Rutting Season

9

Racyn chuckled, “I should jump at the chance, but I don't want you to choose me out of pity or to relieve my discomfort. Now, seriously, Tessa, go back to camp. I will be fine. Tomorrow, we will see if you still feel the same way.”

She hesitated but knew he was right. “Okay, I’ll go back, but if you're not back at camp soon, I will come looking for you.” He nodded with a grin. “Deal.”

He watched her leave in the direction of the camp. After waiting a few excruciating minutes to make sure she didn't come back, he unbuttoned his pants, relieving some of the irritation from being erect for so long without release.

Closing his eyes, he took deep, calming breaths and tried again to shift. It was no use. He tried focusing on something else, even though he knew that wouldn't work either.

He thought about the other women participating in the season. A few had shown him interest, but they didn't appeal to him like Tessa did. He wondered if he could wait longer; if she had more time, would she choose him? The idea intrigued him, and he decided to learn more about her.

Right now, he only had one option, which might not work, but he had to try. Taking himself in hand, he stroked. It felt good but not intense enough. Picking up speed, he tried harder to find release. When it finally came, it was disappointing. He still felt the need to sink into a warm, willing body. More than that, he felt emotionally empty.

He straightened his clothes and returned to camp. He couldn't stop passing by her tent and found her talking to Kingdon. She gave him a small wave of acknowledgment, and he nodded in return. He decided he wasn't in the mood to socialize, so he went to his tent.

King looked at her with a sly smirk. “What? Why are you looking at me like that,” Tessa asked. King chuckled. “You like him. Don't try to deny it. I see how you look at him, and you’re more aware of him than anyone else here.”

She shrugged, “I do like him.” King wondered, “So why didn't you choose him today?” Tessa glanced at Racyn’s tent, “He should find someone else. We’re not a good match.”

Kingdon was curious: “Why do you say that? You calmed him down during the fight. Not everyone could do that. You’re obviously attracted to each other. He’s an Alpha. He will provide for you and protect you well. He is a good choice. You are smart and beautiful. He would be lucky to have you.”

Tessa snorted. “Those things are true. He is capable of taking very good care of his mate. He is handsome, too. I don't know why he hasn't found a mate yet. The women this year seem interested, but he isn't making much effort to be chosen by one of them.”

King gave her a look like she was being ridiculous. “To me, it looks like he only wants your attention. You said you didn't want a mate yet, but maybe you should consider choosing him.”

Tessa wanted to change the subject. “King, why don't you want a mate this year? If it’s too personal, you don't have to answer,” she rushed on, hoping she didn't offend him.

“I don't want a mate at all, but my parents wouldn't stop harassing me, so I came this year,” he answered truthfully. Tessa was surprised by his answer.

“Oh. Why don't you want a mate? I’ve seen how difficult it can be for Racyn sometimes. Do you want to go through that every year?”

King looked away, avoiding her gaze. “Yeah, I know what it will be like, but that's my decision—just like it’s your decision to wait or choose a mate now.” She must have hit a sore spot.

“You’re right. I just hate the idea of someone being in so much pain when it could be avoided. " She felt terrible thinking about him being alone. He seemed like such a wonderful man. Their conversation left them both thoughtful.

“I think it’s time for me to get some sleep. Thank you for spending the evening with me. Especially since I left you alone for so long.” Tessa stood, and King offered his hand to shake. She ignored it and hugged him instead. “I’m glad we met. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She must have caught him by surprise because it took him a minute to hug her back. “Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow. I’m almost afraid of what they have planned for us next.”

Tessa laughed and went into her tent. When it was zipped up, King left to find his bed. Laying in the solitude of her tent, she replayed the events of the evening.

She couldn't believe she had told Racyn she would accept his offer. Part of her wanted to, but the other half wanted the freedom of being without a mate. “What am I going to do?” she whispered to herself.

She was glad Racyn had been more straightforward about what she had said. He would expect an answer tomorrow, and she wasn't sure she could give him one he would like. Closing her eyes, she went to sleep.

Meanwhile, Racyn lay in his tent, tossing and turning. His hormones were raging, and all he wanted to do was go to Tessa’s tent and snatch her away from Kingdon. Occasionally, their voices would reach his ears, which only irritated him.

His jaw was sore from clenching his teeth. To make it worse, he had started sweating again, and his d**k was still painfully hard. The relief he had found earlier had only lasted momentarily.

As the night grew quieter, another noise in the tent beside him made him sick. Someone was jacking off. Heavy breathing and the slick sounds of movement couldn't be ignored. He wasn't surprised; probably half the men there were doing the same thing. Being in rut made it necessary that they relieve themselves, but most men tried to be discrete.

He threw a pillow over his head to drown out the noise. The other man’s voice drifted through the pillow, “f**k yes, Tessa. Just like that.” Racyn shot up and tore the zipper of his tent open.

He couldn't scent her near his tent, but he had to be sure. He stormed over to the tents, which were still burning. Some of the chaperones, still awake by the fire, eyed him, but they didn't stop him.

Standing outside, the sound of her soft breathing made him relax. She wasn't with another man. Whoever it was must have been fantasizing about her.

He went back to his tent and lay down. He would talk to her in the morning, and if she still wanted to accept his offer, he would make it clear right away that she was off limits. With a plan in place, he finally fell asleep.