The Alpha King (Kingdom of Askara #1)(26)

Which was true.

He did.

But not just that. Luca didn’t just hold Kit’s body in those big hands. He cradled Kit’s very soul.





Chapter Eight





Luca had been awake for some time. The problem with Tara had kept him awake most of the night. He knew it was acceptable in their society, but he personally hated the thought of it, even if he couldn’t think of what to do about it. He was glad they could only speak telepathically to one another. If Kit knew what was in his mind he wouldn’t be sleeping as soundly.

Kit sighed and moved. Luca tightened his arms protectively and looked down to see the blue eyes blinking up at him. He took a deep breath. The only chance he would get to talk without interruption today was now, before anyone was awake. He had to know what Kit thought on it.

“I have something I need to discuss with you.”

Kit’s eyes widened to fully awake and he gazed into Luca’s face. “Whatever it is, it’s causing you worry.” Luca swallowed and Kit’s eyes narrowed. “What’s happened? Now you’re worrying me.”

“I was reminded yesterday of something that hasn’t occurred to me. Not that that’s surprising, as we’ve been a little busy.” He smiled. Kit didn’t.

“Concerning?”

Luca blew out a steadying breath, his stomach churning. “Our mating.”

“You’ve changed your mind?” Tears sprung to Kit’s eyes as he stiffened in alarm.

“Oh, hell, no,” Luca said fervently. “I know it’s been so fast and we’ve barely had time to breathe let alone get to know each other—”

Luca’s words were cut off as Kit plastered bruising lips to his own. Luca hugged him fiercely, and immediately dominated the kiss.

“Then we can survive anything,” Kit proclaimed as he broke off. He gazed into Luca’s eyes. “This is really worrying you, isn’t it? Please tell me.”

Luca sighed. “Firstly, you must know that I would never do anything to hurt you.”

Kit didn’t move. Luca knew he was waiting for the but.

“I have been reminded I need to sire an Alpha.”

Kit blinked.

“It has been suggested to me that Tara may be suitable, but she has been approached by one of the Alphas from the cancelled choosing, so if we were to agree, I would need to tell her immediately.” Luca’s words dried up. Kit hadn’t moved, and his face was a complete blank. “To be honest, this isn’t a conversation I ever want us to have, but if we have the opportunity to make it a little more comfortable for you, then...” Kit still didn’t say a word but if he had, Luca was sure the sound of his own pounding heart would drown it out.

Kit moved slowly out of Luca’s tight hold, as if he were putting distance between them. “I have to be honest,” Kit licked his lips, “when I knew what I was and that we were destined to be mates, fidelity wasn’t something I thought to rely on.”

Luca winced. It was as if Kit was saying he had no higher expectations of Luca. That he expected to be disappointed, so what did it matter? “I hate that we have to even consider it at all, and even more that we have to talk about it soon.”

Kit pulled back and Luca let go. “I understand, Sire.”

Luca felt the draft of cold air. It had been Luca last night. “I—”

Kit smiled. “If you would excuse me, Sire. I am grubby and need a wash.” He turned and nearly bolted into the bathroom.

Luca closed his eyes in despair. He heard the lock clicking, and even as he knew Kit must realize it would be no defense against a werewolf, he guessed that really wasn’t the point Kit was trying to make.

Luca sighed, jumped up, and pulled on his pants. He would go for a run.

****

Kit held his breath until he heard the bedroom door close, and then the first sob wrung from his throat. His shoulders shook. Putting his back to the door, he slid down defeated. Why? Why, when he had been expecting this, did it hurt so much? He wasn’t stupid. He knew Alphas needed heirs, and Tara? She had been kind, gentle with him, and supportive of Luca. She was even an omega herself. They would be lucky an omega would be willing to be a breeder for them when she could have her own Alpha...

Kit wiped his eyes with his hand. That was it. It wasn’t that she was wrong for them, but that she might be right for Luca. What if Luca decided he preferred her company to his? What if they no longer shared a bed? There was nothing written anywhere that said it had to happen. The bond had already formed. There was nothing stopping Luca from keeping Tara, having babies, and then deciding they were going to stay together. Children needed their mothers.

He had.

He stood and quickly washed. He had been so happy for an instant thinking he was going to get everything he had ever hoped for. No, not everything. Much more. He had hoped to bond with Luca. He knew Luca was a good man. He had been near death when they met, and still Luca had wanted to protect him. He had never dreamed that Luca might love him. It would have been too much to hope for. He needed to concentrate on what he had.

Kit picked up a cloth and toweled himself dry, and quietly let himself out of the bathroom. He saw the small tray at the side of the bed. The coffee was barely warm, but the orange juice slid down his parched throat easily. He drained it quickly and picked at the croissant, wishing he and Luca could have eaten together.