There was someone already waiting for him in his room when they entered. An older man with graying dark hair, and eyes the color of rain clouds. He smiled as Ariyan entered, and bowed his head to acknowledge him.

“Is this the boy?” he asked, turning toward the guard holding him. The guard must have nodded because the older man smiled before he let out a contemplative sigh. “My name is Anatoly. What is your name, young man?”

“It’s Ariyan…” he said quietly. “Ariyan McAllister.”

“Well then, Ariyan. The night is long, and we have little time to waste. So, we best get to it,” he said through a mirthful laugh. He walked over and wrapped his arm around Ariyan’s shoulder before he led him to the baths.

“I’ll get you cleaned up for tonight. Then we can talk a bit.” The man waved his hand to dismiss the guard. “That will be all, Otto.”

“But Utgar told me to—”

“Whatever Utgar told you to do I’m quite certain he didn’t intend for you to ogle the poor boy to death while he prepares for Lord Erik.”

Ariyan watched Otto stiffen before he flushed red. He had the face of a man who wanted to look insulted by the accusation, but wound up looking sheepish instead. “I didn’t intend to—”

“Of course, you didn’t. It’s a natural response, dear. No one’s going to tell.” The older man winked. “Though if you could fetch us some wine and food from the kitchens, we’d greatly appreciate it.” Anatoly smiled sweetly, and the guard nodded hesitantly in reply, as if he was afraid to refuse the request.

“Right then…” Otto gave the older man a wary look before he bowed to him once more. “Then I’ll take my leave.” Otto moved to leave, but he paused at the door and turned back toward them. “Call if you need me.”

“I’m sure we’ll be fine. Thank you, Otto.” When the door closed, the man let out an exhausted breath shaking his head. “Sending you alone with that brute. You’d think he would learn at some point.” The man pulled Ariyan into the large chamber where the marble tub was already filled with hot water.

“But I suppose you’re the best chance he’s got,” the man mumbled. “Bit scrawny though. You’ll have to fatten up if you’re to make it to the Winter Islands.”

“Pardon?” Ariyan frowned, not following the man’s words, but the older man just shook his head and laughed once more.

“Ignore me, dear boy. Just the ramblings of an old man.” He moved to help untie Ariyan’s robe and Ariyan immediately pulled away frowning.

“No need for modesty,” the old man chuckled. “I’m a doctor. I travel with the warriors of the Black Water clan to tend to their wounds. More to the point, you’re not my type.” The doctor pulled down his shirt collar and showed Ariyan the bite mark on his neck. Like himself, he was an omega. Mated, but unattended.

“You’re claimed…” Ariyan searched the bathing room as if an unseen alpha lurked in the shadows. “Then where is your mate?”

“I like to imagine he is watching over me. Protecting me. Smoking his pipe completely at peace with the deities,” the older man said stepping toward Ariyan once more. “More than likely though, he’s rotting away in a forgotten grave somewhere.”

“Dead then,” Ariyan whispered. The older man gave him a slight smile and then a nod.

“Dead, but never forgotten, young one.” The man disrobed Ariyan and he stared at the floor as the doctor checked him over. It wasn’t very intrusive, more staring and questioning than anything. He asked Ariyan if he ever had the plague, broken any bones, suffered from any extensive fevers. All the answers to the questions were no.

“When did you have your first heat?” the doctor asked him.

“Fourteen,” Ariyan mumbled.

“And how old are you now?”

“Twenty-two.”

“Old, for an unclaimed omega…” Ariyan pressed his lips together, annoyed by how casually this old man called him old. He wasn’t old by any other standard except an omega. It was a ludicrous idea that Ariyan had always resented. No one would tell an alpha they needed to be mated, or with child by a certain age.

“My father delayed my marriage to his betas son in order to make sure I did not conceive before my brother’s chosen mate.”

“And why is that?” Anatoly asked, staring at him curiously.

“To ensure my brother’s children would be the next in line if my father and brother both fell in battle. Had I conceived a child before my brother’s mate could, the next in line to carry on my father’s name would have been my own child. My mate would have inherited my father's land and titles.” As Ariyan spoke the words aloud, he realized that by offering himself to the alpha, he'd caused the very thing his father wanted to avoid.

“So, he postponed your mating in order to make sure your family would remain the only in power…interesting.”

“Considering the very foundation of my marriage to Rolf was of a political nature, I don’t see why it matters. I knew that I was promised to Rolf, and I acted accordingly. When I married was of little consequence to me.”

“And neither is who you marry, I presume.” Ariyan cut his gaze toward the older man before he pursed his lips.

“My father promised me to Rolf in order to strengthen his hold in this region, and I promised myself to your lord in order to save my family. Rolf and the others were killed by your lord’s men. If your lord intends to claim me, so be it.”

“Yes, well,” Anatoly said warily. “Mating with another wolf may seem as simple as a promise and a claim, but I assure you, there is more to it than that. Given time, I suspect both you and Lord Erik will come to realize that fact.” He winked at Ariyan this time before he let out another snigger. Then he instructed Ariyan to get into the tub, and began washing his hair. Ariyan tried to relax, but he couldn’t think of anything except his mother, and sisters. Were they safe? Had the demon upheld his part of the bargain?

Anatoly allowed him to wash his own privates, and then helped him out of the tub before he dried his silvery blond hair with a lush towel. After that, Anatoly helped him dress in a robe that was, in Ariyan’s opinion, not suitable for others eyes. The lace hugged his slim waist and accentuated the curve of his back and buttocks. It was a robe he wore for sleeping on summer days, but since he slept alone he never considered how revealing the fabric truly was.

After the guard dropped off the food, and did his best not to stare, Ariyan and Anatoly sat on his bed ate while they talked. Well, Anatoly talked. Ariyan just ate in silence, nodding his head every so often to let the man know he was still listening. There was wine, cheese, bread, and some smoked meat from the kitchens. Ariyan didn’t realize how famished he was until the smell of the salami overpowered his senses. Anatoly poured him a healthy glass of wine, but Ariyan drank slowly to pace himself.

“Now then,” Anatoly said when they’d gotten through most of the food. “Since you’re not mated, I presume you’re a virgin.”

Ariyan literally choked on the wine he was drinking before he pulled the cup of wine away from his mouth. Ariyan didn't reply, but scowled through the sudden heat in his face.

“There goes that modesty again.” Anatoly tutted and shook his head. “You’d best do away with that rather quickly, Ariyan. It won’t serve you. Here or in the bedroom.” Ariyan knew he was blushing, and as much as he’d like to blame it on the wine, he was certain it had more to do with the thought of laying with another man.

‘He and I will sleep in the main house tonight’, Lord Erik had said.

Ariyan let out a breath of air before he shook his head. “I’ve never even kissed another man…” he whispered. Anatoly smirked before he let out a chuckle.

”Does it hurt?” Ariyan mumbled. “To be claimed by an alpha?”

Anatoly’s grin turned into a frown. He pressed his lips together into a thin line. “Best not to think about the pain of it,” Anatoly said. “The wine helps. And as long as you don’t resist, I don’t see why it needs to be too painful.”

“Too painful…” Ariyan shook his head with a caustic laugh. “Your lord killed my brother and father, Anatoly. In one night I’ve lost my family and my freedom. There is nothing worse your lord could do to me.” Physical pain would be welcome after the emotional torture he’d gone through. Anatoly might have believed Lord Erik was a man, but Ariyan knew the truth. He’d seen that evil in the blue iris of the demon’s eye.

“There are worse things than death, Ariyan. I suspect you will learn that in time, too.” He patted Ariyan’s thigh before he sighed. “Finish your wine.” Ariyan did as he was told, but as the hour passed he grew less relaxed. Along with the buzz of the wine there was a gnawing pang in his gut. He wasn't just nervous to sleep with Lord Erik; he was terrified.

Before long there was a knock at the door, and Anatoly answered it. A few whispered words were exchanged before he closed the door and turned back to Ariyan.

“Lord Erik is ready for you,” he said quietly. “He would like you to bring pen and paper. There’s some on the writing desk there.” Ariyan turned and saw his own pens, ink and paper laying on the table. “Come.” Anatoly said ushering Ariyan toward the door. “It’s better if we don’t delay.”