RA | YG [✔]

15.

Yeonjun pushed on steadily for the third day. Beomgyu had dozed most of the previous two in between nasty bouts of sickness. Yeonjun had no idea why they called it morning sickness as it seemed to affect Beomgyu all the time. Then another horse, a gelding this time, had gone lame yesterday and he was beginning to think they were jinxed. It had slowed them down to nearly a crawl and the two-day journey to get out of Caedra had turned into nearly four.

Beomgyu had brightened briefly and managed some stew that Henry had made last night, but he slept restlessly and looked awful this morning. Yeonjun drove the cart this time and sent Jeongin up to ride next to Hyunjin. He glanced back every so often, but Beomgyu was sleeping soundly at last, and for the hundredth time in the last three days, he questioned his decision to bring Beomgyu with him before the baby had been born—except, traveling with a newborn in winter would have been just as dangerous. Maybe he should have left them both at home...

He sighed. Even as the thought was there he knew that wouldn't work either. Beomgyu had to be seen. If not for the wolves, then for the humans. Whichever way around, something in his plans was a bad idea. More of his wolves were having to shift and run as well because of the two lame horses.

He heard a shout and saw the group of men up ahead. Hyunjin dismounted immediately, as did one of the men and they shook hands. Yeonjun exhaled in relief. This must be the welcoming party from Perse.

Jeongin jumped down and ran back to the cart. He climbed up. "I can manage, Sire. I believe you are wanted."

Yeonjun glanced at Beomgyu who was just waking up, passed Jeongin the reins, jumped down, and jogged over to where the gammas were. As soon as he got close, the man who had been talking to Hyunjin turned, and as soon as he saw Yeonjun, he dropped to one knee and brought his arm across his chest. Yeonjun stopped in front of him.

"My father has instructed me to greet you and offer his apologies for not being present. He would be honored to welcome you as guests tonight should you see fit to break your journey."

Yeonjun thought quickly. They were going to continue, but only had maybe three hours of daylight left. The lame horses might be swapped out here, but more importantly, Beomgyu had worried him all day. He'd been snappy, which he never was, and he could use a decent night's sleep. "My gratitude to your father..." Yeonjun paused.

"I am Kang Taehyun. My father is named Sungjae."

Yeonjun put his hand out and helped the Alpha-heir to his feet. "My mate is with a child and needs rest and attention."

Taehyun bowed. "Of course, Sire. If you would follow me, I will show your men where to stable the horses, and where they can eat and bathe." Jeongin gestured with his hand and they all moved forward. Yeonjun mounted the horse and stayed in step with Taehyun. "We were thrilled to hear of your news, Sire. We are so excited to meet the pure omega...after she is rested, of course."

Yeonjun bit his lip and tried not to find the whole thing amusing. Hyunjin was staring down at his horse as if he found the animal suddenly fascinating. Yeonjun took a breath. He might as well get it over with. "My mate isn't female, Taehyun, and he is also human."

Taehyun gaped. Then he seemed to realize what he was doing. "That is fabulous, Sire," he said, the awe apparent in his voice. Yeonjun smiled cautiously, realizing it was more than awe—there was barely contained excitement in Taehyun's voice. He was glad hearing about Beomgyu hadn't caused a problem, but he was a little puzzled by Taehyun's reaction.

Everyone stopped as they approached the driveway to what looked like a comfortable pack house. It was very modern and had sleek white walls that curved around a small courtyard that the cart could maneuver up to drop Beomgyu by the door. Yeonjun was fascinated to see the servants all step out, each looking happy and well-fed in crisp, white uniforms.