“No,” Ethan said firmly. “Even though your brother and your cousins are handsome, they’re not you. ”
“That’s good, because you belong to only me. Let ’em find their own blonds. ”
Ethan sighed in contentment and snuggled closer in Konnor’s arms.
Konnor kissed his temple. “And you like being tied up. ”
Ethan felt a blush from his toes to his cheeks. “I-I…”
“And spanked…”
Ethan hid his face against Konnor’s chest.
“No you don’t. Look at me. ”
Ethan raised his gaze, his cheeks burning so hot he thought he must have a fever. “Yes, I like it. All of it. MostlyI liked knowing you were in control of me…but I knew I could trust you to take care of me if I got in trouble or if anything went really wrong. ”
“Good. So you like submitting to me, and you trust me…yet you still don’t want to be my mate. ”
“But I am your mate, aren’t I?” Ethan asked softly.
“Yes, you are. And you have the mating bite to prove it. But you said there was too much drama in being a mate to an alpha. Too scary and stressful. ”
“I-I did? I guess I said a lot of stupid things. ”
“Yes, you did. Do you…still feel the same way?” Konnor’s body had gone very still and Ethan could feel his muscles tense beneath him. He gazed up at Konnor and shook his head.
“No, I love you so much it hurts, and it doesn’t scare me anymore. I can’t stand to be away from you or to have you mad at me. ”
“And no more running away? When you get upset, you’ll come to me for help, right?”
“Yes, sir,” he said, nodding solemnly. “I’m sorry for all the things I said. ”
Konnor bent down and took his lips possessively. He kissed him for a long time, and then raised his head to look down at him. “I think we both said a lot of stupid things when I found you again. I was angry and hurt because you ran from me, and furious at the idea that Katya hurt you and I couldn’t prevent it. I’m sorry if what I said hurt you. I never want to hurt you again, baby. ”
Ethan turned in his arms and put a hand to his cheek. “I just don’t want to be something you have to take on…out of pity or a sense of responsibility. ”
Konnor shook him. “Listen to me. This is not pity I feel for you. You’re omega. So what? It will only help you with your submission, and the only one you’ll ever be submitting to from now on is me. You’re not the only submissive mate of the Balenescus, you know. Both my cousins, Blayde and Nikolai, have submissive mates. ”
“They do? I know you told me Jagger is, but…”
“Well, believe it—he is. He might give Nikolai hell from time to time, but in the bedroom, he’d get his bottom spanked for it. ”
Ethan smiled happily. “Like you were about to do for me. ”
“Exactly. But I won’t spank you now, because I know what you heard was my fault. I should have put an end to this slave nonsense a long time ago and made sure you knew how much I love you. ”
Ethan bent his head and bit Konnor’s lower lip. Konnor put a hand to his mouth in surprise. “Ow! What the hell was that for?”
“Just a reminder that I have been pretty bad…maybe I need that spanking after all. ”
Konnor got a gleam in his eye. “I think that can be arranged. Lie down across my knees and get comfortable, Blondie. This may take a while. ”
The End