Innocent - Roe Horvat Page 0,7

was the right word. He’d traveled the world, studied, and worked abroad. Navid’s alpha father had been suspicious at first. Yes, Zana was famous and extremely wealthy—more than Navid’s family. For that reason, Navid’s alpha father had allowed and even encouraged Zana’s visits despite Zana’s somewhat liberal reputation. But Navid had overheard his father and grandfather talking. They had been worried about Zana’s morals, since he’d spent so much time in foreign countries doing god knows what.

However, Zana Massoud had done everything right and charmed Navid’s family with his impeccable manners. Navid’s father had been all smiles and benevolence when finally, Zana had come to claim Navid. “You make me proud, Navid. You’ll have a noble husband. He has high expectations of you, so don’t disappoint him.”

There were things Navid knew how to do; just like he was with the alphas in his family, he’d be observant and obedient. Yet Zana and he had barely had a chance to talk during the short engagement. How was he supposed to make his husband happy when he didn’t know him yet? I will learn my husband’s likes and dislikes. I’ll listen and watch, and in time, I’ll manage to please him.

How long was he going to wait? One hour? Two? Longer than that?

A noise sounded behind the door. So soon?

He’d be brave. He wouldn’t disappoint his husband. Bending his head, he stared at his hands. “Avoiding eye contact is crucial, Navid,” Payam had said. “You won’t look up when he comes to you. If you do, he’ll think you’re too bold. Don’t speak unless he asks you a question, and keep your eyes down at all times. He won’t believe you’re pure if you meet his eyes before the taking. Only when his seed is inside you and he’s sealed his claim on you can you look your husband in the eyes. That way he’ll know you’re truly his.”

Brave but not too bold. Navid could do that.

How much would it hurt? Navid wasn’t afraid of pain. He just…wanted to be prepared. He liked to know things beforehand. His tutor had told him that his husband would teach him everything wanted him to know. Navid had learned about the anatomy and biological functions a long time ago. But giving pleasure was an art in itself, wasn’t it?

“An omega’s body is meant to give pleasure and bear children. God created it so. You will please your alpha whenever he wishes. Your body belongs to him, and you can’t deny him his right.”

But he wasn’t allowed to learn because then he’d be impure. What if he did something stupid or strange, and Zana would be disgusted with him?

“When he takes off the veil, don’t cover yourself with your hands. Stay still. You belong to your husband, and he’ll want to see what is his. Lock your muscles so you won’t recoil when he touches you for the first time.”

The stomachache was back. Navid had indeed lost weight in the past couple of months. What if Zana didn’t like his slim form? And what if he did like him and want to make love, and Navid wouldn’t be able to? What if it hurt more than Navid was ready for? What if he failed to hide his pain?

My body belongs to my husband.

Zana would touch him tonight. He’d touch his skin. Would he…kiss him? Or would he just take him where he was? That was how the ritual was supposed to go, wasn’t it? Zana would tear the veil off him, throw it out the window, and enter his body. Navid knew that if he relaxed his inner muscles, it would hurt less. Except now, he felt tense and even nauseous. His heart hammered against his ribs. He couldn’t be nauseous on his wedding night. He couldn’t!

Zana would come full of expectations, about to make love to his omega for the first time, and Navid would throw up on his feet. His stomach clenched, and bile rose in his throat. Oh god, no. No, no, no. He tried to breathe deeply. In and out. Inhale, exhale. Another noise from behind the door. This time, Navid was sure the steps came closer.

My body belongs to my husband. My body belongs to my husband.

He must be brave and ready when his husband came to take him. He must calm down. Now. Inhale, exhale. I’m not afraid of the pain. I’m not. Then what am I afraid of? Breathe. Breathe.

The veil slid off his shoulder. He snatched it in