VEGAS

XIV.I: Sell your Soul

Me and the devil walking side by side.                     Me and the devil walking side by side.

- me and the devil (Soap&Skin)

~~~~~

PART 1. 

The sun was already peaking through the mountains when Kinn left Pete's chamber. The Omega was left thinking as he stared at the flickering light from the hearth. He stood up, hugging himself as he took a seat in front of it.

Its warmth gently touches his face as its flames glow in radiant gold to heat air that was more accustomed to the winter chill. His eyes focused on its pale orange tendrils dancing away from the fire that flickers low in the flat base of ash and wood. Pete couldn't help but think of the words that Kinn had told him.

"On the first night of the full moon."

That would be three weeks from now. Pete hugged himself a bit tighter, resting his chin over his knees. Kinn had told him he doesn't need to cross the border to go back, behind the mountains a ship from the merchant; an ally of Fontos, will pass by near the domain of Kali.

"They will wait for you there, near the docks."

Pete crossed his shaky arms. He had been praying to the gods to give him this chance, a chance to finally go back and now it's really happening. He should be happy about it, but a heavy feeling vice grips his throat. He felt anxious.

"I won't be leaving."

And Pete remembered the horror drawn on Kinn's face when he said those words. He watched as the King of Fontos eyes showed betrayal from Pete's words. He won't leave. He has already decided, and it is for the best. For both Kingdoms, for their safety.

For a while, Pete had justified staying in Kali as his own repentance. Because he considered himself a traitor, which he actually is, but things had changed and Pete's reason had turned into something more, something genuine.

Pete needed to protect his brothers in Fontos, but he couldn't leave those he had come to care for behind. He also needed to protect Macau and Vegas in Kali.

Vegas.

Lately, Pete had been spending every waking moment with him or near him, and although it was perplexing and unexpected, he was happy.

And the thought of leaving Vegas had caused a more painful ache in his chest, different than anything else.

"I have to wash myself." Pete addressed Nop as they walked along the hallways of the Castle, he could smell some faint scent of Kinn on him and it meant danger.

"You're going to get both of us in trouble." Pete reminded him, a small smile plastered on his face. "Why did you let him talk to me?"

But Nop didn't answer, instead they both watched the clearings as snow fell like sunlit glitter along the ground.

It was not long when they're attention got caught by the Emperor, walking towards Pete.

"Aren't you too daring to smell like another Alpha when you already have a mate?" The Emperor said mockingly, eyes showing disgust as he looked down at Pete.

Pete couldn't help but be taken aback, watching the Emperor take a couple of steps closer.

"What does the King even see in you?" Another step closer, until they are face to face. "My son is a lot more suitable as the King's mate. You're not even from a royal family."

King's mate? Royal family? Pete wanted to scoff at that, but all he did was glare at the Emperor.

"How dare a mere Omega glare at me?" The Emperor raised a hand towards Pete, but Nop quickly swatted it away. Stretching a protective hand over the Omega. "The King even gave you a guard? What is so special about you? You're just an Omega from a brothel, no better than a dog taken from the streets."