Chapter 2. Wyvern

Rhadamanthys shows up.

Beta: Ale-chan


When Rhadamanthys arrives, there's no one else in sight. It's what he expected. He knows the one with whom he has mated isn't dead, even an incomplete bond can tell.

Much to Rhadamanthys's disapproval, the event of the previous night was, undeniably, an accident. For a moment he lost control and let his instinct take over his body. As result, he woke up in the next morning and soon realized he had forced someone – who happened to be his opponent – to mate with him. From the other's state, he could tell it wasn't a smooth process. The next thing he did was also out of his right sense: he left.

Rhadamanthys's mind had been in blank for a while. All his thoughts were incoherent and he couldn't quite figure anything out. He was clouded with disbelief, he always thought that he had perfect control over himself, yet, this time he was proven to be wrong. The time and the place made it even more unacceptable. If he hadn't been where he was, he could've avoided doing anything out of hand. It was the infamous forbidden forest, where he comes to stay for a few days once or twice per year during a specific time. It's just called a 'specific time'. Unlike omegas, alphas don't have heat. However, there's a short period when they are more intense, more excitable and harder to hold themselves. Rhadamanthys always spends those times away and alone. He doesn't like acting under the rule of anything besides his own decision, so he has no interest in finding anyone, even for the sake of the occasion. It should've been the time and place when he would've everything under control, yet this time it was the opposite. He didn't even remember what happened. His mind was far too gone in a desire that he never knew could be so strong. It seemed to have burnt down any pieces of reason left in him. It was not normal and he knew that it wasn't merely because of instinct, either. There must be something, something in this forest that pushed him off his balance. Until now, that was the most suitable explanation for the unwanted bond.

Despite all those uncertainties, Rhadamanthys didn't let the matter confuse him for long. Whatever he did was done. Even though the bond wasn't complete, it was still his responsibility. He would take it without any further considerations. And come to think about it, he taking his leave wasn't something completely unreasonable. It wasn't the best condition for him to stay then. His mind was still slightly blurred, if something out of control happened, his mate wouldn't survive. But now Rhadamanthys had ensured that there would never be such thing again. That's why he came back to the forest.

.

There's nothing that could possibly belong to his mate left. Rhadamanthys begins to call that person his mate now, not for any particular reason, simply because it's what he's supposed to call him. He can barely remember the man. He is young, younger than Rhadamanthys, with long, blue hair, and he's an alpha. Whether his mate was an alpha, omega or beta doesn't bother Rhadamanthys, though. He didn't get to choose, after all. What annoys him now is the bond, their incomplete bond. Because it's imperfect, it doesn't create those wonderful effects which people talk about all the time, including mind-connecting. Unfortunately, without it, Rhadamanthys has very little clue of his mate's whereabouts.

Bonding has never been his concern, so it's understandable that he doesn't know much about what to do now, especially with a bond that wasn't made properly between two alphas. After considering for a while, Rhadamanthys decides to pick the most common way, through the scent. By releasing pheromone, his presence will be known. It's the fastest way to draw attention from others. Of course, most of the times, the others aren't nice ones, but he doesn't mind dealing with whoever comes, as long as this measure brings the result he wants. When the pheromone reaches his mate, in one or other way, it will be responded.

Rhadamanthys doesn't have to wait long. After a few minutes, there's another scent spreading through the air. Surely it's the first time he meets this scent, but he knows perfectly well that it's what he's been waiting for. Without hesitance, he follows the scent. The closer he gets, the more clearly he feels his mate's presence. He's not alone, though. There are three other alphas there. Rhadamanthys doesn't like the thought of it. Not even a bit.


The scent gets stronger. Kardia knows he should worry about the bastard before him other than something pointless like that, but he can't help it. It's what put him in this situation, after all.

'Oh dear! Hope I didn't beat ya too hard.' The bastard looks down at him, mockingly. 'It's sad to see you like that but don't worry, you're still beautiful, if not even more.'

Then there's a sickening laughter that follows. Kardia wants nothing more than to throw a punch at that face, wiping that smug look away. Unfortunately, he's too busy panting.

The other bends down to grab his collar, pulling him closer to his face. Kardia is ready to fight the bastard with tooth and nail, literally. But before the two of them do anything else, suddenly, another alpha stands next to them, now gripping the hand on his collar.

'Let go.' The newcomer says coldly.

For a moment, every one there is frozen in place, astonished from the sudden arrival. They can all feel the tension hanging in the air, the awareness of an incredible power. This man is fast, so fast no one knew he was coming until he showed up next to his target.

And the target, who is now overwhelmed with amazement, doesn't look any better. His face is a lot paler than before, twisting in pain. His hands obediently do as he is ordered, as if they had no strength left. It's probably true, the grip doesn't seem very gentle. However, he still dares to speak up.

'You are his alpha.'

It isn't even a question. But the newcomer shows no interest in keeping up with the conversation. He only orders 'Get lost.' and releases his target's hand.

The man stands still for a while, deep in thought. He can fight, doing exactly what the alpha instinct is screaming at him. He could also obey, for the sake of his life which he will be likely to lose if he followed that path. Whatever his choice would be, things will end fast, either the encounter or his life. So he chooses the wise way. He backs down. His fellow also seems to notice what's happening and hurriedly follows him. They have lived long enough to know whom they can take and whom they'd better run away from.

Kardia, for his part, doesn't even shift. He just can't. This man, Kardia knows perfectly who he is. Oh, how could he not? This is the one with whom he has forced him to mate with, he who caused all this mess, he whom he wanted to meet so badly. But for now, he is more confused than he's ever been in his entire life. There's a part inside him, which he didn't know before, telling him again and again that he was safe now, that he should feel that way, he should let his guard down now, in front of this man – a completely stranger. It's almost like surrendering. Meanwhile, the rest of him is screaming the opposite. Kardia doesn't surrender. But the pheromone is still here, and so is the pain and the bite mark on his collarbone had begun to sting. All that makes it really hard to concentrate on the matter.

.

Rhadamanthys turns around to his look at mate. He seems to be having difficulties. He can smell blood and clearly see the crimson stains all over where his wounds are. Maybe he was too easy when he let those ones go off earlier. Next time, then. Frowning, Rhadamanthys takes a step forward, spreading out his arm to reach the other's shoulder. His mate flicks at the touch as if he's hurt, he then cocks his head to stare at him. He's still tense, Rhadamanthys can tell just from the look in his eyes. His lips are in a thin line as he trying to stand up. He hisses through gritted teeth.

'Enough now. Get rid of your scent.'

His mate is in pain, and it has something to do with his scent. It's what Rhadamanthys can conclude from the rather harsh response. Wordlessly, he drops his hand, and without hesitation, holds back the pheromone, doing what his mate demands. It's not a big deal. He finds no reason for making his mate uncomfortable. At least, for now.

Carefully, Rhadamanthys takes a close look at the one who is supposed to be his mate. The long, bluish hair is the same as he remembers. He is slightly shorter than him so Rhadamanthys has to look down to meet a pair of blue orbs. He states calmly.

'I'm here to take my responsibility.'

And at his words, Kardia's eyes widen. There are so many emotions flashing through them that Rhadamanthys can't quite catch them properly. But the clearest seem to be shock and anger. Anger?

Rhadamanthys doesn't need to wonder for long because the next reaction he receives is a grope on his collar, with the other hissing at him through his gritted teeth.

'What the hell do you mean by taking responsibility? Does it means that you will let me rip up your throat? Because if it doesn't, I'll still do it, right the fuck now.'

Rhadamanthys is speechless and he has never been speechless before. This reaction is not what he expected. Of course he didn't thought it would be easy, but his nearest-to-proposal had just been replied with a threat of brutal murder, he literally has the right to be shocked a little bit. If it isn't a hell of a lot.

Before Rhadamanthys can fully recover from the rejection, the guy who has been there the whole time suddenly jumps between them, exclaiming loudly.

'Wait, wait, Kardia! Calm down! We need to talk!'

'Later, Degel. I'm busy here.'

Kardia, as he's been called, grunts. His heated gaze never leaves Rhadamanthys.

'Kardia, please, it's important.' The other tries. 'It's what I was about to tell you before.'

'Couldn't it wait?'

'No.'

'… Alright.'

With that, Rhadamanthys is shoved back roughly before the other turn heel and drag his friend to another corner. He can only stare at them wordlessly.

.

'Listen, you can't kill him.' Degel says, sounding really serious.

'What the hell are you— '

Before Kardia can protest further, Degel cut him short. 'You can't and he won't let you. And even if the impossible happened and he offered you his throat, you still shouldn't do that. For God's sake, Kardia! Try to take in my word for once, will you? Don't you remember that you two are bound? Or more precisely, you are bound to him now. If he were dead, then you wouldn't be better, half alive would be a blessing. That's it.'

He finishes his lecture, slightly breathless due to his attempt to make the information sink into his friend's head as much as possible.

Kardia doesn't look well at all. His brow's furrows and Degel knows he's about to say 'I don't care' or something Kardia-like as every time. So he adds. 'I know you are angry. But think about it, you know we can't do anything right now, right?'

At that, Kardia sighs. He's aware of this fact, even more than anyone else. It's true, he was angry. He still is, but he's not just saying things. That man and him, they must fight again, no matter what. Though, Degel is right, it's not today. While he doesn't care much about risking his life, Degel's is another story.

Degel looks at his friend, his voice softens as he tries to soothe the other. 'I'm sorry, Kardia.'

'No you aren't.' The words come as an absented murmur.

Regardless, he stretches a hand to touch the bluish hair. 'I am.'

It's then when Rhadamanthys decides that maybe this Degel guy is more annoying than any other irritating thing he has had to deal with in his entire life. The next thing that occurs in his head, however, is nothing because he is too busy dragging his mate home, ignoring all protests. So far he can take all the punching and kicking. Unfortunately, he seems to have forgotten his mouth.

'Let go of me, bastard! Are you deaf? Let go! I swear to God, bonding or not, I'm gonna kill you and then tear you into pieces—'

Rhadamanthys suddenly stops his steps, which instantly cuts short the trail of curses falling from the other's mouth. The language makes his eye twitch. He roughly grasps his mate's shoulder, minding not to put too much force, before locking their gazes.

'Rhadamanthys.' The name comes out almost as a growl. 'Rhadamanthys Wyvern. That's my name. You are going with me, no more argument.'

For a brief moment, Kardia is taken aback, but he immediately snaps back. 'Not even in your dreams, bastard! Who do you think you are? I obey no one.'

He keeps struggling and Rhadamanthys notices that the act is making the wounds on his body to open and bleed again. This doesn't help his growing fury. Still, Rhadamanthys keeps it in check before opening his mouth to speak again, trying to make his voice sound softer, but fails nonetheless.

'I'm offering this to you. Even if you don't admit it, the state you're in now makes you vulnerable. Since I'm the one who has mated with you, I have the responsibility to ensure that you are safe, whether you like it or not.'

'I don't need any one to babysit me.' Kardia sneers in response.

He stops struggling, which is good, but his whole body is still tense. It can be fixed later, though.

Rhadamanthys points out mercilessly. 'Just then you were nearly killed.'

The other bares his teeth at him, but falls silent.

Rhadamanthys decides to push it a little more. 'All you need is time to recover without disturbance. But other alphas' – he halts briefly to toss a dreadful glance toward Degel, who has been following them the whole time, then continues – 'won't let you.'

Kardia goes completely still, seemingly deep in thought.

.

Degel watches the pair from his distance. There's nothing much he can do right now. It's not that he's too afraid of the stranger's strength nor the dreadful glance the man has thrown at him, it's just that Degel knows better than acting blindly. His friend has been unwillingly bound to that man, it means that if anything bad happens to him, it will affect Kardia too; though Degel honestly doubts that there's someone, or something, that can stand a challenge against the man. He and Kardia are not an exception. Fortunately, that alpha is here to defend his mate rather than the other way around. At least that's what he has done up to now and it's the best he and Kardia have had in past few days. Besides, he seems to know what buttons to push. He's right, Kardia's condition is unusual and it needs proper treatment. But there's nothing that can guarantee that the other alphas won't attack again, and as it turns out, they can't handle it on their own. So, apart from that man's offer, they don't have many other choices. Going on their journey with no defense is still a bigger risk. Kardia surely knows that, too. Perhaps, Degel should finish the task here.

'Kardia.' He calls, and both of the pair turn to look at him, one of whom has a terrifying gaze on him. Nevertheless, Degel suggests. 'When you fully recover, we could possibly find a way to break the bond.'

On that instant, Degel clearly felt the murderous intentions hanging in the air. He choose to ignore it.

The pair were still for a while until, eventually, Kardia said to Rhadamanthys, not bothering to hide the hatred filling in his voice. 'I'll go with you' he then pointed to Degel 'but he will, too.'

'Deal.'

The word is almost crushed under the enormous force in the man's voice.

If there's someone who would feel excited about this, well, it definitely isn't Degel.

End chapter 2


A/N: thanks for all fav/follow/reviews, you guys are the best! xD