Chapter 73 His Mine
Fernando stood in the keep's kitchens long after the cooks had retired for the night. The vast room was quiet except for the low crackle of dying embers in the great hearth. He had dismissed the staff hours ago, insisting on preparing the tray himself. His hands, more accustomed to wielding swords and signing decrees, now moved with careful precision over the counters. He arranged Alberto's favorite snacks: fresh honey cakes drizzled with wildflower syrup, slices of smoked venison, ripe berries dusted with sugar, and a small pot of the herbal tea Alberto drank when his throat ached from shouting or coughing blood.
He carried the tray through the silent corridors, the scent of honey and berries trailing behind him. Guards bowed as he passed, but he barely noticed. His mind replayed the argument in the healing ward, Mira's kiss, Alberto's pain. Guilt gnawed at him. He had been cruel, lashing out when he should have listened. The bond pulled him toward Alberto like a tide, demanding he make this right.
He reached the door to Alberto's room in the slave quarters and paused, taking a deep breath. Then he knocked softly.
"Come in," Alberto's voice called, weak but clear.
Fernando entered, tray balanced in one hand. The room was small and simple, the cot neatly made, a single candle burning on the table. Alberto sat propped against the wall, bandages visible under his loose tunic, face pale but eyes brightening at the sight of Fernando.
Fernando set the tray on the small table and sat on the edge of the cot. "I brought your favorites."
Alberto's eyes widened slightly. "You made these?"
Fernando nodded. "The cooks helped with the recipes, but I did the arranging."
Alberto smiled faintly. "Thank you."
Fernando picked up a honey cake and held it to Alberto's lips. "Eat."
Alberto took a small bite, syrup sticking to his fingers. "It is good."
Fernando fed him another piece, then a slice of venison. "I am sorry."
Alberto chewed slowly. "For what?"
"For my behavior," Fernando said, voice low. "For the punishment. For not listening. For storming out. For everything."
Alberto swallowed. "It is actually nothing. I understand."
Fernando set the cake down and took Alberto's hand. "No. It was not nothing. I hurt you. I let anger rule me when I should have protected you."
Alberto squeezed his hand. "You were hurt too. I saw it."
Fernando fed him a berry. "That is no excuse. I am the Alpha. I should be better."
Alberto accepted another bite. "We both made mistakes."
Fernando's eyes softened. "I have arranged something. You and Samael will go on a three days trip to the countryside estate. The modern medics there will treat your wounds properly. You need rest away from here."
Alberto's eyes lit up. "Thank you. Truly."
Fernando fed him more, the tray slowly emptying. "You deserve it."
They talked quietly as Alberto ate, Fernando's hand never leaving his. The tension eased, the bond humming warmly between them.
When the tray was empty, Fernando pulled Alberto into his arms, careful of the wounds. "Sleep here tonight. With me."
Alberto nodded, nestling against his chest. "Stay."
Fernando held him close, cuddling him as sleep claimed them both.
The night passed in peace.
Mira pushed open the door to Alberto's small room in the slave quarters early the next morning, her medical satchel slung over her shoulder and a tray of fresh bandages and salves in her hands. The first light of dawn filtered through the narrow window, casting soft shadows across the cot. She expected to find Alberto alone, resting after the difficult night. Instead, she stopped short at the sight before her.
Fernando lay on the narrow cot beside Alberto, one arm draped possessively over his waist, his head nestled against Alberto's shoulder. They slept peacefully, Fernando's breathing deep and even, his face relaxed in a way Mira had rarely seen. Alberto's hand rested on Fernando's back, fingers curled gently into the fabric of his tunic. The Alpha's large frame made the cot look small, but they fit together perfectly, the bond evident even in sleep.
Mira's lips curved into a small, involuntary chuckle. The mighty Alpha, who commanded fear and respect from the entire pack, looked almost boyish in his sleep, clinging to his mate like a pup.
She cleared her throat loudly, the sound sharp in the quiet room.
Neither stirred. Fernando only snuggled closer, burying his face in the crook of Alberto's neck with a contented sigh.
Mira's chuckle turned into a full smile for a moment, but then her expression hardened, the amusement replaced with a look of disgust. She set the tray down and picked up a small bottle of cold water from her satchel. With a flick of her wrist, she sprinkled it over them.
Alberto startled awake first, wincing in pain as the sudden movement pulled at the lashes on his back. "What—"
Fernando jerked up, eyes flashing open, glaring hard at Mira as water droplets clung to his hair and face.
"Mira," Fernando growled, voice rough from sleep. "What was that for?"
Mira ignored him completely, her focus on Alberto. She moved to his side and began checking the bandages, her hands gentle but efficient. "How is the pain this morning?"
Alberto sat up slowly, biting back a groan. "Better. The medicine helped."
Fernando wrapped his arms around Alberto from behind, pulling him close against his chest. He kissed Alberto's neck softly, then his shoulder, his lips lingering to spite Mira. "You should have knocked."
Mira acted as if he was invisible, her eyes on the wounds. "The lashes are healing, but slowly. I will change the bandages."
Fernando kissed Alberto's cheek, then his temple, his arms tightening possessively. "He is fine. I took care of him last night."
Alberto laughed softly, shaking his head at the little stunt they were pulling. "You two are ridiculous."
Mira continued her work, unwrapping the old bandages with careful fingers. "The swelling has gone down. No infection."
Fernando nuzzled Alberto's ear, whispering loud enough for Mira to hear. "Tell her you do not need her. I can take care of you."
Alberto chuckled. "Fernando, stop."
Mira poured a fresh salve onto a cloth and applied it to the deepest lash, her touch professional. "This will sting, but it speeds healing."
Fernando kissed Alberto's jaw. "You are beautiful even with scars."
Alberto's cheeks flushed, but he kept laughing quietly. "You are both acting like children."
Mira finished the salve and began wrapping new bandages. "Hold still."
Fernando's hands roamed Alberto's sides, kissing his shoulder again. "He is mine to hold."
Mira tied the bandage and moved to the next wound, her expression unchanging. "The lower lashes are deeper. They will scar."
Fernando kissed Alberto's neck. "Scars make him stronger."
Alberto shook his head, amusement clear. "Enough, both of you."
Mira completed the examination, packing her supplies. She prepared to leave, turning toward the door.
"Mira," Fernando called.
She turned.
Fernando grabbed Alberto's face gently and crashed his lips on his, kissing him deeply, possessively, right in front of her.
Alberto kissed back for a moment, then pulled away laughing. "Fernando!"
Mira rolled her eyes and left without a word.
The door closed.
Fernando grinned. "She needed to see."
Alberto shook his head. "You are impossible."
Fernando pulled him close. "And you are mine."
They settled back, the morning light warming the room.