Dan
Dan finally felt at ease as he stepped into familiar surroundings. He was home. Home, the word alone brought a wave of relief and happiness in him. After all the tension, the chaos of the journey, being back on Grosh soil felt like a balm to his soul. Everything had gone as perfectly as he could have hoped, except for Sheeya's behavior.
Dan's jaw tightened at the thought of her. He had almost forgotten how overbearing she could be, how she always pushed the boundaries of decorum. Sheeya had always been a good friend, and he respected that about her, but there were limits. As young adults, they had spent countless hours together, sharing secrets and milestones. She had been his first, not his first love, but his first in the physical sense. At the time, it had seemed like a natural progression of their friendship, but that was a long time ago. She wasn't his mate.
Sheeya's words to Nick gnawed at the edges of his thoughts. She had crossed a line, and if she continued to disrespect Nick, Dan wouldn't hesitate to remind her of her place. She was formidable, yes, but Nick was his omega, his mate. And nothing, not even Sheeya, would disrupt the sanctity of that bond.
Dan's thoughts turned to Nick, wondering how he had taken her snide comment about their past. Humans, he had learned, held rigid ideas about exclusivity in relationships. Unlike Grosh, who often viewed physical intimacy and mate-bonding as entirely separate concepts, humans placed immense emotional weight on the act itself. Dan wasn't ashamed of his past, he had been a fiery, hormonal teenager and had bedded what felt like half the planet's population.
Still, he didn't want Nick to see him as a thoughtless manwhore. What Dan had experienced before meeting Nick paled in comparison to the connection he felt now. Sex with Nick was unlike anything he'd known. It wasn't just physical. It was emotional. Spiritual. It felt like returning to a home he hadn't known he was missing, a profound, life-altering sense of belonging.
The thought made him ache to be with Nick, but he had obligations to fulfill first. The welcome ceremony was a Grosh tradition, a public event that served as an official introduction of his mate to the community. If it were up to Dan, he would have skipped the ceremony altogether. He would've taken Nick directly to his home, shown him around the most beautiful parts of Grosh, and then spent the rest of the night worshipping him in his bed. But being a prince meant duty came first, even if it clashed with his desires.
"Your omega is tiny," a familiar voice commented, breaking Dan from his thoughts.
Dan turned to see one of his closest friends, Yaven, grinning at him with a mischievous gleam in his eye.
"I bet you didn't have any issues determining who would be the Alpha in the relationship," Yaven teased, his tone lighthearted.
Dan smirked but didn't let the jab go unaddressed. "He might be tiny in stature, but he's one of the strongest-willed souls I've ever met," Dan said firmly. "Nick grew up in harsh conditions, conditions that would have broken many Grosh and yet he's carved out a place for himself in the world. I haven't met many men, human or Grosh, with that kind of willpower."
Yaven raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Still, no avath to contend with, though," he pointed out, referring to the ceremonial dominance battle Grosh couples underwent to determine their roles.
Dan chuckled. "True, but even without an avath, he gave me quite the competition. If he were Grosh, I have no doubt the dominance fight would've taken ages to resolve."
"You're smitten," Yaven said with a knowing grin.
Dan didn't deny it. Instead, he shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. Before he could respond, Yaven's gaze shifted behind him.
"And here he comes," Yaven said, his voice tinged with amusement.
Dan snapped his head around, his breath catching in his throat at the sight before him.
Nick stood at the edge of the gathering, clad in Grosh attire. The golden metal plates glinted in the soft light, barely concealing what they needed to. His lean, delicate frame was on full display, his human skin contrasting sharply against the vibrant colors of the surrounding environment. The lines of his body, though small by Grosh standards, were perfectly proportioned, exuding a quiet grace and strength that made Dan's heart pound in his chest.
Nick's dark eyes darted nervously around the crowd, his expression a mixture of awe and self-consciousness. The sheer vulnerability and beauty of him in that moment stole Dan's breath away. He wanted to march over, scoop Nick into his arms, and shield him from every prying eye.
As if sensing Dan's gaze, Nick looked up, their eyes locking. A small, uncertain smile played on Nick's lips, and Dan's heart swelled with pride and an overwhelming sense of protectiveness.
Dan swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry, as he became acutely aware of his own nakedness. The golden loin plate resting against his body felt far too confining, his arousal pushing insistently against it. The sight of Nick, his mate, his omega, and the most beautiful being he had ever laid eyes on—was intoxicating.
Dan's sharp eyes caught the way some of his friends were looking at Nick, curiosity in their gazes, yes, but also a flicker of something else, something primal. Lust. They were curious about their prince's mate, curious about what made Dan's need flare. The protective instinct that surged through Dan was immediate and feral. A deep growl rumbled from his chest, and the offending gazes snapped downward in submission.
Still, the feeling of unease lingered. For a fleeting moment, Dan wished he'd thought to arrange for Nick's human clothes to be brought along to Grosh. Not because Nick wasn't breathtaking as he was—he was—but because Dan wanted him shielded from the hungry eyes of others. This protectiveness wasn't exactly a Grosh trait. Grosh people were unbothered by nudity; their culture celebrated physicality and freedom. During priming heats, men and women often roamed entirely naked, as even the faintest touch of fabric against their skin could be unbearable.
But perhaps human culture had rubbed off on Dan in unexpected ways, just as Grosh culture had influenced Nick. The thought comforted him slightly. He didn't want to come off as arrogant unfeeling bastard who had no regard for Nick's culture.
But again, no one would dare touch Nick, not while Dan was alive to stop them. If anyone so much as tried to lay a hand on his mate, Dan knew with absolute certainty he would rip them to shreds without hesitation.
As his gaze returned to Nick, he noticed the slight awkwardness in the way he walked, his steps tentative as though he were testing unfamiliar terrain. Dan's sharp senses told him that Nick wasn't just adjusting to the alien environment but also to the near-nakedness of the Grosh ceremonial attire. The gold plates covering Nick's most intimate parts left the rest of his lean, pale body on display, and Dan could sense how uncomfortable his mate felt.
Nick's discomfort tugged at Dan's heart. He knew this exposure went against human norms, Earth's harsh climates had necessitated clothing for survival, and over millennia, modesty had become deeply ingrained in human culture. Grosh, on the other hand, didn't share this need. The weather on their planet was perpetually temperate, and their clothing was minimal, functional, and often ceremonial rather than practical.
Dan resolved that if Nick wanted to cover himself, he would support him wholeheartedly. As soon as Nick's human clothes arrived, he could dress however made him feel most comfortable. Dan would never insist otherwise.
But there was something else, a nagging thought that perhaps Nick's discomfort wasn't just about cultural differences or modesty. Dan suspected that his mate was battling insecurities. The thought made his chest tighten. Did Nick believe, even for a second, that he wasn't beautiful enough? That he didn't measure up to Grosh standards of beauty?
If that was the case, Dan would have to dispel those doubts immediately. He would tell Nick just how breathtaking he was. How utterly, undeniably perfect he looked, not just in Dan's eyes but in every sense of the word.
Grosh viewed beauty as health, a natural biological marker of fitness and vitality. Humans, Dan knew, also valued health in their perception of beauty, but their modern cultures had twisted the concept into something artificial and unachievable for many. Nick, however, embodied true beauty. He was strong and healthy, his body vibrant with life. He might not see himself as conventionally "sexy" by human standards, but by Grosh measures, Nick's health alone made him radiant.
To Dan, Nick's beauty went far beyond any standard—human or Grosh. It wasn't just in the strong width of his shoulders, the lean muscles of his body that showed it took care of himself, or even the warmth of his dark eyes. It was in the strength of his spirit, the quiet resilience that had carried him through life's harshest trials, and the way his presence made Dan feel whole in a way nothing else ever had.
Dan vowed that tonight, once they were alone, he would tell Nick all of this. He would make sure his mate knew how cherished he was, not just for his beauty, but for every part of who he was. And if anyone dared to question that? They'd answer to Dan.
The eyes of his entire clan bore into him, their gazes a mix of curiosity and speculation. Dan could practically feel the weight of their stares as they imagined Nick during a priming rut. The thought alone made his jaw clench, and a low, involuntary growl rumbled in his chest. Nick was his, and any male who dared even to entertain the idea of touching him would meet a swift, brutal end.
Females, at least, knew better. They understood the sanctity of a mate bond and respected those boundaries. Males, however, could be reckless in their ambitions, and Dan would make it unequivocally clear that Nick was off-limits.
Dan closed the last few meters between them, his strides purposeful and possessive. His arms circled Nick's waist, pulling him in close. Without hesitation, he dipped his head and captured Nick's lips in a soft kiss. Nick's eyes widened in surprise, his lips parting slightly, but he didn't resist.
Dan had intended for the kiss to be a brief display of affection, a gentle peck to assert his claim. But the taste of Nick—sweet, intoxicating, utterly his—ignited something primal within him. The kiss deepened, Dan's lips moving hungrily against Nick's as he sucked gently, his hands tightening around his mate's waist. The kiss wasn't just an act of love; it was a declaration, a message to everyone watching.
This human was his.
Dan was the only one who would ever touch him, the only one who would ever be inside him.
"Dan," Nick whispered, his voice soft and breathless as he gently pushed him away. His cheeks were flushed a deep red, and his lips were slightly swollen from the kiss. Though his words and actions suggested embarrassment, the look in his eyes told another story, a flicker of need, a quiet yearning he hadn't yet fully embraced.
Dan smirked. Nick's body wanted to keep kissing, even if his human inhibitions held him back. He would learn in time, Dan thought. Nick would learn to let go of those reservations, to shed the insecurities bred by human customs. He would learn to embrace himself fully, to be free.
"Why are you crossing your legs like that?" Dan asked, though he already knew the answer.
Nick glanced down, his discomfort evident. "I'm scared this loin plate will fall off," he muttered, his voice low. "Don't you people have something more... concealing? Something that actually covers my butt cheeks?"
Dan almost laughed but managed to hold it in. As much as he adored seeing Nick's cheeks on display, thoughts of them pressed against his face passed briefly through his mind and he knew it wasn't about his preferences. If Nick wasn't comfortable, that was what mattered.
"I'll have my people bring human clothes for you soon," Dan said, his voice softening. He reached out, his hands finding Nick's hips, and shifted him so that his back was pressed firmly against Dan's front. "For now... better?"
Nick sighed in relief. "Yes," he murmured.
The corners of Dan's lips twitched upward in a satisfied smile. He guided Nick toward the altar, his hand resting protectively on his waist. As they walked, the gathered crowd erupted into cheers, their voices echoing through the air. Most of them looked genuinely excited, their faces alight with curiosity and approval as they welcomed Dan's mate.
But not everyone shared the enthusiasm.
Dan's gaze flicked to the cluster of his family standing near the front. Their expressions were reserved, their smiles tight and forced. He could read their thoughts as clearly as if they'd spoken them aloud, Nick wasn't what they had envisioned for the next omega queen. They had likely imagined someone taller, more imposing, more... Grosh.
Dan understood their reservations, but it didn't matter. Nick wasn't what they had expected, but he was everything Dan had ever wanted. He was Dan's mate, and no amount of disapproval from his family would change that.
They would have to accept Nick, whether they liked it or not.
Dan's father rose from his imposing throne, his golden robe catching the light of the crystal chandeliers above. His expression was unreadable as he walked toward Dan, each step echoing through the ceremonial hall. Stopping beside his son, he placed a heavy hand on Dan's shoulder, the weight of his gesture more symbolic than affectionate.
"We congratulate you on your priming," his father declared, his voice deep and authoritative.
The room erupted into polite applause, but Dan knew better than to mistake it for genuine joy. His father, Grosh's high command, had always been a man of tradition—a figurehead who despised change and clung to outdated customs. He was not a father who inspired warmth or camaraderie.
Dan had never been close to him. His father had always viewed him with suspicion, aware of Dan's ability to inspire and lead. Unlike his other sons, who blindly followed their father's wishes to remain in his favor, Dan had his own mind and ambitions.
It was no surprise, then, that his father had sent him to Earth. The decision wasn't born out of duty or necessity; it was a calculated move to keep him out of Grosh's political scene. His father had feared that if Dan stayed, his popularity would soon eclipse his own, and Dan would naturally assume the mantle of leadership.
His brothers, in contrast, were content to wait. They were biding their time, patiently hoping to inherit their father's position when he passed. But Dan knew better—if their father had his way, he'd hand the throne to anyone but him.
Now, however, everything had changed. With a mate by his side, Dan was eligible to compete for the king's position. And by the looks of it, his father wasn't pleased. His disdain was etched into the tight line of his mouth, his blessing a mere formality before he abruptly exited the ceremony, his golden robes swishing behind him.
Dan watched him leave, feeling both frustration and vindication. His brothers, standing in the corner, exchanged wary glances. They, too, were uneasy.
"I've heard your mate is a physician?" Oshi, one of his friends and a renowned doctor, asked, breaking the tension.
"Yes, he is," Dan replied, pride lacing his words. His eyes softened as he glanced at Nick. "And a very hardworking one. Exceptionally skilled at collecting samples."
Nick rolled his eyes, the corner of his mouth twitching in suppressed amusement. Dan chuckled, his chest tightening with the desire to whisk him away. The way Nick's lips pouted, his cheeks slightly flushed, it was all Dan could do not to devour him then and there.
"I hope to work with him when he joins the infirmary," Oshi added with a sly glint in his eyes.
Dan's smile froze. There was something in the tone of Oshi's voice, something too suggestive for his liking. He didn't trust the way his friend was eyeing Nick, and a low growl rumbled in his throat, though he kept it discreet.
The ceremony, though grand, was stifling. The endless formalities, the subtle undercurrents of tension, it all grated on Dan's nerves. All he wanted was to take Nick home. He longed to show him his world, his tree.
The Hari tree.
The thought of it soothed him. With its vibrant red flowers and sprawling canopy, the tree was more than a home—it was a sanctuary. On Grosh, every person had their own tree, a sacred space that was uniquely theirs. To sleep under another's tree without invitation was a grave breach of trust.
Dan envisioned the two of them lying beneath the tree's shade, Nick's laughter mingling with the rustling leaves. He wanted to make love to him there, amidst the blossoms, and show him what it truly meant to be part of his life.
Thankfully, the ceremony drew to a close, and the crowd began to thin.
"Ready to leave?" Dan murmured into Nick's ear, his voice low and intimate.
Nick shivered at the sound, his breath hitching as he nodded. Dan smiled, the response stirring a primal need within him.
They left the hall together, Nick holding onto Dan's arm as they walked through the moonlit streets. Nick stayed close, occasionally stepping in front to shield his exposed backside from prying eyes.
Dan's heart ached at the sight. He knew how uncomfortable Nick felt, and he silently cursed himself for not arranging something more suitable for him to wear. "Just a little longer," Dan thought, his mind already racing to ensure that Nick's clothes would arrive soon.
Until then, he would do whatever it took to make Nick feel safe and cherished.
Once they were safely out of the public's sight, Dan raised his hand to the sky and let out a distinct, sharp hoot. Moments later, a gust of wind swept through the area, heralding the arrival of his Harimba.
The maroon-red creature materialized in a whirl of air, its wings outstretched and its scales shimmering under the fading light. It screeched, a piercing sound of recognition, as it spotted Dan.
Harimbas were majestic, dragon-like creatures that lived symbiotically with the Grosh. In exchange for their loyalty and transportation, Grosh provided them with specially cultivated grazing lands. The natural grass on Grosh was poisonous to Harimbas, leaving the wild ones to either steal food or starve. Domesticated Harimbas were considered a status symbol, and every Harimba was bonded to a single rider. The bond was so exclusive that their spines, sharp and dangerous, only receded for their chosen owner.
Dan's Harimba was one of the largest in the community, a testament to his skill and connection with the creature. Until now, no one but Dan had ever ridden it.
Today, however, was going to be different.
The Harimba landed with a thud, folding its massive wings as Dan approached it. He ran his hand over its scaled body, the spines retreating wherever his touch lingered. The creature let out a low, rumbling growl, a sign of its affection and trust.
"What the fuck is that thing?" Nick's horrified voice broke through the moment.
Dan turned to find Nick staring at the Harimba with wide, disbelieving eyes, his mouth slightly agape. To a human, the creature likely seemed like something out of a dark fantasy novel—a beast too large and fierce to be real.
"This," Dan said with a grin, "is going to take us home."
Nick blinked, his mouth opening and closing as he searched for words. "How am I supposed to ride that thing? It'll impale me with all those spines!"
Dan chuckled, leaning casually against the Harimba's flank. "Don't worry," he said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I'm the only one who gets to impale you."
Nick scowled, his face flushing as Dan winked.
"I'm serious, Nick. Trust me," Dan said, his voice softening. He placed a hand on the Harimba's back and effortlessly swung himself up onto its broad spine. The spines flattened instantly beneath his weight, leaving a smooth surface.
He extended a hand to Nick. "Come on. Take my hand."
Nick hesitated for a moment, his eyes darting between Dan and the Harimba. Finally, he reached out, gripping Dan's hand tightly. Dan pulled him up with ease, settling him in front.
"Holy shit," Nick muttered under his breath, his awe apparent as he tentatively ran a hand over the Harimba's scales. The spines retreated under his touch, but Dan quickly placed a steadying hand on Nick's arm.
"Careful," he warned. "He doesn't trust you fully yet."
Nick's eyes widened as he jerked his hand away. "Noted," he said, shifting uncomfortably. "This feels... weird."
Dan smirked, but the expression faltered as Nick wiggled in his seat, his movements pressing his backside firmly against Dan's groin.
"Don't do that," Dan warned, his voice low. "You're going to get the Harimba worked up."
"What?!" Nick yelped, whipping his head around to stare at Dan in horror.
Dan laughed, the sound rich and unrestrained. "Relax. I'm kidding. He already has a mate and besides, he wouldn't dare even think about my mate that way. I'm his master, after all."
Nick rolled his eyes and swatted Dan's thigh. The action made him wince slightly. "You're like steel," he muttered, his hand lingering for a moment as if testing the firmness of Dan's muscles.
Dan's grin widened, his lips brushing against Nick's earlobe. "It's not the only thing that's steel," he murmured, biting gently.
"Dan," Nick groaned, half-laughing, half-exasperated.
Dan nudged the Harimba's side with his knee, and the creature leapt into the air, its wings unfurling as they soared into the wide expanse of the Grosh sky.
Nick let out a startled gasp, his hands instinctively gripping the Harimba's neck for support. To Dan's surprise, the creature allowed it, sensing Nick's vulnerability.
As they ascended higher, Dan couldn't help but watch Nick. The way his hair caught the wind, the awe in his gaze as he took in the vast beauty of Grosh from above, it made Dan's chest ache with a fierce, possessive love.
This man, this human, was his. And in moments like this, flying through the skies together, Dan was reminded of just how deeply he adored him. Every laugh, every protest, every smile, Dan loved every fucking thing about him.
***
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