Primal Bonds 2 (Tales of Beastkin)

4. Shiro

4

Shiro

I slipped into the dining room, the low murmur of voices a comforting backdrop to the lavish opulence that surrounded me. Lan was already there, half-hidden behind one of the towering pillars near the far wall as if he was trying to blend into the ornate wallpaper. His usual mischievous grin was replaced by a look of apprehension, and I realized with a start that he was hiding from Vanessa.

The silver-haired gentleman I'd seen earlier—whom I now recognized as Thornbridge, the butler Lan had mentioned—moved with quiet efficiency around the long dining table. His movements were precise and graceful as he directed a team of maids in setting out gleaming silverware and delicate china. An older woman, whom I guessed must be Mrs. Hanes, the housekeeper, supervised the placement of elaborate floral centerpieces. The staff worked in perfect synchronization, their actions so smooth and practiced that they seemed almost invisible, a seamless part of the mansion’s grandeur.

Nolan was busy opening a bottle of wine, the rich burgundy liquid cascading into crystal glasses with a soft gurgle. Adam, ever the commanding figure, moved to take his place at the head of the table. His hand rested on my lower back, guiding me to the seat next to him. The warmth of his touch sent a pleasant shiver through me, a stark contrast to the coolness of the high-backed chair.

Nolan took his seat on Adam’s right, his eyes twinkling with mirth as he looked across the table. “Lan, hurry up and sit down,” he called out, his voice laced with amusement. “Stop dallying, or I might just let Vanessa have her way with you.”

Lan shot Nolan a withering glare and retorted, “Shush up, you!”

But it was too late. Vanessa, with her wild red curls bouncing around her shoulders, had already spotted him. “Lan, darling!” she exclaimed, her arms spread wide as she sashayed toward him, arms outstretched, her face alight with excitement. “I’ve missed you so much!”

With a yelp and reflexes that spoke of long practice, Lan dodged her advance with a deft sidestep. “I haven’t missed you at all!” he declared and made a beeline away from her outstretched arms.

In one fluid motion that was part escape artistry and part dance, Lan weaved through the furniture until he reached Nolan’s side. “Scoot over,” he demanded in a voice that held both resignation and urgency.

Nolan’s lips curled into a smirk, clearly enjoying Lan’s discomfort. “Only if you come to my bed tonight,” he teased.

Lan let out an exaggerated sigh, a mixture of annoyance and acceptance woven into the sound. “Fine,” he conceded with mock trauma in his voice. “I’ll be your teddy bear tonight. Now scoot!”

As Nolan shifted to the next seat, Lan slipped into the chair to Adam’s right. I couldn’t help but notice the relief on his face at having avoided Vanessa’s clutches.

I watched this playful exchange with a sense of bemusement, realizing that Lan’s reluctance to sit next to Vanessa was more than just a preference—it was a strategic decision to avoid her exuberant affections.

Madison settled into the seat beside me, her gentle presence a soothing contrast to the lively banter around us. “Nessa, hurry up. Lan’s starving,” she called out.

Lan nodded vehemently, his stomach growling in agreement. “Starving,” he emphasized, casting a pointed look in Vanessa’s direction.

Vanessa’s lower lip jutted out in an exaggerated pout. “Here I returned home early because I’ve missed my family, and not one of you will give me a hug!”

Madison reached out to squeeze Vanessa’s hand. “Cheer up,” she soothed. “I’ll hug you all night.”

Vanessa’s face lit up at the promise, and I found myself marveling at her mercurial moods. This powerful woman, the clan’s third hand, was nothing like I’d imagined. Instead of cold aloofness, she exuded a playful energy that seemed at odds with her position. It was… strangely endearing, in a way I hadn’t expected.

The doors swung open, and Tom and Chris entered, rolling in food carts ladened with lavish dishes. As Tom set a seared salmon on the table, the smell of the tender fish paired with a lemon dill butter sauce wafted over me, causing my stomach to rumble in anticipation. The salmon lay on a large platter, golden and crisp on the outside, while the inside remained a perfect rosy hue, begging to be savored. Chris followed suit with a perfectly grilled ribeye steak that boasted a charred crust, encased in a glossy red wine reduction that seemed almost too exquisite to consume.

To accompany these masterpieces, they presented a trio of sides that promised a journey for the taste buds: roasted garlic asparagus spears that glistened with a hint of oil, duchess potatoes that puffed up proudly with their golden peaks, and a vibrant garden salad with vinaigrette, offering a refreshing balance to the robust flavors that lay ahead.

The table had become a hive of activity as everyone served themselves, and the murmurs of contentment and conversation filled the air once more. Amid this backdrop, Vanessa’s voice pierced through the din.

“I’ve secured what you were after,” she declared, a triumphant smirk gracing her features. “The auction was a battlefield. All the major clans were clawing for it. But none could stand against the might of the Sullivan.”

Her words sparked a renewed sense of curiosity in me, and I leaned in ever so slightly to catch the rest of the conversation. Nolan, his usually playful eyes now gleaming with interest, leaned forward in response to Vanessa’s announcement.

“I can’t wait to get my hands on that ancient tome,” he said, rubbing his hands together with barely contained excitement. His words piqued my interest. An ancient book? Was it possible it contained lost knowledge about our kind?

“Shiro, how do you find the mansion?” Nolan turned to me, his curiosity seemingly boundless.

I swallowed my mouthful of salmon before replying, “It’s… enormous. There are so many people here. I think it’ll take some time to get used to.” I hesitated for a moment before adding, “Um, when is Aka coming?”

Vanessa, who had been calmly cutting into her steak, suddenly looked up with an almost predatory gleam in her eyes. “Aka’s joining us, you say?” she purred, a sly grin spreading across her face.

“Yes, Vanessa, settle down,” Nolan said with an amused shake of his head. “Chase and Aka will indeed be moving into the mansion. It’s part of a… secret research project we’re planning.” At this revelation, Nolan locked eyes with me, a mischievous sparkle in his gaze that sent a shiver of unease down my spine. “And you, dear Shiro, will be a key subject in our doctor’s research.”

My heart leaped into my throat. I knew I was going to be helping with the research but not as a subject. Was it because I was an omega? A wave of panic washed over me, but before I could voice my concerns, Nolan burst into laughter.

“Fear not, little fox,” he reassured me, the corners of his eyes crinkling in mirth. “Chase won’t do anything drastic—just a few blood tests, physical exams… the usual.”

Despite his assurances, my mind swirled with questions, and my gaze inadvertently drifted toward Adam. His face, usually a mask of stern composure, gave away nothing, but his hand found mine under the table, his thumb gently stroking the back of my hand. There was something more going on here—something that likely involved the enigma that was an omega and an alpha as formidable as Adam.

“Why me?” The question escaped my lips before I could stop it. Nolan looked at Adam once more before turning his attention back to me.

“All will be revealed in time,” he promised, leaving the rest of his sentence suspended in the air.

As the meal unfolded, the atmosphere in the dining hall mellowed. I watched Vanessa, her cheeks flushed a rosy hue, her eyes glazed with the haze of inebriation as she worked her way through a bottle all on her own. She stood, swaying slightly as she looked at Madison with an intensity that was almost tangible.

“Madi, my love,” she crooned, her voice rising in a melody that was sweet and just a touch off-key. The song that poured from her lips was a love song, one filled with longing and promises of eternal devotion.

Madison accepted Vanessa’s affections with a tender smile, allowing herself to be enveloped in a tight embrace. Vanessa’s lips peppered her face with kisses that lingered a touch too long, followed by a playful lick that made Madi giggle and blush a soft pink. It was a spectacle that was both beautiful and a little overwhelming.

Nolan watched the scene unfold with an amused chuckle. “Vanessa’s completely plastered,” he observed with an indulgent shake of his head. “Madi, you might want to escort her upstairs before she embarrasses herself any further.”

Madison let out a sigh, one that carried both affection and resignation. “Yes, I suppose it’s time.” She rose gracefully from her seat. “Come on, Nessa. Let’s get you to bed.” With gentle coaxing, she guided a stumbling Vanessa toward the door. I admired Madison’s strength and the subtle way she steered Vanessa with quiet authority.

As they disappeared through the doorway, Lan shook his head, a look of disbelief etched on his features. “She’s an embarrassment to the Sullivan name,” he muttered under his breath, though the grin tugging at the corners of his mouth suggested he found the whole situation rather entertaining.

Nolan’s laughter filled the room again. “You just want her gone so you’re out of reach of her over-the-top affections, don’t you?”

Lan snorted dismissively. “I’m not worried about myself,” he retorted, casting a glance in my direction. “But Shiro over there…” His gaze softened when it met mine. “He looks too fragile to handle the likes of Vanessa.”

I couldn’t deny my own vulnerability, how easily overwhelmed I felt amid these larger-than-life personalities.

Leaning across the table, Lan fixed me with an earnest look. “Trust me, Shiro,” he said with an intensity that belied his usual playfulness. “Vanessa is awful and will do awful things to you. She’ll have you dressed in things you can’t even imagine.”

A shiver of apprehension ran down my spine at his words. The thought of Vanessa’s whirlwind presence focusing on me was more than a little daunting. I had seen the way she looked at me earlier, a glint of mischief in her golden-brown eyes that promised all sorts of trouble.

Nolan’s amusement hadn’t waned. “I wouldn’t mind seeing Lan and Shiro—and Aka too—in some of Vanessa’s outfits,” he mused with a mischievous grin.

Lan shot Nolan a withering look, his wolf ears flattening against his head in a rare show of annoyance. “I’d rather die than wear any of those outfits ever again,” he declared loudly.

Nolan’s chuckle rumbled through the room, rich and warm. “Lan, you have to admit, you looked pretty cute in those outfits. It’s such a shame you’re so stubborn about it.”

Lan rolled his eyes skyward, a groan of mock despair escaping him. “You’re weird, Master Nolan. Really weird.” His words were sharp, but the twinkle in his eye gave away his fondness for the absurdity of their banter. “You’re the only one who thought that.”

Nolan continued to prod. “Ah, but it’s such a shame we won’t get to see it again.”

Lan’s eyes flashed with defiance. “Over my dead body,” he retorted. “I’d rather parade naked through Times Square than let Vanessa dress me up again,” he declared with a flourish of his hand that drew a burst of laughter from Nolan.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the mental image, the absurdity of Lan’s statement making the room feel lighter, brighter somehow.

A teasing glint appeared in Nolan’s eyes as he leaned back in his chair, an image clearly forming in his mind. “But you make such a charming doll,” he teased, his voice low and playful. “Although, I must admit, I wouldn’t mind seeing you parading around naked.”

Lan huffed, crossing his arms over his chest as if the mere thought made him feel exposed. “You wish,” he retorted with a snort.

Their banter continued to weave through the air like an intricate dance, Nolan’s words dipping and twirling around Lan’s steadfast refusal. Then suddenly, Nolan’s gaze turned mischievous, his hand reaching out to pull Lan into his arms, depositing him unceremoniously onto his lap, eliciting a surprised yelp from Lan.

I watched, amused as Lan squirmed and wriggled in an attempt to free himself, his cheeks now a fiery red as he protested, “Master Nolan, let me go!” But there was a hint of laughter in his voice, a clear sign that he wasn’t entirely opposed to the attention.

As the two of them continued their playful tussle, a gentle touch on my cheek drew my focus away from the spectacle. Adam’s fingers trailed softly down my jawline, his touch gentle yet filled with an unspoken promise that sent a shiver of anticipation through me, his gaze meeting mine with an intensity that took my breath away.

“Are you tired?” he asked. His voice was soft, meant only for my ears.

I nodded slightly, feeling the weight of the day settle on my shoulders. “A little,” I admitted, the anticipation of what Adam had promised earlier making my heart flutter in my chest. The thought of his hands on me, his lips pressed against mine, sent a shiver of desire coursing through my veins. My skin flushed with want, and Adam’s soft chuckle told me he was all too aware of the effect he had on me.

He stood and extended his hand toward me. “Are you finished with your dessert?” he asked, gesturing toward the remnants of my chocolate lava cake, the rich raspberry coulis still clinging to the edges of the plate.

I looked down at the decadent treat, now little more than a memory, and nodded. “Yes, I’m done,” I confirmed.

With a firm yet gentle grip, Adam took my hand in his, leading me away from the table. As we made our way toward the exit, Lan’s panicked voice cut through the din. “Wait, are you guys done with dinner already?”

Nolan’s laughter was the last thing I heard as Adam and I stepped out into the hallway. “Looks like it’s just the two of us now,” Nolan said, his voice fading into the background.

I couldn’t help but cast a glance back at Lan, who was now struggling to extricate himself from Nolan’s roaming hands. “Quit it with your hands,” Lan exclaimed, batting away Nolan’s seeking fingers. “Where do you think you’re touching?”

T he elevator doors slid shut behind us, sealing Adam and me within the confined space, my heart, a wild, frantic thing, fluttered against my rib cage. Adam stood beside me, his alpha’s presence, so commanding and overwhelming in its intensity, seemed to fill every inch of the small compartment, leaving little room for anything else. His scent—a heady mix of earth and spice with an undercurrent of something wild and untamed—was potent and intoxicating, a sensory overload that wrapped around me like a tangible thing. I felt my cheeks flush and heat spread through my core, a familiar ache that seemed to pulse in time with the beating of my heart.

I could feel my own scent beginning to bloom in response to his proximity, a subtle, floral fragrance that betrayed my growing desire. It was an intimate revelation, one that left me feeling vulnerable and exposed, yet thrillingly alive.

Adam’s nostrils flared slightly as he inhaled and stepped closer. His hand reached out, fingers splaying against my back, pulling me close against the hard lines of his body. His breath was a warm caress as he nestled his nose in the softness of my hair.

“You smell so good,” he said.

My breath hitched, and I pressed closer, emboldened by his touch. I lifted my eyes to his, finding a storm brewing in their depths, and my heart fluttered.

“You smell good too,” I said, my own voice sounding small and breathless. My cheeks flamed with heat at the admission, but Adam only chuckled softly, the sound resonating deep within his chest.

The elevator dinged, signaling our arrival at the sixth floor. Adam, his hand on the small of my back, guided me out into the hallway. The heat of his touch seemed to burn through the fabric of my clothes, branding my skin with his warmth.

He ushered me into his bedroom, and here, his scent was even more potent, saturating the air until it was all I could breathe. It wrapped around me, a tangible force that left me reeling, my body growing hotter, aching with need.

Adam shrugged off his suit jacket, revealing the broad expanse of his chest and the muscles that rippled beneath his shirt, the movement somehow both casual and intensely alluring. “We’ll bathe together,” he said, the corners of his lips tilting in a smile.

Dazed and weak-kneed, I nodded, incapable of speech as the effects of his scent left my mind hazy, my thoughts adrift in a sea of desire.

Inside the en suite bathroom, Adam said, “Start brushing your teeth, I’ll draw us a bath.”

Obediently, I reached for the spare toothbrush. The taste of mint filled my mouth, cool and refreshing, as I brushed, my eyes drifting over to Adam, who moved with a quiet efficiency to the large claw-foot tub. He turned the taps, and water gushed forth, steam curling from the spout in soft tendrils. He poured in essential oils, and a rich, floral scent wafted through the air. It was a fragrance that seemed to be a blend of the outdoors and something more exotic, a scent that was unmistakably Adam.

Once I had finished brushing my teeth, I was about to reach for the hem of my shirt when Adam’s voice stopped me. “Let me,” he said, his eyes meeting mine in the mirror, the smoldering intensity in his gaze making my heart skip a beat.

He came to stand before me, his hands reaching for the hem of my shirt. His fingers grazed my sides as he peeled the garment off me. Each brush of his skin against mine left a trail of heat in its wake, leaving me breathless and lightheaded. His touch was deliberate, igniting a fire within me that I hadn’t known could burn so fiercely.

Once my torso was bared to him, Adam’s hands lingered, tracing the contours of my body with a tenderness that made my chest tighten with emotion. He then moved to my pants, unbuttoning them with deft fingers while maintaining eye contact, as if to assure me that I was safe in his care.

As he slid my pants down my legs, I stepped out of them, blushing furiously under his gaze. I felt exposed and vulnerable, yet there was an undeniable thrill in being stripped naked by him, in being seen so completely.

Standing bare before him, my body hummed with a mixture of embarrassment and arousal. His eyes roamed over me, a soft smile playing on his lips as he lifted a hand to cup my cheek. His touch was featherlight as he ran the backs of his fingers down my arm, a simple caress that left a trail of fire in its wake. His lips met mine in a kiss so tender it felt like a promise, and I melted into him, the world narrowing to the space between our bodies.

“Go ahead and get in the tub,” he said against my mouth, his breath a warm gust that fanned the flames of my desire. “I’ll join you in a moment.”

With a nod, I moved toward the tub, the water beckoning with its inviting warmth. I stepped in, sinking into the fragrant depths with a contented sigh. The water was the perfect temperature, hot enough to soothe my aching muscles without scalding my skin.

I leaned back against the sloped porcelain, letting the scented water lap at me as I watched Adam brush his teeth. My gaze wandered over him, taking in the broad expanse of his shoulders, the well-defined muscles of his arms, and the narrow taper of his waist. His skin was a flawless canvas, stretched taut over the sculpted ridges of his abdomen. Even the simple act of brushing his teeth seemed imbued with a raw, animalistic grace that was uniquely his.

When he finished, he began to disrobe. He peeled off his shirt first, revealing the chiseled landscape of his chest. He then unfastened his pants, pushing them down his hips. My eyes widened at the sight of him, fully naked and unashamed. His body was beautiful, all hard lines and corded muscle, the evidence of his arousal jutting proudly. His arms, sinewy and strong, had a grace to them that belied their force, and I remembered the way they felt wrapped around me—both protective fortress and tender cradle. His thighs, pillars of raw power, hinted at the explosive speed and agility that lay beneath the surface.

I couldn’t help but stare, my body responding with a flush of heat that spread from my core to the very tips of my fingers and toes, my breath caught in my throat and my heart pounding with fervor.

Adam caught me looking and a slow, knowing smile spread across his face. As he stepped into the tub, I shifted to make room for him, the water rippled around us as he settled in. With a gentle tug, he pulled me back against him, cradling me in the V of his hips, the length of his front pressed against my back. I could feel the hardening of his arousal against the small of my back, the heat of it seeping through my skin and sending a shudder of longing through my body.

My own cock responded, stirring to life with an insistent throb that demanded attention. I was keenly aware of the physical differences between us; where I was lean and lithe, Adam was all hard lines and solid muscle. Yet in this moment, as I found myself on his lap, those differences seemed to melt away, leaving only the raw, undeniable heat that sparked between our bodies.

Adam’s arms wrapped around me, a protective cocoon that made me feel cherished and safe. His embrace was both a haven and a temptation, and I relaxed into his touch, feeling the tension drain from my body, replaced by a warmth that spread through my veins like wildfire.

Nestling his face against the sensitive skin of my nape, Adam planted light, teasing kisses along the column of my throat. His breath was a warm whisper against my skin, sending goosebumps racing across my flesh, each brush of his lips against my neck sent a jolt of electricity shooting through me, a thrilling sensation that left me breathless and yearning for more.

“Tell me,” he said, his voice a low rumble that vibrated against my back. “What do you think of the Sullivan Mansion and the beastkins in it?” His hands traced idle patterns on my stomach, his fingers dipping below the waterline to tease the soft skin of my lower abdomen.

I tilted my head, granting him better access to my skin, even as I recounted the day. “Lan gave me a tour,” I said, my voice coming out as a soft, breathy sigh. “He showed me the living areas, the kitchen, the ballroom, and the gym. It’s all so… overwhelming, in a good way. I’ve never seen anything so grand and luxurious before. Well, the penthouse is luxurious, but this… And there are so many beastkins, and everyone is so nice.”

Adam chuckled, the sound rich and warm. “We are a big clan, after all,” he said, his arms tightening around me, his lips grazed my earlobe, drawing a quiet moan from me. “And we take care of our own.”

I nodded, remembering the bustling activity within the mansion’s walls, the constant hum of energy and life that seemed to pulse through its very foundations. Then I remembered the peaceful serenity of the sunroom.

“I also had afternoon tea with Madi in the sunroom,” I said, my words punctuated by the soft press of his lips against my neck. “It’s such a beautiful place… filled with so many plants. The garden outside is just as stunning. It’s like a slice of paradise in the middle of the city.”

“Madi has a way with plants,” Adam said, his lips curving into a smile against my skin. “She’s made that sunroom her personal sanctuary.”

I nodded, thinking of the vast library and the wealth of knowledge it contained. “And then there’s the library,” I said as I squirmed slightly, pleasure coursing through me at the feel of his mouth on my skin. “Cedric gave me so many books about the history of beastkins. I can’t wait to dig into them, although my reading skills aren’t as good as I’d like them to be. My mother taught me the basics before… before she passed away.”

Adam’s arms tightened around me, a silent acknowledgment of my loss. “We’ll find a private tutor for you,” he said gently. “You can learn at your own pace.”

I tilted my head back to look at him, surprised by the offer. “Really? Thank you, Adam. It’s very thoughtful of you.”

“No problem,” he said.

“Maybe Lan and Aka could join me?” I suggested.

Adam’s chuckle rumbled through me, a pleasant vibration that made my heart flutter. “Lan?” he asked, sounding amused. “I wasn’t aware he had an interest in studying.”

I frowned, confusion knitting my brows even as his hands roamed over my body, stoking the fire within me. “I’m quite sure he’s keen on studying. He pretends to be all brawn and no brains, but I think he’d surprise you.”

“Is that so? Then of course Lan and Aka can join you with the studying,” Adam said, his voice a smooth baritone that warmed me from the inside out.

My heart swelled with gratitude. “Really? That would mean so much to us.”

Adam gazed at me for a moment, his eyes dark, and then he dipped his head and captured my lips with his in a kiss that stole my breath away.