*Obi wan kenobi voice*
Hello there!
Turns out writers block wasn't as done with me as I thought xDD but I'm fighting it!!
So this is a piece written for an a/b/o event we are doing at @thepassifloradiscord, because fun, and there is just something about courting that is just so kdkdfjf.
Yes, I'm ok, thank you for asking.
So please enjoy this little thing, where Eskel is not enjoyin spring!
Here on Ao3
It’s been pouring down for fucking days.
Spring is the absolute worst, Eskel thinks to himself as he trudges along muddy roads toward his usual inn.
Not only because of the shitty weather, but also because of all the monsters approaching their mating season, because of the more than abundant pollen, because stupid Jaskier who doesn’t realize Eskel has been courting him for months.
He probably could have been clearer, but Eskel really thought that Jaskier would have picked up on it by now.
The flowers, clearly coded in flower language to express his feelings for Jaskier.
The gift, meant to show his feelings for Jaskier in physical form. The silk shirt, to prove that he could provide for his intended mate. The hand holding, to show that he would always be a bastion of safety, warmth and love for his chosen.
Eskel had felt especially brave about the hand holding, as it is not something witchers do, do they?
But Jaskier had beamed, laced their fingers together and pressed up against his arms, so what was he to think?
When they had said their goodbyes before the winter, he had angled Jaskier’s chin up and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips.
And Jaskier had looked so dumbfounded, so gobsmacked, that Eskel had turned tail and ran.
Not the wisest move, he admits to himself, but given the way Jaskier had smiled at him and held his hand... Eskel is simply a man.
A drenched man right now, as he stomps through the puddles with Scorpion at his side.
Fucking mud, fucking rain, Scorpion needs to go to the ferrier to replace a shoe that disappeared somewhere two days ago.
Most likely when they were running away from a nest of agitated nekkers, and there is no going back for it.
There is only an hour left until he reaches the inn.
The letters he had picked up after he made it down that blasted mountain were mostly from Jaskier, writing about missing him, and where they would meet in the upcoming spring.
Which reminds him. Another bad thing with spring is his Rut. It usually hits during the late winter/early spring, just in time for him to make it down the mountain and find a whorehouse, or an incubus, or a succubus, or whatever.
There is just no way of telling exactly when it'll come.
It doesn’t feel right to meet Jaskier just as it starts, like bad manners, but his body is intent on betraying him.
If he didn’t know better, he would suspect that his Rut is purposely holding out until they meet.
Which would mean either running off or dealing with it together.
And Eskel doesn’t want Jaskier to feel obligated, or like Eskel is assuming things will happen.
Despite the rain, he can smell the smoke from the chimneys from down the road. Maybe less than an hour, then.
Daylight is slowly fading when Eskel reaches the outskirts of the village.
The inn sits at the crossroads, the little dirt courtyard in front of the stable lined with a rickety fence. There is already light in the windows, and a teenager runs up to meet him and Scorpion when he approaches.
“Is there a farrier in town?” he asks, tossing the boy a copper when he grabs Scorpion’s reins. “Don’t touch his hindlegs, by the way,” he warns.
Eskel almost feels bad about leaving the boy with his stallion, but there is a restlessness twisting in his bones.
From inside, he can hear the strumming of a lute, sense Jaskier’s scent in the air. Warm and spicy, familiar and safe and enticing.
The boy stammers out a “Yes, master witcher,” and Eskel is moving. He walks towards the inn's door and slips inside quietly so as to not disturb the performance.
Jaskier sits upon a chair in the corner, where the floor is slightly elevated. From the look of the crowd, Eskel is not the only traveler seeking cover as there are but a few tables free at the front.
There is no fucking way Eskel is going to sit in front of the stage.
So by the wall he stands, until a table further back vacates. He orders a serving of tonight's dinner and two ales.
When Jaskier notices him, a secret smile graces his lips, his content scent spiking.
“I’m afraid this will be my last song for tonight, fair folk,” Jaskier informs the tavern, strumming up a gentle tune, eyes lingering on Eskel.
His dinner arrives and he promptly forgets about it, held captive by Jaskier's every word. By a song about hoping, about searching.
The sweet gesture of a daisy tucked lovingly behind your ear.
The soul-warming sensation of a hand in yours.
A kiss given when parting is inevitable.
There is thin applause when he finishes up, and Eskel can do nothing but stare when Jaskier packs up and approaches his table.
“Hi you,” he says quietly, smiling down at him.
“Hi yourself,” Eskel manages. “I uh… bought you a drink.”
“Such a gentleman,” Jaskier says, stealing Eskel’s drink anyway, eyes gleaming over the rim of the mug. “Did you find a room yet?”
“Was told it was fully booked.”
“Then stay in mine,” Jaskier offers. Tension builds between them now, much stronger than in the past. “You are absolutely drenched. Eat up so we can head upstairs and get you dried off.”
They make their way up to Jaskier’s room after Eskel finishes his meal. The cold is starting to get to him, at long last.
There is no fireplace in the room, but they make do. Eskel’s wet clothes are hung over chairs and laid out on the small table, even hanging on the lute case.
There is only one bed, but luckily, it's big enough for the two of them to sleep comfortably.
Eskel still offers to take the floor.
“Don’t even think about it,” Jaskier threatens, wagging his finger. “Witchers may not get sick, no, but they get fucking sore and you will be as grumpy as Geralt in the morning, and that is just a crime.”
Snorting, Eskel relents. Soon the candle is blown out and they have settled in on each side of the bed.
They lie quietly next to each other, Eskel staring up at the ceiling.
“Uhm. That last song you sang…” Eskel says. daring to break the silence, and Jaskier turns his head to look at him. “That was about us?”
“You noticed.” Jaskier smiles.
“Unlike you,” Eskel teases.
When Jaskier doesn’t say anything for a long moment, Eskel grows nervous.
“Eskel... Were you courting me?”
The witcher blinks and his heart sinks.
“I was. Am. But if I read it all wrong, if you're not interested, I can stop,” Eskel offers quietly.
“Don’t you fucking dare,” Jaskier threatens, turning on his side to face him. He reaches for Eskel’s hand. Their fingers lace together like they haven't spent the entire winter season apart. “But maybe this time, I’ll court you back?”
A kiss is pressed to the back of his hand, and Eskel can't stop the ache in his chest. His entire being screams mate, but he is in no hurry. None at all.
“I would like that.”
They end up curled around each other.
Eskel presses his lips to the back of Jaskier’s neck, a hand against his chest, nestled under his sleeping tunic.
The trust that Jaskier displays baring himself like this, makes Eskel hold him tighter, press him closer. One day he might put a mark there.
Pressing a kiss to the nape of Jaskier’s neck, he spreads his hand wider. He feels greedy, wanting more when he is allowed so much already.
But there is more to talk about, more topics to discuss.
For now, Eskel is more content than he has been in years. The sweet smell of Jaskier, his heartbeat under Eskel’s palm.
It was never supposed to be like this, but that seems to be the running theme of Eskel’s life. Maybe he’ll just need to make the best of out it.
Eskel couldn’t imagine it was him that was making you like this. No one looks at a witcher, especially at one as scarred and intimidating as him, and feels arousal without the scent of fear.
But your cunt was slightly slick and so red, and you whined as he settled above you. He kept his clothes on, not sure if you wanted the illusion of this being just a way to fix your illness, or an attempt a repeat of the night you met.
Eskel wouldn’t turn you down if it was.
He hovered over you, tentatively dragging two fingers through your folds. “It’s… it’s still dry, so it might hurt.”
You whined, bringing his neck down to your mouth and mouthing at a scar, murmuring, “Make it feel better, alpha.”
Eskel shivered slightly, then pulled his hand away and let out a soothing purr before he reached into his bag and took out the vial of oil. “It’s okay, just going to use this to make it easier until those glands start working again, okay?”
You whimpered but nodded, spreading your legs wider. You wanted him closer, or at least to hold your hand. It just seemed so… clinical, like he was only forcing himself to touch you. Maybe he was.
Eskel could smell your distress, and grimaced. When he glanced up at you, you were avoiding his eyes. Fuck, you didn’t want it to be him that was doing this. He is the reason for this. And even without an infection, gods know know hard it would be to get slick at the sight of his face.
“Would you… do you want to turn around? Would that be better?”
But you shook your head, letting out a shaky breath. “Please just touch me, Eskel.”
He almost wanted to smile, but he bit it back, instead coating his fingers and tracing the outer lips of your cunt before pushing inside you slowly. His thumb rubbed at your clit in small circles, as his fingers searched out that spot that—
“Fuck, alpha, stop!” You cried out, tensing up. Eskel winced, stopping for a moment before he gently probed at the gland.
“I’m sorry, it will only hurt for a moment, I promise,” he said, letting out a reassuring rumble to calm your distress. He couldn’t bare to see his omega in pain, but you took it so well, an iron grip on his shoulder through the few minutes before it started to get better.
The moment the infection must have been released, a sudden rush of slick did, too. Eskel groaned as he felt you clench down on his fingers, no longer in pain anymore and smelling of only arousal.
“Does it feel better?” he murmured, keeping his thumb on your clit and fingers deep inside you just in case.
He didn’t need to ask; you locked eyes and let out a keening moan before you came on his fingers, practically grinding into his hand.
Eskel had been half hard through the entire thing— but that noise he just pulled from you brought him to full hardness, throbbing in his pants now.
But that was secondary to making sure his omega felt good, and he let out a groan as you continued to thrust your hips against his hand, tightening your grasp on his shoulder as you breathed out wetly in his ear, “Alpha, Eskel, don’t stop… I’m coming, I’m coming—“
You shuttered through another orgasm, letting out a satisfied sigh and relaxing against your bed. You smelled like sated omega, and it made Eskel preen. He carefully removed his fingers from your soaked cunt, wiping his hand on the sheets and settling beside you.
He waited for you to realize you didn’t need him anymore, to tell him to leave now that his purpose was finished. But you only turned to him and sort of nuzzled into his chest, pressing a kiss to the exposed skin at his neck. You glanced up, resting a hand on Eskel’s face.
“Thank you, alpha. You made me feel so good.”
Eskel let himself believe you wanted him to stay. That you saw him as your alpha and not just an alpha that helped him. He was yours. Even if you didn’t want him.
He smiled softly, then remembered the way his scars pulled at his lips and made it look terrifying, and brought his face back to neutral. He hesitantly brought his hand to your hip, sliding it down to your thigh. “Do you mind if I…? To make sure it’s all gone.”
Your eyes went dark, and it sent another jolt of arousal to Eskel’s cock. You nodded, laying back and spreading your legs to give him a nice spot to settle.
Eskel swallowed, seeing the slick covering your thighs and a small gush of it coming out even now. He looked up at you before hooking his arms under your legs, placing them over his shoulders as he nosed up to your cunt. He breathed in, and didn’t smell any more sickness. But he swallowed and met your eyes, croaking out, “I should taste, just to make sure.”
You gave him a feral smile, and nodded, licking your lips. “Please. Just to make sure.”
He hid his own grin in your folds, eating you out like his life depended on it. He never got to do this the night you met, too focused on knot and breed and mate for anything that didn’t involve his cock. But you tasted so sweet, he wasn’t sure how he was going to live without this now.
He made you come twice on his tongue, putting away with a face covered in your slick as he licked his lips and met your eyes, his fingers replacing his tongue. You were practically shaking, oversensitive but chasing that last orgasm as you moaned Eskel’s name, clenching around his fingers with your eyes locked on his.
Eskel used a corner of the sheet to clean his face, then to wipe most of the slick from your thighs. He leaned down to give your clit one last kiss, the touch making your hiss before you let out a laugh, pulling Eskel up to you.
“Are you trying to kill me?” you murmured, pulling his face to yours for a kiss. He tasted like you, and you let out a soft moan at that, wanting your alpha to taste like you forever.
Eskel scented you, pulling the blanket over your body. “Just making sure the infection is all gone, omega. Had to be thorough.”
You grinned, snaking a hand down and into his smalls. “Your tu—“ you cut off with a noise, finding Eskel soft and his thick cock wet. “Did you…?”
He nodded, burying his face in your neck in embarrassment. “Twice. Sorry, I—“
But you let out a groan, tangling your hands in his hair. “Gods, that is so hot. You’re so hot.”
He smirked against your skin, wishing it to be true. But if his omega thought so, at least for now, then maybe that’s all that mattered.
“Take off your clothes,” you mumbled, only letting go of your hold of him so he could pull off his shirt and unbutton his pants. You watched him strip carefully, and Eskel was back under the sheets before you could get a good look at his scars. He didn’t want you to see that.
“So… twice?”
Eskel groaned, shutting his eyes. “It’s a witcher thing. We tend to… stay hard for quite a while. Can usually go a couple rounds. If we really wanted to, more than that.”
You stared back at him blinking, before a smile started to grow on your face. “I’m the luckiest omega in the world,” you whispered, before pulling him in to another kiss.
“So you can fuck me tonight?” you murmured against his lips, earning you a deep growl and making you grin.
—-
Eskel didn’t know how he managed to spend another night with you (this time without the excuse of a heat, even) where he lost count of the orgasms and woke to you in his arms.
Maybe this didn’t have to be the last time, either.
“I’d like to take you to Kaer Morhen. It’s the… the closest thing I have to home, I guess.”
You smiled, turning in his arms to meet his gaze. “Eskel. I’d love that.”
“You can meet my brothers—“
“You have brothers?”
“Yes, other witchers I grew up with. Geralt is practically mute and has the emotional maturity of a potato, and Lambert is cruel for absolutely no reason and should not be approached alone.”
You laughed, and the sound made Eskel’s heart clench. He’d do anything to hear that sound again. Fuck, he had it bad.
“Such astounding reviews of your family, I wonder how you’d describe me to others,” you mused, leaning up to give him a soft kiss.
Eskel leaned in and deepened the kiss, lazily licking into your mouth and swallowing the moan you made. He pulled away, murmuring, “She’s the most incredible woman to ever walk the earth, and she’s mine so back off.”
You whined in the back of your throat, kissing at the spot where Eskel’s bond mark would go, worrying the skin with your teeth. “Alpha.”
Can Eskel do what needs to be done to fix his mistakes?
chapter 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6
Eskel should have know there would be more consequences to his actions than just a stupid and unplanned bonding.
He didn’t sleep at all that night, holding his omega in his arms and listening to you breathe; you were sick, and it was because of him. He was the worst alpha, and he didn’t deserve you.
Letting a few silent tears run down his face, Eskel let himself dream about what it could have been like if he did it right— if he met you and properly courted you, waited until you truly loved him until he shared your heat, mating you after you’d both discussed it beforehand. He could be a good alpha, he thinks— but he’d already fucked this up so much it seemed irreparable.
As the sun started to pour into the room, you stirred in his arms, looking up at him blearily before giving him a warm smile.
“Morning, alpha.”
Eskel smiled in return, pressing a kiss to your forehead in response. “We’re going to a healer today. I’ll take care of you.”
You let out a content sigh, burrowing in further against his chest. “Don’t wanna move.”
Eskel chuckled, nosing against your scent gland to get at the honey-sweet smell of happiness from the source. He almost forgot it wasn’t real— almost.
He shifted you in his arms, clearing his throat as he tracked the location of his swords, all the windows and doorways in your home. Anything to keep himself grounded.
“Come on, let’s get this done. I don’t want you to—“ he paused, shaking his head. “I just want you healthy again.”
You huffed, hand coming up to rest on his chest, above his heart. “I’m not afraid of you, Eskel,” you murmured, running your nails through his chest hair and lazily tracing the abundance of scars upon his skin.
Eskel swallowed, almost uncomfortable with how gentle you were being with him. No one has ever— he just wasn’t used to it. “I didn’t say you were.”
“You hold yourself back like you’re expecting me to run if you make the wrong move.” You pressed a kiss to his neck, and Eskel couldn’t hold back the shudder.
“How do you—“
“The bond, I think,” you hummed, meeting his eyes. “I feel very… close to you. Like you’re a part of me.”
Eskel felt it too— but admitting it out loud felt like accepting it, and he couldn’t. That would make it too hard when you eventually realized how terrible of an alpha he was.
So he just carefully sat up in bed, disentangling you from himself and beginning to get dressed. “There’s a healer here, right?”
~
The healer confirmed what Eskel had thought— a few of your slick glands were infected, most likely because the heat was not properly finished after a bonding. The old woman glared over at Eskel, but she needn’t chastise him— he already felt horrible and knew he was entirely to blame. She most likely thought the brutish, aggressive witcher had forced himself on you.
But you held his hand, squeezing it gently as the healer explained that the glands would need to be massaged until the infection was expelled, then a tea of special herbs needed to be taken to clean everything out.
Eskel panicked slightly, positive there was no way you’d want him to lay a hand on you again like that. But that clearly wasn’t the case, as you glanced up at him with slight pink cheeks and a smirk.
“I think we can do that.”
Eskel couldn’t stop the deep, possessive rumble that came from him even if he tried. He leaned in and nosed at your bond mark, glancing at the healer.
“Is… is the mark okay? I think I-I did it wrong.”
The healer gave a perfunctory look, waving her hand. “It’s healing, that happens sometimes when mates are apart soon after a bond. It should get better as you two remain together.”
Shit. Eskel nodded blankly, wondering what else he had unknowingly done to you by leaving. He just couldn’t stop fucking up.
The healer passed you a satchel of herbs, explaining, “For the tea. Three times a day after the infection is released. And, dear, do that soon. That infection may spread and damage your ability to have children.”
Eskel heard a quiet whimper from you, your hand squeezing his slightly. “Of course.”
The healer left the room, and Eskel turned to you, looking down at the floor. “I… I’m going to make you better, I promise.”
By the end, his voice was a whisper, and he felt like he’d rather be hit in the chest by a poisoned forktail and thrown against a tree than know he couldn’t give you what you clearly wanted.
It was unspoken. Witchers are sterile. I cannot give you children. Your heat will never result in a pregnancy.
When he looked up, your eyes were watery but you just nodded, wrapping your arms around his waist and resting your cheek on his chest. “It’s okay, alpha.”
It wasn’t, not really. But there was nothing he could do about it— just another fucking reason this was a huge mistake. He should have never bonded with you, with anyone.
As you led him back to you home, Eskel realized he couldn’t bring himself to completely regret it— he had this wonderful, smart, caring omega that treated him like a king, and never in a million years did he think he would ever get that. He was starting to see past the haze of the bond, and could feel himself falling for you. For your gentle touches and kind words. For the way you accepted him, mistakes and scars and all.
You started a fire, then turned to Eskel and bit your lip, hands toying with the laces of your bodice.
Eskel and Rebekah had been back on the Path for nearly a month and had quickly fallen into the same rhythm that they had the previous autumn. The only difference was that this time, neither of them fought the urge to steal a quick touch or to huddle closer together on the nights where the weather was unforgiving and the inns were full. Their travels had been extraordinarily uneventful so, of course, fate had to intervene.
The first sign of Eskel’s rut was his temper growing shorter. While Eskel was normally the most civil of his brothers, partially out of obligation to avoid further scaring potential clients, his self-control often faltered in the weeks nearing his rut. When the alderman had given him less than half the agreed amount of coin, the Witcher had not taken it kindly. He had later left the old man’s home, pockets lined with a generous bonus and a sour taste rising in the back of his throat.
He dragged his feet all the way back to the inn, dreading the conversation that was waiting for him upon his arrival. He had secretly hoped that his spontaneous tryst the year before would have delayed his cycle, but now he had confirmation that he would indeed be going through his rut before the end of the month.
He gave Scorpion’s reins to the stable boy, not missing the way the young omega flinched when Eskel raised his hand and walked into the tavern with a heavy sigh. It was still fairly early in the evening; every seat was occupied, and many patrons were lazily leaning on furniture as they sipped their ales. When he did not see Rebekah anywhere on the main floor, Eskel made his way through the crowd and up the stairs towards their room.
He found his companion sitting cross-legged on the bed, reading a book Jaskier had leant her before they parted ways in Ard Carraigh. She straightened upon hearing the door creak open and her right hand moved to the mattress, closing around the hilt of the dagger concealed by her side. Eskel couldn’t help but smirk proudly, knowing that if he had been an intruder, he’d probably have already lost his ability to walk.
"How was the hunt?"
"Well, I found the wyvern almost exactly where the alderman said it was last seen. I just wish someone had thought to mention there were two of them."
Rebekah closed the book with a thud, setting it and her dagger aside then rolling onto her knees.
"Are you hurt? Do you need anything?" She looked him up and down surveying him for injuries.
Eskel tilted his head to the side, gazing at her fondly. He dropped his sword by the door with the rest of his packs and crossed the small distance between himself and the bed. He cupped the omega’s face with his still gloved hands, nudging her chin up so her lips could meet his in a chaste kiss.
"I am fine, there is not a single scratch on me, I swear." With a final kiss on the tip of her nose, he moved away, stripping off his armor and methodically inspecting and cleaning each piece.
"Have you eaten? I can run down to see if there is anything left from the dinner service," Rebekah offered, handing Eskel a set of clean clothes from his pack.
"No, that won’t be necessary." Eskel paused, staring at his gear for a second before forcing himself to continue speaking. "There is something I need to discuss with you."
Rebekah froze, watching Eskel rub a hand over his scared cheek. She had never heard him sound so hesitant, almost shy. Unconsciously, she crossed her arms over her chest as if to shield herself from what he was going to say next. Eskel didn’t move from where he was kneeling on the ground, hoping it would somehow make him less threatening.
"I think my rut will be upon us soon. I was hoping it would be delayed but I have started to feel it approaching."
Rebekah stepped backwards towards the bed, never turning away from Eskel, and slowly sat down. Her eyes were fixed on him yet Eskel felt like she couldn’t really see him. She looked lost in her own thoughts as worry started to taint her scent.
"How… How long before you…"
"I’d wager we have about two weeks at the most."
Eskel slowly stood, keeping an eye on Rebekah as he shrugged out of his dirty tunic and pulled the clean chemise over his head. An uncomfortable silence stretched between them as he changed his pants and made his way back to the bed where he lowered himself next to his omega.
"Can you share what you are thinking? Please?"
Rebekah bit her lip, looking up at Eskel with watery eyes.
"I don’t think I can— I mean— I’m not—"
Eskel shook his head, turning his body to wrap Rebekah in a tight embrace.
"It’s all right, I understand. I would never expect you to spend it with me unless you absolutely wanted to." He felt her body relax in his arms and her small hands found his waist, clutching the hem of his shirt.
"I just… I hate imagining you with someone else."
Eskel pulled away, brows scrunched together tightly.
"Why would you think of that?"
The answer Rebekah provided did nothing to help his confusion.
"Because—" she sniffed, wiping her nose with her sleeve— "if I am not with you then someone else will have to be."
Eskel brushed his thumb over the apple of her cheek, golden eyes darting back and forth between hers.
"What makes you assume that?"
"The alternative is to have you be alone and in pain." Rebekah looked down at her hands still firmly grasping the fabric of Eskel’s chemise. "I— I’ve heard alphas can get locked rooms at brothels for their ruts. If we camp out for a few extra days, you could have the coin to—"
"No, absolutely not." Eskel winced at the shortness in his tone and his accidental use of his voice.
Thankfully, Rebekah didn’t seem frightened by his outburst, only wrapping her hands around his wrists, pulling away with a sigh, "Eskel be reasonable—"
"I am being reasonable," he assured her, regaining part of his composure. "Sure, in the past I have occasionally used the services of brothels for my ruts, but I have also sometimes been completely alone, and it did not do me any harm."
When she once again looked up at Eskel, her eyes were bright red, and tears stained her cheeks. "But won’t you suffer?"
Eskel took a few breaths, jaw clenching and unclenching as he tried to keep his calm. He had a strong feeling that her questions had something to do with her upbringing or, more specifically, her miserable excuse of a father. He hated to think of all the appalling lies the man had used as excuses for abusing her mother, or any other omega, during his ruts.
"Heats can be painful when they aren’t sated but at worst my rut may be uncomfortable. No suffering, no pain."
Rebekah nodded, considering Eskel’s words.
"‘Mega," Eskel tilted his head, trying to catch Rebekah’s gaze, "even if I had to spend the week in excruciating pain, I wouldn’t want anyone but you in my bed."
She looked up in surprise, mouth agape, before looking back down with a frown.
"I— I honestly had not thought of that." Heat rushed to Rebekah’s cheeks and a hint of shame rolled off her.
A possessive growl formed deep in Eskel’s chest. He moved up on the bed, leaning back against the headboard then extended a hand towards Rebekah.
"Come here. Please."
She carefully shuffled closer, letting Eskel guide her to straddle his lap. He cupped both her cheeks, coaxing her to hold his gaze.
"Our courtship means the world to me, Rebekah." Eskel swallowed thickly. He’d been considering his feelings towards the omega over the past weeks. He remembered the first year Geralt returned to the keep without Jaskier when he’d drunkenly confessed his feelings for the younger man, feelings which Eskel now recognized as the ones he himself held for Rebekah. "I love you and I don’t want anyone else to share my rut, even if that means I must be alone."
Rebekah gasped, her body going rigid. She blinked a few times before shaking her head as if to clear away the shock when she realized she hadn’t yet answered Eskel.
"I love you, too." Eskel released a breath he hadn’t noticed he was holding in, the corner of his lips twisting up in a small smile. Rebekah moved a hand up the nape of Eskel’s neck, fingers twisting into his hair and pulling him to meet her lips. A flood of relief filled the Witcher, moving to pull Rebekah tightly against his chest.
When Rebekah eventually pulled away, Eskel again couldn’t help but growl seeing the way she was panting lightly through kiss-swollen lips.
"If you’ll let me, I could maybe check in on you to bring you food and water. If I know what to expect then I may feel more comfortable being with you next year."
"There is no rush, ‘Mega," he whispered against the skin of her neck, scenting her gently.
"I know, but—" the omegas eyes fell closed as she leaned into his touch— "If I can’t feel comfortable with your rut now, then how can I expect to feel comfortable with your rut while I am in heat?"
"I didn’t realize you wanted to stop your suppressants." Eskel was now nibbling softly on the skin at the junction of her neck and her shoulder, soothing the stronger bites with small kitten licks.
"Well, I was only really contemplating doing it once. I hadn’t yet considered whether I wanted to stop them permanently."
Eskel ceased his teasing, moving to study his lover's face. "You… You want to mate with me?"
Rebekah bit her bottom lip, desperately trying to conceal her hopeful smile. "Would that be so bad?"
Eskel slipped his strong arm below Rebekah, flipping them so she was on her back with the alpha between her legs.
When they finished in the springs, Eskel carried Rebekah back to her room where she changed into clothes that would cover her arms and keep her warm throughout the day. Though he didn’t have much more information on the origin of her scars, he would respect her choice in keeping them from Geralt, Jaskier and Vesemir.
After being faced with the wreck of Rebekah’s nest, Eskel offered some of the furs from his room so she could once again integrate something with his scent, but Rebekah only said that nothing would suffice but the real thing. It took Eskel a few seconds to realize that she was asking to sleep by his side and share his bed. Of course, he accepted, and they promptly moved all of Rebekah’s belongings to the other side of the keep. After a bit of fussing on Eskel’s part, Rebekah assured him that if she felt the need to nest again, she would let him know and they would find a safe space for her to do so.
When they finally rejoined the other four inhabitants of the keep, the main hall was filled with the delicious smell of whatever Vesemir was cooking in the kitchen as well as the distinctive sweet scent of an omega in pre-heat. Geralt normally smelled very lightly of peppermint leaves with only a hint of honey. It was almost imperceptible to a human, but the impending heat had magnified his scent and pulled the sweetness to the surface.
Jaskier sat on the rug in front of the hearth with Geralt stretched out next to him in nothing but his braies and his head on the alpha’s lap. Jaskier mindlessly dragged his fingers through Geralt’s hair as he read a book of poetry. Looking over the scene, Rebekah tensed by Eskel’s side, glancing up at him with a raised brow but didn’t dare utter her inquiry out loud.
"Like most omegas, clothing or fabrics tend to hurt his skin during his heat." Eskel explained. "Because of the mutations, the sensitivity is magnified making clothes almost excruciating. The fever won’t set in until tomorrow which means he’s cold but can’t cover himself in anything hence the fire."
Rebekah clutched Eskel’s arm, pressing her body closer to his.
"Can I go sit with Jaskier? Or will it make Geralt defensive to have another omega near his alpha?"
"It won’t bother him at all," he assured her, nuzzling her hair. "You are pack. You have nothing to worry about." Eskel leaned down, kissing the omega’s cheek, then tilted his head towards the pair.
Rebekah took a deep breath before parting from Eskel and carefully stepped in Jaskier’s direction. She placed a hand on his shoulder before kneeling next to him.
"You scared us yesterday," he whispered, not taking his eyes off his book, though she could tell he was no longer reading.
"I am sorry, I did not mean to worry you." She chewed on her lip, feeling guilty for her behavior the previous day. "I didn’t even realize what I was doing until I found myself in Eskel’s room. I guess you were right."
Jaskier looked up with a knowing smile.
"I’m just happy he’s going to stop brooding now."
Jaskier slapped Geralt’s shoulder, but his giggle gave away his amusement.
"That is rich coming from you, Wolf," Eskel grunted from across the room.
Rebekah leaned into Jaskier, smelling his neck gently.
"I’ve never been near you when you were about to go into rut. Shouldn’t you smell stronger?"
"I will most likely only start pre-rut tomorrow or the day after. My ruts are shorter than Geralt’s heats and they generally start on his second day of pre-heat."
"Mutagens make the cycles a bit slower." Rebekah was startled by Lambert’s low voice, having not noticed him walking into the room. He leaned against the archway to the kitchen, crossing his arms.
"They only happen once a year, but they are longer than humans’ heats or ruts. Vesemir sent me out here to tell you all that lunch is ready… and to tell Eskel that you have to make up this morning’s training before you get to eat." Lambert made no effort to hide his snide grin.
Eskel groaned, rubbing his hands over his face as his stomach growled, expressing its contempt for the situation.
"Oi, you chose to skip training to get your prick wet, you have to suffer the consequences."
Rebekah felt heat rush to her cheeks. She shook her head, dislodging a piece of her hair so it shielded her face.
"Ignore him, my dear, he’s just being a grouch," Jaskier called out, looking back at Lambert who made an obscene gesture with his hand before leaving the room.
Rebekah moved to stand, gazing down at her dear friend as she did.
"Would you… Would you like me to bring you both some food… so you can both stay together?"
Geralt turned, wrapping his arms around Jaskier’s waist, and effectively pining him in place.
"I’ll take that as a yes." Rebekah smiled shyly, looking up at Eskel for reassurance. She had never seen Geralt in such a vulnerable position.
Eskel nodded then hurried to retrieve his armor and swords so he could complete his drills and return to his omega. Rebekah did as she had offered, heading to the kitchen where she filled two bowls with the thick soup Vesemir had prepared and brought them to the main hall.
"Thank you, my dear," Jaskier said, taking the bowls from her. He frowned, studying Rebekah for a moment. "Why are you so tense? You smell worried."
The young woman stared down at a small crack in the floor, biting her lip.
"My parents used to spend my mother’s heats locked in their chambers. I never… They never… I’m just…" Rebekah took a deep breath, desperately trying to slow her racing heart. "I am not used to people being so open."
"Oh well, my family was not this open either. This —" Jaskier waved his hand over Geralt— "is entirely unique to our dear wolves as a result of growing up with a pack not a family."
Jaskier placed one bowl on the ground then gently passed his fingers over Geralt’s cheek.
"Can you sit up for me dearheart?"
"‘M not hungry," the Witcher mumbled.
"I know, dearheart, but Vesemir made it special for you. Nice and warm and comforting."
Geralt grumbled to himself then reluctantly sat up, always keeping part of his body in contact with Jaskier until he finally settled with his legs on either side of his alpha and his bare chest to the other’s back. One spoonful at a time, Jaskier fed his mate over his shoulder, and only when the bowl was empty did he take a bite of his own meal.
Rebekah quietly returned to the kitchen, content in knowing that Jaskier and Geralt were both safe and happy. When she entered, Vesemir had already set three places at the table and Lambert seemed to be on his second helping of soup.
"Don’t scare my pups like that again," Vesemir scolded, just as Rebekah sat down. "I’ve never seen Eskel so worried and Jaskier was frantic which means Geralt was frantic."
"What about me? I was also concerned when she disappeared."
"You put your foot in your mouth while meddling in something you were warned to stay out of, you deserved to have a bit of a scare."
Rebekah couldn’t help the smile pulling at her lips.
Warnings: Horny, References to: abuse shown in previous chapter, abusive a/b/o heats/ruts, potential dub-con/non-con, virginity (of course our Eskel is a sweetheart and didn’t actually do anything wrong because consent is sexy)
Catch up: Series Masterlist
Taglist: @meadow20
Masterlist
Eskel laid on his back in his bed, one arm bent under his head and Rebekah pressed into his other side. Neither of them had said anything for a long while. Her fingers absentmindedly drew shapes through the hair on his chest while his free hand grazed up and down her back.
"We really should get you cleaned up," he suggested, kissing the top of her head. "Come down to the springs with me, the others can do without us for one morning."
Rebekah shifted awkwardly under his touch and she tilted her face down, hiding it from his view.
"I think it would be best if I didn’t follow you down. I’ll get myself a bath."
Eskel flipped them over, sliding between Rebekah’s legs to better see her face.
"I’ll make sure that the lads stay out if that’s what worries you."
His thumb brushed over the apple of her cheek, but she lowered her gaze, looking off towards the fire. Since her arrival at the keep, she had never been down to the springs. At first, he thought it was because she was the only woman, but it hadn’t been hard to put two and two together once he’d seen her scars.
"They shouldn’t have to restrict themselves in their own home. I don’t want to put them out."
Eskel shook his head, putting a stop to her ramblings before her mind could get the best of her. He bent down brushing his nose against hers and coaxing her to look back at him.
"It is not an imposition." His tone was firm. "Please don’t worry yourself with everyone else and let me take care of you. You have the same right to comfort as any one of us. If you don't want the others to see you or your scars, they will gladly give us time alone in the springs without need of an explanation."
"What if I wanted to be by myself?"
Eskel felt a tinge of guilt. Of course, she would need more than one night in bed with him to feel fully comfortable with him.
"Then I will stand outside the door until you are done."
She gave him a soft, grateful smile before pulling him down to meet her lips. She touched him so tenderly, like she feared he would break. There was nothing delicate about his past trips to brothels, they were normally rushed and detached. When she broke the kiss she nodded gently, indicating she was ready to move down to the springs.
Eskel rose, pulling on his trousers from the night before and digging around for fresh clothes to change into once he had washed. Rebekah slipped her light robe over her head, shivering as she left the protection of Eskel's bed. Hearing her teeth clatter behind him, he took out an extra chemise and offered it to the young woman. She giggled as she put it on, raising her arms to show the large panels of excess fabric on either side of her torso.
"How are you this wide?" There was no malice in her tone, she was only jesting.
"It's a witcher thing," he shrugged.
"That can't be the only reason. Geralt and Jaskier are the same size and I dare say they would both fit in this at the same time."
Eskel placed both hands on Rebekah's waist, rolling his eyes and smiling down at her.
"My family, the one I was born into, were mountain-folk. From what I've seen over the years they tend to be built a little larger than people whose family came from cities. Harder lifestyle and whatnot."
Rebekah trailed her fingers down his neck and across his broad shoulders.
"Well, whatever it is, I like it. It suits you."
Eskel was sure that if he'd been a normal man, a blush would have crept up his cheeks at the compliment. Rebekah barely noticed the hint of mischief in his eyes before he bent down and threw her over his shoulder, carrying her out of the room. She squealed in surprise then burst into a fit of laughter. That morning, Eskel had begun making a mental list of his favorite sounds. So far, her laughter, her purring and her moans of pleasure were tied for first place.
"You know, I can still walk. You were quite gentle with me."
"I know you could, but someone decided to sneak up to my room barefoot last night and the freezing stone floor will not be pleasant on their feet."
"All right, fair point. Would you rather we go to my room now or after the springs?"
"Well, if we go after, I will have to carry you back up."
"After it is then."
Eskel's entire body shook below her as he released a deep, throaty laugh at her antics.
When they finally made it to the springs, Eskel set her down carefully near an old wooden bench. There was a set of shelves filled with various soaps and towels on one side and on the other was space to place their clothes to keep them dry while they bathed.
"Shout if you need anything. I will be right outside the door."
Eskel turned to walk away but stopped when her hand found his wrist.
"Stay, please."
"I thought—"
"I asked what you would do if I wanted to be alone. I do not wish to be alone."
Eskel nodded. "Let me lock the door."
In that moment, Eskel was thankful that Jaskier had demanded they put a lock on the door to the springs when he realized that witchers had absolutely no shame amongst each other and would in fact interrupt his and Geralt’s shenanigans to use the springs if they really wanted to. When Eskel heard them going at it he normally turned around, but Lambert did not care at all. He wouldn't even mind if they kept going as long as he got to sit in the hottest part of the pool.
When he returned by Rebekah's side, she had disrobed and was placing her clothes on one of the shelves. Eskel removed his trousers quickly then stepped down into the pool, holding the omega’s hand to keep her steady as she joined him. Rebekah let out an obscene groan as she sank into the hot water, making Eskel smirk.
"I knew you would enjoy it."
He sat on one of the stone ledges and pulled Rebekah to sit on his lap. She didn’t object, simply leaning her head on his chest and closing her eyes.
"This feels fantastic, Love. Thank you."
Eskel roamed his hands over Rebekah’s body, thinking he would never tire of feeling her skin against his, while she occupied herself by fervently scenting his neck. She was in a near meditative state of calm as she let herself bask in her alpha’s scent and was startled when Eskel’s deep voice broke the silence in the room.
"It was your father who hurt you wasn’t it?" His hands had drifted over the scars on her stomach. "That was why Lambert spoke to you? And why you believe Jaskier might blame himself?"
She looked down at her lap with a small nod.
"Oh, ‘Mega—" he brushed his knuckles over her cheek before tilting her chin up so her eyes were locked with his — "he will never put his hands on you again. I swear it."
"I believe you. I know you wouldn’t let him, but I have no intention of putting myself in his way either. I will never go back to Lettenhove so long as I live."
"Not even to see your brothers?"
She sighed. "I’m not sure if I want to see them again. Not all of them anyway. I wasn’t completely honest about them. They taught me to fight and defend myself, but they never stood up for me or protected me from him. Eryk got the courage to do so, once, right before..." She didn’t need to finish her thought, Eskel understood what she meant.
"He was kind and soft-spoken. He and Jaskier were very close friends growing up. I think the reason he couldn’t protect me was that he wasn’t quite strong enough to protect himself from my father's wrath." A faint smile graced her lips as she remembered the youngest of her brothers but still rubbed her neck in her unease, accidentally causing a few drops of blood to trickle from her bite mark.
"I should take care of that."
Eskel lifted Rebekah from his lap, setting her down next to him and climbed out of the pool.
"What kind of soap would you like? Jaskier has loads laying around, he always brings back more than we need."
"Choose whatever you want me to smell like." She bit her lip, shamelessly staring at his backside as he moved.
"Citrus it is then." He picked out a pale, orange-colored soap and a dark green one for himself.
"You know, I can smell you, ‘Mega." He returned by her side in the pool leaning in to whisper in her ear. "Do you already need your alpha again?"
A shiver traveled down Rebekah’s spine as she wrapped her hands around Eskel’s neck.
"I’ve needed you for the last four months," she whined, kissing his jaw.
He pulled her hands away, making her whimper.
"Behave. I need to clean your neck and probably your thighs."
He set to work, wetting and soaping up a rag then washing the blood from her wound.
"By the way you’re pouting, you would think you’re the one about to go into heat, not Geralt."
Rebekah’s shoulders stiffened under his touch and Eskel quickly removed his hands from her body.
"Does that worry you?"
"I—" She lifted her knees to her chest, wrapping her arms around her legs in a desperate attempt to gain a bit of modesty. "Heats and ruts at my home were never pleasant for the omegas involved."
"What about your own heats after you left?"
"I have never been off the suppressants."
Eskel’s hand moved to the back of his neck as he thought. There was a deafening silence as his mind pieced together the bits of information she had provided.
"So, that heat when we… that was your first heat ever?"
She nodded shyly, staring off across the room.
"And your maidenhead…" Eskel winced as he spoke the words. The whole concept of it was outdated to him but suddenly the answer to that question became very important to the alpha.
Rebekah nodded again, glancing up at him from the corner of her eye.
"Are you angry?" Her voice was barely above a whisper.
His brows shot up in surprise. "‘Mega, why would that anger me?"
"I don’t know. Alphas always make such a big deal out of it, I thought maybe…"
Eskel gently placed his large hand on Rebekah’s cheek. She turned her head and was surprised to see worry marring his face.
"I don’t care either way, " he assured her, "but I do feel guilty that you were thrown into a heat that you don’t remember, all because of me. I worry that I might have forced myself on you and that I will never know otherwise because I have no memory of it either."
"No, no, no, Alpha, you are good, so good, you would never hurt anyone like that. Never." All of the sudden, Rebekah was moving to straddle his lap, nuzzling at his neck and under his chin in a typically omegan fashion though that particular gesture was normally reserved for mated pairs. "I’ve heard people say that alphas don't lose themselves just because they're in rut and anyone who uses that as an excuse is a horrible person to begin with. You aren't like that, Alpha. My good Alpha."
Eskel wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her to his chest. He hadn’t realized her omega instincts were so strong nor that she had already accepted him so completely as her alpha.
"You’re right. I’m all right, I promise. Can you look at me, ‘Mega?" She sat back on her heels, bringing her forehead to his. “That’s it, now breathe.”
"Can we just pretend like that never happened? Like this morning was our first time and you were absolutely perfect?"
"Anything for you, ‘Mega."
She smiled brightly and locked her lips with his, sealing their agreement with a passionate kiss.
Eskel was surprised at how peacefully he slept, waking in the same position he had fallen asleep in. Eyes still closed, he buried his nose in Rebekah's hair, inhaling her sweet scent as she continued to slumber, her body tightly curled against his. His hands drifted over the thin robe she'd worn to his room, feeling every curve of her body below his fingers.
She stirred softly before pressing her lips gently to his neck. Eskel groaned, the sound encouraging her to carry on, kissing up his jaw and eventually his scarred cheek.
"Hmm, 'Mega," he sighed, still drowsy from his sleep.
Eskel whined when, all too soon, Rebekah stopped her tender ministration. She pulled away, prompting him to reach out for her, desperate to preserve the feeling of her body against his but she was quicker, straddling his hips, pushing him onto his back and steadying herself with her hands against his bare chest.
Eskel laid still, his breath and heartbeat growing quicker with every passing second. She looked angelic above him, the day's first rays of light accentuating her beautiful face. Her long raven hair cascaded down her shoulders and chest in high contrast to the white fabric covering her skin.
Without thinking, his hands went to her thighs, his thumbs toying with the hem of her robe. Her honey-colored eyes looked at him with a shine that he'd never seen before, and he briefly wondered if that was what they looked like when she was truly happy. He'd seen her happy before, in the evenings when she would laugh with them as they exchanged stories of their travels but there had always been a hint of sadness behind it. Perhaps her confession had freed her mind of a weight that she had been carrying alone for far too long.
She bit at her bottom lip, a smile pulling at the corners of her mouth. At that moment, he decided that he would do anything for that smile. He lifted a hand, brushing his knuckles against her cheek as he moved to the nape of her neck and pulled her to his lips. It was timid at first but everything about it quickly became intoxicating, from her taste, to the weight of her body pressed against his chest, to the soft moans that escaped her throat.
His cock stirred in his smalls and Eskel cursed himself for not having more self-control. The last thing he wanted was for her to feel pressured to please him, but those thoughts were promptly erased when hints of lust appeared in her scent. There was no mistaking it for anything but desire.
They parted all too soon, both panting heavily. Her hands found his wrists and guided them below the hem of her robe. He gladly complied with the invitation, lifting the loose-fitting fabric over her head and discarding it on the floor with his own clothing from the previous night. She had closed her eyes as he undressed her, presumably bracing herself for rejection but none would come. Her eyes shot open, mouth agape when Eskel fingers brushed over her scared stomach ever so tenderly.
"You're breathtaking, 'Mega."
Rebekah released a breath she hadn’t known she’d been holding, her lips turning up into a small smile as she furiously blinked back tears. Oh the things he wished to do to her, for her. He wanted to wipe away any dreadful memories she may have and replace them with ones of him worshiping her body inch by inch.
Eskel sat up, trailing his hands over her sides while placing open-mouthed kisses on her shoulders and neck. She arched into the touch, releasing a wanton gasp. Her fingernails dug into the broad expanse of his back, spurring him on. He slid a hand under her hips and flipped her to lay beneath him on the mattress.
Her legs instinctively wrapped around his middle pulling him closer to her core as her fingers tangled in his hair. He relished the slight burn and the feeling of her fingers scraping gently on his scalp as he continued to lavish her body, moving his mouth down the scar on her chest to her breasts.
"Please, Eskel. My alpha."
His hips moved of their own accord upon hearing her words, thrusting against her and drawing another obscene sound to escape her lips. He tested her folds, exploring her tightness with his fingers and slowly stretching her for him. His mouth found one of her stiffened nipples, biting and teasing the hard bud.
Her small hands pressed against his chest, pushing him up. For a moment, Eskel feared he had done something untoward but before his thoughts could get away from him, his smallclothes were pushed down his arse, exposing his throbbing prick. He kicked the fabric off the bed and braced himself on his forearm as he aligned himself with her slit. He teased her folds, coating his weeping tip with her juices. She crashed her lips to his in a feverish kiss as he pushed forward, stretching her soaked cunt inch by inch.
He swallowed her moans as he remained still, allowing her to adjust to his girth. If he was honest with himself, he was also taking a break to stave off his release which was already threatening to overtake his body only a few seconds after breaching her tight core. She broke the kiss, keeping their foreheads together and nodded for him to continue.
He pulled out slowly until only his head was still buried and thrust back in with one swift motion. His pelvis stayed pressed to hers, brushing against her clit with every stroke and making the lewdest sounds escape her lips. Her frigid toes were pressed against his arse urging him to sink ever deeper. He was happy to oblige, sheathing himself balls-deep again and again at a slow, intimate pace.
She struggled to keep her eyes locked with Eskel’s, her eyelids fluttering shut of their own accord. Rebekah clutched his biceps with her hands, nails digging into his skin, moving to kiss and nibbled at his mating gland.
"You can bite if you’d like, though it won't take unless it's during a heat."
Her amber eyes met his. "What's the point then?" she panted.
His mouth quirked into a sly grin.
"Do you wish for me to show you?" He punctuated his question with a particularly strong roll of his hips.
"Yes," she moaned into his ear, “please show me, Alpha.”
He pulled away, leaving Rebekah whining from the emptiness, but it soon turned into a yelp as her leg around his body and flipped her onto her stomach. A fresh wave of arousal wafted off the omega and Eskel took it as a sign to continue. He lifted her hips, slipping a pillow under her then returned his cock to her throbbing folds, blanketing her with his body.
One hand intertwined his fingers with hers while the other pawed at her hip and thigh, holding as quickened his pace. He teased the skin of her neck and shoulders, kissing, licking and sucking dark love-bites anywhere he could reach.
The change of position had allowed him a few seconds to cool down, but his level of arousal quickly climbed again. Rebekah desperately clutched his hand as she too approached her peak, her other hand reaching back and fisting into his hair.
“Do it.”
Right before they both tipped over the edge, he bit into Rebekah's mating gland, forcing her orgasm to crash through her like a riptide. She cried out, throwing her head onto his shoulder, her entire body shuddering below him. The contractions in her core milked Eskel’s prick as he emptied himself against her womb. Goosebumps traveled over his skin as the waves of pleasure rolled through his body.
Eskel released her neck, instead flattening his tongue over the mark to clean the blood from the wound, his saliva helping to stimulate her healing. He smoothed his hand up and down her body as she came down from her peak, freezing when feeling vibrations against his chest.
"Are— are you purring?"
The vibrations grew stronger and Eskel preened. No one had ever purred around him before except maybe, on very rare occasions, his brethren. He was certain none of the whores he had been with had ever purred after their encounters.
"The bite was… incredible. Will I be able to do it to you as well?"
He chuckled at her eagerness.
"Yes 'Mega. Anytime you wish."
She wiggled below him and Eskel moved to lay beside her. She immediately nuzzled into his side like she had the night before and resumed her purring.
