Arthit bounced happily towards Guss's room, with a basket full of Guss's favourite snacks and a beautiful figurine of a majestic black wolf howling at the moon that Arthit had carved out of a fallen log.

Since Arthit came to know that Gus didn't wake up after four hours of unconsciousness, he felt very bad and kept circling around Guss's room. Finally after Fifteen or so round, the healer banned him from entering Guss's room till the prince woke up.

Teary, Arthit wandered in the garden, seeing the log started carving it while Kong tried everything to cheer him up.

Arthit was about to push the doors open when he heard muffled voices. If he wouldn't have been graced with his sensitive wolf hearing, he couldn't have heard the discussion in the room.

" I think I will shift this moon" Guss whispered.

Pok took a Sharp breath.

" Can you feel your wolf" Killian asked.

" No..." Guss said "I am just very agitated. There is this weird itch under my skin."

Killian's excitement dwindled " Oh.."

" Isn't it good that he can't feel his wolf yet ? " Pok asked. " If he did and our unwanted friends get the wind, he will be open Game."

Arthit could hear serious grunts of all occupants of the room.

" Killian, you said someone left you a clue. Did you find him? " Mop asked.

" No," Killian answered. " And it was a secret, not meant to be yelled out loud." He hissed.
Arthit wondered who they were searching.

" What clue? " Guss raged " You guys are hiding things from me now."

Mop cursed under his breath. " You were unconscious. Killian found a letter in armory ...its very cryptic... he thinks it might be linked to the people who wants royals dead. "

" It is a map of our pack areas and neutral grounds around us and some parts of Duang territory.. Some areas are circled and marked. There is this area marked just ten miles from the south border..." Killian explained. " I think it is secret passage. Because it is not mentioned in either official map of our pack or our neighbours."

" Why do you think it is related to them? "

" Areas that are marked have rare herbs like moon light, wolfsbane, nightshade, belladona and also the vipers and kraits. Every ingredient needed for the quick working poison used for assasination. The area also have Selenes - the faction of ancient Duang tribe that holds Khun Perwat responsible for moon blessed's death. They do not accept our King's protection."

"No one knows of their territory" Pok added.

Killian gravely nodded. " I am sure, the secret route leads to territory of Selene tribe."

"They have motive, resources and knowledge " Sean added " eligible suspect. "

" They must have an insider on their side" Mop narrowed his eyes " We must figure out before Guss changes "

" Who ever he is, he is posing to be friend " Guss answered " Keep your eyes open."

" Do you think it is Kongpob ? " Mop suddenly asked. " His distaste for you isnt hidden from anyone."

" No." Saen answered. " Khun Kiet has numerous times put his life out for King. Kongpob is his son and nor old enough to work in his own interst."

"Kongpob does distaste me and the feeling is mutual. But the brat is besotted with my brother. After me Arthit will be prime target, with his guile nature, he needs as protection as we can afford.
Kongpob too tastes Prince Arthit's food before it's served to prince, just like his father does for our King. He is Arthit's first layer of protection, though a bit too wild to be much useful " Guss reluctantly agreed. " In my opinion he needs a good hard hand to reign him."

" Wildness is a good trait. Adds surprise element. I think Kongpob will be brilliant asset to the pack." Killian who was quiet till now said. " He has good skills both warfare and others. He has natural compassion and level headedness of an omega and strong determination of an alpha."

Arthit though liked the words but his wolf raised his hackles in his mind.

" Yeah, " Guss sneered " I am going to ask por to employ Khun Raegar to omega training."

" Alpha Reagar ? " Mop sneerd " Good. I bet not only Kongpob but all omegas will swear off training in a week."

Arthit clenched his teeth.

Alpha Raegar is best known trainer but he is ruthless ultra pro max. Trainees shiver at his name.

Guss smirked " If they did, We will save assets (money ). If not we will have assets (trained warriors) . Win win."

Arthit though didn't like Guss's way or intention behind the strategic move. But he couldn't help but admire his cunningness.

" Are you going to compete this year too? " Killian asked.

Guss nodded.
" I need to release some frustration. "

Mop smirked " I pity your opponent."

Killian smacked Mop's back " You are first contender"

All the friends laughed seeing color draining from Mop's face.

Arthit knocked on Guss's door...all the laughing suddenly stopped. Seeing Arthit, Guss's friend dispersed.

.############

" Phi Guss" Arthit rushed in with his sweet bribe and carved wolf and jumped on his Phi.

" I was so worried when you didn't wake up for a day straight. " Arthit

" Thit..argh..." Guss moaned as carved wolf dug in his ribs. " Let me breathe."

" You have problem in breathing? Should I call the healer? "

" No..." Guss sucked a sharp breath as the wolf's pointy ear dug in some more " Loosen your death grip."

Arthit instantly released him. Guss inserted his hand and felt the object trying to poke a hole in his skin.
" What is this ? " He brought the object before his eyes for inspection. " Almost poked hole in my stomach."

Arthit blushed " I carved this for you Phi. His ears remained a little pointy. It's the first figurine I carved. "

Guss instantly rejoiced " And you brought it to give it to me ? Not Kongpob ? "

" Why would I give it to Kongpob when I made it for you Phi? " Arthit asked confused.

Guss didn't say anything verbally but he reverently gazed at the wolf. The roughly polished figurine with mismatched ear and misaligned leg,  suddenly was the most exquisite carving he ever laid his eyes upon.

He gently placed the howling wolf on his bedside desk and looked at his brother.
" Thank you. Its very beautiful. "

Arthit beamed. " It is isn't it ? It is Phi Guss's wolf Phi Aat."

" Why Aat ? "

" Strong warrior just like Phi Guss. I even gave you black fur and star sign that your favourite warrior character in the game has. "

Unable to express the emotions bubbling inside his heart, Guss hugged his brother tight. " Are you feeling happy Phi Guss? " Arthit asked.

Guss nodded " Very happy."

" Aren't you mad that I gave Kong the idea to use his special moves against you? " Arthit asked, tears filled in his big doe eyes. " But it was only because you were wrong in underestimating omegas. I felt so bad after that when you didn't wake up after 4 hours. "

Gus wanted to be angry. This brat intentionally set him up but he couldn't,. Instead, he chuckled " can any one stay mad at you when you are pouting like this brother? " Guss pinched Arthit's cheek.

.....................

As Arthit was returning, he heard Kongpob's high pitched scream and sprinted towards their combined room.

Panting, he pushed the door with all his might. The inside scene made his jaw drop.

Kongpob was shrieking in horror and running over every available surface while uncle Kiet chased him as furiously.

" Who told you to put my name in the chase? Tell me.."

Kongpob's gaze met with Arthit's for just a second.
" Arthit " Kong shrieked. He furiously waved his hand, signalling Arthit to go away.

" And you did? " Kiet stood in shock. " Do I look like object of entertainment to you ? " Kiet was hurt. " Now, everyone is laughing at me. I am object of ridicule in every one's eyes. Are you happy now? How could you do this to me? I am your own father..." tears welled up in Kiet's eyes.

Kongpob's face paled. They had been through a lot. But he rarely had seen his father crumbling like that.

" I am sorry por... I just wanted you to be happy. You said every wolf who had an admirer or someone in his heart used to participate in the chase. No matter the age, gender or status. "

Kiet wiped his eyes with back of his hand and looked at Kong. " The stories I tell you are just stories Kongpob. "

" You said they are our history. " Kong accused, looking at his father in disbelief. " Way of our life. The rules to adhere to."

" For us, the members of Duang clan, the descendents of kins of Khun Arak, it is our history, our treasure, way of our life. But others have forgotten it long ago. .. for them they are just stories. For them, a formerly mated omega has no place or right to be in chase. Do you understand ? "

" But why ? " it was Arthit who asked. He stepped in, closing the distance between them, he hugged Kiet.
" Every one deserves love and care uncle Kiet.."

" Both of you are enough to give me all the love and care. I have friends and well wishers. What else do I need ? "

" A good person devouted solely to you" Kong said, staring at Kiet stubbornly , daring him to refute.

" I have you..." Kiet replied. Hugging both the kids.

" Alpha Raegar is good alpha " Kong mumbled "

" Hmm..." Kiet nodded.

" Then why don't you give him a chance ? " Both said at the same time.

Kiet just stood silent.

.......................

Kong and Arthit wandered through the Ceremonial grounds, searching for Alpha Raeegar. Wolves were milling around, preparing for the chase.

The chase was an important ancient tradition, their pack followed.

One day before blue moon night, all the mateless wolves (alphas, omegas and betas alike) gather for the chase through woods. It was a chance to officially announce their affection for another party.

Kongpob liked the chase very much.

Especially the part where alphas presented their intended with their hunts and gifts.
The gifts are never gold or silver or something that can be purchased.

It generally is the kill, shell necklaces, fur apparels, carved head gears — something alphas has thoughtfully and painstakingly earned or obtained to provide — food, cloth and shelter for the omega.

The one who accepts the gifts, cook the food— showcasing their culinary and nurturing skills. Then they  go through a fun chase through woods which is also a test of alphas perseverance. The omegas who are caught, officially accepts  courting proposals of respective Alpha and their claim on each other is considered as good as mating. .

" I think he is really busy." Arthit provided " You will see the gift once he gives it to uncle Kiet."

" No...I want to see it first and make sure the gift is special and to por's liking. " Kong searched through the crowd again,  finally spotting Raegar.

They went to the alpha who was instructing other betas to their post throughput the woods amd bordered for safety. 

Kong and Arthit bowed to the Alpha " Greetings Alpha Raegar " Kong said " Can we have a minute of yours ? "

" I am busy "

" It is important..." Kong stressed.

" Fine..." Raegar sighed " Talk .."

" You want to talk here? " Kong asked.

Raegar reluctantly went to a relatively secluded corner.

" Show me..." Kong demanded.

" What? "

" The gift that you prepared..."

" That is for your father to see..."

" Don't you think you will have it easy if you get me on your side? " Kong asked raising a brow. " Have you not seen movies? First win the son then his father..."

" Kongpob! " Arthit kicked his ankle.

Raegar glared at Arthit " Take your friend away..."

Arthit looked at Kong who stood stubbornly " I want to see the gifts..."

" He wants to see the gifts " Arthit conveyed helplessly.

" I told you to take him away..." Raegar glared at his pupil.

" His one move rendered Phi Guss unconscious for a day. Do you want me to die? " Arthit asked dramatically.

Raegar sighed. " Follow.. " he walked them to the kills arranged in order with name tags. " Biggest one is mine."

Kong strode to the hunt, inspected it and made a dissatisfied noise " Two wildboars, three dears and bearskin pelt, tigerskin and snake leather pouch."

" Whoaa" Arthit exclaimed.

Kong looked unimpressed at Arthit " He is Sergeant at arms, built like a truck, don't you think he should at least bring a lion as hunt."

" Atleast Lion as a hunt ? " Raegar asked indignant.

" Well" Kong shrugged " my por can hunt deers and wild boars himself why would he need an alpha for that? Besides he deserve something special ...."

" Knowing your por, he will be sad that these animals were  killed animal for him. Thank god he is not vain like you..."

" Vain" Kong raised a brow " My dad is just too naive. He doesn't understand his own worth. What's vain in wanting a skilled alpha who will not run at first sign of danger? What's vain in wanting most special gift so stupid people who were laughing at my por for entering the chase will envy him instead?  "

" He is not vain" Arthit glared at the alpha.

" My fault prince Arthit." Raegar backtracked " I held myself back from going all out."

" If you don't insist on doing your best, how will my por see he deserves the best of the best? "

"  I will hunt a lion."

" You said por won't be happy if you kill the lion. Bring his whiskers instead." Kong ordered " without killing It..."

" Instead of these outrageous demands, Why don't you just man up and say you disapprove me for your por ? " Raegar asked.

" But , I don't. " Kong said befuddled.

" Then , do you want me dead? "

" What ? "

" Bringing lion's whiskers without killing him? Seriously ? "

Kong just threw his nose in air " You are lucky my por is gullible. My mate won't be having concession. I won't accept his courting invitation unless he brings me whiskers of an alive lion."

Arthit paled....

Kong turned " What do you think Arthit ? Is it too much to ask? It's not like I'm asking for a snow leopard or unicorn..."

" Indeed " Arthit mumbled.

..................

Next day...

Night

Gym

Kiet had just finished his chores. Tired out of his bones, but he couldn't sleep so he naturally headed to his comfort place. The Gym.

After working out for an hour, he headed to the common showers. He halted seeing a familiar figure at the stall.

" You weren't at the chase? " Alpha Reagar asked Kiet.

" I was spending family time with my son." Kiet answered " It's rare that I get off days. "

" Kongpob was at the chase." Alpha Raegar (chief trainer of the pack ) looked at the stubborn omega
" Why did you withdraw your name? Tell me the truth. "

" Who are you even to ask me ..."

Raegar took a step ahead, intensity in his eyes enough to burn all the stubborn walls Kiet erected. " The alpha who despite being a subject of mockery, waited till the last howl for you to appear and take a look at his offerings.
The alpha who despite the pitiful glances, entered the woods and  searched all the woods low and high in hope of finding you. I was promised a fair chance at chase.... "

Finding him meant officially permitted to court him.

Kiet glared " I never agreed to participate in ' the chase."

" Yet your name was there in the list." Raegar glared back. " The King had personally informed me to update the list and add your name. And then I was made the subject of mockery... am I still only deserving of being only subject of your pranks ? And nothing else. "

"It wasn't me who asked you to put my name. I'd you feel so wronged,  Then go and ask the King "

" Ofcourse, I will. "

Kiet sighed " Give up, Reagar. It's been years, it's not even cute anymore... "

Raegar was five years their junior and absolutely smitten at Kiet. Kiet find his crushing cute as teenage Raegar volunteered to be his sparring partner in secret knowing Kiet will wipe the ground with him.

Kiet did enjoy all the fawning and the cute blushing face but he was quick to draw the line when Raegar presented his first hunt to Kiet at the age of fourteen.

Soon after Kiet was mated to Jay and Raegar although heartbroken, respectfully backed off.

But as his mating crumbled, Raegar had been back to trying to court him again.

This Raegar was far too stubborn and strong willed than his teenage counterpart.

Kiet didn't know how to handle him.

Raegar chuckled mirthlessly " You think I wouldn't have gave up if I could, phi Kiet? You think I enjoyed seeing you bound to that jerk mate of yours? Do you think I enjoyed patching you up every time you came busted black and blue? Do you think it was easy to hold myself back from breaking that good for nothing bastard's bones - "

Kiet's eyes darkened with fury " You have no right to bad mouth my mate..."

" Even after he literally broke your bones and tried to strangle you . Even after all the times he betrayed your trust and wandered with other omegas left and right ...you dare to say this to me? You dare to defend him ? Are your Duang traditions really more important than your happiness? "

" I am happy Alpha Raegar... an alphaless omega isn't a fair game.... i was not the one who pranked you, you and me both were played. The King perhaps convinced my son to place my name in the list.
I am telling you nicely Give up,.
Or Next time my fist will talk to you..."

" Why next time? Hit me right now...pound some sense in to me. " When Kiet didn't slid an inch , Raegar laughed.

"Give up you say!
I am a soldier Phi Kiet, We win or we die. Giving up isn't our strong point. "

Kiet couldnt look in to Raegar's eyes anymore so he looked down.

" Why ? "

Placing his thumb and index finger under Kiet's chin , Raegar lifted his face, his eyes set upon Kiet's " Tell me honestly ...Do you not know? Or you enjoy tormenting me? How many more times do I have to tell you? "

Kiet was literally cornered, boxed by Raegar's wide stature in corner of the gym, his voice trembled as he voiced his inner thought
" What do you even see in me ? "

" Why don't you see what I can see in you ? " Raegar asked.

" I have a nine year old son."

" He is spitting image of you , and ten times the trouble maker...its honestly hard to miss him even if you dont go announcing around he is your progeny."

" I am old. "

" Thirty five isn't much old even by human standards let alone wolf standards. "

" Pack will ridicule you..."

" That sounds like a they problem..."

" Let me go..."

" As you wish... I have no right to stop you right now. " Raegar stepped back, giving Kiet wide berth " But It smells like you are due your heat in a couple of hours... Will you allow me to escort you back to your room's? "

Kiet hung his head, his cheeks flamed.
He just strode towards the castle.

Raegar quitely followed. As Kiet pushed the rooms to his door open, Raegar turned back but not before whispering " I will ask the healers to send the essentials to your quarters."

" Raegar" Kiet called. Raegar sharply turned " Yes? "

" Stop this foolishness. You are still young and very popular within omegas. Don't waste your life away like that. Mate with a good, young- "

Raegar sighed dramatically "Its my destiny to waste away like this, phi Kiet. Unfortunately, I am in to older ones... so old" he pointedly looked at Kiet " that he is practically ancient, riddled with wrinkles. Unable to do anything- "

" You insipid - "

Raegar laughed.

" I don't have wrinkles.." Kiet replied indignant.

" I never said you were the one I was talking about..."

"But You said I am the one you loved - "

" Still love ...never stopped loving "

" Stop this nonsense .."

" Same to you Phi. Stop this nonsense...you are still young, beautiful and as stubborn as you were. "

" Shut up - "

" Suppressing so many heats in a row is not good for your health. "

" My heat is not your concern alpha Raegar."

Raegar convieniently ignored " let me know if you need help during -" his ears turned red " things..." he finished, unable to utter heat.

" I won't..." Kiet avoided his gaze like plague.

" It helped last time.."

Kiet wanted to yell ...that was the reason I started taking suppressant.

It wasn't even much or anywhere in category of infidelity. It was his first heat after his alpha left him, Raegar has found him writhing in pain in the storage house and wrapped him in his jacket and carried him to his quarters.

Kiet held on to the jacket like a life line and smelled it like delicious sweet.

After the haze of his heat broke , he was mortified for finding another alpha's scent comforting and calming. And couldn't dare going in to heat since then. It had been almost four years since he dared to go in to heat, despite the healer's warnings. 

" Trust me you will need it. This heat will be intense Phi... "

" Using my clothes to build your nest isn't same as having me in there. You won't be betraying your mate bond..."

" I said shut up ..." Kiet glared.

" Lock your door" he said and here" he pulled a dagger out from under his sleeves. " Here, keep this. "

" I have six of these on me - " Kiet replied.

" it's a silver one. Keep it for sake of my mind. "

Kiet hesitated.
Taking a dagger meany accepting protection, giving meant extending one. Did Raegar not know that ?
Or he did it intentionally ?

" Return it to me after your heat. "

Kiet sighed and accepted the leather sheathed dagger.

" I will keep guard... Your heat will be intense...like none you have experienced. Let me know if you can't handle it alone.... don't risk your life, you have a son to look after. "

" Don't use my son- "

"Why must you always think worst of me? Am I still the Fifteen years old in your eyes ?
I am not using your son. I am just reminding you, why is it important to put aside your pride for a moment and think of it rationally. You are not feeling it right now, give it a couple of hours and you will be in literal hell.... You will need an alpha to help you ride through"

" I have potions..."

" Potion won't do shit...I am telling you from experience. "

" And who helped you ? "

"I don't remember. I was long gone...almost delirious with fever and pain. King hired someone. He or she was long gone before my haze broke and I could thank them."

" Let me help you. No one has to know. I won't - "

" I told you, I don't need your help - "

" Fine. I got that." Raegar raised his hands in surrender. " Not me. Then who? Tell me who are you comfortable enough with ? I will bring them... Because you will need an alpha to hold you and help you ride it through, damn it "

Kiet was enraged, his eyes shone yellow.
Didn't Raegar just proclaimed his undying love. Didn't he ask for a chance? Then shouldn't he fight? Assert his reasons ? How can he easily give up and throw him to another alpha just like that? Was Kiet just a tool to him?

Kiet gritted his teeth " Hire one to fuck me then... Can you? "

"I am not like your worthless mate.
If it is to keep you alive...I will hire an army of them.." Raegar replied equally furious. " My alpha ego hasn't gone to my head. "

Kiet didn't expect that. "Remember, I like them big " he hissed before snapping the door shut at Raegar's face.

After making sure Kiet had securely locked the door , Raegar was gone, but his words floated in the air...

" I will send you some profiles and their information on your phone, take your pick. "

" Fuck you..." Kiet gritted his teeth, his eyes welled up

His mind rewinded the decade old memories where he still knew how to smile, laugh, tease and pull pranks.

Memories where he was beautiful, full of life, cherished, most sought after omega.

How did it all come to this?
...............................

A/N : I Have 2 K words on next chapter already...so I think I will be able to publish next chapter in 3-4 days ...