Beastbloods are killers. Ravishers and brutes. At least that's what Ellie's been told, and he's stayed single his whole life.

Preybloods are homemakers. Partners the army's always promised. Adrien was drafted into the army when he was barely a man, but he's finally been released and he's ready to start his life. All he needs is a home and a mate.

* * * *
A preyblood was here somewhere, and they were in heat. Adrien wasn’t asking why, only where.

Aww. There he was, standing down the hall. He was panting, poor thing, all alone in the midst of a heat. Adrien stepped forward.

“Hello,” he said quietly, surprised at how soft his normally deep, rough voice became. Like he was cooing at a feral creature. “What’s your name?”

Who had left this preyblood all alone? Why wasn’t there a beastblood around to help him?

The little prey’s fair cheeks were flushed red. The tiny thing swayed on his feet; he could hardly stand. Adrien dashed forward to help him.

The preyblood looked up at him, eyes bleary, and reached out his hand. Adrien took it and pulled him forward, the preyblood’s body pressed against Adrien’s. Adrien shivered so violently that the preyblood had to cling to him to stay steady.

This wasn’t supposed to happen. He never got the urge to mate with a preyblood unless he was in a brothel, and even then it didn’t feel like this – like this – need –

The preyblood squeaked out a word, probably his name. Adrien jolted back, breathing into his own sleeve, trying to clear his head. Soldiers were supposed to be clear-headed. Clear. Didn’t pounce on every prey in heat.

“What was that?” Adrien asked, still holding the little one in his arms. He was taking shallow breaths only, wouldn’t look the preyblood in his eyes...

“Bed.”

“Sorry?” Adrien said.

“Bed,” the preyblood cried more urgently, pulling at Adrien’s shirt. “H-help me. Please, please help me.”

Adrien did it: He looked the preyblood in the eyes. Big, brown eyes gushed up at him with overwhelming need. Once he gazed into them, he couldn’t look away. Hypnotic.

“Yes,” he breathed. “Bed. Show me. Where?”