As the morning progressed, Victor's happiness only grew. He couldn't recall a time that he'd ever felt more at peace than when he was curled protectively around Yuri's dozing form, entrusted to care for him, to keep him safe...
For over twenty years, he'd neglected many things in favor of focusing on his skating career, and in the Omega's presence, none was more obviously discarded and ignored than love. It came to the forefront of his mind as a priority now. He couldn't fathom how he had lived without the raven in his life before now.
What magic have you weaved upon me, Yuri? He thought with a smile. Do you feel it too? I don't want to pressure you too soon, but I have to know-
*knock knock*
The Alpha lifted his head curiously as he heard someone at the door to the suite and Makka's paws trotted forward to check it out. Victor reluctantly untangled himself from Yuri, tucking the blankets around the younger man to keep him warm.
"What is…? Hmm?" Yuri turned his head to glance at Victor through half-lidded sleepy eyes, looking more attractive than anyone had a right to as he let out a soft yawn.
*knock knock*
The Omega frowned slightly and looked towards the sound as well before realization dawned on his face.
"It's probably the prescription delivery from the doctor." He gave Victor a small smile. "I'm sure I'll be okay in the time it takes for you to accept the delivery and get the instructions from them. Go on, I feel fine right now." The Alpha felt a warmth at his core as an instinctive rush of pride ran through him upon receiving confirmation that he'd been able to take care of the Omega properly, that Yuri was feeling well under his watch. Victor nodded and smiled.
"Okay, I won't be long, I promise." He assured Yuri as he rose, sliding the bedroom door closed to allow the younger man to sleep more if he chose.
xxx
Yuri reached for his glasses at the bedside, which his father had brought him during his last visit and slid them on before slowly sitting up, testing for any pain in his back.
Huh, not bad, but I probably won't have more than a half hour to forty-five minutes before the pain comes back, if it's anything like last time when the doc was here and Victor stopped helping me. Yuri considered worriedly.
He didn't want to become too dependent on the Alpha to assist him, but he'd rather avoid using the meds as much as possible. He recalled an injury when he was younger and had to be put on pain pills. They didn't exactly blend well with his unique Omega chemistry. Yuri shuddered at the memory.
I'll take them if necessary, but I think the hot spring is a much better alternative option and even my father agreed. The Omega stood carefully and made his way to the other door in the bedroom that exited onto a patio that led to the spring.
Besides, now is a good time for me to get in on my own since Victor is busy. The raven's cheeks flushed at the very idea of the Alpha seeing him like that. It was so…scandalous. Upon reaching the VIP bathroom, Yuri undressed and carefully folded his clothes, setting them aside.
I don't know why I'd be worried even if he did. He let out a soft snort as a rueful smile spread across his face.
He has a true mate. I could run around this place stark naked and he probably wouldn't bat and eye… Yuri tried to ignore the twisting in the pit of his stomach at the thought of Victor with anyone else as he washed at one of the bathing stations. He certainly didn't want to test his theory and flaunt himself in front of the Alpha, so he quickly finished and grabbed a small towel before heading outside to the steaming spring.
"Ahhh…" The Omega smiled as he stepped in and went to his favorite spot to sit whenever he had a chance to come over here. He ran his wet hands through his hair to smooth it away from his face as he leaned back, resting his head with a happy sigh and closing his eyes as he let the heated mineral water do its work.
Yuri's mind immediately flashed to how Victor had looked when he'd seen him just yesterday in a similar position. That gorgeous face tilted back, silvery hair shiny and wet… The Omega bit his lower lip, thoughts drifting to that sculpted upper body, dripping with beads of water…
Just begging to be licked off…
The raven's eyes flew open, breathing quickening as he let out an embarrassed whine and sunk lower into the water, submerging the scent glands at his neck, and hoping to mask the undeniable scent of arousal that had begun to pour off him in waves.
What is wrong with me? Get it together Katsuki!
xxx
"Can I help you?" Victor immediately knew that the man before him in dark gold robes was not there to deliver Yuri's prescriptions.
"Actually, I'm hoping I can help you, Mr. Nikiforov," The man replied smoothly, a fake smile that didn't quite reach his eyes fixed on his face. He gave a short polite bow, the sun catching on his long black hair, pulled into a braid that trailed down his back.
"I'm the head priest for the temple, Kin Kuromizu and I received a message this morning that you canceled the rest of your interviews with our Omegas. Toshiya was unavailable to explain…apparently, they're a bit short staffed today. So, I thought I'd take the initiative to come over and find out exactly what the reason was. For example, if it was because one of them misbehaved yesterday." The man's onyx eyes glittered darkly, jaw twitching as his smile faltered briefly. "I would like to address that sort of thing immediately and reprimanded the Omega who may have offended-"
"No, that won't be necessary," Victor informed him firmly as he examined the man before him and thought about the sweet, kind Omegas he'd met the night before. The last thing he wanted was any sort of fall out for them due to the situation at hand. It wasn't their fault after all.
Now I understand why Minako was calling him…what was it? Oh, yes, an ass-hat… The Alpha forced himself into the mode he'd used to survive people like this over the years. Dealing with fake people, people with agendas, people with their own desires and needs, people who wanted something from him… Whether it was at press conferences, awards ceremonies, parties, he could feel the same false smile he wore on the podium at the World Championships just a short while ago spread across his face.
It sickened him, especially after having a taste of what it felt like to genuinely smile again for the first time in forever when he was in Yuri's presence, to feel inspired and excited-
"I apologize, but if one of them has done something unseemly, it is my concern and I need to know." The priest insisted again, apparently unwilling to let it go.
Well, he is a feisty one. Bold for an Omega priest…huh, I've always heard they're so zen. I guess Toshiya wasn't kidding when he said this guy could pose problems. The Alpha thought back to his discussion earlier that morning with Toshiya while Yuri was with the doctor.
...
...
"Ever since I first caught his scent and our eyes met yesterday morning, it's like I've been unable to think of anything, anyone else. I feel unbelievably drawn to him, like a piece of me was missing before I met him." Toshiya smiled as Victor's described the Omega he was interested in.
Let's see if you're still so keen on my feelings once you know who it is… The Alpha worried.
"I wasn't sure who he was because I only saw him briefly at first, but I was looking for him in every profile you brought by that afternoon, hoping I would find out who he was and meet him," Victor explained to the temple caretaker.
"That's why I need to cancel the other interviews…" The Alpha took a deep breath as he steeled himself for what was to come. "Because now that I've found Yuri, I know he's my true mate." Toshiya blinked hard, staring at him for several long seconds.
"Yuri? My son, Yuri?" He blurted out.
"Yes," Victor nodded.
"The one in the other room? That Yuri? And you say you only just saw him for the first time yesterday morning?" Toshiya eyed him skeptically. "You do know how rare it is?"
"Yes, I know," Victor replied. "I never expected to find my true mate during my visit to Yutopia. I only just realized it this morning." The Beta rubbed his eyes.
"Crap…Well, I've seen a handful of cases in my long time here at the temple, so I know what to look for if you really are-" He stopped and glared at the Alpha. "But I'll also be able to call bull-shit if you're full of it, Victor." The skater's eyes widened at the protectiveness radiating off the other man and couldn't help grinning. His mate had such a wonderful family to care about him so much…
"However, I don't think I'm who you're going to have to worry about. The person who you might run into trouble with is our head temple Priest, a Beta named Kin Kuromizu." The older man murmured thoughtfully.
"Yes, Minako mentioned that he wasn't fond of Yuri," Victor replied. Toshiya let out an annoyed huff, frustration clear in his gaze.
"That's an understatement. He's kept me from providing Yuri's profile to visiting Alphas in the past and may take issue with this entire situation." The Beta's expression was full of indignation as he continued. "Kuromizu doesn't feel that Yuri meets the standards for a proper Omega."
"That's ridiculous. Besides, Yuri deserves to be happy." Victor growled out. "Who is he to dictate what is right for another?" The silver-haired skater muttered lowly.
"I hope you truly do believe that Victor…" The older Beta's face held a glimmer of hope as he glanced at the other man again. "Because I want my son to find happiness…and whether that's here at the temple as a caretaker or as someone's mate, I've always let Yuri chart his own course in regards to love and the people he lets into his life."
"That's what I want too, Toshiya. More than anything." The Alpha replied eagerly. "Just give me a chance to see if Yuri feels the same. I promise I won't let either of you down and that I'll be a perfect gentleman." The caretaker sighed and nodded as Victor scented the air, turning immediately as the fragrance of distress and pain wafted from the bedroom…
...
...
"You misunderstand." He waved away Kuromizu's concerns as he leaned in the doorway, placing his arms confidently across his chest. "I'm not walking away from Yutopia empty handed. I've found my true mate." A smug smile spread across the priest's face, giving him the distinct impression of being the cat that caught the canary.
The Alpha could only imagine the press release the man was conjuring up in his mind regarding how five-time world championship gold medal skater, Victor Nikiforov had found his destined love at the famed temple known for its exceptional Omegas.
"I'd be happy to confirm this joyous news for you and your Omega," Kuromizu informed the Alpha.
"What sort of signs or indications have you had so far that have driven you to this conclusion Mr. Nikiforov?" Victor controlled his face, maintaining a benign smile as he described the same things he had to Toshiya; The immediate draw to the specific Omega's scent, that he felt complete around him, how he'd looked into the person's eyes and become enraptured, feeling incredibly protective, and not wanting to be apart from them.
Like now for example. Victor thought as he bit back a growl, an undeniable need to return to Yuri shooting through him, especially as he thought about helping the Omega control any flares of pain that may rise once more. The priest nodded sagely in agreement, oblivious to the Alpha's struggle to maintain his composure.
"It certainly does sound like a case of true mates. How wonderful." He concluded with a smile. "So who's the lucky Omega, anyways?"
"Yuri Katsuki."
The priest's face paled, jaw dropping open slightly before he could contain himself.
"Huh? You must be joking…but he's-"
"Stunning? Sweet? Caring? Everything I could have ever hoped to find here at the temple and never imagined I would?" Victor bit back a chuckle as the man sputtered wordlessly. "I see you're quite overcome. I'm sure we'll be in touch soon…if you'll excuse me." The Alpha stepped back and started to close the door on the shocked man's face when the Beta's arm shot out to hold it open, gaze narrowed as he eyed the silver-haired skater.
"Yuri Katsuki…" The man said the Omega's name like an expletive, practically spitting it out, as if just saying it left a bad taste in his mouth. "Is an ill-mannered and untrained Omega. Not only that, he's far past the age of what you should be looking for in a prime breeding partner Mr. Nikif-"
Victor snarled and opened the door wide once more, stepping forward to grab a fistful of the man's golden robes and haul him closer. Angry dominant pheromones poured off the Alpha in waves, azure eyes cold as they met the shocked Beta's onyx-hued irises from inches away.
"You should be careful what you say about someone's true mate, little priest…" Victor's voice was low and threatening, carrying the heavy weight of an Alpha's timbre in it as he glared at the man before him. Kuromizu let out the unmistakable whimper of someone who recognized in that moment that they were prey facing a predator. The Beta bared his neck immediately in a sign of submission to Victor.
"I-I a-apologize…so s-sorry to have offended you…" The skater eyed him for several long seconds, wanting to ensure the message was well-received before releasing him with a shove that had the Beta stumbling backward.
"If I hear you speak of Yuri in that manner again I will not be so lenient," Victor promised as he closed the door to the sight of the man nodding rapidly and backing away. The Alpha rolled his eyes as he turned to make his way back to the bedroom.
What an ass-hat…
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