Primal Bonds 2 (Tales of Beastkin)

7. Shiro

7

Shiro

I woke with an unfamiliar heaviness in my limbs and the sensations of muscles aching, a sweet soreness that whispered of last night’s fervent activities. My eyelids fluttered open, and for a moment, I lay there, disoriented, the opulence of my surroundings different from my old room at the penthouse. No, this was the Sullivan Mansion, my new home—Adam’s domain.

Memories of the previous day came rushing back in a warm tide. The tour of the mansion with Lan, the whirlwind of new faces—Madison with her tranquil beauty, Vanessa with her fiery presence, the chefs and other beastkins—and then, Adam, whose very touch set my soul ablaze. Our bodies entwined in passion, the intensity of our union leaving me marked in the most exquisite ways.

The scent of Adam’s musk, mingled with my own essence, still lingered in the air, intoxicating and unmistakable. I rolled over to his side of the bed, burying my face in his pillow, breathing in deeply. The fragrance was like a direct line to my very core, stirring a response I was only beginning to understand.

Sitting up, I winced at the delightful tenderness that coursed through me, a reminder of our bodies locking together in the most intimate of dances. A soft sigh escaped my lips as I considered the prospect of walking—no, limping—for the next few days.

The door creaked open, and I stiffened, half expecting one of the many staff to enter for their morning duties. Instead, Adam stepped into the room, and my heart did a little somersault at the sight of him, that familiar rush of warmth flooding through me.

He was a vision of raw masculinity, clad in sleek black pants that hugged his muscular thighs and a white shirt that seemed to mold to his broad chest and shoulders, the top buttons undone, revealing a tantalizing hint of his tanned chest. The fabric strained subtly against the ripple of muscles as he moved, and I couldn’t help but drink in the sight of him. His hair was neatly combed back, accentuating the fierce intensity of his gaze, and for a moment, I was lost in the shifting hues of his molten eyes.

I breathed in deeply, and his scent—a blend of cedar and something uniquely Adam—washed over me, stirring a deep yearning within. He carried a silver tray with the grace of a predator, the muscles in his arms flexing beneath the fabric of his shirt. My gaze was drawn to the dome-covered platter, curiosity piqued by the delicious aroma wafting from it.

Adam placed the tray on the bedside table and sat beside me, his touch gentle as he leaned in to press a tender kiss to my forehead. “Good morning,” he said.

I managed a hoarse, “Morning,” and my gaze flicked to the tray. “What’s that?”

“Your breakfast,” he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Are you hungry?”

“Starving,” I admitted, my stomach choosing that moment to growl in agreement.

Adam lifted the cover, revealing a feast for the senses. A stack of fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, a side of crispy bacon, and a bowl of fresh berries. There was also a glass of orange juice and a pot of steaming hot tea.

As I began to eat, savoring the flavors that seemed to dance across my tongue, Adam moved to the window and drew back the heavy curtains, and daylight flooded the room, revealing the late hour. The meal transformed from breakfast to brunch in an instant, but I hardly minded. Every bite was a revelation, and for a moment, all the soreness seemed to melt away.

Adam turned back to me, his eyes softening as he watched me enjoy my meal. “Take it easy today,” he said. “I have some business to attend to, but if you need anything, just let one of the staff know. You can call for Thornbridge, the butler, or Mrs. Hanes, the housekeeper, using the phone over there.” He gestured to an antique phone on a small table by the wall. “There’s a list of extensions in the notebook beside it.”

I nodded, swallowing a bite of pancake. “I will. Thank you, Adam.”

He leaned down, pressing a kiss to the corner of my mouth, his lips soft and warm. A blush crept across my cheeks, the heat of it matching the warmth that spread through my chest at his affectionate gesture.

“I’m sorry if I was too rough last night,” he said, his eyes searching mine for any sign of discomfort. “I’ll try to rein in my enthusiasm next time.”

I reached out, my fingers brushing against the stubble on his jaw. “It’s fine,” I whispered, my voice laced with a truth I felt deep in my bones. “I can handle it. I… kind of like it, your passion.”

A chuckle rumbled from deep within his chest, a sound that seemed to wrap around me like a caress. “Is that so?” he asked, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of surprise and delight.

Before I could respond, he captured my lips in a searing kiss that left me yearning for more. When he finally pulled away, I was breathless and dazed. Adam straightened and made his way to the door, leaving me with a heart full of longing and a body that ached for his touch.

Alone, I took my time finishing brunch, savoring each bite until the plate was empty. I allowed myself a moment to bask in the afterglow of the morning’s tenderness, the feel of Adam’s kiss still lingering against my lips.

With a deep breath to steady myself, I managed to extract myself from the plush confines of the bed and made my way to the bathroom, wincing with each step. The cool marble beneath my feet was a balm to my sore muscles as I turned on the shower, the water quickly turning into a warm, inviting mist. Under the spray, I let the heat soothe my aching body, my thoughts drifting to Adam and the depth of emotions he had stirred within me.

As I dried off, I realized I was using Adam’s en suite bathroom, not my own. My clothes from yesterday were nowhere in sight, already whisked away to the laundry, no doubt. Wrapped in a fluffy towel, I padded back into the bedroom, my gaze falling on the door that led directly into my own room next door. The convenience of it all made me smile, a small reminder of the care Adam took to ensure my comfort.

In my own walk-in closet, I chose a pair of jeans and a soft shirt, the fabric slipping through my fingers like water. Dressed and presentable, I stepped out into the hallway, my resolve to explore the Sullivan Mansion undeterred by the lingering soreness in my body.

I was in the foyer when the sound of hurried footsteps caught my attention. Lan appeared from around a corner and bounded toward me, his arms spreading wide in a familiar, impulsive gesture.

“Shiro!” he exclaimed, enveloping me in a tight embrace that momentarily took my breath away. He pulled back, his eyes alight with unbridled enthusiasm. “How was your first night at Casa del Sullivan? Did the mattress swallow you whole? Do you need a blanket fort to keep you warm? Did you know you can commandeer an army of maids and butlers with just a phone call? It’s like having your own personal Bat-Signal, but for room service!”

His words tumbled out in a rush, each question tripping over the last in his eagerness to bombard me with information.

“I—it was fine,” I stammered, my mind still reeling from Lan’s onslaught of questions. “I… I had brunch in bed. It was quite… nice.”

Lan’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, and he let out a low whistle. “Brunch in bed, huh? Well, well, look at you, living the high life. You’ve got the right idea, my friend. It’s not every day you get treated like royalty. But enough about that. Are you up for some more exploring? I’ve got a bit of free time, and there’s still so much of the mansion you haven’t seen yet.”

Eager to learn more about my new home and the people within it, I agreed. “I’d love that, Lan.”

With a nod, Lan gestured for me to follow him.

I t was late afternoon when I was drawn to the breathtaking beauty of the garden as Madison led us outside for afternoon tea. Vibrant flower beds burst with exotic blooms in every hue imaginable, their sweet fragrances mingling in the warm air. Cascading wisteria vines draped over ornate trellises, their delicate lavender petals swaying lazily in the gentle breeze.

Lan bounded ahead, his boundless energy ever-present, while I trailed slightly behind, my gaze drinking in the splendor surrounding us. Madison walked beside me, a welcoming smile gracing her lips.

“It’s stunning, isn’t it?” she said, noticing my awestruck expression. “Sam and his men spend a great deal of time tending to these gardens. There’s something so soothing about being surrounded by nature’s beauty.”

We settled at a wrought-iron table nestled in a secluded alcove, the lush foliage providing a tranquil escape from the world beyond the mansion’s walls. A delicate china tea set awaited us, accompanied by a tray of delectable pastries and finger sandwiches.

As Madison poured the fragrant tea into our cups, I couldn’t help but admire the warm amber liquid. “That smells nice,” I said.

Lan, already helping himself to a generous portion of the snacks, piped up between bites. “Madi’s the master when it comes to tea. She grows and blends her own concoctions. When we have bigwigs from other clans visiting, Madi whips up these special tea blends that have them practically eating out of her hand.”

A faint blush tinged Madison’s cheeks at the compliment. “It’s merely a hobby of mine. I find such joy in cultivating different plants and experimenting with their flavors.” She smiled warmly at me.

I nodded, thoroughly impressed by her dedication and skill. Taking a sip, I savored the rich, subtly floral notes dancing across my tongue. “It’s delicious,” I murmured appreciatively.

A slight prickling sensation at the nape of my neck made my fox ears twitch, and I found myself glancing around the garden, my instincts suddenly on high alert. An uneasy feeling crept over me, as if unseen eyes were watching our every move.

“Is something wrong, Shiro?” Madison asked, her brow furrowing with concern.

I hesitated, not wanting to alarm them or appear overly anxious. “I’m not sure,” I admitted, straining my senses. “I… I can’t shake the feeling that we’re being watched.” I admitted, my gaze still roaming the verdant expanse.

Lan waved a dismissive hand. “Relax, Shiro. We’re perfectly safe here. There are guards patrolling every inch of the grounds.”

“Perhaps it’s Lyria you sense,” Madison suggested, her expression contemplative. “She has an uncanny ability to move about undetected.”

My curiosity piqued at the familiar name. Lan mentioned the name Lyria yesterday. “Who is—”

The words caught in my throat as a sudden movement in my peripheral vision made me jolt. Whipping my head around, I found myself face-to-face with a striking figure mere feet away.

A woman stood before us, her presence as mesmerizing as it was unexpected. Intense amber eyes regarded me with an unreadable expression, framed by long auburn tresses that cascaded in gentle waves. Her features were sharp yet undeniably beautiful, with high cheekbones and full lips curved into the faintest hint of a smirk.

As our gazes locked, I found myself transfixed, unable to tear my eyes away from this enigmatic woman who had seemingly materialized from the very shadows themselves. Her piercing eyes seemed to bore into my very soul, igniting a strange fluttering within my chest. There was an otherworldly aura surrounding her, both alluring and unsettling.

“So, you’re Master Adam’s boy,” she said, her voice rich and melodious.

I felt my cheeks flush at her words, a warm blush creeping up my neck.

Lan, ever the jovial spirit, interjected with a playful chuckle. “Don’t mind Lyria, Shiro. She has a way of putting people on edge.” He turned to Lyria with a teasing grin. “Your lynxkin senses must be getting dull if you’re only just detecting Shiro now. He’s been here since yesterday.” Leaning closer, Lan’s voice took on a conspiratorial tone. “Don’t let her fool you. Lyria’s senses are top-notch. She can literally smell everyone in the clan from miles away.”

A slight frown creased Lyria’s brow as she regarded me once more, her head tilting ever so slightly. “He smells… different,” she mused, “yet also the same as you two.”

Madison, ever the gracious hostess, gestured toward the empty seat beside me. “Would you care to join us, Lyria? I’d be delighted to pour you a cup of tea.”

With a curt nod, Lyria slid into the chair. As Madison filled her cup, Lyria leaned in closer, her gaze intense as she seemed to drink in every detail of my appearance.

I couldn’t help but squirm under her scrutiny, my cheeks burning even hotter. Her proximity was overwhelming, her presence commanding in a way I couldn’t quite put into words.

“You smell… different,” she murmured again, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Yet also the same as Madi and Lan.”

Lan let out a hearty laugh. “Always with the smell talk, Lyria,” he teased. “You’ve told us a million times that Madi and I smell the same. Now Shiro’s getting the same treatment.”

A small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corners of Lyria’s mouth. “Indeed,” she mused. “Aka shares that similar scent as well. But you…” She looked at me, her brow furrowing as if she were trying to untangle a complex puzzle. “There’s something unique about you. A scent I’ve never encountered before. And beneath that, the unmistakable scent of Master Adam.”

At the mention of Adam’s name, my cheeks flamed even hotter. Memories of the night before flooded my senses—the raw passion, the tender caresses, the feeling of his body entwined with mine.

Lan snorted, clearly amused by Lyria’s observation. “Well, of course he smells like Master Adam. Shiro’s his special boy, after all. They share a bed, if you catch my drift.” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively. “That’s bound to rub off on him.”

A derisive snort escaped Lyria’s lips. “You sleep in Master Nolan’s bed plenty, but you don’t carry his scent, Lan.” Her eyes bored into mine, sharp and assessing. “No, this is different. It’s Master Adam’s life force I smell on Shiro.”

Lan’s eyes widened in faux understanding before he frowned, clearly lost in the complexities of beastkin biology. I, too, found myself adrift in a sea of confusion, my thoughts swirling around the notion of life force and what it could mean.

Was the swelling of Adam’s cock inside me caused by the merging of our mystical life forces during sex? The feeling had been all-consuming, like an overwhelming fire burning through us both.

I wondered if Adam had ever experienced anything like that before or if our bond was unique. Perhaps Adam could provide answers about what happened. Or maybe Nolan, with his extensive knowledge of ancient beastkin lore, could shed some light. I had a burning desire to understand the full significance of the powerful bond Adam and I shared. The alpha-omega dynamic seemed to hold mysteries just beyond my grasp, and I yearned to unlock those secrets.

Suddenly, Lyria leaned in close again, her eyes boring into mine, drawing my attention away from my thoughts.

“Have you met Vanessa yet?” she asked, her tone inscrutable.

“Yes, I’ve met her,” I replied, recalling the vivacious alpha and her overly affectionate manner.

A knowing smirk tugged at Lyria’s lips. “And has she… made any moves?”

I felt my cheeks flush at the implied meaning behind her words. Lan had warned me about Vanessa’s penchant for dolling up boys in outlandish outfits, a habit that both amused and vexed him.

Lan chuckled, jumping into the conversation. “Oh, she has. Believe me, she has. Vanessa was practically begging Master Adam if she could have him to play dress-up.” He rolled his eyes dramatically. “But of course, Master Adam shut that down real quick.”

Lyria threw back her head with a rich, melodious laugh. “I can only imagine how that went over.”

The sound of rapid footsteps drew our attention, and suddenly Vanessa came sprinting into view, her wild red curls bouncing with every stride. Without preamble, she enveloped Madison in a tight embrace, nuzzling her face into the crook of Madi’s neck.

“Madi, my love!” Vanessa cooed, her voice muffled against Madison’s skin. “I’ve missed you so much, darling. It’s been so long since I’ve laid eyes on your beautiful face.” She pulled back, cupping Madison’s cheeks with both hands as she gazed at her adoringly. “I’ve been simply starving for the very sight of you!”

Madison’s cheeks flushed, but she offered Vanessa a warm, indulgent smile. “Nessa, we only saw each other this morning at breakfast.”

“An eternity,” Vanessa insisted with an exaggerated pout.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at their playful banter, their affection for one another so palpable. I noticed Adam and Nolan approaching, Adam’s gaze immediately finding mine. He made his way over, coming to stand behind me and placing a hand on my shoulder.

“How’s your day going?” he asked, his deep voice washing over me like a caress. “Didn’t I tell you to take it easy?”

I felt a shiver run down my spine at his proximity, his masculine scent surrounding me. “I am taking it easy,” I assured him. “Just strolling around the mansion with Lan and now having afternoon tea.”

Lan narrowed his eyes at Adam, a teasing grin tugging at his lips. “Yeah, Master Adam, what did you do to poor Shiro that he needs to take it easy, huh?” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively.

Nolan chuckled, reaching out to ruffle Lan’s hair affectionately. “That’s adult business, pup. Best not to pry into matters you’re too young to understand.”

Lan snorted, swatting Nolan’s hand away with a mock scowl. “I’m practically an adult too, you know. Shiro and I are the same age. So spill—what did you do to him last night?”

Heat flooded my cheeks as memories of the previous night’s passionate encounter flooded my mind. The feeling of Adam’s strong arms wrapped around me, the exquisite slide of our bodies joining as one—it was all still so fresh, so overwhelming.

“Lan, just let it go,” I muttered, shifting uncomfortably in my seat, unable to meet his gaze.

Lan let out a low whistle, shooting me a conspiratorial wink. “You should have told me earlier, Shiro. I wouldn’t have made us walk around so much if I knew Master Adam had been making sweet love to you last night.”

Vanessa’s head whipped around at Lan’s words, her eyes widening with unbridled curiosity. “Sweet love?” she echoed, her gaze zeroing in on me with an almost predatory intensity. “Did Master Adam really make sweet love to you last night, Shiro?” She turned to Madison, looping an arm around the smaller woman’s waist. “Did we make sweet love too, Madi? I can’t seem to remember a damn thing!”

Madison patted Vanessa’s hands soothingly. “No, Nessa, we did not. You were so drunk last night that I could barely get you into bed, let alone engage in any… amorous activities.”

“Aw, Madi, I’m so sorry!” Vanessa cooed, peppering Madison’s cheek with apologetic kisses. “You know how I get when I’m drunk—wild and crazy!”

“More like a raging alcoholic, if you ask me,” Lan scoffed with an exaggerated roll of his eyes.

Vanessa whirled on him, her eyes flashing with indignation. “I am not an alcoholic!” she protested. “All alpha beastkin can handle their liquor just fine. Our life force literally detoxifies us from the inside out.”

Lyria arched a slender brow, her expression one of amused skepticism. “That's not entirely true, Vanessa. Not all alphas are good with alcohol. Take Magnus, for example—that ox can barely handle more than a glass before passing out.”

“Well, that's because Magnus is a disgrace to alphas everywhere,” Vanessa scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. “Now, someone like Elias? That panther could drink a whole barrel and still not get drunk.”

Madison poured me another cup of the delectable tea blend. The warm liquid soothed my parched throat, and I found myself utterly entranced by the fragrant aromas wafting up from the delicate china cup. A slight flush crept up my neck as I caught Adam’s intense gaze upon me, his mere presence igniting a smoldering heat within my core.

Vanessa’s brash words and Lan’s playful quips seemed to fade into the background as a forlorn wave washed over me. Despite the lighthearted banter surrounding us, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness. This scene of beastkin freely interacting, laughing and teasing one another without fear—it was such a stark contrast to the harsh realities I had known for most of my life.

If only the world didn’t discriminate against our kind so vehemently. If only we were viewed as equals, not parasites to be shunned or imprisoned. How many families had been torn apart, their lives shattered by the cruel injustices inflicted upon us? How many beastkin children had been ripped from their parents’ arms, condemned to the brutalities of The Institute while their mothers and fathers languished in those wretched “re-education” facilities?

A gentle hand on my shoulder pulled me from my despondent reverie. Adam’s piercing gaze met mine, his brow furrowed with concern. Had he sensed the dark turn of my thoughts? Without a word, he leaned down, his lips brushing against my cheek in a tender caress that sent shivers coursing through my body.

“Since you’re feeling up to it,” he murmured, his warm breath fanning across my skin, “how about joining me for a stroll through the gardens?”

I found myself nodding mutely, powerless to resist the alluring pull of his presence. As we rose to take our leave, I offered Madison a grateful smile. “Thank you for the wonderful tea, Madi. It was truly delightful.”

“You’re most welcome, Shiro,” she replied warmly. “Please, feel free to join me again whenever you’d like.”

No sooner had I vacated my chair than Nolan swooped in, dragging it closer to Lan’s seat with a mischievous glint in his eyes. Before Lan could protest, Nolan had practically hauled Lan onto his lap, eliciting an indignant squawk.

“Hey, watch it!” Lan grumbled, squirming in Nolan’s firm grip. “You’re getting way too handsy, old man.”

Nolan merely chuckled, his eyes dancing with amusement as he tightened his hold on the struggling Lan. “What’s the matter, pup? Don’t you like being close to your master?”

Lyria arched a slender brow, her lips quirking into a knowing smirk. “At this rate, you two might as well just share a bed and be done with it.”

“We do share a bed sometimes,” Lan retorted, shooting Lyria a pointed look. “But only because Master Nolan can’t sleep without me there as his teddy bear.”

A rich, melodious laugh escaped Lyria’s lips. “That’s not quite what I meant, Lan.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at their playful banter, warmth blooming in my chest at the camaraderie they shared. As Adam’s hand found the small of my back, gently guiding me away, I cast one last glance over my shoulder at the lively scene.