It had been over a year since Erik had wet his cock. The feel of flesh pounding into flesh… there was no feeling like it. Just before he came, Erik sank his fingers into Ariyan’s hair, yanking him up and off the bed. The Alpha had never considered claiming anyone before this, but knowing that Ariyan was his; that he owned him… it triggered something deep within the Alpha. Instinct took over; his fangs descending and tearing into the delicate flesh of Ariyan’s neck.

The room went eerily silent. All Erik could hear was the beat of his mate’s heart and the rush of blood through Ariyan’s veins. It was… intense; more so than Erik had anticipated. He forced himself to pull away, trying to ignore the tiny beads of crimson sliding down the boy’s pale skin. He’d never marked an Omega before, but he hadn’t expected to /feel/ anything. It was disorienting and disturbing, but with the taste of Ariyan’s blood still lingering on his tongue, Erik couldn’t deny the fact he wanted more …

Erik pushed Ariyan to the mattress, refusing the temptation of another bite. Instead, he pounded into his mate’s delicate frame, taking hold of Ariyan’s narrow hips once more, and unleashing a year’s worth of lust upon him. Erik all but snarled when he came, the sound so guttural it was completely unrecognizable. The Alpha pumped his seed deep into Ariyan’s core, grunting and growling through each gush.

When he finished, he shoved Ariyan off his cock, staggering almost drunkenly towards the table. He poured himself a cup of the dark ale left over from his dinner, guzzling the contents as he fought to regain his footing. Erik took several steadying breath, finishing off another cup of the bitter liquid before pulling on his clothes. It was still early enough to have a few drinks with his men and make sure things were ready for their departure the next morning. The moment Erik stepping into the night air, he was stopped by the doctor.

“Forgive me for intruding, Lord Alpha,” Anatoly said with a low bow, “but if possible, may I see to the boy?”

Erik regarded the older male closely, noting the genuine look of concern on his face. After a moment of thought, the Alpha nodded. What harm could it cause? Leaving the doctor to his business, Erik headed over to the large fire burning just outside the pack house. His men stood in greeting as he approached, clearing a place for their Alpha to sit.

“Does he ride well?” Gunnolf called across the fire, a drunken grin on his scarred face.

Erik took the cup of ale Utgar offered him, taking a seat on the wooden bench. “He’ll do,” the Alpha snickered.

“Is it done then?” Dag asked, refilling his cup. “Are you two… mated?”

“We are,” Erik answered stiffly

“Then we have ourselves a Luna,” Halvor said, exchanging an amused look with Gunnolf across the flames. “I never thought I’d see the day of Erik of Blackwater settled down.”

Erik chuckled softly at the jab, taking a swig from his cup.

“We should be celebrating,” Dag said, frowning as he stared down into his ale.

“If things go as Lord Erik hopes, then there will be much to celebrate in the months to come,” Otto interjected. “Aaron was bloody bastard, but he was a rich one. I’ve never seen so much silver and gold. We loaded two carts full!”

“And it’s all ours,” Gunnolf said. “I mean, it’s all Lord Erik’s,” he added, the drunken grin sliding off his face.

“Only if the Wolf King accepts the claim,” Utgar added. “Otherwise, he’ll be coming to take it all back.”

“He’ll come for blood,” Erik said, correcting his friend. “And the boy,” he added, taking another swig of ale.

The men fell silent, no doubt contemplating the possibility of a war. Erik didn’t blame them. With the future so uncertain, it was imperative that they return home. The likelihood of Duncan acknowledging the Alpha’s claim was slim to none. It would give Erik a foothold on the continent for business and trade, and though he had no desire to leave the place of his birth, Erik was smart enough to know just how valuable land was at time like this.

“How do you think the little wolf will fare on the island?” Utgar asked, breaking the silence. “He’s a tiny thing. He’ll likely freeze to death the moment he sets foot on the shore.”

There was ripple of laughter among the men, several of them agreeing.

“That’s if he survives the journey,” Erik replied.

“Don’t we need him alive?” Dag asked. “At least until we make it home?”

“Ideally,” Erik answered, “especially if Duncan demands proof of life outside of that letter.”

“So we need him to stay alive until this business with Lord Duncan is done,” Utgar deduced.

Erik nodded. “However long that might take.”

“I say if he denies you, Lord Alpha, we cut off the boy’s pretty little head and send it to him,” Gunnolf chortled.

“He’ll declare war against us if we do that,” Dag interjected.

“And? Isn’t that what he’s planning to do anyway?” Halvor countered.

“It’s too soon to know anything,” Utgar cut in, glancing warily at Erik. “Our only concern right now is getting home.”

“Well, if it comes to war, then so be it,” Gunnolf said. “Aaron McAlister deserved to die. If these foreign pigs want a fight then will give it to them.”

“Quiet,” Erik said; a hush descending upon the men. “War is a last resort. I’ve no desire to see my people die. If I did, I wouldn’t have chained myself to the blood of my enemy.”

“Of course not, Lord Alpha,” Gunnolf stammered. “I didn’t mean…”

One cutting look from Erik and the male shut his mouth. For several long minutes, it was quiet around the fire, but after a refill of ale, conversations turned towards home. Erik listened in silence, but not even he could deny the sudden wave of homesickness. Unfortunately, Erik couldn’t shake the feeling of dread. He’d imagined feeling peace the moment he killed Aaron McAlister. Instead, all he felt was uncertainty. Nevertheless, he had to protect his people, his land, and now the life of a mate he didn’t want. This was not the life Erik intended for himself, but if his mother was still alive, she would tell him to trust the gods, and, moreover, to trust himself.