An Unexpected Change (StainedCrimson and Zombie) [18+]

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

 

 

Name: Ken Saito

Age: 24

Species: Werewolf

Personality: Overall calm, gentle, yet not willing to back down. He can defend himself if necessary, even if he prefers to not get into fights. He tends to speak a lot, especially if he's nervous. He cares a lot about family, both the one he already has and one that he hopes to have in the future.

 

---

It's too dark in here. Ken thought this over and over to himself, his hair disheveled, knees pulled to himself. He tried to see something in the dark, perhaps a familiar face. He was taken alone from his family, the reason making no sense to him. How could he have been sold out? There must've been a mistake. And yet, he was sure he saw some cash being given to his father as his mother tried her best to not look broken.

 

He was betrayed by his very own family, by his own pack, and for what - for money? That thought ignited rage, along with a sinking feeling of sadness. He wasn't someone who could live alone, he needed to have someone with him at all times. Leave him alone for more than a few hours and he would grow to be depressed, finding nothing to do. He craved for someone to be with him, if not in the same room, then at least in the same building. He hated feeling lonely.

 

His eyelashes fluttered closed as he let his forehead down to rest on his knees. This wasn't fair. Who knew where these people were taking him. One of them made a comment about what a "pretty face he had", and that didn't mean any good. He knew some humans found it interesting to have a pet that was a mythical creature, like himself... He guessed that would be his fate, to be a decoration, something to brag about. That wasn't a fate he wanted.

[StainedCrimson]

 

Name: Haimo Kobayashi

Age: 28

Species: Dragon

Personality: Domineering and a bit short-tempered, he's also very territorial and protective which is why he was able to become the leader of his Clan at such a young age. However, with that responsibility came all the aggressive and on edge. This is especially true when the rut hits as without a mate to focus on, he instead has to use the unmated until sated.

 

---

 

Straightening up, he licks his lips tasting the blood left on him from the skirmish on the edge of his territory. Pathetic weaklings that dare to think they can enter and try to harm his Clan and take what's his. Well, maybe the sight of the shredded corpses left along edge of lands will remind others just what lives here.

 

With a look he sends one of his Betas to start moving and placing the remains of the intruders so they're spread out along the more traversed areas of their lands. Minus the trade route of course. It wouldn't do to scare those off. Turning, he and his remaining Beta start to head back to camp though on foot versus wing this time. Just before they hit the paths that lead deeper into the mountainous forests, they turn tensing with breath hissing out at the scent of more intruders.

 

Swiftly, quietly, they take off through the shadows then pause to look over the caravan that's passing through. Haimo takes a slow deep breath and catches smell of something very tantalizing mixed in with the flesh that's off to auction. Without so much as a glance he shifts into a large silver and black dragon, red eyes gleaming as he lets out a roar before setting blaze to those who attempt to attack him. Soon, the brief skirmish is over and he shifts back standing over the man left that's cowering which sends his fat flopping all over causing a feeling of disgust to rise up in him. "Learn well from this weakling, this is what happens to those who dare enter my lands without permission. All that was yours is now forfeit as tribute in exchange for letting you live." Glaring down at the form before he jerks his jaw. "Now run."

 

The fat blob scrambles to crawl and stumble away. Haimo ignores him and looks over the two small transport wagons. Without opening htem up there's no way to look inside, but he's tired and irritable in need of cleaning the stink off of him. So shifting back he and his Beta carry them back to the heart of his home nestled in a sheltered crevice mid-way into the mountain peaks. Setting them down, others gathering with looks of curiosity, the locks are broken. The first has some slaves in it, mostly human with what looks like a possible neko in the mix.

 

None of them catch his eye though so he opens the last one which houses only one form in it. Seeing the huddled cringing form he catches a tantalizing scent. "You. Come here where I can see you." He calls out in a voice that is all Alpha demanding compliance but isn't harsh beyond the natural rough smokey edge his voice has.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken's body shook as the caravan came to a sudden stop. He felt confused - were they really at their destination already? The young werewolf closed his eyes as he listened to the sounds outside. No, they had definitely not arrived yet. It sounded like a fight outside, like something big had attacked everyone. Squeezing his eyes tightly, Kent took in a deep breath, his heart racing as he hoped that maybe, just maybe, he would be spared. If there was a bigger group of creatures attacking him, there was no way he would hold out against them alone. While he had basic knowledge about defending himself, he genuinely disliked violence; a weird feature for someone of his species.

 

Goosebumps covered his skin at the sound of a roar and the realization hit him - dragons, those were the creatures that attacked the caravan. His head leaned back slightly to press against the wooden wall, knowing well enough he didn't stand a chance against even the weakest member of that species. What's a wolf compared to a dragon? He didn't even think they existed so close, somehow he always imagined them living somewhere far, far away from everybody else. He'd always admired dragons, the big, dangerous predators of the sky...

 

After a short while, the sounds stopped, but the wagon he was in started shaking, as if it was picked up... No, it was picked up. Ken held onto whatever he could find to at least keep himself sitting, only able to think of what fate he could meet. Soon he felt the wagon hit the ground again, still in complete dark. It was no wonder that when the door opened, his pupils turned into slits, trying to get used to the sudden light.

 

A voice demanded him to get out. And hell, he definitely wasn't stupid enough to disobey. Ken stood up slowly, his legs trembling slightly after sitting for so long and he made his way out into the light, immediately finding himself face-to-face with a rather intimidating creature. Power seemed to be oozing out of him... Ken suddenly felt very small, and, compared to the other's features, too gentle and soft. It was almost like the one standing in front of him was the exact opposite of himself. The werewolf was still holding onto the wall slightly, his plump lips parting with a soft inhale. "Are you going to kill me?" Was the first question that left his lips, his voice a bit hoarse, scratchy. He didn't know what to expect, but the best way was to eliminate the worst possibilities first... Or just face them, as soon as possible.

[StainedCrimson]

At the question, he feels an eyebrow rise while letting out an unimpressed snort. "Why? Have you done something of which you'd be worth killing? I think not. Though if you try to escape your life will be forfeit." That done he turns and faces the others ignoring the small form behind him for the moment. "Therina, get them settled and tell them what will be expected of them starting tomorrow." He turns to a female who bows her head with a tilt to show acquiescence before ushering those from the other caravan further into the settlement.

 

"Yorwen, gather the others and meet me in the chambers. We have much to discuss." The large male addressed bows similarly to the female who'd been addressed before him then goes to do as he was bid. Satisfied Haimo turns to the wolf behind him. "You, come with me." Order given he turns and starts walking without looking back as though expecting complete obedience.

 

The others watch with unreadable expressions, minus the few young ones that watch with open curiosity. After a good walk, he leads the other to a large house that sits above and slightly apart from the rest. Opening the door he turns to face the other once inside to study him more. "What is your name?" He asks while slowly circling the small wolf, taking a slow deep breath of the scent coming from the pretty little prize he's found.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken opened his mouth to reply, but he was given no chance. He frowned slightly, although he knew he had no right to complain. At least until he figured out where he really was and what was expected of him, he would try to behave his best... That wouldn't be that hard, right? The werewolf watched cautiously as the one in front of him gave out orders. Was that why he seemed to be so powerful? He was probably the leader of this... Pack, or clan, or whatever dragons called themselves.

 

He felt so small next to him, although he really wasn't that short - somewhere around 5'10. Of course, the other was taller, but he didn't feel small in terms of height. There was something else. Ken scoffed the slightest bit at the order, and even more at the fact that Haimo didn't even bother to check if he'd obey, but he did it anyway. As they ended up at a house, he'd even call it a mansion, the werewolf stood there a bit awkwardly as the dragon circled around him.

 

"Ken." He answered shortly, meeting the dragon's gaze. He was never good at hiding his emotions, so his fear, confusion and the feeling of betrayal were all clear on his face. Nevermind where he ended up, he still didn't understand why. The young redhead straightened out a bit, his fingers trembling. He wanted to ask what was the dragon's name, but when he thought about it, what good would it be for him? "Why did you bring me here?" He asked instead, swallowing down to wet his dried out throat.

[StainedCrimson]

When Ken meets his eyes, Haimo's narrow slightly seeing it as a challenge. A low warning growl rumbles out until the other averts his gaze even if only slightly. At the question he frowns slightly and tilts his head. "You are mine and as such you will stay with me in my home." He states simply as if that should be obvious. His frown deepens slightly at the acrid scent of fear and betrayal. The fear he could understand. After all, he was a dragon and should be feared but the betrayal he does not understand for he has done nothing to this one except save him from a terrible fate.

 

Turning he goes further into the home and stops at a door which he opens to reveal a simple bedroom. "This will be yours to sleep in. Mine is there." He points to a door just a few feet away. "You are to stay in the house unless someone is with you until further notice, but you may explore the house. Locked doors obviously mean to stay out." Not that there are many, but it still doesn't hurt to make sure the understands just who is in control and what the other's place is. Though as he looks at his prize he can see just how dirty he is.

 

Taking a few steps to a door across the hall and down back towards the entry way, he opens it. "This is the bathroom. You may bathe and dress in whatever clothing you find. I will get you clothing at a later time. We will eat upon my return." Satisfied he's seen to his prize's immediate needs and his own over Ken, he goes to leave and meet with his Betas and enforcers to discuss the concerns of increased trespassing and how to deal with it.

 

Close to two hours later he returns to his home to look in on his latest prize as well as see to it that both of them get fed. He'd just gotten some fresh meat yesterday and his stores were replenished the day before so there is plenty of food. Not that he's much of a cook, but perhaps his wolf can take that responsibility on. Entering the home he goes in search of said wolf so that they might get to know each other a little better now that his duties are tended to for the moment.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken turned his gaze away immediately after he heard the growl. He didn't even realize eye contact would be a problem - hell, the thought didn't even cross his mind! His eyebrows furrowed slightly at the answer that didn't really give him any idea about what he would be doing here. Would he be a maid? A decoration? A toy? What if this wouldn't be any better than where he would've ended up without the saving?

 

The werewolf got so deep in thought, he didn't realize at first that the dragon had begun walking again. He hurried to the other's side, nodding slightly as he saw his bedroom. It could've been worse. The redhead kept his eyes averted to the side slightly, making sure to not make eye contact again. He listened carefully, nodding at everything that was said. It was nice to hear that he would be able to bathe... That was definitely going to be the first thing he would do once he was left alone.

 

Ken rose his gaze back up as Haimo left the house and released a deep sigh of relief. At least he got to keep his life. First thing's first, he showered, washing off the dirt and sweat on his body and in his hair, finally feeling fresh. His locks still fell in his face, though, but after a bit of search, he found a tie he could use to put his hair in a semi-ponytail. The werewolf found himself a simple shirt that he pulled on his body, as well as a pair of pants, which were a bit too loose for his body. He rolled up the sleeves of the shirt, looking down at his body. He was genuinely curious as to what life he would lead here.

 

When Haimo got back, Ken was in the living room, one leg pulled to himself. He was reading a book he found in one of the shelves, something to occupy himself with. Once he heard the dragon walk inside, the werewolf jumped to his feet, placing the book on the table after memorizing which page he read last. Not knowing how to act or what to say, Ken remained silent, his heart racing again. He trailed his gaze up to Haimo's chin, leaving his eyes there. He wasn't a threat, and he sure as hell didn't want to come across as one either.

[StainedCrimson]

Seeing the other cleaned, relatively at ease, and remembering to avoid eye contact makes Haimo give a small pleased smile and rumble. His wolf was proving to be a good find so far though there's little to say how they will get along as time goes on. Still, ken was his and he no intention of giving up any of his treasures. "Come. I will make us some dinner as we get to know each other."

 

Going to the kitchen he starts pulling out large slabs of meat and a few thngs as a side but it's clear the meat is his main focus and concern. "Tell me, why was one such as yourself amongst those intended for slave auction?" That is perhaps the thing that has been bothering him the most. It took him some time but finally he recognized the scent for what it was. An omega, and while there are very few cases of them amongst dragons, he'd always thought that wolves valued them highly. So to find one isolated on a caravan to be sold, and to humans more likely than not, made him confused and irritated.

 

Not sure how Ken took his steak, he made it more towards medium than his own which is barely above rare. With little flourish or finesse, he sets down the meat, a simple salad and some bread. After a pause he puts down a pitcher of water and two glasses before sitting. Satisfied with the meal he sits down and waits for Ken to take a bite, watching his reaction, before starting to eat himself.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken followed the other without a single sound, a little bit relieved to have seen the smile. So, he was doing well for now, right? The werewolf tried to even out his breathing as he followed the dragon into the kitchen, standing at Haimo's side in case he was asked to do anything. "It was intended to be a slave auction?" Ken asked, raising his eyebrows slightly before looking down at the ground. "I don't know. I think it was for money." He added, the realization that his own family was willing to sell him as a slave for money setting in.

 

Ken sat down at the table after Haimo, glancing up before realizing the other was waiting for him to take the first bite. And so he did, only realizing halfway through that he'd been incredibly hungry. The werewolf reached for the glass of water, taking a sip to help the food go down his throat. "Erm... What do I call you?" He asked cautiously, glancing up for a moment before looking back down at his meal. It really seemed like he would lead a good life here - food, a place to sleep at, where to bathe, and even what to entertain himself with.

[StainedCrimson]

At the question about the type of caravan Ken was in, he gives an affirming snort. "Indeed. Most likely a sex slave one at that." He comments idly not really caring as the invasion was taken care of, so the problem is no longer of any concern to him. He frowns slightly at the money remark. "You sold yourself and did not know what kind of service you were getting into?" While certain this is not the case, Haimo wants the circumstances of his newest treasure to be a known fact instead of being possibly surprised later.

 

At the question posed to him, he pauses mid-motion to stare at the other unblinkingly for a moment before resuming to eat his bite of food. "Alone you may call me Haimo. When others of my Clan are around then call me Alpha or Alpha Haimo." Is the answer given upon finishing the mouthful. Tilting his head, almost like a cat, he peers at the other. "What do you know of dragons little wolf?" This will be important to know as it will tell him how much education he must impart on the other before allowing him to leave the home and risk interaction with the others.

 

Of course, since Ken will have his scent on him from sharing the same home plus the public claiming earlier, none will actually harm the wolf unless he does something demanding physical resolution. Even then it would be unlikely as dragons do not seek to harm omegas or submissives due to their very nature tending to be softer and needing care which brings out the more protective side of his kind instead of the aggressive.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

"I didn't sell myself, my family did." Ken said, his lower lip trembling slightly. He felt like crying, being betrayed by ones he trusted most was horrible. How could they do something like this to him? The werewolf stared down at his food, lightly nibbling on his lower lip. "Thank you for taking me in." He found himself saying, raising one hand to brush away any hint of tears. He definitely didn't want to cry here, but realization like this hit hard.

 

He nodded slightly when the dragon told his name, repeating it a few time in his mind to make sure he actually remembered it. His gaze shot up at the following question, meeting his eyes for a short moment before looking away again. It was surprisingly hard for him to avoid eye contact. He looked at the meat, shaking his head slightly. "I barely know anything. Dragons were always something I never believed I would meet in person, so... I know nothing about your life, your traditions..." He trailed off, feeling guilt and fear mix up. "I'm sorry, I really don't know anything." He muttered, taking another bite of the meat. He wasn't even sure how dragons mated, if he was honest.

[StainedCrimson]

Despite the wolf's attempt to wipe away the tears, the scent of betrayal and hurt reach him easily. Without a word he stands up and goes over to the small form. Picking him up as if he weighed no more than an actual pup, he moves Ken and his plate before sitting back down with the other on his lap. The anger and confusion at how a family could sell one of its own, and the pack to allow it, causes him to let out a low angry growl before he can bite it back. "They do not know what they gave up then. If they did perhaps they would not have been so easily parted with you."

 

He glances down at the food the other still has to eat. "Eat. I will tell you a little about dragons, but if you do not finish your food then I will stop and not tell you more until the next meal." Shifting he takes a bite for himself, his own plate nearly empty, before speaking again. "Each Clan will have differences from one another, but the main thing to understand is that dragons collect treasure, things of beauty and purity, and will protect it fiercely. We also are very territorial which is why our lands are always large no matter how small the Clan might so we can have our space but still be near."

 

Pausing to take another bite, he monitors Ken's own progress and decides to give one last bit of information for the night. "Earlier as you noticed, eye contact was not taken well. That is primarily with any dominant as it can be viewed as a challenge. That is only with prolonged eye contact however. You may make eye contact briefly, but to hold it continuously will be seen as you challenging the one you're doing it with. There are ways to circumvent that if you find it difficult to address others without eye contact, such as looking above or below the eyes. It will be indirect enough to not cause feelings of challenge but could be close enough for you to communicate more easily." He touches Ken's cheekbones, eyebrows and between his eyes to demonstrate.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken flinched when he felt himself being picked up, eyes wide. He stared at the dragon for a few moments, his heart seemingly about to beat out of his chest. He didn't know where to put his hands, nor what he was expected to do. This was not something he expected to happen, not in this situation... Hell, no one'd held him on their lap since he was a kid! The werewolf glanced back up uncertainly as Haimo spoke, swallowing down nervously at his words. "Err... Why's that? I don't think I'm that special." He muttered softly, genuinely having no idea why the dragon even took a liking to him. There was a whole group of other slaves that Haimo could've chosen, but he was the only one taken along.

 

The werewolf took his meat again once told to eat, shifting to get himself more comfortable. Gaining a little bit of confidence, he put his head against the other's chest, finding the position most comfortable. As he ate, he listened to the dragon explaining about what dragons craved more. Finding nothing to say, Ken just nodded, swallowing down the last piece of his meat, staying in the same position. It didn't take long for him to find the position calming, soothing even. He liked it.

 

As Haimo began speaking about eye contact, Ken looked up, avoiding looking straight into the other's eyes. As his face was touched, his heart rate increased again, feeling as if the skin was burning where it was touched. Any kind of physical contact from Haimo seemed to get his heart racing. "So eye contact is not to be held with anyone, or is it just with... Dominants?" He asked uncertainly, eyebrows furrowed slightly. While there were alphas and omegas in his pack as well, Ken didn't find there to be that many rules. Perhaps it was because everyone realized that he was an omega, and therefore posed no danger. He himself had never realized he was supposed to act a certain way... He just was a certain way - maybe this was why he was sold out?

[StainedCrimson]

Feeling Ken lean into him and even enjoy being touched by him causes another pleased rumble. "Just Dominants and only for a time at that. Once you are accepted and known as part of us then as an Omega you won't have to be concerned about it anymore. Since you are new and unknown, however, you will have to be mindful until that time." In short, it will take a few weeks or a couple months, but once the Clan has gotten to know him and his status as Omega none will view him as a challenger or trying to assert dominance.

 

"If you had been born here amongst us then you would not have needed to worry about it. You'd have been known and accepted as you were. This is merely because you are an outsider brought in and not as a mate to one of the Clan and as Dominants are naturally more aggressive it is for your safety to be warned of possible triggers of that aggression." Granted he'd take payment of flesh out of anyone who harmed his prize, and none would find fault with him for doing so, it's still best to avoid unnecessary conflicts.

 

Seeing they're both done with their food, Haimo gently nudges the other off and begins to clean up after their meal. "I am going to bathe. You may help yourself to more if you wish or go back to your night." He waves a hand giving the other leave to do whatever he'd like for the night before turning to go head to his own room where there's a private bathroom. It is perhaps his most guilty pleasure as it's connected to a hotspring directly and so while the whole home has heated piping through the flooring to keep it warm, he also has his own mini-onsen to enjoy.

 

Quickly undressing and sinking into the steaming water, he sighs as the heat sinks into him while he ponders the new little housemate he's taken in. Rutting will occur soon and that will be a dangerous time for his little Omega as he might end up forcing the other if not careful. This will need to be talked about sooner versus later. Perhaps once his bath is finished.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken breathed a quiet sigh of relief after being told he would only have to avoid eye contact with dominants - until he realized he didn't know how to tell if someone was a dominant or not. Still, he nodded slightly, closing his eyes for the time being. As Haimo continued speaking, the werewolf listened carefully, repeating each detail in his mind. He couldn't risk messing something up, that was certain.

 

"Oh... Alright." Ken muttered softly as he got off the dragon's lap and fixed his pants. He managed a small smile, perhaps the first one during his time there and watched as the other cleaned up and left. The safety that had come over him left all at once, loneliness setting in. He grabbed the book he'd begun reading and closed himself in the bedroom, huddled up on the bed. He set the pants and shirt away, leaving himself with just the underwear, covering himself with a blanket instead. It certainly wasn't cold, although he rarely found places cold with his, literally, hot blood.

 

The werewolf pulled his legs to himself as he read, tucking the few strands of hair that had gotten out of his ponytail behind his ear. It was a bit unpractical to let his hair grow that long, but if he was honest, he liked how it looked. The redhead found himself getting sleepy after less than an hour, the book ending up placed aside as he fell asleep. In his dreams he really couldn't hide from his feelings. Not a single good dream visited him throughout the night - one nightmare went after another, leaving him shivering, letting out soft, sad whines even in his sleep.

[StainedCrimson]

When Haimo comes out of his bath, he's a bit surprised and disappointed that the little wolf decided to hole up in his room. With a slight shrug and sigh he grabs a book for himself and lays out on the couch to read for awhile. After an hour or so he marks his place then sets the book down to head to his room to go to bed himself. Stretching with long yawn, a few cracks heard as he stretches out, he passes by the room Ken is in.

 

Hearing a sound he pauses and tilts his head. Upon hearing it again he frowns and gets closer, carefully opening the door a crack to hear better. Identifying the sounds as whines, he opens the door and steps in confused but also on edge thinking it's the other in danger but not smelling an intruder. Upon entering the room, he realizes it's the wolf sleeping and having unpleasant dreams. The tension slides out of his body as he understands the cause.

 

After a few moments of debating with himself, he carefully closes the door then slides next to the softly whining wolf. Slipping under the top blanket he gathers the slim form to him, mindful to not jostle him too much to try avoiding waking him, and settles in for the night. As much as he'd prefer his larger bed to sleep in, that would be a much larger risk of waking and scaring Ken. Not too mention a much higher chance of giving in to the temptation of exploring his newest treasure more thoroughly. Waiting until the whimpering stops, he then allows himself to slowly fall asleep while still holding the small form close.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken nearly awoke when the other got into bed next to him, although the warmth soon calmed him down, as well as soothed his dreams. The werewolf relaxed entirely on top of the dragon, sleeping soundly throughout the rest of the night. It seemed like having someone next to him, even without knowing that consciously, helped him fight back nightmares and bad thoughts in general. That was just who he was - being alone he truly could not handle.

 

Morning came soon, though, and, being an early bird, Ken woke up as the sun began rising. At first he didn't realize where he was, as it seemed to be too warm for his usual bed, and the walls were different. Memories soon flooded his memory, and along with them came shock after seeing Haimo underneath him. How did that happen?.. The redhead bit down on his lip slightly as he traced his fingers gently over the dragon's hair, especially curious about the... Object on the side of his head. He tried to figure out whether it was a decoration or a part of him naturally, gently tracing his fingers over it, curiously sliding over the swirls and spikes. He still couldn't make out what it was.

 

Ken shifted slightly, distracting himself from anything and everything inside his head by quietly observing and exploring the older male's features. He didn't touch too much to make sure he didn't wake him in case he was a late sleeper, but for the first time, he got to examine his, although closed, eyes. Their size, the eyelashes... He'd always found eyes to be the most important aspect of anybody's face, body even. Eye contact was necessary for him to have to communicate properly, which was why he found it hard to avoid it.

[StainedCrimson]

The part of Haimo's face that Ken touches is hard like bone but the scales are soft and smooth like warm silk beneath the fingertips despite the hardness to it. The petting to it causes him to shift and rumble softly, though being petted in general by someone close would result in similar reactions regardless. Though if Ken had attempted to touch it while Haimo was awake he'd have been firmly rebuked as not only is it a sign of his rank as Alpha of the Clan, but it's considered to be a very intimate thing to touch a dragon's scales.

 

Despite Ken's best attempts to be as unobtrusive as possible so as to not disturb him, the weight of the eyes upon him in addition to the continuous soft caresses on him cause his eyes to flutter slightly before opening. The pupils slit at first before relaxing as he focuses on the wolf next to him. His gaze is sharp and clear despite having just woken. "Good morning..." His voice is rougher and huskier having just woken.

 

Sitting up he leans towards Ken, almost seeming to know what the other was doing despite having been asleep. "Do you have bad dreams often?" He asks first giving some time to the other to try and keep his little examination to himself provided he can control his reactions enough.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken froze up momentarily as the eyes he was observing so attentively opened and he was near hypnotized by the sharp gaze. The young werewolf slid down slightly as Haimo sat up, his lips parting as he finally averted his gaze, his cheeks flushing a rosy red. "M-morning." He replied in embarrassment at getting caught. It felt like the dragon knew he'd been observing his features without actually seeing it... It was a bit weird.

 

"Oh, not really... Usually more around full moon." Ken admitted, knowing well enough his turn was near. He liked being in his untamed form very much, but it was a bit scary, too. It was almost like his brain changed along with his body. "I'm sorry, it must've been uncomfortable to sleep like that." He apologized softly, the blankets slipping off his shoulders, everything pooling around his waist. Being bare-chested while straddling Haimo's hips didn't seem like the best situation, but it could be so much worse.

 

Cautiously, Ken raised his gaze, his amber eyes focusing between the dragon's eyes. Although he assumed Haimo wouldn't mind eye contact with him, as he knew he was an omega, he still wanted to be safe. It was better to be told that he didn't have to avoid the other's gaze than to be found dangerous or something of the sort.

[StainedCrimson]

Haimo gives a slow nod at the explanation. "Ah, that's right... Wolves tend to be bound to the lunar cycle with their shifting and a full moon is coming. What will help you sleep better around your approaching shift?" Knowing that his treasure wouldn't sleep well for about a week every month sets his teeth on edge. The need to protect and care for what's his spiking sharply and not letting him be until he can do something.

 

At the follow-up remark from the small wolf he gives a snort, some smoke appearing. "It is of no concern and I've slept in much worse conditions than on a small bed with a warm body against mine. You need not be be worried about me little wolf." His eyes follow the slide of blanket, taking in the exposed flesh, his eyes flashing with something akin to hunger before refocusing on Ken's face. "I will take you out on your shift day so you may run and be wolf without fear."

 

Pleased that the other remembered his warning about eye contact, he lets a small smile appear. "Now then. Let's go get some breakfast. I, too, have some more information to tell you." While not ashamed of the fact that he's responding to the pretty and tantalizing wolf on his lap, he doesn't want to scare him off either. Once the other moves, he gets up and starts to head for the kitchen fairly sure there's some eggs and bacon to be had.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken let out a quiet sigh, raising one hand to lightly brush through his hair. "Honestly..." He muttered softly, thinking that maybe it was too much to ask for. "It helps when I don't have to sleep alone." He admitted quietly, looking away for a few moments. He felt like he was being demanding, and he didn't have the right to be like that. Haimo saved him from a terrible fate, the least he could do was to try to repay him as much as he could. He still wasn't sure how life would be around here, but he didn't want to mess anything up.

 

His amber eyes shone with excitement after being told he would be taken out to "be free" as a werewolf. That sounded incredible, he loved the feeling of freedom! The redhead smiled warmly, for the few moments of happiness pushing his worries aside. He didn't seem to notice how the dragon was looking at him, too busy thinking about running freely in a field to focus his attention on the dragon's expressions. He stood up after breakfast was mentioned, grabbing the shirt he'd worn before. He tossed it on, leaving himself without pants for the time being. He didn't really need them, right?

 

"Is there something I can help with?" Ken asked, moving closer to the Alpha. He looked up, smiling slightly. He hated to be a burden, and he really felt like one when he wasn't doing anything. Although the other did mention something about new information... Surely, there would be a lot of new information for him.

[StainedCrimson]

Hearing Ken's comment about not sleeping alone, the solution seems very obvious and simple. "Then I shall sleep with you in here during the time before your shift." While it would be less comfortable than his own bed, it would be best not to test his self-control so close to the rut. Sleeping in piles isn't uncommon for dragons to do within family or close knit situations, but for the most part unless they're children the only times they sleep with another is when mated or after sex. So while this is a bit unusual, it will bring his little wolf happiness and peaceful sleep which is all that matters.

 

"If you're able to clean or cook then taking those over would be helpful as I tend to often get busy with Clan affairs and have little time to do such myself and having others come in to clean is... Unappealing." He says slowly while they enter the kitchen. It rankles him to even think of the idea of another coming into his home and touching what is his. Even if they are Clan and would be doing so only to help their Alpha.

 

As making breakfast gets underway, he finally addresses the bit he's decided to share with his little wolf. "As you wolves have your time of shifting, where you have little if any control over doing so, we dragons have something a bit similar. Except instead of shifting we go into a Rut. Do you know what that is little wolf?" He asks glancing at the other.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken's plump lips parted when Haimo declared he would be sleeping with him until his change. "But... I... Are you sure?" He asked uncertainly, nibbling on his lip. It really seemed to be unfair, besides, his bed was really small. "I mean... There's not that much space there, I'd end up on you every time, and..." He voiced his thoughts, a small pout forming on his lips. He didn't want to inconvenience the dragon.

 

"Sure, I can cook and clean." The werewolf answered without any hesitation. He may not know a lot of recipes, but what he prepared was usually really tasty. The redhead, while in the company of the dragon, relaxed, helping him make the breakfast. He rose his gaze up to the taller male at the mention of something called a Rut. "No, I don't." He admitted with a bit of a puzzled expression on his face before turning to the pan, laying several stripes of bacon in it. It was clear this wasn't his first time making food merely from how confident he appeared to be.

 

Thinking of it, he got used to Haimo's company really quick. The other was actually nice to be around, at least for now. He wasn't really how he imagined a dragon being. He stole a quick glance at the other, a smile making its way to his face. This really wouldn't be bad at all. "Can you tell me more about the ranks here, too? Any other specific titles I should be aware of?"

[StainedCrimson]

A pleased huff is let out when the other says that he can cook and clean. "Excellent. And you need not worry about resting on me. Your weight isn't troublesome and there is reason for you not sleeping with me in mine despite it being more spacious." The main one being that outside of a potential mate he refuses to bring anyone in there.

 

At the question about ranking, he decides to answer that first before clarifying what the Rut is. "I am the Alpha of this clan, all are under my authority and protection. Beneath me are my Betas who carry out my orders and help run the clan. The top beta is the one with second most power and authority until I take a mate. In which case they would be third in ranking. Beyond that there is merely some more dominant or subservient members. Even those taken and kept here have rights and protection." With a shrug that is all that really needs to be said about the ranking.

 

His gaze then turns more still and assessing, like the predator he is, as if deciding whether to pounce or not. "As for the Rut, it is much like going into heat except it can last for about a week. During that time we can be insatiable sexually and without a mate can go on a rutting frenzy. This can lead to fights as well as dominance can be an issue or if a dragon doesn't want to share it's partner then a fight over the partner will erupt." He says slowly while facing the wolf completely.

[Zombie_In_A_Box]

Ken opened his mouth to ask what was the reason, but decided it was best if he didn't. If Haimo intended to reveal it, he would've said it instead of just saying it was a reason. Whatever the reason was, Ken was either not ready to hear it, or not trusted enough to hear it. It was probably the latter - he was just an outsider, after all.

 

As he listened to the explanation, Ken found something interesting. "So your mate would be higher than everyone but you?" He asked, just to make sure. "And... I'm guessing I don't have a rank, do I?" The werewolf asked quietly, his eyebrows raised slightly. He still wasn't sure what he was to the dragon, a pet, perhaps? For now it seemed to be the case. He was just being taken care of, like humans did with dogs or cats.

 

Ken found himself breathless for a little bit as Haimo explained about the Rut. Especially when the other turned to him fully. He felt... Intimidated, he just wanted to get smaller somehow. The werewolf took in a deep, slightly shaky breath, nodding in understanding. "Does it also happen every month?" He asked quietly, a tad hesitantly. The redhead felt like he was in danger after the explanation. If anyone decided to mate with him, he knew there could be consequences that couldn't be evaded easily. His body was, as usual for an omega, ready to carry out a child in case it was needed.