Anteros: A Tale of Requited Love

Dera - The Witch

Chapter 7

Next morning, the three Alphas left to check on something in the pack border. All three of them, Niles, Kristof and Nikolas were in the hall to the Royal Wing which is adjacent to the main entrance to the castle.

Kristof kept glancing at the woods.

"Something is not right. I just get this gut feeling. Maybe I should go and check," said Kristof.

"No. Brother was very clear. They don't want the pack exposed. We need to be here for that," said Nikolas.

Kristof began pacing and then they saw the three of them returning. They looked like they have fought a war.

"What happened?" asked Kristof.

"It was a trap. There was so much silver. They tipped off our guards wrongly. They are fools if they think they can kill the Elder King and that too with something as base as silver," snapped Stefanos.

"Silver? This was a trap for you?" asked Kristof moving to Zacchaeus's side. The alpha looked worn out.

"I am fine," said Zacchaeus.

"Of course, he is fine after having a few litres of silver thrown over him," snapped Vasileios irritated at his brother's blasé attitude and stormed off. Nikolas followed after him as Zacchaeus gave a small nod.

"You couldn't just stay back as we requested, could you? You knew you would be the target. Brother, I know you can shed away silver like it is nothing. That doesn't mean you have to endure that much pain," said Stefanos equally irritated before he too stormed away. Niles rushed after him.

Kristof looked at Zacchaeus.

"What? Are you not going to say something biting?" asked Zacchaeus.

"I would if I thought it would make a change. As it is, I have learnt my lessons. You need an ice bath. Is there any burning sensation?" asked Kristof.

"Sore," said Zacchaeus as he walked up the stairs.

"I will have the ice brought from the kitchen. You use cold water till then," said Kristof and did not wait for the Alpha's response.

He took the ice and went up. He entered Alpha Zacchaeus's suite. He has permission to enter. The familiar rooms with blank walls and minimal things were a reflection of Zacchaeus.

He knocked on the door to the bathroom. He knew very well that Zacchaeus doesn't like to be vulnerable let alone his siblings see it. He has this weird idea that his brothers need to only see his strong face because he is supposedly infallible though the man is very much aware that he is not so. But Kristof thinks, he always wants to be this pillar for his brothers that he doesn't allow himself to be vulnerable.

"Enter"

The Alpha stood under the shower, cold water hitting his torso. He has only removed his shirt and Zacchaeus saw the redness of his skin. There are the beautiful tattoos that Zacchaeus carry with pride, adorning his well-built body. The redness on his skin was clear even as the water cascaded down his skin.

"Get into the tub," said Kristof and turned away to allow the man to undress.

Zacchaeus did so and entered the tub and opened the tap. There was some ice-cold water and then, Kristof sat behind him on his knees as he used a rubbed the huge ice cubes through his red skin. Zacchaeus himself did the same. He has burned himself like this a couple of times. Earlier he used to let it be till it went away. But Kristof wouldn't have it. And Zacchaeus must admit this takes away the burn in an hour or so rather than the three-four days period he used to suffer.