alignmyheart | au of an au

It is very difficult to keep the hunger he feels off his face as Percival makes quite a convincing case for himself. But Essek, master of locking his feelings away, manages it. He looks suitably unimpressed despite thinking the opposite. His fingers curl delicately beneath his chin.

"Indeed. I have noted your dogged perseverance," he says, and with his slight sneer it doesn't seem like a complement. "That is a quality some would admire, I am sure. And I must commend your dedication. You have proven yourself a capable mate, at least."

Essek's other hand settles on the curve of his belly, just visible beneath the layers of his robes.

"But I suppose that is not such a difficult thing," he muses. "If all I wanted was a sire, I could get that from any man at all." Almost casually, he explains, "Among the dens in Rosohna, if I wished for a child I would have my pick of unattached alphas. Men would beg for the privilege. I could even take more than one during my heat if seeing them compete amused me." Essek has never wanted any of that, of course. It was only after he came to love Percival that he even thought of sharing his heat with anyone, let alone having a child. But it seems fitting in this scenario to trot out that at home, he would have been spoiled for choice.

Again, Essek's eyes flicker over his husband head to toe, pretending to consider. "Many sons of the Dynasty's great dens have brilliant minds and bodies perfectly capable of satisfaction." Essek's fingers tap against his lower lip. "Given the choice, why would I prefer you over any of them? What makes you special?"

It's unfair how attractive the gentle curve of Essek's belly is, the evidence of their repeated attempts for an heir now realized. And it's unfair that even in this room, with scents less familiar, that Essek's still cuts through everything to fill his awareness. It takes effort not to just slide to his knees in front of his mate, his beautiful omega.

He tips his head at the question.

"A certain resilience I think even sons of the Dynasty wouldn't have," he says. "This is the only life I will ever live, I have no memories of lifetimes past to call on, or talents learned. My brilliance, like yours, is purely my own."

Percival knows that not every person in the Dynasty is on a second, third, or whatever multiple lifetime. But he has learned through Essek what consecution does.

"I am and will only ever be Percival de Rolo. I am and will only ever be yours, Essek Thelyss. There is no one in this life or any other who could take me from you, if you'll have me." Percy looks down and he can't help a smirk, brimming with confidence and when he lifts his gaze again he gives Essek a more wolfish look. "And if you wish to put me in competition with other alphas, my love, I will win. You know I have something that none of them do."

He caught that dogged earlier, and while he has thought of it as a weakness rather than a strength for so long, he will try to argue it's advantage now. He might be a feral creature compared to the consecuted souls of the Dynasty, but that raw strength and virility will be entirely at Essek's disposal, should he want it. Surely that counts for something.

Essek is utterly in love with this man, and not showing it when he says possibly the most romantic thing he's ever heard is asking far too much. There is a brief flicker in his eyes that displays both his surprise and adoration as Percival promises him his devotion in this life--the only one he will ever have. It almost feels unfair that he cannot embrace him in this moment. But Essek throws up his walls again like he would throw out a spell, hiding that flash of emotion behind impassivity.

He will bring this up again later, he tells himself. When this is over, he will tell Percival how much that promise means to him.

Though he allows his lips to curl, it is a cruel sneer to balance out the way his heart beats with love--and with growing arousal, attracted as he is to the confidence his husband displays, the certainty that he could give Essek more than any other alpha. Essek is in complete agreement, but that is not the game.

"What you have is a curse that you cannot control which forces you to become a wild animal on a regular basis, abandoning your duties for days to prowl the wilderness like some common beast. You are saying I should be pleased by this?"

This is entirely opposite to the feelings he has expressed about Percival's transformation before, and he can remind him again later that none of it is true. But he still hates to crush this line of thinking when it is one of the few times he has heard him speak positively about it. But he had asked, and Percival agreed it was fair game.

"If anyone else knew this creature fathered my child, I would be ruined. It seems to me that this is a defect rather than a boon. What is a brilliant mind worth if it is wasted on a feral dog?" This isn't a rhetorical question. Essek's gaze is sharp, calculating. He's waiting to be convinced of the benefits.

Percival thinks he sees a flicker of desire and affection, but Essek is far too good at this game to let it last more than a second.

Even if he is prepared for the sharpness foreshadowed by that sneer, it still lands hard. Not so hard that he is interested in tapping out, but he should know that Essek would be incisive once he got his claws out. Percival's fear over being able to control the beast he becomes every month has been present ever since he understood the curse that had taken him. He worries, too, that somehow his curse might have some effect on the child they've finally conceived, despite the number of times clerics, including Pike, have reassured him that's not how it works.

But what if it is?

The doubt trickling up his back is based in something real, even if Essek's attacks aren't. For the first time since they started, Percival actually seems like he's on the back foot. His mind races, trying to find a way to answer that challenge. He wets his lips and resists the urge to fidget.

"I may be a feral dog," he says at last, finding what he thinks might be a way forward. "But you are the only one who could possibly hold the leash. My loyalty is unshakable, and all that I have - all that I am - is at your disposal."

His strength, his stamina, and yes, his cleverness and his sharpness.

Yes, that was the opening he was waiting for. Percival hesitates, and Essek watches, waits. If this were real, he would already be pushing, exploiting this weakness he's uncovered. But he gives his husband the chance to collect himself--or tap out should he find that this topic hits harder than he'd anticipated.

Essek's head tilts a degree or two with curiosity when he finally responds, and he allows a little sharp pleasure to show in the arch of a brow and the curl of his lips.

"That is certainly true," he agrees. It is an interesting angle, this concession, and he likes the conclusion it brings him to. "You need me," he murmurs. "Is that it? You know that I am the only one capable of controlling you, wild thing that you are, and you want me to bring you to heel."

If he wasn't wet before, he certainly is now.

"Perhaps there is something to be said for a dog's loyalty." Essek smiles, but not kindly. "I do enjoy the idea of an alpha who readily admits that he is in need of my firm guidance. But if I am to hold your lead, pet, your place is not there." Slender fingers unfurl in a graceful gesture toward Percy's chair, then a sharper one pointing down at the floor in front of his own. "It is here."

Expertly, Essek directs the force of gravity around his husband just enough that he will feel a change--the weight of his body slightly heavier than it was a moment ago, and a noticeable pull toward the spot he indicates. It is merely a suggestion, not so powerful that it can't be resisted. But he will certainly feel much more comfortable if he winds up where Essek wants him.

There it is. Percival feels the flutter low in his body, feels heat start to creep into his face. The thought of Essek holding onto him, keeping him in control. He knows his husband's will is iron when he wants it to be and Percy trusts it. Trusts him. And even if there is nothing kind in the drow's smile, Percival still finds himself yielding to it.

There's a moment of hesitation, like he is seriously considering what it means to go to his knees before an omega - even his omega. What it means for him to belong to Essek. But then he feels that pull, the pressure of force drawing him toward the place Essek points. His gaze flicks up to meet his husband's and he is once again impressed by what his mate is capable of.

Percival moves then. He eases from the chair and, as fluidly as he can manage, he goes to his knees in front of Essek. The feeling of pressure stops once he's there, like a reward.

"Here?"

There is no thrill quite like watching his alpha sink to his knees in front of him. The spark of hunger in Essek's gaze is undeniable. With a dismissive flick of his fingers, he dispels the minor gravity well entirely. "You figured it out quickly," he says, a hint of condescension undermining the compliment. "Smart, for a dog. But I have been training you for some time now, haven't I?"

Reaching down, his nails scrape lightly beneath Percival's chin, dipping lower along his throat then up again, ensuring his face remains tilted toward him. For a moment he says nothing, merely takes in his husband's blue eyes and pale, handsome human features. All his. The possessive and domineering aspects of his personality he's never quite managed to quell are pleased indeed.

"Doesn't this feel better?" His voice is silky, cajoling. His fingers slide into Percival's hair next, scratching at his scalp and taking a firm grip. "I could be willing to accept an obedient husband who knows his place. Are you obedient, Percival?"

It is Essek's excitement that makes Percy's spike. He's deeply attuned to his mate, and he knows the scent of his arousal. He tips his chin up, following the drag of Essek's nails. That forces him to expose his throat more, not a common position for an alpha but he doesn't hesitate or resist in the face of Essek's attention.

"Yes," he says quietly, as if it might cost him something to admit it. Even then, his eyes nearly close as his husband's fingers push into his hair, sending chills racing down his back and up again as his grip tightens. Percival meets Essek's gaze, lost in the depth of his violet eyes.

"Yes," he answers again, with a little more feeling. If it is his obedience Essek wants, that's what he'll give. No matter what his husband does to test it. "I could be. With a strong hand."

He is a wolf, after all.

Closely bonded as they are, it becomes something of a feedback loop--Essek's arousal drives Percy's, and that familiar, appealing scent only encourages Essek's more. He can feel how slick he's becoming, how readily his cock swells beneath his heavy layers, how responsive his body is, how it aches for what he's denied it today. Pregnancy, as it turns out, can be nearly as bad as heat.

But he wouldn't be Essek Thelyss if he couldn't exert control over both himself and the man at his feet. He suppresses the shiver that threatens to crawl up his spine as he answers. Yes. Yes. He uncrosses his legs carefully, smooths his robes out with one hand almost casually as the other retains its grip on his alpha's hair. He drinks in the exposed line of his throat, and unseen behind his lips, traces the tip of his tongue over his fangs. There is so much delicate skin there.

"You would be," he purrs. "With me. You were so ready to promise me all that you are. It is simply a matter of determining whether that is worth my time."

Almost dismissively, his fingers leave his husband's hair without so much as a parting tug. As has become habitual recently, his hand returns to his stomach, resting idly over the curve of it below the silver metalwork of his belt. "What do you want most in this moment, husband?"

Percy needs to keep a list of everything he wants to praise Essek for later. His husband certainly deserves it, and maybe Essek already knows that, but he'll do it anyway. Those elegant fingers leave his hair to rest instead on the swell of Essek's belly and Percival has to resist the urge to touch him.

"You," he answers, and perhaps that is too honest and too quick, but he could say nothing else and if he is to be proving his worth to Essek one way or another, shouldn't his husband know that he is desired? Percy swallows and tries to clear his head from the haze of arousal.

"Your approval," he adds. "I want to do whatever it is that will make you see my worth to you."

There's a light in Percy's eyes, the same he gets when he's looking at a puzzle or something else that needs to be overcome. He wants to prove himself and he is quite determined to do whatever that takes.

"You want me," Essek echoes with a knowing sneer, confirming exactly the answer he expected. "Yes, I can smell how very true that is."

The scent of his alpha's growing arousal is heady, intoxicating, and Essek has to pretend not to be affected by it, though he is certain his own must be equally evident. He is already so wet he can feel the dampness of his smallclothes.

"So far I have been convinced that you would make a decent pet, at least. But I am measuring your worth as a spouse, and as my alpha." From the derision in his tone, he makes it clear that he still finds Percy wanting in those categories. "You said that you would need a strong hand, yet I barely had to tug and you knelt." A brow arches. "Are you so easy because I have been strict with your pleasure recently? You hope that if you promise to be a good dog I'll loosen your leash and reward you with my cunt?"

The pointed toe of Essek's boot, dangling just beside Percival's knee, nudges against it.

"Spread your legs. Show me how hard you are."

Percy's heart is beating hard and his attention is unwavering on Essek, every sneer and doubt. His husband is beautiful and commanding and Percy wants him more than he's wanted anyone.

His breath catches as an elegant boot nudges his knee. He spreads his legs further, and it isn't difficult to see the swell of his cock through his trousers, his arousal immediate and urgent from the start. It's almost painful, but he can think of nothing he wants more than to do what is demanded of him. He hasn't come in days at Essek's behest and now he feels the barest touch might make him fall apart. He can't. Not yet.

"A-a strong hand isn't always one that uses force," he murmurs as his gaze holds steady. "And if there is a reward to be had, I will earn it."

No promises, only deeds.

"Have I denied you anything?" he asks, working to keep his voice steady and even. "That won't change, whether I am rewarded or not."

It is fortunate that Essek has plenty of experience seeming disaffected, because the sight of Percival's erection straining his trousers makes his empty cunt clench eagerly, arousal settling low in his body. The half-hard swell of his own cock is pinned beneath his smallclothes against his thigh, and thankfully hidden beneath the heavy layers of his robes. Visually, at least, he is immaculate, but for a flush settling high in his cheeks that he can't help. Luckily the room is dark, and he is the one at an advantage here.

"That is to be expected," Essek says dismissively. "I am carrying your child. You would be a poor alpha indeed if you denied me anything."

The toe of his boot traces almost idly up the inside of Percy's thigh along the inseam of his trousers, pausing just short of the obvious destination.

"But look at how desperate you are," he smirks. "A mere four days without release and you turn into this wanton creature. Falling to your knees when I beckon, thinking that you can promise me something of value." Carefully, with teasingly light pressure, Essek applies the flat sole of his boot to the shape of Percival's cock. "That is the trouble with most alphas, I suppose," he sighs. "The moment this gets hard, your head empties of every other thought."

Percy's breathing grows more shallow as Essek's foot slides higher. His head is emptying of every other thought. Essek is everything. And now that Percy's on his knees, his mate fills his vision and all he can smell is his arousal. His mouth waters and he swallows thickly. That smirk will haunt his dreams.

Maybe it's too bold, but he moves closer. That forces Essek's boot higher, but Percy doesn't look away from the wizard's face. His impressive, perfect mate.

"Unlike most alphas, my thoughts are only of you," he murmurs, voice heavier. His hand brushes over Essek's ankle and he feels the deep urge to kiss his way up his husband's soft leather boot. "What must I do?"

au of an au - for graviturgy

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