"How'd you get your hands on this?" Callum lifted the bottle against the rays of sun streaming in from the window. Within the iridescent green liquid, golden flakes danced like a thousand tiny fireflies. "It's been banned in the states since the seventies."

"A friend gave it to me as a graduation gift," Noah rifled through the top drawer of a plastic bin.

Callum observed Noah as he nonchalantly filled a kettle with water from a gallon jug and place it on a small electric burner. To call the limited space a kitchenette would have been far too kind as the space consisted of one countertop that only extended half the wall. Built into the counter was a two-burner stove top but no oven. Taking up the limited counter space was a slim single-serve coffee machine and a small conventional oven. Underneath the counter a mini fridge that barely touched Noah's hip in height tucked snug with more fridge space than freezer space. Next to the mini fridge was a large plastic bin with drawers that made up for the lack of cabinet space. Noah's disinterest in the exquisite bottle of liquor baffled Callum, upon further inspection he could tell there had been several swigs taken from the bottle. "Good friend," Callum finally deliberated, "Is dabbling in illegal goods a hobby for them?"

"It's more a profession than a hobby," Noah answered casually.

"Is that all I'm gonna get?"

"Yup."

"Alright." Callum fiddled with the cork, "What d'yah say? Let's crack this open," he suggested eagerly.

Noah smiled and shook his head. "I wouldn't dare," he replied as he reached for the cups of noodles. He emptied the contents of three into a large bowl that Riley had brought over during one of their movie nights.

"Why not?" Callum pouted. "I'm a great drinking buddy."

"You're a handful sober," Noah chuckled softly. The sound nearly caught Callum off guard. "I can't imagine how bad you'd get after one shot of that."

The kettle whistled as steam released from the spout. Noah removed it from the burner and turned the stovetop off. He poured the hot water over the noodles in the bowl, then the remainder into his own prepackaged cup.

"I thought you didn't have much of an appetite." Noah flinched as Callum suddenly appeared beside him. "Why did you put so much in one bowl?"

"It's for you," Noah said pointedly.

"Me?"

Noah cocked his head upwards with a quizzical brow, "Would one have been enough for you?"

"Not a chance," Callum jested as he set the bottle down on the counter and reached for the steaming bowl of instant noodles. He hastily retreated to the desk; the chair creaked under his weight as he plopped down. With a voracious appetite, he slurped down long and winding strands of noodles mixed with bits of rehydrated veggies and spices. The satisfying warmth filled his belly. As he worked fervently to consume every last bite, he couldn't help but stifle a chuckle as he watched the werewolf devour his meal. As if it were a sacred feast in honor of Selene herself. Callum brought the bowl to his lips and savored each satisfying gulp of the savory broth. "Ahh," he exhaled in contentment, he set the bowl down on the desk and reclined in the chair. He pat his stomach, "that hit the spot."

Noah ate his own cup of noodles in a slower more conserved way. "I have some snacks if you're still hungry."

"What yah got?" Callum perked as his stomach rallied in excitement.

Noah placed the cup down on the counter and bent down to rifle through a large four-drawer plastic bin snuggly tucked underneath the countertop. "Flaming hot Cheetos, nutterbutter cookies, marshmallows..."

"Marshmallows?"

"Mmhm..."

"Toss me the marshmallows," Callum requested. Noah grabbed the unopened bag of marshmallows and turned to toss them Callum's way. Embarrassment flushed his ivory cheeks as the bag landed halfway between them. Callum's confident, amused expression trailed from Noah's reddened face to the bag on the floor then back up to meet Noah's eyes. A broad grin brightened his handsome Greek features. "Wanna try that again?" He asked playfully.

"Not particularly," Noah said frigidly as he tried to suppress the rising temperature in his face.

Callum's laughter echoed through the air, rich and infectious, as he bent down to retrieve the bag of marshmallows. From his pocket, he extracted a lighter and a Swiss Army Knife, the worn metal gleamed against the light. Noah watched with curiosity as Callum deftly flipped open a blade, its long, thin shape resembled that of a small screwdriver. With a swift motion, he tore open the bag and expertly impaled a marshmallow on the blade. The flame ignited with a smooth practiced click of his thumb, the small orange flame danced, catching within Callum's mischievous golden irises. Those same eyes flickered upwards towards Noah who had been enthralled by his every simple movement. A devilish grin sent a tremor through Noah, leaving his heart stuttering.

With a patience that had been conspicuously absent during their meal, Callum meticulously roasted the sugary treat over the flame, skillfully coaxing it to a perfect golden hue. As he sighed contentedly, the sweet scent of caramelized sugar hung in the air. Finally, with a flourish, Callum extended the perfectly toasted treat towards Noah, "would you like the honor of the first marshmallow?" he offered, his eyes filled with a mischievous twinkle.

Noah lifted his hand and shook his head "I like my marshmallows burnt to a crisp on the outside and gooey on the inside," he declared, with a hint of a challenge.

Callum's smile slipped into a look of mock horror "You're a monster! Marshmallows are all about anticipation. The slow roasting until the outside is browned to perfection and it melts in your mouth with the perfect caramelized sweetness. Not bitter burnt sadness," he argued, his tone filled with playful outrage.

"I get the feeling you're wrong a lot," Noah retorted with a smug grin.

"You take that back!" Callum shot back; his voice rose in mock protest.

"My mom taught me to always hold my ground, especially when I'm right," Noah stated defiantly as he stuck out his tongue.

"Your mom would be ashamed to know that she raised a son that just plops his marshmallows in the flame without a care in the world." Callum continued to tease.

Noah abandoned where he perched against the counter to approach Callum. Callum quicky pulled the marshmallow away "Oh hell no. You aren't coming anywhere near this beauty. You won't be able to appreciate it's perfection," he held the marshmallow out of Noah's reach.

A corner of Noah's lips ticked upwards, his high cheekbones now retained only a soft blush of color and his purple-rimmed red irises glittered with an alluring intensity that threatened to overwhelm Callum's rationality. Despite Noah's milky hair being matted down by sweat and dirt, the clothes several sizes too large draped over his body, and the heavy bags under his eyes, Callum found himself at a loss. The kind of loss that made him feel like a winner for having encountered this otherworldly creature. In the brief seconds of hesitation, Noah snatched Callum's wrist and yanked it until the sugary treat reached his lips. Callum's dazed eyes were fixed on Noah as he slipped the marshmallow into his mouth, savoring the slow drag of his lips over the sweet confection. "It's not gooey enough," Noah determined, but the words hardly reached Callum's ears as he watched Noah swipe his tongue across his bottom lip, leaving an enticing gleam. "Would've been better if it'd been toasted longer."

"Yeah..." Callum mused absentmindedly, captivated by the lingering sensation of Noah's lips on the marshmallow.

Noah's heart stuttered as Callum's piercing gaze moved slowly upward, tracing the curve of his lips before locking with his own. He stumbled back, his words faltered as he struggled to regain composure. "Anyways..." he muttered as he turned away from Callum. "I need to wash up. Help yourself if you're still hungry or... want a drink." Noah made his way towards the bathroom internally screaming at himself for being unable to stop his mouth from stringing together words. "Not that you have to wait... If you want to leave that's fine too. Not that it matters..." Noah ran his fingers through his matted hair, feeling the tension knotted in his muscles. "Okay," he blurted out anxiously. "I'm going to shower now!" With that, he hurried into the bathroom and slammed the door shut.

Several minutes passed before Callum's racing thoughts began to slow, allowing the world to steady within his mind. The sound of running water echoed from he closed bathroom, the smell of eucalyptus heavy in the air as it mingled with the steam and seeped through the crack between the door and floor. "Dammit," he muttered under his breath, the weight of his emotions, or rather the emotions provoked by his wolf pressed down on him. Unable to sit still he rose from the chair and began to pace the room.

Despite the pathetic kitchen space, the room exceeded his expectations for a dorm room. It was a single bedroom, a rare luxury in his experience of visiting dormitories where roommates were the norm. Not that he ever minded. But beyond the size, the room was impeccably neat, not a single stray sock on the floor, nor a growing city of cluttered water bottles and cans on the nightstand. Not even a risqué poster or a favorite band or movie adorned the walls. Aside from the few personal belonging on the desk and short bookcase filled with books and wiccan supplies the room had an impersonal feel. Nearly elusive, similar to its inhabitant. As Callum moved through the tower bedroom, he couldn't resist a smile. Noah had been adamant about his annoyance against being treated like a damsel. Truth be told, Callum didn't see Noah as the type to rely on others very much. Yet, here he was, sleeping in a tower on the top floor. The curved walls soared upwards, meeting at a point high above. The large windows were draped in luxurious merlot-colored curtains, one drawn shut with a feint crimson glow while the other tied open allowing the radiant stream of sunlight to fill the room. Three tiers of glass shelved were nestled between the windows, each lined with vials filled with a striking neon blue.

The relentless grip of curiosity, the very thing that so often led Callum astray, compelled him to inspect the vials more closely. Carefully, he grasped one from the top shelf and pulled it out of its holder. The vivid blue liquid shimmered like silver in sunlight.

"Please put that back."

Startled Callum dropped the vial. The glass shattered on the floor, the liquid sizzled and seared the wooden floorboards. "Shit!" Callum cursed, his gaze fixated on the remnants of the spill as it evaporated, leaving a charred mark in its wake. "What the hell," he began, but his words caught in his throat as he looked up to see Noah standing on the other side of the room, clad only in a towel. Beads of water clung to the tips of his tousled hair, glistening as they slid down his slender chest. The bandages that had once concealed his injuries were gone. "You're doing this on purpose," Callum accused, his voice tinged with a mixture of disbelief and admiration.

The pink tint that had finally faded returned to Noah's cheeks and spread up to the tips of his twitching ears. Despite himself, Callum couldn't help but notice how endearing Noah looked in that moment and he entertained thoughts of pulling one of those ears between his teeth. "I forgot to grab clean clothes," Noah answered embarrassedly, "turn around so I can get dressed." Callum hesitated as he basked in the view. "Turn around!" Noah demanded more firmly. Callum muttered to himself as he turned around.

His focus returned to the freshly charred mark in the floor, he knelt and pressed his fingers to the mark. It was eerily cool to the touch, as if it had been etched into the wood for years. Carefully, he picked up the glinting glass shards, examining them with a furrowed brow. "So, what was this liquid?" he asked.

"A variant of ultraviolet," Noah answered simply, his tone betrayed nothing.

"I'm getting the feeling you're caught up in some shady stuff," Callum held the glass shards in his palm as he surveyed his limited view of the room for a trash can. "Enchanted silver, banned liquor, dabbling in ultraviolet." Unable to spot a trash can, Callum gambled and turned around. Noah stood with his back facing Callum, already clothed in a pair of black boxer briefs. The towel casually discarded on the floor. The sight elicited a wry smile from Callum. Noah then stepped into a pair of black sweatpants that while still baggy fit his figure much better than the oversized clothing from Riley. "Oh! And you still have to take that medicine that you claim is poison."

"Don't forget, I nearly killed you in a tornado of chaotic energies...." Noah added casually despite the guilt that continued to grip him as he recalled the memory of their dangerous encounter. He turned to face Callum, a frown draped his elegant features, "You were supposed to have you back turned."

Callum shrugged, then spotted a small trash bin next to the counter space that acted as the kitchen. "So? What is it?" he continued to pry.

"What is what?" Noah picked up the towel and tossed it into the hamper.

"Your secret identity. Drug lord? Master thief? Assassin?"

Noah plopped down on the edge of his bed and pulled on a pair of fuzzy slipper socks. "There's no secret. I'm a warlock."

"You say that like it determines your entire existence."

"Doesn't it? Warlocks don't have access to mana the way witches do. We don't want world peace and we aren't limited by notions of humanity and a false sense of moral code. You don't strike me as the most upstanding werewolf so who are you to question me?"

Callum folded his arms over his chest. "I just don't buy it. You're wearing fuzzy socks for fuck's sake."

"Don't hate on my socks!"

"I'm just saying. It seems like you're using being a warlock as an excuse to hide who you really are."

One of Noah's sterling brows shot upwards, irritation flashed in his scarlet eyes, "And you're basing this on what? Five minutes of knowing each other? You don't know anything about me just as I don't know anything about you. So, spare me the 'real you' speech."

"Fine," Callum threw his hands up in surrender. Ready to move on from the topic, at least for the moment, Callum turned to another topic that had been backburnered, "About this medicine though... I believe I was tasked with making sure you take it."

Noah let out a frustrated grumble "Just drop it. I'll take it."

"Nu-oope," Callum insisted, a slight smirk played on his lips. "Aylin tasked me with this, and I'm pretty sure my freedom hangs in her hands, I'd rather not annoy her." Noah rolled his eyes and sighed exasperatedly before he pointed over his shoulder to the nightstand. "Good boy."

"Don't make me put a jinx on you," Noah threatened as he moved to the center of the bed and sat with his legs crisscrossed. Callum's smirk widened, but he held his tongue as he opened the drawer attached to the nightstand.

There wasn't much in the drawer, Callum had expected to find a pill bottle but instead he found a tattered journal, a bottle of lube, and a hard black case. He pulled out the case, Noah reached out his hand "Give it." Callum ignored the request and instead unzipped the butterfly case. Inside the case an unmarked bottle with a bright red liquid. Next to it a bundle of syringes. Alcohol swabs and Band-Aids were tucked neatly inside a mesh zippered compartment on the other side of the case. "It's taken like insulin injections. Hand it to me, I can do this myself."

Callum set the case down on the nightstand and pulled out the bottle and a needle. "What did you say this does?"

"Do you have a listening problem?" Noah chastised.

Callum pierced the needle through the top of the bottle and tilted it upside down. "A real answer... if that's not too difficult for you." He flashed that pearly devilish smirk that made Noah's heart perform acrobatics in his chest.

"Warlocks can live in the mortal realm because we are created within a womb of this realm. Upon birth warlocks are contracted to a patron. Patrons act in the way familiars do to witches, they nurture their warlock's power and make sure they're in constant supply of demonic essence. I don't have a patron, though, I'm sure Aylin has already explained this. Poppies were originated in the Hell Domain of Tartarus when Hades gifted them When she would leave on the Spring equinox, her tears would rain down on Tartarus. Through the essence of her tears the red floors began to bloom across the dismal Hell Domain. Hades nurtured the buds until finally they bloomed and then used manipulated an ancient curse to allow the flowers to sprout within the mortal realm. Poppies contain demonic essence, which makes it highly addictive to humankind but for demons... It acts as a power boost. In my case, it is a meager supply of demonic essence." Noah turned his stoned gazed towards Callum. "Is that enough of an answer for you?"

As Callum nodded, an impish glint flashed in his eyes before he flicked the needled like a seasoned professional from the movies. "I am satisfied with that answer. Now, take your pants up and put your butt in the air."

"I don't stick it in my butt!" Noah protested.

"But I can. Now, show me that peach bottom." Callum said with a sly smile.

"Bad luck! I jinx you with bad luck! You'll step in every puddle, always get stuck at red lights, spill marinara sauce all over your favorite shirt!" Noah countered in frustration.

Callum suppressed a chuckle "And it'll all be worth it. Now how are doing this? The easy way or the hard way?" He knelt on the bed, "I don't mind either way."

Noah reached for his pillow, the moment his fingers gripped the fluffy weapon he whipped it at Callum, who simply stood there as it hit his chest. "Look at you, exercising that arm."

"Stop messing around! Just give me the syringe!"

"I'm just trying to give you your medicine, I could already be kissing it better by now." Callum waggled his eyebrows playfully as his voice dripped with faux innocence.

Noah beat red as his eyebrows creased into a frown. "You're being a pervert!"

"I'll be gentle, I promise. It won't hurt a bit."

Noah rolled his eyes with exaggerated emphasis. "Point proven. You are a shameless, perverted werewolf!" Callum leaned in, his free hand grazed along the smooth, bare skin of Noah's waist, a damning grin plastered across his lips and as his eyelids lowered flirtatiously. "May your beer always be warm! And your jeans still a little damp out of the dryer!"

Callum slid further onto the bed; the mattress creaked softly under their shifting weight. "Hmm, keep 'em coming." The more he encroached Noah's space, the more Noah leaned backwards in retreat until he was lying flat on his back. Callum's hand slid from Noah's waist, tracing a path along his stomach as he teased, "I still think that peachy bottom would be better but here is okay too."

"Every night after you get cozy in bed you'll have to pee and won't be able to hold it. Every. Single. night." Noah stammered his final jinx as he tried to conceal his hitched breath.

"You're diabolical," Callum quipped as he gently pinched the soft skin over Noah's abdomen. "But what can be expected from someone that burns their marshmallows." With a steady hand Callum slid the needle into Noah's skin and slowly injected the medicine. "There we go." He set the emptied syringe on the nightstand and grabbed an alcohol swab and small round Band-Aid. Callum wiped the beading blood before placing the Band-Aid over the injection site. His fingers mindlessly caressed the smooth skin before finding the ridged indent of the scar tissue beside Noah's belly button.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

An impatient set of knocks pierced through the whirlwind of thoughts that had engulfed Callum, jolting him to attention. Noah's held breath escaped in a rush; his own expression filled with heated confusion as he sat up. "I uhm excuse me..." Callum nodded, and another round of impatient knocks resonated through the air. A hint of lotus blossoms wafted through Callum's senses as Noah slid off the bed.

As Noah cautiously made his way towards the door, his hand instinctively went to his stomach and bit down on the inside of his cheek. The door clicked open, swung wide, and before Noah could react, he found himself ensnared in a pair of arms and subjected to a forceful, bruising kiss. Callum's nose scrunched in disgust, and his wolf growled fiercely within him, reacting to the unwelcomed sight. The redheaded man from the café clung to Noah like a boa constrictor, his lips worked relentlessly against Noah's, oblivious to the pain contorting Noah's face. By the time the kiss finally ceased, Callum was already on his feet, his hands clenched into fists, his protective instincts raged within him.

"Bell, I thought you went home this weekend." Noah wiggled in Bellamy's arms as pain shot through his injuries, but Bellamy's grip only tightened.

Bellamy glanced up to meet Callum's icy gaze. "Apparently," he clipped, "Looks like I'm interrupting something."

"No!" Noah quickly protested. "It's not like that, Bell. He... Callum saved me after a ritual got out of hand."

"Do you think I'm stupid?" Bellamy snapped as he pushed Noah away. Noah stumbled back, his eyes wide with disbelief. "I'm meant to believe that pathetic excuse. That he just happened to show up at the right time. Then what? You repay the guy by inviting him into your bed." Bellamy shook his head, his eyes fixed on Callum. He scoffed, "isn't this the guy from town? The one you claimed not to know. Wow, Noah, you really know how to play innocent. Had me fooled. How long have you two been laughing behind my back?"

Noah pulled his bottom lip between his teeth as his eyes welled. "We didn't sleep together. I'm telling the truth! He helped me, and and I made... I made him a cup of noodles." It sounded ridiculous even to Noah. Even more so as he grappled with the stuttering in his chest and strange comfort he felt in the werewolf's presence.

Bellamy's voice dripped with disdain as he arched an eyebrow, his lips pressed into a tight line. "Really Noah? Do you honestly believe that batting those lashes will make me believe a story like that? You expect me to believe that this lowly fae without an ounce of demonic essence combatted a failed demonic ritual? And then, as your grand gesture of appreciation, you make him a measly cup of noodles?" His fiery eyes trailed down Noah's nude torso, seemingly ignoring the scared skin that traveled the length of his side like a seam. "Then what? Decided to strip down" his eyes flicked to crinkled bed, "but nothing happened. Right?"

"What's your problem, man?" Callum gnashed.

"I caught my boyfriend fucking around with some lowly fae and he doesn't even have the decency to come up with a better lie," Bellamy sneered, his expression a mix of anger and betrayal.

Callum flashed a pearly grin "Trust me when I say, if we were fucking around, I would've marked up every inch of Noah's body until there'd be no mistaking who he belongs to."

"Callum!" Noah gaped with horror -stricken eyes. "Bellamy, please believe me." Noah stepped in closer to Bellamy and pleadingly grabbed at his hand. "Let me explain, please."

Bellamy yanked his arm away from Noah, "How many times do you expect me to let you make a fool out of me? You're the one that bitched about me participating in rituals of the body but here you are acting like a little slut."

"Ha!" Callum barked, "That's rich. A warlock shaming another warlock. I thought you lot were all about embracing desires and sexual liberation, blah blah blah. What? Can't handle the idea of this lowly werewolf pleasing Noah in more ways that you ever could?"

"Callum! Just stop talking!" Noah pleaded urgently. He turned his attention back to Bellamy, "Please, he's just talking nonsense."

"I can't even look at you right now," Bellamy snarled. "I'm leaving and if you care about me at all, you'll get rid of this guy." The door slammed shut as Bellamy made his exit.

Silence loomed as Noah stared at the door, unease filled his heart and his stomach clenched until it became unbearable.

"That guy is a jackass," Callum broke the ticking silence.

Noah whipped himself around to face Callum "What is your problem?"

"My problem?" Callum repeated bewildered.

"Yeah, your problem. What the hell was that about marking me? Pleasing me? How was that supposed to reassure Bellamy that we weren't sleeping together? You just made it worse!"

Callum barked out a laugh as he stepped closer towards Noah "It's just as I said." Noah took a step backwards as Callum continued his languid pace towards him. A sense of déjà vu lingered at the back of Noah's mind. "I'm a werewolf, Noah. It's in my nature to mark my territory."

"I'm not some tree for you to piss on."

The distance closed between them as Noah's back pressed against the door. Callum brought his face down until the tips of their noses touched. "No, you certainly aren't." He propped one arm against the door as he hovered over Noah, his sharp canines peeked from behind his lips. Internally Callum chastised himself, he urged himself to back off and run full speed away from Eldarion and this snow-white warlock that has his every nerve tangled. "Trees are common property. Any mutt can whip their dick out and piss all over it until the original scent is gone."

Noah forced himself to hold Callum's stare, his full lips taught, and brows crinkled at the center. "Then what? A chew toy? Chew me up until I'm so broken that none of the other dogs show a shred of interest, then I can be tucked away in some dark corner."

Callum's thumb traced the scar beside Noah's belly button. His every touch seared into Noah's flesh sizzling through his nerves until his knees began to shake. "Not at all." Their noses skimmed against one another but neither made any further move. "I wouldn't break you nor hide you in some dark corner. I'd flaunt you, cherish you, savor you... My mark would be so ingrained in you that even a human would be able to comprehend the warning."

"You're full of shit," Noah pressed his hand against Callum's chest and pushed him away exerting minimal effort as Callum took a step back. "How many other fae, maybe even humans, have you played these games with?" Noah's heart thundered in his ears, and he was certain Callum could hear it but settled himself in his resolve. "That's exactly what this is to you, some game and I'm just a toy. A shiny new toy for you to play with like I'm sure you've done dozens of times." Noah turned and opened the door. "I'm not interested. You need to leave."

With Noah's words, Callum felt his human senses regain control from the wolf living within him. He didn't dare deny Noah's words as he nodded and stepped out into the hallway. This was exactly what needed to happen and if he couldn't be the one to have done it then he couldn't be upset at the finalization of Noah's words. But even as he exited the dormitory, he felt his lungs constrict and his heart hammer painfully against his chest.

**

Frustration and anger loomed over Callum like a suffocating cloud heavy with impending rain. He'd stormed away from Noah, the furious look etched into his mind like a scar as the pounding of his frantic heart reverberated in Callum's ears. As he marched through the slush covered sidewalks, his wolf instincts grasped at his rational mind, threatening to corrupt the detached calm he had meticulously constructed for himself. The wolf instinct to find a mate had been dormant throughout Callum's entire life, never interfering with his human desires. Remaining silent to the solitary survival strategy. So long as the wolf had freedom during the full moons, free of tactile and mental confinements, the two halves lived in an unspoken unison.

The intrusion of this warlock shattered that fragile equilibrium. A warlock, of all the creatures that inhabited the mortal plane! And not just any warlock, but one overflowing with chaotic energy. A sweet earthy scent that entwined his every nerve in a delicate yet suffocating embrace. Hypnotic eyes that seemed to possess bewitching properties without so much as uttering a word. Though if he had, those words would be the sweetest sound to bless Callum's ears. That soft, melodic voice, even sounded pleasant when he was being mouthy.

"Damn that warlock," Callum growled as he yanked a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and fumbled for a lighter.

Empty.

He checked the other side. Then patted his butt pockets, just his phone and wallet. Then he slid his hands into the front pockets.

"By the Goddess, damned luck!" Callum gritted; the frustration boiled inside him as he realized he had left his battered lighter on Noah's desk. The aggravation etched into his face softened as he began to chuckle to himself. "That sly little minx," he slipped the pack back into his frayed pocket and stared down at his boots. Icy muck covered the leather of his doc martens. He'd splashed through nearly every puddle without even realizing. "A bad luck jinx, heh."

He looked around, the morning blue sky had darkened into a blanket of grey, signaling the imminent arrival of snow. It was still Sunday and as far as Callum could tell he was lost in the maze that was the Residential area, surrounded by quiet streets that were void of many fae. Finally, he spotted a group of females gleefully chattering among themselves as they braved the chilly air dawned in luxurious, thick peacoats, cashmere beanies, and paper coffee cups in hand. Callum fished a cigarette out of his pocket and sauntered leisurely towards the group. "Excuse me," he used his go-to casual yet flirtatious voice. "Any of you have a light?" He waved his hand in front of his face, the cigarette tucked between his fingers. "Seems I lost my lighter." His eyes sparkled as he flashed a broad smile.

Each woman wore her own version of a coy smile as they observed the newcomer with curious gazes. Two of the three shook their heads apologetically, but the third took a step closer to him. Her cherry cola glossed lips quirked into a lopsided smile as her dazzling pink eyes promised to devour Callum where he stood. "No," she chirped with a flick of her tongue, "but I can light it for you."

"And how will you light it?" the lighthearted tone never faltered. Callum even felt as if he could convince himself that he just needed to focus on something, or someone, else to get Noah out of his mind. Aylin may be the type that wasn't often wrong, but she was this time, he'd be able to move past these feelings for Noah in no time.

"Here," she closed even more space between them, her luxuriously manicured hand snatched the cigarette from his fingers. "Open your mouth," she demanded in a hushed tone that simulated a secret just for their ears. Callum obliged. The woman placed the butt end between his lips but continued to hold it between her fingers as he closed his lips around it. She lifted on her tip toes, an act meant only for seduction as she was easily five feet, eight inches in her chunky healed boots. Her lips puckered as she exhaled. Hot air brushed over Callum's face as the heat zoned in on the end of the cigarette. Within seconds the end blazed red, Callum inhaled the sweet relief that melted his tension. Even if only momentarily.

"That's quite a skill," he puffed on the cigarette a couple more times before turning his head to exhale. "Thanks... uh-"

"Vera," she purred, as a gust of wind tousled bouncy locks of burgundy hair all around. "You must be new around here."

"Callum and yeah. Just Visiting." The other two women melted into the background to chat among themselves as Vera signaled her interest in Callum's undivided attention. "Probably leaving tonight."

"Awe, but we just met. It'd be a shame to not get to know each other," she giggled sweetly as she caressed his arm. "Any chance I can convince you to get a bite before you leave?" Her words came out in a sugary tone but the glint in her voracious eyes spoke volumes.

Callum's stomach churned at the hint; it shouldn't have. This was exactly what he wanted. Careless fun with a beautiful stranger that he had zero interest in ever seeing again. And would probably forget her name before the sun rose the next day. Vera was beautiful and forward, exactly his type but as they silently sized each other up he felt a complete lack of interest in furthering this conversation. "Nah, I think I'm gonna pass." He brought the cigarette to his lips, "Thanks for the light."

If Vera had been offended, she hid it well behind an unchanged lopsided smile. They said their byes and Callum was the first to walk away.

The walk across campus felt like minutes when he had Noah to focus on, but now that he was out on his own all he had to focus on were his swirling thoughts and the imposing gothic buildings that loomed around him. The educational district his surmised. No longer were the high tec domes that contained different fitness centers, designed to suit any fae's needs, nor were the monstrosities that mimicked miniature castles to simply used as residencies. Now he found himself as a small speck surrounded by ancient buildings that were bathed in rich history. As he walked, he could almost feel the weight of centuries weigh down on him, the whispers of history carried on the cool, ancient stones.

As Callum approached the three-story brick building, he couldn't help but notice how utterly shabby it looked compared to the grandeur of Eldarion's campus, with is ornate and imposing structures. The building was a simple, boring, brick structure with worn shutters, devoid of any flourished architectural embellishments.

"You're late," Aylin scolded from a distance as she spotted Callum. "I told you to be here early so we could discuss what to expect. Jeez man, you look like Hell swallowed you and spit you back out."

"I think he did," Callum mused as he came to the edge of the steps.

"Trouble in paradise?"

Callum scrubbed a hand through his beard, "I'm starting to think the two coincide."

"Now you're getting it," Aylin beamed as she jumped down the steps. She slapped her hand over Callum's back, "Buck up, I'll buy you a beer after this." Callum grimaced at the thought, a cold beer sounded wonderful but given the apparent potency of Noah's jinx, he assumed he wouldn't get the luxury for a while.

"Do we really have to do this? I can still just leave," Callum sulked.

"Hun," Aylin tsked, "if you were going to leave you would have by now. Besides we both know even if you try that beast inside of you will keep bringing you back. Soo," she guided their path with all the excitement of a toddler in a garden. Zigzagging across the sidewalks with a joyful skip in her step. "We should ensure you have a place here to avoid trouble later on."

"Yeah, about that. I don't know what you think is going on, but Noah doesn't want me here anymore than I want to stick around."

"I don't know anything for certain" Aylin corrected, "It's more of a sense given to me by the fates and who am I to ignore such strong emotions." Callum nearly winced at the choice of wording, all he wanted was to ignore his emotions. Ignore the desires of his wolf instinct and live frivolously just as he's been doing since he left his pack. Aylin nudged her shoulder against Callum's, "Don't brood so much, the deities don't often interfere in the love lives of us lesser beings. But for what it's worth, there is a force that will move continents to ensure you two stay close. Doesn't mean it needs to be romantic," she paused, "Or sexual. Just stick around for a while, those that fight against fate always lose."

"Might not matter," Callum offered pessimistically as they entered one of the gothic buildings and down a royally embellished corridor. "If this Montgomery doesn't agree with you."

"Don't worry about it, just agree with everything I say," Aylin declared confidently. Callum shot her a baffled look. He'd just met Aylin and wasn't entirely sure how he felt, she was energetic and blunt. Someone he could see himself being friends with, but her presence was like a storm on the horizon. Comforting yet electrifying. He didn't know her end game, nor how she would react if things went South.

"What is this broad like?"

Aylin pondered this question as she tapped a finger to her chin. "She's incredible! She's been with Eldarion for a little under two hundred years and was an advocate for opening the school to all fae kind. But before she came here, she was an executioner during the age of Ozkith."

Callum stopped in his tracks, "Ozkith? As in the draconic lords... the ones that massacred entire cities and enslaved beast fae for hundreds of years?"

"Mmhmm, but don't worry she was one of the first to join the rebellion and even had the honor of beheading Queen Zesni."

None of this felt reassuring. Callum wasn't a history buff by any means, but any beast fae, especially werewolves knew to remain a level of caution where dracons were involved. Draconic fae were ruthless, blood-thirsty, and only cherished what they deemed to be treasure. They considered themselves the superior beast, and though Callum would never admit it out loud, there was some truth to their claims. After the fall of the Ozkith age, humans and fae alike banded together to hunt down the remaining lords and slaughtered their race to near extinction. Most were forced into hiding, while others learned to simulate into the changing world. Callum had never met a dracon nor did he want to, but now here he was about to put his freedom into the hands of a chipper echo of the deities and an executioner, turned rebel dracon.

With each step Aylin's heels echoed against the stone floors, resonating through the opulent halls. They walked down a series of hallways, only turning to ascend a flight of stairs. After what felt like thirty minutes of walking a massive red door appeared before them. Aylin peeked over her shoulder at Callum, "Okay, remember what we talked about."

"You told me to just agree with everything you say." Callum recalled, less than confident in putting his fate in this woman's hands.

"Perfect!" Aylin clapped her hands together. "Do that and this should be painless."

"Should be?" Callum sputtered, his apprehension evident. Ignoring his question, Aylin gripped the golden knocker and slammed it against the red door. "Aylin, what do you mean should be painless?" Callum's voice rose with concern.

The door lock clicked, Aylin shot Callum a final reassuring smile, though it could have also been the stamp on his execution. "Aylin," Callum whisper-screamed as she pushed the door open. "You're fucking with me, right?"

"Madam Montgomery!" Aylin boomed as they entered the office.

Callum's eyes darted everywhere, flickering with a mix of anxiety and anticipation as they entered the room. In his mind he had braced himself for a macabre torture chamber, convinced it would be the Headmistress' way of instilling fear and obedience in her students. He pictured twisted limbs, relentless waterboarding, electric shocks crackling through the air, and the haunting echoes of whips and chains. But as Callum's gaze searched the room, it was astonishingly ordinary. An ornate red and gold carpet adorned the stone floor, leading him to a roaring fireplace that emanated the warm, comforting scents of cranberries and dried pine. At the room's center stood an opulent antique clawfoot sofa, its black upholstery adorned with intricate golden accents. A glass coffee table, lined in gold and two matching chairs completed the set. If Aylin hadn't disclosed Montgomery's dracon fae nature, it would have been easy to surmise from the lavish décor- the creatures were known for their unyielding pursuit of gold and precious stones. The walls were decorated with portraits of fae Callum didn't recognize, alongside surreal and realistic depictions of various landscapes. On a raised platform at one end of the room sat the office, with a meticulously organized desk buried beneath a mountain of paperwork, a sleek laptop, and curious trinkets that seemed better fitted displayed behind security glass in a museum or locked away in a high-security bank vault.

Aylin and Montgomery exchanged pleasantries as Callum's eyes continued to move over the room, everywhere but the dracon.

"This is Callum," Aylin cued. Callum stuttered as he forced himself to look at Aylin, then finally fixed his attention on Montgomery.

Callum was in no way a short man; werewolves exceeded the average height of humans and even then, Callum still held a few inches of other male werewolves. However, he had to tilt his head to survey all of Montgomery. The woman stood no less than seven feet tall, she dressed modestly in a black suit with a silky dark purple top underneath. Her neatly combed hair bobbed just past her chin and was more peppered than its natural ebony hue. The remnants of a scar etched across her face, starting at her left temple, and traveling over the bridge of her crooked nose before slipping under her chin. Despite the crow's-feet that marked the corners of her eyes, the slitted gunmetal grey orbs held a fierce intensity. It was rare for Callum to feel small, but in the presence of this dracon, he couldn't help but feel the weight of her presence.

Aylin cleared her throat as she urged Callum to speak up with a swift motion of her eyes and nod of her head. Callum stepped forward, holding out his hand "Miss... Ma-madam Montgomery, thank you for meeting with me."

Montgomery's stoned, almost contemplative expression stared at the outstretched hand. The weight of her decision seemed to hang in the air for what felt like hours, even though it was only a fleeting moment before she finally reached out and clasped her massive hand with Callum's. As their hands met, the contrast in size and texture was striking. The handshake lasted a fraction of the time it took her to decide if it was even worth shaking his hand, yet in those brief seconds, Callum became acutely aware of how clammy his palms had become. "Miss Brooks tells me you're here to interview for the temp position," she said evenly, her tone betrayed nothing.

A second of confusion flashed in Callum's eyes as his eyes shifted to look at Aylin. Her own expression was much more relaxed, a sweet smile played on her lips that even reached her eyes, but those eyes told him to not fuck this up. "Y-yes... I am."

"Take a seat Mister..."

"La'v...Lavell," Callum quicky corrected, then added, "Callum's fine." Callum hadn't gone out of his way to hide his identity; he stuck around heavily human populated areas that were blissfully unaware of the politics of werewolf packs. But most fae, and especially a dracon would be aware of the weight of the name La'Vey and the association it held with the Infernal Walker pack.

"Callum," Montgomery scrutinized as they all slid into a cushioned seat that still felt painfully uncomfortable as Callum twitched.

Aylin's hand reached out and squeezed his hand. "I mentioned Miss Lorillis going on maternity leave soon and Callum showed interest in taking over, so I asked him to come down to speak with you. Thank the Pantheon he showed up when he did otherwise who knows what would have happened to Noah."

"Hmm," Montgomery clasped her hands on the desk as Aylin filled in her version of the story. "Callum," he really wished she would just forget his name and existence in general, "Where were you at the time of the incident."

"With Noah..." Callum retorted. Aylin pinched her stiletto nails between his fingers. Callum grunted at the sudden pain, "I got lost trying to find the enclosure, Aylin was supposed to introduce me to Miss Lor-" he glanced at Aylin as he tried to remember the name she had just said "Miss Lorillis and show me around the enclosure to see if I'd be a good fit before coming to meet you. I was on my way when I felt the disturbance and noticed wildlife fleeing so I went to check it out." Callum scratched his chin. "I thought I'd find the source and be able to get to the enclosure before I shifted, but I didn't. I found Noah though, he was..." He spared another glance at Aylin, the look in her eyes told him to tread lightly as he reiterated the details of the night. "He'd passed out after a failed spell. It must have bee some sort of fire magic... the area around him was singed... I stayed with him until morning, then brought him to the enclosure to get examined."

A smile that didn't meet Montgomery's eyes ticked at her pursed lips. "Well, sounds as if luck was on Noah's side to have you so close by." Callum grimaced at the mention of luck. "Being a mentor to our young wolves is a demanding responsibility, you would be expected to uphold every rule and heed responsibility for yourself and all students. Not just the werewolves." Callum nodded, the idea of turning in an enclosure sent both himself and his wolf instinct on high alert but he was still determined to be gone before the next full moon. "Which pack are you associated with, Mr. Lavell." The shift in her tone prickled a warning over Callum's skin.

"He's not," Aylin quickly interjected. "He's an old friend from Heartfellia, more like a brother," Aylin quipped as she strung together a fabricated story with ease. "His mom and mine were close, but they were the only werewolves in town."

Montgomery turned to Callum, "Have you ever been associated with a pack?"

"I'm not a rogue," Callum bit back, the insult from Riley still weighed heavily on him.

"Nobody is accusing you of being a rouge," Montgomery smoothly corrected. "I simply need to know if my students are safe in your hands."

"What does being a part of a pack or not have to do with their safety? What if my mom defected because her shitty husband abused her? Or what if I just never saw a reason to join a pack?"

"You're offended over nothing, Callum," Montgomery's tone softened but remained skeptical. "As a werewolf, affiliated with a pack or not, I am sure you're aware that there are some packs that do not agree with what we do here at Eldarion. The Infernal Walkers and Crimsonclaw Hounds for example have adamantly lashed out against our community and have enacted violent acts against our sister schools."

Callum glowered at the mention, it was true both his pack and the Crimsonclaw Hounds had actively and violently acted against the discrimination against werewolves and have taken fae communities such as Eldarion as a personal threat against the natural order of fae. Callum in no way agreed with many restrictions placed onto the werewolf community but he also didn't consider himself a political protestor.

"No," his tone was clipped. "I have never been affiliated with a pack nor do I condone the acts of violence those packs have done. My mom never spoke about her pack, she defected before I was born. I grew up in Heartfillia with just my mom. Aylin's family treated us as their own and the rest is history." Though every word was a lie, Callum was impressed with how smoothly and confidently they came out of his mouth. If he didn't know any better, he would have believed these statements to be fact.

"Okay," Montgomery leaned back. "Aylin introduce him to Miss Lorillis, let her know I trust her judgment. Callum, there is still the matter of shifting outside of bounds. However, since it was out of concern for a student you will not be charged."

"Thank you, Madam!" Aylin chimed as she stood up. "Callum isn't this exciting! We're going to see each other all the time again!"

Callum quickly rose, "I'm stoked..."

Montgomery watched as they made their way towards the door, "Oh and Callum." Callum froze and hesitantly turned to face Montgomery. "Try to not break any more laws. I won't be as lenient next time." Callum nodded, then all but ran to the door unable to get out of there fast enough.

The door shut and locked behind them. With long strides Callum raced down the hall until he reached the top of the stairs. He stopped and leaned against the wall.

"Well, I think that went well," Aylin sounded positively giddy as if she'd just won a small fortune. Callum opened his eyes; Aylin's positivity wasn't as comforting to him as it should have been. In truth, he could feel the chain being clasped around his neck as every minute bound him to this place. "Lorillis is already on board with you taking over for her while she's on leave. The paperwork will be filed now that Montgomery has signed off on you." Callum didn't question how someone he'd never met could already be ready to hand over all her responsibilities to him. He didn't need to; he'd seen how she used compulsion on Riley and Noah's warning about just how potent her power could be. "Oh! but you should still be careful, I don't think she believed us."

"Then why would she act like she did? What is going to happen if she finds out we lied?"

Aylin shrugged and started down the stairs, "She'll probably kill you. But it should be fine, I trust you can follow some rules." Every hair on Callum's body prickled as his stomach dropped. Aylin's casualness regarding his life was the final nail that settled Callum's resolve that ever coming to Sunshine, Colorado was his downfall. "We'll talk to residential tomorrow about getting you into an apartment, for tonight you can stay with me. Or" she whipped her head around and stopped mid-flight as if an award-winning idea popped in her head, "you could stay with Noah!"

"No."

"Awe, why not? Is it because you strangled him during your last sleepover?"

"That wasn't a sleepover," Callum started down the stairs, "And no... Well, I don't know maybe that's part of it, but his jackass boyfriend would through a fit."

Aylin waited until Callum was a step behind her before continuing down the stairs. "Ah, you've met Bellamy Cloven. Prince of the Belladonna Coven and apple of Noah's eye."

"Rotten fucking apple. You should've seen the way he spoke to Noah! But I was the one Noah got angry at!"

"Noah knows," for the first time Aylin's smile faded into something of bitterness. "Deep down he knows it's wrong, but the Belladonna Coven took Noah and his mom in when they needed help the most. He grew up with Bellamy, his great first love. Well, at least that's what Noah believes." The hypnotic green swirled with Aylin's deep Atlantic eyes, "For now anyways."

Callum huffed out a cynical laugh at her words. He'd seen Bellamy a total of two times and already hated the redheaded jackass, he was certain he would hate the warlock even if Noah weren't involved.

"How about that beer," Aylin swiftly changed the topic.

"Yeah sure," Callum agreed as his cellphone began buzzing. "Uh, hold on." He pulled the phone out of his pocket, the screen flashed Thayer's name. "Let me take this. I'll catch up with you." Aylin nodded and continued down the long-arched halls.

"Hey," he answered the call.

"The twins are hosting tonight. Where am I picking you up?" Thayer spared no time for greetings.

Callum scratched the back of his head as he paced back and forth. "About that. I'm still in Sunshine..."

"You're kidding," Thayer's disbelief was clear in his voice.

"I'm not... I sort of got a job... at Eldarion."

"Who are they?"

"Eldarion? The fae college..."

"No," Thayer said flatly. "The fae you're staying there for."

Callum tugged at his bottom lip, as much as he hated to admit it Thayer knew his habits better than anyone else had in a long time, but he wasn't ready to unpack the strange feelings he felt towards Noah with his friends with benefits. "It's not that. It just sort of happened and I could use the money."

"Yeah sure," Thayer responded unconvinced. "What about that construction job you had here. I thought they paid well."

"Eldarion pays better," he lied. So far, he'd been swept along without even stopping to question how much he'd be making, let alone what his actual duties were. "You mad?"

Thayer was silent on the other end for a long while. "You're really only there for a job?"

"Yeah."

"I'm not mad. I'm just disappointed that I'll have to find another date to this party. You're really missing out."

Callum forced a smiled, "I'll be there in spirit. Sunshine doesn't strike me as a hot spot for parties. More like garden gatherings and pyramid scheme parties."

"Maybe you'll have some luck at one of those notorious college parties."

Callum laughed, "Oh yeah, warm beer and cheap bud. Sounds like a blast."

"Well, you know where to find me if it gets too boring." Thayer's attempt at lightening the mood held a hint of longing.

"Sure," Callum replied absentmindedly as he started back down the hall. Their conversation drifted between Thayer's wardrobe deliberations for the upcoming party and Callum's somewhat jaded view that less clothing would be more appropriate for an event hosted by the infamous twins, known for their extravagant and hedonistic gatherings.

As Callum made his way towards the exit, Thayer dominated the conversation while Callum interjected with half-hearted responses, maintaining a façade to keep Thayer at arm's length. Suddenly, Callum pulled to a stop as a flicker of red caught the corner of his eye. His head swiveled in the direction of the movement; the sound of Thayer's voice faded into the background as an inexplicable sense of unease settled over him.

Bellamy sat in an empty classroom with his head turned up towards the ceiling, his hand clasped around the back of another guy's head as he sucked him. A guy that certainly was not Noah. "Jackass..." he murmured to himself.

"What?" Thayer questioned on the other end.

"Nothing. I have to go." Callum ended the call in the middle of whatever it was that Thayer had to say and slid the phone into his pocket.

Before he could come to his better senses he slipped into the classroom. "Wow, you look really heartbroken." He crossed his arms over his chest and stood his back straight and eyes fixed on the scene before him. The guy on his knees jerked, Bellamy's spit covered hard on bobbed free as the other scrambled. "Does Noah know about your extracurricular activities?"

Bellamy smirked unfazed as he leaned back on his hands, "You think he'd believe you if you told him?"

"That's rich, you accuse him of cheating but here you are."

The third guy busied himself by pulling up his own pants and trying to leave as quickly as possible. Bellamy reached out and snatched the guy the neck, "We aren't done." He looked back to Callum, "the way I see it, you have two options. You could run to Noah, tell him what you saw here. He won't believe you, but it'll break his heart all the same. Or you can close the door and mind your own business." He caressed the pulsing vein of the guy's neck with his thumb. "Jason is very discreet, aren't you baby?" Jason nodded. "There's no reason to hurt Noah over nothing."

"Nothing?" Callum resisted the urge to lunge at Bellamy. "You're a fucking lunatic. How can you treat Noah so cruelly? You made him feel like shit over nothing. When you're the one doing something."

Bellamy pulled Jason's against his chest. Jason had remained completely silent, his face pale and eyes filled with lust as Bellamy wrapped one arm around his torso. Trapping his arms at his sides, the other hand continued to massage Jason's thick neck. "Noah needs to understand his place. He is mine and mine alone. If I don't like who he spends his time with, it's his duty to fix the problem and sometimes that requires some harsh words."

"You're cracked."

"On the other hand, Noah doesn't appreciate how important I am. He needs to realize that even though he's my favorite I still have needs."

"Satan's halo, do you even hear yourself right now?" Callum pulled out his phone and snapped a picture of Bellamy and Jason. With the way Jason stood in front of Bellamy it wasn't blatantly obvious that Bellamy's cock was hanging out, but the pose was intimate enough. "Noah deserves better."

Bellamy purred as he rested his head on Jason's shoulder, his lips grazing over his neck. "Go ahead, you're only going to hurt him. He'll hate you and fall right into my arms. Where he belongs."

Callum slipped the phone back into his pocket and shook his head. "I wouldn't be so sure." Callum turned around and flipped the bird, "he's going to dump your ass and be better for it." As Callum went to leave the classroom soft moans erupted from Jason. "Jesus," Callum muttered to himself but decided not to turn around. "Fucking ridiculous."

The wolf instinct urged Callum to rip Bellamy's throat out, but he also wanted to see that smug look disappear when Noah ripped him a new one. Maybe Noah's heart would be broken, but there was no way he could blame himself for Bellamy being a jerk. Callum pulled out his phone and clicked to his photo albums, the picture alone should be damning enough for Noah to believe Callum's witness account about just how terrible Bellamy was. But as he clicked through the photos the picture was gone, "What the hell," it should have been the very last photo in the album since he'd just taken it. He clicked over to the deleted file; it wasn't in there either. "Where the hell did it go?!" He squeezed the phone until his knuckles whitened as he clicked through every file in his photo albums. The picture wasn't anywhere. "Damn jinx! What the hell kind of luck is that!"

"You, okay?" Aylin asked as the door swung open and slammed against the wall revealing Callum storming out of the building muttering to himself. Callum continued to mutter to himself as he stomped down the steps, his foot caught a patch of ice sending him tumbling down the remainder of the stairs. "Oh shit, are you okay?" Aylin raced to his side as he sat in an icy puddle, his jacket ripped at the elbow and his jeans soaked through with the chilled water.

"Bad fucking luck!" Callum hollered to no one.

Aylin snickered, "Bad luck? It was a patch of ice, anyone could have fell."

"Don't give me that shit! Noah jinxed me!" Callum shot up to his feet and wiped off excess slush. "He thinks a little bad luck is going to beat me? I'll show him!" Callum started to stomp away.

Aylin watched before she glanced down at the puddle. "Oof, hey Callum!" She called out to the raging werewolf as she bent down to pick up his cracked and soaked phone. "You dropped something." Callum turned and looked at the device in her hand. "I don't know if it's going to turn back on..."

"It's fucking useless anyways! I'll deal with it later; I have a warlock that I need to have a chat with." Callum continued to grumble to himself as he marched across the campus.

It took him much longer than he would ever admit finding his way to the residential building but the moment he saw the enormous dormitory with towers on either side he knew he was minutes away from confronting Noah. A whirlwind of words strung themselves together in his head. He wanted to scold Noah for jinxing him so severely when all he did was tease him a little and give him a shot. He also wanted to reveal what a scumbag Bellamy was and chastise Noah for ever trusting the guy in the first place.

Callum stomped through the lobby oblivious to the stares he gained. The chill of his soaked and torn clothes hailed in comparison to the heat of anger that burned within him. He smashed his finger into the elevator button ten times over before it came to a slow stop and opened in front of him. A crowd of students stepped off, sniping at his impatience, and shoving past them to get on. A young fae girl, most likely a freshman, with her backpack slouched off her shoulder, partly unzipped and a bundle of thick books in her hand raced towards the elevator. "Hold it please! Please, hold the elevator!" she pleaded as Callum smashed the button to the top floor, blinded by his aggravations. The door slid closed just before the young fae could gain an ounce of hope of making it onto the elevator. Callum glared at his reflection in the metallic doors until they slid open once again.

A rec room filled with lounging students boomed with life as music blared and a football game provoked wild cheers and even louder boos. But Callum was focused, he had one goal and that was to get to Noah's room so he could vent out his frustrations. It was odd, as far as bad luck went, a broken phone and some wet clothes were so miniscule that he should have just laughed it off. Even the encounter with Bellamy, that redheaded jackass, shouldn't have brought him to this blaring rage. He wanted to tell Noah exactly what he thought about his boyfriend and the way the guy treated him, he even wanted to gripe about the bad luck. But as the rage boiled within him the steam leaked in a screeching fit.

He slammed his fist against the door, half tempted to let himself in. It was a feeble wooden door, even if Noah had locked it, he could have easily pushed his way through. But he didn't, "Noah! Open up!" He bellowed as he knocked less harshly. The door pulled open, "I have a bone to pick with you! What the hell is up with this jinx. Did I really piss you off that much..." his voice trailed off as he stopped to take in Noah's appearance.

Noah's eyes swelled with a fiery redness that rose from his nose to his temples, salty tears carved dark trails down his cheeks. His sniffles echoed in the solemn stillness of the room as he wiped his nose with the back of his hand. His full lips stretched into a quivering frown as he fixed his glassy, tear-filled gaze on Callum. The weight of silence between them threatened to break as Noah struggled to contain his tears.

A stutter pulsed through Callum as all his grievances faded away, and he reached out to pull Noah into a crushing embrace. As he buried his face in the top of Noah's head, Noah found solace in the warmth of Callum's chest. No words of comfort came to Callum's mind, but Noah did not resist the embrace as a steady stream of tears trickled down his cheeks.