Feral Bonds: Claimed By Rogue Alpha Brothers

Evaline:

Warmth. That was the first thing I felt when consciousness brushed against me, heavier than sleep yet soft like a blanket wrapping me up. I snuggled deeper into it, pressing my cheek against the pillow, until the faintest movement made me stir.

My lashes fluttered open, adjusting slowly to the quiet darkness of the room. The curtains had been drawn shut, and the room was filled with darkness, but I didn't need much to see the tall figure moving carefully beside me.

Recently, I had realized that my eyesight had improved quite a bit over the past couple of months.

"...Oscar?" My voice was still thick with sleep, but he froze instantly, his head turning to me.

He must have thought I was still asleep because guilt flickered over his face before he softened, a sheepish smile curling his lips. Instead of continuing to climb out of bed, he came back, lowering himself to sit on the edge beside me. His hand was gentle as it slid over my hair, patting it softly.

"Sorry," he murmured, his voice low and hushed as though afraid to disturb the peace of the room. "Didn't mean to wake you."

I blinked up at him, still fighting the heavy pull of slumber. Behind me, Draven's warmth was a weight at my back, steady and grounding, his breath fanning softly against my nape. If it weren't for Oscar moving, I might have slipped back under.

"You are leaving for the Academy, aren't you?" I asked, my voice slow, slurred by drowsiness.

He hummed in affirmation, leaning down just a little. "Yes. I'll be back soon, little star. I'll wrap everything up quickly and return to you." He bent to press a kiss against my temple, his hand still stroking my hair in that soothing way he always did. "Now go back to sleep."

I almost obeyed him... almost. My eyes fluttered shut, but then, a sudden ache bloomed in my chest, fierce and stubborn. The thought of him walking out without something more... without me giving something back... was unbearable.

Before he could pull away, I reached up and caught the back of his head, surprising even myself. His hair slid like silk through my fingers as I tugged him down, my lips finding his in a kiss.

At first, it was supposed to be quick. Just a fleeting brush, a whisper of good-bye. But he didn't let it stay that way.

The moment my mouth touched his, he stilled, and then I felt it... that hum beneath my skin, the mate bond vibrating with satisfaction, with happiness. It was like pouring my soul into him, into the connection that tied us together, showing him my love without words.

But when I began to pull back, thinking I had given enough, his mouth chased mine. A soft sound escaped me when his lips captured mine again, firmer this time, his hand slipping to cradle the side of my face.

I gasped, and he swallowed the sound, deepening the kiss. My heart raced wildly in my chest, heat coiling in my stomach as he tilted his head to better mold his mouth over mine. I clutched at his night shirt, torn between pulling him closer and reminding him he needed to leave.

But when he kissed me like that, slow and yet consuming, I couldn't think of anything else. The bond thrummed, alive, sparking through every nerve until I moaned softly into his mouth.

That sound changed something in him. He growled low in his throat, not with anger but with something primal, protective, and it sent shivers racing through me. He kissed me like he didn't want to let me go, like this was the last breath he would ever take and he wanted it to be mine.

By the time he pulled away, I was breathless, my lips tingling, my chest heaving. His forehead leaned against mine for a moment, his breath mingling with mine. The bond thrived so strongly I thought my heart might burst.

Behind me, Draven shifted. His arm tightened over my hip as though claiming me all over again, and then I felt his lips press against the side of my neck in a lazy, possessive kiss.

"Good morning, brother," he rumbled, voice still thick with sleep.

Oscar chuckled, though his gaze lingered on me for another moment. He bent down to plant one last kiss on my lips - gentle this time, lingering - and whispered, "Rest, little star. I'll be back before you miss me."

And then, reluctantly, he slipped away, his footsteps silent as he finally left the room.

I turned immediately in Draven's arms, burying myself against his chest. His warmth was intoxicating, the steady beat of his heart lulling me. I had maybe one more hour before six. One more hour before I would have to rise.

It took less than five minutes for sleep to claim me again.

* * *

The shrill ring of my alarm clock dragged me back to consciousness. My eyes shot open, and I quickly fumbled to silence it before it disturbed Draven. He grumbled faintly behind me, but didn't stir.

Smiling faintly, I leaned down to press a soft kiss to his cheek before slipping out of bed. The bathroom light was too bright, but it helped chase the sleep from my body as I splashed my face with warm water.

The next hour passed in the rhythm I had built for myself. Warm water to wake my body, gentle stretches to loosen stiff muscles, then meditation and yoga to center my mind. My body still remembered the old days when I had nothing, when I couldn't trust even my own home to keep me safe. But this… this routine grounded me.

By the time I stepped into the shower, steam curling around me, I already felt lighter. Fresh clothes clung softly to my skin when I stepped out, toweling my hair.

"Sit."

I glanced up at Draven, who was already awake and showered, a towel around his shoulders. He held the hair dryer in one hand, motioning to the stool near the mirror.

"You don't have to-"

"Sit." His tone brooked no argument, so I obeyed. And, as always, I was glad I did. My arms grew tired when I tried to blow-dry my hair myself, but Draven's large, steady hands worked through the long strands with ease, his patience unmatched.

By the time he finished, my hair was soft and dry, and he was dressed as well. Together, we descended the stairs.

River was already there in the living room, sipping his black coffee. Jasper was there too and he greeted me politely with a nod. They seemed to be talking about Rogue activity near the borders of Nightshade Pack.

Breakfast followed, though River merely sat with us, sipping his dark brew. The meal was simple but warm, and the quiet domesticity of it all still startled me sometimes.

With the meal over, Jasper left first, duty pulling him away. Then River rose, and so did I.

We walked out of the mansion and the familiar black car was waiting there. River stepped into the car first, his long coat brushing against the door, while I lingered for just a moment.

Because Draven caught my wrist.

Before I could blink, he leaned down and kissed me on the porch - right in front of at least a dozen servants and warriors who pretended not to stare. My face flamed as gasps and murmurs filled the air, though quickly smothered into silence.

When he pulled back, his eyes gleamed with quiet amusement.

"Have a good day," he murmured.

I could only nod, still blushing furiously, before slipping into the car after River.

The door shut. The engine purred to life. And just like that, we were off to the Council headquarters.