Noah woke to the soft whisper of silk sheets and the heavy weight of a possessive arm slung over his waist. His body ached in all the best ways and yet, there was a deep, lingering warmth in his chest.
Theron's breath grazed the back of his neck. Calm. Steady.
But Noah knew better.
Alphas didn't just let go. Especially not after claiming.
And especially not Theron.
He tried to shift gently, but that arm only tightened.
"Going somewhere?" Theron's voice was sleep-rough and dangerous. The kind of voice that made Noah's thighs clench with leftover heat.
"I need air," Noah murmured.
"You need me."
Noah rolled to face him, eyes defiant. "I don't need anyone."
Theron's jaw flexed. "Keep telling yourself that, sweetheart."
But then, just as Noah opened his mouth to fire back, the bedroom door slammed open.
A Beta guard. Pale. Nervous.
"Alpha… There's a problem."
Theron sat up, instantly alert, the sheets pooling low on his hips. "What kind of problem?"
The Beta swallowed. "News of your claim… it's spread. There are alphas the powerful ones who aren't happy. One of them… he's demanded a meeting."
Noah's heart sank.
"This fast?" he whispered.
Theron turned to him, eyes hard. "They smell blood, Noah. And they think you're the weakness."
"I'm not," Noah snapped, sitting up beside him.
Theron leaned in, grabbing his chin between two fingers, eyes burning into his.
"No. You're my greatest fucking threat, because I'd kill for you."
And that? That terrified Noah more than anything.
Because he believed him.
Hours later, Noah stood beside Theron in the Alpha's private study, dressed in crisp black and silver. Every inch of him was polished, poised but the fire in his eyes never dimmed.
Across from them stood Alpha Calder a name that stank of old power and ancient grudges.
"You've made quite the statement, Theron," Calder sneered, eyes flicking to Noah like he was prey. "Claiming an unmated omega without council approval. Bold."
Theron didn't blink. "You forget who I am."
"I remember. I also remember your father's death left this pack divided. Not everyone supports your rule."
Noah could feel the shift in Theron. The power rolling off him in waves. The danger coiled beneath his skin.
"And what, Calder?" Theron murmured. "You think threatening my mate will make me step down?"
Calder smiled coldly. "He's not your mate, not officially. Not until the ceremony. Until then… he's vulnerable."
Theron moved so fast Noah barely saw it. One second he was standing, the next Calder was slammed against the wall, a clawed hand at his throat.
"I dare you to touch him."
Calder choked on a laugh. "You can't protect him from everyone, Theron. Sooner or later… someone will get through."
Theron's growl was pure death. "Then I'll bury them all."
That night, Noah stood on the balcony, eyes scanning the forest below, the cool wind brushing against his skin.
He felt Theron before he heard him.
"You still want that air?" the Alpha asked softly.
Noah didn't look at him. "It's not safe, is it?"
Theron stepped behind him, wrapping his arms around Noah's waist. "No. But I'll make it safer. For you."
Noah closed his eyes, leaning back against the warmth of Theron's chest.
"You really would burn it all down for me."
Theron pressed a kiss to his neck.