“He will find a way. Men like him often do,” Vor murmured.
Snow lay silent a few heartbeats, his mind spinning with questions and thoughts. “If all of you have lain with Lazlo, that means you have, too?”
“Most of us have been here a long time. Occasionally, needs arise. Our hand can offer some relief, but sometimes it just isn’t enough. We need physical contact. Touch.” Vor paused a moment, a heaviness surrounding them. “We’ve never had an omega amongst us besides the wizard—and we’renottouching him. Sometimes we quench our lusts with one another because it’s all we have.”
Snow took a moment to digest that.
“Does that trouble you? That I’ve lain with another alpha from time to time?” Vor asked.
Heat spread through Snow, unexpectedly excited by the idea of Vor laying with another big, strong alpha. He wanted to witness it… and maybe he would before they escaped the cottage. “It doesn’t bother me. Not at all.”
Vor lifted his chin and examined his face. Finally, his lips quirked into a smile before he laid his head back.
“The church claims it’s forbidden, but I’ve never understood how two people loving one another hurt anyone else. Never has one of the priests explained why it was wrong in a way that made sense to me. Just because the Book says it, we’re supposed to take that as law without question? I need to know why. Why do we refute this and call it wrong?” Snow sighed. “But I’m always made to feel badly for asking for more. That only my blind faith is acceptable.”
Vor smiled at him. “Questioning the rules of our society is incredibly brave, my love. Blind faith is the thing weshouldn’twant. In order to evolve, we need to question everything. As scientists and scholars expose new truths, our understanding of the natural world grows. Our faith should evolvewithus, nothold us back. That evolution might mean that certain texts in the book might no longer fit us.” Vor scoffed. “Or need to change to fit where we are now. Not where we were eons ago.”
“And you believe the texts about alphas together should change?”
“I do,” Vor replied.
“I do, too,” Snow said. “I’ve heard whispers about alphas around the castle. It’s always said with disdain, as if it was the worst of crimes two men could commit. I asked my father once, but he spoke in circles and I felt even more confused when our conversation was over.”
Vor brushed his hand through Snow’s curls. “There aremanyalphas who find pleasure in another alpha and they’ve existed since the dawn of time. One of my alpha brothers is like Lazlo and I adored him. He was the best of all my brothers.” Vor searched Snow’s face in the moonlight. “He was everything an alpha should strive to be, but because he was different, my father forced him into the church, to serve as a priest. It wasn’t right. He should’ve been allowed to live as he wanted.”
“Maybe one day alphas like that can live without fear and be who they are.”
“If it was no longer against our laws, would you have alphas in your bed?”
“Regardless of your laws, alphas have been in my bed. There are no kings in this cottage, and I refuse to feel shame for who I bed.”
“Do you prefer alphas?” Snow asked quietly.
Vor shrugged. “I have no preference. It’s whoever is close enough when I’m needy.”
“Is that all I am?” Snow asked. “Something you can get your hands on in a moment of need?”
Vor dragged him closer, caressing his face as he stared down. He said naught, but the light in his silver eyes spoke volumes. Still, Snow wished to hear the words. To know he was more than merely a plaything to slake Vor’s lusts.
As the seconds passed with only silence, Snow struggled to breathe. He loved the intimacy they shared but he also felt the bond forged. If Vor didn’t feel the same? He wasn’t sure he could survive it.
“Vor?Please…”
“Can you not feel it?” Vor said, his voice deep and coarse like the palm holding the side of Snow’s head.
“I…” Snow frowned. “I think I’m more than that for you, but I’m no mind reader. Can’t you speak plainly and answer my question?”
Vor pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead. “Ask me again.”
Snow drew in a shaky breath, attempting to still his raw nerves. “Am I… simply fulfilling your need, to be discarded when you’re done with me?”
Vor’s gaze sought his out and held it captive.“Nay.”
Snow held his breath, expecting more, but it didn’t come. “Nay? That’s all you’ll reply?”
Vor chuckled. “You’re special, Snow, and you know that. Every man in this cottage knows that. They’d all give their right handto be in my place, with you in their bed, those adoring blue eyes looking up at them the way you gaze upon me.”
Snow turned his head to hide the smile he fought. Vor wouldn’t allow him to hide. He gathered Snow’s chin and turned his focus back where it belonged.
