As much as Lithe loved working alongside the Maximillan Tribe they could also be a little overwhelming at times.
Today was no exception, the natures of the Maximillians were so volatile and prone to melodrama.
This was why for centuries their family flourished on the Allerdyce Continent where those that were multi-talented and artistic in nature tended to thrive and be prosperous.
The Maximillian family liked to indulge and live life to the fullest.
Which was why they needed someone like Lithe to put a damper on their splurges and control their expenditures before they could go bankrupt.
On days like this the frivolous nature of the Maximillian Tribe was too much for Lithe to handle.
How they lived their lives, wild and carefree was the complete opposite of the sheltered and spartan existence that his family composed of the famous Hildebrand name embraced.
Since he didn't like to associate with the family name Hildebrand much he always asked to be addressed by his first name Lithe informally.
Two years ago Lithe had no regrets leaving his homeland that bordered on the mountainous Vallance Continent behind.
He took only a few personal items and set sail across the Great Chasm crossing several seas to reach the Allerdyce Continent.
Hoping to get as far away from the influence of the Hildebrand name as he could possibly get.
Lithe used to think he was flamboyant because that's how those back home labeled him as a wild child.
Here in Allerdyce he began to see that was not true, the excess of the Maximillians made Lithe seem almost subdued in comparison.
Sometimes Lithe felt less like the Chief Advisor and more like a wet nurse dealing with naughty children that had to be lectured by a stern guardian and then consoled when brought to tears.
Now Lithe entered Zen's room to negotiate and clean up another of the Maximillian's messes.
"Mr. Starke, I expect that you have a few questions to ask."
Zen gazed at Lithe, "several actually, can't wait to hear your explanations."
"Naturally that's to be expected and I will answer them all in due time."
Zen could not help but stare at the blue eyed bombshell that captured his attention last night.
The fact that this Lithe dared to drug him and thought he got away with it unscathed boggled his mind.
Curiosity would be the death of him.
Normally he should have been repulsed by his fascination with a young man that looked so innocent next to him but instead it was the opposite.
Fascinated by Lithe, he felt a longing, a desire that was akin to being sexually aroused.
He had intended to spend just a week in the Allerdyce Continent.
Now there would be a change of plans for it seemed he would be staying longer than he anticipated.
Zen never knew that he had been searching for a mate but now that he was certain he found him he had no intentions of letting him go.
To test out a theory he released his alpha pheromones at full force but his little omega showed no reaction.
Leaving Zen to concur that Lithe wasn't lying when he said he was a recessive omega.
At least not everything that occurred between them last night was a lie.
Two can play that game. He wanted to see how far Lithe was willing to act like nothing happened between them last night.
Lithe drew Zen out of his private musings when he spoke again.
"First, I want to commend you for not flying into a rage and tearing the room apart. I know that you must be feeling confused since such a situation would make anyone uncomfortable."
"So you are aware that Starke's don't have the best reputation in these parts."
Lithe flashed a real smile that brightened his face and held Zen momentarily transfixed.
Such a mesmerizing smile.
Now he knew why the others were willing to follow the young man's lead who possessed such a winning smile.
Lithe's blue eyes were filled with mirth and held more than a hint of warmth.
"As you can see things don't always go according to plan but I can tell you are a rational, level headed, critical thinker. Who does not make any assumptions until you draw your own conclusions from what I have to say."
"I'm all ears, since I don't really have a say in the matter," Zen muttered, "but I appreciate your confidence in my reasoning abilities. I must admit that I have enough sense to not be momentarily distracted by your flattery since I was assaulted and brought against my will to this place."
Feeling verbally attacked by the truth, Lithe took a step back.
"It was not our intention for you to get hurt, things just spiraled out of control. I meant every word I said about your character. I did a background check before I met you and I was impressed with the findings. You are a courageous and intelligent man even if your achievements are somewhat overlooked by your peers."
His admirers were always willing to do and say anything to climb into his bed but being complimented for his intelligence was a first.
At a loss for words Zen cleared his throat before speaking, "You admire my intelligence?"
"Fascinated by it actually, since your exploits are numerous and that of a living legend," gushed Lithe. His eyes glowed with frank admiration and Zen could not miss the enthusiasm in his voice, "your last Continental Reader's Digest posts on 'A dying breed' and 'Exploring an untouched world' were both awe inspiring articles and made me wish I had enough money to fund an expedition for myself."
"Thank you," he responded automatically.
Encouraged by Zen's polite answer Lithe launched into a solo discussion on the highlights of his most recent work.
Zen was enthralled by Lithe's sultry voice and listened with a sense of dazed wonder.
More so, Lithe had his full attention, just listening intently to his clear voice and Zen had the semi stirrings of a half arousal.
Zen could feel the return of a dull ache and it wasnt from where the bottle had been smashed against his head but more of an awakening desire in his pants.
Then he realized just like the others in the next room he had fallen prey to Lithe's charm and flattery.