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Uhtred would never understand Christians regardless of long he lived amongst them. Bad enough that the nailed God demanded attention every Sunday, but demanding people to give up something for forty days was madness. Sihtric agreed with him naturally and was just as outraged as Uhtred when Finan and Leofric announced they would be abstaining from fucking.
“How can you both be so cruel to him, your alphas your supposed to take care of your omega” Sihtric berated Leofric and Finan.
This was the first time they had all been together for Lent. Leofric and Sihtric had spent two years looking for him in which time Leofric had put aside his Christianity, so this was the first Sihtric was hearing of Lent and was not liking it. Uhtred had suspected his Christian alphas would do something like this, Uhtred had always tried to be respectful to their ways as they were to his, but he had still hoped they wouldn’t do something so drastic. Uhtred had thought Finan would at least see sense for his Christianity was different than that of Saxons.
“Uhtred” Finan said softly. He regarded Uhtred with such sorrow at having to disappoint him, and for a moment Uhtred felt like he was back on the trader, where he first encountered those stunningly beautifully sad brown eyes. He felt Finan wavering, he took a step towards him, but then Leofric interrupted, and the moment was gone.
“Its only forty days Arseling, we’ve all gone longer than that before.”
“Not willingly” Uhtred shouted before getting up and walking out the door. He refrained from slamming the door as they would’ve thought him childish. He went to linger by the window to listen to his three alphas.
“You realize he’s probably going to go into heat” Sihtric exclaimed angrily on behalf of his omega.
Uhtred loved all his alphas, but especially loved when his youngest took charge of the others. He decided it was best to move away before he became aroused, he was frustrated with Leofric and Finan, he didn’t want to feel desire building up from the two of them arguing with Sihtric.
He started wandering around through the village, the sun was beginning to set. Most people were heading in for dinner or making their way to the tavern. Drink was tempting but Uhtred knew it would not be dignified for him, the ealdorman of Cookham to get drunk alone. The people of Cookham already judged him for being an omega, despite the reputation he’d earned on the battlefield. Silently Uhtred began seeking out the shadows, if he was not wanted at home then he would reacquaint himself with shadow walking. He moved along the edge of the village then turned down along the river.
“Lord” a voice called from behind startling Uhtred. He spun around and saw Sihtric standing a few meters away. “Are you alright” Sihtric asked moving closer.
“I’m fine, just disappointed.”
“I tried making them see reason, but they are both adamant about it” Sihtric said in disgust.
“It’s fine, its not the first time Leofric has denied me.”
“He’s done it before” Sihtric asked in outrage.
“Yes, Lent comes every year” Uhtred explained sadly.
“What happened” Sihtric asked sensing Uhtred’s sadness.
Uhtred took a deep breath he didn’t like thinking about it, and he’d never told anyone before but decided it was safe to tell Sihtric. “The first time he denied me I went into heat, I was alone, and it hurt so bad Sihtric, I thought I was going to die, I remember gripping Serpent-Breadth and praying for it to end, I never felt anything so bad in my life.”
“And you never told him?”
“No, and I’d prefer he not know” Uhtred said trying to keep his voice from breaking.
“I’ll never understand Christians however much I love them” Sihtric said pulling Uhtred in close, Uhtred hummed in agreement. “They promise they’ll make it up to you at Eostore’s feast.”
“They should make up for all forty days” Uhtred complained.
“They should” Sihtric agreed “but they won’t have to, because I promise I’ll take good care of you” Sihtric said his voice getting deeper, causing Uhtred to shiver.
“I don’t think they’ll like you fucking me in our bed if they can’t partake.”
Sihtric brushed his lips against Uhtred’s, “such a good little omega, so considerate of his alphas even when they cast him aside.” Uhtred groaned he loved it when Sihtric’s voice got darker. “But I never said anything about fucking you in our bed or our home for that matter.” Uhtred whimpered, surely Sihtric was going to deny him too. “Shh shh” Sihtric said bringing a hand to gently cup Uhtred’s face, “I promised I’d take care of you. I just thought I’d try and make things more exciting for us.” Uhtred instantly perked up at that, relieved that Sihtric hadn’t been teasing him.
“What did you have in mind” Uhtred asked curiously.
“We play a game of Shadow Walkers, one of us runs out, the other has to catch him, we can go anywhere in Cookham or down here at the edge of the river or woods, but once the other is caught then we take our victory right there regardless of where, or who might see or hear us.”
“Can we play now” Uhtred asked eagerly.
Sihtric pulled him in for a rough kiss that left Uhtred gasping, he brushed his thumb over Uhtred’s lips. “Time to run omega” Sihtric instructed turning his back to give Uhtred the chance to creep back into the shadows.
Uhtred didn’t need to be told twice but took off down the river. He was being too loud, and he didn’t know how long Sihtric would give but he wanted to be caught, he needed his alpha. It was dark when Uhtred came to a small bank near the river, he couldn’t see Sihtric, but he was the better shadow walker, he would only be seen if he wished it. Uhtred bent down to drink from the river, he was beginning to fear he’d have to double back, when suddenly he felt someone tackle him from behind, on instinct Uhtred pulled out Wasp-Sting, (Serpent-Breadth was at home) and rolled his assailant over only to see it was Sihtric.
“Would you hurt your alpha lord” Sihtric asked amused. He waited till Uhtred sheathed the blade before rolling them over. He pressed himself against Uhtred’s thigh, he was already hard, Uhtred groaned he needed more. But Sihtric was moving away, Uhtred tried to protest but Sihtric silenced him. “I caught you, so I get to choose what I do to you, understand?” Uhtred shook his head eagerly. “Get up, I want you on all fours, the wolf is your animal so I will take you like a wolf.”
“Fuck Sihtric hurry” Uhtred whined as he positioned himself for his alpha.
“Needy omega” Sihtric said fondly, before pulling Uhtred’s breech’s down. “Do you need me to work you open.”
“Do have oil?”
“Of course, I take good care of my omega.”
“I’ll be fine then” Uhtred said impatiently. He heard Sihtric fumbling with his breeches and a few moments later felt him pushing into him. Uhtred let out a sharp hiss, it hurt but it was a relief at the same time, the need for his alpha too strong for him to focus on the pain for very long. Uhtred could barely contain his cry as Sihtric slammed into him.
“Don’t hold back I want to hear you” Sihtric commanded pulling out of him. “I want you to howl for me.”
Uhtred hardly had time to process Sihtric’s words before he was slamming back into him, this time Uhtred cried out, fuck it, he thought, he was the lord here why hide the pleasure his alpha brought out in him. His alpha wanted him to howl, and Uhtred was happy to comply. Sihtric was going hard and fast, so it didn’t take long before they were both close, Sihtric brought a hand to wrap around his cock timing his movements with his thrusts, it only took a couple of strokes before Uhtred was howling Sihtric’s name, spilling himself into his alpha’s hand. Sihtric didn’t let up his pace but continued fucking Uhtred as he shuddered from his release, his thrusts becoming more frantic until he was spilling into Uhtred. He whimpered as Sihtric pulled out of him, his seed dripping down his thighs.
“Wouldn’t it be funny if I got you pregnant on the first night” Sihtric asked as he pulled Uhtred’s breeches back up.
Uhtred groaned and collapsed on the ground. “I’m not in heat yet” Uhtred murmured into the ground to tired move.
“No but there’s always a chance” Sihtric said lying next to Uhtred on the ground. “Wouldn’t you like to have my pups” he asked brushing a thumb over Uhtred’s lips. Uhtred moaned and sucked on Sihtric’s thumb.
“I want to have yours, Finan’s, and Leofric’s, I want to feel you all fill me up.”
“I know, but you’ll have to put up with just me for the next little while.”
“I’m not complaining” Uhtred said hurriedly trying to reassure his alpha. “So tomorrow I get to chase you?”
“Yes, and when you find me, we’ll do whatever you want right then and there” Sihtric confirmed.
******
Sihtric’s game was the only thing that was keeping Uhtred together. It was so hard not touching Finan and Leofric, they had told him it was fine if Uhtred wanted to kiss them, but Uhtred had refrained from doing so, he knew if did, he would just want more and didn’t want them to get angry at him. Uhtred and Sihtric had stopped sleeping in their house, it wasn’t fair to the alphas for them to return in the middle of the night smelling of sex, so they made a temporary nest in one of the storage sheds, it would also be a safe place in case Uhtred went into heat before Lent was over. Finan and Leofric had both protested at that saying they wanted Uhtred to stay in their home where it was safe, but Uhtred had said he’d be safe with Sihtric.
By the twenty first day Uhtred was going crazy from the absence of his other two alphas. He had awoken early that morning hot and desperate, he had climbed on top Sihtric demanding him, his poor alpha was still half asleep as Uhtred rode him. After when Sihtric was more awake, he said he was going to go talk with Finan and Leofric, he loved pleasing his omega but there was only one of him and Uhtred was used to three. Uhtred was certain his alpha had said it as more of an excuse to get away from him for a few hours, and really Uhtred couldn’t blame him, he’d been very needy these past few days. Uhtred tried going back to sleep but couldn’t, moments after Sihtric left he felt his body grow hot and desperate, and painful. Suddenly Uhtred was reminded of his heat cycle years ago when he didn’t have Leofric, no this couldn’t be happening again, not now, he needed Sihtric, he needed all his alphas. He groaned in pain cursing; it was nowhere near as bad as that first time, but it was still uncomfortable. It was Sihtric’s turn to catch Uhtred but that wouldn’t be till tonight, and he needed him now. He didn’t want to leave the comfort of their nest, and curled up on Sihtric’s side inhaling his scent, it helped a little, he felt less panicked, but he wished he had brought something of Finan’s and Leofric’s the combined scent of his three alphas would have been far more comforting. He did his best to think of Sihtric and pray he would be back early.
******
At first Sihtric had been overjoyed at having Uhtred all to himself, their omega was needy and Sihtric loved taking care of him. But Uhtred was used to three alphas and regardless of how much energy and attention Sihtric gave him he knew it wasn’t enough. Sihtric also missed Leofric and Finan, it was rare for alphas to form such strong attachments to one another, it wasn’t just about sharing the same omega, they were bonded together, not just to Uhtred, but with each other. Sihtric had been woken early to Uhtred climbing on top of him, desperate for him, Sihtric had been half asleep as Uhtred rode him. It was halfway through Lent but Sihtric wasn’t sure how much longer Uhtred could last, he was also certainly starting to feel the effects of having to take care Uhtred. Once he was fully awake, he decided to go speak with Finan and Leofric he didn’t see how their God should take precedence over their omega and lord.
“You have to stop this” Sihtric announced as he marched into their home.
Finan and Leofric were seated at the table finishing breakfast that consisted of just bread and water. Sihtric had learned that Christians also give up meat for Lent which he didn’t understand.
“Morning to ye as well” Finan greeted.
“Why you seem to be managing just fine without us” Leofric said staring at Sihtric with knowing eyes. It was then that Sihtric realized that they could both smell Uhtred’s scent on him.
“How’s he doing” Finan asked amused leaning in closer to Sihtric breathing in his and Uhtred’s scent.
“Terrible” Sihtric said pulling away. He explained to them that how hard the last couple days had been, how Uhtred had been going crazy with need yet was unable to feel satisfied from Sihtric.
“Sounds like he’s about to go into heat” Leofric observed.
“Oh fuck” Finan said worriedly.
Finan had never been with Uhtred during a heat before, they had been too malnourished when they were enslaved together, and Uhtred had been too distressed for his body to go into heat. Uhtred had gone into heat right before he’d been sold into slavery, Sihtric had only known him a short time but had sworn oaths to serve him, he hadn’t even realized Uhtred was an omega until after. It had been late at night, and he had caught an omega’s scent and followed it to his lord’s tent, where he’d heard Uhtred and Leofric talking.
“You thinking about that alpha” Leofric had asked playfully.
“I’m sorry, I can’t help it he smells so good” Uhtred had apologized.
“Don’t apologize Arseling, I liked his scent too.”
“But you’re an alpha” Uhtred had stated confused.
“And you’re an omega whose already been claimed” Leofric countered.
They were quiet for several moments after that, then Sihtric had heard some movements and before he could get away Leofric had stepped out and asked if he would like to join them. It had been one of the best nights of Sihtric’s life, he’d never had an omega desire him before, Uhtred had barred his neck and let Sihtric claim him. The three of them had only had the one night together before Uhtred was taken, Sihtric and Leofric had spent two years searching for him and in that time they had grown close. Now there was four of them, two of which were ignoring Uhtred’s need.
“He’ll be alright, he has you Sihtric” Leofric reassured.
“I want to spare” Sihtric declared. If his two lovers would not listen to sense, then perhaps he could knock some into them. Finan and Leofric both exchanged worried looks before agreeing.
******
Gods where was Sihtric, he’d been gone all day, had Uhtred been so demanding that he’d chased his only alpha away. He wanted to go look for him, but every time he thought of leaving his nest, he felt a wave of panic rush through him. Uhtred hated feeling scared, he was a warrior, he who’d killed Ubba by the sea, and Svein of the White Horse, along with countless others, he shouldn’t be afraid to leave his dam bed, but because he was an omega when his body went into heat, he felt an overwhelming need to stay in his nest, and be ready for his alpha. Except none of his alphas were nearby, and Uhtred was going crazy from adrenaline and desire. Uhtred tried to steady his breathing, he’d been cooped up inside all day, his whole body felt flushed like he had a fever he needed to cool down, which required him to leave the safety of the nest. Uhtred moved to window it was already wide open, he leaned out and turned to look up, the roof would provide a wide view and give shelter, and if he were outside then perhaps Sihtric would catch his scent and hurry back.
He moved back to his nest, gathered up some of the blankets, before going back to the window, it should have been an easy climb, but Uhtred was feeling so unsettled that he nearly slipped. Once on the roof he spread the blankets to make a temporary nest which helped relax him. Soon the sun was beginning to set and Uhtred started to feel increasingly worried, he knew Sihtric had been half asleep this morning but he had nodded his head in consent and moaned in pleasure as Uhtred had ridden him, was he mad about that, had Uhtred been so desperate that he had crossed a line, had he hurt Sihtric, all these questions raced through Uhtred’s mind as it grew later. He also found his pain returning getting stronger from not having had his alpha yet.
******
Sihtric had spent the morning and early afternoon sparring with Finan and Leofric, his blood was running hot and since he couldn’t fuck them, training with them was the next best thing. Eventually evening came and instead of returning to Uhtred, Sihtric had stayed with the two alphas, they might have declined meat, but they made sure Sihtric had plenty.
“Ye’ll need your strength later” Finan explained amused. Sihtric had tried and failed to keep himself from blushing.
“Are you sure you won’t join us?” Sihtric tried one last time to get them to change their minds as he made his way to the door.
“No, he’ll have other heat cycles” Leofric explained tiredly.
“None that you’ll be there for” Sihtric said darkly.
“The fuck is that supposed to mean” Leofric growled.
Sihtric knew he shouldn’t have said it, but there was no turning back from it now, he just hoped Uhtred would forgive him. He told Leofric and Finan all about what had happened during Uhtred’s first heat cycle, by the end he was shouting at them. When he’d finished Finan looked completely shocked both from the story and Sihtric’s anger, while Leofric looked sick at having put Uhtred through such a thing. Sihtric didn’t wait for a response and instead turned and left them.
Sihtric hadn’t realized how late it had gotten, it was already dark, Gods he’d left Uhtred alone all day, what if he’d gone into heat already, he started running back to their makeshift home. As he was running, he caught a scent that stopped him dead in his tracks, Sihtric cursed, it was just as he’d feared his omega had gone into heat. He quickened his pace; he didn’t think he’d ever run so fast in his life. He got to the storage house and quickly ran up the steps to where Uhtred had made a nest for them, Gods he smelled good, but upon reaching their nest Sihtric found Uhtred no where in sight. He instantly started to panic, the desire he’d felt building up for his omega replaced with adrenaline and fear, where was his omega? Why wasn’t he in the nest? It wasn’t safe for him to leave, it was his job as alpha to protect his omega, had something happened to Uhtred, had someone taken him? Sihtric couldn’t concentrate Uhtred’s scent was so strong it was like he was right here. Then Sihtric noticed the open window, he crept to it silently, he stretched out and looked, Uhtred’s scent was stronger out here, Sihtric didn’t waste any time climbing up, as he hauled himself up, he was startled to find Uhtred huddled amidst their blankets clutching Wasp-Sting.
“Uhtred” Sihtric called gently. It took all his self control to not go running up to him, but his omega was sacred, so Sihtric’s first priority was calming him down.
“Sihtric” Uhtred said his voice a desperate plea, that caused Sihtric’s cock to harden more than it already had from his scent.
Slowly Sihtric came to crouch down beside Uhtred. “Uhtred I’m so sorry I left you.” Uhtred sheathed his seax placing it in the corner of his nest. “Come on let’s get back inside where its warmer for you.” While the roof did offer protection Sihtric felt his instincts screaming at him to take Uhtred somewhere better secluded.
“No” Uhtred said moving away from Sihtric. His omega had turned the roof into a new nest and would not leave unless forced. “I need you Sihtric, right now.”
Sihtric growled at that, he could feel his body’s need for his omega increasing. Gently he pulled Uhtred in for a kiss, the moment their lips met Uhtred’s panic seemed to vanish which allowed Sihtric to relax, they had each other now, there was no need for fear. Sihtric deepened the kiss, pushing his tongue into Uhtred’s mouth causing the omega to pant and moan into his mouth.
“Now” Uhtred gasped pulling away, he reached and quickly took off his shirt which Sihtric realized was actually one of his.
Sihtric did the same, but he still felt an urge to bring his omega somewhere safer. “Are you s-“ Sihtric didn’t get a chance to finish voicing his question as Uhtred lunged at him, pressing him down onto the blankets. All thoughts of moving vanished from Sihtric’s mind he was surrounded by Uhtred’s scent, his heat, it was sending him into a rut, he needed Uhtred right now. Sihtric quickly flipped them, so he was on top of Uhtred and started tugging his breeches down. Once they were off Uhtred moved up onto his hands and knees, Sihtric was surprised at that, it wasn’t often he presented himself in such a way. Sihtric growled as he unlaced his breeches freeing his cock, which was now fully hard, he moved behind Uhtred but had to stop himself from pushing into his omega right away, he brought his fingers to Uhtred’s mouth for him to suck, which he did noisily, causing Sihtric to groan, Uhtred had had him that morning, but Sihtric still wanted to work him open. He used two, then three fingers to ready Uhtred who was groaning and growling enjoying the feel, but needing more. A few moments later Sihtric was holding Uhtred’s hips steady before slowly pushing himself into the omega. Once fully inside Sihtric quickly pulled out before slamming back into Uhtred, he set a fast and rough pace with Uhtred meeting him with each thrust. Gods Uhtred felt so good, Sihtric could feel himself beginning to knot, Uhtred could too judging by the sounds he was making, Sihtric stopped pushing in to ensure they would be locked when his knot fully formed. He pressed his chest into Uhtred’s back, leaning in close to Uhtred’s ear.
“Are you ready to have my pup” Sihtric asked already knowing the answer. He felt Uhtred clench around him trying to hold him in place.
“Gods yes” Uhtred groaned.
They both let out shouts of pleasure as they became locked, Sihtric felt Uhtred shudder at the feeling of his seed filling him up.
******
“Ye couldn’t have known” Finan said gently as he followed Leofric through the quiet streets.
“I should have though” Leofric said angerly. He felt terrible for having not realized Uhtred had gone into heat all those years ago, that explained why Uhtred had been distant with for a while after Lent, he’d been angry at Leofric for putting him through that.
“Even still are ye sure now is the best time to go apologize to em” Finan asked. “I mean if he is in heat then the two of em are probably locked by now.”
“Good, then the Arseling will be forced to stay put.”
“An ye think it’s a good idea to be-“ Finan stopped abruptly. “Oh fuck” he breathed blissfully having caught Uhtred’s scent, they were close to the storage shed. He turned to Leofric who had also stopped taking in Uhtred scent. “Fuck it, I’d rather do penance” Finan growled, before chasing the scent, with Leofric following a few seconds later. The older alpha could be surprisingly fast when something involved their omega.
Finan had yet to be with Uhtred in his heat and he was amazed with how intoxicating his scent was, he followed it up stairs finding his lovers temporary nest, except neither was there, he could smell Sihtric too the young alpha was in a rut.
“Where the fuck are they” Finan asked anxiously, his instinct to protect kicking in. He heard Leofric chuckle and turned on him, anger suddenly taking over, their omega was missing, as was Sihtric, and he had the audacity to laugh.
“Listen” Leofric hissed, he was standing close to the window. Finan came over to join him and waited, a few seconds later he heard moaning.
“The fuck are they doing on the roof” Finan whispered.
“They’re fucking” Leofric answered drily.
Finan’s worry only increased, the roof was no safe place for Uhtred when in heat, he should be in his nest, inside where it was safe, Sihtric was an alpha he should know better. Finan got up onto the windowsill, he needed to make sure they were both alright.
******
“Say it again” Sihtric purred into Uhtred’s ear.
“I want all your pups. I want you, Leo, and Fin to fill me up” Uhtred moaned loudly.
They were still locked together and still had a ways to go before they could separate, so Sihtric had taken the opportunity to shower praise on his omega which had led to Uhtred once more exclaiming how badly he wanted his pups, Sihtric’s heart ached from it, he loved Uhtred so much, he couldn’t wait for him to have his pup.
“Well, that can easily be arranged” Finan’s voice announced from behind. Sihtric and Uhtred both turned startled which caused Uhtred to give a sharp cry in pain as Sihtric moved too much.
“Fuck sacks they’re locked Finan, you want Sihtric to hurt him” Leofric reprimanded.
“Shit sorry, ye alright Uhtred” Finan asked gently kneeling down in front of him. Uhtred gave a small nod, Finan brushed a stray tear from the corner of his eye with his thumb. “I’m sorry sweetheart” Finan whispered softly touching his forehead to Uhtred’s.
A few moments later Uhtred was sighing in bliss once more, content to have all his alphas.
“Say it for them again” Sihtric coaxed.
What followed were loud declaration of Uhtred saying how much he needed and wanted both Leofric and Finan that left them both growling with desire. They in turn called out Uhtred’s name promising they would take care of him right after Sihtric was finished.