Making The Alpha Submit (BL)

CHAPTER 16: QUASI-PICNIC

October 23rd, xxxx

PRECIOUS IS EVERYONE'S FAVOURITE Shifter according to Nuka because he announced a whole day off this morning. After yesterday's Market Day, everyone deserves a rest. Besides, it's a good excuse for pre-celebrating an end to the forsaken territory issue.

He especially thinks he's the children's favourite because there's no school. Weaving-Nuka in tow-through families having a quasi-picnic sprawled out in the afternoon sun, its warm glow no match for their shining faces, radiant smiles; little ones relaxing on parents' shoulders happily being dotted on.

In charge of the food, the troops unearth chairs, tables and two set of barbecue from storage, simultaneously grilling fish and meat swinging back beer and Sprite.

Everyone is welcome including the Blue Sun omegas who make full use of their temporary freedom by leaning back on reclined wooden chairs enjoying being treated-for once-like equals. Like them.

Spying Hayan and a couple of teenagers sneaking into the clinic with a bag of refreshments, Precious feels a twitch of guilt for Lata's confinement but not enough to formally introduce and welcome her to the Pack. Not yet.

Not when Private Zaye has brought no news, not when the Blue omegas are on a loyal leash, not when the mark of the Blue Sun, though faint, still throbs in tandem with her heartbeat. No matter how true it is that the transition of a Pack to another is easy on omegas.

Swallowing back the guilt, Precious dotes on his Pack, asking them if they need anything (a shawl, tea refill, a listening ear to a child's tales), if they are comfortable (they are, the day's so good, there's a sniff of rain in the air but that'll probably fall at night) and Nuka firmly behind him serves, nodding seriously, scribbling in notes that Precious turns around on him.

"Go away, Nuka. Take a breather. It's a day off, remember?"

Nuka smiles that amiable smile that says he won't listen, will definitely tag along once he turns his back and Precious gets ready to scold him but Elder Rieaba overhears, interrupts and says,

"You should take your own advice, Alpha North."

In unison they reverenced the Elder-Nuka first, him last-that when he stands, she holds him by the shoulders and shake him slightly, echoes of her strength as a farmer evident in how small but strong she's built, mocha eyes twinkling.

Uncomfortable, he doesn't respond and the seconds ticked by, the Elder's slippery smile widening by every tick and Nuka suppressing a giggle until it burst into a laugh.

"Don't tell me, Alpha. You don't know how to relax!"

Stepping out from her hold, he scratches his head wishing to slap a hand over Nuka's laughing mouth and put a tarp over the Elder's satisfied smirk. Embarrassed at their teasing, he thanks the Elder and shuffles away but can't escape Nuka tailing him, echoes of his laughter giggling in his chest.

He escapes to a reclined Cam talking (flirting) with someone, the Shifter's leg draped across his. The someone (a Blue Sun omega named Joy) invites him with a smoky greeting but Cam (the betraying brother) shoos him away.

"Go. I don't want you here," he pats the chair beside him, "Nuka, come sit."

Nuka doesn't move an inch, Joy rubs Cam's chest and tries to win the secretary over and when the dog barks giving attention to Kamil and a few teenagers playing a relaxed game of rugby, Precious thinks it'll be a good idea to serve them water.

Not because he wants to be near the Major and sniff the sweat off him. Of course not. Water is a good source of hydration.

Greedily and thirstily, they gulp down his offering, him greedily and thirstily zeroing in on Kamil, wanting to be the water bottle on his lips, the water dribbling down his chin-he wants to be drunk in, licked, dripping in his hair....