Lockdown Page 2

  “I’ve heard some women know how to squeeze a knot with their hands better than their cunts. Can you do that?”

  Damp blonde hair whipped back and forth like a cyclone, smacking against his chin. With a growl, Delavar used his free hand to fist the damp curls. He gave a sharp tug until her neck bent in obedience, the back of her skull bumping his collar bone. There was no soul in the windows of his eyes, only hellfire, possession, and… jealousy?

  Wrist gripped tightly in his hand, Delavar forced Purslane’s palm to rub up the long length of his shaft, gaze warning what would happen if she stopped. The Alpha musk made it hard to breathe. To think. To argue. She wanted him, and that knowledge created a flood between her thighs.

  “Make your sounds,” he demanded releasing her. When she faltered, a demanding snarl spurred Purslane on despite the sound of his zipper being undone. “I remember you hum when you’re happy. Hum for me.”

  Nausea roiled in her belly, but regardless she ran a finger up Delavar’s bare cock. It wasn’t just sickness tickling her stomach, but unwanted anticipation. The gentle stroke made him throw back his head and clamp onto her arm, almost yanking it out of socket.

  “Hum for me,” like a man stuck in desperation, he craved whatever Omega purr was left over in her chest. Craved the sound that came as a soothing rumble after the suppressant pills castrated her. Purslane wrapped her fingers around his massive cock to distract from the disgusting request to lie. To pretend she wanted this.

  As she stroked up the curve of his girth, Purslane’s stomach tightened as if to say ‘you do.’ Long and thick, her fingers couldn’t circle his shaft using only one hand. Fearful, she whimpered: “Please don’t put it inside,” He grunted. “It won’t fit if you try.”

  His only form of reply was by taking her fist and grasping it in his own. Delavar began to pump and squeeze himself so quick, so fluid, that her arm went numb. Soon, shot after shot of cum sprayed her back, marking her skin and warding away any weaker males. The roar he released with each spill of Alpha cum quieted to a low purr. Even with the drugged sense of a Beta, the Alpha pheromones made her drunk. Pleasure progressively increased in her belly, warm and comfortable, until something slicker than water began to trickle down her legs.

  When Delavar released both Purslane’s arm and hair, he kept her from pitching forward by wrapping his hands around her waist. Compassion had nothing to do with the kindness, he simply needed better leverage. Thumbs rubbed his scent deeper into waxen skin, branding her like an Omega.

  It’s just instinct. All of this. He didn’t want a useless Beta. It was the bath that drove him to fuck her hand and rub in his cum until no one would question what happened between them. Everyone in Tel Kharnis would know he touched a soft body that lacked the correct set of pheromones.

  But it’d be their little secret that na’Asisrah’s most feared warrior was nothing more than a whining mutt when he wanted to be touched

  Chapter Two

  15 days without Suppressant

  “Do you like it?” There were bars on the windows as a small, constant, reminder she’s imprisoned. It looked like her room, complete with a sitting area and table to put one's drinks, but it wasn’t. Colors were the wrong shade of gold and green. They had skewered furniture placements in the recreation, omitted the bed canopy, and before needing to look Purslane knew her stash of suppressors weren't hidden in the vanity.

  “Yes. Thank you, Roarke.” He was her second favorite fifteen days ago, but he’d taken the lead in that race the moment he said ‘no’ to torturing her. If they’d listened to Roarke, if they let him handle her, she would have already broken. They would have been across the Forest of Arla and on their way to saving their lost Omega.

  Roarke and Delavar’s sister.

  Shira looked so much like them. Roarke was both older and taller, but his arms weren’t as strong as his brothers. There was no hard set to his jaw, and gray eyes were kind instead of soulless black.

  Perhaps that’s why they were titled Roarke the Just, and Delavar the Head Chopper respectively.

  “Promise me you’ll do what you’re told no matter what happens.” he sighed. When Purslane glanced into his eyes, head craned back to compensate for the immense height difference, she saw sorrow. She knew there was a sinister reason to move her out of the dungeon, to wash her body, and give back all her fine clothes.

  They put her back in prison for two more days. But it wasn’t deep in the underbelly of the castle. Sunlight. Real sunlight shone down upon Purslane from a grate in the ceiling. Twice a day food and water was dropped on her head to keep her from becoming too imanciated.

  “When have I ever misbehaved?” she mewled, lowering her eyes. The soft chuckle from Roarke lifted her chin and pulled a soft smile to her lips. “I like to obey.”

  “Twisting words to your advantage is not obeying.” There was no bite to the words, just a playful lilt. This was the first time they’d seen each other since Purslane was thrown in the dungeon, and he acted as if what his pack brothers did to her wasn’t that bad. It's wasn't like Roarke to think that way, she tried to reason with herself. Perhaps it’s easy to ignore her plight because she hid the new bruises and scars from sight.

  Delavar and Conall were forced to hold Roarke back when Doran walked in her cell for the very first punishment. He knew what they were capable of then, and he’d tried to protect her. Purslane liked to think at least one of them knew basic human decency. That he didn’t hate her for what a traitorous king did. Even if she refused to speak.

  “If someone tells me not to put a toe past the door, then I’m free to leave through the window.” It’s too easy falling back into playful banter with this man. “I’m very well behaved.”

  “Gods, I hope my brother is smart enough to see the snake he’s crawling into bed with playing with you.” Purslane spun on her heel, eyes snapping to Delavar who leaned against the door frame. Watching. Fire smoldered behind his dark gaze when it flicked to his Second in command.

  Three heart beats passed between the two, an electric challenge zapping between them. A low growl broke the silence like the shhh of a blade whistling through the air. Goosebumps jumped to Purslane’s flesh, and she backed away from both males… Away from the door. As much as she wanted to run in that direction, turning their attention on her would be foolish.

  “Get out.” Delavar demanded.

  “Not yet.” What’s Roarke doing fighting the First Alpha of his pack? Blood or not, he was the weaker male, and Delavar didn’t know the definition of mercy. “Let her settle in first, she needs time to heal, to recuperate.”

  “We’re getting this over with now.” Delavar stood straight, his movement full of intent as he entered the room. Roarke met him in the middle, both ignoring the small ‘Beta’ cowering in the corner. A woman who didn’t like what was being implied.

  “Your way hasn’t gotten results,” When Roarke dared speak, Delavar’s broad hands grabbed his shirt in warning “Go cool down before you do something you’ll regret.”

  “I’ll rip your fucking head off right now if you try to challenge your First’s command again, Second.” Delavar’s snarl drew a soft keening from Purslane’s throat. In Hopelen where the countries main influence were gentle Omega’s, even the threat of violence was distressing. And this was more than a threat, it was a promise.

  Black eyes glanced in her direction, freezing her in her spot like a terrified bunny. A low growl rumbled in Delavar’s chest, and he crooked a finger demanding she come stand in front of him. The trilling sound she made only excited him, and even Roarke shifted from foot to foot, his grey eyes turning sharp.

  None of them touched her in a ‘shameful’ fashion yet except for Delavar… and she assumed it was because of him that such a miracle continued to be the case. Nothing more than a beating, a slap, or a hair pull in Conall’s case, was allowed. But it’d been fifteen days since her suppressant last pill. And heat roiled in her stomach. Every minute was a battle to maintai
n her Beta facade in the presence of these men who exuded possessive, enticing, pheromones.

  Meek Omega mannerisms were the enemy, so she threw her hair back and marched forward. If one of these Alpha’s caught the scent of deception, she knew what would happen. They’d want more. Even sweet and gentle Roarke wouldn’t be able to control himself.

  As Delavar glared down at her, he narrowed his eyes at her display of pride. “If you want sympathy, throw that bone to another dog. I have no interest in giving you my sympathy.”

  “I-” Purslane’s breath caught. A low rattle rumbled in her chest, too close to a growl. She didn’t like his condescending tone one bit. Heat pressed like a blanket against her back, and when she whipped her head about, it was Roarke she saw. Calm yourself. His expression said. But by moving closer to gain her attention, he’d also gained back his brothers.

  A log hit Purslane in the stomach, throwing her back against the plush sofa. Dazed from the blow, she laid there for a moment before realizing two Alpha males were wrestling. Over her. It wasn’t a log, but an arm that pushed her aside. From the ferocity of their snarls, it was impossible to know who threw her to safety.

  The back of Roarke’s knees hit the table in front of the loveseat. His fall broke wood, splintering with the sound of thunder. A cramp of desire shot through Purslane’s body as snarls and yells became growls. Sweet growls, that made her muscles loosen in a mixture of fear and a numbing need to do what your Alpha says, and spread.

  With a gasp, Purslane couldn’t stand being in the same room as the distracted beasts anymore. Part of her wanted to wait and see who would be the winner. Winner always get the girl. They get to hold the girl down and fuck her until a winners baby rests in her belly.

  She ran out of the door.

  Right into Doran’s arms. Conall’s yip of laughter rang in Pur’s ears as strong arms lifted her bridal style and carried her back across the threshold. Pressed tight against Doran’s chest, it's hard not to whine when squeezed in some false attempt at comfort. Whatever trick he’s playing, Purslane knew better. If Delavar was First, and Roarke second, then Doran was third.

  He had dark features like all people from Tel Kharnis, but no curls in his combed hair. He kept it swept back without a strand out of place, and his mind was sharper than all three of his pack mates combined. That didn’t stop his body from being harder than a rock, the press of his abs against her arms making Purslane squirm.

  “It smells like two idiots fought over an Omega in here.” Conall said, pointing at the back of his throat and gagging. Two new Alpha’s only made Roarke and Delavar separate to opposite sides of the room, both crouched and snarling. Ready for further battle. “Oh please, you can have her.”

  Conall’s eye roll stung. A pretty boy if there ever was one, his punishments were always spiteful instead of calculated, or bloodthirsty. The jangle of his extravagant facial jewelry had been the sound of reprieve. His slaps a cool down. As the smallest of the Alpha’s he made up for lack of power with gusto, but it still didn’t compare to Delavar and Doran’s strikes.

  “Speak for yourself.” Doran smirked, jostling Purslane up and down in his arms. As he waved her like a flag, trying to get her scent closer to the half crazed males, Purslane gave a sharp twist and toppled out of his grasp. When she hit the floor all aggression in the room evaporated.

  Whatever anger the brothers had disappeared and all the men crowded close, offering their hands for her to stand. She smacked each away, tears burning the back of her eyes. They were all responsible for the crook in her gnarled pinky, the ache in her lungs, the scars on her mind. Not one of them was innocent. A healer had re-broken bone only yesterday and set it in a splint to heal proper. Any acts of concern were lies.

  But her rejection made Delavar snarl. With a roar, he grabbed her upper arm and placed Purslane back on her feet. He took her by the chin, grip tight enough to bruise, then tilted her face. Forced to look in soulless eyes, Purslane let out the tiniest of mewls. He’d been her favorite once, and a horrifying twinge in her chest revealed he still was, but now she was more afraid of him than anyone else in the world.

  “It seems our little weed has a problem speaking when she’s scared.” Conall tittered. “Who can blame her, after being forced to watch two savages go at it.”

  Rage blazed across Delavar’s face, his lips pulled taut against pink gums to reveal filed down teeth sharpened into fangs. The same way his nails were claws. “Is that what you think of us? We’re savages?”

  A panicked squeak left Pur’s throat. She knew from the beginning that was a no no word. It was an insult enemy clans flung on and off the battlefield at those in na’Asisrah. Nerium treated the Magens with civilized respect to gain their trust.

  Just so he could betray them.

  Without thinking Purslane grabbed Delavar’s cheeks and forced his gaze to hers. She gave an emphatic shake of the head. When her lips opened to declare he wasn’t a savage, her throat tightened. Conall was right, fear choked her voice.

  When no alternative came to mind, she lurched forward. Three sets of hands were on her, ready to pull back the insane Beta attacking their first. Delavar waited, lips thin in warning thin over the sharp teeth she knew he used for weapons. Slowly, ignoring the other Alpha’s in the room, Purslane rose on her toes and nuzzled her nose against his jaw.

  “What is she doing?”

  Squeezed against the First Alpha as she was, whoever spoke went ignored. But it peaked their interest nonetheless. Stupid, stupid, stupid. What did she do that’s so enticing? Perhaps they didn’t know Omegas loved affection, perhaps they thought Omegas were all whore’s begging for cock. Another high pitch sound escaped her lips, only spurring their attention to greater heights.

  Delavar wrapped his arms tight around Purslane’s waist, tugging her against his body with a rough possession as the other men closed in. Muscular chests shoved against both her shoulders and back, locking her in a cage of overwhelming power. Soft puffs of air against her hair said they were scenting her. Beta’s don’t get scented. When she struggled to get away, someone squeezed her hips to keep her still. The rest of their hands wandered free.

  “Delavar!”

  At her cry a loud snarl broke through the uncontrollable panting of his pack while they groped and pawed. As if burned, the three lower Alphas retreated to a safe watching distance. One glance told Purslane everything she needed to know. Her call for protection was an aphrodisiac.

  Even Roarke had his back turned to hide the raging erection straining against his breeches. The other two weren’t so polite. Conall was licking his chomps, green eyes glowing in delight as if he were a starving creature presented a feast. “She’s better than any of the Beta’s I’ve had so far. Fuck, if I can’t play then tell me I can at least watch.”

  Before all of this happened, Conall loved to play with her golden hair and coo while brushing it out. There was talk of jealousy, and how he wished his own hair was the same color instead of a ruddy brown. Such treatment was reserved for Omega’s, and at the time she thought her lie discovered. That the farce she and Nerium played was over.

  “Me too.” It’s Doran’s gaze that’s hardest to hold when he rubbed at his groin. There was intention behind those sharp blue eyes. Calculation. Like he wanted to see how best to pick her apart before he tried to do it himself.

  “If you want to stay, earn that right.” Low rumbles shook Delavar’s chest as he tilted her chin to face him again, then pressed their foreheads together. At first Purslane thought it might be another growl waiting to surface, but after a few seconds it dawned on her. Purring. “Hold him down.”

  The sound of this particular struggle was familiar. First outside of her cell, then a few moments ago, right in front of her. A terrible thought whispered through her mind as Doran and Conall wrestled Roarke into submission. Delavar’s the winner. The excitement that flushed to her cheeks was horrifying. Something bad was coming from them, and from her. It scared her, but there was one
thing that scared her more.

  “I don’t want to go back to the dungeon.” She mewled, rubbing her cheek against Delavar’s before giving him a desperate kiss. If she had to stroke all of their dicks and suffer through them spraying cum on her - something deep inside of Purslane said it would be better than the dungeon. Better than heaven or anything she’d done in her life. “It makes me sad.”

  He blinked several times, surprised that she’d be so bold. Purslane watched him swallow the lump in his throat. “Then I won’t make you sad anymore.” he told her.

  “Do you promise?” she breathed, shifting to hold his biceps as if she needed the balance. Their bodies were impossibly close while she gazed up at him with warm hazel eyes. “No more trying to scare me on purpose?”

  He nodded his head, a vein thrumming in his neck as he stared hard at her mouth. She wanted him to lean in and capture her lips. “I might be able to make that promise.” He muttered.

  With a sound of delight Purslane stood on her toes and nuzzled his jaw while making soft noises. “Delavar.” She could have sworn his hands shook as he wrapped his arms around her waist.

  “What are you doing to me?” he whispered.

  A soft purr was her response while she rested her hands against his chest. “Delavar,” It’s said like a prayer as she leaned her head against the crook of his neck. “I like when you hold me.”

  “I think I like holding you too.” The way he said it made the admittance sound pained. Even when he planted a brief kiss on her shoulder and earned a gasp, she could sense the apprehension. “What are you doing to me, Purslane?”

  It’s hard to remember how big Delavar was in the bath. Somehow it felt as if he’d grown even larger than before when a thick shaft pressed between her thighs. “I don’t know.” she shuddered, eyes half closed when she shoved her nose against the side of his neck once more.

  An excited thrum pounded in her cunt, the hairs on Purslane’s arms standing on end from the scent of an aroused Alpha male. She could feel an unbearable heat tumbling in her belly, a chemical bolder holding it in place.