Riley blinked those eyes slowly, looking straight back at Tao as he spoke. His breath went in and out, electing small noises from his chest every so often, but beyond that he remained silent, and just watched Tao without moving his head, until the vampire had disappeared beyond his perhepheral vision. He lowered his head, and felt a small rush of relief from the sensation of being obedient. It felt good to be told after the weeks and weeks that had passed since he'd become alpha - they had been full of decision-making and planning and - just too many things.
The first stroke across his back was light enough for him to be too bothered by it. However, slowly but surely the force increased and he began to feel them more and more. The last few strokes managed to actually cut, and he felt his skin shiver. He let out a soft yowl and pushed his nose under one of his paws.