Lead dog and the new puppy

      Riko stood beside Renee, silently observing the newest addition to the Ravens. Nathaniel had joined them two weeks ago with all his sass and disregard for the rules. Well, his attitude was aimed at Riko mostly - Nathaniel was more docile in the presence of Renee and Tetsuji. But if they weren’t around, he gave Riko hell and the Raven’s captain was so done with him. Unfortunately, judging from Renee’s gaze, she was interested in the brat. Riko sighed internally and knew what his Miss was about to say before she got any words out.       “I want this one.” Renee’s eyes were still locked on Nathaniel, who was being introduced by Kevin to a new Raven drill. Renee was tracking his every movement from the sidelines. “But I saw he’s giving you problems.” She glanced at Riko, raising her eyebrows. There was a question hidden there and Riko prayed for his sanity.       “I’ll take care of it, miss.” And it was true - he’d do anything for her; even put up with Nathaniel for the rest of his life.       Renee’s face visibly lit up, her green eyes sparkling and so full of joy. Like this she looked most beautiful, in Riko’s opinion. He knew Nathaniel would bring a lot of trouble for him, but Renee’s smile would be all worth it.       Riko felt a gentle hand on his cheek then his face being turned. Renee placed a kiss on kiss cheek and Riko blushed at that. Affectionate gestures from Renee always filled him with warmth.       “I believe in you, sweetheart,” said Renee and Riko decided then and there that he’d drag the brat to his miss no matter what.

xxx

      “It’s been going on for too long.” Riko had Nathaniel pinned on his bed, with Jean’s help. His brother cuffed Nathaniel’s wrist to the headboard and took hold of the ankles, while Riko straddled the new Raven’s lap. Nathaniel was fighting them along the way, but he had no chance against the two of them. Now he was glaring at Riko as if he wanted to set the Raven’s captain on fire. Riko met the icy blue eyes with his own, feeling satisfaction at the man’s helplessness.       “I see that you listen quite well to Miss and Master,” said Riko and Nathaniel grimaced at the titles, but didn’t comment. Maybe Nathaniel had some brains after all and recognized who held the power in the Nest. But he made a mistake when he hadn’t added Riko into the equation. Fortunately, Riko was kind enough to correct the man.       Riko gripped Nathaniel’s hair. “But when they’re not around, you listen to me. I’m your captain and when I say ‘jump’, you do it and don’t ask questions.”       Nathaniel laughed in Riko’s face. “I’m not some dog you can order around.”       The statement only excited Riko. Oh, he’d love every second of proving Nathaniel wrong.       It was Riko’s turn to chuckle. His grip on Nathaniel’s hair tightened because he wanted his prey’s undivided attention.. “You're property and your fate’s in my hands now. It’s my decision who gets presented to our Miss.” It wasn’t a lie – Riko was responsible for the selection. It was in his power to say that someone wasn’t suitable for being a member of the Perfect Court and Renee trusted him with the judgment. Though Riko did everything in his power to present to his Miss the people she took interest in, sometimes they needed a little bit of correction beforehand. That’d been the case with Jean and now it was Nathaniel’s turn.       “You know, Kevin says you have great potential,” said Riko conversationally. “I agree, but for now you are like a small puppy, annoying everyone else with its barks. But puppies can be trained.” Riko took out a knife from his pocket, light glinting off the blade as it sprang out. He put the tip against Nathaniel’s chest. “Like it or not, you’re one of the Ravens now, potentially a member of the Perfect Court. You’re not your own person anymore.” He emphasized his words by digging the tip of the blade into the skin, causing Nathaniel to wince. “So lose the attitude problem.” The blade was retracted for a moment, leaving a bead of blood from the small wound. Riko traced Nathaniel’s collarbone with the knife but the other Raven didn’t even twitch, even though the blade was close to his throat. Only his eyes were projecting the anger that was being held back.       “Fuck off.” Spit landed on Riko’s face. The show of disrespect filled him with rage and he slapped Nathaniel in retaliation, leaving a red imprint on the man’s cheek. Then he grabbed Nathaniel’s chin and spit in his forced-open mouth. Riko covered Nathaniel’s lips with his hand, grinning at the absolute fury on the face in front of him. He felt Jean shifting behind him, probably to get a better hold of Nathaniel’s legs. Riko didn’t spare him any thought, instead focusing on his prey underneath him.       “That’s fine. I can call off my protection – other Ravens will be really happy at the news,” Riko commented. It was true – they were like a pack of hungry wolves, just waiting for his signal that he no longer cared about the new recruit.       Surprise colored Nathaniel’s features. Really, the brat was so oblivious sometimes in Riko’s opinion.       “They’ve been eyeing you since you got here.” Nathaniel was looking at Riko in disbelief. He tried to say something but the hand on his mouth muffled the sound. It sent a spark of pleasure down Riko’s body.       Apparently the brat was unaware of the impact he had on others. Go figure, Riko thought. It was kind of adorable but at the same time Riko wanted to rip Nathaniel’s innocence to shreds. He explained further, “For now, Renee’s interested in you for some reason, so I told them to back off. But that can change.” Riko stroked Nathaniel’s cheek with his thumb, where a “4” would be if the new Raven played it smartly. “You have a pretty face,” Riko continued and pressed down on the skin under his finger, “They’d love to break you down.” He grinned at the other man’s shudder.       “Or,” Riko said, “We could send you back to your daddy.” Nathaniel’s eyes widened and something new appeared in them – fear. Bingo, Riko thought and pressed on, “I think he’d be delighted to know that his son is such a failure that the Nest sent him back.” Nathaniel only closed his eyes at the words, his breath quickening.       “Maybe Lola would be interested, too. I heard she has a type.” Riko curled Nathaniel’s auburn hair around his finger, then let the strand fall loosely at the pillow. Riko knew he was being cruel, but he needed to get through the stubborn idiot.       Nathaniel was breathing heavily behind Riko’s hand with his eyes closed, probably to get himself under control. Riko waited him out patiently. After a minute, Nathaniel nodded and his mouth was freed.       “Fine,” he said through gritted teeth.       Riko grinned. “I knew there was a brain here somewhere.” He petted Nathaniel’s hair mockingly.       “Fuck you.” Nathaniel glared at him. It seemed that the flame wasn’t fully extinguished after all. Riko knew then that this one would keep him on his toes, but he was ready to put him down again and again.       “We’ll need to work on your manners.” Riko held his knife to Nathaniel’s lips, and the man eyed him warily. “But we have a lot of time for that.” He traced the blade on the man’s cheek. Nathaniel was lying deathly still but his gaze still held a challenge. It sent a rush through Riko’s body. Oh, breaking down Nathaniel would bring him so much joy.       Riko put his other hand around Nathaniel’s neck and squeezed lightly. “Meanwhile you can think about a proper apology for all the shit you gave me lately.”       

xxx

      Riko stood in Renee’s presence with his grip on Nathaniel’s arm. The younger Raven was fidgeting slightly with the hem of his T-shirt, so Riko tightened his grip on him in warning. Nathaniel’s body stiffened but at least he stopped moving for a while.       Renee sat in an armchair that was a newest addition to her room. The low light glinted off the silver earrings she wore today and Riko was captivated by the sight.       “What brings you here, honey?” Renee’s voice brought Riko out of his trance. He shook his head slightly to clear his head and heard a quiet “Sucker”. A deep breath calmed down the urge to strangle Nathaniel. Revenge can wait, he thought. And patience was his strong suit.       Riko pressed down on Nathaniel’s shoulders and the man kneeled before Renee. Not completely willingly, judging from his tightly clenched jaw and fists. As long as he behaved, Riko didn’t really care. He walked to the side, so that he had a clear vision on the other two.       Renee took hold of Nathaniel’s jaw gently and turned his face to the sides, inspecting it. She nodded in satisfaction and Riko’s chest bloomed in happiness.       “A beautiful addition to our Court, don’t you think?” Renee said with a smile.       Riko’s heart started beating faster at the “our Court” part. “Yes, Miss. You have a great taste.”       Renee turned her gaze to the kneeling man. “What do you say, Nathaniel? Ready to join us?”       Nathaniel didn’t meet her eyes, just as Riko instructed him. “Yes.” He winced as the grip on his chin tightened.       “From now on you address me with respect,” said Renee sternly.       Nathaniel clenched his jaw but made a smart choice and didn’t argue. “Yes, Miss.”       Renee cooed and cupped his cheeks. “What a good boy.” Nathaniel’s cheeks got red and Riko nearly snorted at the sight. “You’ll do splendidly, I can feel it,” added Renee and Nathaniel shifted on his knees, as if he was ready to bolt out of the room. Too bad Riko was blocking the only exit.       “I think some welcome party is in order.” Renee looked at Riko, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Riko couldn’t deny that he felt the same way.       “I’ll let Kevin and Jean know.” He bowed his head and retreated from the room, with Renee’s smile occupying his mind.