Perawat

His dinner too was brought by Lek and Yai. It was not as spicy as he liked but atleast it was seasoned, still he missed eating unseasoned bland food with prachaya..
Yep! With him fussing like a baby, Prachaya soothed him by eating same food as he did. And four days in, he started to look forward to their meal.
He hadn't thought much about it at that time but in the light of everything he is getting to know about the chief- his heart went to the selfless guy.

He decided he would stop taxing his wounds by rigorous exercise and stop blocking his natural alpha healing. He needs to get fit if he is to step up his Game and earn favour and blessing of the tribe to court their moon blessed.
Being sick alpha under healing isn't going to earn him any respect in a warrior tribe, or affections of its chief.
...........

It's been four hours only since he had removed his mental blocks and got a silent treatment from his wolf part. But, as soon as the wolf got mental pictures of Prachaya; he softened, even advised Perawat to transform and spend time in his wolf form to heal quicker.

So he did. He transformed in to wolf and just for the fun of it jumped out the window rather than using the door.

The cool air after a month felt refreshing. The scents of various plants tickled his nose while the movements of preys like rabbits lured his animal instincts.

Curbing the desire to prey, he ran across the clearing Perawat practices in, rounded the edge of lake.
Some whispering caught his attention so he naturally went to investigate the matter.
Three teens stood near the lake , looking sceptical at the still water.

" Are you sure if we bring the moon flower and offer it to goddess , she will make send our mates to us within a month? " the other one nodded " We need to offer her moonflower for a whole week till night before bluemoon."

" Then while the third and tallest of them pulled both his friends back, stopping them from jumping in to the lake.
" The moonflower patch has snake though." The other one informed.
Yai shook his head vigorously while trying to pull both of them back. But Lek looked at him angrily " Don't you want to be my mate? " Yai released the tight grip and stood infront of Lek.

Before Yai could jump in, Perawat curiously looked at the two wolves, he recognised Lek as one and the second as Yai, the tall silent wolf. The third one was unknown.

Perawat tiptoed to them.

" Can I join you ? " He mindlinked. The boys shrieked, startled.

" Who are you? " Lek asked, trembling badly yet his voice remained surprisingly even.

" Perawat " he informed.

" Prince " Lek gasped.

" Is it true that moon goddess will grant meeting with mate within a month if I complete the ritual? "
All three of them nodded vigorously.

" Okay then. Let's go" the golden wolf jumped in the lake.

More than believing in the lore, Perawat followed them as a guardian, to protect and escort them back to the pack.
.............
They brought back bunch of moon flower from forest beyond the lake and slowly tracked to the moon temple above the small hillock.

It was just an open gazebo, five white marbled pillars in a circular pattern, at the centre of which whine the moon.

In a straight line, they sat on their knees and prayed to the Goddess to bring their mates to them and offered their moon flowers.

After the small ritual they grinned at each other as if passing the most difficult exam.
" Same time tomorrow? " Mon asked.
Rest nodded.

" Don't go without me. " Perawat playfully threatened them " Or your chief will know, you were out of bed."

.......

Perawat and his wolf was feeling strangely peaceful after praying to the goddess. After seeing the boys to their houses, he walked around aimlessly, from one lane to other till he reached the mouth of river, in the centre of which stood a white robed person with both his hands folded in prayer.

Perawat tiptoed on his paws and peered closer without alerting the figure.
The slender figure with long waist length hair stood gazing at the moon.

The closer he got, stronger was the feeling that he knew the person. The figure drew something from folds of his robe. And offered it towards the moon - the feeling of fear and guilt along withtang of fresh blood started thickening in the air .

Protect ! Protect!
Perawat stilled. Although he couldn't make out the situation, his wolf instincts screamed to run to the figure and so he did.
He jumped in the river without a single thought.

The splash alerted the figure and it whirled in a flash.

" Who are you ? " Prachaya interrogated while he had the stranger wolf surrounded in a whirlpool of water.

The more Perawat tried to break out of the shallow whirlpool, it started deepening and pulling him in.

" I know you want to imprison me here so you can have me for yourself. But, I would much prefer warm cage of your arms , my dear omega? " He mindlinked the healer.

" You! " prachaya was shocked. , the water stilled suddenly, making the wolf dunk in . Prachaya rushed to his aid.
Perawat's wolf happily let himself be lifted by the healer and swum to shore.

" What the hell were you doing here at this hour? " Prachaya yelled, the water welled up to dangerous heights as the sky started darkening with clouds.

" I was expecting something along , congratulations for finally being able to shift, my Prince. You have a gorgeous wolf! " Perawat said dramatically to distract the healer.

Prachaya dipped his head, a little ashamed " I'm sorry. Its remarkable step ahead. I thought the trauma locked your wolf spirit..."

The drenched wolf fake shivered while perawat mindlinked a feeble " Thank you. "

" Are you cold? " Prachaya asked, in the answer the wolf just curled himself and glued itself to prachaya's chest, emitting low purrs of distress. His eyes even flashed Red as if he was in extreme agony. Perawat mentally applauded his dramatic wolf.

" he is just acting" He mindliked prachaya. " Don't entertain him"

"Poor creature" Prachaya scratched behind his ears in sympathy. " Your human is just a bully. Asking me not to entertain you ." He cooed at the wolf. Trying to give him as much warmth and healing as he could provide.

Perawat's wolf looked at him with wide eyes as if he couldn't believe his human's audacity. He even coughed some water, showing he almost drowned.

" You too can't believe he can do such audacious things right ? " Pracahaya asked, running his hands through wolf's wet fur , manipulating the air around him to dry Wolf's fur quickly so the shivering could stop.

Wolf nodded, blocking his human completely out, making him a helpless spectator as he had done to him for ten days straight. Someone has rightly said revenge is a dish best served cold .
...........

" Asking me to abandon a wolf in need ...how preposterous! " the healer muttered while he did everything he could to aid the wolf.

Wolf relished in Prachaya's pampering as he cooed " Such a beautiful wolf you are! You know I have never seen such a gorgeous wolf or such an abnormal coloured coat. "

" Handsome..." The wolf interrupted.

Prachaya chuckled "Yes...yes...handsome! Very handsome! "

" Human and I fear " The wolf conveyed, hard to access vocabulary while completely blocking the human side out so he projected the picture of Prachaya with a dagger."

" Seri ..." Prachaya answered " I was performing Seri. Not harming myself "

" Why ? "

" I was atoning for my mistakes."

" What mistakes? "

" Many mistakes." Prachaya said, eyes trained at something far away.

Wold didn't understand much but he understood he needed to protect and heal this human so he licked Prachaya's hand
" Heal...rest "

Prachaya smiled, eyes flashing blue
" You are a good wolf"

The wolf preened, growling happily while his tail wagged.

" Saeng " Prachaya called.
Wolf looked at him in question. " Your fur reminds me of first rays of sunlight. I will call you Saeng (light). Since I don't want to associate you with prince's name. "

" Like " The wolf conveyed.

" You like the name? "
Saeng nodded .

" I'm glad the prince was able to shift. "

" blocked " the wolf provided unhelpful. Prachaya ice blue eyes narrowed at the wolf " Truly? "

Wolf nodded innocently . Perawat wondered if he could drag his wolf spirit out and lock him out somewhere before the mutt made pracahya skin him alive.

" Shift. Let me have some words with your human . "

"Play ? . " Saeng urged, showing him all the time he spent in the dark confines if human's mind, longing to run in this lush forest.

"Yes, we will run . After I have words with your human. "

Saeng showed him picture of two wolves running together. As if asking would he run with him? Prachaya nodded " I promise I will ."
.........

The lack of control was sudden. From dark cellars of wolf's mind, Perawat was thrown forward with full force at front in his mind, he stumbled and so did his human form.
" How dare you ? " The voice sent chills down his back but Perawat was already lost in the frozen pool that were Pracahaya's eyes.

Seeing Prachaya's wolf was at forefront, Perawat hunched , making himself a bit smaller. " I'm sorry."

" Sorry ? Sorry? Do you realise how much danger you put yourself in? Locking your wolf after a trauma like that? You could have severed your bond forever! Antagonised Saeng!"

" I'm sorry, I didn't realise. "

" You didn't realise? After I told you multiple times to try shifting? You made me believe you couldn't shift! "

" I'm sorry..."

" Your sorry doesn't make a difference." Prachaya trembled in fury " You could have been wolfless for best or you could have gone mad or in to bloodlust if your wolf would try to tear out " Perawat's voice shook as his imaginative brain conjured the horrific images. His whole body trembled, tears spilling nonstop like flow of river " Death would have been a mercy "

Prachaya fell to his knees as full weight of his words dawned on him. " It's my fault. You annoyed me so much that I didn't bother assisting you shift. The thought didn't cross my mind..I...I... I endangered your life....you almost lost your life because of me -" bewildered, he looked at Perawat and brought out his Ceremonial dagger " I endangered your life. I failed you as your healer " he placed the dagger at Perawat's feet " choose my punishment, Saeng. Let me atone- "

Perawat held the shaking hands of the healer. " Healer....chief " he tried to penetrate through Pracahaya's panic but the omega wasn't reachable.

" Omega ...listen to me...look at me " Perawat commanded, letting Saeng's command seep through, it made the wolf in Prachaya respond to his prince.

" You were not at fault. Do you hear? You were not at all at fault " Perawat asserted in low but clear voice. " I was pronounced soon to be dead by hundreds of healers. No one else could even make me open my eyes in a whole month. You had me stand up within a week. I am in your debt healer...."

" I am sorry- "

" Prachaya Sutthiluck....look at me..." Again Perawat had to use alpha command to prevent the healer from falling in to hysterics.

" look at me..." he guided as he kneeled " Keep looking at me " Perawat dipped his head, his eyes trained at Prachaya's feet- ultimate submission in human form " I'm sorry my dear healer. You were not at fault , I was at fault. I am at fault. I was enjoying your company, I blocked my shift so I don't get healed quickly- to extend my stay here, in your pack - to keep being near you.
I have started noticing you- seeing you as potential mate. "

Prachaya looked at him with wide eyes - of horror, curiosity, disbelief .

" It was equal part foolish and selfish , I know that now. While doing what I wanted, I disregarded your opinion, choice and free will, I endangered your reputation as healer and fractured your mental peace. I was reckless enough that I breached my wolf's rights over my body and soul.
Forgive me for my transgressions Prachaya Sutthiluck- I have wronged you in all capacities - as a healer, as chief of tribe and as an omega, "

Prachaya's eyes dipped " I don't understand -"

" As a healer, I have wronged you by blocking My wolf despite your express warnings.
As a chief tribe I have wronged you by deceiving you - by wronging your healer, your omega and tricking you by slowing my recovery to extend my stay rather than asking your express permissions. I seek your forgiveness as both my healer and chief of moon tribe."

Prachaya wiped his eyes with back of his hands as he gathered courage to stand up to his duty as chief of the tribe.
" Rise Prince. Alpha's duty is to stand straight, kneeling isn't becoming on an alpha."

" Do I have your forgiveness? "

Prachaya nodded " If you promise to nor block your wolf and not do anything to further hamper your healing."

" I promise. "

" Then rise Alpha Seangpotirat (Ruangroj). "

" I have a request chief."
" And that demands you kneeling ?"
Perawat nodded.

" Ask."

" As chief of moon tribe, I ask your permission to court an omega of your tribe."

Prachaya narrowed his eyes at the cunning prince. Surprised that he knew this ritual. In mainland, alphas expressely asked permission to leader of wolf pack after courting and being accepted by omega.

Their tribe had unique tradition that included obtaining permission of both the chief and omega to be courted. It was made to protect the omega from alpha's retaliation in case of rejection and save the trouble of lengthy courting for alphas if they are only to be rejected at the end.

And here stood the prince of their nation asking him permission to court him.
He knew it was just a formal procedure, showing respect towards laws and parental tribe of potential mate. He must give permission to court himself with few Ceremonial words. What a day!

He closed his eyes, heaved a long sigh before delievering the official blurb he had by heart " If you promise to treat the concerned omega with honesty and vow to uphold his or her dignity, vow to respect him and have his consent. You have my permission alpha. "

Prachaya expected Perawat to grin or quip a teasing remark after playing him diplomatic card but the alpha just nodded sincerely " I vow on my honor as alpha to treat my potential mate with utmost respect, chief. "

" Now stand up" Prachaya urged, exhausted.

" I need to do something before I find myself worthy of courting you, my dear omega.."

" What are you doing? " Pracahya asked alarmed " If you do something stupid again- " his warning remained stuck in his throat as the alpha bent near his feet.

Perawat picked up the Ceremonial blade fallen near him.

" The most I wronged is you my dear omega. I saw you as potential mate- yet , instead of sharing your burden I just added to it by annoying you out of your mind just to see that adorable blush again and again.
I should have been soothing you, courting you, make you smile - instead I brought you frowns and pinched brows. I should have respected you yet, I put my lips on your skin, taking your shyness around me as your consent to be courted. Disregarding your traditions even though I was aware of them.
I ask your forgiveness my dear omega. You have only shown me care, yet I only brought you misery. I promise to correct my mistakes.
May Moon goddess be my witness to this apology I make to you, may this mark be my eternal mark of shame, and the remainder to correct my mistakes. -" He placed a cut upon his hand " to the healer , on his arm just below his royal mark " to the chief " and third and final - the deepest one right above his heart " to my dear omega - accept my apologies. "

" Accepted. " Prachaya whispered, tears pooling in his eyes. " Accepted. Accepted a hundred times.... now stand up proud Alpha. Although you have kniwn our traditions, you have been born and brought up with yours- they are ingrained in your soul and body- etched in your subconscious. As an omega I understand your intentions were not to disrespect and I have forgiven you already.
It's time you forgive yourself alpha. Stand up, claim your legacy with pride. Your mistake doesn't define you. "

Perawat stood up, blood trickling down his closing wounds and genuinely smiled at the healer " You have me bewitched my dear omega. I have never seen a human so captivating, just and capable. I would consider myself immensely blessed by the moon goddess to have you by my side as my mate. do I have your permission to court you, my dear omega? "

" Why do you keep saying dear? "

" My fault " Prachaya smirked " I won't ever utter that despicable word again. So" Perawat tilted his head, throwing most adorable smile " do I have your permission, my dearest? "

" You ..." Prachaya scoffed " You are Impossible alpha! "

" Do I have your permission? "

Prachaya couldn't hold that intense stare so he bowed his head, eyes trained at his feet, toes digging into the soft dirt, while he fiddled with the hem of his partially damp robe.

" Do you want to reject my dearest ? " Perawat asked, the corves of his smile fizzling in to straight line. He straightened his shoulder " If you want to reject me, do so fearlessly dearest. I vow on my honor as alpha , I and my wolf will wholeheartedly accept your decision. "

Prchaya's gaze softened. " This is itself the testament of your character alpha. I have no reasons to decline your offer. "

"Not declining isn't accepting . I don't want your reasons not to decline me, dearest omega. I want you to have reasons for you to accept and look forward to our courting. "

" I have. "

" Such as - "

" You are not bad to look at in both human and wolf form - "

Perawat smirked " Is it your synonym for the most handsome werewolf that has ever graced your sight ? "

The shameless boasting brought a smile to Pracahya's face. He nodded ever so slightly that Perawat would have blinked and missed it completely.

" And ? "

" I have heard tales of your battles and bravery - "

" An accomplished warrior with skills you find admirable " Perawat interjecte. Prachaya again nodded shyly.

" And ? " Perawat was eager to know more.

" You are reckless and stupid in pursuance of your goal, but you do not intend harm - "

" Do you nean to say you find me Fearless and ruthless but occasionaly little short sighted."

Prachaya nodded.

" Most annoying werewolf I have ever met - "

" Only werewolf confident enough to express his desire for you, and daring to tease you openly - " Perawat interpreted.

Prachaya again nodded. Totally out of his element, with that heart pulsating like horse being chased and cheek rivaling a tomato.

" And ? "

" I don't know? "

" huh ? Do you means to say I don't have any other qualities you find endearing? " Perawat whined in disbelief " Do you not have some nice words for me that I won't have to coat with honey in guise of interpreting ?"

Pravhaya looked at the fussing alpha, throwing tantrums like a teenager . Who could say he has been performing Sira like a born moon tribe wolf , just minutes before?

" I intend to find out alpha more despicable features of you my alpha " Prachaya whispered. Fiddling with his fingers.

"What ? Did you just call me your alpha? "

Prachaya bit his lip, unable to suppress the blooming smile.

" You made me the happiest wolf alive "

Prachaya frowned " You are too easy to please. "

" You mean I am utterly besotted with you. "

Prachaya didn't nod, he momentarily met the prince's gaze and smiled. " Let me address your wounds before we shift and run. Silver poisoning needs to be treated. "

" You will run with me ? "

" I promised Saeng didn't I ? " Perawat grinned with teeth at full display and Pracahya frowned. " Don't make me take it back . "

Perawat zipped his mouth.

." Good, now loose your robe and sit under that tree while I find herbs I need. "

" So commanding...." Perawat commented.

Prachaya just sent him a mock glare before going to find the herbs.
.............

" I am now going to treat the wound on your chest..." Prachaya informed habitually. " It will sting a little, but endure it. "

" Your hands on my body are not a thing to endure but enjoy my dear omega. " Perawat commented, smirking.

" Let's see if you still enjoy it in a second." Pracahya smirked back, pressing the crushed herbs against the wound.

The sting pulled tears to Perawat's eyes, his eyes closed on his own accord while he held on to Pracahaya's hands.

( credit : hugs to lovely lazylioness555 for bringing us this visuals.
We have more surprise for you in next chapters )

" Not so brave now alpha? " Prchaya teased.

" Stings...worst than silver blade " Perawat moaned.

Pracahaya blowed on the wound, cool air momentarily taking away the pain.

" Feeling better ? "

Perawat opened his eyes and Prachaya knew he will regret asking.

"Just an inch closer " Perawat whispered.

" But that would mean kissing- "

" That's the basic idea..."

" You impossible alpha! " Pracahya pressed the herbs with force making perawat clench his teeth until he could hear hissing noise in his ear.

" I hope you bring this enthusiasm and passiona in to our bed omega " Perawat retorted through clenched teeth.

.................
A/N : Next update within 8-10 days.