible to him.”

“He did,” Sage confirmed. “Jekia is the only Luna Dog in the Veil because Bastial led a lycan attack that wiped out the rest.”

“Bastial…killed Jekia’s clan?”

“Yes.”

I couldn’t believe it. Jekia had always seemed so remorseful when he talked about his family. Now I wondered if it was an act to shield himself from painful memories.

“That’s horrible. I assume Jekia killed Bastial for it,” I said.

Sage nodded. “Yes, but not immediately. There was a duel, sanctioned by the Higher Ones. They were upset about what had happened and wanted to give Jekia a chance for revenge.

“It was a close fight. Jekia didn’t come out unscathed, but he won. He was named ruler of the north and given a special elixir that solidified his power and position.”

“An elixir?” I echoed.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s not important,” Sage dismissed. “What matters is that the remaining lycans still hate Jekia, even though they’re not strong enough to challenge him.

“After the duel, he wiped out most of them in retaliation. That’s how things work here. Evil deeds come back to haunt you.”

“That seems fair,” I agreed.

Sage smiled at me, his hand caressing my waist and inner thighs.

“Now that I’ve held up my end of the bargain, will you hold up yours?”

I didn't have a choice. I knew I had to keep my promise to him. My body wouldn't let me do otherwise.

“I will,” I said, “but can we go to a bedroom? I don’t want to risk anyone seeing us.”

“Of course,” Sage agreed without hesitation. He scooped me up as he rose to his feet. “Let’s go inside and enjoy each other’s company.”