Chapter 11
Veylor
Ithrew my magnifying glasses to the table. I stuck my thumbs into my eyes enough to where I could feel the prick of my nails into my cheeks.
What was he doing? He hasn’t been at my side, hasn’t come down here to speak with me. Had I pushed him too far?
This wasn’t like Oryx at all, he was like a puppy, always demanding attention and now he ignores me.
I slammed my fist on the table.
It was what I wanted. I needed peace to finish this project, but it had become unbearable not seeing him more than just meal times. It isn’t like we technically could share a meal anyway, he was drinking blood, animal’s blood that he captured on his own.
Yet, he wasn’t really drinking though. It was more like slurping.
Those humans filled his stomach, I reminded myself.
I pushed myself away from my desk and headed up the winding stairs. Now that Benedict was here, he had made himself useful and was dusting for cobwebs, making the place… livable.
Oryx repeatedly asked if he could do the same, but I assured him it was irrelevant, and it still is.
However, changing old habits is difficult, particularly for Benedict.
He managed this house with strict control, and I was convinced I would either need to hire new staff or invite back some of the former employees if they were willing to return to the land of the living.
Benedict was eager for this job. He was utterly bored with whatever they do in the Under Shadows. Either they're bound by secrecy about what's beyond, or they simply forget. I wasn't keen on discovering that soon; I just wanted to hold on to what I had.
As I ascended to the main floor, I was greeted by a scene of immaculate elegance.
The plush red carpets stretched out like a regal tapestry beneath my feet, while the deep red and black drapes cascaded over the windows, allowing only a faint whisper of light to filter through.
The black marble tiles gleamed beneath me, their polished surface reflecting the subtle glow and casting an almost ethereal aura around the room.
It was so impeccably maintained that I had almost forgotten its presence until now, a testament to the meticulous care taken to preserve its grandeur.
Benedict was rage cleaning it appeared, or he found purpose, one of the two.
With the mansion being in such a disarray I am surprised he didn’t have an aneurysm and have to find a new brain for him.
As I ascended the stairs, I dragged my hand across my face. The railings were spotless, the black iron smooth and polished under my touch. Perhaps this was beneficial, evoking memories—happy ones—of how things once were.
I walked briskly to Oryx's room, the bright full moon illuminating the hallway.
I gestured to lift the sound-blocking ward from his room, despite my promise not to do so unless I was concerned about him…
right now, I am. He hasn't wanted to be by my side for days.
After dealing with humans and slaughtering those creatures, his inner turmoil might have resurfaced, forcing him to regain control all over again.
I balled my hand into fists.
Why did I not think of that before? I should have been more…
A low moan emanated from the other side of the door, followed by a deep, guttural grunt.
My ears perked up, sensitive to the unsettling sounds, and I edged closer to the door, curiosity piquing my every step.
The unmistakable sound of slurping was interspersed with more groaning, and then a heavy thump reverberated through the silence, each noise painting a vivid picture of the unknown scene unfolding just beyond the barrier.
My eyes widened.
“Mm, tastes good,” Oryx whined and I heard more slurping. “Feels good.”
I leaned my forehead against the door and smiled. So that's what he's been up to. He's discovered his penis. Well, good for him, I suppose; it was unexpected to learn about it like this. I had thought he would come to me to find out.
You push him away, why would he ask?
Why would he taste his own cum too though?
I clenched my teeth and shook my head in frustration.
The front of my trousers tightened, becoming increasingly uncomfortable against my skin.
The air was filled with more moaning, a higher-pitched sound that seemed to echo around me, yet I paid it no mind.
My focus was solely on him, indulging in the pleasure with the very gift I had given him.
It was something I had specially chosen for him to match what he was.
I squeezed my cock through the material already leaking with pre-cum. What in the Shadows was wrong with me? Why would I become like this, while he was like this? He doesn’t even remember—
“Ahh, yes, squeeze,” he growled. “More.”
I groaned in frustration. "Damn it, just stop," I whispered to myself, trying to pull my hand away, yet I couldn't bring myself to do it. He wasn't the same person he used to be, and using his voice like this, thinking of him in this way, left me torn between desire and regret…
Oryx snarled with a primal intensity, and I thrust my hand into my pants with a desperate urgency.
My cock throbbed, a relentless pulse of need, as I furiously circled my thumb around its swollen, furious head.
When was the last time I surrendered to such raw desire?
The last time I allowed myself to explode in a frenzy of wild, unrestrained ecstasy?
Years.
I rubbed my hand up and down my shaft, angrily, trying to reach my peak. That was when I heard footsteps coming up the stairs and I cursed. I pulled my hand away and put the ward back on Orxy’s room to hide his sounds as Benedict comes trotting up to me with blankets in hand.
“Is Oryx inside? I’ve brought more bedding he requested.”
I narrowed my eyes at him and put myself in an Adam’s pose to keep my raging erection hidden. “Why would he need more blankets—”
Oh.
I cleared my throat. “Right, he is indisposed at the moment. Just leave them outside the door.”
Benedict nodded. “That was his instructions. Never go inside, I’m not allowed to clean his room.
” He rolled his eyes. “Who knows what state it’s in, a beast like that doesn’t look like he would keep a clean room.
Yet, he does wear nicer trousers and even asks for brushes, toiletries and such.
” He scratched his head. “I know I wasn’t around that much when he was in the lab with you, but is he learning? ”
Benedict hadn’t comprehended time. It took me years to create his body.
This was sudden however. Oryx wants to work on his appearance?
“Anything else he is asking for? Anything you find unusual?” I avoid his question.
Benedict leans up against the wall. “Books, he’s asked for those. Mostly fiction, but some nonfiction from the library, specific things like history and history of the house.”
I raised a brow. Oryx doesn’t know how to read. Not unless…
“Has he shown signs of remembering? Like what things were before—?”
Benedict tilted his head in thought. “No, not at all. I still don’t think he can even read. He even asked if some of the books I picked had pictures.”
There was silence between us.
“And he has asked, in passing, if my… privates hurt, my Lord.”
Again, I show no emotion. “Go on.”
“Really, my Lord, you are going to make me say it?”
I raised a brow.
Benedict sighed. “I asked him how so, because he knows you created me, as you have him. He wanted to know its… purpose. Why it can, hurt, feel stiff.” Benedict ran his hand through the luscious locks of his vessel.
“I told him vessels can become aroused. Meaning they need to have a release or they just leave it alone and hope it goes away.”
I tilted my head up in understanding.
“My Lord, if I may.” Benedict began. “Perhaps you spend more time with him, on your own accord. Not wait for him to come to you. You know best, you are the one who created his vessel, the first vessel, but he is still the same spirit. In time, he will come to remember who he is.”
I sighed. “That is what I am afraid of.”
Benedict smiled. “You worry far too much my Lord.” He patted my shoulder. “I know Oryx as well as you, and forgiveness is his best quality.”
I shook my head. “Not after what I’ve done.”
Benedict backed away, knowing the conversation was over. He turned, but before going down the stairs he said, “I do mean it, talk to him. Spend time with him, it will relieve your stress, hopefully jog his memories.”
I hummed and put my hands behind my back.
“Because that was really awkward explaining this to him. He even showed it to me, My Lord.” Benedict put his hands on his hips. “I thought you blessed me, but obviously you were just humoring me. You gave him—”
“That’s enough, Benedict.” I growled.
Benedict straightened. “Well, at least we know his doesn’t come off. I heard him grunting and flapping his skin when I was coming up the stairs.” He turned before I could say anything further.
Yet the heat rose to my cheeks realizing he could have heard me, instead of Oryx.