Chapter Twenty

Kiandra

I gazed out at the vast ocean before me, perched by the expansive window once more, and let out a deep sigh. I knew my confession would likely infuriate Cartan, but I hoped that by coming clean, I had at least lessened some of his anger. His warning had sent shivers down my spine. The prospect of being reduced to a mere breeding vessel was dreadful, even though my body seemed to relish the idea of constant mating and pleasure. I, however, had no desire to be just another Omega breeder.

In the days of old, that's precisely what we were—Omegas hunted and claimed like wild animals. Cartan's words lingered in my mind. He spoke of learning from history, a sentiment I couldn't disagree with, yet he didn't seem to have learned. However, with fewer of us now, some believed it was divine punishment, retribution from the Gods for not cherishing the profound bond that could form between an Alpha and an Omega.

"A true bond!" I exclaimed, rising from the chair I had been occupying. The revelation struck me, simultaneously frightening and settling.

I scoured the books I had at my disposal, but none delved into the intricacies of the bond between an Omega and an Alpha. So, I turned to my own memories, recalling what I knew about the concept of a true bond. My parents had shared one—a deep, instantaneous connection reserved for the most perfect pair of mates. It was said that such a bond between an Alpha and an Omega was unparalleled in its intensity.

If this was what existed between Cartan and me, I had to concede that it was indeed remarkable. Yet, it was also daunting to consider the implications. Cartan would be possessive beyond measure, all while he continued to impose his lessons on me, making me feel like a powerless Omega subject to his will. It angered me because I felt enslaved by our bond, unable to harness the influence I should rightfully have over an Alpha.

"Gods," I groaned, rubbing my eyes. I wondered if I could somehow lessen the overwhelming connection that bound us. Cartan's emotions were already difficult to handle. Perhaps once we reached the Mainlands, I could find a solution—something to restore my sense of empowerment and enable me to make Cartan bow to me, instead of remaining a submissive Omega under his rule.

****

Later in the evening, Cartan returned, but he didn't bother to disrobe us. Instead, he settled into a chair and had me kneel before him, releasing his hard cock and guiding me onto it. He used me solely for his pleasure, climaxing down my throat before adjusting his clothing and abruptly standing up. I gazed up at him with a perplexed expression, my body tingling with the usual desire, yearning for his touch and the feel of him inside me.

"Until I'm certain you can conceive, I won't be fucking you," he growled, leaving the cabin without further explanation.

I hissed in frustration, baring my teeth at the closed door, before storming over to the bed and sitting down with an angry huff. I thought I had felt used before, but this was an entirely new level. I angrily grabbed my hair and noticed the furs on the bed were disheveled. I began arranging them, only to catch myself attempting to create a nest once again.

"Shit!" I yelled, pushing away from the bed.

My body trembled from denying the comfort of nesting, a preparation not only for my upcoming heat but also for a refuge during times of confusion. These furs were enticing, as they held my Alpha's scent, but rather than providing comfort, that thought fueled my anger.

Instead, I fetched some clean clothes from a nearby chest and laid them out on the floor, fashioning a makeshift bed. Lying down, however, felt utterly wrong without the reassuring purr and scent of my Alpha. I tossed and turned, unable to settle, my frustration mounting. I clenched the clothes, trying to wrap them around me in a makeshift nest-like manner. It sort of worked, tricking my mind into a sense of correctness, and I drifted into an uneasy slumber, far from restful.

Morning arrived, the sunlight streaming into the cabin. I slipped out of my makeshift nest, glaring at it as it failed to provide the comfort I craved. I cast a sidelong glance at the distant bed, my hands itching to rearrange the furs and sheets into a comforting sanctuary. However, I resisted the urge, turning my back on it.

Soon, though, my irritation waned as a meal was brought into the cabin. I eagerly focused on eating, pushing my nest-related frustrations aside. But once the distraction was gone, my attention returned to the bed. I shook my head, making my way to the cabin door. Outside, I encountered one of my guards and requested access to the deck.

Carrying my book with me, I tried to distract myself outdoors, but it was challenging to concentrate when I observed Cartan working on the ship. He effortlessly ascended the tall ropes, moved confidently among his crew, and sometimes even took the helm himself. He looked so commanding, steering the ship with a composed expression and his gaze fixed firmly ahead.

Gods, it took very little for my focus to waver, and I forced myself to avert my gaze from him, turning so I could present him my back. I stared intently at the words on the pages, reading about the Mainlands once more. However, I caught myself repeatedly glancing at Cartan—issuing orders, conversing casually with his men, or even skillfully navigating the ship. He appeared so impressive, commanding everyone with an air of calm and determination.

But it didn't take much for me to lose my concentration entirely, and I struggled to avert my gaze from him. I forced myself to focus on the book, but it offered no new insights. Time passed around me, and I suddenly sensed a powerful presence behind me. Looking up, I noted that the sun was on its way down before I glanced over my shoulder and saw Cartan standing there.

With a single nod, he signaled for me to stand, and I complied. We returned to the cabin together, and once more, he had me kneel before him, taking him into my mouth. This time, my body quivered from being denied his touch, and tears welled up in my eyes when he finally stood. However, he didn't leave immediately.

Instead, he returned with food, placing it on the table and then sitting down. He beckoned for me to come closer while I still sat on the ground. I rose and when I was near enough, he reached out, placing me on his lap. I wrapped an arm around his neck for support, and he began feeding me. It was the first time he had done this, and the gesture took me by surprise. I remembered my sisters telling me that our mother was not allowed to eat or feed herself.

Now, Cartan was tending to another of my needs, but I understood why he did it. Since he was refusing to touch me, he found different ways to keep me emotionally bound to him, making me crave his presence.

I turned my head stubbornly away from the food before me, and it elicited a growl of warning from Cartan. Despite the powerful alarms in my head telling me not to provoke the Alpha, I ignored them.

"Are you challenging me, little Omega?" he questioned.

"I will not eat from your hand," I retorted.

"I am your Alpha, and therefore you will," he asserted.

"An Alpha who once again uses the Omega he has been given," I spat.

Cartan grabbed my chin, turning my head, and pressed a piece of meat to my lips, but I kept them firmly sealed together.

"Things are different now," he assured me.

"How? You said we learn from history, but you will gladly tie me up in your tent to be used. How is that different from how Omegas were treated in the past?" I demanded.

"You're right. In the Mainlands, where they used to flourish, they were treated poorly, but it wasn't the case throughout Verocca. In the clans, they were revered. Among my people, they were respected, and I know they were on the Rocky Island as well, although they never had an abundance of Omegas. However, because of those cruel acts, we all paid," he replied. He surprised me with his words as if he wanted to rewrite history and save the Omegas who had suffered. "The clans want a different way now."

"And what about the king? His family used to indulge in Omega companions," I spat, prompting a smile from Cartan.

"He wants a different approach as well. As I said, we learn, and we strive to do better. Now, I simply need to locate your sisters."

"Yes, perfect, wonderful! So they can be tied up in tents as well. How can you be certain that some Alpha won't want them all for himself, or even the king?" I challenged.

"First, eat, and I will answer," he proposed.

"Manipulative."

"It's called negotiation, Princess," he countered, making me eye the food in his hand before finally relenting. I took the piece of meat from his hand, and as I did, the tips of his fingers brushed against my lips. I noticed how he tensed at the contact, giving me an idea of something I could use against him.

"Now," I pressed.

"We can't afford to be selfish," he explained. "Not when there are so few of you. Therefore, through our treaty, we have agreed that Omegas will go to each of the clan leaders."

"But there are many clan leaders."

"But only five in The Black Desert," he reminded me.

"That still leaves one out, plus the king."

"The king will receive an Omega. I will find a solution for that, but my allegiance is to the clans."

"That still leaves one out," I insisted.

Cartan smiled, which puzzled me. He shook his head but then brought more food to my lips. This time, I sucked on his fingers, drawing them in deeper, and I heard him growl as his body tensed beneath me. When I leaned back, it was with a satisfied smile. He warned me with his eyes not to push him, but I had no intention of heeding that warning.

"So?" I pressed. "You're leaving one out."

"He cannot be satisfied with any of you females."

"What? What does that mean?" I asked. Cartan leaned back and gave me a smug look, leaving me to figure it out on my own. It didn't take long, and I let out a slow, "Oh. He prefers males."

"He does," Cartan confirmed.

"Male Omegas are even rarer. I don't even know if there are any left," I remarked.

"We are aware of this, and he has made it very clear he has no intention of claiming any of you."

"So that just leaves the king out. Won't he be displeased?" I pointed out.

"No, I will find a solution for that."

"You sound quite confident."

"I found you," he reminded me, his grip on my body firm as he watched me with his intensely powerful eyes.

He was right. He had indeed found me, even after I was officially declared dead. However, my sisters and I might very well be the last of our kind. How could he fulfill the king's desires?

That's when a thought crossed my mind.

"You're not offering our first daughter to the king!" I snapped at him, observing the myriad of emotions that flickered across his face, too numerous to decipher.

"I most certainly am not," he finally replied. "Anyone who desires our daughter will have to face me in combat."

I rolled my eyes, but he held me tighter against him, and I noticed a smile form on his lips, which took me by surprise.

"What's so amusing?" I inquired.

"I like that you specified ‘first', indicating there will be more. Perhaps you don't mind being kept in my tent, constantly breeding and mating," he purred, stirring a longing within me that I resented.

"I do. I'll go insane, much like being confined to this cabin is driving me crazy."

"It will come to an end soon," he reassured me, feeding me more food as I continued to press him with questions.

"How will you determine which Omega goes to whom?"

"Well, I had the first pick for locating all of you," he informed me.

"Was that a mutual decision or your decision?" I asked, seeking clarification.

He smiled, and his answer became apparent.

"Did you already have your eye on me, or...?" I started.

"I initially chose your eldest sister," he confessed. This ignited a burning rage within me that revealed my own possessive feelings toward the Alpha before me.

Cartan leaned in closer, taking in my stronger Omega scent, and chuckled contentedly. "Don't worry, little Omega. There is only you now."

His words instantly soothed me, but they didn't diminish my curiosity.

"So, how will you decide?" I inquired.

Cartan shrugged. "We'll hold a meeting and determine who goes where."

"Will we have any say in the matter?" I asked.

He merely raised an eyebrow, indicating that we wouldn't. I groaned and tried to wriggle free from his grip, but he held me tighter, preventing me from escaping.

"How can you simply decide our fates?" I snapped.

"You would all be paired with strong and honorable Alphas," he reassured me.

"Do you not understand that it's the Omega who has the final say?" I argued.

"I'm aware, but I also know that Omegas can grow comfortable with an Alpha over time, forming a bond," he explained.

"It wouldn't be the same," I murmured, glancing away. My parents had a true bond, and now I had one too. No matter how much power it had over me, I couldn't deny it was special.

"Even though a bond can form, it doesn't guarantee compatibility or that they won't drive each other insane," I reminded him. "The Omegas should choose."

"Would you?" he challenged.

I bit my lip, knowing we would do everything in our power not to. My decision to accept the mark had been a strategic move to protect myself, but maybe my sisters could also see its value.

"I believe we would. I've realized the importance of it," I admitted.

"How would you decide?" he inquired. "You mentioned Solana's fear of Alphas."

"Maybe they could spend time with each of them," I suggested, but Cartan shook his head. "Why not?"

"The Alphas would grow impatient, angry, possessive. They would want to claim the first one they spend time with because they would fear none of them would choose him," he explained.

"So, we have no choice?" I protested.

"You will be protected and kept safe," he replied.

"I think my sisters can keep themselves safe. I should never have told you anything. They will most likely stay together, and with their combined skills, they will manage," I stated, crossing my arms, only to have more food brought to my lips, which I ate.

"But none of them are prepared for the real world," he reminded me.

"Cassia will be the fighter, as always, and Vivina is a natural leader. She'll make smart decisions even under pressure."

"And Solana?"

"She is calm, sweet, and she will surely make valuable connections," I explained.

"Or she could be seen as easy prey. Perhaps they all could be," he countered.

I glared at him, resenting how he used my fears to make me vulnerable, all the while providing me with food and a sense of security.