Unsevered Ties

13. Who's Top Dog?

Chapter 13: Who's Top Dog?

"What?" All the important voices surrounding Sega uttered the same question. Sega didn't bat a single eyelash. He maintained Aiden's gaze. Aiden matured over the years, but that did not mean he sat on the same intellectual level as Sega. Aiden had grown into a man and formed a formidable physique, reminiscent of the Mountaineers daily physical activities across the rough terrain. That did not mean all of him developed. Sega had to cut down this thick tree trunk because he thought he could reappear and dig up the ground he'd paved.

It was one thing to come and stake claim on one of his brothers as if it were a casual thing that meant nothing. Technically, it was Naki who went to the other man, but for Aiden to have the nerve to agree, he wasn't having it. The fact about their twisted little past was one story. He would not let this feeling of having interest in something, a rare feeling for him, slip through his fingers and go to a coward and a boar.

"Sega..." Rafeo spoke up first among the shocked silence. "Not you too..." Rafeo pinched the bridge of his nose. Was this a cruel prank? He wondered why Sega seemed oddly supportive and giving of his time with Naki. Of course Sega had an agenda.

Cerise, who had gone to stand by Leion, looked up at his older brother. They both gave each other silent looks, not sure how to take the news that Sega had set his sights on Naki. Neither jumped for joy at the conclusion. Sega's attention could be complicated. Their brother's odd softness towards Naki made clearer sense now. Neither knew why Sega seemed unwilling to let Naki see his worse tendencies. Sega's outward cry of interest in Naki slammed the loose ends together.

"You want to mate with Naki?" Leiodus' brows rose in pure shock. His son had never expressed interest in actually mating anyone, even though he had been of the mating age for years now. He'd stopped fighting it for now. They had business to handle first, and a mate would only distract Sega. He had his own prospects for a mate, but Sega was often his difficult child. He let Sega rebel as long as it didn't interfere with business or get out of hand. When he required the facade of a Queen for Sega, he'd choose from his desired options for his son.

Leiodus knew Sega did whatever a young noble wolf did. The sheer number of partners his son ran through was ridiculous. For his son to openly express his desire to take a Mate... Leiodus was infinitely curious about what had sparked such a thing. It seemed that his son had never gotten over his obsession with owning rare things. Naki was as rare as they came. Leiodus knew the coloring from one place, and it made him take an interest in Naki for a while now. So far, Naki wasn't worth his watchful eye.

He'd yet to share his real intent with his son, but it was always his intention to keep the boy close until he had some answers. The fact that Sega seemed to want the young male above all others who'd offered themselves to him... He wanted Sega to be absent of sentiment and foolish ideas of love. Sega's willingness to cause a scene over Naki only furthered his thoughts that Naki had a special something about him.

"I do." Sega turned to his father with a serious look on his fine face, light brows set low over a  sparkling blue. "I've wanted to for a while now. I have to admit that I've developed an unhealthy desire for Naki. I felt shameful at first. It wouldn't do for a Prince to fall for a boy's pretty features. Knowing what he is, however, and knowing that I've had good reason to find myself attracted to him, I refuse to sit back and miss the opportunity. You didn't want me to fight Aiden's audacious request for a Field prince's hand in mating, but now he over steps his range of power."

Eyes like a glistening frozen lake hit by the sun turned to Naki, piercing eyes narrowing as a sharp gaze studied the younger male. "I'm offering you a chance to become my first mate. You will want for nothing, and whatever King Aiden has offered you, I'm sure that I can find a suitable replacement." Sega's eyes slid to Aiden again, the slightest tick rippled through a strong jaw, indicating his irritation. "I'd rather you not go off with someone you don't know at all. Who knows what kind of man King Aiden might prove to be? You'd be taken away from your friends and family. Going with Aiden, it won't be too often that you get to see them, Naki. The journey between our lands is not a short one."