Tributes

Chapter Forty Two

"You bastard," Luke's fists shook at his side as he restrained himself from doing something as stupid as punching the Wolf God of War. Anger burned through his veins and he glared up at Tyreol not sure he had ever felt this angry before, this betrayed.

"Luke, calm yourself now before I am forced to do it for you," Tyreol warned, his voice turning serious and dark.

Luke sneered at him but was unable to keep the tears from his eyes. Powers sparking at his edges, vines wrapping around his arms as they burst from his palms. Hurt didn't seem to convey the full brunt of what he was feeling now but it was the only word that would come to his mind. Hurt by Tyreol's words. Hurt by his actions. Worst yet Luke would already see in Tyreol's eye and the stance he thought Luke was jealous of Jack. Jack was as much Tyreol's as Luke was. Jack had every right to be in his bed. That stung but it did nothing compared to the lie.

"You promised," Luke snared, almost brokenly. "Or do the promises you made me not count anymore that I'm no longer the youngest?"

Tyreol inwardly wincing at that tone. A promise long ago to never deny him the right to sleep next to Tyreol, and to not lie about who Tyreol was sleeping with that night. A promise made to a young immortal who had been hurt badly by his 'beaus'. He had broken both. That had not been his plan but it was what had happened. He took a step forward, closing the door behind him. Luke stepped back as he stepped forward but settled as he saw Tyreol close the door. Luke didn't want Jack to see this anymore than Tyreol.

"You know that was not the intent, Luke. I just wanted his first time with me to be private, like all the tributes," Tyreol explained, trying to reason with his upset pup. His wolf growled unhappily at one of their precious ones feeling hurt. The last thing Tyreol wanted was Luke to believed all the promises and loving words he had been told over the years were lies. "You are always welcome, precious. That is not a lie."

The look of disbelieve on Luke's face spoke volumes. Tyreol walked towards him again, gathering him close as he caught the skinny man and held him close. Ignoring the tense shoulders, he kissed Luke on the forehead softly. Luke fought the hold for a moment before leaning against Tyreol. Tears rolled down his face and Luke pushed away.

He couldn't. Not now. Not after this. Luke looked up into his master's face. "If you had told me that, I would have understood. You chose to lie," Luke challenged.

"I did," Tyreol nodded. "I still love you."

Luke swallowed. He couldn't get an apology for this. Tyreol would never. No god ever would. He wasn't Tyreol's equal, he was his pet. Luke closed his eyes and pulled out of Tyreol's hands. He couldn't take any more of this. He needed out. "It does not feel like that, my lord and frankly I have no desire to ruin any more or either of our nights."

Tyreol hid his look of hurt. Luke had never rejected him before in that way. Tyreol and his wolf warred. The disrespect, as justified as it was, had one side demanding that he pin Luke down and force him to accept his place. At this point, it wasn't clear which side that was, but a more rational side was whispering to hold back. He could not get anywhere by hurting Luke. This wound was fresh and aching. It would be best to let Luke have the spare he wanted.

"It is true regardless," Tyreol swallowed. "The deed is done. If you wish it, you are welcome to join us to sleep."

The image of Tyreol fucking Jack came too easily to his mind. Luke's stomach flipped and the idea of joining them in any capacity had bile rising again. The desire to escape rose higher. Luke shook his head, able to get the look of repulsion off his face. "Good night, My Lord," Luke said quietly.