Compromised

Kieran's fists flew through the air, the sharp crack of impact echoing across the training room. Valen barely managed to block the blows, his muscles straining against the force behind them. 

"You're angry," Valen said, breathless but still smirking as he dodged a particularly vicious hook. "Let me guess… thinking about your little Omega?"

Kieran growled, stepping in with a sharp uppercut. Valen barely ducked in time, stumbling back a few paces, but the teasing glint in his eyes never faded.

"If you didn't want him to go, you should've challenged Hadrian."

Kieran didn't answer. He just struck again, faster and harder. Valen blocked, but his feet skidded in the dirt from the force of Kieran's assault.

"Hit a nerve, did I?" Valen coughed, shaking out his arms. "You should've seen your face when Hadrian sent two of his Betas to escort your Omegas. What do you think that was about?"

Kieran's movements slowed. "It doesn't sit right with me," he admitted. "Why would Hadrian insist on sending his men to watch my people?"

Valen exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulders. "Because he thinks you're getting soft." His tone turned serious. "And I don't blame him. You've been distracted, Kieran. Especially ever since this omega was brought in." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Is he your fated mate?"

Kieran froze. He hesitated for a moment, before deciding against answering his friend's question.

Valen scoffed. "You won't even say it."

Before Kieran could respond, Magnus Voss, Kieran's second in command and the only beta who is his friend, came sprinting toward them.

"Magnus, you're back from your mission early," Kieran said. Magnus was barely around in camp, he was always out scouting and spying, seeing if the other nations had any plans to ally with the enemy. He was pretty good at analysing situations and seeing how they could affect them in future.

"Commander," He stopped before the two men. "The Omegas' mission, the ones you sent to the water source..." he swallowed hard, trying to stay composed. "...it's been compromised. Someone leaked information."

The air thickened.

Kieran and Valen exchanged a look. Kieran clenched his fists, a storm raging inside him. His first thought wasn't the mission. It was Soren.

Valen cursed under his breath. "If this is compromised, it ruins everything. Everything else would amount to nothing."

Kieran didn't respond. He was already moving, heading toward his tent. He was always prepared in situations like this. His experience from when he was training under his late father taught him to always have a plan B. Always imagine that the worst will happen.

And if Soren was in danger, he had plans to get him back.

_________

Estate Farm in Zendara

Soren barely slept. His body ached from exhaustion, but his mind refused to rest. When the knock came at his door, he was already sitting up, staring at the ceiling.

"Get up," the woman from before called. "Follow me."

Soren obeyed without a word, his body stiff as he walked through the dimly lit halls. She led him into a bathing chamber, the scent of lavender and warm water filling the air.

"Wash thoroughly," she instructed. "Clothes are waiting for you on the door."

The moment she left, Soren scanned the room for an escape route. A window. There had to be—

His heart sank.

There was only one. And it was too small, too high. Even a child couldn't fit through.

Biting his lip, Soren stripped off his clothes and stepped into the bath, scrubbing his skin until it was raw. The heat of the water did nothing to chase away the dread curling in his stomach.

When he was done, he dressed in the soft, expensive, silk garments left for him. They were too nice it made his skin crawl as he wondered why he was getting dressed in this.

He wasn't left wondering for long.

The moment he was guided into a new room...the master's bedroom, his stomach twisted.

A half-naked man, the master of this estate, lounged on the massive bed, his greying hair was damp from a previous bath. As Soren entered the man's heavy gaze dragged over him like he was assessing a purchase.

Soren's breath stilled.

The man smiled lazily. "Did your roommates tell you what your duties would be?"

Soren forced himself to nod.

The Alpha stood, shedding the last of his clothing without shame. Soren's fingers dug into his palms, his entire body locked in place.

"Bring the warm oil," the man ordered. "My muscles have been tense lately." He lay down on his stomach, waiting.

Soren swallowed against the bile rising in his throat. His hands shook as he grabbed the bottle and poured the warmed oil into his palms, trying to keep them from trembling.

He rushed through the motions, pressing his fingers into the Alpha's shoulders with quick, jerky movements.

"Slower," the man murmured. "Take your time. I want to feel those hands everywhere."

Soren bit the inside of his cheek and obeyed. He could feel the thick scent of the Alpha's musk filling the air, trying to settle into his senses. His head felt heavy, but he fought against it, taking slow, controlled breaths.

Then the man shifted.

Soren's stomach dropped.

The man was now on his back—the towel over his hips doing little to hide the heavy bulge underneath.

"Now the front," the Alpha instructed.

Soren hesitated, but focused only on the chest.

The man's eyes darkened. "I said everywhere, boy."

A hand shot out, gripping Soren's wrist. Dragging him closer.

Soren's heartbeat roared in his ears.

His trembling fingers hovered. This wasn't the first time an Alpha had wanted to use him. But it was the first time he had no way out.

For the first time, he considered surrendering.

If he had to lose his virginity… maybe he should have just given it to Kieran. Or anyone at the camp. Because here, there was no choice.

Here, he would be taken.

And he didn't know if he would endure it—

Or fight until he dies.