First Mate First Love

Chapter 19: Hell

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Neji groaned as the trapped door opened. The harsh light stung his sensitive eyes. Breakfast was oatmeal, an orange, and a glass of water. He ate hungrily. Neji licked his lips. He breathed in the sweet powerful smell of the orange peel. It was a wonderful distraction from the earthy scent wet scent. He was on edge. His cool month was over he'd be going into season tomorrow. Katsuo wouldn't let him endure is heat alone. He'd never went through a season on his own before. Kiba was always close to him. There was nothing he could do about his situation and he hated it. He wanted to fight against the man. Being weak was humiliating. He's powerful jonin had become weakling all because of Katsuo's seal. No one from his village even his mate would recognize him.

Kiba growled when he heard someone walking toward his den. By scent, he knew it was his mother, but that didn't make him anymore pleased about the situation. He gave her a warning snarl. She kept in his approach toward her. His mother showed no sigh of fear. He knew her reason for being her. She wanted to chain him down in the basement. Suffer alone in that basement sounded like a punishment he didn't deserve. Neji wasn't there to help ease him through the pain. The thought of his mate sent a painful shock through his heart. His omega was alone and scared. He could pick up that much from their bond, but not much more, which frustrated him.

Tsume saw her son's pain clearly, which was something she hated. It was her job to protect him, even though his fully grown man with a mate. She understood his pain better than most. But her mate was dead. Neji status was an unknown. The newest member of her family was already like a son to her, so she was in pain to over his disappearance. This was nothing compared to the ache Kiba was in. She was smart enough not compare the two pains knowing it would only cause her son pain. Being chained up in the basement would be torture on him. But letting him roam free would be too dangerous.

"Has he called for you?" asked Tsume.

His heart gave a painful throb. He shook his head. Neji hadn't answered is call since the first time. That didn't stop him from returning to that maple tree every night and howling for his beloved. His alpha instincts wouldn't allow him to stop. He didn't care if permanently lost his voice if it meant an answer from his mate.

"Kiba",

He sighed.

"I know mom. I have to go", he said.

It felt like he was abandoning his mate by not being there.

"I'll make you a deal Kiba. If I hear Neji I'll let go you go no matter what state you are in", said Tsume.

"Promise?" he asked.

"I promise", said Tsume.

She helped her son pack up the little amount of gear her son kept in the cave.

"Where's your jacket?" asked Tsume.

"No clue", said Kiba.

Kiba followed his mother into the village. It had been weeks since he last set foot in the village. His friends hadn't seen much of him, but right now finding Neji would be the main focus of his mind until he had his mate back in his arms. He followed his mother down into the basement. Kiba couldn't suppress a groan when he saw the chains. Before had a chance to change his mind his mother locked shackles around his wrists and ankles.

"Sorry honey if I didn't do it now it would be almost impossible", said Tsume.

"I understand mom, but I can't help feeling like I'm abandoning him by doing this", said Kiba.

"You aren't. In the state, you're going to be in there's no way you could help him. He'd understand", said Tsume.

"It doesn't feel right to me and it never will", said Kiba.

"Honey, you will see him again", said Tsume.

He nodded. His mom left. He stared at the spot where Neji normally sat. The image of Neji running his hands through hair appeared in his head. It was a beautiful memory that left him craving the loving contact of his omega. He'd worked so hard winning his affection. He couldn't have the love of his mate not after finally earned it. Kiba tugged on one of his chains. No alpha in history has ever broken these chains. But if he heard his mate calling for him he would be the first to change that.

Tsume locked the door of the basement. Kuromaru nudged against her hand. She scratched behind his ear.

"Please tell me I'm doing the right thing", said Tsume.

Kuromaru licked her fingers. They walked to Kiba's house. She entered the home. Some of the furniture was starting gather dust. Kiba hadn't entered the house, since Neji's disappearance. It was too full of memories for her son to enter. She entered the boys' bedroom. The bed was perfectly made. She couldn't help laughing. Before Neji, Kiba would never do such a chore no matter how much she prodded him to do so. She stripped the bedding and put in a basket. Tsume returned to her house and went into the basement. She placed basket within her son's reach.

"Thanks, mom", he said.

She handed him a small present. It had been hastily wrapped in newspaper.

"What's this?" asked Kiba.

"Open it", said Tsume.

He tore away the paper and smiled. It was a picture of him and Neji. In the photo they were on the couch Neji was using his chest as a pillow. He smiled for the first time since Neji was taken from him.

"Thanks, mom", said Kiba.

"No problem", said Tsume before leaving her son.

He had few photos of his mate. Every time he'd try and take a picture of his mate it would always end up blurry or bad. His omega hated getting his picture taken, but Kiba loved trying to take them. He took the blankets from the basket and spread them along the floor and quickly made a nest of them. Kiba laid down in the comfortable nest with Neji's photo only a few inches away from his face. He couldn't sleep, but he could daydream of the moment the photo was taken.

Neji slept most of the day and night. His body was too tired to do anything else. His eyes opened, when heard the door of his cage creak open. Unlike most time the lights were kept off.

"Please come out", said a gentle voice.

From scent and sound, Neji knew the person was female. He'd witnessed multiple times the power of female ninjas and didn't want to take any risks that could put his life in danger. If he died Kiba would too. Neji couldn't have the death of his mate on his hands. He shook his head the thought was too painful for him right now. Neji got to his feet and cautiously stepped toward the steep stairway leading out of his cage. This might be a chance for escape he couldn't catch Katsuo's scent. When he reached the surface, the hallway lights were off. The woman who stood in front of him stunned him. Her eyes were the same as his. She the same dark brown and pale skin as he did.

"You must be curious to who I am", she said.

Neji gave a slight nod.

"My name is Aiko Hyuga Hayashi. I'm your aunt. To the reason why you don't know of me is my father your grandfather erased me from our clan's history when I fell in love with a member of a lower clan", she said.

She was waiting for a response but was shocked when she didn't get one.

"Oh, my brother in law seal took away your voice", said Aiko.

She released the jutsu binding her nephew's voice.

"Why did you abduct me? I know that fool Olcan doesn't have the brains to even follow a simple plan without breaking it. You must have born before my father and uncle if you can activate my seal", said Neji.

Aiko smiled. He's sharp.

"I love my clan. Most of them aren't so bad. We need new blood you are the answer to that", said Aiko.

"And which group does Katsuo belong to?" asked Neji.

"He's a good man and he will give you a good life if you treat him with common decency", said Aiko.

"You want me to show common decency to the man who commissioned my kidnapping!" growled Neji.

"It is what is expected of you", said Aiko.

She made it sound like simple transition. He'd adjusted to his life with Kiba and the freedom he had so long since been deprived of.

"I'm not that man's toy", said Neji.

She laughed.

"You are so much like him", said Aiko.

"Who?"

"Your father. You have his fight and will. Like him it will get you nowhere following such a pointless dream", said Aiko.

His fists clenched as he managed to resist the urge to attack the woman.

"Did I hit a nerve?" she asked.

Her nephew ignored her the best he could. She followed his gaze to the window.

"Here or there in your so called home you were never free. No matter what you might think. You will adjust to this place. It's the same cage you've always been. The only difference is your surroundings", said Aiko.

"You are just like him", spat Neji.

"Who?" she asked.

"Your father", said Neji.

She sighed.

"There was a time when I'd kill you for saying such a thing", said Aiko.

She couldn't help being shocked by the boy's lack of fear.

"He will find me or I will find him. Either way, the result will be the same. Your clan will be ripped apart", said Neji.

Aiko smirked. The boy had full confidence in his mate. Her heart gave a painful ache as the thought of her past love entered in her thoughts.

"You must love him dearly. Something tells me it wasn't always like that", said Aiko.

The hostile glare she was met with answered her question.

"Our stories are alike Neji. Before you object listen to me. If I'm wrong you'll have to gift of saying so. The story starts with him forcing himself on you. It hurt like hell at first, but then he gives you a life altering orgasm. You try to hate him with every fiber of your being but was impossible. You fall in deeply love with him. The unconditional love he offers is far more addicting than any drug. You find what you think to be freedom in joining his clan, but it's an illusion", said Aiko.

"He gave me freedom", said Neji.

"I know it feels that way. I was the same way", said Aiko.

"What do you know of being caged? You're of the main family!" yelled Neji.

"I see the tensions between the branch and the main family are as bad as ever", said Aiko.

Neji didn't answer. He didn't want to give out any information that could hurt Hinata or Naruto.

"True I'm the main house, but at that time women of the main branch held the standing of those of the lower branches", said Aiko.

She was right. That still didn't mean they were alike.

"My only purpose was a bargaining chip to strengthen our clan. When I lost my virtue to Daisuke, it was the ultimate betrayal to my father. I never thought of it that way. I just thought of it as being with the man I love", said Aiko.

She was right there were more similarities between the two of them than he would like to admit.

"What does that have to with this current situation?" asked Neji.

"Just like you and I are alike. Daisuke and Kiba share the same mannerisms. And they might just share the same fate if you aren't careful", said Aiko.

"I don't believe in fate", said Neji.

"I once believed the same, but I was foolish. The death of my beloved made that all the more clear", said Aiko.

Neji's hand went to the claim mark on his neck.

"I assume like every blood member of the Inuzuka Clan Kiba is a rash and hot headed idiot", said Aiko.

She took her nephew's lack of a reply as a yes.

"What do you think will happen if he finds you? Do you think he will return the village and ask for back up? No, the fool will come charging into danger to rescue you without any regard to his own life and will lose it in the process", said Aiko.

Neji was shocked to see his captor crying.

"Is that what happened to Daisuke?" asked Neji.

"Yes, and if you're not careful the same will happen to Kiba", said Aiko.

"Are you saying this to hurt me further?" asked Neji.

"No, I'm telling you this so you won't have to undergo the same suffering. I don't want to see history repeating itself", said Aiko.

"Who killed your mate?" asked Neji.

"My father. He locked me away. Daisuke went crazy with worry when I didn't meet with him for a week. When he discovered me, he charged into the Hyuga compound and my father killed him before my eyes. He claimed Daisuke was a rogue ninja who raped me, so my honor would stay intact", said Aiko.

"How did such tragedy help you discover your destiny?" asked Neji.

"It showed me that my destiny was to protect my family no matter the price. To get my revenge on my father did the one thing to him, which he feared the most. I placed the original Hyuga seal on his chest. It would forever serve as a reminder to him never to lay a hand on my family again", said Aiko.

The original Hyuga seal was far harsher than the original. When activated the pain would start in the chest and spread the body. Eventually, it would reach the brain killing off the cells until bearer would give in.

"All this time I thought he hated me for betraying the clan name. Now I realize he hates me because of how much I reminded him of you. But unlike with you, he can't kill Kiba", said Neji.

"I truly am sorry that punishment landed on you, Neji. I know how cruel my father can be", said Aiko.

"At least I know those words are the truth", said Neji.

"Katsuo isn't a bad man. I know he might seem that way now", said Aiko.

"He is a bad man", said Neji.

"Your opinion will eventually change", said Aiko.

Neji groaned when a burning sensation took over his neck. Once again he lost the ability to talk. He turned when he heard heavy footsteps coming down the hallway. It was Katsuo.

"Hello my little dove", he said.

He cringed at the pet name.

"I'm surprised he behave so well", said Katsuo.

Neji bared his teeth and growled as the man came closer to him.

"Get him cleaned up. Keeper will watch over him make sure he does nothing stupid", said Katsuo.

The large hyena stepped forward. Its body was covered in scars. The beast had rust brown fur was streaked with gray. It stared up at him. In his current state, the hyena could easily take him down. He followed Aiko.

"Everything you need should be in here", said Aiko.

He nodded. The hyena Katsuo called Keeper followed him in. Neji didn't bother with the lights. He could see perfectly in the darkness. This was the first time he'd seen a real bathroom in more than a month. He turned on the hot water and stripped himself of the dirty clothes. Keeper kept staring at him. The hyena shoved its nose between his legs. He groaned yet another male who was trying to get in between his legs. Neji pushed it away.

He stepped into the hot water. It was wonderful. His mind was clouded with Aiko's words. She's right. Kiba would come charging in here like fool rushing into a death took awhile to scrub away all the dirt. The next task was his hair. It was matted with dirt and in tangles. Finally, he felt clean. Clothes were neatly folded on the counter. It was a white shirt and pants Het twitched when he noticed boxers weren't included. When he stepped out of the bathroom, he ran straight into Katsuo.

"You look like a whole new person", he said.

Katsuo saw the slight change in Neji's eyes. The amount of hope in them lessened. He'd overheard the conversation. Aiko and Neji's stories were close. To his surprise the little dove didn't fight, when he took his hand. The only time he was met with some restraint was when they reached the door of his bedroom. Neji was stunned when Katsuo released the seal that took away his voice.

"Why?" asked Neji.

"You are a smart boy. You won't answer Kiba's calls. I know you won't risk losing the one who holds your heart, even if it means staying here with me. Now come in I'll keep the lights off. I know how sensitive your eyes must be", said Katsuo.

Neji was shoved into the dark bedroom. He stumbled a few steps forward before regaining his balance.

"I promise I won't claim you this season. I meant what I said I won't take you until three years time", said Katsuo.

"You'll become even more a beast and force me against my will if you want to or not", said Neji.

Katsuo laughed.

"I'm not some immature puppy like your mate", he said.

"Why should I believe you?" asked Neji.

"I understand your skepticism, but I already have an alpha son. My genes have been successfully passed on. The urge for me to breed is far less. So I'll more control than that pathetic puppy you call mate", said Katsuo.

"Why take me?" asked Neji.

The man didn't give him an answer.

"Your son is a disappointment, but that doesn't answer the question of why me", said Neji.

"You know the answer think", said Katsuo.

Kiba's words came to his mind. He's a beautiful, powerful, and un-bred submissive. Is that the only reason why Katsuo wanted him? No, that can't be it. Then it came to him.

"Olcan is powerful in his own right. For you to challenge his right as next in line for the head of your clan you need a stronger alpha son, which is where I come into play", said Neji.

"Very clever that's a trait I hope you pass down to our pups", said Katsuo.

Neji managed to risk the urge to gag.

"It shocks me that Kiba has left you un-bred for so long. Your womb must be craving a pup", said Katsuo.

Neji face went hot. His body's urge to have children had grown stronger over the last two heats he went through with Kiba, but he could ignore it for now.

"You must think you can ignore it. The craving will be much more powerful as time goes by. You're an omega in his prime your body's urge to have children will take over. Soon enough you'll be presenting yourself to any alpha to sooth the urge", said Katsuo.

"I don't care how strong the urge is. I won't give myself to you", said Neji.

"You say that now. In five seasons or maybe even less you'll be begging me to mount you, which I will happily satisfied. But I'll wait until you're begging for it. That's a sight I look forward to seeing", said Katsuo.

Katsuo sat down in a large leather chair and motioned for him to come. Neji stood his ground.

"Please, don't make this more difficult than this has to be. I don't want to cause you any pain either emotional or physical", said Katsuo.

Neji sat on the floor between Katsuo's legs. He tensed when Katsuo's fingers brushed against his neck.

"Relax, if I wanted to hurt you I would have done so already", said Katsuo.

The large man behind started brushing his hair. He was surprised when Katsuo didn't roughly tug through the knots, but carefully worked them out. Neji sighed. Kiba loved doing this for him.

"Bed" ordered Katsuo.

What was the point of arguing about this? He would be forced to do this and risk getting hurt, or he could behave. Neji took a seat in the large bed. This felt so wrong. The idea of sharing a bed with another man left him with a horrible feeling in his stomach. He pulled the blankets over himself trying to disappear. Neji started growling when the man's arm wrapped around his waist.

"Easy little dove you don't want to make me angry or I might just change my mind about claiming you", said Katsuo.

He was pulled close to the man's chest. Neji groaned when Katsuo nuzzled his nose into his hair. He waited for his alpha behind him to fall asleep. His eyes were focused on the window. The night sky was clear and the stars were sparkling. Kiba and him would normally go on a walk or run through their lands during weather like this. The man behind him fell into a deep sleep. The once tight grip around his waist loosened enough for him leave the bed. He shuddered when his feet touched the cool stone floor. The two hyenas on the floor raised their heads as he left the bed. They lost interest in him when he sat down by the window.

He took some comfort in the fact that he could see the sky and might actually get a chance to see the sun. There was only one thing he missed more than his freedom and was Kiba. He craved the comfort of being tucked safely away in those tan muscular arms. His hand traveled to the claim mark on his neck. Even the slightest reminder of home he would be a treasure.

One of the hyenas took pity on him and rested its head in his lap. Neji couldn't help running his fingers through the beast's wiry fur. The hyena gave a relaxed sigh and eased further into him. Neji smiled at the remembrance of his loyal companion Shine. The beast's kindness was most likely caused by his upcoming condition. Neji wasn't picky about the reason he was so deprived of comfort he needed what Keeper was giving.

Katsuo woke and saw his dove left his side. He was sleeping near the window with Keeper resting near his side. Katsuo licked his lips and breathed in Neji's scent. The beauty smelled divine. He knew he had to deprive Neji of comfort and force his body to crave physical contact. Being the villain would make it difficult. He needed to be a comfort to Neji. In truth, he didn't want to take the beautiful against its will, but he would if he had to.

Neji has three years before he forces a pup in him. This was the boy's third time in season. The instincts to breed would be powerful. Neji's want for Kiba would be stronger since he's so far away from his alpha. A few more heat cycles and the beautiful creature would be so desperate for touch he would give into him. Those white eyes opened but quickly shut again as the light stung at them. After an hour Neji's eyes seemed to adjust to the new environment.

"Good morning little dove", said Katsuo.

He was completely ignored by the beauty sitting near the window. Katsuo couldn't get upset with Neji. It was a beautiful day outside. A run through the woods would be wonderful in a time like this. But that would be too much of a risk.

"If you behave I might allow you to go outside for a few minutes", said Katsuo.

Neji bit his lip. He was being treated like a pet. Kiba never treated him like this. Actually, it was the other away around. His alpha acted more like a dog while he was in heat. He wasn't used to being in this position. The opportunity to feel the sun his face was too tempting. For now, he would behave. He watched as Katsuo answered the door and came back with two large plates of food. He took a seat at the table with the man. It all looked good, but at the moment he couldn't stomach the idea of eating. His stomach growled, but he ignored it.

"You should eat. Your body needs it", said Katsuo.

He picked up a forkful and carefully sniffed it. Katsuo took the fork from his hand and ate it.

"See, no drugs. Even if I wanted to drug you I wouldn't risk it. I don't want any harm coming to your body", said Katsuo as he returned the fork.

"In other words, you don't want to risk harming your breeding bitch", hissed Neji.

"I hate sass. So my offer to go outside wasn't enough to make you behave. Maybe you need more encouragement to behave how I see fit. If you are on your best behavior this week I might give you a prize", said Katsuo.

"What could I possibly want from you besides my freedom?" asked Neji.

"I think you would want this", said Katsuo.

Neji eyes went wide when Kiba's scent hit his nose. Katsuo was holding Kiba's jacket in his hand. His body pressed close to Katsuo's as he attempted to take it.

"Where did you get that?" asked Neji.

"I didn't hurt him. He only forgot it at his campsite", said Katsuo.

"Will you behave if I give you this?" asked Katsuo.

"Yes, please give it to me", begged Neji.

"No, you get this after not before or during. Eat", said Katsuo.

Neji cleared his plate. He had to admit he felt physically better after the meal. His eyes grew heavy and he yawned.

"Sleep, I won't lay a hand on you", said Katsuo.

"Why should I trust you?" asked Neji.

That earned him a warning growl. Neji whimpered thinking that was behavior Katsuo might approve of. He was right Katsuo smiled.

"Good boy", he said before patting Neji on the head.

The humiliation of the action soon kicked, but he was desperate to have something of Kiba's. He rested his head on the pillows but didn't feel safe enough to sleep. His eyes closed in false sleep. Eventually, his tired aching body settled into a real one.

Katsuo didn't make a sound he enjoyed the sound of beauty's soft breathing. He could help staring at Neji. Their pups would be beautiful. The matter of impregnating the beauty would be bothersome. He hoped he wouldn't have to force his little dove. The older man grabbed a book from the shelf. His concentration was broken, when heard Neji moaning in bed. The smell of the omega's readiness was intoxicating. Katsuo felt his inner alpha stir for the first time in years. He shook his head. Not yet. Neji was on the seventh day of heat. Katsuo couldn't force himself to leave his little dove's side.

Neji hadn't left the room since he entered heat. Food was brought to room and bathroom was included in the set up of the bedroom. He was growing extremely bored. His main sense of entertainment was staring outside the window watching birds. He'd hardly left his seat by the window.

"Little dove", called Katsuo.

He gritted his teeth and walked over to the man.

"Yes, Katsuo?" asked Neji.

Neji resisted the urge to growl when he was pulled into large man's laps. A book of sonnets written by Shakespeare was placed in his hand.

"Read to me", said Katsuo.

"Why you are capable of reading it yourself", said Neji.

"If you don't want to read to me we can do something else", said Katsuo as his large hand moved up Neji's thigh.

His little dove sighed. That silken voice read aloud the famous romantic words of the famous poet. As he read Katsuo ran his hand up and down Neji's back. He couldn't help nuzzling closely to the omega's neck. The motion cut off the young man's voice.

"Easy, I won't mark you just yet. Please continue", said Katsuo.

Neji forced himself to read. He spent hours reading to the alpha. He was the man's lap dog. Both of them were surprised when there was a knock on the heavy wooden doors. Katsuo gave a low growl, which sent a shiver down Neji's spine.

"Don't get pissed off at me dad. Get annoyed with your jackass of a son", yelled Silva through the doors.

Katsuo moved the beauty from his lap and placed him in the large leather chair.

"Stay", he said.

This command earned him a glare from his little dove, but he brushed it off like it was nothing. He walked over to the doors and opened a door. His daughter was covered in many gashes of varying depths and lengths.

"I'm not the true victim of this", said Silva.

"But are you okay sugar lump?" asked Katsuo.

She rolled her eyes at her father.

"I'm fine", said Silva.

"Then who is the true victim?" asked Katsuo.

His daughter went into tears. He hugged his little girl close.

"Kimba, Olcan's stupidity killed my best friend", she cried.

He pulled away from his daughter.

"Give me one minute princess", said Katsuo.

Neji couldn't help being stunned at the behavior he was seeing. The alpha who giving him hell had a gentle side. The compassion he felt for his daughter was obvious. Katsuo shut the door and walked over to him.

"I'm going to be gone for most of the day. While I'm gone don't be afraid to indulge your body's urges. I won't be upset with you if you do", said Katsuo.

"Indulge my body's urges?" asked Neji.

Katsuo's face went red. Then Neji's did the same when he figured it out.

"I'll return by late nightfall or early morning. Make yourself at home. Feel free to read any of the books in my library. When those doors lock they will be unbreakable to you in your current state", said Katsuo.

"What about to others?" asked Neji.

"They should hold up and if anyone manages to get through Keeper will protect you", said Katsuo.

He tensed when Katsuo pulled him close. What was the man going to do? He froze when Katsuo placed a gentle kiss on his lips.

"Be good while I'm gone", said Katsuo before leaving him.

There was a loud clunk as the door locked behind Katsuo. Neji was left alone with his only friend Keeper. He took a random book from the shelf and settled in his favorite spot next to the window. Neji opened the book to a random page. He gasped when he saw a photo of a Great Pyrenees staring back at him. He ran his fingers over the image. Keeper nudged against his shoulder.

"My husband has a dog like this. I miss them both", said Neji.

Keeper stared down at the image. Neji went to the index. He turned to the page.

"This my dog she's a Rottweiler", said Neji.

He ran his fingers through Keeper's wiry fur.

"What are you?" asked Neji.

Keeper pawed a book from the shelf and brought it over to him. Neji took it from the hyena's mouth.

"The History and Biology of the Spotted Hyena", read Neji.

This book could be very useful.

"Thank you, Keeper", said Neji.

Keeper moved behind him. Neji leaned back and used the large hyena as a pillow. He read the book aloud to his friend to make himself feel less lonely than he actually was. Throughout the day multiple journeys back to the bookshelf.

Night came soon, because of heat body longed for sleep. He left his spot by the window and returned the books the shelf. Keeper nudged against his side. He scratched behind the hyena's ears. They both got into the bed. The large beast huddled closely to him. With Keeper by his side, he felt safe enough to close his eyes in sleep. He woke from a hot wet dream.

"Kiba", he whined.

HE NEEDED KIBA! Neji gritted his teeth and regained control. His hand traveled between his legs. He pushed two of his fingers into his slick entrance. It did little to sate his craving. He wanted no needed something bigger. He managed to climax. Instead of bringing him pleasure it only reminded him how lonely he was. He didn't have Kiba to help him through this. Tears streamed down his cheeks. Keeper licked at his face trying to keep him calm, but it had little effect.

He sat up when the strong wooden doors of Katsuo's room slammed open. Keeper snarled and charged at the intruder. The large hyena was thrown across the room like it was nothing. A power alpha scent filled the room. It belonged to Olcan. He was pushed into the mattress.

"Look, you're already good and wet for me", said Olcan.

Neji's claws sunk deeply into Olcan's skin. The alpha above him yowled in pain. Neji tried escaping but forced onto all fours. Olcan ripped away Neji's clothes leaving him completely exposed. Olcan's claws dug deeply into his hips keeping him still. A desperate howl for help escaped his throat. Suddenly Olcan was ripped off him and thrown out of the room.

Katsuo forced the doors back in place. He shook his head. It was stupid for him to leave Neji alone, but he had to tend to his little girl. His dove sat with his legs pulled to his chest. Neji was shaking uncontrollably. The scent of blood caught his attention. There were deep gashes on Neji's hips.

"Grasper get Silva here now", ordered Katsuo.

Grasper ran out to fetch Silva. Katsuo moved closer to the shivering being on the bed. Neji was scared senseless. He wrapped a blanket around his little dove.

"Are you going to take away my voice again?" asked Neji.

The poor thing's voice was weak. He brushed away the soft brown locks away from the beauty's face.

"Why I do that?" asked Katsuo.

"I howled", said Neji.

"It's okay little dove. You were calling for help in the only way you knew how. I'm not going to punish you for that. Now lay down you're very weak", said Katsuo.

Neji didn't fight the idea. That seemed to calm the poor creature some. Katsuo hated seeing the beautiful being in such a state. There was a quiet knock at the door.

"Come in", said Katsuo.

"Your little dove blinded Olcan in one of his eyes", said Silva.

"The boy deserved it. He should know better than to touch what is mine", said Katsuo.

"To be fair you didn't mark Neji as yours", said Silva.

She carefully stitched the deep gashes on Neji's hips. Once she sutured the wounds she spread paste on them to stop an infection from starting. Who knows where Olcan's claws have been. Her father's little dove was passed out in a deep sleep.

"Why have you given him so much time? If you want him to bear your child make him", said Silva.

"He's so young and so new to this type of life", said Katsuo.

"He's older than me", said Silva.

"You've been raised in this sort of live style. You know what to expect", said Katsuo.

"You are making excuses, father. I think you're falling for him", said Silva.

"Watch your tongue young lady", growled Katsuo.

"Part of the reason you love me so much is because of my sharp tongue and wit", said Silva.

"So what's your view on this?" asked Katsuo.

"You're the fool who fell in love with your brother's mate. He's just your type dad. Pale skin, white eyes, dark brown hair, and most importantly taken", said Silva.

Silva took her leave. His daughter was right. He was falling for the little dove. Katsuo dressed Neji and pulled a pelt over him. He needed to mark Neji. That's the only way to grantee his little dove's safety. He moved the beautiful creature into his arms. Neji gave a slight whine at being moved. The part of Neji's neck that was exposed to him already held Kiba's claim mark. He bit down on the unclaimed side Neji's neck. Katsuo couldn't remove Kiba's mark just yet. It would hurt the precious little being too much. He started licking the fresh wound. As it healed his scent was interwoven into Neji's skin. Keeper hopped the bed with them. Katsuo moved to the chair near the bed. He wanted to give Neji plenty of space after what he'd just experienced.

Neji slowly woke. He gave a small smile when Keeper licked his face. The creature had horrible breath so he pushed the beast away. He was surprised to see he was competently dressed and his wounds were tended to. Did Katsuo do this? He wanted to keep him healthy, so it reasonable. Keeper helped him walked to the bathroom. Neji took off his clothes and carefully peeled away the bandages. He got into the shower. The feel of the hot water calmed him down. He sank to the floor. Keeper joined him. It was probably for the best. He might need his help getting up. Neji decided to wash the beast. He would rather have Keeper smelling good since they would be spending so much time together.

Keeper had never been treated like this before. This Neji was so kind to him for no reason and he wasn't even his master. Katsuo always treated him cruelly. He was smaller than Grasper, so he was considered weaker. When the water turned cold he turned off so Neji wouldn't have to get up. Then brought him a towel. As a reward, he was given a scratch behind the ear.

Keeper helped him from the shower. He placed the bandages over the sutures and dressed in the clothes set out for him. It was the same white outfit he was wearing before. When he went to mirror, his eyes went wide. There was new claim mark on the other said of his neck. Why hadn't Katsuo put his claim mark over Kiba's? He shook his head. The smell of blood lingered on his claws. Why wasn't Katsuo more upset with him? He limped back into the bedroom.

"Nice to see you're back on your feet", said Katsuo.

"Thank you", said Neji.

"You don't need to thank me for protecting you. It's part of being your alpha", said Katsuo.

Neji shuddered those words were too familiar.

"You should eat", said Katsuo.

Neji did as told. His fork shook in his hand.

"My idiot son won't lay another hand you", said Katsuo.

"You won't always be there to protect me. He won't stop coming after me until I'm dead", said Neji.

"If he touches you again I'll kill him", said Katsuo.

"You would do that to your own pup?" asked Neji.

"He's always been a disappointment. He's not what I wanted in an heir. I could never hurt my little princess Silva", said Katsuo.

"Would you do the same to my pups?" asked Neji.

"Already about carrying my babes?" asked Katsuo.

"I'm preparing myself for the worst", said Neji.

"I wouldn't lay a harmful hand on them. That I promise", said Katsuo.

When breakfast was finished, Katsuo picked him up. His body wouldn't respond to his wish to move. Katsuo sat them down in a large leather chair. One of the man's arms kept him in place on his lap. In his other hand he held a book.

"Why won't my body move?" asked Neji.

"You're in shock dove. Your body craves comfort from an alpha", said Katsuo.

His heart gave a painful throb. Katsuo raised his chin and pressed a kiss on his lips. Neji hated the feel of another man's lips. This wasn't the kiss of his mate.

"That's my good little dove", said Katsuo as he ran his fingers through Neji's hair.

"Why did you mark me?" asked Neji.

"To ensure your safety", said Katsuo.

"From Olcan", said Neji.

"Yes, and the other alphas of the pack", said Katsuo.

"Other alphas?" asked Neji.

"You're only seeing a small fraction of my pack. Once you've accepted your role as my omega you'll meet them and the children", said Katsuo.

"Why didn't you replace Kiba's?" asked Neji.

"You weren't ready", said Katsuo.

"Thank you", said Neji.

"I'm not a bad man", said Katsuo.

Neji was still too shocked to respond. His heat was finally over for the time being.

"Since you've behaved so well you've earned a reward", said Katsuo.

He threw Kiba's jacket at him, Neji burrowed his nose into the fabric. Kiba's scent was engrained into it.

"You'll have to go back", said Katsuo.

"You're not speaking of the Leaf are you", said Neji.

Katsuo laughed.

"You should give up on the Leaf. It will make your stay more comfortable if you do", he said.

"Thank you for the jacket, but I won't be giving up on my hope to return to home anytime soon", said Neji.

"Your stubbornness is wonderful. It's cute, but it will eventually run out", said Katsuo.

He went back to his underground cage without complaint. Neji put on Kiba's jacket. The scent was wonderful. It almost felt like he was in Kiba's arms again. He pulled up the hood and fell asleep.

Kiba woke. His entire body ached. He had never been this much pain after heat before. The alpha sighed. This first time he's ever been this far from Neji before. He could hardly move. His mom unchained him. He needed her help walking he was in such pain.