by Olivia Black
“Yes, sir.” Tyak bowed and left the room.
The door closed behind him, and Auden found himself locked inside his personal office with Regin and Sebastian. Auden wrapped his arms across his chest, creating a barrier between him and them. He stood there, waiting for one of the men to speak. The tension inside the small space grew, thickening. It made him uncomfortable.
Regin left Sebastian standing on the other side of his office. He approached Auden and bowed at the waist before slowly rising once more. “I’m here to ask that you grant my petition to become Sebastian’s secondary mate, Your Majesty.”
Auden’s arms dropped like heavy weights to his sides. He ran Regin’s words through his mind, over and over again, trying to make sense of what the other male was saying. But he couldn’t.
“He doesn’t belong to me, Captain. He’s yours.”
Regin glanced over his shoulder toward Sebastian. “Can you take off your jacket, please?”
Sebastian started unbuttoning his dress coat, flicking the gold buttons out of their holes, slowly revealing milky-brown skin. Auden stared at him, watching each move he made. He couldn’t look away. Hell, he didn’t want to look away. Every square inch of skin was a feast for the eyes. When Sebastian removed the jacket, dropping it to the floor, Auden sucked in a sharp breath.
He could hardly believe what he was seeing. Marked on Sebastian’s skin was his name and title along with Regin’s. Both of their marks converged into one, creating a masterpiece that ran up both of Sebastian’s arms, across his chest, and down his sides.
Before Auden realized what was happening, he was standing in front of Sebastian. He reached out and touched Sebastian’s chest, running his fingertips over his mark.
“He’s yours, Your Majesty,” Regin told him. “But he’ll belong to both of us, when you grant my petition.”
Auden had no idea why Regin would even consider sharing Sebastian. There was no logical reason that he could think of. To become a secondary mate, with less status, when he could’ve kept Sebastian to himself, didn’t make sense.
“Have you claimed him?”
“No.”
Auden couldn’t begin to imagine how much self-control Regin possessed. If their roles had been reversed, Auden wasn’t sure he would’ve been able to refrain from claiming Sebastian.
Sebastian watched him closely, his blue eyes following Auden’s fingertips. The young man’s mouth fell open, and he started panting. The scent of Sebastian’s arousal, sharp and fragrant, reached out and grabbed Auden by the balls. His shaft hardened. The natural lubricant, which all Glecerians possessed, seeped from the pores of his dick, priming his cock so that he could breech Sebastian without causing the male any discomfort.
Auden wanted to rip off Sebastian’s trousers. He wanted to push the young man over the edge of his desk and sink his cock into Sebastian’s ass. He wanted to mark Sebastian with his seed so that the other Glecerians would know that the human belonged to him. Auden took a deep breath and took control of his baser instincts. He couldn’t lose control and react, not yet, but Sebastian was far too tempting. Auden dropped his hand and forced himself to take a step back.
He turned and faced Regin. “Do you know the role of a secondary mate, Captain?” Auden asked, curious to know if Regin understood what he was asking. “Do know what you’re giving up by becoming Sebastian’s second when you could’ve kept him for yourself?”
“I don’t really know,” he answered truthfully. “But I’m willing to accept the role, whatever it may entail.”
“In all my years, I’ve never heard of anyone petitioning to become a secondary mate. It’s an old practice that died out a long time ago.”
“Why have primary and secondary mates?” Sebastian asked him.
“When we lived above planet, the conditions were harsh, and hunting for food was extremely dangerous. Males died, and families struggled. The child bearer couldn’t take care of the children and hunt for food. That wasn’t the male’s role. So, primary mates started accepting secondary mates into their family unit. That way if one male was killed, the family wasn’t left without a provider.”
“So, they all lived together?” Sebastian asked.
“They shared a dwelling, but they didn’t share a bed. The primary mate was in charge. He was the leader of the family. The child bearer shared a bed with his primary mate unless given permission to visit the secondary mate. The primary and secondary depended on one another to take care of the family as a whole. They were friends, nothing more.”
Sebastian’s brows drew together. “It sounds like the secondary mate isn’t as important as the primary.”
“That may be true in some respects. You have to understand that our circumstances have changed. Secondary mates aren’t necessary. We’ve grown passed that. We’ve evolved. We no longer live in caves above ground. We don’t have to fight to survive. Procreation to keep our lineage alive isn’t essential. It’s a choice. All Glecerians are treated as equals. They are given a home, and food, and other necessities to live comfortably. Everyone has a job to do, and we all work together for the betterment of our society.”
“I find it hard to believe that nobody within the entire planet of Glecerus shares a mate.”
“That’s not what I’m saying. I’m telling you that nobody has petitioned to become a secondary mate because it’s an outdated practice. Being a secondary mate means that Regin would have to follow my rules where you are concerned. It means that he’s secondary to me in all things.”
“Well, that’s not fair. Regin should be considered your equal.”
“Sebastian,” Regin said the young man’s name in a rush. “He’s the High King. We are not equals. Regardless of the terms, I accept my role as your secondary mate.”
“Do you understand what he’s saying? By becoming my secondary mate, it means that Auden is in charge. It means that he decides when I’ll be allowed to spend time with you.”
Regin smiled indulgently. “And that’s okay. I told you before that I don’t care what my role is in your life, as long as I’m in it.”
Sebastian turned his attention back to Auden. “You relinquished your rights and gave me to Regin.”
Auden’s jaw tightened at the reminder. Leaving Sebastian behind had been one of the hardest things he’d ever done.
“When I woke up and realized you were gone, I was really upset. Regin brought me back here. He took me to the treatment center. It was his idea to place your mark on my skin. He’s willing to share. He shouldn’t be considered a secondary mate. He deserves to have the same status as you.”
Regin came across the room, walking toward them. He stood in front of Sebastian and cupped the young man’s face in his large hands, gently stroking Sebastian’s cheeks with his thumbs. He leaned down and placed a chaste kiss on Sebastian’s lips.
“It’s true that there are some Glecerians that share a mate with another male, but none of them are officially considered a secondary mate. They’re merely lovers. Only one male has his mark on the human’s skin. Our situation is different. You’re wearing both of our marks.” When Sebastian didn’t respond, Regin continued. “Do you know why Glecerian males don’t petition to become secondary mates? It’s because they are too proud. They don’t want to follow orders from the higher-ranking male in the unit. I may have to defer to the High King—”
“Auden,” he interrupted. “You can call me by my given name.”
Regin nodded. “I may have to defer to Auden where you’re concerned, but at least I’ll be your mate. I get to claim that title. Everyone will know that you belong to both of us.”
“And you don’t mind deferring to Auden?”
“No, I don’t mind at all.”
Sebastian sighed. “Okay.”
“But I thank you for your concern.”
“I don’t see you as a secondary mate. You matter just as much as Auden does. As far as I’m concerned, you both are equals.”
Regin chuckled. “Th
at’s fine.”
“What happens now?” Sebastian questioned.
Regin placed a chaste kiss on Sebastian’s lips before dropping his hands from the young man’s face. He wrapped an arm around Sebastian’s waist and turned so that they were facing Auden.
“Do you accept my petition?”
Auden needed to have one of his own questions answered before giving his consent. “How do you feel about being shared?”
“I don’t really know what to expect or how we’re going to make this work between the three of us, but I’d rather be shared than have to choose between you and Regin.”
Auden wasn’t sure how this mating would work between the three of them either, but he was willing to give it a chance if it meant that Sebastian was his.
“Captain Regin Priq’aq, I officially accept your petition to become Sebastian’s secondary mate.”
“Thank you, sir.” Regin tilted his head. “I promise to defer to you in all things that concern our mate.”
“We should make our way back to the dining hall and make an official announcement.”
Sebastian leaned down to pick up his jacket, but Regin stopped him with a shake of his head. “Everyone needs to see your mark. They need to know that you belong to us.”
“Okay,” Sebastian agreed, leaving the jacket on the floor.
Auden walked toward the pair. He wrapped his hand around the back of Sebastian’s neck and pulled the man to him until their bodies touched. Auden tilted Sebastian’s head back and leaned down, placing a soft kiss against the man’s full lips. Sebastian groaned, his body melting into Auden’s. Sebastian’s hands touched his chest, caressing his skin.
Auden wanted to take the kiss deeper. He licked the seam of Sebastian’s lips, and the young man opened, allowing him entrance. Their tongues rolled together, dancing in a slow, sensual rhythm. The taste and feel of Sebastian drove him crazy.
He wanted more, but he couldn’t claim the young man’s body, not yet. They needed to announce their mating. Slowly dropping his arm, Auden broke the kiss. Sebastian slumped against him, and Auden smiled. He was glad that the young man was similarly affected.
“We need to go before the festivities end, but we’ll finish this later.”
Chapter Seventeen
Sebastian walked between Auden and Regin down the long corridor. He felt petite compared to the two men that towered over him on either side. Sebastian was a little nervous since they had to make an official announcement to the crowd, but he wasn’t as scared as he’d been before. This time, he would be walking into the royal dining hall with both men. And even though Regin would be considered his secondary mate, it didn’t make the male any less important than Auden. This new arrangement, with the three of them, felt right.
He was tempted to cross his arms over his chest to hide his nudity, but decided against it. Regin was right. Everyone in attendance would need to see the proof of their mating.
Auden took his right hand, and Regin grasped his left as the three stepped over the threshold, entering the dining hall. The other males in attendance took notice as they continued across the room toward the royal table. People stopped and stared, looking at the marks on Sebastian’s body and their hands locked together. All the attention was a little overwhelming, but Sebastian knew it was necessary.
Auden led them to the front of the royal table. He lifted his left hand into the air, gaining everyone’s attention. The conversations instantly stopped, and the music faded away until silence reined.
“I’d like to make an announcement,” he said. “Captain Regin Priq’aq has officially petitioned to become Sebastian’s secondary mate, and I’ve accepted. From this point forward, Sebastian will be referred to as Sebastian Q’Tal-Priq’aq, royal mate.”
Nobody moved or said a single word until Jett and Jason stood up and started clapping. Then the rest of the hall erupted. The males clapped and whistled, voicing their greetings. Sebastian smiled as his body relaxed, pleased with their easy acceptance of him and Regin. Several people, including his brother, came forward to shake their hands. The music came back to life, echoing throughout the space. And the party was once again in full swing.
A line formed. The people seemed eager to give their personal congratulations to the High King. Auden and Regin both smiled and puffed out their chests, pleased with the attention.
When Sebastian saw Aaron and his mate standing in line with the other guests, he waved them over. “Aaron!”
His friend ran toward him, dragging Trygg along. Aaron’s wide smile told Sebastian everything he needed to know. It spoke of sheer joy and happiness. When Aaron was standing in front of Sebastian, he dropped Trygg’s hand and wrapped his arms around Sebastian’s neck, pulling him in for a tight hug. After a minute, Aaron dropped his arms and took a little step back, giving them some space.
“I can’t believe you have two mates.”
Sebastian chuckled. He could hardly believe it himself. His skin was marked, but soon, he was sure his body would be as well. And truthfully, he couldn’t wait much longer, especially after the kiss he’d shared with Auden.
“How’s mated life treating you?”
Aaron grinned. “It’s going great so far.”
Sebastian raised a questioning brow, “Nothing to be scared of.”
Aaron laughed. “Trygg’s amazing.”
“Good, I’m glad to hear that.”
“I’m sorry to cut this short,” Aaron said. “But we were about to leave and head home when the High King came in and made his announcement. I just wanted to come over here and tell you congratulations before we left.”
“It’s okay. I’ll see you later.”
“Yeah,” Aaron agreed. “See you later.”
Sebastian watched as Aaron took Trygg’s hand, intertwining their fingers together. Trygg placed a quick kiss on the tip of Aaron’s nose before walking away. Sebastian didn’t feel the same bittersweet feeling as before. This time, he was happy to see Aaron go, especially since the young man seemed so content with his mate. Plus, Sebastian knew he’d be able to see his friend all the time.
Regin wrapped a muscular arm around Sebastian’s waist and pulled him in against his side. He looked down at Sebastian and asked, “Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m good.”
“As soon as Auden is done, we’ll head home.”
“Where is our home going to be?”
Sebastian wasn’t sure where they would be living or even if they would all be living together. Would he be expected to stay with Auden while Regin went back to his dwelling, alone? Would the males send him back and forth between their homes? Or set up some sort of schedule, dividing his time. Auden had made it perfectly clear that the primary and secondary mate weren’t lovers. They were only friends who worked together.
“I guess we’ll talk to Auden about that.”
“We all need to live together, in one place.”
“I understand that you want the three of us to stay together, but Auden is your primary mate. Whatever he decides, we’ll respect and abide by it.”
Sebastian scoffed, “You can’t be serious.”
Regin gave him a stern look. “There are rules, Sebastian, and we will follow them without questioning Auden.”
“Okay,” he muttered.
Regin seemed to be taking his role as secondary mate seriously. And although Sebastian respected Regin’s commitment to their family unit, Sebastian wasn’t sure if he himself would be able to abide by Auden’s rules. Sebastian wanted them all to stay together.
He didn’t want to be a ping-pong ball, bouncing from one male to the other. But if Auden wanted to keep them apart, that was his right. And there was no way Regin would object. He would gladly accept whatever Auden had to say, which meant that it was Sebastian’s responsibility to say something.
“Auden,” Sebastian called.
The High King turned around and smiled. “Are you ready to go, my mate?”
“Yeah, I’m a little t
ired.” He wasn’t tired, but it seemed like a good excuse since he was ready to leave.
Auden nodded and said his good-byes. He strode toward Sebastian and took his hand, leading him back out of the dining hall. With each step, Sebastian thought over what to say. He needed to be respectful and choose his words carefully. Auden, I know that you’re the primary mate, and I respect your position, but I’m really hoping that you’ll allow Regin to live with us. He practiced a few more lines, in different variations, knowing that the wording was important.
When they reached the corridor, Sebastian stopped and faced Auden, looking up into the male’s black eyes. He got lost in the pools of darkness, and his carefully worded speech disappeared, and he blurted out, “Regin is going to stay with us.”
“I guess there are a few things we still need to discuss,” Auden said. He turned his penetrating gaze toward Regin. “Do you have a preference, Captain?”
“If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to stay with Sebastian and live in the same household as my mate.”
“I’ll make sure that you have the room beside my suite. You can move your personal belongings over any time, but you aren’t required to sleep there. You are welcome to join us, whenever you want.”
“Thank you.”
Auden looked back down at Sebastian. “This is new for all of us. It’s going to take time to adjust, but I’m sure we’ll figure it out. I hope you know that I wouldn’t do anything to hurt you. And I would never keep you away from Regin. Regin placed my mark on your skin. He willingly became a secondary mate so that we could be together.”
Sebastian instantly felt guilty for making assumptions about Auden. He dropped his head forward and looked at the floor by his feet. He should’ve had faith in Auden.
Auden placed his knuckle beneath Sebastian’s chin and tilted his head back. Auden leaned down and placed a kiss on Sebastian’s lips, telling him without words that he was forgiven. Sebastian’s eyes closed. He placed his hands against Auden’s bare chest, running his fingers along the male’s velvety muscles. Auden’s lips against his own sent a jolt of electricity through Sebastian. His cock shot out, hard and ready. He rubbed his body against Auden, desperate for release.