Chapter 13

Chapter

Thirteen

IVY

I pause outside the door to the study, my sensitive omega hearing picking up the low rumble of Thane's voice. It's late, but I haven't been able to sleep. My mind is still churning nonstop with the revelations from the meeting.

The Council, complicit in the trafficking of omegas.

It really doesn't surprise me, but the alphas' reactions do. The disgust in their tones, the tension in their postures. As if they actually care.

My lips twist into a bitter smile. Alphas caring about omegas. What a bizarre concept. In my experience, we're nothing more than disposable playthings to them. Vessels to be used and discarded when our usefulness runs out .

I lean against the wall, straining to make out Thane's words. Strategy, he says. Plans to take down the trafficking ring. As if a few rogues could make a difference against the might of the Council.

But another part of me—a tiny, treacherous whisper that knows better—wonders if maybe they can do something about it. Maybe they actually want to. If anyone is capable, it's these five powerful alphas, each one a living weapon of war in his own right.

I shake my head, dismissing the thought. No. I can't afford to hope. Hope is a luxury I lost long ago, burned away by the harsh realities of this world. I learned early on that the only one I can rely on is myself.

My hand drifts to my right shoulder, fingers tracing the ridges of the scar where my omega mark used to be. A permanent reminder of my defiance.

I push off the wall, restless energy thrumming through my veins. Sleep is a lost cause tonight. I pad silently down the hallway, my bare feet whispering against the cool tile. The compound is quiet as I walk away from the study, the others who haunt the corridors presumably lost in their own troubled dreams.

I find myself instinctively drawn toward Wraith's room, my feet carrying me there before I even realize where I'm heading. The image of the raw anguish in his eyes as Thane revealed their father's involvement in the omega trafficking, is seared into my mind.

I pause outside his door, hand raised to knock, but uncertainty stays my hand. What am I doing here? Wraith and I aren't friends. We're barely even allies, thrown together by circumstance and the whims of the Council.

And yet...

I can't shake the memory of his reaction, the way his huge frame seemed to fold in on itself, as if the weight of this betrayal was too much to bear. I've seen Wraith in battle, watched him tear through enemies with a savagery that borders on impossible.

But in that moment, he looked so… human.

My heart clenches unexpectedly. I know what it's like to be betrayed by those who should protect you. To have your trust shattered so completely that you're not sure you'll ever be whole again. It's a pain I wouldn't wish on anyone.

Not even an alpha.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. I'm not sure what I'll say, but I can't just walk away. Not when I know he's suffering. I raise my hand again, determined to knock this time.

But before my knuckles can make contact, the door swings open. I blink, startled, and find myself staring up into Wraith's intense blue eyes. Even though he's alone, he's still wearing his mask.

For a long moment, we just stare at each other. I realize I'm holding my breath, my heart pounding in my chest. What must he think, finding me lurking outside his door in the middle of the night?

But to my surprise, there's no anger in his expression. Or even suspicion. He just looks confused, his head slightly tilted and his brow furrowed.

I feel exposed under his scrutiny, as if he can see all the cracks and fissures in my carefully constructed walls. It's unsettling, being seen so clearly. I'm used to hiding, to keeping my true self locked away where no one can touch it.

But somehow, with Wraith, I don't feel the need to hide. Maybe it's because he's seen me at my worst, my weakest, and he didn't take advantage. He did what no one else has ever done, not even when I was little.

He took care of me.

I was always the one caring for other people. Even my mother. I'm not sure what to make of the fact that I… liked it. That for the first time in my life, I felt like I could simply breathe.

Or maybe it's because he looks as lost and broken as I am.

Especially right now.

I open my mouth, but no words come out. What can I possibly say? That I'm sorry for what he's going through? That I understand his pain? It all feels woefully inadequate.

So instead, I simply hold his gaze, trying to convey with my eyes what I can't put into words. That he's not alone.

Wraith's eyes widen slightly. Then he steps back, silently inviting me into his room with a tilt of his head.

I step over the threshold, the door closing softly behind me. Wraith's room is dimly lit, the shadows dancing across the walls like restless spirits. I stand just inside the doorway, suddenly unsure of myself. The air feels thick with unspoken words and barely contained emotions.

Wraith moves to sit on the edge of his bed, his massive frame dwarfing the furniture. He looks up at me, waiting. The silence stretches between us, a living thing .

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "Are you... okay?" The words feel clumsy on my tongue, inadequate in the face of everything that's happened.

He nods, a slow, deliberate movement. Then his hands move, forming a single word.

Why ?

Relief washes over me. I remember that sign, one of the few outside of the alphabet I've managed to consistently retain since our lessons started. It's a small victory, but it feels monumental in this moment.

I hesitate, searching for the right words. "I was... worried about you. After the meeting." My voice drops to barely above a whisper. "After you found out about your father."

I trail off, the weight of what I'm saying hitting me. Who am I to offer comfort to this alpha? This man who's seen and done things I can't even imagine?

Wraith's brow furrows, confusion evident again in his bright blue eyes. He signs "why" again, more emphatically this time.

"Why what?" I ask, then realization dawns. "Oh. Why was I worried about you?"

He nods, his gaze never leaving mine. There's an intensity to his stare that should make me uncomfortable, but it doesn't. Instead, I find myself wanting to step closer, to bridge the gap between us.

I open my mouth to answer, then close it again. Why was I worried? The truth is, I don't know. It goes against everything I've believed, everything I've told myself about alphas. About the world.

"I... I guess because I care about you," I admit softly, the words surprising even me as they leave my lips.

Wraith's eyes widen, a flicker of something passing over his features above the hard line of his gas mask. Shock? Disbelief? He stares at me for what feels like a small eternity, as if trying to decipher some hidden meaning in my words.

My heart pounds in my chest, a thunderous rhythm that surely he must be able to hear. I've never been this vulnerable with anyone, let alone an alpha. It goes against every instinct I've honed over years of survival.

But as I stand here, looking into Wraith's eyes, I realize it's true. Somewhere along the line, without my permission or awareness, I've started to care about him. About all of them, really. These alphas who were supposed to be my enemies, my captors, have somehow become... something else. Something I'm not quite ready to name .

Something so dangerous, I don't want to consider it.

Wraith's hands move again, slower this time. Why ?

A nervous laugh escapes my lips, the sound brittle in the quiet room. "Why do I care about you?" I echo, my voice barely above a whisper. The question hangs in the air between us, heavy with implications I'm not ready to face.

But as I look at Wraith, really look at him, I feel a wave of grief wash over me. His eyes, usually so fierce and intense, now hold a vulnerability that makes my chest ache. It's a look I recognize all too well.

The disbelief that anyone could genuinely care.

"Thane cares about you," I murmur, surprised by the certainty in my voice. "I can tell." And it's true. I've seen the way Thane looks at him, the protectiveness in his stance whenever his brother is near. It's subtle, but it's there.

Wraith shrugs, a gesture that seems too small for his massive frame. His hands move again, slowly forming letters.

M-O-N-S-T-E-R .

My heart clenches. Before I can think better of it, I find myself moving closer, perching on the edge of the bed beside him. The mattress dips under our combined weight, and I'm acutely aware of how small I am next to him.

"You're not a monster," I say, my voice low but firm. Without thinking, I reach out and touch his shoulder. His skin is warm beneath my fingers, and I feel his huge bicep tense at the contact. "I've met a lot of monsters in my life. I would know."

Wraith goes completely still, his eyes widening in surprise. I realize with a start that I'm touching him. Voluntarily touching an alpha.

And I'm not even in heat.

The thought should terrify me, should send me scrambling away. But it doesn't. Instead, I find myself hyper-aware of the point where our skin meets. It's been so long since I've had any kind of gentle physical contact. His warmth seeps into me, and I have to resist the urge to lean into it.

Wraith's gaze flickers between my face and my hand on his shoulder, as if he can't quite believe what's happening.

I can't blame him.

I can hardly believe it myself.

"I've seen monsters," I continue, my voice barely above a whisper. "I've felt their… their cruelty, their indifference to suffering. "

Unbidden, memories of the Center flash through my mind. The cold eyes of the handlers, the casual brutality. I push them away, focusing on the present.

"That's not you, Wraith."

He shakes his head, his eyes clouding with something that looks like shame. His hands move again, forming words I can't quite catch, gesturing to his mask, making rending motions, tearing, snapping. But I don't need to understand the signs to read the self-loathing in his expression.

"I know you've done things," I say, choosing my words carefully. "Terrible things, maybe. But that doesn't make you a monster. Neither does whatever is under that mask. It's... it's the choices we make now that define us."

The words surprise me as they leave my mouth. When did I start believing in redemption? In the possibility of change?

Especially for alphas.

Wraith's eyes lock onto mine, searching. I force myself to hold his gaze, even as my heart races. There's an intensity to his stare that makes me feel exposed, like he can see right through all my carefully constructed defenses.

My hand is still on his shoulder. I should move it. I should put distance between us. But I don't. Instead, I find myself wanting to offer more comfort, to erase the pain I see in his eyes.

"You're more than what they made you," I whisper, the words coming from some deep, hidden part of myself. "We both are."

Wraith's breath catches, a barely audible hitch. Slowly, so slowly, he raises his hand. I tense, instinct screaming at me to pull away. But I force myself to stay still as his fingers hover near my face. They brush my cheek, feather-light and impossibly gentle. I lean into his touch, my eyes fluttering closed for a moment. His skin is calloused, rough, but his caress is so tender it makes my breath catch in my throat.

When I open my eyes, I'm struck by the look in Wraith's eyes. There's a reverence there, an awe that makes my heart stutter.

His fingers trail down, following the curve of my jaw, the line of my neck. I stiffen instinctively as his hand nears my shoulder, old fears rising unbidden. But Wraith doesn't grab or restrain. Instead, his touch becomes even lighter, barely there as he traces the outline of my scar.

His eyes meet mine, a question in their depths. His free hand moves, forming a single word.

How ?

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. My hand rises of its own accord, fingers brushing against his as I touch my scar. "My scar?" I murmur, though I know that's what he's asking about.

Wraith nods, his gaze steady, patient. There's no demand in his eyes, no expectation. Just a quiet invitation to share, if I want to.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. I've never told anyone this story before. Never trusted anyone enough to reveal this part of myself. But here, in the quiet darkness of Wraith's room, with his gentle touch still lingering on my skin, I find myself wanting to.

"I did it myself," I whisper, the words feeling strange on my tongue. "When I was thirteen. Just before I was captured." A bitter smile tugs at my lips. "Guess it didn't do much good. But I heard the horror stories from my mother, and the other omegas who'd escaped. I knew it made me an easy target. Identifiable. Not that my scent doesn't, but…"

My fingers trace the ridged, thickened skin where my omega mark used to be. "I couldn't stand the thought of being branded, of being reduced to nothing more than my biology. So… one night, I heated up an iron rod I found in the camp. And I branded myself on my own terms. "

I close my eyes, the memory vivid and painful. "It hurt. More than anything I'd ever felt before. But it was also the freest I've ever felt."

When I open my eyes again, Wraith is staring at me with an intensity that should be frightening. But it's not. There's no judgment in his gaze, no pity. Just a deep, profound understanding that makes my chest ache.

"The others at the camp were furious," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "Said I'd ruined myself, that no alpha would want me now. But I didn't care. I knew what alphas did to omegas. What they did to my mother. And I wanted no part in it. It was the first time I felt like I had any control over my own body."

I fall silent, suddenly exhausted. I've never spoken about this to anyone before, never allowed myself to be this vulnerable. But with Wraith, it feels... safe. Like maybe he understands. Like maybe I've finally found someone who could understand.

Wraith spells out the last word I ever expected to hear an alpha say about something like this.

B-R-A-V-E.

A laugh bubbles up in my throat, surprising me with its genuineness. "I don't know about that," I say, shaking my head. "I was just scared and angry and desperate."

Wraith shakes his head emphatically.

Warmth blooms in my chest, a feeling I can't quite name. It's been so long since anyone has seen me as anything other than a problem to be solved, a commodity to be traded.

But Wraith...

Wraith sees me.

Really sees me.

"Thank you," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. "For listening. For understanding. I've… never told anyone that."

Wraith nods, his eyes soft. Slowly, telegraphing his movements like he's afraid he'll scare me off, he reaches out and takes my hand in his. His palm dwarfs mine, rough and calloused, but his touch remains gentle. He brings our joined hands to his broad chest, right over his heart.

The gesture is clear, even without words.

I'm not alone.

Not anymore.

I let out a shaky breath, feeling an ember of something ignite deep within me. It's not the all-consuming blaze of heat, but a softer, steadier warmth. A yearning to be closer to him, to feel his gentle touch on more than just my hand or face.

Slowly, carefully, I take his hand in mine and guide it lower, resting it on my waist. Wraith's eyes widen and I feel his fingers twitch against me, as if he's unsure whether to pull away or pull me closer.

"Have you ever been with an omega before?" I ask softly, my voice barely above a whisper in the quiet room.

Wraith looks away, a flush of what might be shame coloring the scarred skin above the edge of his mask. He shakes his head once, the movement short and jerky.

Emboldened by his response, I press further. "Have you ever been with anyone at all?"

Again, he shakes his head, still not meeting my eyes. His whole arm and hand are so tense beneath my touch. He's clearly not used to being touched at all. My heart aches for him, for the loneliness and isolation he must have endured his entire life. I know all too well how it feels to be touch-starved, to crave the comfort of another person's warmth.

I lean in until our faces are mere inches apart. "Do you… want to?" I ask quietly, my heart hammering against my ribs.

Wraith goes utterly still, his hand flexing against my waist. God, it's so huge, it could practically span my entire back. For a long, tense moment, he doesn't move, doesn't even seem to breathe. I start to pull back, worried I've overstepped, pushed too far.

But then his eyes meet mine, and the raw emotion I see there steals my breath. Longing, fear, hope, desperation... they're all swirling in those blue depths.

Slowly, hesitantly, he nods.

A smile tugs at my lips, and I reach up to cup the side of his mask. He stiffens, then leans into my touch, his eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment. When he opens them again, there's a new intensity to his gaze, a heat that sends a shiver down my spine.

My heart races as I lean in, drawn to him like a moth to flame. But he suddenly pulls away. His massive hand grasps my waist, not roughly, but with an urgency that makes me freeze.

Confusion and a flicker of hurt lance through me. Did I misread the situation? But as I search Wraith's eyes, I see no rejection there. Only... fear?

His other hand moves, spelling out the word C-A-N-T.

"Why?" I breathe, my voice barely audible even in the quiet room .

Wraith's fingers spell out two words that make my breath catch.

H-U-R-T… Y-O-U.

"You won't hurt me," I whisper. "We can take it slow. I trust you."

The words surprise me as they leave my mouth, but I realize they're true. Somewhere along the line, without my permission or awareness, I've come to trust Wraith.

And I trust him completely.

He still looks hesitant, his bright blue eyes searching mine. I can see the war raging behind them. Desire warring with fear, need battling against deeply ingrained caution.

I catch it in his scent, too, as it rises to meet mine. I'm not in heat, but I'm still perfuming, our mingling scents dancing invisibly around us. A testament to how much our instincts want this, even if there are so many logical reasons not to.

Before I can second-guess myself, I climb onto his lap, straddling his massive, muscular thighs. As lean and honed as he is, his torso is like a tree trunk and I don't even think I could come anywhere close to wrapping my arms around him. Wraith goes utterly still beneath me, his hands hovering uncertainly at my sides .

"It's okay," I murmur, taking his hands and placing them on my hips. "I can show you what to do, if you want."

Wraith nods, a barely perceptible movement. His fingers flex against my hips, and I have to suppress a shiver at the feeling of his rough skin against mine.

"You can touch me," I breathe, leaning in close. "Anywhere you want."

For a moment, Wraith doesn't move. Then, slowly, reverently, his hands begin to explore. They slide up my sides, skimming over my ribs, my back, my shoulders. His touch is so light and careful, as if he's afraid I might shatter under his hands. Like I'm a butterfly, fragile and beautiful.

I expect him to go for the obvious places. My breasts, my ass. That's what alphas usually want, after all. But Wraith surprises me. His hands travel back up, cupping my face with a gentleness that makes my breath catch.

The intensity of his gaze should frighten me. Instead, I find myself leaning into it, craving more of this connection that feels deeper than anything I've ever experienced.

His thumbs brush over my cheekbones, tracing the curve of my face as if committing it to memory. His eyes never leave mine, drinking in every detail. I'm struck by the reverence in his touch, the awe in his gaze. It's as if he can't quite believe I'm real, that I'm here with him like this. Even with all my scars, all my rough edges, my wildness, Wraith looks at me like I'm something precious.

His fingers trace the line of my jaw, down my neck, ghosting over the pulse point I know is racing, the gnarled scar near my shoulder. I shiver, not from fear, but from the intensity of the sensations he's awakening in me.

Something inside me begins to crack open. For the first time in my life, I don't feel broken or damaged.

I feel... whole.

Accepted.

Seen.

Tears prick at my eyes, and I blink them back furiously. I won't cry. Not now. But as Wraith's hand cups my cheek again, his thumb brushing away a tear I didn't realize had fallen, I realize it might be too late for that.

I feel Wraith tense beneath me, his hand stilling on my cheek. His eyes search mine, worry clouding their blue depths. I can almost hear the question he can't voice. Did I do something wrong ?

"It's okay," I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. "I'm not upset. It's just... nice."

The word feels inadequate, but I don't know how else to describe this feeling. This warmth that's spreading through me, melting the ice I've built around my heart over years of survival.

Wraith's brow furrows, confusion replacing worry. His free hand moves. Why ? he asks again.

I understand his bewilderment. Why would I, an omega who's suffered so much at the hands of alphas, want to be touched by one? Why would I allow myself to be this vulnerable?

"Because it's you," I say softly, surprising myself with the honesty in my voice. "You're… different."

His eyes widen, a mix of disbelief and hope flickering across what I can see of his face. I can see the struggle in his expression, the battle between his desire to believe me and his deep-seated self-loathing.

I lean into his touch, nuzzling my cheek against his palm. "It's okay," I murmur again. "You can keep going. I want you to."

For a moment, Wraith doesn't move. Then, slowly, his hand slides from my cheek to the back of my neck. His fingers tangle in my hair, gentle yet firm. The touch sends a shiver down my spine, awakening nerve endings I didn't even know I had.

His other hand moves to mirror the first, both now buried in my auburn waves. He runs his fingers through the strands, his touch reverent. I can't help but lean into it, my eyes fluttering closed at the sensation.

When was the last time someone touched me like this? So gently, so carefully? I can't remember. Maybe never.

Wraith's hands continue their exploration, trailing down from my hair to my shoulders, then lower. I hold my breath as his fingers skim over the swell of my breasts, barely touching through the thin fabric of my shirt.

Even that light touch is enough to make my nipples harden, a rush of heat flooding through me. My omega instincts flare to life, responding to his alpha presence in a way I've never experienced before when I'm not in heat.

I open my eyes to find Wraith staring at me, his gaze a mix of awe and hunger. His hands hover uncertainly, as if he's afraid to take that final step. A smile tugs at my lips, and without breaking eye contact, I reach down and pull my shirt over my head, tossing it aside .

Wraith's blown wide pupils drop to my newly exposed skin. His broad chest rises and falls with quickened breaths.

"It's okay," I say softly, taking his hands in mine. "You can touch me."

I guide his hands to my breasts, gasping softly as his calloused palms make contact with my sensitive skin. Wraith's touch is feather-light at first, barely there. But as I arch into his hands, silently encouraging him, he cups my breasts fully, his thumbs brushing over my nipples in a way that sends sparks shooting through me. I can't help the soft moan that escapes my lips, my head falling back as I lose myself in his touch.

When I look back at Wraith, the hunger in his eyes has intensified. There's a primal edge to it now, an alpha responding to his omega's pleasure. But there's still that gentleness, that care that sets him apart from every other alpha I've ever known.

His hands continue their exploration, mapping out every curve and dip of my torso. Each touch leaves a trail of fire in its wake, stoking the heat building low in my belly.

I find myself grinding down against him, seeking friction, seeking more. I can feel him hardening beneath me, his body responding to mine in kind.

He's… huge. I expected that, obviously, but feeling it is another matter.

Part of me is terrified by how much I want this, how easily my body is betraying so many years of mistrust and fear. But a larger part, a part that's growing stronger with each passing moment, doesn't care.

As Wraith's hands slide around to my back, pulling me closer, I let out a shaky breath. I know we're crossing a line here, stepping into territory neither of us has ever explored before.

But as I look into Wraith's eyes, seeing the mix of desire and tenderness there, I realize something.

I'm not afraid.

My heart races as I lift myself off Wraith's lap, hooking my thumbs into the waistband of my pants. His eyes follow the movement, darkening with desire as I shimmy out of them and kick them off my foot. Now I'm left in just my plain cotton panties, feeling more exposed than I ever have before.

His hands come to rest on my hips and his fingers toy with the elastic band, tracing along the edge where fabric meets skin. The touch sends shivers through me, goosebumps rising on my flesh.

Wraith's hands slide down to my thighs, his palms rough against my smooth skin. He explores every inch, mapping out the curves and dips of my body like he's committing them to memory. When his fingers brush the insides of my thighs, dangerously close to where I'm aching for him, a whimper escapes my lips.

The sound seems to ignite something in Wraith. A low growl builds in his throat, vibrating through his chest. Before I can react, he pulls me flush against him, one massive arm wrapping around my waist.

His other hand traces up my spine, fingertips dancing along each vertebra. The touch is electric, sending sparks of pleasure shooting through my nerves. I can't help but shiver, my body arching into his touch of its own accord.

The reaction seems to intrigue Wraith. His eyes narrow slightly, a spark of curiosity joining the hunger in their blue depths. Gently, so gently, he lays me back on the bed, looming over me.

My breath catches in my throat as he climbs on top of me, his massive frame dwarfing mine. I should feel trapped, pinned. But I don't.

I feel... safe. Protected.

Excitement courses through me, mingling with a thread of nervousness. This is all so new, so overwhelming. I've never been this intimate with anyone before, let alone an alpha. Let alone Wraith, who even other alphas fear.

My gaze is drawn to his gas mask, hiding the lower half of his face from view. I reach up, my fingers hovering just above the edge.

"Can I...?" I whisper, not needing to finish the question.

Wraith goes utterly still above me, tension radiating from every line of his frozen body. I can see the war in his eyes. The need to know if I'll still want this—still want him —warring with the bone-deep self-hatred that tells him I won't. Self-hatred that has only been reinforced over and over again.

"It's okay," I say softly, letting my hand fall back to the bed. "We don't have to kiss. There are other things we can do."

The relief in his eyes is palpable as his shoulders sag and he lets out a long breath that whooshes through his mask. Then he averts his gaze and signs again.

C-A-N-T.

I pause, not sure what he means. "Can't what?" I ask.

He motions to his mask, then my face .

"Kiss?" I ask.

He nods. The thin black fabric coming down from beneath his mask and covering his neck rustles as he swallows hard. Anxiously. It's like he's suddenly afraid of me again.

Is it because of his scars? I know he can't speak.

"It's okay," I say again, as gently as I can.

He gazes at me with gratitude and adoration. It makes my heart clench in my chest. Slowly, I take Wraith's hand in mine. His palm dwarfs mine, rough and calloused where I'm soft and smooth. I guide it back down my body, over the swell of my breast, across my stomach, quivering under his touch.

I pause at the edge of my panties, my eyes locked on Wraith's. Silently asking permission, offering him an out if this is too much.

But Wraith doesn't hesitate. He lets me guide his hand lower, until his palm is cupping me through the thin cotton of my underwear. The heat of his touch sears through the fabric, igniting the fire low in my belly.

A soft gasp escapes me at the contact, my hips lifting slightly of their own accord. Wraith's eyes darken further, pupils huge. His fingers twitch against me, as if he's fighting the urge to explore further .

"You can touch me there," I breathe, my voice barely above a whisper. "If you want to."

Wraith's gaze searches mine for a long moment, looking for any sign of hesitation or fear. But there is none. Only trust and desire and a need so deep it scares me.

Slowly, so slowly, his fingers begin to move.

Wraith's fingers hesitate at the edge of my panties for just a moment before slipping underneath. I gasp as he makes contact with my bare skin, my hips lifting involuntarily to press against his hand.

"Oh," I breathe as his fingers explore me tracing along my folds. I can feel how wet I am already, my body eagerly responding to his touch. A flush creeps up my cheeks as I realize just how aroused I've become. When I see the curiosity mingled with genuine concern in his eyes, I realize I should probably explain since I have no idea how much or how little he knows about this.

Or omega anatomy in general.

"That, um... that happens when we get excited," I say awkwardly, not meeting his gaze. "We get… slick. To make mating easier."

I peek up at Wraith, worried I've said too much, but he just looks fascinated. And even hungrier. It makes my insides clench with want.

His fingers continue their gentle exploration, but I can tell he's not quite sure what to do. The realization hits me again. He's never done this before. He has no idea how to pleasure a woman.

I reach down, gently grasping his wrist to guide him.

"Here," I whisper, moving his fingers to my clit. "This is where it feels really good."

I show him how to circle the sensitive spot, gasping at the jolts of pleasure that shoot through me at his touch. Wraith watches my face intently, cataloging every reaction, every tiny shift in my expression.

When he applies just the right amount of pressure, a moan escapes me before I can stop it. Wraith's eyes widen, a low, raspy growl rumbling in his chest. The sound makes me shiver with excitement and he freezes again.

"N-no, that's good," I breathe, my voice hitching as he continues the movements I showed him. "Just like that."

I guide his hand lower, to my entrance now. "You can... put your fingers inside, if you want," I say softly, suddenly feeling shy despite our intimacy. "Just be gentle at first."

Wraith nods, his touch impossibly tender as he slowly slides a finger inside me. The stretch is familiar, my body eagerly accepting the intrusion.

"Fuck," I breathe, resisting the urge to squirm as I spread my thighs open wider for him. "Yes… now, curl your finger in. Just like this," I say, crooking my middle fingers inward to show him.

He follows my lead and his finger hits that spot inside me that makes stars explode behind my eyelids. When he adds a second finger on his own, I can't help the whimper that escapes me. His two fingers together are as thick as a cock. Maybe thicker.

He freezes again, staring at me.

"No, don't stop," I say quickly, grasping his wrist to keep him in place. "I'm okay. I promise. It's just... a lot. In a good way."

He searches my face for a long moment, looking for any sign of distress. When he finds none, he slowly resumes his movements, watching me carefully for any change in my expression.

The coil of ecstasy in my belly winds tighter with each thrust of his fingers, each circle of his thumb over my clit. I didn't even teach him that, he's clearly just a quick learner. Or he actually pays attention. I can feel myself getting close, teetering on the edge of coming apart.

"Wraith," I gasp, my free hand fisting in the sheets. "I'm... I'm going to..."

He doesn't need me to finish the sentence. His movements become more purposeful, more intense, driving me higher and higher until I'm sure I'll shatter from the pleasure.

And then, with a particularly clever twist of his fingers, I do.

Waves of pleasure crash over me as my climax peaks. My back arches off the bed, a cry escaping my lips as my body shudders with release. Wraith's fingers work me through it, drawing out every last tremor until I collapse back onto the mattress, panting.

As the haze of bliss begins to clear, I become aware of Wraith's panicked expression. He's withdrawn his hand, horror etched across his features. His eyes dart over my body, searching for signs of injury.

"Hey, it's okay," I say softly, reaching for him. My shaking hands grasp the sides of his mask where his cheeks would be, cupping his face. "You didn't hurt me. That was... that was amazing. "

Confusion replaces the panic in his gaze. He tilts his head, brow furrowed.

Realization dawns. "Oh," I breathe. "You don't... you've never seen someone come before, have you?"

Wraith shakes his head slowly, still looking bewildered. Like he has no idea what I'm even talking about.

W-H-E-R-E ?

I stare at him for a moment. "I'm sorry, I— oh. " Heat rushes to my cheeks as I struggle to find the words to explain. "It's just called coming. It's something that happens when... when mating is done well. It feels really, really good."

His brow unknits, so I think he understands, but there's still a hint of uncertainty there.

"It happens for alphas too," I add, my blush deepening. "I could... I could show you."

Wraith goes very still, his gaze intense as he searches my face. After a long moment, he nods.

My hands tremble slightly as I reach for his belt. This feels… different. This time, I'm the one in the lead, for one thing.

I undo his belt and zipper, freeing his hard cock from the confines of his pants. My breath catches in my throat. He's huge, even bigger than I'd imagined. For a moment, I wonder how he could ever fit inside me.

But that's a concern for another time.

Right now, I have other plans.

I wrap my hand around his shaft, or at least as much as I can. He's as thick as a soda can. Maybe even thicker. Wraith's whole body jerks at the contact, a strangled growling sound escaping from behind his mask.

"Is this okay?" I ask carefully, looking up at him.

He nods frantically, his chest heaving with rapid breaths.

Slowly, I begin to stroke him, marveling at the feel of him in my hand. He's hard as steel, yet the skin is impossibly soft and velvety. His pulse throbs against my palm, his hips twitching slightly with each movement.

Gathering my courage, I lower my head. My tongue darts out, tentatively licking at his tip.

The reaction is immediate and intense. Wraith's hands fly to my hair, his fingers tangling in the auburn strands and digging into my scalp. A guttural growl rumbles through his chest, vibrating through me where our bodies touch.

I look up, meeting his gaze. His eyes are wild. There's something primal in his expression, something that should frighten me. But it doesn't. Instead, it sends a thrill through me, rekindling the fire in my belly.

Holding his gaze, I take him into my mouth.

Wraith's grip on my hair tightens, not painfully, but enough to send tingles across my scalp. His hips buck involuntarily, pushing himself deeper into my throat.

I gag slightly as his shaft presses against my tongue, pulling back. Wraith immediately loosens his hold, concern flashing across his face.

"It's okay," I assure him, my voice a bit hoarse. "Just... let me set the pace, alright?"

He nods, his hands gentling in my hair. Now they're simply resting there, a comforting weight.

I return my attention to his cock, taking him in my mouth once more. This time, I'm prepared for his size, relaxing my throat as I take him deeper.

Wraith's whole body shudders, a strangled rasping moan escaping from behind his mask. His fingers flex in my hair, clearly fighting the urge to thrust.

The power I feel in this moment is intoxicating. I, an omega, have reduced this massive alpha to a quivering mess with just my mouth. And it emboldens me to try more. I hollow my cheeks, sucking as I bob my head. My hand works what I can't fit in my mouth, twisting slightly on the upstroke.

Wraith's breathing grows ragged, his chest heaving with each panting breath. He's close. I can sense it.

And suddenly, I want him inside me.

I pull back suddenly, causing Wraith to let out a frustrated growl. His eyes flash with confusion and concern as I gently push him onto his back. He lets me, offering no resistance.

"Trust me," I murmur, shedding my panties and climbing on top of him as he stares at me. "This will be worth the interruption."

His massive hands come to rest on my hips as I straddle him, my thighs bracketing his waist. I can feel the heat of his skin against mine, the slight tremor in his muscles and the tension in his thighs as he fights to stay still.

Reaching between us, I grasp his cock, guiding it to my entrance. Wraith's eyes widen as he realizes what I'm about to do. His grip on my hips tightens, not painfully, but enough to show how badly he wants me.

Slowly, I lower myself onto him. The stretch is intense, but my body welcomes him eagerly. I take him inch by inch, reveling in the feeling of fullness, of completion.

Wraith's breathing grows ragged, his chest heaving with each panting breath. His bulging muscles strain as he fights the urge to thrust up into me, to take control.

But he doesn't. He lets me set the pace, his eyes never leaving my face as I work myself down onto his length.

The power I feel in this moment is intoxicating. I'm in control, dictating the rhythm, the depth. When I'm finally seated fully on him, everything but his knot inside me, I pause to catch my breath. The sensation of being so completely filled is overwhelming, pleasure mingling with a slight edge of pain.

Wraith's hands roam my body, tracing the curves of my waist, the swell of my breasts. His touch is worshipful as I begin to move, lifting myself up before sinking back down. The friction is exquisite, sending sparks of pleasure shooting through my nerves. Wraith's hands guide my movements, supporting me as I ride him. He's holding back, trying to be gentle, trying to let me maintain control.

Part of me appreciates it, loves that he's so considerate of my needs. But another part, a part that's growing stronger with each passing moment, wants more. I just want him to relax. To let go.

I know he won't hurt me. Not permanently.

I lean down, pressing my forehead against his. "It's okay," I whisper, my breath mingling with his. "You can let go. I trust you."

Something flashes in Wraith's eyes. Gratitude, hunger, and something deeper I'm not ready to name. In one fluid motion, he flips us over, pinning me beneath him.

The change in angle drives him even deeper, pulling a gasp from my lips as his knot juts against me. Wraith pauses, searching my face for any sign of discomfort.

But there is none. Only desire and a need so deep it scares me.

"Please," I breathe, lifting my hips to meet his. "I need you."

That's all the encouragement Wraith needs. He begins to move, his thrusts slow and deep at first, giving me time to adjust to the new position.

But as my body responds, my inner walls clenching around him, drawing him deeper, his control starts to slip. His movements become more urgent, more primal .

I wrap my legs around his waist, urging him on. My hands roam his broad back, feeling the play of muscles beneath the fabric of his black tank as he moves above me. I grasp the edge of his shirt and pull it, tugging it up and off of him. My hands start exploring his bare torso immediately.

Every part of this alpha is fucking huge.

My hands roam over the expanse of his chest, tracing the ridges and valleys of his abs, loving the way his muscles bunch and flex with each powerful thrust. His skin is a patchwork of scars, some thin and silvery, others thick and ropey. Each one tells a story of pain and survival, and I want to learn them all.

His hips snap against mine, driving himself deeper. My body welcomes him eagerly. I arch my back, meeting him thrust for thrust, craving more of this delicious friction. His fingers dig into my flesh hard enough to bruise.

And it feels so damn good. I know I'll have marks tomorrow, and the thought sends a thrill through me. I want this alpha to claim me in every way possible.

Even in the ways I shouldn't want.

A low growl rumbles through Wraith's chest, vibrating against me where our bodies are pressed together. The sound ignites something primal within me, something that recognizes him as my alpha.

I tilt my head back, baring my throat to him in a gesture of submission. Wraith's eyes flash with hunger, his grip on my hips tightening as he drives into me with renewed vigor. His mask brushes against my neck, the cold metal a stark contrast to the heat of our bodies.

For a moment, I wish he could bite me, mark me as his own. But I push the thought aside. I must be losing my fucking mind.

This is enough.

More than enough.

My hands slide up his back, relishing the play of muscles beneath his scarred skin. I dig my nails in, leaving crescent-shaped marks of my own. Wraith hisses, his hips stuttering for a moment before finding their rhythm again.

The coil of tension in my belly winds tighter with each thrust, each brush of his pubic bone against my clit. I'm close, teetering on the edge of bliss, but I need just a little more.

"Please," I gasp, my voice barely above a whisper. "I need... I need..."

I don't even know what I'm asking for, but Wraith seems to understand. One of his hands leaves my hip, sliding between our bodies to where we're joined. His rough thumb finds my clit, circling it with just the right amount of pressure.

"Wraith, I'm close. I'm so close?—"

His response is a low growl, his hips snapping forward with renewed vigor.

The dual stimulation pushes me over the edge. With a cry that's half scream, half sob, I come undone beneath him. Intense waves crash over me, each one more mind-blowing than the last.

Wraith doesn't stop, doesn't even slow down. He fucks me through my orgasm, prolonging it until I'm a quivering, dizzy mess beneath him. As his pace intensifies, I feel his knot bumping against my entrance with each powerful thrust. My body craves him, all of him, in a way that both thrills and terrifies me.

His knot is huge. Way too huge.

But I fucking need it.

"Wraith," I gasp, my voice barely audible over his growls. "You can... if you want to... your knot. It's okay."

His movements falter for a moment, his eyes searching mine to make sure I mean what I'm asking for .

"I want it," I say again, heat flooding my cheeks at the admission. He's still staring at me. I'm going to have to be really fucking clear. "I need it. I need you inside me. All of you."

A low rumble vibrates through his chest, part growl, part purr. He nods, his gaze intense as he resumes his rhythm, more controlled now but no less passionate.

I reach down between us, spreading myself wider around him and trying not to let my face show how tight the fit is. The last thing I need is for him to panic while he's buried to the hilt inside me. My fingers brush against where we're joined, slick with my arousal, and I shudder at the contact.

"Like this," I murmur, guiding him. "Slow..."

Wraith follows my lead, pressing forward with agonizing slowness. The pressure builds, bordering on uncomfortable, and then...

" Oh !" I gasp as his knot slips inside, stretching me impossibly wide. The feeling is indescribable—fullness, pressure, a hint of pain that quickly morphs into ecstasy so intense I can't breathe through it.

Wraith goes utterly still above me, his whole body trembling with the effort of restraint. His alpha instincts are clearly warring with his fear of hurting me .

"You feel so good," I breathe, gazing adoringly at him. "So perfect."

Something snaps in Wraith's gaze. With a snarl, he begins to move again. His thrusts are shallow now, his knot keeping him locked inside me, but the grinding pressure against my most sensitive spots has me seeing stars.

Wraith's body goes rigid above me, his muscles locking as he drives himself impossibly deeper. I feel the exact moment he starts to come. His knot swells even larger within me, stuffing me to my absolute limit. The pressure is almost unbearable, teetering on the edge between pleasure and pain.

And then I feel it—the first pulse of his release. It's like a dam breaking, hot and thick and seemingly endless. Each throb of his cock sends another wave crashing through me, filling me up in a way I've never experienced before.

My body responds instinctively, inner walls clenching around him, milking him for every drop. The sensation triggers another orgasm, more intense than any before. It rips through me like a lightning strike, setting every nerve ending on fire.

I cry out, my voice raw and primal. My vision whites out, the world narrowing to nothing but the feel of Wraith inside me, the overwhelming fullness, the liquid heat spreading through my core.

Wave after wave of ecstasy crashes over me, each one more powerful than the last. I'm drowning in sensation, lost in a sea of pure bliss. My body arches off the bed, pressing against Wraith's massive frame, seeking more contact, more friction, more of everything.

His arms wrap around me, holding me close as we both shudder through our shared climax. His broad chest heaves against mine, our heartbeats thundering in perfect sync. I can feel the vibrations of his growls through his entire body, a constant rumble that seems to reverberate through my very bones. It's not quite a purr, not quite a growl. Something in between.

And I love it.

Our scents mingle in the air around us, honeysuckle and stone and petrichor and leather all blending into something new and intoxicating. It's us, together, perfectly in sync. The smell wraps around us like a cocoon, heightening every sensation.

As the intensity of my orgasm begins to ebb, I become aware of other sensations. The slight sting where Wraith's fingers dig into my hips. The ache in my thighs from being spread so wide. The fullness of his knot, still pulsing inside me.

I open my eyes, not realizing I'd squeezed them shut. Wraith is staring down at me, his gaze intense and unreadable. There's something in his eyes I can't quite decipher.

Awe? Fear? Reverence?

Whatever it is, it makes my breath catch in my throat. I've never felt so seen, so exposed, so... cherished.

The realization hits me like a punch to the gut. This isn't just sex. This is something more. Something deeper. Something that terrifies me more than any alpha ever could.

I want to look away, to hide from the intensity of his gaze, but I can't. I'm trapped, not just by his body but by his eyes, by the connection that's forming between us whether I want it to or not.

Wraith's hand comes up to cup my cheek, his touch impossibly gentle for someone so massive, so powerful. His thumb brushes over my cheekbone, wiping away a tear I didn't even realize had fallen.

The tenderness of the gesture undoes me. More tears spill over, and I turn my face into his palm, seeking comfort even as part of me screams to pull away, to protect myself from this vulnerability .

But I can't. I'm tied to him in the most intimate way possible, our bodies and scents intertwined.

And as much as it scares me, I don't want to.

Wraith lowers his forehead to mine, his breath hot against my skin even through the mask. We stay like that, connected in every way, as our breathing slowly steadies and our heartbeats calm.

I know we'll have to move eventually. That this moment can't last forever. But for now, I let myself sink into it, into him, pushing aside all thoughts of what comes next.

Because right now, in this moment, I feel something I haven't felt in years.

I feel completely safe.

And that scares me more than anything ever has.